STEROIDAL IMMUNOGENS FOR INCREASING FERTILITY IN SHEEP

摘要

A product and method for increasing fertility in sheep. By "increasing fertility" is meant increasing the potential of a flock of sheep to multiply by increasing ovulation in ewes. The product is an immunogenic conjugate of 4-androstene-3, 17-dione and a soluble milk protein (SMP): 6-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3, 17-dione 6-hemisuccinyl: SMP. The method comprises immunizing the ewes in a flock of sheep against 4-androstene-3, 17-dione by administering 6-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3, 17-dione 6-hemisuccinyl SMP at the rate of 3 to 5 mg per ewe. In previously untreated ewes, two administrations are required at between 8 to 9 and 4 to 5 weeks before the planned commencement of mating. Subsequent administrations are annually and are recommended at 5 weeks before the commencement of mating.