The 1st, the 2nd and the 3rd groups were treated with 500 IU PMSG 24 h prior to sponge withdrawal, at sponge withdrawal and 24 h after sponge withdrawal, respectively. The fourth groups of ewes served as a control (no PMSG treatment). Among ewes administered PMSG, 46 were injected intramuscularly while 42 were injected subcutaneously. Fertile Kivircik rams were placed with all the ewes 24 h post-sponge withdrawals for estrous detection and ewes in estrous were hand-mated.