Role of milk progesterone profile in fertility management of mammals

ABSTRACT

Milk progesterone profiles of Nili-Ravi Buffalo were studied during oestrus, early pregnancy and at various durations of pregnancy. An increase in the milk progesterone level was seen in the first few days of days of pregnancy. However, instead of declining front about day 17 or so high progesterone concentrations were maintained. Progesterone level during oestrus cycle showed an increase after ovulation due to the developing corpus luteum size. An optimum increase was observed till 17th day, which later dropped rapidly to basal level. The length of the oestrus cycle was 21 days. Use of milk progesterone profiles in oestrus detection [milk progesterone < 2ng/ml] helped to achieve a conception rate of 67%. In pregnancy diagnosis, milk profiles provided 80% accurate positive and 100% accurate negative results: