Professional Documents
Culture Documents
G.P. Adams
INTRODUCTION
Recent interest and research activity in ovarian function have contributed greatly to our
understanding of the ovary, particularly with respect to follicular dynamics and its control.
Based on recent findings regarding endogenous mechanisms controlling follicular wave
emergence, follicle selection and dominance, new ideas for artificial manipulation of ovarian
function are being investigated. The following is intended as a brief overview of ovarian
follicular dynamics in cattle and a summary of recent studies that were designed to test
hypotheses concerning exogenous control of follicular development. Studies were focused on
2 aspects of exogenous control: 1) synchronization of follicular wave emergence (by steroid
treatment or follicle ablation), and 2) optimizing the response to superstimulatory regimens (by
initiating treatment at appropriate times relative to follicular wave emergence and dominant
follicle selection).
FOLLICULAR DYNAMICS