Effects of Recombinant Follicle Stimulation Hormone on the Ovarian Response in Domestic Cats

Abstract

Background: Recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) can be administered for the manipulation of the estrus cycle and controlled ovarian stimulation in domestic cats, serving as a crucial model for endangered felid assisted reproductive technology (ART). Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses and durations of rFSH administration on ovarian volume and oocyte quality in anestrous domestic cat queens. Methods: A total of 12 anestrous queens were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 3 per group): Three active treatment groups receiving rFSH (Cinnal-F, Iran) intramuscularly and one negative control group (G4, saline). Treatment groups compared dose and duration: G1 (2.0 mg × 2 days), G2 (2.5 mg × 2 days), and G3 (2.5 mg × 4 days). After ovariectomy, ovarian volume was estimated using its dimensions, and oocytes were surgically retrieved 24 hours post-final injection, then counted and graded morphologically (A, B, C/D). Results: The ovarian volume (mm3) was the highest in the 4.0 mg total dose group (right ovary: 178.7 ± 16.8; P = 0.0237; left ovary: 128.2 ± 17.1; P = 0.0405) among all other groups. However, logistic regression analysis revealed no significant differences among any of the groups (G1 - G4) regarding the odds ratios for retrieving high-quality oocytes (grades A and B). Conclusions: The findings showed no efficacy of the applied protocol of rFSH on the ovarian response in terms of oocyte retrieval and follicle development.