Follicular dynamics prior to and during superovulation in heifers.

The present ultrasonographic study examined the relationship between certain follicular parameters and the superovulatory response in gonadotropin-stimulated heifers. Thirty heifers received a total of 35 mg FSH twice daily for 4 d and 0.75 mg cloprostenol were given to induce luteolysis and estrus at 72 h after the initial FSH injection. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed once daily from 1 or 2 d before the initial FSH injection and until the day of estrus. The number of small (2 to 4 mm), medium (5 to 9 mm), and large (>/=10 mm) size follicles as well as the diameter of the large follicles were recorded. Embryos were recovered non-surgically 6 or 7 d after estrus, and the number of corpora lutea was determined by palpation per rectum. Heifers with >2 or </=2 corpora lutea were classified as responders or nonresponders, respectively. All follicular categories were affected by treatment with FSH in the responders (P<0.0001), while in the nonresponders only small follicles and the total number of follicles showed a change after treatment (P<0.05). All follicular categories were different between the 2 groups (P<0.005). There was no effect of corpus luteum location (ipsilateral vs contralateral) on any of the follicular categories (P>0.05). The number of large follicles and the sum of medium and large follicles were positively correlated (r=0.43 and r=0.54, respectively; P<0.05) with the number of corpora lutea palpated on the day of embryo recovery (6 to 7 d after estrus). In conclusion, there was an effect of the day relative to initiation of FSH treatment on all follicular categories in heifers responding positively to superovulation, and there was no effect of side (left or right ovary) or of corpus luteum diameter (ipsilateral or contralateral).