Gonadotrophin, total oestrogen and progesterone concentrations in plasma of lactating sows with particular reference to lactational oestrus.

Plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, progesterone and total oestrogens were determined (by radioimmunoassay) throughout late pregnancy and lactation in samples taken by cardiac catheter from 10 Camborough hybrid sows. At 2-3 weeks post partum, 5 were housed individually with their litters (Group I) and 5 grouped with their litters, a boar being introduced 1 day later (Group II). Plasma progesterone fell 1-2 days per partum and oestrogens at parturition, each remaining low in early lactation. Plasma LH was undetectable in most samples in this period, but FSH fell slightly during parturition, showing signs of resurgence from Day 10 post partum. Group I sows remained in lactational anoestrus until weaning. In Group II there was increased plasma LH activity, and all Group II sows displayed oestrus during lactation. Only one farrowed to service at the lactational oestrus; of the remainder, oestrus in one was clearly anovulatory, and in two others was incomplete or atypical judged by plasma progesterone concentrations. The data suggest that whilst oestrus can be induced by appropriate lactation management, poor conception rates to service at this oestrus may be due to the absence or impairment of ovulation.