Hormonal and Blood Biochemical Constituents in Pregnant and non Pregnant Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Hormonal and other blood biochemical constituents were compared in pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes. Twelve apparently healthy Murrah buffaloes were artificially inseminated after being detected in estrus. Per-rectal examination of the ovaries was done on days 0, 6, 14, 16, 30 and 45 after artificial insemination (AI). Based on the maintenance of a mature corpus luteum (CL) on the surface of the ovary at least upto day-45, seven out of twelve animals were grouped as pregnant and rest non-pregnant. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 and 20 of the cycle/pregnancy. In all the animals the progesterone concentration which was at basal levels on the day of estrus started rising from day-2 onwards. The rise was 141.6% in pregnant as compared to 54.6% in non-pregnant group of buffaloes. The levels remained high throughout the study period in pregnant animals whereas it showed a sudden fall on day-16 in nonpregnant buffaloes. Thyroidal activity, blood glucose, plasma cholesterol levels were higher and plasma total proteins lower during estrus in all the animals. However, there was no change in trace element status.