Plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2 alpha) and progesterone during the oviposition cycle of the domestic goose (Anser anser domesticus)

Plasma 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F-2 alpha (PGFM) and progesteron e levels were determined in actively ovulating, 1- to 2-yr-old female geese (Anser anser domesticus) at hourly intervals during the oviposition cycle, using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique. The plasma PGFM concentratio n showed a peak at the time of oviposition and decreased to a basal level a fter oviposition. Progesterone levels began to surge approximately 12 to 13 h before ovulation and reached a peak 2 to 3 h before ovulation. The plasm a progesterone concentrations returned to basal level at the time of ovulat ion. The present method of EIA was found to have practical application in a nalyses of progesterone and PGFM in plasma of birds.