LH, FSH and progesterone concentrations in peripheral plasma of the female roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during the rutting season

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Abstract
Progesterone, LH [luteinizing hormone, lutropin] and FSH [follicle-stimulating hormone, follitropin] were measured in the plasma of 4 female roe deer (2 kept with the buck, 2 separated from the buck to prevent mating) from July until the end of Sept. or Oct., i.e., including the rutting season from the middle of July to the middle of Aug. At least 2 distinct peaks of LH and FSH were observed before the 1st small progesterone increase lasting for .apprx. 5 days in late July. The next clear LH peak and, with slight individual variations, FSH peak occurred exactly when progesterone values had fallen and before they rose again in a major elevation, i.e., after ovulation. LH and, with some variations, FSH values were generally basal; progesterone was high during the rest of the study. There were no obvious differences in hormone pattern in pregnant and non-pregnant animals.