The Ovariectomized Ewe: Its Contribution to Controlled Breeding

Abstract

The ovariectomized ewe has been used to establish principles and procedures which have proved invaluable in controlled breeding in entire animals. Bioassays in the ovariectomized ewe, using the end-point of oestrous behaviour, have been used to identify potent and rapidly metabolized progestagens which were subsequently used to control the time of oestrus and ovulation in cyclic ewes effectively, and to induce oestrus and ovulation in anoestrous ewes. Steroid hormone treatment of the ovariectomized ewe has been used to study relationships between the ovary and the pituitary - hypothalamic axis, to examine transport of embryos within the female tract and to establish the steroid hormone requirements of early pregnancy.