Periovulatory endocrinology and oocyte maturation in unmated mature blue fox vixens (Alopex lagopus)
Farstad, W.; Mondain-Monval, M.; Hyttel, P.; Smith, A.J.; Markeng, D.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 30(3): 313-319
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-605X PMID: 2516990 Document Number: 333288
Nine blue fox vixens in natural oestrus were studied. Ovulation occurred approx. 2 days after the preovulatory LH surge. Plamsa concentrations of FSH and progesterone increased simultaneously with the LH surge. Oestradiol-17 beta levels peaked 1 day before the LH peak. Ova were released as primary oocytes, and oocyte maturation was initiated within 24 h of release (2 days after the LH peak). Within the next 48 h, 1st polar body was extruded and the ova denuded of cumulus cells.