Physical properties of cervical mucus in relation to bovine fertility.

Abstract

A review of the literature has confirmed the hypothesis that the changes which occur in the physical properties of the cervical mucus during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in the cow (as revealed by rheological and ultra-violet absorption studies) are closely related to hormonal levels, particularly the levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Although such a relationship is useful in the diagnosis of oestrus and of pregnancy, it can lead to false diagnoses where hormonal conditions are abnormal. In a recent experiment pregnancy would have been wrongly diagnosed in about 5% of the cows if no allowance had been made for their non-pregnant hormonal condition. It is suggested that studies of the physical and chemical properties of the cervical secretions in relation to hormonal levels may throw light on those cases of bovine subfertility which are known to be related to hormonal imbalance. A. P. G. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)