CRECIMIENTO FOLICULAR Y DIÁMETRO DEL FOLÍCULO DOMINANTE EN VACAS MESTIZAS A PASTOREO AFECTADAS POR CLAUDICACIONES AGUDAS Follicle Growth and Dominant Follicle Size in Grazing Crossbred Cows Affected by Acute Lameness

In order to describe follicle growth and dominant follicle size in crossbred dairy cattle suffering acute foot diseases, 15 animals showing claudication were selected and compared with their respective controls. Animals were daily monitored through ultrasonographic evaluation, from the time of appearance of claudication up to 14 days. Data were analyzed by the method of Least squares. Results showed statistical differences (P <0.05), where animals showing claudication had smaller dominant follicles size and lower number of follicles 10mm with respect to the control group. No differences (P<0.05) were found in follicles 10mm. It was conclude that lameness that occur in animals suffering foot disease can affect ovarian functionality, which can compromise the reproductive behavior.