Zoetis FACTREL
By Zoetis
Last reviewed: January 2024
FACTREL (gonadorelin) is Zoetis's GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) injection used to induce ovulation in dairy and beef cattle. As an essential component o
What is FACTREL?
FACTREL contains gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate, a synthetic analog of natural GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). GnRH is the master reproductive hormone produced by the hypothalamus that controls LH and FSH release from the pituitary gland.
Mechanism of Action
When injected, FACTREL causes:
Primary Uses
Timed AI Protocols (Ovsynch):
Ovarian Cyst Treatment:
Follicular cysts occur when dominant follicles fail to ovulate due to inadequate LH surge. FACTREL provides the LH signal needed to either:
Post-Breeding Supplementation:
Some protocols include GnRH at breeding to ensure ovulation timing and potentially improve conception rates.
Key Features
- Synthetic GnRH: Gonadorelin provides reliable LH release for ovulation induction
- 2 mL Dose: Standard 100 mcg dose delivered in convenient volume
- IM or IV Administration: Labeled for both intramuscular and intravenous injection
- Rapid Action: LH surge occurs within 2 hours of injection
- Multi-Dose Vials: 20-mL vial provides 10 doses for group treatment
Advanced Features
- Ovarian Synchronization: First GnRH "resets" the ovarian cycle for protocol synchrony
- Cyst Resolution: Effective treatment for follicular cysts without surgery
- Wave Control: Predictably initiates new follicular wave for protocol timing
- CL Enhancement: May improve CL function when given at breeding
- Short Half-Life: Rapid metabolism minimizes systemic effects
Ideal For
Competitive Advantages
What sets FACTREL apart from alternatives:
- FACTREL advantages: 1. **Zoetis Quality**: Consistent potency and sterility 2. **Proven Protocols**: Cornerstone of Ovsynch and related programs for decades 3. **Cyst Treatment**: FDA-approved indication for ovarian cysts 4. **Portfolio Integration**: Works with LUTALYSE/LUTALYSE HighCon and EAZI-BREED CIDR 5. **Technical Support**: Zoetis reproduction specialists available for protocol design
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for FACTREL:
Pros & Considerations
- Essential component of proven timed AI protocols
- Effective treatment for ovarian follicular cysts
- Well-established safety profile
- No milk or meat withdrawal
- Predictable ovulation response
- Requires precise timing in protocols
- Must be refrigerated
- Response depends on follicular status at injection
- Not effective for luteal cysts (need PG instead)
- Relatively short shelf life once opened
Implementation & Setup
How to implement FACTREL on your dairy operation:
Training & Support
Training and support options available for FACTREL:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating FACTREL:
- 1. What timed AI protocol are we currently using or considering? 2. What is our incidence of ovarian cysts? 3. How do we track protocol compliance and timing? 4. Are we achieving expected conception rates with current program? 5. Do we have refrigeration for GnRH storage? 6. Are personnel trained on precise protocol timing? 7. What is our current GnRH product and cost? 8. How quickly are cystic cows identified and treated?