Abstract

A 2 x 2 x 4 factorial trial was performed (n=20), N=320) to investigate the effect of 2 levels of nutrition (high protein diet -23% crude protein v low protein diet - 10% crude protein) on the ovarian response to exogenous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) administration in mixed-age Coopworth ewes. Two preparations of FSH were examined (FSH-P, Burns-Biotec and Folltropin(r), Vetripharm) at 4 different levels (0, 8, 16 and 24 mg equivalents FSH-P). The ovulation rate of both high and low protein intake ewes increased linearly in response to increasing FSH levels (0 mg = 1.2; 8 mg = 3.2; 16 mg = 7.9; 24 mg = 9.6). There was no difference in response between the 2 sources of FSH. Ewes on a high protein intake had a higher ovulation rate when FSH was not administered (mean ovulation rate

BW, Butler-Hogg, CA Morris, RL Baker, JJ Bass, G Mercer, and DM Duganzich

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 48, , 57-60, 1988