Progestin and estrogen regulation of pulsatile LH release and development of persistent ovarian follicles in cattle.

When doses of progestin used commercially are administered to synchronize the stage of the estrous cycle among bovine females, fertility is reduced compared with that of untreated controls. The reduced fertility that results from the use of progestin based estrus synchrony regimens is associated with the development of persistent ovarian follicles. Persistent ovarian follicles develop as a result of the greater frequency of LH pulses that occurs during the period of treatment with progestins. The greater release of LH pulses results in enhanced secretion of 17 beta-estradiol from persistent ovarian follicles. The greater frequency of LH release or the greater secretion of 17 beta-estradiol associated with development of persistent ovarian follicles probably contributes to the reduced fertility that occurs when progestins are used to synchronize stage of the estrous cycle.