| The hypothesis that the type of dietary fatty acid consumed by the cow differentially affects both luteal and follicular function through altered synthesis of lipoprotein-cholesterol and secretion of metabolic hormones was tested in 2 experiments. In experiment 1, estrous cycling cows were randomly assigned to either a control or a fat-supplemented diet consisting of animal tallow, soybean oil, or fish oil. After 20 days of consumption, estrus was induced and ovarian follicular populations were monitored via transrectal ultrasound. Fluid from a large follicle was aspirated between days 10 and 14 of the cycle. Cows were ovariectomized between days 11-13 of the subsequent cycle. After 20 days of consumption in experiment 2, ovarian follicular populations were monitored for 4 days followed by aspiration of the dominant follicle. Heifers were then superovulated with FSH-P... |
