Abstract
Changes in the progesterone profile after mating are critical for the establishment of pregnancy in sheep. Studies in ovariectomised ewes have shown that low pre-luteal levels are required from immediately after oestrus until the level increases to luteal phase levels on Day 4 or 5. In intact, mated ewes, differences in embryo survival were associated with variation in the progesterone profile. Embryo survival was lower in ewes with lower levels of progesterone immediately after oestrus. Differences in progesterone level accounted for the seasonal effect on survival, and for part of the effect of number of ovulations. These observations create new opportunities for treatment with progesterone to increase embryo survival in sheep and cattle.
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© 1986 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg
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Wilmut, I., Ashworth, C.J., Sales, D.I. (1986). The Influence of Progesterone Profile on Embryo Survival in Ewes. In: Sreenan, J.M., Diskin, M.G. (eds) Embryonic Mortality in Farm Animals. Current Topics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, vol 34. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5038-2_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5038-2_10
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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