Profiles of plasma progesterone before and at the onset of puberty in yak heifers

Sixty yak heifers were closely observed to determine their ages at sexual maturity and lj heifers were used to analyze the plasma progesterone by radioimmunoassay before and at the attainment of puberty. Yak heifers began cyclic activity at a mean (+/-S.D.) age of 33 +/- 6.7 months, but with wild variation. Fifteen heifers used to determine plasma progesterone were divided into three age groups: group I (10-14 months. n = 5), group II (20-24 months, n = 5) and group III (30-36 months. n = 5). Group I yak heifers were found to have two progesterone profiles: inactive ovary (IO) profile and low progesterone short cycle (LPSC) profile; group II had three profiles: IO profile. LPSC profile and LPNC (low progesterone normal cycle) profile; group III had three profiles: LPSC profile. LPNC profile and a normal oestrous cycle profile. It would be concluded from the present study that one or two, or even more brief rise(s) in circulating progesterone presented in yak heifers. These rises, however, were not followed by a normal luteal phase except two yak heifers that came to heat. This characteristics found in yak was obviously different with that reported in other animals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.