Preliminary results on the composition of oviductal fluid in buffalo

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if qualitative and quantitative differences exist in energy substrates and ionic components of buffalo cow oviductal fluid during dioestrus, pre-ovulatory and ovulatory phases of the oestrous cycle. Ten multiparous Italian Mediterranean Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) cows at 15 days in milk were used. Cannulation of oviduct was performed as previously described by Kavanaugh et al.(1992) for cattle, adapting the technique to the smaller dimension of buffalo reproductive tract. We evaluated daily secretion rates, energy substrates and ions concentration during the three phases. Oviductal fluid secretion rates (ml/24h) and glucose concentration were significantly greater in the ovulatory phase (P<0.01) and in the pre-ovulatory phase (P<0.05) than in dioestrus. No significant differences were detected between oestrous phases for the other parameters analyzed.