Effect of immunomodulator usage on vaginal discharge score and conception rate in ewes synchronized with short-term progestagen and PMSG during the non-breeding season

One of the most commonly used oestrus stimulation protocols in ewes outside the breeding season is the combination of short-term progestagen and PMSG. Immunosuppression caused by progestagens and the startling effect of intravaginal sponges can cause varying degrees of inflammation in the vagina. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of immunomodulator addition to the protocol on vaginal discharge score and conception rate in anestrous synchronized ewes. In the study, 60 anestrous ewes were used. The ewes were divided into two equal groups, 10 mg Corynebacterium cutis lysate was applied to the experimental group (CCL), and a progestagen-containing vaginal sponge was applied for 7 days. On the seventh day, sponges were removed and 500 IU PMSG injection was applied. In control group (Control), only synchronization protocol was applied. As soon as the sponges were removed, the vaginal discharge scores were determined. Ewes were hand-mated in estrus. Pregnancy examination was performed and conception rates were determined for each group. While there was no difference in the estrus rates (96.6%, 93.1%; P>0.05) and vaginal discharge scores (1.20, 1.53; P>0.05), it was determined a difference in the conception rates (79.3%, 50.0%, P=0.011) in CCL and Control groups. Although it was determined that the conception rate increased as the vaginal discharge scores decreased, it was found that there was no relationship between vaginal discharge score and conception rate (P>0.05). According to results of the study, it was concluded that the addition of immunomodulator to protocol was not effective on the estrus rate and vaginal discharge scores in ewes outside the breeding season, but a significant increase was found in the conception rate.