Ameliorating postpartum reproductive cyclicity using exogenous melatonin implant in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of melatonin implants on oxidative stress levels and improving reproductive cyclicity in early postpartum buffalo. Total of 30 buffaloes at 15 days postpartum were randomly divided into melatonin treatment (n=15, one melatonin implant/50 kg body weight, 18 mg melatonin/implant) and control (n=15) groups. Both the groups were equally monitored for overt estrus signs and subjected to trans-rectal ultrasonography to check ovarian status. The blood samples were collected from jugular vein at weekly interval from day 15 to 43 post-partum to assess oxidative stress status. Significant reduction in concentration of malondialdehyde was observed in blood plasma from day 36 postpartum in treatment as compared to control buffaloes. The superoxide dismutase increased in treatment group from day 29 postpartum as compared to control. The concentration of glutathione reductase revealed nonsignificant difference between the groups. Treatment buffaloes showed higher oestrous exhibition rate (66.6% v/s 26.6%) with significant early onset of overt oestrus signs (24.10±1.49 days) compared to control (34.25±5.25 days). Ovulation rate was higher in treatment (n= 13; 86.66%) than that in control (n=8; 53.33%) buffaloes. In conclusion, melatonin implants efficiently reduced oxidative stress and resulted early resumption of ovarian activity, higher oestrus exhibition and ovulation rates in postpartum buffaloes.