Robust Luteolysis of Corpus Luteum in Cyclic Ewes with Castor Beans

Objective: To study a probable luteolytic effect of castor beans in ewes and find which part of the bean is effective. Methods: in experiment I the estrous cycle of 30 desert ewes was synchronized with 2 im injections of 125 μg PGF2 α, 9 days apart. Then the ewes were grouped into 3 groups: A, B and C (10 ewes each). Each ewe in group A was fed 2-4 gm of whole castor beans on day 9 of the estrous cycle (T1) and each ewe in group B was fed 6-8 gm (T2). Group C was left to cycle naturally to serve as a control. Experiment II investigated the effective portion of castor beans. The testae (outer shells) of 8 gm castor beans were removed and separated from the decorticated part. Then 10 cyclic ewes were divided into 2 groups. Group I (n=5) were fed the decorticated castor beans and group II (n=5) were fed the castor beans’ testae. Results: A significant (p