Validation of a 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α enzymeimmunoassay and its application for reproductive health monitoring in postpartum buffaloes

Relationship of vaginal discharge characteristics evaluated by Metricheck device to metabolic status in postpartum dairy cows

The relationship between vaginal discharge characteristics and metabolic status has been studied in postpartum dairy cows. Vaginal discharges at 2-6 weeks postpartum were scored weekly on a 1 (clear) to 5 (purulent material with stench) scale using the Metricheck device and classified into three groups as follows: Endometritis group (n = 19), greater than or equal to score 4 until 3 weeks postpartum; Delayed involution group (n = 9), score 2 or 3 after having score 1; Healthy group (n = 23), cows except those belonging to the Delayed involution and Endometritis groups. The uterus and cervix were assessed using ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected twice weekly from 1 to 6 weeks postpartum from all cows and were additionally obtained for 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α (PGFM) measurements from multiparous cows. Cows with delayed involution had delayed onset of luteal activity (p < 0.05) and higher serum urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations (p < 0.01) than healthy animals. Cows with endometritis had more peripartum diseases (p < 0.05), lower milk yield (p < 0.05), longer cervix diameter (p < 0.05), and lower serum albumin (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (p < 0.01), and magnesium (p < 0.01) concentrations, and higher aspartate aminotransferase levels (p < 0.05) than healthy cows. Plasma PGFM concentrations tended to be higher in the Delayed involution group (p = 0.083) and lower in the Endometritis group (p = 0.085) than in the Healthy group. In summary, delayed involution was shown to be associated with higher BUN concentration, and endometritis may have been caused by peripartum diseases and hepatic dysfunction.

Role of LH and prostaglandin F2alpha on the development and regression of corpus luteum in mithun (Bos frontalis) estrous cycle

The present investigation was designed to study the role of LH and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) on the development and regression of corpus luteum (CL) in the mithun estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein and PGF2alpha secretion was evaluated on the basis of peripheral 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha (PGFM) concentration. The daily variations in plasma LH, PGFM, and progesterone (P4) concentrations throughout the estrous cycle were monitored in morning and evening blood samples. The variations in plasma LH, PGFM, and P4 concentrations during the early luteal phase were monitored in blood samples that were collected every 2 h until 120 h following the onset of estrus (Day 0). The pulsatile secretion patterns of plasma LH, PGFM and P4 during estrus (Day 1), mid-diestrus (Day 10), and luteolysis (Day 14) were assessed in blood samples that were collected every 15 min for 6h. In the estrous cycle, P4 concentration increased above basal level on day 6-7, peaked on day 10-12 and declined thereafter. Following estrus, a significant (P<0.01) gradual increase in P4 concentration was observed. LH concentration was found to be significantly (P<0.01) greater around estrus and it declined gradually (P<0.01) following estrus. In the estrous cycle, PGFM concentration increased above basal level on day 9-11, peaked on day 16-17, and declined thereafter. The frequency of LH pulses and basal LH concentration were found to be significantly (P<0.01) greater on day 1, but significantly (P<0.01) greater amplitude of LH pulses was found on day 10 and 14. The frequency of P4 and PGFM pulses was found to be significantly (P<0.01) greater on day 1. In contrast, the amplitude of P4 and PGFM pulses and basal P4 and PGFM concentrations were found to be significantly (P<0.01) greater on day 10 and 14. The results indicate that probably the early stages of CL development continued until day 5-6 of the estrous cycle and a fully functional CL existed approximately at the mid estrous cycle. Luteolysis probably started since day 11-13 of the cycle and completed before the onset of the next estrus. The elevated basal LH concentration along with frequent low amplitude LH pulses were probably required for the early stages of CL development. In contrast, the high amplitude LH pulses of lower frequency during the mid estrous cycle were either sufficient or not required for maintaining the luteal function. Whereas, PGF2alpha pulses of greater amplitude and elevated basal PGF2alpha concentration during the mid and late estrous cycle were probably responsible for luteolysis.