Effect of Deslorelin and/or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Inducing Ovulation in Mares During the Transition Period Versus Ovulatory Season

The objective of this study was to compare the rate of ovulation when deslorelin and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered in mares in both the transition period and the ovulatory season. A total of 200 Paint Horses, Quarter Horses, and crossbred mares were used during the transition season (July to September) and the ovulatory season (October to February) of the southern hemisphere. The animals were divided into four groups. In the control group (n = 72), mares received 1 mL of saline; in deslorelin group (n = 171), 1.5 mg of deslorelin was administered by intramuscular (IM) injection; in hCG group (n = 57), 1,667 IU of hCG was administered IV; and in hCG + deslorelin group (n = 438), 1.5 mg of deslorelin (IM) and 1,667 IU of hCG (IV) were administered. The drugs were administered after follicles ≥35 mm in diameter were identified and grade III uterine edema was observed. At 48 hours after application, ultrasonography was performed to detect ovulation. During the transition period, the ovulation rates were 4.3% (control), 78.6% (deslorelin), 50% (hCG), and 73.3% (hCG + deslorelin). During ovulatory season, the ovulation rates were 16.4% (control), 68.8% (deslorelin), 60% (hCG), and 73% (hCG + deslorelin). There was no significant difference (P > .05) in the ovulation rate between the groups or the periods, except that the control group was lower than all others. Furthermore, both hCG and deslorelin are viable options for inducing ovulation during the transition period before ovulation season.