Changes in Cervical Mucus as an Indicator of Fertility in Aceh Cattle

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cervical mucus viscosity and estrogen concentration, several blood biochemical profiles, and blood macro-mineral levels, as well as to determine the effect of cervical mucus viscosity and pH differences on pregnancy rates in Aceh cattle. Eight females Aceh cows aged 3-7 years old, with body weights of 150-250 kg were synchronized using a 25 mg single dose injection of PGF2α. Afterward, observation of estrus signs was performed for 30 minutes at 06:00 a.m. and at 06:00 p.m. Blood and cervical mucus samples were collected during the first cervical mucus secretion. The estrogen concentrations of each type of cervical mucus, namely thick, moderate, and thin were 29.39±6.29; 23.24±4.62; and 30.93 pg/mL, respectively. The pregnancy rate in cows with a cervical mucus pH of 6 and 9 was 0%. Meanwhile, the groups with a cervical mucus pH 7 and 8 had a pregnancy rate of 50%. An examination of cervical mucus showed different consistencies: five cows had mucus with a thick viscosity, with a 20% pregnancy rate; two had mucus with a moderate viscosity, with a 50% pregnancy rate and one had mucus with a thin viscosity, with a 100% pregnancy percentage. In conclusion, there is no significant relationship between estrogen concentration and cervical mucus viscosity levels in Aceh cattle. Levels of total protein, total cholesterol, and glucose were correlated to the viscosity of the cervical mucus. Higher levels of blood macrominerals (Na, K, Cl, Ca, P, and Mg) in female Aceh cattle resulted in greater viscosities of cervical mucus. The groups with cervical mucus pH of 7 and 8 had higher rates of pregnancy (50%) than the groups with cervical mucus pH of 6 and 9. The viscosity of cervical mucus also had an effect on the success of pregnancy in Aceh cattle.