Plasma progesterone concentration and reproductive function relative to thyroid activity in postpartum buffaloes...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology in livestock
• Animal physiology
• Veterinary science

Background:

• Postpartum recovery and reproductive cyclicity are critical for dairy animal productivity.
• Plasma protein bound iodine (PBI) is a key indicator of thyroid function, which influences metabolic and reproductive processes.
• Understanding factors affecting postpartum reproduction in Murrah buffaloes is essential for herd management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between plasma protein bound iodine (PBI) levels and reproductive parameters in postpartum Murrah buffaloes.
• To determine the correlation between PBI and plasma progesterone concentrations.
• To assess the impact of PBI levels on reproductive efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 20 freshly calved Murrah buffaloes over a 57-day postpartum period.
• Plasma protein bound iodine (PBI) and progesterone concentrations were measured.
• Reproductive parameters including follicular development, oestrus, service period, and conception rates were recorded.

Main Results:

• The lowest PBI values were observed on day 1 postpartum, increasing up to day 36.
• Animals with lower PBI exhibited lower plasma progesterone concentrations (0.72 ng/ml vs 0.93 ng/ml).
• A significant positive correlation (r=0.80, p<0.01) was found between PBI and progesterone.
• Low PBI was associated with poorer reproductive efficiency (longer intervals and more services for conception).

Conclusions:

• Plasma protein bound iodine (PBI) levels are closely related to postpartum reproductive performance in Murrah buffaloes.
• Lower PBI may indicate suboptimal thyroid function, impacting progesterone levels and delaying return to cyclicity.
• Monitoring PBI could be a valuable tool for assessing and improving reproductive health in buffaloes.