Improving the breeding capabilities of short-term estrus synchronized Ossimi sheep using pregnant mare serum gonadotropin loaded chitosan-nanoparticles.
Authors: Shehabeldin Ahmed M, Salama Maha S, Omar Mohamed E A, AbdEl-Rafaa Liza A, Ashour Mohey A, Hassan Mahmoud A E, El-Shereif Abdelghany A, Abdelmegeid Mohamed, Shukry Mustafa, Elolimy Ahmed A
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: PMSG-Loaded Nanoparticles Enhance Fertility in Synchronized Ewes Researchers compared three estrus synchronization protocols in 75 Ossimi ewes to determine whether encapsulating pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) in chitosan-nanoparticles could improve reproductive outcomes over conventional hormone delivery. The standard protocol (Group 1) used conventional 600 IU PMSG alongside progesterone and prostaglandin, whilst Groups 2 and 3 received lower doses of PMSG encapsulated within chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (300 IU and 150 IU respectively), with identical progesterone and prostaglandin regimens. Although Group 1 achieved faster estrus onset (54.4 hours versus ~72 hours), Group 2 produced dramatically superior fertility outcomes: 100% pregnancy and lambing rates with fecundity of 160%, compared to 83% and 100% respectively in Groups 1 and 3, alongside greater follicular development and a 33% increase in total fetuses produced. The sustained-release properties of nanoparticle-loaded PMSG appear to optimise ovulatory response despite requiring only half the conventional hormone dose, suggesting potential benefits for practitioners seeking improved reproductive efficiency, reduced medication costs, and enhanced welfare outcomes through lower overall hormone exposure in synchronized breeding programmes.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •For sheep breeders using estrus synchronization: encapsulating PMSG in chitosan nanoparticles at 300 IU dose markedly improves pregnancy rates and litter size compared to conventional PMSG administration
- •The nanoparticle formulation appears to provide more sustained gonadotropin activity despite using half the conventional PMSG dose, potentially improving breeding economics
- •This technology may allow more predictable and efficient timed-breeding programs in synchronized flocks, though adoption requires access to nanoparticle formulation
Key Findings
- •300 IU PMSG-loaded chitosan nanoparticles achieved 100% pregnancy and lambing rates compared to 80% and 70% in conventional PMSG and low-dose nanoparticle groups respectively
- •PMSG-nanoparticle treated ewes (Group 2) produced 40 fetuses versus 30 in standard treatment and 25 in low-dose nanoparticle groups
- •Fecundity was highest in Group 2 at 160% compared to lower rates in other groups
- •Follicular diameter was significantly greater in Group 2 on day 9 of the synchronization protocol