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Hormones of reproduction in farm animals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

G. Jenkin
Affiliation:
ARC Institute of Animal PhysiologyBabraham, Cambridge, CB2 4AT.
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Extract

Profiles of the blood concentration of the hormones of reproduction during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy have now been described in all farm animals. Advances in this field have been facilitated by the advent of highly sensitive radioimmunoassays of steroid and protein hormones in biological fluids (see Jaffe and Behrman, 1974). This paper summarizes the hormone changes that are normally associated with ovulation, the establishment and maintenance of gestation, and the onset of parturition. Emphasis will be given to progesterone and oestrogen in view of their important role in gestation and because we shall consider later the possible diagnostic or predictive value of their concentrations in the assessment of reproductive performance.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 1978

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References

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