R.  Catalano, M.  Teruel, C.  Gonzalez, S.  Williams, I. Videla  Dorna, S.  Callejas, 
    The Effect of hCG Treatment on Follicular Characteristics and Luteal Function in Seasonally Anestrous Ewes Lambs,
    Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances,
    Volume 11,Issue 12,
    2012,
    Pages 2091-2096,
    ISSN 1680-5593,
    javaa.2012.2091.2096,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2012.2091.2096)
    Abstract: The objective of this research is to study the effect of hCG on follicular and luteal characteristics in anestrous ewe lambs. About 91 Corriedale ewe lambs of 8 months of age were used during non breeding season. Three experiments were performed: hCG was administered 36 h after sponge removal (Experiment 1) at day 13.5 after sponge removal (Experiment 2) and in both time (Experiment 3). Follicular characteristics, ovulation day, Corpus Luteum area (CLa) and Plasmatic Concentration of Progesterone (PCP) were not affected by 150 or 300 IU of hCG administered at the beginning of the estrous cycle (p>0.05). The CLa after the administration of 300 IU of hCG at day 13.5 was significantly higher than that in h150 and control groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was an effect of treatment by day interaction in the PCP (p<0.05). When the hCG was administered at the beginning of the estrus cycle and during the luteal phase, treatment by day interactions for the CLa and PCP were observed (p<0.05). The effect of hCG on luteal function of saeasonally anestrous ewes lambs is dose and time of administration dependent.
    Keywords: hCG;ewe lambs;non breeding season;follicular characteristics;luteal function