Evolution of the corpus luteum volume determined ultrasonographically and its relation to the plasma progesterone concentration after artificial insemination in pregnant and non-pregnant dairy cows

• Published in: Veterinary research communications 2017-09, Vol.41 (3), p.183-188
• Main Authors: Gómez-Seco, C., Alegre, B., Martínez-Pastor, F., Prieto, J. G., González-Montaña, J. R., Alonso, M. E., Domínguez, J. C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Artificial insemination; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cattle; Cattle - anatomy & histology; Cattle - physiology; Corpus luteum; Corpus Luteum - anatomy & histology; Corpus Luteum - diagnostic imaging; Dairy cattle; Female; Insemination, Artificial - veterinary; Life Sciences; Original Article; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal - blood; Pregnancy, Animal - physiology; Progesterone; Progesterone - blood; Ultrasonography - veterinary; Ultrasound; Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Science; Zoology
• ISSN: 0165-7380; 1573-7446
• DOI: 10.1007/s11259-017-9685-x

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of the evolution of the corpus luteum (CL) volume that was determined ultrasonographically with the pregnancy status in lactating dairy cows during early pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations were carried out on 76 cows following artificial insemination (AI). Plasma concentrations of progesterone were determined from blood samples collected at each ultrasound examination. Conception was confirmed by ultrasonography on day 30 after AI. Around day 14 post-insemination (p.i.), the CL volume tended to decrease in pregnant and non-pregnant cows, and, after day 19 p.i., both groups differed significantly, indicating the luteal regression in non-pregnant cows. Reaching signification on day 20. The diminution in CL volume was also reflected in the plasma progesterone concentration. However, the patterns of CL volume, estimated by ultrasonography, differed more evidently and earlier between both groups (around 1 week p.i., at day 9 p.i. P