Effect of stage of cycle, sampling frequency and recovery of micro-organisms on total protein content of mare uterine flushings.

This research investigates the impact of the stage of a equine reproductive cycle and the techniques of uterine flushing on the total protein content. The study found that the protein concentrations in uterine flushings were not affected by the time of flushing or the frequency, but were higher when microbes were present in the uterus.

Study Design

• The experiment included mares with healthy reproductive tract divided into two groups. Group I comprised of 12 mares and Group II comprised of 8 mares. There was no significant difference noted in terms of total protein concentrations and total recoverable protein of uterine flushings taken on Day 3 of oestrus and Day 8 after ovulation in each of the two groups.

Flushing Procedures

• The procedures involved flushing the uterus of the mares either once or twice during their oestrus cycle. In Group I, the mares were flushed once per cycle during alternate cycles and in Group II, mares were flushed twice in a cycle for two contiguous cycles. The study found that the duration of the oestrus and dioestrus (active sexual readiness and the period between periods of sexual heat) did not get influenced by these flushing procedures.

Presence of Micro-organisms

• The research discovered that the total recoverable protein and total protein concentrations of the uterine flushings were higher at Day 3 of oestrus and Day 8 and Day 15 after ovulation, when a micro-organism was isolated from the uterus before flushing. This suggests that the presence of micro-organisms in the uterus can significantly influence the protein concentrations of the uterine flushing.

Conclusions

• The results suggest that the stage of the equine reproductive cycle and the frequency of uterine flushing do not significantly affect the total protein content of mare uterine flushing. It also highlights the impact that the presence of micro-organisms may have on protein concentrations in the uterine flushings. More studies may be needed to fully understand the relationship between microorganism presence and protein content in uterine flushings.