Merck Animal Health Announces Expanded Indications For FERTAGYL For Beef Cows

Madison, NJ - Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) today announced FERTAGYL (gonadorelin) is now approved for use with closprostenol sodium to synchronize estrous cycles to allow for fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) in beef cows. Already approved for use with ESTRUMATE (cloprostenol injection) to synchronize estrous cycles to allow for FTAI in lactating dairy cows, the new label indication enables beef veterinarians and producers to use the two products on-label in their breeding program.

"Merck Animal Health is committed to providing new solutions; to provide veterinarians and cattle producers with options to advance their herd health and management protocols," says Todd Bilby, PhD, associate director of ruminant technical services. "Reproduction is the most economically important trait in beef cattle, and this two-product protocol helps simplify fertility, and will make a real impact with cattle producers."

The effectiveness of gonadorelin, the active ingredient in FERTAGYL, for use with cloprostenol sodium to synchronize estrous cycles to allow for FTAI in beef cows was demonstrated in a field study at 10 different U.S. locations.1 Pregnancy rate to FTAI was significantly higher in cows treated with gonadorelin than in cows treated with control.

FERTAGYL is easy to administer; the dosage for beef cows is 2 mL via intramuscular injection. Refer to the package insert for complete dosing instructions. FERTAGYL is available in 10-dose/20-mL and 50-dose/100-mL vials. There are many options for synchronization of estrus and ovulation, so consult your veterinarian to select an appropriate program for your operation. To learn more, visit https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/cattle.
Important Safety Information for FERTAGYL: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children.

Important Safety Information for ESTRUMATE: At 50 and 100 times the recommended dose, mild side effects may be detected in some cattle; these include increased uneasiness, slight frothing, and milk let-down. For complete information on use, withdrawal period, contraindication, adverse reactions, refer to product package insert.

Source: Merck Animal Health news release