Abstract
Summary
Unilateral ovariectomy was performed on ewes during the anestrous season and the effect was determined on the remaining ovary during that anestrus and during the following breeding season. Experiments were performed in both 1968 and 1969. In Expt. 1, observations at laparotomy on control and unilaterally ovariectomized ewes were made at 15 days, and 40-45 days after original surgery. No significant differences were noticed in the number of follicles above 5 mm in diameter/ovary or in their calculated total surface area. However, when these same animals were killed at the third heat period of the breeding season, the unilaterally ovariectomized ewes showed a significantly greater number and total surface area of follicles above 5 mm in diameter, a greater number of ovulations, and greater total follicular fluid weight per ovary.
In Expt. 2, ewes were killed during anestrus at 10 and 30 days after experimental surgery. No significant differences in individual ovaries were noted for number of follicles above 3-mm diameter, to tar follicular fluid weight, or weight of ovary between unilaterally ovariectomized and control ewes.
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