USE OF PROGESTERONE IMPREGNATED INDIGENOUS SPONGES ALONG WITH PMSG FOR THE INDUCTION OF CYCLICITY IN ANESTROUS MURRAH BUFFALO

Abstract

Twenty one anestruos Murrah buffalo were equally divided to receive indigenously prepared intravaginal
sponges containing 1.20, 1.40 and 1.60 g progesterone for 8 days followed by administration (i.m.) of 400 IU
PMSG on the day of sponge removal. All the buffalo exhibited estrus between 36-72 h after sponge removal with
average duration of estrum as 20.66±0.52 h (16-24 h). The conception rate in S1.20, S1.40, S1.60 group was
42.9, 28.6 and 42.9%, respectively on induced estrus with an overall pregnancy rate of 71.4, 28.6 and 57.1%,
respectively on subsequent estrus. Plasma progesterone increased (p<0.05) subsequent to sponge insertion in
all the groups. In brief, considering the estrus induction response, conception rate and cost effectiveness, the
indigenous sponges containing 1.20 g progesterone along with PMSG may be recommended for induction of
cyclicity in anestrous buffalo