| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 1989 |
| Authors: | M. van der Merwe, Van Aarde R. J. |
| Journal: | J. Reprod. Fert. |
| Volume: | 87 |
| Pagination: | 665-669 |
| Date Published: | 1989 |
| Keywords: | breeding, Chiroptera, endocrinology, hormones, implantation, lactation, Miniopteridae, Miniopterus natalensis, physiology, pregnancy, reproduction, seasonality, South Africa |
| Abstract: | Plasma progesterone concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay in the Natal clinging bat remained below 2.01 ng/ml during lactational anoestrus but increased significantly during the period of delayed implantation. Values peaked at implantation but were followed by a significant decrease thereafter. Concentrations remained low (<6.0 ng/ml) during the initial period of fetal development (153-180 days post coitum) and attained peak values (85.6-181.3 ng/ml) 216-222 days after fertilization. The marked post-implantation increase in progesterone concentrations coincided with a significant increase in placental weight. |