Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a pharmaceutical intervention in neonatal to infantile pigs, ruminants, and other livestock that inhibits the activation of the HPG axis, growth of the gonads and inhibits gonadal production of sex hormones, which will prevent the estrous cycle until the age at slaughter. The invention comprises treatment with estrogen or estrogen in combination with androgen in the newborn to infantile females using extended drug delivery methods, with a defined duration of between 1-4 months or infantile period of growth, for the purpose of the prevention of the estrous cycle in female production animals. The drug delivery component may consist of biocompatible polymers in the form of pellets, microspheres, or gels, or in solvents or solutions (hereafter, drug complex). The invention embodies neonatal to infantile period treatment with a drug complex consisting of a hormone-based compound configured to inhibit development and function of hypothalamic Kisspeptin neurons, pituitary release of luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone and postnatal development of the ovary through the use of sustained but temporary release of the compounds into the body of an animal once the drug-carrier has been injected or implanted therein.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim