Effect of 30 kDa and above buffalo follicular fluid protein treatment and immunization on ovarian functions in goats (Capra hircus)

Information on the use of buffalo follicular fluid (buFF) in modulation of ovarian functions in farm animals is scanty compared to other species. This is an attempt to investigate the effect of direct administration and active immunization of 30 kDa and above buFF proteins on ovarian functions in goats. Treatment of goats (n = 6) with steroid free 30 kDa and above buFF protein fraction during late-luteal phase for 4 days (days 12 or 13 to days 15 or 16) of the natural cycle, delayed the onset of estrus by 24 h compared to control although the mean duration of estrus was unaffected. A 71% increase (P = 0.06) in mean ovulation number was also observed following treatment. However, the population of large (> or =5 mm diameter) follicle was not affected. The ovarian activity calculated as total of ovulation and large follicles increased (1.6 times) significantly (P = 0.02) in treated animals. Active immunization of goats (n = 5) against these proteins did not affect the onset and duration of estrus. Similarly, the ovulation rate, number of large follicles and the ovarian activity did not differ significantly between immunized and control groups. The study revealed that 30 kDa and above buffalo follicular fluid contains some factor(s) that cause delay in the onset of estrus in goats and increase the ovulation rate. Active immunization against these proteins in goat did not show any effect either on onset, duration of estrus or ovulation rate and large follicle population. Detailed study on these buffalo follicular fluid proteins may help to use them further for modulation of ovarian function in farm animals.