Follicular development in Alpine goats during the mating season

Follicular dynamics were studied in Alpine goats during their natural estrous cycle in Brazil. Seven multiparous Alpine goats were used (2 to 5 years of age; 35-42 kg body weight). The experimental period started one day before ovulation (day zero). Data were taken daily by transrectal ultrasonography (7.5 MHz). Progesterone was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The SAS program (release 6.12) was used for the analysis of variance. Data are presented as the mean ± SD. According to the results, there are three growth waves in each cycle. The first, second and third waves emerged in days 0.5 ± 0.6, 7.5 ± 0.6, and 12 ± 0.6, respectively (ovulation = Day 0). In the three-wave cycles, the dominant follicle of the third wave (5.6 ± 0.5 mm) was significantly higher (p