Time of ovulation in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) following PMSG/LH induced ovulation.
This study aimed to determine the timing of ovulation in response to a new induced ovulation regime for the monovulatory brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Ovarian stimulation was achieved by a single subcutaneous injection of 15 i.u. pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). This treatment resulted in promotion of a large number (9-16) of Graafian follicles > 2 mm diameter on the ovaries. Seventy-two hours later a single intramuscular injection of 4 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (LH) was administered to induce ovulation. Groups of possums were killed 24 hr post-LH injection and subsequent groups were killed at 6-hr periods up to 48 hr later. Ovulation occurred from 30 hr to 42 hr post-LH. The ovulatory success increased from 3% at 30 hr post-LH to 83% at 48 hr post-LH. Oocytes were recovered primarily from the oviducts at 36 hr post-LH. Thereafter oocytes were recovered increasingly from the uteri and by 48 hr post-LH, were only found there. The implications of these observations for artificial breeding in possums are discussed.
Glazier
A M
AM
Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research & Cooperative Research Centre for Conservation and Management of Marsupials, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand. glaziera@landcare.cri.nz
D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005260:Female; D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000254:growth & development; D009893:Opossums / Q000502:physiology*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000662:veterinary
D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone