Induction of Ovulation and Fertilization in the Immature Gilt

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Abstract
Prepuberal gilts about 110 days of age were given one or two injections of pregnant mare serum (PMS) followed by an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) as an ovulating material. Of the 67 gilts treated, 29 (42%) were in heat 24 hr. after HCG treatment, 61 (91%) had a red and swollen vulva, 55 of 62 (89%) had a well developed uterus 70 hr. after HCG treatment and 57 of 62 (92%) had ovulated. In 30 attempts to recover eggs, 23 (77%) were successful, and 102 eggs were recovered from gilts having 215 ovulation points. Eggs were recovered from 18 (75%) of 24 inseminated gilts. Eighty-one eggs (68%) were recovered from 15 of the 18 gilts, and 55 (68%) of the recovered eggs were fertilized. Three of 18 gilts were pregnant at 23 days of gestation, but did not carry the fetuses to term. The immature gilt may be a useful source of eggs for experimental purposes and may also be a useful experimental animal for studying mechanisms of maintenance of the corpora lutea in early pregnancy. Copyright © 1966. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1966 by American Society of Animal Science