Studies on follicular patterns in buffalo-heifers

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Understanding ovarian follicular dynamics is crucial for managing cattle reproduction.
• Previous studies have focused on various aspects of follicular development, but continuous monitoring in heifers requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the patterns of development and atresia of large ovarian follicles in pre-, peri-, and postpubertal heifers.
• To determine the frequency and timing of large follicle presence during the estrous cycle in heifers.

Main Methods:

• Rectal palpation was frequently employed to assess ovarian follicles in heifers across different pubertal stages.
• Average follicle sizes and the presence of midcycle follicles were recorded throughout the estrous cycle.

Main Results:

• Average large follicle sizes were 1.25 cm (prepubertal), 1.35 cm (peripubertal), and 1.36 cm (postpubertal).
• Midcycle follicles (>0.80 cm) were palpable in 65.39% of postpubertal heifers between days 9-13 of the estrous cycle.
• Follicle development and atresia were continuous processes, with follicles appearing every 10-11 days.

Conclusions:

• Follicular development and atresia in heifers are continuous, cyclical processes.
• Rectal palpation is an effective method for monitoring ovarian follicular dynamics in heifers.
• These findings contribute to a better understanding of bovine reproductive physiology.