Ovarian and endocrine patterns associated with reproductive abnormalities in llamas and alpacas

Ovarian activity was characterized in llamas and alpacas with hypoplastic ovaries, cystic follicles, or ovulatory failure. Ovarian follicular activity was determined by transrectal ultrasonography and urinary estrone sulfate analysis; pituitary response was determined by measurement of plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone. Llamas and alpacas with hypoplastic ovaries had follicles < or = 6 mm (minimal ovulatory size, 7 mm). Cystic follicles, defined as > 12 mm, were maintained for a mean of 9 days. Follicular activity in the ovary contralateral to the cystic follicle tended to be suppressed while the cystic follicle was present. Ovarian response to copulation in females with cystic follicles varied according to the stage of the cystic follicle. Animals with ovulatory failure did not release adequate luteinizing hormone after copulation, even though they had mature and normal follicles (8 to 12 mm). The cystic follicle syndrome appears to be temporary, whereas the syndromes involving hypoplastic ovaries and ovulatory failure may permanently affect fertility.