Response of cyclic and post-partum suckled cows to injections of synthetic LH-RH

Doses of 125, 250 or 500 micrograms LH-RH were injected i.m. into suckled beef cows on approximately Day 11 of an oestrous cycle synchronized by prostaglandin treatment. There was a positive linear relationship between dose of LH-RH and the area under the measured LH peak. Administration of 500 micrograms LH-RH as a single injection to suckled cows 13-32 days post partum resulted in LH release but failed to induce normal ovarian activity. A small transient rise in plasma progesterone for 6--9 days occurred at the expected time after injection in 50% of animals. Administration of 500 micrograms LH-RH to suckled beef cows approximately 20--30 days post partum and a second injection approximately 10 days later at the time when the resulting transient rise in plasma progesterone had returned to basal values induced normal cyclic activity (as shown by progesterone concentrations and observed oestrus) at 35 days compared with 70 days for untreated controls. Pituitary responsiveness to LH-RH, as assessed by LH levels, was found to increase up to 20 days post partum.