CONCENTRATIONS OF STEROIDS AND BIOCHEMICAL-CONSTITUENTS IN FOLLICULAR-FLUID OF BUFFALO COWS DURING DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE ESTROUS-CYCLE

One of the factors controlling ovarian physiology in cattle is the alt eration that occurs in the hormonal and biochemical composition of fol licular fluid. Because they are ill-defined in buffaloes, the present study was aimed at determining changes in the follicular fluid collect ed from 197 pairs of buffalo ovaries after slaughter. Total oestrogens , progesterone, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and total protein were f ound to be higher before oestrus and reached their peak values during oestrus. Glucose concentrations were maximal before oestrus. Testoster one, total corticosteroids and acid phosphatase concentrations increas ed during metoestrus peaking during dioestrus. Alkaline phosphatase co ncentration was higher during dioestrus. Ratios and correlations betwe en changes in concentrations of the different follicular steroids were determined.