LH, FSH and progesterone concentrations in peripheral plasma of the female roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during the rutting season.

Progesterone LH and FSH were measured in the plasma of 4 female roe deer (2 kept with the buck, 2 separated from the buck to prevent mating) from July until the end of September or October, i.e. including the rutting season from the middle of July to the middle of August. At least two distinct peaks of LH and FSH were observed before the first small progesterone increase lasting for about 5 days in late July. The next clear LH peak and, slight individual variations, FSH peak occurred exactly when progesterone values and fallen and before they rose again in a major elevation, i.e. after ovulation. LH and, with some variations, FSH values were generally basal while progesterone was high during the rest of the study. There were no obvious differences in hormone pattern in pregnant and non-pregnant animals.