Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is used to control and enhance reproductive processes in livestock and small animals.

INDICATIONS

• Induction of Superovulation: This is the most common use in livestock, particularly in beef and dairy heifers and cows, for embryo transfer programs. FSH is administered to stimulate the development of multiple ovarian follicles, rather than the single follicle that would normally mature during a natural cycle.
• Induction of a Fertile Estrus (Heat): FSH has been used to induce a fertile estrus in anestrous bitches (dogs) and queens (cats), allowing for planned breeding or artificial inseination in non-cycling females.
• Stimulation of Spermatogenesis: In male animals, FSH plays a role in stimulating the process of sperm production within the testes, and exogenous FSH may be used to address related reproductive issues, although this is less common in clinical practice compared to female applications.
• Research and Reproductive Technologies: FSH is a key component in various animal reproductive technologies and research for improving breeding efficiency and genetic traits across several domestic species. 

ADMINISTRATION

• Reconstitution: Freeze-dried FSH powder is dissolved with a sterile solvent.
• Injection Schedule: Typically given twice daily (every 12 hours) for 4 consecutive days.
• Dosing: A decreasing dose schedule is common, starting higher and reducing over the days (e.g., 2.5 mL of reconstituted solution).
• Aseptic Technique: Strict aseptic technique is crucial to prevent contamination.
• Location: Injections are usually given in the neck region for cattle to avoid blemishes in high-quality meat cuts.
• Concurrent Treatments: Often combined with prostaglandin (PGF2α) and progesterone devices (like CIDRs) for synchronized estrus.