Follicular dynamics, corpus luteum growth and regression in lactating dairy cattle

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging and progesterone (P 4 ) profiles were used to characterize follicular and corpus luteum (CL) growth and regression in 10 cycling dairy cows. Thirteen of sixteen cycles were characterized by two waves of follicular growth, the second wave giving rise to the ovulatory follicle. The remaining three cycles had three waves. There was no difference between two- and three-wave cycles with regard to the day of emergence of the first or second dominant follicle (day 2.5 ± 0.9 vs. day 2.4 ± 1.2 and day 12.4 ± 1.6 vs. day 12.0 ± 2.0, respectively) or the onset of regression of the first dominant follicle (day 12.5 ± 1.5 vs. day 12.3 ± 1.5). In two wave cycles, estrous cycle length was shorter (20.8 ± 1.7 d vs. 29.7 ± 4.9 d), the first day of decline in P 4 (day 16.2 ± 1.5 vs. day 23.7 ± 5.5) and the onset of CL regression (day 17.1 ± 1.3 vs. day 24.3 ± 5.5) was earlier. It is concluded that two waves of follicular growth in an estrous cycle is the norm in lactating dairy cows. The presence of an additional wave is due to a prolonged luteal phase. Key words: Follicle, corpus luteum, estrous cycle, dairy cow