MECHANISMS REGULATING SUCKLING-MEDIATED ANOVULATION IN THE COW

This review summarizes our current understanding of mechanisms through which the suckling calf attenuates gonadotropin secretion and extends the postpartum anovulatory interval of cattle. Recent research has cl early demonstrated the importance of the maternal-offspring bond in me diating these effects, including roles for maternal vision, olfaction, and calf identity, However, little is known about the hormonal and ne ural control of maternal behavior in cattle. Goals to further define t he physiological regulation of this behavior and its relationship to h ypothalamic GnRH secretion have recently been facilitated by technique s for monitoring GnRH release in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the thir d ventricle, Glucose availability, the insulin-like peptides, and uter ine prostaglandin F-2 alpha have also been shown to play pivotal roles in the transition out of the anovulatory state, Continuing advances i n these areas of fundamental biology should lay the groundwork for the development of novel management strategies of the future.