July 13, 2020

Merck's Fertagylgets expanded indications for use in beef cattle fertility

Fertagyl (gonadorelin) is now approved for use with closprostenol sodium to synchronise estrous cycles to allow for fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) in beef cows, the Bovine Veterinarian reports.

The drug was previously approved for use with estrumate (cloprostenol injection) to synchronise estrous cycles to allow for FTAI in lactating dairy cows.

"Merck Animal Health is committed to providing new solutions; to provide veterinarians and cattle producers with options to advance their herd health and management protocols," says Todd Bilby, PhD, associate director of ruminant technical services. "Reproduction is the most economically important trait in beef cattle, and this two-product protocol helps simplify fertility, and will make a real impact with cattle producers."

The effectiveness of gonadorelin, the active ingredient in Fertagyl, for use with cloprostenol sodium to synchronise estrous cycles to allow for FTAI in beef cows was demonstrated in a field study at 10 different locations in the United States. Pregnancy rate to FTAI was significantly higher in cows treated with gonadorelin than in cows treated with control.

More information is available at https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/cattle