Delayed luteolysis and suppression of testosterone secretion after recombinant ovine interferon treatment in goats (Capra hircus).

Oxytocin at a dose of 100 iu injected s.c. daily into goats (Capra hircus) between day 3 and day 6 of the oestrous cycle caused a significant increase in testosterone secretion and luteolysis compared with saline-treated animals. Intrauterine administration of recombinant ovine interferon tau (80, 160 or 320 micrograms day-1) between days 12 and 18 of the oestrous cycle, or concomitantly (80 micrograms day-1) with oxytocin between day 3 and day 7, delayed luteolysis and blocked the increased release of testosterone. It is suggested that recombinant ovine interferon tau can act as an antiluteolytic agent in goats.