Potential role for GnRH in the synchronization of follicular emergence before the superovulatory Day 0 protocol

• Efficacy of a GnRH agonist for synchronizing ovulation and follicular emergence in the “Day 0” superovulation protocol in Santa Inês ewes was assessed.
• After progestogen sponge removal, ewes were treated with either saline (Gc) at 12 h, GnRH agonist at 24 h (G24h), or GnRH agonists at 36 h (G36h).
• Ewes from G24h and G36h had earlier ovulation when compared with Gc.
• G36h promoted the absence of dominant follicles during the first several days of estrus cycle.
• It is suggested to start the superovulatory treatment at 80 h when applying G36h.

The ability of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to synchronize ovulation and new follicular wave emergence before a “superovulatory Day 0” protocol was assessed in Santa Inês ewes. For estrus synchronization, a 60-mg medroxyprogesterone acetate sponge was inserted for 6 d. One day before sponge removal, 37.5-μg d-cloprostenol and 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin were injected intramuscularly (i.m.). After sponge removal, ewes were assigned to the following 3 groups: (1) GC—1 mL saline at 12 h (n = 10); (2) G24h—0.025-mg lecirelin (GnRH agonist) i.m. at 24 h (n = 10); or (3) G36h—0.025-mg lecirelin i.m. at 36 h (n = 9). Ovarian ultrasonography was conducted to assess follicular dynamics. Blood was collected to determine plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol. Females from G36h and GC had a greater (P < 0.05) estrous response than those from the G24h group (78.0 and 90.0 vs 0.0%, respectively). Ewes from G24h and G36h had earlier (P < 0.05) ovulation (48.0 ± 10.2 and 56.7 ± 5.7 h) compared with those from Gc (64.1 ± 9.7 h). The mean number of ovulations per ewe was greater (P < 0.05) in Gc (1.9 ± 0.6) and G36h (2.0 ± 1.0) than G24h (1.2 ± 0.4). Plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol differed over time. Follicular growth during the postovulatory day was affected (P < 0.05) by day of the estrus cycle as well as by the interaction (P < 0.05) of treatment and day of the estrus cycle. There was a larger (P < 0.05) population of medium follicles during the first 24 h after the ovulation in G24h compared with Gc, and there was an absence of large follicles in G36h between 36 and 72 h after ovulation. In conclusion, the use of GnRH agonist at 36 h more efficiently synchronized ovulation and promoted the absence of dominant follicles during early diestrus and may be used at the start of superovulatory treatment at 80 h in Santa Inês ewes.