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Abstract |
Ten ovariectomized (OVEX) and ten intact, but seasonally anovulatory (ANOV), pony mares were observed for sexual activity with five stallions, using a “harem group” social testing paradigm (two OVEX and two ANOV mares plus one stallion per group) for 15 consecutive daily tests lasting 20 min each. All mares in both conditions showed proceptive behavior in at least one test, all mares but one were mounted, and 14 of 20 mares received ejaculations. No statistical differences were found between the two conditions for any measure of proceptivity, copulatory activity, or days in estrus. The quality of estrus was judged to be equivalent to that displayed by periovulatory mares during their initial and terminal days of estrus, but less intense than that seen near ovulation. Mares in both groups were in estrus during approximately 60-70% of the tests and only 3 of the 20 mares were sexually refractory for more than five consecutive tests. Thus, the typical 2-week phase of sexual refractoriness seen in intact diestrous mares was absent in OVEX and ANOV mares, suggesting that the ovary plays a major role in actively suppressing estrous responses during the luteal phase of the cycle. |
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