Microtechnology for Hormone Release in Programmed Animal Reproduction

Abstract

The control of the estrous cycle and ovulation in bovine breeders significantly improves the livestock cattle business. Controlled hormone release from biocompatible, biodegradable and injectable microbeads is a promising technology for drug intervention programs to control the estrous cycle of cattle. Microbeads loaded with progesterone were obtained using polyvinyl alcohol and dropping/gelling technique as polymer matrix and microencapsulation technology, respectively. The effects of chemical composition, release medium and the dissolution-diffusion processes of progesterone through the matrix were studied. In-vitro results for hormone release are presented.