The development and use of Fluorogestone acetate for oestrus (estrus) control in sheep
Introduction
Fluorogestone Acetate (also known as Flurogestone Acetate, Flugestone Acetate, Fluorogesterone Acetate) was first synthesised by G. D. Searle and Company in 1959. The chemical, which has progestogen activity, was identified as SC-9880. The use of SC-9880 in an intravaginal device for the control and synchronization of oestrus in sheep was described by Wishart (1967) of G.D. Serle & Co.
SC-9880 was trialed extensively in Australia by Robinson and others and reported in The Control of the Ovarian Cycles in the Sheep ed T.J. Robinson 1967 Sydney University Press.
Fluorogestone acetate showed a high potency with short duration of activity and performed physiologically similar to progesterone (Robinson 1967). FGA was approximately 20 – 25 times more potent than progesterone (Robinson 1967). Flurogestone acetate was shown to be readily absorbed from impregnated sponges (Robinson 1967). A 30mg impregnated sponge was effective in blocking ovulation and oestrus, once the sponge was removed impregnated ewes showed visible oestrus, and if inseminated 2 to 4 days after sponge removal showed high conception rates (Robinson 1967).
The use of an impregnated sponge for the control of the estrous cycle using flurogestone acetate was described in US patent 3,916,898 (1975).
References
Robinson T.J (1967) The control of the Ovarian Cycle in the Sheep. Sydney University Press. Conclusions pages 237 – 244.
US Patent 3,916,898 (1975) Administration of Medicants and the Like. T.J. Robinson
Whishart D.F (1967) Synchronisation of Oestrus in Sheep: The use of Pessaries. Vet. Rec. Sept 16th 1967, 276-287.
Pharmplex manufactures Flurogestone Acetate impregnated sponges for the synchronisation of oestrus in sheep and goats.
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