Studies on Estrual Cervical Mucus of Repeat Breeding Cows with Special Reference to Ovulatory Disturbances and Genital Infection

Abstract

A total of 100 crossbred Jersey cows comprising of 80 repeat breeder presented for treatment and 20 clinically healthy (control group) animals presented for artificial Insemination at their first service within 60–90 days following calving were selected. Estrual cervical mucus were examined for physical properties and white side test (WST). Effects of ovulatory disturbances and non specific bacterial genital infection on physical properties of cervical mucus were also determined. The volume, colour, consistency, stringiness, fern pattern and spinnbarkeit values of cervical mucus were not affected by ovulatory disturbances, while, colour, consistency and pH showed significant (p < 0.01) changes due to non-specific bacterial genital infection. The results of WST showed significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation (0.484) with bacterial culture. It is concluded that ovulatory disturbances have no impact on altering physical characteristics of estrual cervical mucus; however, colour, consistency and pH of cervical mucus are greatly influenced by nonspecific bacterial genital infection in repeat breeding cattle.