In this study we compared the effect of dinoprost and cloprostenol on changes of corpus luteum blood flow during luteolysis. Ten nonlactating cyclic ewes were synchronized with double PGF2α injections 11 days apart. At Day 10, the animals were classified into 2 groups and received the third dose of PGF2α after confirmation of the presence of a mature CL. The first group received (12.5 mg/im) dinoprost and the second group received (250 μg/im) cloprostenol. A color Doppler ultrasound scan was performed by the same operator according to the following timeline: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours, then every 24 hours until Day 4). The size, morphology, and blood flow of the CL was evaluated during the regression. The results showed that regression of the CL did not differ between the dinoprost and cloprostenol groups. There was no significant effect on diameter of the CL in both groups, though the size of the CL decreased gradually and slowly. Pretreatment progesterone concentration did not differ between groups. The results showed that the nitric oxide level was significantly increased within half an hour after the dinoprost treatment, and was significantly decreased in the cloprostenol group after half an hour. The blood velocity was increased significantly half an hour after the dinoprost treatment and it was decreased in the cloprostenol-treated group. In conclusion, both cloprostenol and dinoprost affect CL by controlling the nitric oxide level and blood supply of the CL via different mechanisms to induce luteolysis.

The effect of energy supplementation for a short period on follicuar turnover and estrogen concentration during the estrus cycle in subtorpics was studied in 13 ewes (7 ewes subjected to high energy, HEG and 6 as normal energy group, NEG). After ovulation (Day 0), a high-energy diet (10.87MJ ME/kg diet; 130 % of maintenance) was fed to HEG from Day 1 to Day 4 after ovulation and from Day 8 to Day 11 of the cycle (4 days each). The high-energy diet consisted of 850 g concentrate mixture and 150 g alfalfa hay, plus ad libitum access to wheat straw. The NEG was offered as maintenance diet throughout the experiment. Follicular development was observed ultrasonographically every other day while blood samples were collected daily throughout the experiment for the analysis of albumin, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, total proteins, estrogen and progesterone. Transient feeding of high-energy ration during early and mid luteal phase of estrous cycle significantly influenced the concentration of glucose and some metabolic profiles. A marked rise in the concentrations of glucose appeared in response to the intermittent nutritional stimulus. Mean plasma concentrations of glucose were significantly (P 0.05) higher in the HEG than in the NEG on almost all days during treatment period. For ovarian performance, the total number of medium and large follicles that developed on the day prior to the 2nd ovulation in the HEG (3.5±0.17) was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.87±0.26). Ovulation rate (2.8±1.0) in the HEG was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.15±0.6). No significant difference was detected in the concentrations of progesterone and estrogen throughout the experiment between groups except for E2 peak concentration on Day 8. The present experiment demonstrated that short-term intermittent nutritional stimulus in cyclic ewes increased the total number of ovulatory follicles and the ovulation rate in association with increasing plasma concentrations of glucose and peak levels of estrogen.

The effect of energy supplementation for a short period on follicuar turnover and estrogen concentration during the estrus cycle in subtorpics was studied in 13 ewes (7 ewes subjected to high energy, HEG and 6 as normal energy group, NEG). After ovulation (Day 0), a high-energy diet (10.87MJ ME/kg diet; 130 % of maintenance) was fed to HEG from Day 1 to Day 4 after ovulation and from Day 8 to Day 11 of the cycle (4 days each). The high-energy diet consisted of 850 g concentrate mixture and 150 g alfalfa hay, plus ad libitum access to wheat straw. The NEG was offered as maintenance diet throughout the experiment. Follicular development was observed ultrasonographically every other day while blood samples were collected daily throughout the experiment for the analysis of albumin, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, total proteins, estrogen and progesterone. Transient feeding of high-energy ration during early and mid luteal phase of estrous cycle significantly influenced the concentration of glucose and some metabolic profiles. A marked rise in the concentrations of glucose appeared in response to the intermittent nutritional stimulus. Mean plasma concentrations of glucose were significantly (P 0.05) higher in the HEG than in the NEG on almost all days during treatment period. For ovarian performance, the total number of medium and large follicles that developed on the day prior to the 2nd ovulation in the HEG (3.5±0.17) was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.87±0.26). Ovulation rate (2.8±1.0) in the HEG was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.15±0.6). No significant difference was detected in the concentrations of progesterone and estrogen throughout the experiment between groups except for E2 peak concentration on Day 8. The present experiment demonstrated that short-term intermittent nutritional stimulus in cyclic ewes increased the total number of ovulatory follicles and the ovulation rate in association with increasing plasma concentrations of glucose and peak levels of estrogen.

The effect of energy supplementation for a short period on follicuar turnover and estrogen concentration during the estrus cycle in subtorpics was studied in 13 ewes (7 ewes subjected to high energy, HEG and 6 as normal energy group, NEG). After ovulation (Day 0), a high-energy diet (10.87MJ ME/kg diet; 130 % of maintenance) was fed to HEG from Day 1 to Day 4 after ovulation and from Day 8 to Day 11 of the cycle (4 days each). The high-energy diet consisted of 850 g concentrate mixture and 150 g alfalfa hay, plus ad libitum access to wheat straw. The NEG was offered as maintenance diet throughout the experiment. Follicular development was observed ultrasonographically every other day while blood samples were collected daily throughout the experiment for the analysis of albumin, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, total proteins, estrogen and progesterone. Transient feeding of high-energy ration during early and mid luteal phase of estrous cycle significantly influenced the concentration of glucose and some metabolic profiles. A marked rise in the concentrations of glucose appeared in response to the intermittent nutritional stimulus. Mean plasma concentrations of glucose were significantly (P 0.05) higher in the HEG than in the NEG on almost all days during treatment period. For ovarian performance, the total number of medium and large follicles that developed on the day prior to the 2nd ovulation in the HEG (3.5±0.17) was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.87±0.26). Ovulation rate (2.8±1.0) in the HEG was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.15±0.6). No significant difference was detected in the concentrations of progesterone and estrogen throughout the experiment between groups except for E2 peak concentration on Day 8. The present experiment demonstrated that short-term intermittent nutritional stimulus in cyclic ewes increased the total number of ovulatory follicles and the ovulation rate in association with increasing plasma concentrations of glucose and peak levels of estrogen.

follicular turnover and estradiol 17-β (E2) concentration during the estrus cycle in the subtropics was studied in 13 ewes (7 ewes subjected to high energy, HEG and 6 as normal energy group, NEG). After ovulation (day 0), a high-energy diet (10.87MJ ME/kg diet; 130 % of maintenance) was fed to HEG from day 1 to day 4 after ovulation and from day 8 to Day 11 of the cycle (4 days each). The high-energy diet consisted of 850 g concentrate mixture and 150 g alfalfa hay, plus ad libitum access to wheat straw. The NEG was offered as maintenance diet throughout the experiment. Follicular development was ultrasonographically observed every other day while blood samples were collected daily throughout the experiment for the analysis of albumin, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, total proteins, E2 and progesterone (P4). Mean plasma concentrations of glucose were significantly (P 0.05) higher in the HEG animals than in the NEG ones at almost all days during the treatment period. For ovarian performance, the total number of medium and large follicles that developed on the day prior to the 2nd ovulation in the HEG ewes (3.5±0.17) was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.87±0.26) ones. Ovulation rate (2.8±1.0) in the HEG animals was significantly higher than that of the NEG counterparts (1.15±0.6). No significant difference was detected in the concentrations of P4 and E2 throughout the experiment between animals of the different groups except for E2 peak concentration on Day 8. The present experiment demonstrated that short-term intermittent nutritional stimulus in cyclic ewes increased the total number of ovulatory follicles and the ovulation rate in association with increasing plasma concentrations of glucose and peak levels of E2.

follicular turnover and estradiol 17-β (E2) concentration during the estrus cycle in the subtropics was studied in 13 ewes (7 ewes subjected to high energy, HEG and 6 as normal energy group, NEG). After ovulation (day 0), a high-energy diet (10.87MJ ME/kg diet; 130 % of maintenance) was fed to HEG from day 1 to day 4 after ovulation and from day 8 to Day 11 of the cycle (4 days each). The high-energy diet consisted of 850 g concentrate mixture and 150 g alfalfa hay, plus ad libitum access to wheat straw. The NEG was offered as maintenance diet throughout the experiment. Follicular development was ultrasonographically observed every other day while blood samples were collected daily throughout the experiment for the analysis of albumin, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, total proteins, E2 and progesterone (P4). Mean plasma concentrations of glucose were significantly (P 0.05) higher in the HEG animals than in the NEG ones at almost all days during the treatment period. For ovarian performance, the total number of medium and large follicles that developed on the day prior to the 2nd ovulation in the HEG ewes (3.5±0.17) was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.87±0.26) ones. Ovulation rate (2.8±1.0) in the HEG animals was significantly higher than that of the NEG counterparts (1.15±0.6). No significant difference was detected in the concentrations of P4 and E2 throughout the experiment between animals of the different groups except for E2 peak concentration on Day 8. The present experiment demonstrated that short-term intermittent nutritional stimulus in cyclic ewes increased the total number of ovulatory follicles and the ovulation rate in association with increasing plasma concentrations of glucose and peak levels of E2.

follicular turnover and estradiol 17-β (E2) concentration during the estrus cycle in the subtropics was studied in 13 ewes (7 ewes subjected to high energy, HEG and 6 as normal energy group, NEG). After ovulation (day 0), a high-energy diet (10.87MJ ME/kg diet; 130 % of maintenance) was fed to HEG from day 1 to day 4 after ovulation and from day 8 to Day 11 of the cycle (4 days each). The high-energy diet consisted of 850 g concentrate mixture and 150 g alfalfa hay, plus ad libitum access to wheat straw. The NEG was offered as maintenance diet throughout the experiment. Follicular development was ultrasonographically observed every other day while blood samples were collected daily throughout the experiment for the analysis of albumin, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, total proteins, E2 and progesterone (P4). Mean plasma concentrations of glucose were significantly (P 0.05) higher in the HEG animals than in the NEG ones at almost all days during the treatment period. For ovarian performance, the total number of medium and large follicles that developed on the day prior to the 2nd ovulation in the HEG ewes (3.5±0.17) was significantly higher than that of the NEG (1.87±0.26) ones. Ovulation rate (2.8±1.0) in the HEG animals was significantly higher than that of the NEG counterparts (1.15±0.6). No significant difference was detected in the concentrations of P4 and E2 throughout the experiment between animals of the different groups except for E2 peak concentration on Day 8. The present experiment demonstrated that short-term intermittent nutritional stimulus in cyclic ewes increased the total number of ovulatory follicles and the ovulation rate in association with increasing plasma concentrations of glucose and peak levels of E2.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of long-term high-protein flushing on ovarian function and metabolic status in Ossimi ewes. Fourteen cycling Ossimi ewes were divided into high protein (210 % of maintenance crude protein) or treatment group (TG; n = 7) and control group (CG; n = 7). Oestrous was synchronized by PGF2α, monitored ultrasonographically daily for two oestrous cycles. The CG fed a maintenance diet (9.5 % CP) through-out the experiment. The mean number of small (2–2.9 mm), medium (3–5 mm) ovarian follicles, and follicular waves were higher (P0.01) in ewes of TG compared to that of CG in the first and second oestrous. The size of large, subordinate and ovulatory follicles were greater (p 0.05) in ewes of TG compared to those of CG. Ewes of the TG recorded a higher (p 0.05) ovulation rate in the first cycle while, ovulation rate did not show any significant change in second oestrous. Long term flushing of high-protein ration significantly influenced the concentration of glucose and some metabolic profiles. Concentration of serum total proteins was greater at 0, 1 and 13 days, while serum total cholesterol was greater at day 0 and 1 after first oestrous (ovulation is day 0) in ewes of TG as compared to ewes of CG. Serum glucose was increased significantly (p0.05) at day 3 and 13 after first oestrous and at day 0 and 7 after second ovulation in TG when comparing to CG. There was significant (p 0.05) increase in serum concentrations of progesterone at day 13 after first oestrous in TG and at day 3 after second oestrous. The level of serum estradiol 17-β increased significantly at day 0, 1, 3, 7 and 13 in the first oestrous and at day 0 on second oestrous in TG as compared to CG. In conclusion, the long term protein flushing increased the number of small and medium follicles and follicular waves, the size of ovulatory follicles in the first and second oestrous, the reproductive efficiency in subtropical ewes. Long term protein flushing increase ovulation rate in the first but had no effect on the second oestrous.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of long-term high-protein flushing on ovarian function and metabolic status in Ossimi ewes. Fourteen cycling Ossimi ewes were divided into high protein (210 % of maintenance crude protein) or treatment group (TG; n = 7) and control group (CG; n = 7). Oestrous was synchronized by PGF2α, monitored ultrasonographically daily for two oestrous cycles. The CG fed a maintenance diet (9.5 % CP) through-out the experiment. The mean number of small (2–2.9 mm), medium (3–5 mm) ovarian follicles, and follicular waves were higher (P0.01) in ewes of TG compared to that of CG in the first and second oestrous. The size of large, subordinate and ovulatory follicles were greater (p 0.05) in ewes of TG compared to those of CG. Ewes of the TG recorded a higher (p 0.05) ovulation rate in the first cycle while, ovulation rate did not show any significant change in second oestrous. Long term flushing of high-protein ration significantly influenced the concentration of glucose and some metabolic profiles. Concentration of serum total proteins was greater at 0, 1 and 13 days, while serum total cholesterol was greater at day 0 and 1 after first oestrous (ovulation is day 0) in ewes of TG as compared to ewes of CG. Serum glucose was increased significantly (p0.05) at day 3 and 13 after first oestrous and at day 0 and 7 after second ovulation in TG when comparing to CG. There was significant (p 0.05) increase in serum concentrations of progesterone at day 13 after first oestrous in TG and at day 3 after second oestrous. The level of serum estradiol 17-β increased significantly at day 0, 1, 3, 7 and 13 in the first oestrous and at day 0 on second oestrous in TG as compared to CG. In conclusion, the long term protein flushing increased the number of small and medium follicles and follicular waves, the size of ovulatory follicles in the first and second oestrous, the reproductive efficiency in subtropical ewes. Long term protein flushing increase ovulation rate in the first but had no effect on the second oestrous.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of short-term treatment of highenergy diet after ovulation on ovarian function and metabolic status in ewe. Cycling ewes Ossimi were divided into treatment group (TG; n = 6) and control group (CG; n = 6). After ultrasonographic detection of ovulation (day 0), a high-energy diet (12.55 MJ DE/kg diet; 125% of maintenance) was fed to TG from day 1 to day 4 after ovulation (4 days). The highenergy diet consisted of 850 g concentrate mixture and 150 g alfalfa hay, plus ad libitum access to wheat straw. The CG was offered as maintenance diet (10 MJ DE/kg diet) throughout the experiment. Follicular development was observed ultrasonographically every other day while blood samples were collected daily throughout the experiment for the analysis of glucose, total cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, total proteins, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT). Transient feeding of high-energy ration during early luteal phase of estrous cycle significantly influenced the concentration of glucose and some metabolic profiles. Total proteins were greater at first, third and fourth day after ovulation (ovulation is day 0) in TG when compared to CG ewes. Blood glucose concentration was greater in TG than that of CG at days 1, 2, 3 and 4 postovulation. The average number of small follicles (2–2.9 mm) of the first follicular wave after ovulation was greater in TG ewes (23.3 follicles) than that of CG (2.2). There was no difference in the number of medium (3–5 mm) and large sized follicles (>5 mm) between CG and TG ewes. Moreover, the maximum size of large follicles did not differ between CG (5.6 mm) and TG ewes (5.9 mm). In conclusion, high-energy diet may improve number of small follicles and alter energy metabolite during early luteal phase in cycling ewes.