Effect of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) supplementation on ovarian and pituitary activity in ewes [sheep]
1991
Pearse, B.H.G. (Arid Zone Inst., Longreach (Australia)) | McMeniman, N.P. | Dowsett, K.F. (Queensland Univ., St Lucia (Australia). Dept. of Farm Animal Medicine and Production)
In each of 3 experiments, 30 seasonally anoestrous Border Leicester ewes were fed on a maintenance ration of oaten chaff. Fifteen of them were given a supplement of 500 g lupin grain per head per day. They were then treated with FSH (Expt 1), PMSG (Expt 2), and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (Expt 3) to determine whether the ovaries or the anterior pituitary were capable of responding to the nutrient status of the animals and influencing ovulation rate. In each experiment, the number and size of corpora lutea and follicles were similar regardless of lupin supplementation. It is concluded that the mechanism by which lupins increase the ovulation rate is probably neural and not a result of direct effect on either the pituitary or the ovaries.
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