Plasma progesterone levels during estrous cycle in Malpura ewes

The present study was undertaken to estimate the circulatory plasma progesterone concentration during estrous cycle in native Malpura sheep. Progesterone concentrations were assessed with a commercially available radio – immunoassay kit in 6 multiparous Malpura ewes during the estrous cycle, which averaged 16.1±0.1days (range 16 – 17).Blood samples were collected on 0(estrus),2,4,6, 8,10,12,14,16 and 17 day of cycle and plasma was separated for estimation of progesterone hormone. The average progesterone levels were significantly (P < 0.05) different between days of estrous cycle. The lowest concentration (1.17±0.36 ng/ml) was recorded on the day of the estrus and it increased gradually to 2.29 ng/ml during the first 4 days following estrus. There was a peak of 5.64±1.80 ng/ml on day 12 of the cycle. Between days 14 and 16, the progesterone concentration decreased rapidly to reach a low point on the day of estrus. The information generated on progesterone levels during estrous cycle can be used in the better reproductive management of Malpura ewes.