RESUMO
Gn-RH (3 mug/hr for 8 hr) evoked a surge of LH in ewes during the anoestrous season which was of similar peak height to that found at oestrus but of shorter duration. When Gn-RH was given on 3 consecutive days, the response was considerably reduced on the 2nd and 3rd day. Follicles grew as a result of Gn-RH infusion but peripheral plasma oestrogen concentration did not increase. During the anoestrous season 9/18 ewes ovulated but only 1/6 did so at mid-anoestrus. Mature follicles or a CL were found in 15/18 ewes that had increased peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations for 1-5 days (11 ewes) or 9-14 days (4 ewes). The concentrations of progesterone found were always lower than those observed during the normal cycle. In the breeding season 10/11 ewes ovulated but there was no evidence that the induced CL were maintained.