BLOOD HORMONE CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH PUBERTY IN THE FEMALE PIG

Serum concentrations of reproductive hormones were determined in gilts around puberty. LH levels were low prior to pubertal estrus. FSH concentrations were high on day −5, decreased by day −1, then peaked simultaneously with the presumed preovulatory LH surge; a further increase was observed on day 3 of the first estrous cycle. Progesterone levels were consistently low prior to pubertal estrus and rose dramatically following ovulation. Peak levels of estrogen occurred between day −1 and day +1 of pubertal estrus. Key words: Blood hormone changes, puberty, female pig