Progesterone is the hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy in livestock animals.
A) True
B) False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A) True.
Progesterone is indeed the hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy in livestock animals. It is produced primarily by the corpus luteum (the structure that forms on the ovary after ovulation) and, in some species, by the placenta during pregnancy. Progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg and maintaining a suitable environment for fetal development.
After fertilization, progesterone helps thicken the uterine lining (endometrium) and supports the suppression of uterine contractions, which is necessary to prevent early expulsion of the embryo. It also inhibits the production of estrogen, which would otherwise stimulate contractions or early labor. The hormone also supports the immune system in a way that helps prevent the maternal body from rejecting the developing fetus.
In livestock animals, progesterone levels remain elevated throughout the pregnancy, and this elevation is essential for sustaining the pregnancy. If progesterone levels drop prematurely, it can result in miscarriage or abortion. This is why progesterone is commonly administered in veterinary practice to prevent abortion or preterm labor, particularly in animals that are at risk of losing their pregnancy.
The placenta takes over progesterone production as the pregnancy progresses in many species, but the role of progesterone in the early stages of pregnancy remains essential for establishing and maintaining a viable pregnancy. Thus, the correct answer is true, as progesterone is critical for sustaining pregnancy in livestock, as it is in other mammals.