Changes in serum oestrone sulphate and progesterone levels of red deer hinds during pregnancy

Abstract

Serum oestrone sulphate (E₁S) and progesterone (P) levels were recorded from six red deer hinds throughout the first two-thirds of gestation. E₁S was generally undetectable until 30 days post conception when levels rose, peaking between 60 and 80 days, and fell to lower values between 80 and 170 days post conception. P levels rose after conception and remained elevated for the remainder of the study.

This study indicates that in general the presence of measurable E₁S levels in serum of hinds is associated with pregnancy.