Concentrations of steroids and biochemical constituents in follicular fluid of buffalo cows during different stages of the oestrous cycle.

One of the factors controlling ovarian physiology in cattle is the alteration that occurs in the hormonal and biochemical composition of follicular fluid. Because they are ill-defined in buffaloes, the present study was aimed at determining changes in the follicular fluid collected from 197 pairs of buffalo ovaries after slaughter. Total oestrogens, progesterone, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and total protein were found to be higher before oestrus and reached their peak values during oestrus. Glucose concentrations were maximal before oestrus. Testosterone, total corticosteroids and acid phosphatase concentrations increased during metoestrus peaking during dioestrus. Alkaline phosphatase concentration was higher during dioestrus. Ratios and correlations between changes in concentrations of the different follicular steroids were determined.