Resumption of ovarian follicular activity and uterine involution in the postpartum llama

Resumption of ovarian follicle activity and uterine involution was studied in the post partum llama. Thirty-nine adult multiparous llamas were monitored by ultrasonography and analysis of urinary estrone sulfate for 30 d post partum at the La Raya Research Station in Peru. Uterine involution was measured in terms of reduction of length and diameter of both uterine horns. Correlation analysis was used to relate follicle size and concentration of estrone sulfate. Analysis of variance was used to determine rate of uterine involution relative to days post partum. The left ovary was palpated and scanned by Day 3 post partum in contrast to Day 1 post partum for the right ovary. Ovulatory size follicles, 7 mm, were present by Day 7.4 post partum (range 4 to 14 d). Follicle growth was detected as early as Day 4 post partum with follicle size being less during the first follicle wave (7.4 mm) compared to the second and third waves (9 to 10 mm). Concentrations of urinary estrone sulfate were positively related (P<0.05) to follicular size, but to a lesser degree during the first follicle wave (19.4 ng/mg Cr), than to the second wave (25.4 ng/mg Cr). Uterine involution, as measured by diameter, was different between the left (gravid) and right (nongravid) uterine horn (P<0.05) for the 17 d post partum, and was also different from that of control females for the 21 d post partum. Uterine involution was complete in 63% of females by Day 21 post partum.