Pituitary binding sites for gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were examined in Booroola ewes on Days 4 and 12 of the oestrous cycle and more than 12 months after ovariectomy. No significant differences were observed in the affinity of the binding sites for [lZ51]D Ala6, des Gly" GnRH ethylamide, in non-carriers ( + + ) or homozygotes of the fecundity gene (FF), in intact or ovariectomized animals (overall Ka=(1.8f0.1) x lo9 M-'; mean+SEM, n=67). In + + ewes, the number of GnRH binding sites on Day 4 of the oestrous cycle (0.199f0.025 fmol/mg pituitary, n=8) was significantly greater (P<0.05) than on Day 12 (0.107k0.012 fmol/mg pituitary, n=12). In contrast in FF ewes the number of binding sites on Days 4 and 12 were similar (Day 4: 0.119k0.030, n=8; Day 12: 0.092k0.014, n=10). On Day 4, but not Day 12, the binding site numbers were significantly higher in + + compared with FF pituitaries (P<0.05). Likewise on Day 4, but not Day 12, the plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone were significantly higher (P<0.005) in FF (1.60f0.15 nglml) than + + ewes (0.96f0.10 ng/ml). After ovariectomy, no gene-specific differences in binding site numbers were noted despite significantly higher plasma follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations in FF animals. No gene-specific differences in plasma luteinizing hormone concentrations were observed in these animals on Days 4 or 12, or after ovariectomy. Moreover, luteal phase plasma progesterone concentrations were also similar between + + and FF ewes.We conclude that the gene-specific differences in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH and in pituitary gonadotrophin output are unlikely to be due to differences in GnRH receptor binding affinities.