Process for the synchronization of ovulation for timed breeding without heat detection

Abstract

A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

1 . A method for synchronizing ovulation in swine without heat detection, the steps comprising: 
 (a) administering to a swine a dose of a hormone selected from the group consisting of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), a luteinizing hormone (LH), a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), derivatives and analogues thereof, and combinations thereof, in an amount effective to stimulate ovarian follicle ovulation; and    (b) after approximately one day, breeding the sow without heat detection.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the swine is a postpartum sow.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the sow is bred about 28 hours after the hormone is administered.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the hormone is administered to a sow 96 hours after weaning her piglets.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein a second breeding is performed subsequent to the breeding in  1 (b).  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the swine is a postpartum sow on the first day of estrus postweaning; and steps (a) and (b) are performed without further heat detection.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the hormone is administered at the first detectable signs of estrus.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein a second breeding is performed subsequent to the breeding in  1 (b).  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the swine is a pubertal gilt on the first day of estrus, and steps (a) and (b) are performed without further heat detection.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the hormone is administered at the first detectable sign of estrus.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein a second breeding is performed subsequent to the breeding in  1 (b).  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the swine is a gilt in a state of pseudopregnancy and has been administered a dose of Prostaglandin F2a.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the hormone is administered 49 hours after Prostaglandin F2a administration.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a second breeding is performed subsequent to the breeding in  1 (b).  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the swine is a gilt in a state of pregnancy and has been administered Prostaglandin F2a for the purpose of synchronized abortion.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the hormone is administered 48 hours after abortion is completed.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein a second breeding is performed subsequent to the breeding in  1 (b).  
     
     
         18 . A composition for synchronizing ovulation in swine without heat detection, comprising: 
 a hormone selected from the group consisting of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), a luteinizing hormone (LH), a human chronic gonadotropin (hCG), derivatives and analogues thereof, and combinations thereof, in an amount effective to stimulate ovarian follicle ovulation, in an excipient suitable for intravaginal administration.    
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 18  wherein the excipient is selected from the group of excipients consisting of sucrose acetate isobutyrate and block copolymers based on ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.  
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 18  wherein the excipient is selected from the group consisting of collagen, hyaluronic acid, alginate, and fibrin.  
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 18  wherein the hormone is administered in a medical depo devices or polymeric delivery device.  
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 18  comprising an ion exchange resin to sustain release.  
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 18  releasing hormone for at least one day.  
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 18  comprising gonadotropin releasing hormone in sucrose acetate isobutyrate.  
     
     
         25 . A kit for synchronizing ovulation in swine comprising 
 a hormone selected from the group consisting of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), a luteinizing hormone (LH), a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), derivatives and analogues thereof, and combinations thereof, in an amount effective to stimulate ovarian follicle ovulation, in an excipient suitable for intravaginal administration, and    Prostaglandin F2a.