This experimental study was performed to evaluate angiogenesis, bone formation, and bone ingrowth in response to osteoinductive implants of bovine-derived hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics either uncoated or coated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in miniature pigs. A cylindrical bone defect was created in both femur condyles of 24 miniature pigs using a saline coated trephine. Sixteen of the 48 defects were filled with HA cylinders coated with 50 microg rhbFG, uncoated HA cylinders, and with autogenous transplants, respectively. Fluorochrome labelled histological analysis, histomorphometry, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to study angiogenesis, bone formation and bone ingrowth. Complete bone ingrowth into bFGF-coated HA implants and autografts was seen after 34 days compared to 80 days in the uncoated HA group. Active ring-shaped areas of fluorochrome labelled bone deposition with dynamic bone remodelling were found in all cylinders. New vessels could be found in all cylinders. Histomorphometric analysis showed no difference in bone ingrowth over time between autogenous transplants and bFGF-coated HA implants. The current experimental study revealed comparable results of bFGF-coated HA implants and autogenous grafts regarding angiogenesis, bone synthesis and bone ingrowth.