Influence of follicle stimulating hormone on ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate in Romney ewes

N. Hudson, K.P. McNatty, K. Ball, M. Gibb, D. Heath, S. Lun, L. Kieboom and K.M. Henderson

Wallaceville Animal Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Upper Hutt

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1985, 45: 51-54

The aim of this study was to examine the temporal relationships between FSH concentrations in blood and their effects on ovarian follicular viability, oestradiol synthesis and ovulation rates in Romney ewes.

Collectively, the results showed that: (1) the number of non-atretic antral follicles (>/-1mm diameter) in sheep ovaries is influenced by plasma FSH concentrations; (2) the level of follicular oestradiol biosynthesis can be enhanced by FSH supplementation; and (3) sustained elevations of plasma FSH concentrations for 24 but not 6 h within 48 h of the onset of luteolysis significantly enhance the ovulation rate in Romney ewes.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Follicle viability; oestradiol synthesis; granulosal cells; corpora lutea.

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Last Updated 03-05-1997