Early embryonic loss is a serious barrier to animal production. Estimates of early embryonic loss in domestic animals are as high as 20 to 25% in the first four weeks of pregnancy. This loss amounts to as much as $1 billion annually in the U.S. The concept to be tested is that early embryonic mortality may be reduced by increasing progesterone production during the critical first four weeks of pregnancy. It has been shown that embryos grow faster and larger in cows administered progesterone beginning immediately after ovulation. It is likely that with elevated progesterone concentrations, conceptuses enter an intrauterine environment made richer in uterine secretions and may develop faster, giving them significant survival advantage. Administration of our proprietary compound to mares prior to ovulation resulted in significantly elevated progesterone concentrations throughout the subsequent diestrus and early pregnant period, suggesting a simple, effective way of raising progesterone concentrations without having to administer it frequently. Therefore, we propose to study feasibility of enhancing endogenous progesterone production by cows and ewes with this proprietary compound. As treatment prior to ovulation results in corpora lutea which produce significantly more progesterone throughout the entire luteal phase, it is likely that this treatment affects granulosa cell differentiation. We also propose to study the impact of such elevated progesterone on conceptus growth and fertility rates. The results of this research will lead to a better understanding of the uterine environment and its influence on early embryonic mortality. Furthermore, this research will shed light on possible mechanisms by which corpora lutea function might be enhanced. The practical application of that knowledge to animal production and human health and well being is considerable.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:: The results anticipated from these studies may provide new methods for increasing conception rates and reducing early embryonic loss. The enhanced endogenous progesterone production may provide a better environment for conceptus growth and development, and reduce the luteolytic capability. Together, these endpoints will likely result in increased sheep and cattle production. The technology will be easy to implement, suggesting that commercialization is also a likelihood. Losses attributed to early embryonic death amount to over $1 billion annually, making this technology a potentially major improvement in U.S. agriculture.
