Relationships Among Metabolites Influencing Ovarian Function in the Dairy Cow

¹ Department of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee 3030, Australia
² Bovine Research Australasia, PO Box 660, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
³ Department of Animal Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia

Time series analysis was used to evaluate relationships between the uptake of metabolites, ovarian blood flow, arterial LH concentrations, and the output of steroid hormones by the ovary. There were no significant correlations between cholesterol uptake and progesterone output; therefore, cholesterol uptake was not a factor that immediately limited progesterone output. Although no significant correlations were found between cholesterol and oxygen uptake, significant cross-correlations between the uptake of glucose and oxygen by the ovary at lag 0 indicated some immediate oxidation of glucose. This result strongly indicates that glucose is a major source of energy for the bovine ovary. Arterial LH concentrations had little influence on ovarian metabolism. The examination of interrelationships among factors that influence ovarian function was useful in identifying factors that can limit ovarian activity.

Key Words: metabolites • glucose • ovary • dairy cattle

Submitted on November 4, 1996
Accepted on September 9, 1998

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