Synchronize Ewes and Does

Out of Season Breeding

VIPS:  Single  $10.00     12-pack  $100

PG 600: Single dose  $11.66     5-dose vial  $45.94

(Prices Subject to Change)

Indications: 

· To help synchronize estrus and stimulate out of season breeding in postpuberal ewes and does with no history of fertility or reproductive problems. 

· Young does and ewe lambs are not recommended to be synchronized with VIPS. 

· Maiden yearlings may be less responsive to sponging by 50%.

Directions: 

· Pre-dip VIPS with neomycin antibiotic solution (Biosolâ) to help reduce vaginal discharge. (Can be purchased from a farm store or a veterinarian) 

· Use plenty of sterile KY lubricant on plastic vaginal speculum (20 cc syringe case with end cut out works well) to place VIPS into the vagina.  Use the plunger or another device to push the VIPS into the vagina and remove the speculum.  Proper placement of VIPS is 5-6 inches inside the female close to the cervix.  Virgin females may have a persistent membrane making it difficult to place VIPS properly.  Use gentle force and pressure with your fingers to push the VIPS through the vaginal canal just past the stricture and near the cervix.  A 20cc plastic syringe case with a tapered end is useful to help dilated the vaginal stricture in virgin females.  The cut speculum can then be used for easier placement of VIPS.  Some blood and mucus may be noted on speculum after removal.  This might cause the VIPS to adhere to the vaginal wall.  

·  Leave VIPS in 12-16 days.  Look at chart for breeding schedule.  

· Pull VIPS and give 2.5-5 cc of PG 600 or 600 IU of PMSG per female.  Dosage depends on size of female, breed, and season.  Larger ewes, (breedstock type) or less fertile breeds will receive a higher dose than the club lamb ewes in early fall.  Otherwise use 5cc/female.  Higher doses of PG600 can result in triplets or quads.  Typically 3 cc is the perfect dose for ewes to lamb twins in December or January. 

· Females will come into estrus 24-48 hours later.  Typically after 36 hours.

Suggestions:

· Females with a history of fertility problems or if no estrus is seen after 48 hours give 2 cc of estrumate.  Estrus should occur 2-4 days later.  If no signs of estrus, another injection of 2 cc estrumate should be given 10 days after the first injection.  Cystorelin can also be given if the ewe does not respond to the estrumate injections. This maybe repeated weekly, alternating drugs until estrus is seen.   You may opt not to treat non-responding ewes with any hormones.  They should come in to estrus on their own within about 30 days.

Disclaimers:

· All Rams should be semen checked 20-60 days before scheduled breeding season.  Rams are responsible for 5o% of the conception process.  VIPS are only a tool to help cycle sheep & goats out of season.  There are many other factors that can affect its success. 

· Spring and out season breeding is less optimal for some breeds.  For springtime breeding, expect about 50% conception with response to VIPS.  Often ewes will not recycle back in the off season. 

· VIPS are less effective after ewes have already started cycling in the fall or exposed to a ram.  Rams that are in visual sight of ewe prior to breeding also decrease their effectiveness. 

· Improper placement of VIPS can result in losing the VIPS before 2 weeks are up.  Consult with Dr. Flanders for next treatment. 

.