The study of ovarian changes in the Thai swamp buffalo by examination per rectum

Examination to determine ovarian and uterine changes by palpation per rectum has been accepted as the most practical method, commonly used in cattle and horses. However, there has been no report of study on the feasibility and practicability of using such method in the Thai swamp buffalo. This study was conducted on ten healthy non-pregnant post subesent Thai swamp buffaloes selected at random. Examination per rectum for ovarian determinations was performed on every animal daily for one hundred and twenty consecutive days. Variance analysis shows that the average means of the length, width and thickness of the left ovary are 1.57 cm., 1.21 cm. and 0.68 cm. respectively while those on the right ovary are 1.65 cm., 1.23 cm. and 0.67 cm. respectively. The length and thickness of the right ovary is very highly significant, greater than those on the left every (P very much 0.01). The width of the right ovary is greater than that of the left ovary which is highly significant (P 0.01). The average means of the length and width of follicles on the left ovary are 1.7 cm. and 0.91 cm. respectively while those on the right ovary are 1.25 cm. and 0.95 cm. respectively. The length of the follicle on the left ovary is greater than that of the right ovary which is highly significant (P 0.01). The width of the follicle is greater on the right than on the left ovary (P, 0.05). Determination of sizes of corpora lutea were signified by +, ++, +++. Graphical analysis reveals extensive changes with irregular patterns. The comparison of the findings to the results of hormonal measurements by radioimmunoassay appears to be corresponding. The results show that the method of examination per rectum is applicable and practical for determinations of changes and status of ovaries of the Thai swamp buffalo thus valuable for future work in buffalo reproduction.