superovulation

Superovulation is a process in reproductive biology where an individual produces an unusually large number of eggs during a single estrous cycle. This is typically induced artificially using hormonal treatments. The primary goal of superovulation is to maximize the number of oocytes (eggs) available for collection, usually for assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or embryo transfer. In domestic animals, it is widely used in breeding programs to increase the number of offspring from genetically superior individuals.

The hormonal treatment usually involves administering gonadotropins, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to stimulate the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries. This is often followed by a dose of luteinizing hormone (LH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce ovulation. The timing of these hormone injections is critical and depends on the species and the individual's reproductive cycle. Once ovulation is imminent, the eggs are retrieved, either surgically or non-surgically.

Superovulation has been successfully applied in a variety of species, including cattle, sheep, horses, and pigs. It plays a significant role in livestock improvement by allowing for the rapid dissemination of desirable genetic traits. In research settings, superovulation is used to obtain a larger number of embryos for various experimental purposes, such as studying developmental biology or creating genetically modified animals. While generally safe, there are potential risks associated with the hormonal treatments and the egg retrieval procedures.