Properties Of Cervical Mucus Research Articles

Comparative study of reproductive and estrus characteristics of sexed and conventional semen in crossbred cows under field conditions.

Sexed semen (SS), a reproductive biotechnology tool, can alter the sex ratio of offspring in bovines. This study elucidates a comparative analysis of estrus-related parameters influencing conception rate and pregnancy losses under field conditions between conventional and SS. In the present study, artificial insemination with (SS; n = 143) and conventional semen (CS; n = 143) was performed at spontaneous estrus, i.e., 16-18 h after the onset of estrus signs, to analyze their comparative evaluation in terms of conception rates in crossbred cows under field conditions. Different parameters such as age, parity, body condition score (BCS), estrus duration, inter-estrus interval (IEI), diameter of pre-ovulatory follicle (DPOF) at estrus, and cervical mucus properties (pH and spinnbarkeit [SBK]) were recorded for each cow. The first insemination conception rates for sexed and conventional semen were 55.24% and 63.63% whereas the overall conception rates were 49.14% and 57.37% on days 35 and 75 post-insemination, respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conception rates between sexed and CS inseminations were statistically significant (p < 0.01), whereas factors such as age, parity, BCS, DPOF, IEI), and SBK value exhibited no substantial variance (p > 0.05) for both types of semen straw. SS straws yielded a conception rate equivalent to CS straws, with estrus duration being the key factor affecting conception under field conditions.

Tissue expression analysis of cervical mucus proteome.

Cervical mucus is a viscous fluid functioning as a cervix plug. Products of the endometrial and cervical glands can be detected in the cervical mucus. Cervical mucus is further enriched with transudate originating from the fallopian tubes and proteins originating from the ovaries, peritoneum and distant tissues. With increasing levels of ovarian estrogens, the properties of cervical mucus for possible collection and processing change appropriately. For these reasons, we chose a group of 10 patients treated in the center of assisted reproduction by controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization. This study focuses on the proteomic characterization of cervical mucus and localizes the possible sources of the identified proteins. The most abundant proteins were extracellular proteins, mainly mucins; however, most of the identified proteins, present usually in lower quantities, were of intracellular origin. The tissue analysis revealed that proteins from female reproductive organs are also expressed in other tissues in addition to female reproductive organs, but also proteins specific to the testis, liver, placenta, retina, and cerebellum. This study confirms the suitability and high potential of cervical mucus as a source of proteomic bio-markers not only for the dia-gnosis of the female reproductive tract.

The most Applicable Physical Properties of Cervical Mucus Correlated with High Pregnancy Rate in Egyptian Cows under Heat Stress Condition

The most Applicable Physical Properties of Cervical Mucus Correlated with High Pregnancy Rate in Egyptian Cows under Heat Stress Condition

The role of Phalaghrita Uttarbasti in the management of Infertility w.s.r. Cervical Factor

Vandhyatva (infertility) has been a long standing problem since ancient times. Many herbal and herbo-mineral formulations are mentioned as treatment of infertility in the ancient texts,but they are not categorized according to the responsible factor of infertility.It is need of the hour to evaluate the efficacy of formulations with respect to various factors . With the above aim a clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Phalaghrita Uttarbasti on cervical factor i.e scanty cervical mucus. For clinical trial total 7 patients were selected for this study. Intracervical Uttarbasti of Phalaghrita (3 ml) was administered in every sitting for 6 days after end day of menses subsequently for two cycles. Sims-Huhner and Moghissi cervical mucus Test and post coital test were selected for the diagnosis and for evaluation of efficacy of therapy on cervical factor. Statistically highly significant result were found on spinnbarkeit(p&lt;0.01). and significant result were found in amount and viscosity(p&lt;0.05) and insignificant result were found in cellularity, and ferning (p&gt;0.1). Hence, in nutshell it was concluded that Phalaghrita Uttarbasti showed good results in all the properties of cervical mucus.

The Role of PrajasthapanaYoga and Phalaghrita Uttarbasti in Management of Infertility W.S.R. Cervical Factor

Vandhyatva (infertility) has been a long standing problem since ancient times.Many herbal and herbo-mineral formulations are mentioned as treatment of infertility in the ancient texts,but they are not categorized according to the responsible factor of infertility.It is need of the hour to evaluate the efficacy of formulations with respect to various factors. With the above aim a clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Prajasthapana Yoga and PhalaghritaUttarbasti on cervical factor i.e scanty cervical mucus.For clinical trial total 7 patients were selected for this study.4 tab.(2 gm)of Prajasthapana Yogawas given orally thrice a day for 2 month and intracervical Uttarbasti of Phalaghrita(3 ml) was administered in every sitting for 6 days after end day of menses subsequently for two cycles.Sims Huhner and Moghissi cervical mucus Test and post coital testwere selected for the diagnosis and for evaluation of efficacy of therapy on cervical factor.Statistically highly significant result were found on quantity and viscosity(p&lt;0.001) and significant result were found inferning,cellularityand spinnbarkeit(p&lt;0.05). Hence, in nutshell it was concluded that Prajasthapna Yoga and PhalaghritaUttarbasti showed good results in all the properties of cervical mucus.

Efectos del D-norgestrel postcoital sobre el epitelio vagina, moco cervical y penetración espermática

Este estudio forma parte de un programa de investigación que enfoca la acción de d-Norgestrel postcoital sobre diversos parámetros del tracto genital. Se ha estudiado los efectos de una tableta de 0,4 mg., ingerida en la fase ovulatoria del ciclo, sobre el colpocitograma, propiedades reológicas del moco cervical y recuperación espermática intracervical e intrauterina. Los resultados fueron comparados con los obtenidos en un grupo testigo sin tratamiento.

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

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.

Clomiphene citrate (CC) administration changes cervical mucus permeability in patients undergoing fertility treatments

The properties of cervical mucus(CM) have been investigated for many years,but limited data is available regarding its changes in patients undergoing different types of fertility treatments.In this study we use microfluidics technology to investigate the permeability properties of CM from ovulation induction (OI) with CC and natural cycle patients.

Characterization of physico-chemical properties of cervical mucus in relation to parity and conception rate in Murrah buffaloes

Cervicalmucusisaviscoelasticsecretionofconstantly secreting mucus producing cells of the endo-cervix [1] and acts as a mechanical barrier to prevent intruding organisms. It is a complex biomaterial having a vital protective function in the cervix during pregnancy. Bovine cervical mucus exists into two phases, aqueous and gel [2]. The aqueous phase contains mostly water (92-95%)with some ions andmetabolites [3]; whereas the glycoproteins (mucins) are themajor component of the gel phase [4]. Colour, appearance, pH and electrical conductivity along with other rheological properties like Spinnbarkeit value, flow elasticity, viscosity, thixotrophy, and arborisationpattern are themost important properties in relation to fertility. These properties vary with endocrinological status of reproductive cycle and directly associated with the estrogen: progesterone ratio and fertility status of dairy animals [5]. Basically two types of cervicalmucus are observed , estrogenic and gestagenic [6] which can be further divided into various subtypes. The rheological properties of cervical mucus becomesmore plentiful, watery and less viscous, during follicular phase, which facilitates the transport of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. However, it becomesopaque, thick, viscousandscantyduring luteal phase not favourable to sperm migration [2]. Cervical secretion becomes more copious and watery during the estrogen dominating phase of ovarian cycle while the viscosity of mucus increases under high progesterone concentration. Therefore may be used in determining the stage of estrus for fixing an optimum time of insemination in farm animals. The occurrence of crystallization is common to all types of mucus. But degree of crystallization/ arborisation pattern in cervical mucus is under the control of two ovarian hormones ., estrogen and progesterone. The phenomenon of crystallization in cervical mucus progresses under the influence of estrogen where as progesterone diminishes the formation of arborisation pattern [3]. Thus it viz.

Cervical mucus properties stratify risk for preterm birth.

BackgroundAscending infection from the colonized vagina to the normally sterile intrauterine cavity is a well-documented cause of preterm birth. The primary physical barrier to microbial ascension is the cervical canal, which is filled with a dense and protective mucus plug. Despite its central role in separating the vaginal from the intrauterine tract, the barrier properties of cervical mucus have not been studied in preterm birth.Methods and FindingsTo study the protective function of the cervical mucus in preterm birth we performed a pilot case-control study to measure the viscoelasticity and permeability properties of mucus obtained from pregnant women at high-risk and low-risk for preterm birth. Using extensional and shear rheology we found that cervical mucus from women at high-risk for preterm birth was more extensible and forms significantly weaker gels compared to cervical mucus from women at low-risk of preterm birth. Moreover, permeability measurements using fluorescent microbeads show that high-risk mucus was more permeable compared with low-risk mucus.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that critical biophysical barrier properties of cervical mucus in women at high-risk for preterm birth are compromised compared to women with healthy pregnancy. We hypothesize that impaired barrier properties of cervical mucus could contribute to increased rates of intrauterine infection seen in women with preterm birth. We furthermore suggest that a robust association of spinnbarkeit and preterm birth could be an effectively exploited biomarker for preterm birth prediction.

PA01.45. An ayurvedic management of vandhyatva w.s.r. to cervical factor

Purpose: Vandhyatva (infertility) has been long standing problem since ancient period. Many herbal and herbo mineral formulations are mentioned as a treatment of infertility in the ancient texts, but they are not categorized according to the responsible factor like Ritu Kshetra, Ambu, Beeja. It is the need of time to evaluate the efficacy of formulations in respect to various factors of infertility. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Aswagandha Ghrita and Phalaghrita in the management of Vandhyatva w.s.r. to cervical factor. Method: In this study, total 14 patients were treated in two groups viz. Group A; Ashwagandha ghrita (Intra cervical Uttarbasti 6days for 2 cycles and Ghritapana 15ml bid for 2 months) and Group B; Phalaghrita (Intra cervical Uttarbasti 6days for 2 cycles and Ghritapana 15 ml bid for 2 months) to assess the role of Ghrita in the management of Vandhytva. Sim's hunter and Moghissi cervical mucus Test and Post coital test were selected for the diagnosis and for evaluation of efficacy of therapy on cervical factor. Result: The overall effects of both the therapies on properties of cervical mucus showed that the administration of Ashwagandha ghrita (group A) was more effective to increase the amount and tradability as compared to Phalaghrita whereas Phalaghrita was more effective in comparison to Ashwagandha ghrita to decrease the cellularity and viscosity of cervical mucus. Conclusion: Significant results were found in both the groups, but Ashwagandha ghrita provided better results in comparison to Phalaghrita.

450: Permeability properties of cervical mucus in women at high risk for preterm birth

Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of a positive AF culture was 45.9% (34/74). Univariate analyses showed that both all the cytokines tested in cervicovaginal fluids and gestational age had a significant relationship with intra-amniotic infection. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis yielded a model using cervicovaginal IL-6 and gestational age with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.829 for predicting intra-amniotic infection. The AUC for this model was significantly higher than either parameter retained in this model, but no differences were observed between the AUC of this model and AF WBC for the prediction of intra-amniotic infection. CONCLUSION: In women with PPROM, a model combining cervicovaginal IL-6 and gestational age provides a better prediction of intraamniotic infection than either variable alone. Overall, this non-invasive model performed as well as AF WBC count for predicting intraamniotic infection.

Ewe breed differences in fertility after cervical AI with frozen–thawed semen and associated differences in sperm penetration and physicochemical properties of cervical mucus

The objective of this study was to examine sperm penetration through cervical mucus and associated physicochemical properties of cervical mucus from Belclare and Suffolk ewes – two breeds with divergent pregnancy rate following cervical AI using frozen–thawed semen. In Experiment 1, sperm penetration through cervical mucus was assessed in 15 Belclare and 15 Suffolk ewes at 30, 48 and 57 h post sponge removal. In Experiment 2, rheological properties of mucus from 17 Belclare and 19 Suffolk ewes at 48 and 57 h post sponge removal were determined. In Experiment 3, 20 Belclare and 20 Suffolk ewes were used to assess mucus ferning and pH collected at 42, 48, 57 and 65 h post sponge removal. In Experiment 1, a higher number of sperm penetrated cervical mucus from Belclare ewes at 48 h, reflected by a breed by time interaction ( P = 0.05). In Experiment 2, mucus from Suffolk ewes tended to have higher elastic and complex moduli than that from Belclare ewes ( P = 0.06) regardless of time of collection. There was no effect of ewe breed on the viscous modulus. In Experiment 3, there was a significant effect of time post sponge removal on ferning ( P < 0.01), but there was no effect of breed. There was no effect of time or breed on mucus pH. It is concluded that breed differences in the rheological properties of cervical mucus affect the ability of sperm to swim through cervical mucus and this may explain breed differences in fertility observed after cervical AI using frozen–thawed semen.

Sparkling water – bicarbonate for cervix and cystic fibrosis

Sparkling water – bicarbonate for cervix and cystic fibrosis

Post-coital test in subfertile men.

Twenty-two patients with border-line spermiograms (moderate oligoasthenozoospermia or asthenozoospermia) were studied by the post-coital test (PCT) to determinate the behaviour in vivo of semen with modest dysspermia (spermatozoa counts between 10 and 20 million/ml, with 20-40% forward motility). All the female partners were normal morphologically and functionally. The PCT were always carried out when the cervical mucus was favorable (mean score 12.2-12.3) and the endocervical pH was 7.25-7.30. The positive results for the asthenozoospermic semen samples were 6.75% and for the oligozoospermic one 10%, when the classification were based on the W.H.O. criteria. When the semen samples were classified according to Kremer's criteria positive results were found in 37.5% and 40% of the cases respectively. The effects of both cervical mucus properties and pH on the results of the PCT were found to be important. The high percentage of the favorable results emphasizes the usefulness of completing studies of border-line spermiograms with an in vivo test, since it is difficult to define normality and predict the fertility potential from semen examination alone.

190 EFFECT OF THE PROPERTIES OF CERVICAL MUCUS ON PREGNANCY RATES IN HOLSTEIN HEIFERS AND COWS AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER

Selection of animals as recipients of embryo transfer is an important procedure of embryo transfer on farms. Most animals are evaluated for their acceptability as recipients based on the quality of their corpus leteum (CL). However, since rectal palpation is a subjective evaluation method, a more objective method of assessing the suitability of the recipient is required. Cervical mucus may be able to be used to evaluate the condition of the uterus indirectly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the properties of cervical mucus and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer in Holstein heifers and cows. Cervical mucus was collected using a swab off the ostium uteri externum and was stained with 5% Giemsa's solution for 20 min one day before embryo transfer. The stained cervical mucus were classified based on the type of staining pattern (Kitamura et al. 2003 Theriogenology 59, 307) into five groups: filiaceous (Type 1), taenia (Type 2), claustral (Type 3), nubecula (Type 4), or aqueous (Type 5). Proportions of the types of cervical mucus and pregnancy rates were analyzed by chi-square test. In Experiment 1, 113 heifers and 266 cows were examined for cervical mucus type. No significant difference was observed in the proportions of the types of cervical mucus between heifers and cows (heifers: 35.4%, 18.6%, 16.8%, 25.7%, and 3.5%; cows: 24.4%, 14.3%, 20.3%, 30.8%, and 10.2% for Types 1∼5, respectively). In Experiment 2, either a fresh or frozen-thawed embryo was implanted in vivo in 84 heifers and 163 cows 7 days after estrus. The heifers and cows were judged to have normal sized CLs (normal, 17 mm or more) and have no vaginal abnormalities such as cervical mucus contaminated with pus and urovagina as per vaginal examination. The proportions of acceptable Type 5 recipients was lower than that of Type 1 (P &lt; 0.05). The pregnancy rates were 47.6% for heifers and 45.4% for cows (Table 1). The pregnancy rates of Types 1–3 (53.5%) were significantly higher than for Types 4 and 5 (29.9%) in the cows (P &lt; 0.05). Although there was no statistically significant difference, the same tendency was observed in the heifers. Pregnancy was unsuccessful in Type 5 recipients, both heifers and cows. The total pregnancy rates of Types 1–3 were significantly higher than for Types 4 and 5 (53.5% vs. 29.9%, P &lt; 0.001). These results suggest that cervical mucus type can serve as an objective selection criterion for embryo recipients. Further, embryo transfer should be avoided in Type 5 recipients. Table 1. Cervical mucus type and pregnancy rates (%) in dairy cattle

Relationship between Properties of Cervical Mucus and Pregnancy Rate after Embryo Transfer in Recipient Heifers and Cows

We investigated the relationship between the pregnancy rate of bovine embryo transfer and collapsed protoplasm of epithelial cells in cervical mucus samples collected from 102 cows (Japanese Black, Holstein and their crossbred). The recipient cows were divided into 3 groups according to the proportion of collapsed protoplasm: group L, 20% or less; group M, 21 to 80%; and group H, 81% or more. Rates of pregnancy in these 3 groups were compared. The observation rates of collapsed protoplasma in cervical mucus were 28.4% (29 cows) in group L, 44.1% (45 cows) in group M and 27.5% (28 cows) in group H. The pregnancy rates following embryo transfer were 66.7% (14/21 cows) in group L, 51.4% (18/35 cows) in group M, and 33.3% (8/24 cows) in group H after eighty frozen embryo transfers. The group L and group M recipients had higher pregnancy rates after frozen embryo transfer than group H (P<0.05). The rate of pregnancy increased as the proportion of collapsed protoplasm decreased. There was no significant correlation between pH of mucus, proportion of collapsed protoplasma of epithlial cells and concentration of progesterone in plasma. The present results indicate that there is a relationship between rate of pregnancy and proportion of collapsed protoplasm in the cervical mucus. The high rate of pregnancy in cows with the low proportion of collapsed protoplasma in cervical mucus suggests that the proportion of collapsed protoplasm in cervical mucus is a reliable index for selection of cows for embryo transfer.

Effects of chelating agents on the rheological property of cervical mucus

As an ongoing effort to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the calcium-dependent fertility regulation process, the viscoelastic properties of the mucus obtained from lamb cervix and human semen, as well as their water and total protein contents after exposure to EDTA, a chelating agent, or Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a spermicidal agent, were examined. The viscosity was measured using a Cone Plate Digital Viscometer, while the water and total protein contents were determined by the lyophilization process and the Lowry method, respectively. The significant changes in the rheological properties of mucus, such as its viscosity and the water content, upon exposure to EDTA were demonstrated. The viscosity of cervical mucus and human semen were significantly increased by EDTA treatment (as compared to the controls): lamb cervical mucus (2.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.2 ± 0.3 cps) and human semen (5.0 ± 0.3 vs. 4.3 ± 0.3 cps), respectively. The hydration rate was decreased by EDTA treatment as compared with the control (93.6 ± 0.7 vs. 96.8 ± 0.8%). Among tested samples, the reduction in the percentage of sperm penetration through the cervical mucus was the highest in the mucus containing EDTA, which had the lowest water content (93.6 ± 0.7%), indicating that there is a positive relationship between the hydration rate of the cervical mucus and its ability to permit the penetration of spermatozoa. This result indicates that spermicidal activity exerted by high concentrations of EDTA is in part due to its effect on the rheological properties of cervical mucus or semen.

Chemical properties of bovine cervical mucus during normal estrus and estrus induced by progesterone and/or PGF2α

Ninety-two Friesian cows were used to determine the chemical properties of cervical mucus during normal estrus and estrus induced by progesterone (P 4)-releasing intravaginal devices (PRID) and/or prostaglandin F2α. The animals were assigned to 4 groups (no treatment, a PRID for 12 days plus injection of 1000 IU PMSG at the removal of PRID, a double im injection of PGF 2α 11 days apart, or PRID for 7 days plus an im injection of PGF 2α 24 h before the removal of PRID). A number of cows with normal estrus exhibit three consecutive estrous cycles after delivery. Cows that had not shown estrus for 3 months after delivery had their ovaries palpated twice at 10-day intervals, to determine their ovarian activity. Then PRID and/or PGF2α was administered in cows that had a palpable corpus luteum in one of the two palpations (cyclic cows). A double artificial insemination (AI) was performed to the cows of the three induced-estrus groups, while the cows with normal estrus received only one AI. Cervical mucus samples were collected from all cows 5 to 30 min before the first AI. Additionally, samples of cervical mucus were collected from 20 cows during their first estrus after the induced one. The results are summarized as follows: 1) The biochemical properties of cervical mucus in the first three estrus periods after delivery were similar. 2) These properties were similar both in normal estrus after delivery and in the first estrus after an induced one. 3) Glucose and fructose concentrations for normal estrus were similar to those for induced estrus groups. 4) Total protein and cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in normal than in induced estrus, while no difference was found among the induced estrus groups. 5) Pregnancy rates of the cows did not differ significantly among the normal and the induced-estrus groups. 6) The percentages of cows in the induced-estrus groups that produced cervical mucus with total protein and cholesterol concentrations similar to those for the normal estrus groups was very low.

Physical properties of bovine cervical mucus during normal and induced (progesterone and/or PGF2α) estrus

Ninety two Friesian cows were used to determine physical properties of cervical mucus collected during normal estrus and estrus induced. Estrus was induced using either progesterone (P 4) releasing intravaginal devices (PRID) and/or prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). The animals were assigned to 4 groups (no treatment, a PRID for 12 days plus an injection of 1000 IU PMSG at the removal of the PRID, a double injection of 3 mL PGF2α 11 days apart, and a PRID for 7 days plus an injection of PGF2α 24 h before the removal of PRID). A number of cows with normal estrus exhibited three consecutive estrus cycles after calving. Cows that had not shown estrus for three months after calving had their reproductive system palpated twice at 10-day intervals, to determine their ovarian activity. Then PRID and/or PGF2α was administered to cows that were found to have a palpable corpus luteum in one of two palpations (cycling cows). The cows of the three induced estrous groups were artificially inseminated (AI) twice, while those with normal estrus received only a single AI. Cervical mucus samples were collected from all cows 5 to 30 min before the first AI. Additionally, samples of cervical mucus were collected from 20 cows at their first estrus after the induced estrus. The results are summarized as follows: 1) The physical properties of cervical mucus were similar in the first three normal consecutive estrus cycles after calving. 2) The physical properties of cervical mucus in normal estrus after calving were similar to those in the first estrus after an induced estrus. 3) The pH values for normal estrus were similar to those for induced estrus. 4) Viscosity of cervical mucus in the normal estrous group was significantly lower than that in the induced estrus. Furthermore, significant differences were noticed among the three induced estrous groups. 5) Spinnbarkeit, crystallization and receptivity of cervical mucus (penetration test) were significantly higher in the normal estrous group than in the induced estrous groups, while no difference was detected among induced estrus groups. 6) Pregnancy rates in physical properties of cervical mucus at the time of the second AI were similar to those for normal estrus but this suggestion needs further investigation. On the other hand, at the time of the first AI very few cows in the induced estrus groups produced cervical mucus similar to that of cows with normal estrus. The physical properties that differed the most were viscosity, spinnbarkeit, and the penetration test. Other authors found that cows do not exhibit estrus at the same determined time (11,26). On the basis of this finding physical properties of cervical mucus could be used as an indicator for the time of estrus manifestation, in order to increase pregnancy rates by applying AI at an optimal time. In summary, the results from the present study showed that the physical properties of cervical mucus in the first three consecutive normal estrous periods after calving are similar; that the first estrus after an induced estrus is a normal estrus; that viscosity, spinnbarkeit, crystallization and receptivity of cervical mucus (penetration test) are significantly different for normal than for induced-estrus groups at the time of first AI; and a small percentage of cows with induced estrus produce cervical mucus with parameters of viscosity, spinnbarkeit and receptivity similar to those found in normal estrus. These properties could be used as indicators for the quality of cervical mucus produced by the cows with induced estrus.