Figure 2.
Schematic diagram of the Experiment 2 in vivo study design. Cows were synchronized via two injections of prostaglandin (PG) F2α administered over an 11-day interval, starting on protocol day −14 of the estrous cycle, with the onset of estrus considered day 0. On day 4 (n = 12) or day 10 (n = 12) of the estrous cycle, the cows were allocated to (i) an intra-CL injection of dinoprost (2.5 mg/0.5 ml; n = 6 at each time point), (ii) IM administration of dinoprost (25 mg/5 ml; n = 6 at each time point). After treatment (time 0 h), blood plasma was collected over a 12-h period for hormone determination, and ultrasonographic imaging was performed.