Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Animal Science Research and Review

Special Circular 161-99


Effects of Exogenous Testosterone on Follicular Responsiveness to Gonadotrophins During the Luteal Phase of the Estrous Cycle in Gilts

M. B. Cunningham
W. F. Pope 1

The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences

Abstract

Seventy-eight gilts were utilized in two experiments to examine if 1 mg of testosterone, given coincident with follicular growth during the period of gonadotrophin treatment, could alter the number of accessory CL that formed. In the first experiment, PMSG was given on day 11 and hCG on day 14. In the second experiment, PMSG was given on day four and hCG on day seven. Testosterone or vehicle was injected daily beginning on the day of PMSG injection and continued for six days. When PMSG was administered at a 750 iu dosage, treating gilts with testosterone tended (P<0.09) to increase the number of accessory CL. Likewise, when PMSG was given on day four, treatment with testosterone increased (P<0.05) the number of accessory CL. These data suggest that follicular development during the luteal phase in gilts might be dependent on the amount of available testosterone substrate.

1For more information, contact at: The Ohio State University, 329 Plumb Hall, 2027 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210; 614-292-3943; e-mail: pope.2@osu.edu


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