Ovarian follicular dynamics in heifers during early pregnancy

Daily ultrasonic monitoring of individual follicles was used to compare follicular wave characteristics of nonbred (n = 6) and pregnant heifers (n = 6). The dominant follicle of the first wave (Wave 1) did not differ significantly between reproductive statuses for any endpoint. The dominant follicle of Wave 2 was the ovulatory follicle in all nonbred heifers. The maximum diameter of the dominant follicle of Wave 2 was greater (p less than 0.05) for the nonbred heifers (14.8 mm) than for the pregnant heifers (13.0 mm). The dominant follicle of Wave 3 was detected later (p less than 0.003; Day 19.7 vs. Day 17.3) and reached a greater diameter (p less than 0.05; 16.6 mm vs. 12.0 mm) in the nonbred than in the pregnant heifers. On the mean day of onset of luteolysis (Day 15.2) in the nonbred heifers, the dominant follicle was similar in diameter for the two groups. Within a few days, the follicle began to regress in the pregnant heifers but maintained or increased in diameter in the nonbred heifers so that a greater maximum diameter was attained. During Days 0 70 of pregnancy, the interval from emergence of a wave to the emergence of the next wave was constant (not significantly different; mean intervals, 8.5 9.8 days). The mean maximum diameter attained by the dominant follicles differed significantly among the first 6 follicular waves; diameter was greatest for Wave 1 (15.7 mm), smallest for Waves 2 (13.1 mm) and 3 (12.6 mm), and intermediate for Waves 4 (14.0 mm), 5 (13.7 mm), and 6 (14.5 mm).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)