Effect of fluorogestone acetate on embryo recovery and quality in eCG-superovulated goats with premature luteal regression

The objective of this study was to evaluate if treatment of eCG-superovulated goats with fluorogestone acetate (FGA) would increase the number and quality of embryos recovered. Goats (n = 25) were given an intravaginal sponge containing 45 mg FGA for 12 days, with 1000 IU eCG and 7.5mg of Luprostiol (a PGF(2 alpha) analog) given -48 and 0 h relative to sponge removal. Goats were mated by natural service every 12h during estrus and surgical embryo collection was done 6 days after the last mating. There were two treatment groups; those in the FGA group (n = 13) had a FGA sponge from 8h after mating to embryo collection, whereas goats in the control group (n = 12) did not receive any post-mating treatment. Premature luteal regression occurred in 61.5% (8/13) and 83.3% (10/12) of the goats in the FGA and the control groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Corpus luteum life span averaged 4 days in goats with premature luteolysis. The mean (+/- S.E.) number of transferable embryos was 5.7 +/- 1.6 in the FGA group and 0.1 +/- 0.1 in the control group (P < 0.05). Within the FGA group, the embryo recovery rate was similar in goats with premature luteal regression compared to those with normal luteal function, although non-transferable embryos were only found in goats with premature luteal regression. In conclusion, post-breeding treatment with FGA increased embryonic survival in eCG-superovulated goats, even though it did not prevent premature luteal regression.