A Mathematical Model of Estradiol Production from Ultrasound Data for Bovine Ovarian Follicles

In this paper, we present a new way to assess the concentration of estradiol (E2) and Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF) based on the results from ultrasound scans combined with mathematical models. The IGF1 model is based on the progesterone (P4) concentration, which can be estimated with models calculating P4 level based on the size/volume of corpus luteum (CL) measured during ultrasound scans. At this moment little is known about the underlying reasons for double ovulation and silent heat occurrences. Both of these are linked to the level of IGF1: double ovulations are linked to higher IGF1 levels and and silent heat is linked to lower E2 to P4 ratio. These models can help to improve understanding of the related concentrations of E2 and IGF1. Currently, it is known that diet and genetic factors have an impact on ovulation rates and silent heat. In this study, we also examine the decline of the production of E2 in vivo by atretic follicles throughout the process of atresia. This is the first recorded quantitative description of this decline.