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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:

  • Immediate LH Surge: Pituitary releases luteinizing hormone within minutes
  • Ovulation: Dominant follicle ovulates approximately 24-32 hours later
  • New Wave Initiation: After ovulation, new follicular wave begins
  • CL Formation: Ovulated follicle becomes new corpus luteum
  • Primary Uses

    Timed AI Protocols (Ovsynch):

  • First GnRH (Day 0): Ovulates dominant follicle, starts new wave
  • PGF2α (Day 7): Regresses any CL present
  • Second GnRH (Day 9, 56 hrs): Induces ovulation for timed AI
  • AI (Day 10, 16-20 hrs): Insemination timed to ovulation
  • 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:

  • Luteinize the cyst (form CL-like structure)
  • Cause cyst regression and new wave initiation
  • 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

    Advantages:
    • 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
    Considerations:
    • 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. 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?

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    About Zoetis

    Learn more about Zoetis and their complete product lineup on their company profile page.

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