LAUSR

Abstract This study examined the effect of glycerin supply strategies in different short-term protocols on follicular dynamics and ovulatory rate in Morada Nova sheep. Eighteen Morada Nova ewes with body condition > 2.9 had their estrus and follicular waves synchronized using three injections of prostaglandin analogue at seven-day intervals. All animals received the same diet during 21 days, which consisted of a total mixed ration (TMR) based on chopped elephant grass and concentrate twice daily. In the control group (n=9), ewes were fed the TMR diet. In the other four groups, ewes received 150 mL of glycerol daily, supplied as an oral drench or mixed in the TMR during three or seven days prior to the application of the third PGF2 alfa analogue. These groups were named as follows: Drench3d (n=10), Drench7d (n=8), TMR3d (n=9) and TMR7d (n=9). Follicle dynamics were monitored by ultrasonography, and plasma glucose and glutathione peroxidase levels were measured at the third prostaglandin administration. Six days after the final PGF2 alfa analogue dose, ovulatory rate was measured by laparoscopy. Glucose was higher (P< 0.001) in the glycerin-treated groups than in control group (83.7 ± 1.7 vs. 68.4 ± 4.5 mg. dL-1; P < 0.001). Ewes in the TMR3d, Drench7d and TMR7d groups had a greater (P < 0.001) number of large follicles (≥ 3 < 5 mm), and the presence of follicles larger than 5 mm was observed. In the same groups, at the third PGF2 alfa analogue dose, a greater (P < 0.001) number of growing follicles (> 3 mm) and a larger size of the largest follicle (P < 0.001) were also recorded. Ovulation rate was 30% higher in the groups that received glycerin for seven days (1.6 ± 0.1 53 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1; P < 0.05), and they also exhibited a 38% reduction in glutathione peroxidase. Thus, the use of glycerin in Morada Nova sheep as a source of energy in short-term supplementation for increase ovulation rate is an efficient strategy when provided for seven days, either orally or in the feed.