Superovulation protocols before ovum pickup in camel

The objective of this study was to investigate different superovulation treatments prior to ovum pick up in dromedary camel during non-breeding season. Follicular waves were synchronised following 2 GnRH injections 14 days apart. Two days after the 2^nd GnRH (Day 0 of experiment), donors were assigned into 4 groups and received FSH (390 mg; n=4), eCG (2000 IU)-FSH (390 mg; n=5), eCG (3000 IU)-FSH (200 mg; n=6) and eCG (2000 IU)-FSH (160 mg; n=6). On the morning of day 4, donors were examined by ultrasonography to record ovarian follicles (≥4 mm in diameter). Data were analysed using GLM procedure followed by Tukey in SAS. Total number of follicles ≤6 mm was significantly greater in eCG (3000 IU)-FSH (200 mg; 6.2±0.95) than FSH (390 mg; 1.7±0.48) and eCG (2000 IU)-FSH (160 mg; 1.2±0.60; P<0.05). Total number of follicle >6 mm in eCG (3000 IU)-FSH (200 mg; 9.3±1.20) was less than FSH (390 mg; 17.2±1.18) and eCG (2000 IU)-FSH (390 mg; 14±1.18; P<0.05). There was no difference in total number of follicles between FSH (390 mg; 19±1.35), eCG (2000 IU)-FSH (390 mg; 17.4±0.93) and eCG (3000 IU)-FSH (200 mg; 15.5±1.75; P>0.05). In conclusion, superovulation with FSH (390 mg) and eCG (2000 IU)-FSH (390 mg) could provide relatively good number of follicles with suitable size for aspiration in ovum pick up program of dromedary camel.