Therefore, the present study has
aimed (1) to verify the steady-state level of EGF mRNA
during various follicular stages in goat ovaries, (2) to
investigate a possible influence of EGF on the survival,
antral cavity formation and growth of secondary follicles after culture for 6 days and (3) to evaluate the effects of
EGF and/or FSH on the mRNA levels of EGF and FSH-R
after 6 days of culture.