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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Antral follicle population in prepubertal and pubertal heifers

M. M. Seneda A D , F. Morotti A , A. F. Zangirolamo A B , N. C. da Silva A , T. K. Sanches A , W. Blaschi C and T. R. R. Barreiros C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias – Centro de Ciências Agrárias – Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil.

B National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT–LEITE), Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid-Campus Universitário, PO Box 10011, Londrina, Parana 86057-970, Brazil.

C Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Rodovia BR – 369, Km 54, Vila Maria, Bandeirantes, Parana 86360-000, Brazil.

D Corresponding author. Email: marcelo.seneda@uel.br

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 31(1) 10-16 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD18344
Published online: 3 December 2018

Abstract

The antral follicle count (AFC) is an important tool in the selection of bovine females destined for biotechnology. However, little is known about AFC in prepubertal and pubertal heifers. Some challenges inherent to the physiology of young females must be considered to achieve efficient rates with different procedures, such as ovum pick-up and IVF. This paper covers some important topics about ovarian physiology related to the population of antral follicles and reproductive efficiency in young female cattle.

Additional keywords : Bos indicus, Bos taurus, calf, embryo production.


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