Effect of Progesterone with Vitamin E on Pregnancy in Young Rabbit Does

Progesterone (P4) and vitamin E (Vitamin E) are important in early stage of pregnancy especially in young does. The goal was to investigate effect of injection of P4, Vitamin E and their integration on pregnancy enhancement, embryo dimensions and P4 concentration in young does. 24 animals were divided into 4 equal groups: control group, P4 group (each doe was injected i.m with single dose of 1.0 mg long-acting P4 two days post-mating), Vitamin E group (each doe was injected i.m with 20 IU Vitamin E/kg BW every 3 days from mating to mid-pregnancy and P4+Vitamin E group. All does were ultrasono-graphically examined at days 7,10,12,14,16,18,20 and 22 of pregnancy. Results revealed that P4 and P4+Vitamin E treatment facilitated establishment of pregnancy on day 7 of pregnancy more than the control and Vitamin E alone. Amniotic vesicles diameters on day 12 and fetal length on days 14 and 16 were greater (P<0.05) in P4 and P4+Vitamin E groups. On days 18-22, fetus length was significantly larger in P4 group. P4 concentrations at first week and mid-pregnancy were significantly greater in P4 group followed by P4+Vitamin E. Conclusion: P4 and P4+Vitamin E enhanced the early stage of pregnancy during the first parity of rabbit does.