PMSG / eCG (Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin): veterinary dose and monograph

At a glance

Drug class

Veterinary drug

Also known as

Folligon, Equine chorionic gonadotrophin, eCG

Species with doses

Cattle and Buffalo

Routes

IM

Last reviewed

1 October 2026

Indications

• Anoestrus in cattle / buffalo (follicular stimulation)
• Superovulation for embryo transfer (cattle / buffalo days 8–13 of cycle)
• Synchronisation after progestagen treatment (CIDR / PRID withdrawal)
• Out-of-season breeding in sheep and goats

PMSG / eCG (Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin) dose by species

Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them.

Cattle

• Anoestrus (cattle / buffalo): Label-sourced (Folligon, 1000 IU vial reconstituted to 200 IU/mL): 500–1000 IU IM (2.5–5 mL). eCG/PMSG has no monograph in Papich 5e or Plumb’s. Follow the local label.
• Superovulation (embryo transfer): Label-sourced (Folligon): 1500–3000 IU IM between days 8 and 13 of the cycle, followed by a prostaglandin 48 h later. Not in Papich 5e or Plumb’s.
• Post-progestagen synchronisation: Label-sourced (Folligon): 300–750 IU IM at progestagen (CIDR/PRID) removal. Not in Papich 5e or Plumb’s.

Horses

• No reference dose for this species: The previous row gave no dose (‘consult species-specific reference’). eCG/PMSG products such as Folligon are not labelled for mares, and neither Papich 5e nor Plumb’s has a PMSG monograph.

Goats

• No reference dose for this species: No eCG/PMSG dose for goats is given in Papich 5e, Plumb’s or the product catalogue used; follow the local product label.

Sheep

• No reference dose for this species: No eCG/PMSG dose for sheep is given in Papich 5e, Plumb’s or the product catalogue used; follow the local product label.

Buffalo

• Anoestrus / follicular stimulation / synchronisation: Folligon labels buffalo with cattle: 500–1000 IU IM for anoestrus/summer subfertility; 300–750 IU at progestagen (CIDR) withdrawal. Buffalo are seasonally anoestrous — PMSG is a common component of Indian buffalo breeding protocols.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity. Caution in animals with existing ovarian cysts (may worsen). Anti-PMSG antibodies form on repeated use — alternate with other gonadotrophins for chronic protocols.

Species-specific warnings

Cattle: Superovulation doses (1500–3000 IU) carry hyperstimulation risk — confirm reproductive history and follicular status first.

Sheep: Standard tool for out-of-season breeding alongside progestagen sponges.

Goats: Same protocol as sheep — 250–500 IU IM at sponge removal.

Adverse effects

• Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation if dose is excessive
• Anti-PMSG antibodies on repeated use — diminishing response over time

Pregnancy and lactation

Not given to pregnant animals — purpose is to stimulate cyclic activity. Zero milk / meat withdrawal per catalogue.

Monitoring

• Trans-rectal ultrasound at 24–48 h post-injection to assess follicular response
• Track oestrus expression in ewes / does within 24–60 h after sponge removal
• Watch for hyperstimulation if higher superovulation doses are used

Clinical pearls

• Sheep / goat out-of-season breeding: 250–500 IU IM at sponge removal works in most flocks
• Cattle superovulation for embryo transfer: 1500–3000 IU IM between days 8–13 of cycle, followed by PGF2α at day 12–13
• Anti-PMSG antibodies build up over repeated cycles — alternate with FSH-only preparations for chronic donor cows
• Zero milk / meat withdrawal makes PMSG production-friendly

Mechanism of action

Glycoprotein hormone with prolonged FSH-like activity and weaker LH-like activity. Long plasma half-life (~24–48 h) — a single injection drives follicular recruitment and growth over several days. The FSH:LH bias is what makes PMSG/eCG the gonadotrophin of choice for superovulation and out-of-season induction.

Formulations and products

• Folligon 1000 IU lyophilized vial (MSD) — reconstitute to 5 mL = 200 IU/mL
• Folligon (MSD Animal Health) — 1000 IU per vial (lyophilized), Lyophilized injection — reconstitute with 5 mL solvent → 200 IU/mL

Storage

Lyophilized vials: 2–8 °C, protected from light. Reconstituted solution: refrigerate, use within 24 h.

Before you use this dose

Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision.

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• Pentoxifylline
• Pergolide
• Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)
• Phytonadione (Vitamin K1)
• Potassium Bromide (KBr)
• Pralidoxime (2-PAM)
• Prazosin
• Prednisone

Frequently asked questions