Reproductive hormones profile of Iraqi Awassi ewes immunized against synthetic inhibin-α subunit or steroid-free bovine follicular fluid

The current study was conducted to investigate the impacts of active and passive immunization against synthetic inhibin-α subunit and steroid-free bovine follicular fluid, respectively, on reproductive hormones profile out of breeding season in Iraqi Awassi ewes. Follicular fluid was aspired from mature bovine follicles, treated with activated charcoal, used for immunization of male rabbits, and obtaining of SFBFF antiserum. Forty non-pregnant Awassi ewes were allocated into 4 groups (n = 10 each). At day 38 of experiment, ewes were treated with intra-vaginal sponge impregated with medroxyprogesterone acetate 60 mg for 12 days. Ewes were treated at 0, 28 and 50 days with 4, 2 and 2 ml of normal saline (control; C-ve), 400, 200 and 200 μg of ovalbumine (C+ve), 400, 200 and 200 μg of inhibin (SI group), and 4 ml of normal saline at 0 day, and 4ml and 2ml of SFBFF antiserum, at 28 and 50 days, respectively (AI group). Blood samples were collected at 24 and 48 hours before and after sponge withdrawal for assessment of FSH, LH, inhibin-B, Activin-A, E2 and P4. Before sponge withdrawal, FSH level increased in SI ewes, whereas only after sponge withdrawal, FSH, LH, activin-A and E2 levels increased in SI and AI ewes. Opposite results were shown of inhibin-B level. In conclusion, active or passive immunization against inhibin in Awassi ewes could augment reproductive functions out of breeding season in Iraqi Awassi ewes.