Follicle dynamics were recorded from first detection of estrus onward by transcutaneous
ultrasound examination (Weitze et al., 1989), with a 5MHzAloka® convex linear transducer.
The ultrasound examinationwas repeated every 12 h. The size and the persistence of follicles
were used as criteria to determine cysts. The structures were considered an ovarian cyst when
an anaechoic structure with smooth and thin walls with a diameter larger than 2 cm that