Assessment of blood glucose and serum insulin profiles at different stages of gestation in triple cross-bred cattle

Blood glucose and serum insulin were determined in forty four triple cross bred (½ Kankrej X ¼ Jersey X ¼ Holstein Friesian) pregnant heifers (20) and cows (24) on days 90,150, 210 and 275 of gestation. Blood glucose (mg/dl) levels decreased significantly (P< 0.01) as pregnancy advanced in both heifers and cows. Serum insulin (ìU/ml) levels increased non-significantly on day 150 from that of day 90 and then decreased non-significantly during advanced stages of gestation in both heifers and cows. Decrease in blood glucose as gestation advances may be due to utilization of glucose for the development and growth of the fetus. Positive correlation existed between glucose and insulin levels at different stages of gestation.