Ovulation rate, embryo survival and ovarian sensitivity to gonadotrophins in mice selected for litter size and body weight.

Single trait selection of mice for either large body size or large litter size resulted in an increased ovulation rate because of possible enhanced ovarian sensitivity to gonadotrophins. There was no difference in pre-implantation embryonic survival in either of the selected lines when compared to control mice. Selection for body weight did not alter post-implantation embryo survival, but fewer fetuses were lost after implantation in the litter size line compared to the control line. Index selection for large body size and small litter size did not change ovulation rate but increased pre- and post-implantation embryonic mortality. Selection for small body size and large litter size increased ovulation rate and decreased early embryonic death.