Hormonal milieu around parturition in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

RadioiiflmunologiCal measurements of prostaglandin F2 a, 13 ,14-dihydro-1 5-keto-PGF2a (PGFM), estradiol-1 7�, progesterone, prolactin and luteinizing hormone (LH) were carried out in peripheral plasma around parturition in Murrah buffaloes. The PGF2 a concentration fluctuated before parturition and a peak was observed 1 day prior to parturition. PGFM, estradiol-17� and prolactin concentration increased gradually over the last 7 days with a significant peak (P<0.0O1) 1 day before parturition. The progesterone level declined gradually and an abrupt fall occurred 1-2 days before parturition. The estradiol-17j3 and prolactin concentrations declined to basal concentrations 1-2 days post partum, whereas PGF2 a and PGFM remained higher than basal concentrations. The LH concentration remalned low without any significant variation. The progesterone concentration was negatively correlated with PGF2a (r�0.7039; P<0.05), PGFM (r=-0.8322; P<0.01) and estradiol-17�3 (r=-0.8896; P<0.0O1) before parturition.