Abstract
Fetal and maternal hormone concentrations were measured in plasma samples from gilts in which all fetuses were infused with ACTH (2 μg/h) or saline continuously from day 103 of gestation. Litter size had been reduced to four earlier in gestation. No consistent effect of infusion on the length of gestation was observed. Fetal adrenals were significantly heavier in fetuses receiving ACTH and their plasma cortisol concentrations rose rapidly in response to ACTH infusion although there were marked variations in individual responses. No consistent changes in maternal hormone patterns were observed in response to the fetal infusions. It is suggested that the fetal adrenal may play a less dominant role in the initiation of parturition in the pig than in ruminants.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
