TDK conference 2020

Using saliva of the dairy cow, this study aims at investigating if we can predict estrus and ovulation. We sampled saliva, vaginal mucus and blood at the time of insemination from 64 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows and heifers in the northeast of Hungary. Saliva and vaginal mucus were smeared on a glass slide and analyzed by microscope for each cow. A qualitative mark assessing the degree of ferning was given by the operator. A picture of each slide was taken through a microscope and then processed by a software to determine the degree of ferning quantitatively. Blood serum samples were analyzed for progesterone levels and compared to the qualitative and quantitative marks obtained. We have demonstrated that various degrees of ferning can be observed in the saliva of dairy cows during estrus. However, with this data set it is not possible to statistically relate ovulation to saliva ferning pattern dynamics. Despite this, ferning analysis seems to be a promising method for estrus prediction throughout the whole reproductive cycle.

Keywords: saliva, ferning, dairy cow, progesterone, estrus, ovulation.