Effect of prostaglandin F(2alpha)- thamsalt and Estrumate (ICI 80996) on plasma progesterone levels in Indian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis )

Thirty six buffalo showing normal reproductive cyclas were given a single intramuscular injection of prostaglandin F(2alpha)- thamsalt (PGF(2alpha)) and Estrumate on day 9 or 15 of the estrous cycle in order to induce estrus. In PGF(2alpha) treated animals, plasma progesterone dropped from 2.99+/-0.29 to 0.10 +/- 0.02 ng/ml and from 5.53 +/- 0.53 to 0.09 +/- 0.03 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM) within 72 hours of treatment, on day 9 and 15, respectively. Similarly, the treatment with Estrumate on day 9 or 15 of the cycle reduced the level of proges--terone from 3.02 +/- 0.03 to 0.14 +/- 0.03 ng/ml and from 4.26 +/- 0.47 to 0.21 +/- 0.03 ng/ml, respectively, 72 hours aPter each treatment. It was inferred that both drugs induce estrus in buffalo without any observed residual effect.