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Ovarian Function in Dairy Heifers Following Hysterectomy¹

Department of Animal Husbandry, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

ABSTRACT

Follicular growth, ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and luteal regression were investigated in hysterectomized dairy heifers. Simultaneous hysterectomy and corpus luteum removal were followed by relatively normal follicular growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation in five of seven heifers. These post-operative corpora lutea appeared to persist similarly to those formed prior to hysterectomy.

Corpora lutea formed prior to hysterectomy and marked for future identification at the time of hysterectomy in 12 heifers failed to regress. When these corpora lutea were examined 20 days after hysterectomy, their total progesterone content equalled that of corpora lutea removed 9–11 days postestrus. However, the persistent corpora lutea differed in that they contained appreciable levels of ⁴-pregnen-20B-ol-3-one in addition to progesterone.

Ten daily injections of crude or urea-incubated aqueous extracts of bovine hypophysial tissue did not decrease the progesterone content of the corpora lutea which persist following hysterectomy. On the contrary, administration of the crude extracts increased the total weight and progesterone content of many of the corpora lutea; extracts previously incubated with urea to inactivate the luteinizing hormone component had no stimulatory effect on the corpora.

¹ Supported in part by funds provided by the regional research project NE-41 entitled Endocrine Factors Affecting Reproduction in Dairy Cattle, a cooperative study by Agricultural Experiment Stations in the Northeast and the Dairy Husbandry Research Branch ARS-USDA.

² Present address: Department of Anatomy, University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 24, California.

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