INDUCTION OF OVULATION IN THE LION, PANTHERA LEO

Abstract

Three lionesses of different ages were injected intramuscularly with 1600 i.u. PMSG [pregnant mare''s serum gonadotropin] and, 3 days afterwards, with 1000 i.u. HCG [human chorionic gonadotropin]. The reproductive organs were examined 2 days later; eggs were recovered from the Fallopian tubes of 2 of the animals, one of which had superovulated. The ovaries of the 3rd, much younger lioness contained numerous intact follicles. The endometrium of the 2 lionesses which had ovulated contained numerous glands with some degree of coiling and the vaginal epithelium was cornified. The vaginal smear of the un-ovulated animal indicated a pro-estrous condition.