Effect of Aluminium Hydroxide as a Conjugate to FSH for use in Super-stimulation of Ovarian Follicles in Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

This study was conducted to develop a simple protocol for super-stimulation of ovarian follicles in dromedary camels using a single subcutaneous injection of commercial FSH product diluted in slow-release diluent, aluminium hydroxide and the feasibility of storing it after dilution at room and refrigeration (4°C) temperatures. In Experiment 1, a total of 50 donors were used, which were divided in 5 groups. The first group was prepared as per our standard protocol with a single injection of 2500 IU eCG and 400 mg FSH (Foltropin-V) in decreasing doses twice daily for 4 days (Control). The second group donors were administered 2500 IU eCG and a single subcutaneous injection of FSH (400 mg) dissolved in 10 mL of aluminium hydroxide. The third group of donors received half the dose of FSH (200 mg) dissolved in aluminium hydroxide in addition to eCG. Groups four and five were administered FSH like group 2 and 3 without eCG. In Experiment 2, FSH diluted in aluminium hydroxide was stored for 14 days at room (Group 2) or refrigeration (Group 3) temperature before administering (200 mg each) subcutaneously to donors as a single injection, in addition to an initial injection of 2000 IU of eCG. Our results show that FSH diluted in slow-release aluminium hydroxide could be used for super stimulation of ovarian follicles in dromedary camels and gives similar results to that of the control group. We have been able to reduce the dose of FSH and its frequency of administration without affecting the quantity of super-stimulation and embryo production. Storing the FSH diluted in Aluminium hydroxide at room or refrigerator temperatures maintains its efficacy up to 14 days and produces similar results to the control group for super-stimulation and embryo production.