Detection of estrous biomarkers in the body exudates of Kangayam cattle (Bos indicus) from interplay of hormones and behavioral expressions

Abstract Behavioral expressions and biochemical composition of body exudates are significantly altered in concert with the endocrine status, which are all clear indicators of physiological conditions of animals. In this study we sought to infer about the reproductive physiological status of Kangayam cattle (Bos indicus) by analyzing behaviors, endocrine pattern, and body exudates, and further to discover estrous biomarkers so as to facilitate timely artificial insemination/mating and to aid in aspects of conservation of the species. Therefore, in this study, we followed Kangayam cow through pre-estrous to post-estrous phases to correlate the endocrine dependence of biochemical constituents in urine and cervical mucus, and sought to identify estrous biomarkers. Behavioral estrus was confirmed in 10 cows, from which urine samples were collected and subjected to determination of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogens, progesterone, proteins and lipids. Further, urinary fatty acids and proteins were profiled using GC and SDS-PAGE, respectively. The volatile compounds in the urine and cervical mucus were identified by GC-MS analysis. The data revealed that LH, FSH, and estrogen levels increased significantly in estrous urine compared to non-estrous urine whereas progesterone status was vice-versa (p