Ovarian activity at naturally attained oestrus in the sow. An ultrasonographic and LH study.

In 6 multiparous crossbred sows (2nd to 4th parity, Swedish Landrace x Swedish Yorkshire), 15 proosestrous-oestrous periods during 2 oestrous cycles were studied after weaning. The animals were controlled for oestrus, and the follicular growth and ovulation in their ovaries were followed by transrectal ultrasonography. Blood was sampled through indwelling catheters for analyses of LH and progesterone (P4). The duration of oestrus (standing reflex) was 47 +/- 12.4 h, and the interval from onset of standing reflex until the end of ovulation was 39 +/- 12.4 h (range 20-64 h). The LH peak concentration was 3.7 +/- 0.8 microgram/l, and the interval from LH peak level until ovulation was 23 +/- 8.4 h (range 8-32 h). The onset of standing reflex occurred in average 13 h before the LH peak level (range -4 - +36 h). The peripheral plasma concentration of P4 showed a normal cyclic pattern in all animals. Low levels (mean levels, 1.1-1.3 nmol/l) were seen during prooestrus and oestrus, high mean levels were found on days 10-16 (45-75 nmol/l) in the oestrous cycle. It was concluded that for an accurate determination of ovulation, each animal has to be examined repeatedly. Ultrasonography is a most valuable tool for this purpose.