Possibilities of the hormonal control of parturition

The present review outlines the internationally used methods of hormonal in duction of parturition and abortion as well as methods to delay parturition in sheep. The active substances (corticosteroids, oestrogens, prostaglandi nes, beta (2)-mimetika) are reviewed and the positive and negative effects of such hormonal interventions on ewe and lamb are discussed. The veterinar y-clinical indications as well as the classification of such procedures int o the lambing management are described.