Hormone Studies on Ewes Grazing an Oestrogenic (Yarloop Clover) Pasture During the Reproductive Cycle

Abstract

The endocrine function of Merino and Corriedale ewes grazing an oestrogenic (Yarloop clover) pasture has been studied during the oestrous cycle, pregnancy and parturition, and the results compared with those from a study of similar ewes grazing a neighbouring grass pasture. Plasma progesterone, oestrogen and corticoids were measured using competitive protein binding assay procedures.