Progress in understanding ovarian follicular dynamics in cattle

The study of follicular dynamics began in the mid-20th century, but progress has been particularly rapid in the last two decades through the use of tools that have enabled serial, non-invasive examination. A brief overview of early oogenesis and folliculogenesis is provided as a backdrop to the evolution of our understanding of follicular dynamics during the bovine estrous cycle. Studies to date support the concept that the pair of ovaries acts as a single unit and influences follicular development primarily via systemic endocrine routes involving ovarian and uterine products, the gonadotropins, and their receptors. Dominant and subordinate follicles pass through growing, static and regressing phases that have distinct morphologic and biochemical characteristics; these changes are the basis of efforts focused on diagnosing and manipulating follicular status. An update of research progress highlights recent findings on the repeatability (predictability) within individuals of follicle recruitment and wave pattern (two- versus three-wave cycles), the relationship between oocyte competence and follicular status, and the dynamics of small follicles. Recent studies documented that wave emergence and follicular dominance are apparent earlier than previously reported, and on the basis of periodic endogenous FSH surges and the presence of FSH receptors, the hypothesis that follicles become progressively entrained to waves from the earliest stages of development is introduced. Lastly, recent studies comparing old cows and their young daughters provide a new understanding of the effects of aging on gonadotropins and ovarian steroids, follicular dynamics, ovarian response to synchronization, superstimulation, and oocyte competence.