Long-acting neuroleptic use for reproductive management of non-domestic ungulates using the domestic goat (Capra hircus) as a model.

Fluphenazine decanoate is a long-acting phenothiazine neuroleptic that attenuates the stress response and may be useful during intensive handling for reproductive procedures in non-domestic ungulates. However, phenothiazines are also associated with elevated serum prolactin, which can suppress fertility in some species. For this study, 10 female domestic goats were used as a model for non-domestic caprids to test effects of fluphenazine decanoate on serum cortisol and reproductive cyclicity following estrus synchronization. Two identical trials were conducted during the breeding season, employing a random crossover design. First, females underwent estrus synchronization using a 14-day treatment with progesterone (330 mg; CIDR). After 7 days of CIDR exposure, the treatment group (n = 5) received fluphenazine decanoate (1.0 mg/kg IM) and controls (n = 5) received an equivalent volume of 0.9% saline IM. At CIDR withdrawal (Day 14), animals received 125 mg cloprostenol sodium to lyse any luteal tissue and synchronize estrus. Blood was collected every 2 hr from 36 hr after CIDR withdrawal until 24 hr after standing estrus, or up to 5 days to monitor stress and reproductive hormones. Serum cortisol, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay. While treatment with fluphenazine was associated with lower cortisol concentrations compared to controls (P = 0.001), 4 of the 10 treated animals experienced elevated serum prolactin, suppression of the LH surge and inhibition of ovulation. These findings suggest that long-acting neuroleptic drugs reduce the adrenal stress response, but may interfere with reproductive responses and negatively influence breeding success.