In vitro assessment of corpus luteum function in cattle following Ovsynch and CIDR ovulation synchronization protocols

Abstract

Non-lactating beef cows (N = 40) were used to determine in vitro production of progesterone by CLs collected on days 6–8, 13–15 and 19–20, following Ovsynch or CIDR ovulation synchronization protocols. Progesterone released by the CL tissues into the medium was measured after 1 h of incubation (control) and after 6 h of hormone treatments (LH, PGF2α or LH + PGF2α). In vitro progesterone production did not differ (P > 0.05) between Ovsynch and CIDR ovulation synchronization protocols. Pooled data, irrespective of ovulation synchronization treatments, showed interaction (P < 0.05) between hormone treatment and stage of CL. Key words: Corpus luteum, progesterone, cows, ovulation synchronization