Dexamethasone Influences Endocrine and Ovarian Function in Dairy Cattle

摘要

Multiparous nonlactating Holstein cows were used to determine the effect of dexamethasone on ovarian follicular development and plasma hormone concentra - tions. Animals were randomly divided into two groups control (C; n=5) and treatment (T; n = 6), but managed as one group. Both groups were synchronized with two injections of PGF_2α (25 mg i. m.) 11 d apart. One day after ovulation (d o) the T group received a daily injec - tion of dexamethasone (44 μg/kg of body weight; i. m.) until the first dominant follicle stopped growing or up to d 12 postovulation.