Follicular waves in female cattle
https://doi.org/10.31043/2410-2733-2025-4-84-95
Abstract
Purpose: to study and summarize data from domestic and foreign authors on the mechanisms of follicular waves in female cattle, the cyclical nature of their manifestation, and the influence of various factors on them.
The maturation of follicles within the reproductive cycle in female cattle occurs in waves. Using ultrasound diagnostics and blood sampling for estradiol levels, it was found that in the sexual cycle of cattle, from one to four follicular waves are formed during the estrous cycle. Follicular waves consist of groups of growing follicles with a diameter of ≥ 4 mm, from which the dominant follicle is selected, while the remaining follicles undergo atresia. If the dominant follicle reaches its maximum size (>10 mm) during the wave, ovulation occurs – the cycle becomes two–wave, if it does not reach, then another wave begins, if the follicle reaches its maximum size during it, the cycle becomes three-wave. The frequency of occurrence of follicular waves affects the duration of the sexual cycle – three-wave cycles are longer than two-wave cycles. The use of knowledge about follicular waves is of particular importance for practical purposes, since in the future it will improve the reproduction rates of cattle by improving approaches to selecting the optimal scheme for synchronizing sexual hunting of animals, reducing the cost of insemination and increasing its effectiveness.
About the Authors
A. Yu. Alekseeva
Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University"
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alekseeva Anna Yurievna - PhD (Agr. Sci.), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of the Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology of animals
196601, Saint Petersburg, Pushkin, Peterburgskoe shosse, 2
L. E. Khomchenko
Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University"
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Khomchenko Lyubov Eduardovna - graduate student
196601, Saint Petersburg, Pushkin, Peterburgskoe shosse, 2
References
1. Yearbook on breeding work in dairy cattle farming in the Russian Federation farms (2023). – Moscow: Publishing House of FGBNU VNIIPlem, 2024. – 243 p.
2. High reproduction rates are the future of your farm! // Effective animal husbandry. – 2019. – № 1 (149). – P. 12–13.
3. Motuzko N. S. Physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system / N. S. Motuzko, Yu. I. Nikitin / Textbook. – Vitebsk: VGAVM, 2002. – 15 p.
4. Platonov S. A. Reproductive capacity of cows and heifers using ultrafine silicon dioxide particles in the induction of the sexual cycle: Abstract of a PhD thesis. sciences: 06.02.10 / Platonov S. A.; [Place of protection: Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Scientific Center of Biol. Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences"]. — Orenburg, 2020. — 17 p.
5. Belik S. V. Modern understanding of the sexual cycle of cows and its regulation / S. V. Belik, N. M. Lozovoy // Current issues in veterinary medicine, veterinary-sanitary examination and animal husbandry: Abstracts based on the materials of the round table of representatives of the Voronezh SA U, vet. departments of the Lipetsk, Voronezh and Tambov regions, the veterinary committee of the Tula region, Voronezh, November 11, 2022. — Voronezh: Voronezh State Agrarian University named after Emperor Peter I, 2022. — P. 19—21.
6. Boiarskiĭ K. Iu. Folliculogenesis: from antral stage to ovulation (a review) / K. Iu. Boiarskiĭ, S.N. Gaĭdukov // Problemy reprodukcii. – 2010. — № 5. —P. 13—23.
7. Baerwald A. R. Ovarian antral folliculogenesis during the human menstrual cycle: a review / A. R. Baerwald, G. P. Adams, R. A. Pierson et al. // Hum. Reprod. Update. – 2012. — № 18. — P. 73—91.
8. Erickson G. The role of the oocyte in folliculogenesis / G. Erickson, S. Shimasaki // Trends Endocrinol. Metab. – 2000; 11 (5). – P. 193—198.
9. The role of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in the regulation of reproductive functions and folliculogenesis / E. A. Teplyashina et al. // Siberian Med. Journal. — 2013. — Vol. 123. —№ 8. — P. 21—26.
10. Picton H. M. Oogenesis in mammals. in Encyclopedia Reproduction, ed. by E. Knobil and J. D. Neill / H. M. Picton, R. G. Gosden // Academic Press. – 1998. — №3. — 488—497.
11. Kanitz W. Comparative aspects of follicular development, follicular and oocyte maturation and ovulation in cattle and pigs / W. Kanitz, K. P. Brüssow et al. // Achieves of Animal Breeding. – 2001. — № 44 (Special issue). — P. 9—23.
12. Webb R. Factors affecting folliculogenesis in ruminants / R. Webb, R. G. Gosden et al. // Animal Science. – 1999. — № 68. — P. 257—284.
13. Campbell B. K. Control of antral follicle development and selection in sheep and cattle / B. K. Campbell, R. J. Scaramuzi, R. Webb // J. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. – 1995. — № 49. — Р. 335—350.
14. Anzorov V. A. Reproductive Status and Hormonal Profile of Cows on Farms in the Russian Federation / V. A. Anzorov, S. V. Moryakina. — Monograph. Chelyabinsk State University Publishing House. Grozny. — 156 p.
15. Polyancev N. I. Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction Bioengineering: Textbook. — St. Petersburg: Lan Publishing House, 2015. — 480 p.
16. Driancourt M. A. Follicular dynamics in sheep and cattle / M. A. Driancourt // Theriogenology. – 1991. — № 35. — P. 55—79.
17. Mihm M. Regulation of follicle wave growth in cattle / M. Mihm, M. G. Diskin, J. F. Roche // Reprod. Dom. Anim. – 1996. — № 31. — P. 531—538.
18. Elkamash I. The Use of Ultrasound for Monitoring the Relationship Between the Diameter of the Dominant Follicle, The Inter-ovulatory Interval, and Follicular Waves in Dairy Cattle / I. Elkamash et al. // AJVS. – 2023. — № 78(1). — P. 83—88.
19. Shiryaev G. V. Reproductive function of cows (Bos Taurus) under the influence of various kisspeptins (review) / G. V. Shiryaev et al. // Agricultural Biology. — 2023. — Vol. 58. —№ 6. — P. 974—989.
20. Shiryaev G. V. Concentration of kisspeptin, 17β-estradiol, progesterone and cortisol in the first trimester of pregnancy in cows / G. V. Shiryaev, A. O. Prituzhalova et al. // International Bulletin of Veterinary Medicine. — 2023. — № 3. — P. 251—257.
21. Obstetrics, Gynecology and Bioengineering of Animal Reproduction / A. P. Studentsov, V. S. Shipilov, V. Ya. Nikitin, et al.; Ed. by V. Ya. Nikitin. – Moscow: KolosS, 2011. – 440 p.
22. Jinno M. A therapeutic role of prolactin supplementation in ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization: the bromocriptine-rebound method / M. Jinno et al. // The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. — 1997. — 82(11). — Р. 3603—3611.
23. Bole-Feysot C. Prolactin (PRL) and its receptor: actions, signal transduction pathways and phenotypes observed in PRL receptor knockout mice / C. Bole-Feysot et al. // Endocrine Reviews. – 1998. — № 19(3). – Р. 225—268. doi: 10.1210/edrv.19.3.0334.
24. Lebedeva I. Y. Prolactin affects bovine oocytes through direct and cumulus-mediated pathways / I. Y. Lebedeva G. N. Singina et al. // Theriogenology. – 2014. – № 82(8). – Р. 1154—1164. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.08.005.
25. Lebedeva I. Yu. The influence of prolactin on folliculogenesis and meiosis of bovine oocytes: specialty 03.00.15: abstract of a dissertation for the degree of Cand. of Biological Sciences / Lebedeva I. Yu. – St. Petersburg; Pushkin, 1995. – 22 p.
26. Picazo R.A. Cellular localization and changes in expression of prolactin receptor isoforms in sheep ovary throughout the estrous cycle / R. A. Picazo et al.// Reproduction. – 2004. — №128(5). — Р. 545—553. doi: 10.1530/rep.1.00343.
27. Nakamura E. A novel antagonistic effect of the bone morphogenetic protein system on prolactin actions in regulating steroidogenesis by granulosa cells / E. Nakamura et al. // Endocrinology. – 2010. – № 151(11). — 5506—5518. doi: 10.1210/en.2010-0265.
28. Kiapekou E. Prolactin receptor mRNA expression in oocytes and preimplantation mouse embryos / E. Kiapekou et al. // Reproductive BioMedicine Online. – 2005. — № 10(3). — Р. 339—346.
29. Klopov M. I. Hormones, Growth Regulators, and Their Use in Breeding and Cultivation Technology of Agricultural Plants and Animals: A Textbook for Universities / M. I. Klopov et al. — 4th ed., reprinted. — SPb: Lan, 2021. — ISBN 978-5-8114-8485-0. — Text: electronic // Lan: electronic library system. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/176898 (accessed: 03/09/2025).
30. Karsh F. D. Hypothalamus and Anterior Pituitary Gland / F. D. Karsh // Hormonal Regulation of Reproduction in Mammals. Moscow, 1987. — P. 8–32.
31. Sineva A. M. Dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol in the blood of dairy cows with postpartum ovarian hypofunction / A. M. Sinevae et al. // Veterinary Pharmacological Bulletin. — 2019. – № 4 (9). — P. 77—90.
32. Reshetnikova N. M. Problems of decreasing fertility in highly productive dairy cows / N. M. Reshetnikova et al. // Problems of biology of productive animals. — 2011. — № S4. — P. 116—121.
33. Poroshina E. S. The influence of negative energy balance in the postpartum period on the reproductive function of first-calf heifers / E. S. Poroshina et al. // Problems of biology of productive animals. — 2011. — № S4. — P. 110—113.
34. Kanitz W. Follicular dynamic and ovulation in cattle: a review / W. Kanitz //Archive Tierzucht. – 2003. – № 46(2). – P. 187—198.
35. Current status and strategy for herd reproduction to increase dairy productivity of cattle / N. Reshetnikova, G. Yeskin, et al. – Available at: https://oaohcr.ru/articles1/sovremennoe-sostoyanie-i-strategiya-vosproizvodstva-stada-pri-povyshenii-molochnoy-produktivnosti-kr/.
36. Guide to dairy cattle herd reproduction: manual / [N. M. Reshetnikova et al.]. – Moscow, 2002.
37. Noseir W. M. Ovarian follicular activity and hormonal profile during estrous cycle in cows: the development of 2 versus 3 waves / W. M. Noseir // Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. – 2003. —№ 1. — P. 50.
38. Ginther O. J. Temporal associations among ovarian events in cattle during oestrous cycles with two and three follicular waves / O. J. Ginther et al. // J. Reprod. Fert. – 1989. – № 87. – P. 223—230.
39. Knopf L. Ovarian follicular dynamics in heifers: test of two wave hypothesis by ultrasonically monitoring individual follicles / L. Knopf et al. // Dom. Anim. Endocr. – 1989. – № 6. – P. 111—119.
40. Rajamahendran R. Follicular dynamics and temporal relationship among body temperature, oestrus, the surge of luteinizing hormone and Ovulation in Holstein Heifers treated with norgestomet / R. Rajamahendran, C. Taylor // J. Reprod. Fert. – 1991. – № 2. – P. 461—467.
41. Ahmad N. Relationship of hormonal patterns and fertility to ocurrence of two or three waves of ovarian follicles, before and after breeding, in beef cows and heifers / N. Ahmad, E. C. Townsend et al. // Anim. Reprod. Sei. – 1997. – № 49. – P. 13—28.
42. Burke C. R. Use ofa small dose of estradiol benzoate during diestrus to synchronize development ofthe ovulatory follicle in cattle / C. R. Burke et al. // J. Anim. Sei. – 2000. – № 78. – P. 145—151.
43. Bellmann A. Follikeldynamik und korrespondierende Hormonkonzentrationen beim Rind unter dem Einfluss eines GnRH-Agonisten in Depotformulierung (Decapeptyl® Depot) / A. Bellmann. – Leipzig University, PhD Thesis, 2001.
44. Savio J. D. Pattern of growth of dominant follicles during the oestrous cycle of heifers / J. D. Savio, L. Keenan et al. // J. Reprod. Fertil. – 1988. – № 83(2). – P. 663—671. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0830663.
45. Sirois J. Ovarian follicular dynamics during the estrous cycle in heifers monitored by real-time ultrasonography / J. Sirois, J. E. Fortune // Biol. Reprod. – 1988. – № 39(2). —P. 308—317.
46. Rhodes F. M. Animal and temporal effects on ovarian folicular dynamics in Brahman heifers / F. M. Rhodes, G. De'ath, K. W. Entwistle // Anim. Reprod. Sei. – 1995. – № 38. – P. 265—277.
47. Sartori R. Comparison of ovarian function and circulating steroids in estrous cycles of Holstein heifers and lactating cows / R. Sartori, J. M. Haughian et al. // J. Dairy Sci. – 2004. – № 87. – P. 905—920.
48. Wolfenson D. Follicular dynamics and concentrations of steroids and gonadotropins in lactating cows and nulliparous heifers / D. Wolfenson et al. // Theriogenology. – 2004. – № 62. – P. 1042—1055.
49. Bleach E. C. Association between ovarian follicle development and pregnancy rates in dairy cows undergoing spontaneous oestrous cycles / E. C. Bleach, R. G. Glencross, P. G. Knight // Reproduction. – 2004. – № 127. – P. 621—629.
50. López-Gatius F. Factors Affecting the Incidence of Double Ovulations in Lactating Dairy Cows: Estrous Cycle Length / F. López-Gatius, I. Garcia-Ispierto //Animals (Basel). – 2025. – № 15(20). – P. 3000. doi: 10.3390/ani15203000.
51. Mihm M. Endocrine regulation of ovarian antral follicle development in cattle / M. Mihm, E. C. Bleach // Anim. Reprod. Sci. – 2003. – № 78(3-4). – P. 217—237. doi: 10.1016/s0378-4320(03)00092-7.
52. Adams G. P. Follicular waves and circulating gonadotrophins in 8-month-old prepubertal heifers / G. P. Adams, A. C. Evans, N. C. Rawling // J. Reprod. Fert. – 1994. – № 100. – P. 27—33.
53. Ginther O. J. Selection of the dominant follicle in cattle: role of estradiol / O. J. Ginther et al. // Biol. Reprod. – 2000. – № 63. – 383—389.
54. Level of Estradiol 17-β serum and ovarian folliculare dynamics in short estrous cycle of Bali cattle / C. M Airin, P. P. Putro et al. // J. Indonesian Trop. Anim. Agric. – 2014. – № 39 (1). – P. 23—29.
55. Technique for determining estradiol in the blood serum of Holstein cows using the ELISA method / A. A. Turgumbekov et al. // Scientific support for animal husbandry in Siberia: Proceedings of the V Int. scientific and practical conference, Krasnoyarsk, May 13–14, 2021 / Krasnoyarsk Research Institute of Animal Husbandry — a separate subdivision of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "FRC "Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences". — Krasnoyarsk: KNIIZH — a separate subdivision of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences", 2021. — P. 482—486.
56. Chinarov R. Yu. Development of technology for the intravital collection of oocytes from cows: current status and research directions (review) / R. Yu. Chinarov // Agricultural Biology. – 2024. – Vol. 59. – № 2. – P. 194—220.
57. Townson D. H. Relationship of fertility to ovarian follicular waves before breeding in dairy cows / P. C. Tsang, W. R. Butler et al. // J. Anim. Sci. – 2002. – № 80(4). – P. 1053—1058.
58. Revah I. Butler Prolonged dominance of follicles and reduced viability of bovine oocytes / I. Revah, W. R. Butler// J. Reprod. Fertil. – 1996. – № 106. – P. 39–47.
59. Perry G. A. Relationship between follicle size at insemination and pregnancy success / G. A. Perry, M. F. Smith et al. // Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. – 2005. – № 102. – P. 5268–5273.
60. Jaiswal R. S. Repeatability of 2-wave and 3-wave patterns of ovarian follicular development during the bovine estrous cycle / R. S. Jaiswal et al. // Theriogenology. – 2009. – № 72. – P. 81—90.
61. Adams G. P. Progress in understanding ovarian follicular dynamics in cattle / G. P. Adams et al. // Theriogenology. – 2008. – № 69. – P. 72—80.
62. Pereryadkina S. P. Features of folliculogenesis in beef cows (Kazakh White-headed, Chevrolet and Hereford) in the context of fertility restoration / S. P. Pereryadkina et al. // News of the Lower Volga Agrarian University Complex: Science and Higher Professional Education. — 2018. — № 2 (50). — P. 227—235.
63. Gavrichenko N. I. Features of follicular growth during the estrous cycle in cows with recurrent estrus syndrome / N. I. Gavrichenko, A. A. Levchenkov // Scientific notes of the educational institution Vitebsk Order of the Badge of Honor State Academy of Veterinary Medicine. — 2021. — Vol. 57. —№ 1. — P. 13—16.
64. Murphy M. G. Effect of dietary intake on pattern of growth of dominant follicles during the oestrous cycle in beef heifers. / M. G. Murphy, W. J. Enright et al. // J. Reprod. Fert. – 1991. – № 92(2). – P. 333—338. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0920333.
65. Kuzmich R. G. Features of functional disorders of the ovaries in dairy cows after parturition and the effectiveness of using the prostaglandin program to induce estrus / R. G. Kuzmich, D. S. Khodykin et al. // Scientific notes of the UO VGAVM. — 2022. — № 58 (2). — P. 17—23.
66. Hamilton S.A. Characterization of ovarian follicular cysts and associated endocrine profiles in dairy cows / S. A. Hamilton et al. // Biology of Reproduction. – 1995. – № 53(4). – P. 890—898.
67. Nezhdanov A. G. Modern understanding of the sexual cycle of female animals / A. G. Nezhdanov // Veterinary science. — 2003. — № 11. — P. 32—36.
68. Gavrichenko N. I. Features of the course of folliculogenesis during the sexual cycle in the ovaries of cows with different levels of fertility / N. I. Gavrichenko, L. N. Turchanova // Actual problems of intensive development of animal husbandry. — 2014. — № 17—2. — P. 193—198.
69. Chinarov R. Yu. Determination of the optimal stage of the estrous cycle for transvaginal ultrasound-assisted follicular puncture in lactating cows of the Tagil gene pool breed / R. Yu. Chinarov, V. A. Lukanina et al. // Dairy and beef cattle breeding. — 2023. — № 5. — P. 24—27.
70. Kaplunov V. R. Obstetric and gynecological diseases, reproductive capacity and the course of folliculogenesis in cows with different types of stress resistance / V. R. Kaplunov, N. I. Gavrichenko // Modern achievements and current problems of life: Proc. Int. sci. and pract. conf. dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Faculty of Biotechnology and the Departments of Genetics and Breeding of Agr. Animals, Technology of Production and Mechanization of Livestock Farming, Feeding of Farm Animals, Vitebsk, October 12–13, 2023. – Vitebsk: Vitebsk State Academy of Vet. Medicine, 2023. – P. 40–46.
Review
For citations:
Alekseeva A.Yu., Khomchenko L.E. Follicular waves in female cattle. Genetics and breeding of animals. 2025;(4):84-95. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31043/2410-2733-2025-4-84-95
Views:
46
JATS XML
Email this article 