Abstract
Abstract
Estrous cyclicity in the olfactory presence of males was studied in an un-selected control line and in five selected lines which differ in fecundity. Improved reproductive performance (high embryo survival, large litters) is correlated with increased regularity of the cycle, while poor reproductive performance (small litters) is associated with prolongation of the cycle and anestrum. Strain variation in the duration of the proestrus/estrus phase of the cycle is associated with changes in ovulation rate and is indicative of substantial heritabilities for the physiological determinants of these traits.
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