Effect of purified llama ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) on ovarian function in cattle

Two experiments were designed to determine the effect of purified ovulation inducing factor (OIF) on ovarian function in cattle. In Experiment 1, prepubertal heifers (n = 11 per group) were treated on Day 5 (Day 0 = day of follicular wave emergence) of the follicular wave with an intramuscular dose of saline (1 mL), GnRH (100 μg), or purified OIF (1 mg/100 kg body weight). Ovulation occurred in 9/11 heifers treated with GnRH, and 1/11 heifers in each of the OIF- and saline-treated groups (P < 0.05). Compared to saline-treated controls, OIF treatment was associated with a smaller dominant follicle diameter (P < 0.01), a rise in plasma FSH concentration (P < 0.1), and earlier emergence of the next follicular wave (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, sexually mature heifers were given either GnRH or purified OIF on Days 3, 6 or 9 of the first follicular wave (i.e., early growing, early static, or late static phase of the dominant follicle; n = 5 per group per day), or were untreated (n = 10). In heifers treated with OIF on Day 6, the dominant follicle diameter profile tended to be smaller than in controls, and was associated with a rise (P < 0.05) in plasma FSH concentrations. A similar rise in FSH was detected after OIF treatment on Day 9. Compared to untreated controls, treatment with OIF and GnRH was associated with a larger CL diameter (Days 3 and 6 groups; P < 0.05) and a greater concentration of plasma progesterone (Days 6 and 9 groups; P < 0.05). Treatment with purified OIF did not induce ovulation in heifers, but hastened new follicular wave emergence in prepubertal heifers, influenced follicular dynamics in a phase-specific manner in mature heifers, and was luteotrophic.