The Effectiveness of Pharmacological Synchronization of the Estrous Cycle in Hinds (Cervus elaphus L.): A Pilot Field Trial

Simple Summary Reproductive biotechnics of Cevidae species may increase valuable traits for the agricultural sector, and improve genetic diversity in relatively small farmed populations. The first step of biotechnics in terms of suitability for embryo transfer or insemination is preparation of females for proper phase of the estrous cycle. Based on available synchronization protocols applicated in red deer and domestic ruminant females we estimated the protocol for hinds in view of future routine use. Progestin analogues in the form of an insert (CIDR) or a sponge (Chronogest) and injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; Folligon) were used on the appropriate day for inducing the estrus. The effect of synchronization was checked by measurement of progesterone (P4) and 17-beta estradiol (E2) concentration by RIA, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG)s concentration by EIA and insemination effectiveness—pregnancy rate. The better method of the estrous cycle synchronization found down to be progestin sponge and eCG based protocol in hinds considering hormone responsiveness and pregnancy rate. Abstract The aim was to estimate the effective pharmacological method of the estrous cycle synchronization by checking the effects of synchronization by measurement of progesterone (P4) and 17-beta estradiol (E2) concentration by RIA and artificial insemination. The experiment was performed at the red deer farm in Rudzie (North-East Poland; 3 year’s old). The herd (N = 14) was kept away from bulls and was divided in two groups of seven animals. In the Group I, CIDR insert (0.3 g of P4) was applicated intravaginally for 12 days; a second insert replaced the first one for the next 12 days, and next 200 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was injected intramuscularly (Folligon). Estrus was expected 48 h after eCG injection. In the Group II, Chronogest sponge (20 mg of flugestone acetate) was applicated intravaginally and after 7 days replaced with second chronogest sponge for 7 days. After removing the sponge, on the same day eCG was injected and estrus was expected after 48 h. Artificial insemination was provided with frozen-thawed semen twice: 12 and 24 h after expected estrus. The peripheral blood from the jugular vein was collected each time when the inserts or sponge were applicated and 40 days after insemination. The concentration of P4 and E2 in plasma was measured by RIA. The effectiveness of insemination was monitored by pregnancy-associated glycoproteins determination and observed by the number of calves born. Two pregnancies were confirmed in Group I and five in Group II based on PAG concentration. One newborn was observed in Group I and five in Group II. Both methods of synchronization are effective in hinds based on the received profile of steroids. Although the sponge shape in case of chronogest is better comparing with CIDR, which was not completely deposited in the vagina of hind, potentially leads to bacteria inflammation, and it disturbs the rightful endocrine regulation. Moreover, pregnancy rate and hormone responsiveness were better in Group II.