Changes in gonadotrophin and ovarian hormone levels during the estrous cycle of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus).

Abstract

Daily blood samples over a fifteen day period were obtained from two adult female black-tailed deer and circulating levels of progesterone, estrogens, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin were measured by radioimmunoassay. LH levels showed an apogee at the time when there was observed estrous behaviour. The length of the estrous cycle appeared to be 7 days. Progesterone levels peaked just subsequent to the LH peak. High estrogen levels coincided with high progesterone and prolactin levels. FSH reached maximum levels prior to peak estrogen levels. LH and FSH levels reached maxima on different days. There were two steroid peaks between the LH apogees.