Plasma levels of progesterone and oestradiol-17 beta in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) during pregnancy
Blom, A.K.; Sjaastad, O.V.; Jacobsen, E.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 24(3): 287-294
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-605X PMID: 6660164 Document Number: 197706
The plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol-17.beta. during pregnancy and the first 20 days after parturition were estimated in reindeer. The concentration of progesterone in the 25-75 days prior to parturition was significantly higher than in the 75-200 days prior to parturition (P < 0.001). During the last 25 days before parturition the concentration decreased significantly. The concentration of estradiol-17.beta. was in most cases < 70 pg/ml until 50 days prior to parturition. During the last 25 days of pregnancy there was a significant increase in estradiol-17.beta. and the ratio progesterone/estradiol-17.beta. was markedly lower than in the period 25-75 days before calving.