Postpartum Fertility in Relation to some Antioxidant Activity and Hormonal Profile in Buffaloes

A total of 30 normally calved buffaloes, on day 14 postpartum, were used to study the relationship between fertility status and each of antioxidant activity, follicles (≥ 5mm in diameter) populations and hormonal profiles. The reproductive indices in terms of interval to first heat and first service, Days open and services per conception were calculated. The buffaloes were classified into two groups on the basis of Days open whether it was ≤ 90 days (G1, n=20) or from 91 to 120 (G2, n=10). Ultrasonographic (US) examination was conducted on Day 21 postpartum to check cervical and uterine gravid horn diameter as well asevery 3 days to estimate follicles populations (≥ 5m) during two intervals: from 14 to 20 day and from 21 to 29day postpartum. Blood samples were collected on the Day of the first service for estimating serum concentration of antioxidant activity, Zinc, Selenium and estradiol and on Day 10 of the same cycle to assay serum progesterone concentration. While there was an increase (P<0.01) in the follicles populations on both ipsi- and contra- lateral ovaries in G1 compared with G2 during the interval: 14-20 day, there was an increase in G2 compared with G1 during the interval 21-29. The anti-oxidant activity and Malonaldehyde as well as Zinc and Selenium serum concentrations were higher (P<0.01) in G1 compared with G2. Also serum estradiol concentration on the Day of first service and progesterone on Day 10 of the same cycle were higher in G1 compared with G2.It is concluded that estimating follicular populations beyond Day14 postpartum and antioxidant activity on the day of the first service are predictive for postpartum fertility in buffaloes