Intraovarian Relationship Between Corpora Lutea and Ovarian Follicles in Ewes

Abstract

SUMMARY Laparotomy was done in 34 ewes on day 8 of an estrous cycle. In 22 ewes, a corpus luteum ( cl ) was in only one ovary, and more follicles ≥ 1 mm. in diameter were in the ovary containing the cl than in the opposite ovary. In 12 ewes, a cl was in each ovary. Visible surface follicles in both ovaries of the 12 ewes were destroyed by electrocoagulation and the cl was removed from one ovary. Four days later, follicular development was significantly greater in the ovary with the intact cl than in the ovary from which the cl was removed.