Melatonin efficacy in comparison with PMSG-HCG program for induction of fertile estruc in Iraqi anestrus bitches

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the ability of melatonin as S/C implant in induction of fertile estrus in bitches, evaluation the treatment with PMSG-HCG in induction of estrus, and monitoring serum concentration of Estrogen and Progesterone before and after treatment, during November (2020) to May (2021) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Therefore, 21 local female dogs aged 2-4 years and two fertile males aged 2-5 years were used for natural insemination. Animals were divided equally into 3 groups including 1st group were treated with Melatonin implant S/C 18 mg /animals, 2nd group were treated with PMSG I.M 30 IU / animal for 7 days, in day 8 hCG I.M 100 IU / animal were injected and 3rd group were left as control (without treatment). After that, the bitches were subjected for clinical examination and behaviors investigation, vaginal smears sampling and hormonal evaluation (estrogen and progesterone). The findings of vaginal cytology reveled that parabasal and superficial cells were predominant during the estrus phase. Animal response recorded a significant increase between all groups, with high significance at 1st group comparing with 2nd and 3rd groups, in addition to high significant difference between 2nd and 3rd groups. Duration of response was significantly longer in 3rd group but lowered in 1st group. Pregnancy rate was higher in the 1st and 2nd group. The number of offspring in Iraqi bitches treated with melatonin for estrus induction G1 was 43 pups in G2 it was 29 pups and 7 pups for G3, the sex of offspring recorded 49.37% females and 50.63% males in total. In conclusion, the use of melatonin for induction of fertile estrus in anestrus Iraqi bitches was effective and safe.