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* There is rapid development of the corpus luteum.
 
* There is rapid development of the corpus luteum.
 
** Development is linear from day 2-12 after ovulation.
 
** Development is linear from day 2-12 after ovulation.
*
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* By day 5 of dioestrus, the corpus luteum is 0.6cm in diameter.
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* It then attains a maximum size of 0.9cm diameter and has a central cavity.
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* Over the period of dioestrus, the colour changes from blood red to pale pink.  The size stays constant until the onset of th next oestrus.
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* At the onset of the next oestrus:
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** Regression of the corpus luteum of the previous cycle is rapid
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** Colour changes to yellow and then brownish-yellow.
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* The luteolytic mechanism is similar to in the cow.
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** At the end of dioestrus, under the influence of oestradiol and progesterone, there is an increase in the number of uterine oxytocin receptors.
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** At the same time, the corpus luteum produces oxytocin, which stimulates PGF2.  PGF2 then acts to stimulate the release of oxytocin in a feedback loop mechanism.
    
=== Endocrine Changes during the Oestrous Cycle ===
 
=== Endocrine Changes during the Oestrous Cycle ===
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