The aim of this study was to evaluate morphometric characteristics of bovine ovaries recovered on different reproductive stages. The ovaries used (N=200) were recovered at slaughterhouses and sent to the laboratory, were the size of the ovary, of follicles and of corpus luteum were measured. The pairs of ovaries were classified according to the reproductive stage, and to the estrous cycle or pregnancy stages of the animals from which they were recovered. There was a difference (P<0,001) on ovarian size between pre and postpuberal animals. There was no difference (P>0,05) on organ size between animals presenting estrous cycles or pregnancy, but pregnant cows presented larger corpora lutea and smaller diameter of the largest follicle (P<0,05). Evaluated parameters were affected by estrous cycle and pregnancy stages (P<0,05). There was a significant correlation between ovary and corpus luteum sizes in the animals presenting estrous cycles (R=0.69; P<0,001). In conclusion, ovarian morphologic characteristics changes according to the reproductive stages, could be used as parameters for clinic and functional evaluations of the organ.
Bovine; Ovary; Follicles; Corpus luteum; Morphology
