Effects of Post-Coital 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Administration on Reproductive Performance in Captive Female African Giant Pouched Rats (Cricetomys gambianus)

Fonkem Séverin (Department of Biological Sciences Applied to Agriculture, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ebolowa)
Fonou Tadiesse Lavoisier (Department of Agroecology and agronomic sciences, Higher institute of Agriculture, wood, water resources and environment, University of Bertoua)
Vemo Narcisse Bertin (Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea)
Mama Mouchili (Department of Biological Sciences Applied to Agriculture, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ebolowa)
Takam Mbogne Boris Igor (Institute of Agricultural Research for Development)
Fopa Foda Constant (Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang)
Kouamo Justin (Department of surgery and pathological anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere)
Kenfack Augustave (Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang)

Journal of Applied Veterinary Science and Technology
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): October 2026

Background: African giant pouched rats are largely hunted and consumed in most African countries, leading to their rarity in the wildlife. Their breeding remains a major challenge with low reproductive success. Purpose: The present study aimed to determine the optimal post coital administration period of HPC that could maximize reproductive performances of FAGPR in captivity. Method: After mating, females of 8 months old were randomly distributed to three groups of 8 animals, housed singly with free access to water and feed. Each female was administered daily, an intramuscular injection of 16mg/kg bw of HPC. Group 1 was treated from day 3 to day 27, group 2 from day 3 to day 7, whereas group 3 received injections from day 7 to day 27 post coitus. Animals were observed until parturition, and reproductive performance was evaluated. Results: Pregnancy duration significantly increased (p<0.05) in group 1 (32.25±2.43 days) as compared to groups 2 (29.2±0.63 days) and 3 (29.83±0.98 days). Group 2 recorded the lowest fertile mating rate (85.93%) as compared to group 1 (100%) and 3 (93.75%). The stillbirth rate significantly increased (p<0.05) in groups 2 (8.3±3.24%) and 3 (7.06±1.03%) as compared to group 1 (3.57±1.84%). Litter size was significantly lower (p<0.05) in group 2 (5.4±0.86) compared to others groups. The highest viability of kids (89.88±9.26%) was observed in group 1 as compared to groups 2 (82.95±7.93%) and 3 (79.2±5.32%). Conclusion: The optimal administration period of HPC in FAGPR was extended from day 3 to day 27 post coitus for better reproductive success in captive breeding.