Characterization of a distinctive pattern of periovulatory leptin secretion and its relationship with ovulation rate and luteal function in swine with obesity/leptin resistance

► Sows with obese genotype have a periovulatory increase in leptinemia, not found in lean dams. ► Such pattern of leptin secretion is independent of changes in body condition and fatness. ► Concentration of leptin around estrus onset is positively related to ovulation rate in obese swine. ► Obese sows with higher leptinemia at estrus have lower progesteronemia in the following cycle.