7 October، 2025
A master’s thesis presented by “Mohammed Raed Zaki”, titled “The Effect of Using Different Hormonal Treatments after Estrus Synchronization on the number of births in ewes’
Master’s Thesis Defense at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery and Animal Reproduction
A master’s thesis defense was held at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Department of Surgery and Animal Reproduction, titled “The Effect of Using Different Hormonal Treatments after Estrus Synchronization on the number of births in ewes” by student Mohammed Raed Zaki, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Mohammed Abdul-Ilah Aziz, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The examination committee consisted of the following members:
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Ziyad Makram Yousif (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Chairman
- Asst. Prof. Ali Jadaan Ali (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Member
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Ali Saeed Hamdi (College of Pharmacy – University of Mosul) – Member
- Prof. Dr. Mohammed Abdul-Ilah Aziz Rahawi (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Member and Supervisor.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administering human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and progesterone on the fourth day after estrus synchronization on the reproductive performance of ewes, as well as to determine the relationship between these hormonal treatments and serum progesterone concentrations.
Estrus was synchronized in 32 ewes using vaginal sponges, and the animals were randomly divided into four groups: control, hCG, GnRH, and progesterone groups. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted using an ultrasound scanner.
The results showed an improvement in reproductive performance (estrus response, conception rate, and litter size) in all treated groups compared with the control group. The probability of twin births increased by 4.58 times in the hCG-treated group.
It was concluded that administration of hCG on the fourth day after estrus synchronization stimulates early corpus luteum formation, thereby improving reproductive performance, increasing the number of offspring, and elevating serum progesterone levels in ewes.
After the student defended his thesis confidently and scientifically and after the committee’s discussion, the thesis was approved. Congratulations to the researcher, the supervisor, the college, and the Department of Surgery and Animal Reproduction on this scientific achievement. Best wishes to the discussion committee.
This defense contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
