Resumo

AYALA GUANGA, Luis Eduardo et al. Size of Ovulation Follicle and Corpus Luteum, and Blood Progesterone in Heifers Receiving Embryos from Three Cattle Breeds Grazing, in Ecuador. Rev. prod. anim. [online]. 2017, vol.29, n.2, pp. 65-72. ISSN 2224-7920.

The aim of this paper was to determine the size of the pre-ovulation follicle in the corpus luteum, and in blood progesterone on the sixth and twelfth days after ovulation, in Holstein, Brown, Swiss and Criolla breeds grazing on Ecuadoran Highlands. The size of the pre ovulation follicle and corpus luteum, and the levels of blood progesterone were determined on days sixth and twelfth, in nine heifers from each breed. Assessment of ovarian structures was made by ultrasound scanning. The concentration of blood progesterone was determined by electrochemiluminescence. The pre ovulation follicle in Criolla heifers was larger (14.6 ± 0.41 mm) than in Holstein (12.7 ±0.47 mm), and in Brown Swiss (12.7 ± 0.65 mm). Progesterone concentration on days six and twelve after ovulation of Criolla heifers (11.0 ± 1.68 ng/ml, and 18.4 ± 2.04 ng/ml, respectively) was higher than for Holstein and Brown Swiss. The linear association values were high and significant (P < 0.05), in the pre ovulation follicle, corpus luteum and progesterone, in Holstein and Brown Swiss. It was demonstrated that for every additional millimeter above the Criolla mean on the sixth day, 1.67 ng/ml more of progesterone was generated in Criolla heifers (P < 0.05) than in the rest. It was concluded that the Criolla heifers had higher progesterone levels than Holstein and Brown Swiss on the sixth and twelfth days, thus producing better conditions in the uterus and lower early embryo losses.

Palavras-chave : dairy cattle; ovary; follicle dynamics; estrus cycle; breeding; blood progesterone.

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