Estrogen level and cervical mucus of Timor hind (Rusa timorensis) after mineral block supplementation during estrous cycle

Abstract

The aim of this research was to observe the effect of mineral block containing Selenium, Magnesium and Zinc to the length of estrous of Timor hind based on estrogen level and cervical mucus (potential hydrogen (pH)) and natrium chloride (NaCl)). The materials used were ten Timor hinds with range of Body Condition Score (BCS) 2.75 ± 0.25 with first parity. Timor hinds were grouping into 2 groups, it was T0 = without mineral block supplementation and T1 = with mineral block supplementation for 8 weeks. After treatment, the estrous cycle of Timor hind was synchronized using vaginal sponge that contained 20 mg medroxy progesterone acetate (MPA) for 16 days. Cervical mucus and blood were collected at 0, 24, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120 and 144 hours after releasing of vaginal sponge. The cervical mucus was measured for pH and percentage of NaCl. The estrogen level was analysed by radio immunoassay (RIA). Data were analysed using non parametric statistics Mann-Whitney U test. The result showed significantly different was found on 120 and 144 hours of pH of cervical mucus. pH of cervical mucus on 120 and 144 hours were T0 = 8.46 and T1 = 8.30; T0 = 8.46 and T1 = 8.28, respectively. NaCl level on 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were also significantly different in cervical mucus and estrogen level. The NaCl level of cervical mucus for 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were T0 = 0.00181% and T1 = 0.00236%; T0 = 0.00179% and T1 = 0.00227%; T0 = 0.00178% and T1 = 0.00202%; T0 = 0.00156% and T1 = 0.00177%, respectively. The estrogen level for 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were T0 = 8.21 pg/mL and T1 = 12,90 pg/mL; T0 = 7.54 pg/mL and T1 = 12.33 pg/mL; T0 = 4.56 pg/mL and T1 = 12.09 pg/mL; T0 = 3.76 pg/mL and T1 = 10.55 pg/mL, respectively. Estrous length of Timor hinds in group T0 and T1 was 48 and 84 hours, respectively. In conclusion, mineral block supplementation leads to longer estrous in Timor deer than those not given supplementation.