Nutritionally induced anovulation in beef Heifers: ovarian and endocrine function during realimentation and resumption of ovulation

Nutritionally induced anovulatory and cyclic Angus x Hereford heifers were used to evaluate follicular growth and concentrations of hormones and metabolites during anovulation and resumption of ovulation. Anovulatory heifers were fed to gain 0.6 (LGAIN) or 1.5 (HGAIN) kg/day until resumption of ovulation, and heifers with normal estrous cycles were fed a maintenance diet (M). Follicles >/= 4 mm in diameter were measured by daily ultrasonography in HGAIN and LGAIN heifers during one follicular wave before realimentation (Wan) and in two waves (W-2, W-1) immediately before the wave resulting in first ovulation or luteinization (W0). Ovaries of M heifers were evaluated to determine the day of ovulation of the second-wave dominant follicle (DF). Resumption of ovulation after realimentation occurred 23 days earlier in HGAIN than in LGAIN. Maximum diameter, growth rate, and persistence of dominant follicles increased, while persistence of first subordinate follicles decreased between anovulation and resumption of ovulation in anovulatory heifers. Concentrations of LH in serum were similar for HGAIN and LGAIN and gradually increased during realimentation. The increase in estradiol before the first ovulation was less in realimented heifers compared with cyclic heifers. Concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in HGAIN and LGAIN gradually increased during realimentation but were lower than concentrations of IGF-I in cyclic heifers at ovulation. Increased diameter, growth rate, and persistence of the DF were associated with increased concentrations of LH, estradiol, and IGF-I during the transition from nutritionally induced anovulation to resumption of ovulatory cycles.