Hormonal milieu around parturition in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Veterinary Physiology
• Animal Reproduction

Background:

• Parturition in Murrah buffaloes involves complex hormonal shifts.
• Understanding these endocrine changes is crucial for reproductive management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the peri-parturient hormonal profiles in Murrah buffaloes.
• To correlate key hormone levels with the calving event.

Main Methods:

• Radioimmunological assays were used to measure plasma concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α), 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (PGFM), estradiol-17β, progesterone, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone (LH).
• Hormone levels were analyzed in peripheral plasma samples collected around the parturition period.

Main Results:

• Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) showed fluctuations with a peak one day prior to parturition.
• Concentrations of PGFM, estradiol-17β, and prolactin significantly increased in the final week, peaking one day before calving.
• Progesterone levels exhibited a gradual decline, with an abrupt fall 1-2 days before parturition.
• Estradiol-17β and prolactin returned to basal levels post-partum, while PGF2α and PGFM remained elevated.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations remained low and stable throughout the study period.
• Progesterone was negatively correlated with PGF2α, PGFM, and estradiol-17β before parturition.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the distinct hormonal dynamics of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α), PGFM, estradiol-17β, progesterone, and prolactin during parturition in Murrah buffaloes.
• These hormonal changes, particularly the pre-parturient surge and subsequent decline, are critical indicators of the calving process in this species.