• 1 June 1983
    • journal article
    • Published by Wiley
Abstract
SUMMARY Alfaprostal (K 11941)‡, a novel prostaglandin F2α analogue was clinically tested in 24 dioestrous mares, 40 anoestrous mares and 31 postpartum mares, all being given 2 or 3 mg intramuscularly. Blood samples were taken for the determination of plasma progesterone levels and the objective confirmation of luteolytic drug effects. Two hundred and thirty‐six mares at the same location were used for comparisons of the rates of pregnancy, early embryonic loss and foaling. Alfaprostol was found to act as a potent luteolytic agent with good oestrus induction, follicular development and normal conception (72.6%) and foaling rate (65.3%). No side effects were observed. Treatments commenced early in the season (October), when only 35% of the anoestrous mares showed elevated progesterone levels, but in 80% of anoestrous mares with baseline progesterone levels, alfaprostol initiated heat and ovulation followed by normal fertility.