Change in concentration of volatile fatty acids in urine and vaginal secretions of ovariectomized heifers during artificially induced estrus

Author

Thomas Eugene Bianconi

Date of Award

12-1980

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Animal Science

Major Professor

R. L. Murphree

Committee Members

Robert R. Shode, Chares C. Chamberlain

Abstract

Physiological estrus was induced in two ovariectomized heifers (a Hereford and an Angus) by sequential daily injections of progesterone and estradiol. Vaginal mucus and urine were collected daily from both females. A method for extraction of the short chain fatty acids and removal of substances which interfered with chromatographic analysis was developed. The concentrations of acetic, propionic, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids in urine and mucus were determined.

Concentrations of all acids were higher in urine than in mucus in both animals. The concentrations in both urine and mucus were higher in the Angus female than in the Hereford female.

Bulls exposed to an ether extract of urine collected from the Angus female one day after injection of estrogen exhibited sexual excitation. The males were not stimulated by urine extracts from the Hereford female.

Recommended Citation

Bianconi, Thomas Eugene, "Change in concentration of volatile fatty acids in urine and vaginal secretions of ovariectomized heifers during artificially induced estrus. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1980.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/7768