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Effects of high levels of body condition and food intake on plasma follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and progesterone profiles around mating in Greyface ewes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

S. M. Rhind ,
I. D. Leslie ,
R. G. Gunn  and
J. M. Doney
S. M. Rhind
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PY
I. D. Leslie
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PY
R. G. Gunn
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PY
J. M. Doney
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PY
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Abstract

Two groups of 19 Border Leicester cf × Scottish Blackface 9 ewes were fed so that ewes of one group were in a very high level of body condition at mating (mean score 3·35) and had a high level of intake. Ewes of the second group were in moderately high condition (mean score 2·74) and were given a live-weight maintenance ration. Ewes in the high group had a higher ovulation rate than those of the moderate group (3·36 v. 2·33) but a lower number of embryos per ewe mated (1·16 v. 1·42). Mean follicle stimulating hormone profiles were similar for ewes of the two groups during the luteal and follicular phases of the cycle before mating and during the subsequent oestrus. Mean prolactin concentrations were higher in ewes of the high group during the follicular phase and oestrus but not during the luteal phase. Mean luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were higher in ewes of the high group during the follicular phase and oestrus but not during the luteal phase. Mean LH concentrations were similar for the two groups at all times but the frequency of LH pulses was higher in the high group during the follicular phase.

Ewes that were not pregnant at slaughter had abnormal progesterone profiles following mating, abnormal pre-ovulatory LH surges or failed to show oestrus. These abnormalities were not related to gonadotrophin profiles prior to oestrus.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 43 , Issue 1 , August 1986 , pp. 101 - 107
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1986

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References

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