Reproductive drugs

Testosterone

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Testosterone ( steroid hormone).

Key features:

• Aproved for use in castrated horses.
• Responsible for facial hair growth, deep voice, and muscle development.
• Helps regulate bone mass, fat and muscle distribution, strength, and blood cell and sperm production.
• Improves libido.
• Used to treat mares with strong estrus behavior.

MOA:

• Testosterone in the body is converted into dihydrotestosterone ( DHT).
• DHT binds with androgen receptor to form AR complex .
• Two AR complex join together to form dimer which enters the nucleus where it through series of steps cause expression of genes responsible for protein synthesis.

Biological effects:

• Masculine behavior.
• Muscle growth and development.
• Increased libido.

Side effects:

• Aggressive and dominant behavior.
• Impair fertility and cause fillies and mares to show masculine behaviors.

Species:

• Horse.

Dose :

• 0.6-1mg /kg IM weekly x 3-5 weeks.

Indication:

• Muscle weakness, poor appetite and lack of competitive spirit in castrated horse.
• Mares showing excessive estrus.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity.
• Pregnant mares.
• Carcinomas.
• Prohibited in race horses.

Brands:

• Testosterone propionate 10 ml (100mg Testosterone propionate/ml ) inj vial ( Dominion Veterinary Lab Canda ) offered by GNH India.

Human brands:

• Propiomax 10ml(100mg Testosterone propionate/ml ) inj vial( British Pharma India).
• Cypiomax 10ml (250mg Testosterone cypionate /ml )inj vial( British Pharma India).
• Propione-T100 10ml (100mg Testosterone propionate/ml ) inj vial( 3 degree Pharma India).

Gonadorelin

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Gonadorelin (synthetic decapeptide identical with the natural Gonadotrophin).

Key features:

• Synthetic releasing Hormone (Gn-RH) in mammalian species.
• Gonadorelin and its analogues initially increase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadal steroids.
• Prolong use causes, receptor down-regulation and gonadotropin suppression.
• Used in cow breeding for oestrus synchronization.
• Induces ovulation in rabbits.

MOA:

• Gonadorelin stimulates anterior pituitary gland to release of LH and FSH .
• LH and FSH levels are increased.
• The LH peaks are within the range of physiological preovulatory peak levels.

Effects:

• Follicular development and release of ova from dominant follicle.

Species:

• Cow and Rabbit.

Dose:

• 0.1-0.5 mg IM /cow
• 0.02mg IM/ rabbit .

Gonadorelin+ Prostaglandin Estrous Synchronisation Protocol:

• Protocol 1:

1) Day 0: Gonadorelin.

2) Day 7: PGF2Alfa.

3) Day 9: Gonadorelin. Ai 16-24hr after Gonadorelin .

• Protocol 2:

1) Day 0: Gonadorelin.

2) Day 7 : PGF2Alfa

3) Day 9: Gonadorelin+ Ai .

• Protocol 3:

1) Day 0: Gonadorelin.

2) Day 7: PGF2Alfa + Ai on heat

Indication:

• Treatment of ovarian cyst in cow.
• Improvement of fertility in cow.
• Part of protocol for oestrus synchronization in cow.
• To decrease post parturition anoestous.
• Induction of ovulation in rabbits.

Contraindication:

• Hypersensitivity to drug.

Brands:

• Gonarelin vet 5ml(0.1 mg gonadorelin/ml) Inj vial(Bengal Remedies Bangladeesh).
• Factril 50 ml( 14mcg Gonadorelin/ml ) Inj vial (Zoetis USA).
• Fertagyl 20 mL( 43mcg Gonadorelin/ml ) multi-dose vial (Intervet, Inc Canada).
• Fertagyl 100 mL( 43mcg Gonadorelin/ml ) multi-dose vial (Intervet, Inc Canada).

Human brands in India:

• Gonadorelin Releasing Hormone ( 2mg ) Inj vial ( Gold bond Labs India).

Cabergoline

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Cabergoline ( synthetic ergot derivative).

Key features:

• Cabergoline is quickly absorbed from muscle tissue into the bloodstream (with over 90% bioavailability) and reaches its highest concentration about 3 hours later, followed by extensive distribution in tissues.
• More than 74% of cabergoline is protein bound .
• It is mainly processed by the liver and has an average half-life of around 20 hours.
• Aids in abrupt drying-off by lowering milk production.
• Inducing heat in dogs with anestrus.

MOA:

• Cabergoline is a strong dopamine receptor agonist that targets D2 receptors. It works on the dopamine receptors in prolactin-producing cells of the pituitary gland, reducing prolactin production and inhibiting processes that depend on prolactin secretion.

Effects:

• Reduction of milk production leading to a reduction in udder engorgement and intramammary pressure.
• After drying off, udder pain and discomfort decrease significantly on the first and second day.
• Suppression of prolactin secretion via dopamine agonists shortens the duration of anestrus and induces the estrus in bitches.

Adverse reactions:

• Swellings at injection site reactions are commonly observed and may persist for at least 7 days.

Species:

• Cow and Bitch.

Dose:

• 5.6 mg IM/ cow within 4 hours after the last milking.
• 5 μg/kg PO OD until 2 days after the onset of proestrus (ie, vulvar swelling and bloody vaginal discharge).

Indication:

• For induction of estrus in dogs with primary or secondary anestrus
• For dairy cow herd management, it aids in abrupt drying-off by lowering milk production, reducing leakage, and minimizing the risk of new infections during the dry period.

Contraindication:

• Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to cabergoline or to any of the excipients.

Brands:

• Velactis 25ml ( 1.25mg cabergolin /ml) inj vial( Ceva Ruminants France )- offered by Vedall pharma Private Ltd India.

Human brands in India:

• Cablyn (0.25 mg cabergoline) tab(Celon Lab India)
• Cablyn (0.5 mg cabergoline) tab(Celon Lab India).
• Colette (0.5 mg cabergoline) tab(Cipla India).
• Cabre (0.5 mg cabergoline) tab(Inga Lab India).
• Cabliz (0.5 mg cabergoline) tab(Macleods India).
• Cabliz(0.25 mg cabergoline) tab(Macleods India).
• CB Lin (0.5 mg cabergoline) tab(Serum International India).
• CB Lin (0.25 mg cabergoline) tab(Serum International India).
• CB Lin (1mg cabergoline) tab(Serum International India).

Bromocriptine

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Bromocriptine( ergot alkaloid drug).

Key features:

• Anti-PRL in dog and cat.
• Half-life: ± 4–6 hours.
• Should be administered at least twice a day.
• Not approved in most countries as an anti-PRL in small animals.
• Used for the treatment of pseudopregnancy and mammary fibroadenomatous hyperplasia in dogs and cats.

MOA:

• Bromocriptine is a dopamine (D2) agonist . It binds to and activates postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors in the corpus striatum of the brain, which results in blockage of prolactin secretion.

Effects:

• Inhibition of prolactin secretion.

Side effects:

• Hypotension due to vasodilatation (adrenergic type effect).
• Emesis due to stimulation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ).

Species:

• Dog and Cat.

Indication:

• Pseudopregnancy and mammary fibroadenomatous hyperplasia in dogs and cats.
• Induction of estrus in dog.

Dose:

• 10–50 mcg/kg PO BD in dog and cat.

Contraindication:

• Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to cabergoline or to any of the excipients.

Brands:

Human brands in India:

• B -Crip (2.5 mg Bromocriptine) tab( Abbot Healthcare India).
• Bromorex (1.25 mg Bromocriptine) tab( AR-EX Labs India).
• Bromorex (2.5 mg Bromocriptine) tab( AR-EX Labs India).
• Polodyl (2.5 mg Bromocriptine) tab( Chandra Bhagat Pharma India).
• Proctinal (1.25 mg Bromocriptine) tab( Glaxo Smithkline Pharmaceuticals India).
• Proctinal (2.5 mg Bromocriptine) tab( Glaxo Smithkline Pharmaceuticals India).
• Criptal (1.25 mg Bromocriptine) tab( Helios Pharmaceuticals India).
• Kripti (2.5 mg Bromocriptine) tab( Lincoln Pharmaceuticals India).
• Encript (2.5 mg Bromocriptine) tab( Micro Labs India).

PRID

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

PRID (Progesterone Releasing Intravaginal Device).

Key features:

• Vaginal delivery system (triangular system with a tail) for the control of the estrus cycle in cows and heifers.
• Animals in poor condition, due to illness, lack of nutrition, stress, or other reasons, may not respond well to treatment.
• To optimize the protocol, it is recommended to check ovarian activity before starting progesterone treatment.
• Progesterone is rapidly absorbed by intravaginal route.
• The liver processes metabolism.
• The principal route of excretion is the faeces and the secondary route
  is the urine.

MOA:

• A progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) is placed in a cow or heifer’s vagina to release progesterone gradually.
• Progesterone binds to specific receptors inside cells, triggering certain genes to work. This process leads to hormonal actions resulting in physiological changes.
• Progesterone negatively affects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, reducing GnRH and LH secretion.
• Progesterone stops the release of certain hormones (FSH and LH), thus stops oestrus and ovulation.
• When PRID is removed, progesterone drops quickly within an hour, enabling follicular maturation, estrus, and ovulation in a short timeframe.

Effects:

• Suppression of heat and ovulation until PRID releases progesterone in the vagina.
• Induction of heat and ovulation right after removing the PRID.

Side effects:

• Mild local reaction (i.e. inflammation of the vaginal wall).
• Ropy or cloudy vulvar secretions at the device removal.

Species:

• Cows and heifers.

Adminstration:

• Wash the vulva with a disinfectant solution and hold the cow’s tail up or to one side.
• Insert the PRID with 1.55g of progesterone into the standing cow, following the product instructions.
• Remove the device by gently pulling the exposed cord after 7 days.
• Wear gloves when handling the PRID during insertion and removal.
• Do not eat or drink while handling the device. Wash hands after use .

Indications

• Synchronisation of estrus .
• Induction of oestrus and ovulation.
  

Contraindication:

• Do not use in sexually immature heifers or females with abnormal genital tracts e.g.
  freemartins.
• Do not use before 35 days have passed since previous calving.
  Do not use in animals suffering from infectious or non-infectious disease of the genital tract.
• Do not use in pregnant animals.
  

Brands:

• PRID 1.55 g progesterone releasing intra-vaginal device(Ceva Animal Health Limited USA).

CIDR

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Controlled internal drug release (CIDR).

Key features:

• T-shaped devices with a silicone-coated nylon core are used in livestock to synchronize estrus.
• The silicone coating contains progesterone.
• There are different types of CIDRs, such as CIDR-B for cattle, CIDR-S for sheep, and CIDR-G for goats.
• CIDRs slowly release progesterone, which lengthens the luteal phase.
• To optimize the protocol, it is recommended to check ovarian activity before starting progesterone treatment.
• Animals in poor condition, due to illness, lack of nutrition, stress, or other reasons, may not respond well to treatment.

MOA:

• CIDRs in the vagina slowly release progesterone, which increases plasma progesterone levels.
• Progesterone binds to specific receptors inside cells, triggering certain genes to work. This process leads to hormonal actions resulting in physiological changes.
• Progesterone negatively affects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, reducing GnRH and LH secretion.
• Progesterone stops the release of certain hormones (FSH and LH), thus prevents oestrus and ovulation.
• When CIDR is removed, progesterone drops quickly within an hour, enabling follicular maturation, estrus, and ovulation in a short timeframe.

Effects:

• Suppression of heat and ovulation until CIDR releases progesterone in the vagina.
• Induction of heat and ovulation right after removing the CIDR.

Side effects:

• Vaginal irritation may happen sometimes.

Species:

• Cow ,Sheep and Goat.

Adminstration:

• Wash the vulva with a disinfectant solution and hold the cow’s tail up or to one side.
• A CIDR with 1.38 grams of progesterone is inserted into the vagina as directed.
• A thin nylon tail remains outside for easy removal.
• Remove the device by gently pulling the exposed cord after 7 days.
• Wear gloves when handling the PRID during insertion and removal.
• Do not eat or drink while handling the device. Wash hands after.
• A dose of 550 mg of progesterone effectively controls estrus and ovulation in sheep.

Indications:

• Synchronisation of estrus .
• Induction of oestrus and ovulation.
• Treatment in cows with follicular cysts

Contraindication:

• Do not use in sexually immature heifers or females with abnormal genital tracts e.g.
  freemartins.
• Do not use before 35 days have passed since previous calving.
  Do not use in animals suffering from infectious or non-infectious disease of the genital tract.
• Do not use in pregnant animals.
  

Brands:

• EAZI-BREED CIDR (impregnated with 1.38 grams of progesterone) insert ( Zoetis India).

Dexamthasone

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Dexamthasone(glucocorticoid).

Key features:

• Corticosteroid used in induction of parturition in cattle.
• Parturition starts within 24 to 72 hours after an injection, usually lasting 48 hours. If it doesn’t start within 72 hours, retreatment is often recommended.

MOA:

• Dexamethasone increases the 17α-hydroxylase enzyme in the placenta, decreases progesterone secretion by converting progesterone into estrogen, and softens the cervix.

Effects:

• Estrogen level is raised.
• PGF2 alfa level is raised.
• lysis of corpus luteum.

Side effects:

• Retention of placenta.

Species:

• Cow , Sheep and Goat.

Dose:

• 20 to 30 mg IM.

Indication:

• Condition demanding Induction of parturition.

Contra Indication:

• Avoid use in pregnant animals unless specified.

Brands:

• Dexona vet 5ml ( 3.44mg dexamethasone/ml) inj vial ( Zenex AH India).
• Dexasone 30 ml (4mg dexamethasone/ml) inj vial (Cadila India).
• Dexovet 10ml inj vial( Redwin Health Care India).
• Dexide 5ml inj vial( IPPL India).

Estradiol

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Estradiol (steroid sex hormone).

Key features:

• A hormone made by the ovaries, placenta, testes, and in small amounts by the adrenal cortex in females.
• Therapeutic estradiol is a synthetic form of estradiol.
• Available in estradiol cypionate and estradiol benzoate and other forms for treating issues like , persistent corpus luteum, pyometra, and for expelling retained placentas and mummified fetuses.
• Its use during heat can cause uterine diseases like pyometra, prolonged heat cycles, and may dangerously suppress the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in dogs.

MOA:

• Estradiol attaches to a specific estrogen receptor in female organs, mammary tissues, hypothalamus, and pituitary. This receptor-ligand complex helps activate genes needed for fertility and female secondary sexual traits.

Effects:

• It is believed that estradiol enhances uterine contractions, possibly due to estrogen’s direct effect on the myometrium or by increasing sensitivity of oxytocin receptors, which may help in releasing uterine contents and in postpartum recovery.
• Estrus signs like clear mucus discharge from the vulva.

Side effects:

• Estradiol can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra.
• In animals, especially dogs, there is a risk of bone marrow toxicity that depends on the dose, leading to conditions like leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and potentially fatal aplastic anemia.

Species:

• Cow ,Bitch, Queen and Mare.

Drug combination:

• Estradiol and PG analogue are effective for treating persistent corpus luteum and pyometra, as well as for expelling retained placentas and mummified fetuses in cows.

Dose:

• 1 to 2.5 mg/ cow IM.
• 0.02 – 0.04 mg/kg IM postmating in dog and cat.
• Estradiol 17-beta in oil 1–10 mg or estradiol cypionate 0.5 mg IM in anestrous or ovariectomized mares.

Indication:

• Used in an ovariectomized, acyclic mare to trigger behavioral estrus and enable the mare to serve as a tease or jump mare for semen collection.
• Used to treat persistent corpus luteum, and pyometra, and to help expel retained placentas and mummified fetuses in cows.
• Estrogen, particularly estradiol cypionate, is an old “mismate” injection for female dogs and cats after unintended breeding.

Contraindication:

• Bone marrow diseases
• Severe liver dieseases.

Brands:

• Pregheat 2ml ( 1mg estradiol benzoate/ml) inj vial ( Virbac India).

Human Brands in India:

• Estogen 1ml (5mg estradiol/mL )Ampoule (Macmillon Pharmaceuticals India).
• Progynon 1ml(10mg estradiol/mL)inj ( Zydus Cadila India).
• Premarin 1ml (25 mg estradiol/ml) inj ( Wyeth Pharmaceuticals India).
• Estradiol Valerate 5ml ( 40mg/ml) Inj (Facmed Pharmaceuticals India).

FSH

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

FSH ( Glyocoprotien).

Key features:

• Promotes the growth of multiple follicles at once.
• Induces superovulation.
• Induces estrus.
• Has surpassed PMSG as the method of choice for superovulating cattle.

MOA:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promots the growth of multiple ova in cows. FSH binds to receptors on granulosa and cumulus cells to regulate the production of estradiol and progesterone,growth of cumulus cell mass and cell metabolism.

Effects:

• Supperovulation occurs when the protocol is properly followed.

Sid effects:

• After superovulation, it may take longer for heat to come back.

Species:

• Cow ,Sheep and Goat.

Dose:

1. Cow

• Through IM route 6 mg every 12 hours on day 1, 4 mg every 12 hours on day 2, 2 mg every 12 hours on day 3 and 2mg every 12 hours on day 4. Prostaglandin F₂ alpha given with the sixth or seventh FSH injection.

About 20 percent more gonadotrophin should be given to cows weighing over 800 kg.

2. Sheep and goat:

• 5 mg every 12 hours on day 1, then 3 mg every 12 hours on day 2, and 2 mg every 12 hours on day 3. On the last day of FSH treatment, remove the progestagen source and give a luteolytic injection of PGF2alpha. Artificial insemination should occur 12–24 hours after detecting estrus or 45–50 hours after removing the progestagen.

Indication:

• To induce super overlation

Contraindication :

• Pregnant animals.

Brands:

• Folltropin (700 IU FSH-porcine pituitary derived follicle stimulating hormone) lyophilized powder vial with 20ml diluent ( Vetquinol USA offered by Catalent Life Science India)).

Human brands In India:

• Foliculin (150IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone )inj ( Bharat Serums and Vaccines India).
• Foliculin ( 75IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone )inj ( Bharat Serums and Vaccines India).
• Endogen( 75IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone )inj ( Sanzyme India).
• Endogen (150IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone )inj ( Sanzyme India).
• Foligem ( 75IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone ) inj (VBH Lifesciences India).
• Foligem (150IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone )inj (Urofollitropin) (VBH Lifesciences India).
• Foliton Inga ( 75IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone )inj ( Inga Labs India).
• Follitec(150IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone )inj (Urofollitropin) (Uni Sankyo India).
• Lupi -fsh ( 75IU Urofollitropin-urinary derived follicle-stimulating hormone )inj (Lupin India).

Oxytocin

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Oxytocin (endogenous cyclic nonapeptide).

Key features:

• Also called as love drug or love hormone.
• Natural hormone made in the brain.
• Stored and released into the blood stream by the pituitary gland.

MOA:

• At the end of pregnancy, there is more oxytocin receptor expression in the uterine muscle and less of the oxytocin-breaking enzyme oxytocinase from the placenta.
• Oxytocin directly stimulates smooth muscles in the uterus of all species to create regular contractions, triggered by high estrogen levels during labor.

Effects:

• Speeds up the removal of uterine contents during labor.

Side effects:

• Water retention and hyponatremia
• Vasodilation with subsequent hypotension and reflex tachycardia

Species:

• Sheep ,Pig, Cattle and Horse.

Dose:

• 30 to 50 iu/animal IM /IV in sheep and pig.
• 100 iu/animal IM /IV in cattle
• 25–100 IU SC/IM/IV in horse .
• 50 IU in 500 mL saline as IV infusion over 30 minutes for placental retention in horse.
• 2–10 IU (total dose) in 5–10 mL saline by slow IV injection for parturition induction (parturition in 30–90 minutes)in horse.
• 2–10 IU by slow intravenous injection for uterine prolapse in horse.

For prepartum usage full dilation of the cervix should be accomplished either naturally or through the administration of estrogen prior to oxytocin therapy.

Indication:

• To precipitate labor.
• To accelerate normal parturition.
• Postpartum evacuation of uterine debri.

Contraindication:

• Dystocia due to abnormal presentation of the fetus until correction is accomplished.

Brands :

• Oxytocare 1ml ( 10 iu oxytocin/ml) inj ampule( Ethicare Animal Health Care India).

Human brands In India:

• Oxystar 1ml (5 iu oxytocin/ml) Inj ( Cadila Pharmaceuticals India).
• Evatocin 1ml (5 iu oxytocin/ml) Inj ( Neon Labs India).
• Foetocin 1ml (5 iu oxytocin/ml) Inj ( TTK Healthcare India).
• Gynotocin 1ml (5 iu oxytocin/ml) Inj ( Svizera Healthcare India).
• Labtocin 1ml (5 iu oxytocin/ml) Inj ( Laborate Pharmaceuticals India).
• Meritocin 1ml (5 iu oxytocin/ml) Inj ( Mercury Labs India).
• Oxycare 1m (5 iu oxytocin/ml) Inj ( Systacare Remedies India).
• Syntocinon 1m (5 iu oxytocin/ml) Inj ( Mylan Pharmaceuticals India).

hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin)

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

hCG ( glycoprotien composed of two subunits, the alpha and beta subunits).

Key features:

• Hormone produced primarily by syncytiotrophoblastic cells of the placenta during pregnancy in women.
• Stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone to support pregnancy.
• Small amounts of hCG are also produced in the pituitary gland, liver, and colon.
• Primarily catabolized by the liver
• 20% is removed through urine. The beta subunit breaks down in the kidney, creating a core fragment that urine hCG tests detect.
• The ovulatory response to hCG is greater than to GnRH analogs because circulating progesterone attenuates GnRH analogs.
• hCG treatment leads to later ovulation compared to GnRH analogs.

MOA:

• hCG mimics the LH surge by binding directly to luteinizing hormone choriogonadotropin receptors (LHCGR ) on granulosa cells of the dominant follicle.
• The mRNA that encodes LHCGR, which is important for follicular selection, is most expressed in the granulosa cells of growing follicles between days 4 and 7 of the estrous cycle.
• hCG raises testosterone levels by activating Leydig cells in males.

Effect:

• hCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), extending the corpus luteum’s life and increasing progesterone production.
• Promotes ovulation during the estrous cycle.
• Helps form extra corpora lutea when used in the early luteal phase
• Changes follicular wave dynamics to increase three-wave follicular cycle frequency.

Side effects:

• Anaphylaxis can happen; give epinephrine.
• Giving an antihistamine may also be necessary.

Species:

• Horses, cattle, dogs

Dose:

• 3,000 to 10,000 IU hCG IM in cow.
• 500-1000 IU hCG IM in dog.
• 1500–6000 IU hCG IM in horse.

Indication:

• Repeated failure of conception in cows and heifers
• Induction of ovulation.
• Nymphomania (cystic ovaries) in cows and heifers
• Anoestrus.
• Delayed ovulation, prolonged pro-oestrus in bitches
• Deficiency in libido in male dogs.
• Perform an hCG test on a horse to check if it is castrated.

Contraindication:

• Hypersensitivity to hCG.

Brands:

• Chorulon ( 1500 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ) as white freeze dried crystalline powder inj vial ( MSD Animal Health India).

Human brands In India:

• Lupi-HCG ( 5000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ) inj vial ( Lupin India).
• Proferti -C (10000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Chandra Bhagat Pharma India).
• Proferti -C (5000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Chandra Bhagat Pharma India).
• Prego -C (5000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( CMG Biotech India).
• Choriolife (10000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Life Medicare and Biotech India).
• Choriolife (2000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Life Medicare and Biotech India).
• Fertigyn (10000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Sun Pharmaceuticals India).
• Fertigyn (5000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Sun Pharmaceuticals India).
• Fertigyn (2000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Sun Pharmaceuticals India).
• Pubergen (5000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Sanzyme India).
• Ovidrel (250 mcg Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj ampule ( Serum Institute of India India).
• Ovulate C (5000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( VBH Lifesciences India).
• Ovulate C (10000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( VBH Lifesciences India).
• Ovulate C (2000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( VBH Lifesciences India).
• Zy -HCG Ovulate C (2000 iu Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) Inj vial ( Zydus Cadila India).

eCG (Equine chorionic gonadotropin)

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

eCG (glycoprotein hormone ).

Key features:

• Formerly called pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG).
• Secreted by fetal-origin trophoblastic epithelial cells that form the endometrial cups.
• Functions like FSH and LH.
• Extracted from the blood of pregnant mares between 40 and 120 days of gestation.
• Used to treat anestrus, trigger puberty, increase fertility, and promote superovulation.
• Commonly used to synchronize estrus on pig farms, this practice helps manage pigs and staff better while reducing biosecurity issues from moving animals in and out of barns.
• In cattle, eCG has a half-life of approximately 5 days,

MOA:

• In equids, equine CG binds to the same receptor as luteinizing hormone (LH). In other domestic mammals, equine CG (eCG) has both high FSH and LH activities.

Effects:

• Formation of accessory corpora lutea to better support early gestation.
• Follicle growth and development.

Side effects:

• Development of postovulatory, oestrogen-producing follicles.
• This prolonged and elevated oestrogen production may affect fertilisation and early embryonic development,

Species:

• Sheep, Goats, Cattle, and Swine

Dose:

• 250 to 2000 IU IM in sows
• 300 to 800 IU IM for Induction and synchronization of ovulation in cows.
• 1500-3000 IU IM for superovulation in cows.
• 400-750 IU IM for induction and synchronization of ovulation and increased litter size in sheep and goat .

Indication:

• Superovulation of cows to maximize diffusion of genetic merit by the use of embryo transfer.
• Increased litter size in small ruminants.
• Induction of puberty and synchronization of first mating in swine.
• Induction of receptivity and optimization of reproductive performance in rabbits and minks.
• Optimization of fertility in deers.

Contra Indication:

• Not Known.

Brands:

• Folligon ( 1000 I.U eCG) freeze dried crystalline powder vial (MSD India).

Valethamate bromide

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Valethamate bromide ( Anticholinergic drug).

Key features:

• Parasympatholytic agent primarily used in obstetrics to facilitate labor.
• Targets the smooth muscles of the cervix, uterus, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Primarly reduce cervical spasms and facilitate cervical dilation during labor.
• Works quickly, usually showing effects within 15 to 30 minutes after injection.

MOA:

• Valethamate bromide operates by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which are found in the smooth muscle tissues of various organs, including the uterus and the gastrointestinal tract.
• By inhibiting these receptors, the drug effectively reduces muscle spasms and promotes relaxation in the target tissues.

Effects:

• Dilation of the cervix.
• Decrease in gastrointestinal contractions.

Side effects:

• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Urinary retention
• Tachycardia.

Dose:

• 1-2mg/3kg IM /IV.

Indication:

• Ring womb in sheep.
• To dilate the cervix for an easier delivery.

Contraindication:

• Glaucoma.
• Serious heart problems.
• Some digestive issues.

Brands:

• Epidosin 10ml ( 10mg Valethamate bromide/ml) inj vial ( TTK AWD india).
• Epidosin 30ml ( 10mg Valethamate bromide/ml) inj vial ( TTK AWD india).

Altrenogest

By M. Younus, BVSc, MVSc, SKUAST-K

Altrenogest (Progestin of the 19-nortestosterone group).

Key features:

• Also called as trenbolone
• Closely related to norgestrienone.
• Used to suppress or synchronize estrus in horses and pigs.

MOA:

• Altrenogest is the most potent agonist of both the progesterone receptor (PR) and the androgen receptor (AR) of a large selection of other progestogens as well as anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS).

Effects:

• Supression of oestrus.

Side effects:

• Uterine infections.
• Cervical closure .
• Heart disease.

Dose:

• 0.044 mg/kg PO OD for15 days or more in mare.
• 20mg/day PO OD for18 days in sow.

Indication:

• Inductions of cyclic ovarian activity in mares with some follicular activity, either early in the season or in response to poor cyclicity at other stages.
• Treatment of lactation anoestrus in absence of corpus luteum.
• Suppression of oestrus and oestrus behaviour in normally cycling mares.
• Management and manipulation of oestrus cycle.

Contraindication:

• Do not administer to pregnant animals.
• Should not be used in mares or in gilts with a previous history of uterine problems (metritis).

Brands:

• Regumate 1000ml ( 2.2 mg Altrenogest/ml) oral solution( MSD India)