The effect of LH and GnRH analogues on induction of ovulation in Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus)

Ovarian follicle response and corpus luteum formation following induction of ovulation using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues and luteinizing hormone (LH) in Bactrian camel were characterized. Bactrian camels with a mature follicle (13-19.6 mm) received: 1) natural porcine LH (25 mg, IV, n = 4), 2) Buserelin (20 µg, IV, n = 4) and 3) Alarelin (25 µg, IM, n = 4). Daily ultrasonography and blood samplings were conducted between day -3 and +15 of the experiment (day 0 = Induction of ovulation). Data were analyzed by univariat analysis with repeated measures analysis included in the model. Following treatment, mature follicle ovulated within 2 days and a new follicle wave emerged after 2-3 days. New mature follicle reached a size of 13.5 ± 0.14 mm by day 12. Corpus luteum was detected on day 6 and reached the maximum size of 19.73 ± 0.81 mm on day 9. Progesterone concentration initiated to increase on day 5, reached maximum concentration on day 9 and decreased significantly on day 11. In conclusion, due to the lack of significant difference among treatment groups (P>0.05), Alarelin may be considered as a drug of choice for inducing ovulation in Bactrian camel because of its effectiveness, simple route of administration (IM vs. IV), lower price, and local availability.