Changes in the Fetal Fluids Compositions during Dystocia of Dairy Buffaloes

Fetal fluids have different vital functions to sustain pregnancy and healthy parturition. Besides a deep understanding of fetal metabolism, diagnosis of pathological conditions during gestation and studying the composition of fetal fluids may provide information about fetal requirements for growth and maturation. With this background, the study was carried out in ninety pregnant buffaloes divided into two equal groups of eutocia and dystocia. Hormonal (cortisol and estradiol) and biochemical profile (cholesterol, glucose, total protein, creatinine, GGT, calcium, sodium, and potassium) of fetal fluid was measured for each of the buffalo. The cholesterol concentration in the case of dystocia had no significant difference from that found in the case of eutocia (P= 0.09). The level of cortisol, glucose, creatinine, sodium, calcium, and GGT was significantly higher in buffaloes with dystocia (P < 0.05). On the other hand, an increased estradiol concentration was observed in buffaloes with eutocia (P < 0.05). Cholesterol and potassium concentration did not vary significantly in both groups of buffaloes (P ˃ 0.05). This study concluded that dystocia causes a significant change in hormonal and biochemical profiles of the fetal fluids. Hence, in addition to the fetus in the prenatal and postnatal stages of its life, an analysis of fetal fluids indicates the health status of the dam.