Effect of Serum Progesterone Levels at Estrus on Conception in Graded Murrah Buffaloes under Field Conditions

Abstract

The present study was taken up to access the effect of serum progesterone at estrus on conception in Graded Murrah buffaloes under field conditions for which 70 parous buffaloes maintained under village system of rearing, free from apparent pathological abnormalities of the reproductive tract presented in the first postpartum AI were utilized. Serum samples were collected on day 0 and 10 for estimation of progesterone by RIA. The animals were re-examined using ultrasound on day 10 following insemination for determining the CL size and day 30 for pregnancy diagnosis which is confirmed per rectally by day 60 post AI. The mean values of serum progesterone at AI and on day 10 post AI were calculated and the relation was analyzed. Serum progesterone concentration at the time of AI and pregnancy status was negatively correlated indicating that when progesterone level drops < 0.3 ng/ ml (basal level) at the time of AI, the chances of the animal becoming pregnant were more.