Effects of stress on ovarian morphology and oestrus cycles in ewes

Abstract

Observations involving over 600 sheep and extending over 4 years were made on the effect of acute stress on the oestrous cycle and ovarian morphology of ewes. In anoestrous ewes ovulation unaccompanied by oestrus was often induced by severe stress. Injections of ACTH did not induce ovulation in anoestrous ewes.

During the breeding season severe stress appeared sometimes to lengthen the oestrous cycle by a few days. The presence of a large cavity in the corpus luteum (C.L.) often seemed to have been induced by stress, but the amount of luteal tissue and its microscopic appearance did not usually appear much different from solid C.L.

Oxytocin injections did not affect oestrous cycles or ovarian morphology, but in some circumstances injections of ACTH or stilboestrol appeared to cause an increase in cycle length.