Inter-relationship of peripheral hormones (IGF-1, testosterone and growth hormone) with reproductive traits in male buffalo

This study was aimed to decipher the inter-relationship peripheral hormones [Insulin-like growth hormone (IGF-1), testosterone and growth hormone] with body weight, body condition score and scrotal circumfermnce across age-groups in male buffalo. Male buffalo (n=20) of different age groups viz. Group 1 (0 to 8 months), 2 (9 to 16 months), 3 (17 to 24 months) and 4 (25 to 32 months) were selected and Blood was collected along with body weight, body condition score and scrotal circumference. Significant difference (P<0.05) in the body weight, body condition core and scrotal circumference was observed between the groups. Peripheral IGF-1 level increased with age, highest in Group 4 (202.4±9.36 ng/ml). Similarly, testosterone was different between Group 1, 2 and 4, highest in Group 4 (1.73±0.02 ng/ml). Growth hormone, differed (P<0.05) between Group 1 (3.65±0.50 ng/ml), Group 3 (3.65±0.50 ng/ml) and Group 4 (8.56±1.96 ng/ml). Postive correlation (P<0.05) between various parameters (body weight, body condition score and scrotal circumference, testosterone and growth hormone) was observed. In conclusion, this study reports the age-related variations and inter-relationships of peripheral hormones with body weight, body condition score and scrotal circumference in male buffalo.