Assay of Serum Gonadotropic Hormones during Estrous Cycle in Vitamin E Supplemented Gilts

Abstract

Eight mature cycling gilts randomly selected and placed into two groups (vitamin E supplemented and non-supplemented) and replicated four times were compared for serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Vitamin E supplementation significantly affected the serum levels of the pituitary gonadotropins. The values of leutinizing hormone (LH) in the supplemented groups was 5.06 ng/ml versus 4.65 ng/ml for the non-supplemented animals (p<0.05). The same pattern was observed for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (2.94 miu/ml versus 2.79 miu/ml) (p<0.05). The highest values of LH were observed during the period of estrus (late follicular phase), while the least values were at the metestrus (early luteal phase). Vitamin E appears to exert some influence on the pituitary hormones in pigs by increasing their levels significantly.