Effect of prostaglandin treatment on the estrus behaviour, follicular and luteal morphometry and serum hormone profile in sub‐estrus buffaloes during non‐breeding season

Abstract Sub‐estrus buffaloes do not exhibit estrus signs despite being cyclic contributing to extended service periods and inter‐calving intervals causing significant economic loss. The present study described the effect of synthetic prostaglandin (PGF 2α ) on estrus behaviour, follicular and luteal morphometry, and serum estradiol (E 2 ) and progesterone (P 4 ) profile in sub‐estrus buffaloes during the non‐breeding season. The incidence of sub‐estrus was 38.4% during the non‐breeding season. The sub‐estrus buffaloes ( n = 33) were divided into two groups, viz., Control ( n = 16) and PGF 2α treatment (Inj. Cloprostenol 500 μg, i.m., n = 17). Estrus induction response was significantly greater in the treatment (100 vs. 18.75%, p < .001), and a relatively greater proportion of animals conceived in the treatment group (29.41 vs. 6.25%, p = .08). The time elapsed to induction of estrus and insemination following treatment was significantly lower in the treatment group than control. A significant increment in the follicle diameter (9.72 ± 0.45 vs. 13.00 ± 0.45 mm, P < .0001) and serum estradiol (E 2 ) concentration (66.01 ± 11.92 vs. 104.9 ± 13.21 pg/mL, p = .003) observed at the post‐treatment period in the PGF 2α treatment group. At the same time, CL diameter was reduced significantly at a higher regression rate in the PGF 2α treated buffaloes than those of control. Of the responded buffaloes, only 30% showed high‐intensity estrus attributed to the expulsion of cervico‐vaginal mucus (CVM), uterine tonicity, micturition, and mounting response by a teaser bull. From this study, it can be concluded that the administration of PGF 2α could induce estrus in the sub‐estrus buffaloes during the non‐breeding season. Behavioural changes, along with sonographic observation of POF, regressing CL, and serum E 2 and P 4 concentration would be useful to determine the right time of insemination in sub‐estrus buffaloes during non‐breeding season.