Fecal Estradiol and Progesterone Measurement for Determining Ovarian Function of Indonesian Spotted Buffaloes

Abstract

Spotted buffalo is an exotic animal in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Population of this animal is predicted to decline due to high rate of male to be slaughtered at traditional ceremonies as well as female reproductive characteristic. The aim of the study was to observe ovarian function of this animal through fecal estradiol and progesterone measurements. Fecal samples from four adult females were collected every two days for 60 days, then were analyzed using ELISA for estradiol and progesterone. Vulval swelling and sexual behavior were also observed. The results showed fluctuations in both estradiol and progesterone profiles in all females and represented ovarian cyclicity particularly in two females with the length of follicular phase 9-11 days and luteal phase 11-13 days. Estradiol concentrations were ranging from 51.94 ng/g DW to 224.03 ng/g DW during follicular phase and the minimal concentration of progesterone was 0.6 ng/g DW and reach the peak at 11.7 ng/g DW during luteal phase. In other two females, in the contrary, fluctuation of the profile did not seem to be clear and the concentration of both estradiol and progesterone were too low compared to the others. No genital swelling and sexual behavior could be observed.