Salivary Crystallization Pattern: A Probable Indicator of Estrus in Lakhimi Cows

Abstract

Efficient and prompt estrus identification is very essential for better maintenance of fertility among animals. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of characterization of different crystallization patterns of saliva at estrus in Lakhimi cows. Follicular diameters were measured at proestrus and estrus by using ultrasonography.  Serum and saliva samples were also collected during proestrus and estrus stage of estrous cycle for determination of hormonal profile and salivary crystallization patterns, respectively by standard methods. The mean diameter of dominant follicles at estrus (1.04±0.02 cm) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than proestrus (0.82±0.01 cm). The serum progesterone profile had significant difference (p<0.05) between proestrus (1.12±0.04 ng/ml) and estrus (0.76±0.02 ng/ml). Again, the mean serum estrogen concentration during proestrus (27.38±0.27 pg/ml) was significantly lower than estrus (36.92±0.41 pg/ml). In the present study, higher incidence of typical salivary crystallization patterns (72.00 per cent) was recorded at estrus than proestrus (48.00 per cent). From the study, it may be concluded that typical crystallization patten of saliva was predominant at estrus and determination of salivary crystallization pattern could be a reliable, cost-effective and non-invasive method of estrus detection in Lakhimi cows.