Studies on physical and rheological properties of cervico-vaginal mucus during early pregnancy in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

Aim: The present work was carried out to study and compare the variation in physical and rheological (study of stretch and elasticity) properties of cervico-vaginal mucus of pregnant and non pregnant animals which could be used for early pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes. Materials and Methods: Cervico-vaginal mucus samples were obtained from 30 buffaloes (n=12 pregnant, n=18 non pregnant) and a comparison was made between values of different parameters obtained from pregnant and non pregnant animals. Transparency, consistency, and elasticity of mucus were studied during early pregnancy. Results: Transparency and consistency did not show any remarkable difference between pregnant and non pregnant animals during any phase of estrous cycle. However, rheological property i.e. elasticity, showed a significant difference in its value on 9th day of estrous cycle. Spinnbarkeit value decreased significantly in pregnant animals on 9th day (3.9±0.45 cm), whereas non pregnant group did not show a remarkable difference (8.4±0.43). Spinnbarkeit value was unidentifiable from 12th day onward in both the groups. Conclusion: These results conclude that significant variation in mucus elasticity could be helpful in designing user friendly tool for early pregnancy diagnosis in buffalo in future.