Observations on the use of prostaglandin F(2alpha) as an abortifacient and effect of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone on ovarian activity after induced abortion during the breeding season in goats

Results of two experiments are described. In the first experiment, forty-one mixed-breed goats (does) with unknown gestation lengths were given 10 mg prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) (2 doses of 5 mg each, 24 h apart) i.m. Blood samples were obtained before each treatment with PGF(2alpha) by jugular venipuncture, and plasma progesterone (P(4)) concentrations were determined by a nonextraction solid-phase radioimmunoassay. P(4) concentrations (ng/ml) were significantly decreased (15.47 vs 1.55, P<0.005) 24 h after the first injection of PGF(2alpha). A total of 63 fetuses was collected within 46.5 h following the first injection. Mean (+/- SE) crownrump lengths and body weights of 62 fetuses were 21.46 +/- 0.29 centimeters (cm) and 575.00 +/- 20.60 g, respectively. Based on these findings, the mean gestation length of these does was estimated to be 86.96 +/- 0.74 d. Thirty-one does retained their placenta for 12 to 72 h and were treated with a single injection of 5 mg PGF(2alpha) and 800 mg oxytetracycline i.m. Placental expulsion in all does occurred within 24 h posttreatment. The results of this study suggest that two doses of 5 mg PGF(2alpha) intramuscularly (i.m.) 24 h apart is an effective abortifacient at about 3 mo of pregnancy in does. In the second experiment, 38 does from the first experiment were divided in two groups of 19 each on Day 13 postabortion. Group A (treated) was given 50 ug GnRH i.m. while Group B (control) received 1 ml 0.9% saline i.m. Blood samples were obtained prior to treatment and on Day 23 postabortion and assayed for P(4) concentrations. There was no significant difference (P>0.10) in P(4) concentrations of samples obtained pre- and post-GnRH treatment. However, 14 of 19 and 12 of 19 in Groups A and B, respectively, exhibited estrus within 52 days following abortion. Twenty-six does were bred naturally and 17 became pregnant.