Superovulation of New Zealand white rabbits by continuous infusion of follicle-stimulating hormone, using a micro-osmotic pump.

A successful method for superovulation of rabbits, which is more time effective than current protocols, has been established and consistently yields large numbers of fertilized ova. Subcutaneous microosmotic pumps were used to administer follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) over a 3-day period to mature ovarian follicles. The amount of FSH administered was based on baseline serum FSH concentration in unmated New Zealand White does; as determined by radioimmunoassay. Treatment with FSH was followed by intravenous administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to enhance ovulation. Hormonally primed does were then mated to mature, fertile bucks. Ova were collected 18 to 20 h after mating. This procedure resulted in an average yield of 37 ova/doe, with a 72.3% fertilization rate. These results were consistent with those published for superovulation using multiple subcutaneous injections of FSH. This method provided a consistent high yield of fertilized ova per doe and required only a simple surgical procedure.