Hormonal Profile of Ovarian Follicular Fluid Across Different Follicle Sizes in Local Iraqi Buffaloes

Follicular fluid hormones are important for the buffalo’s ovarian function. However, in local Iraqi buffalo, this information is still under investigation, which may improve the understanding of the reproductive performance of buffalo. Therefore, the current study investigates the hormonal profile of follicular fluid in ovarian follicles of varying sizes in Iraqi buffaloes, aiming to elucidate the hormonal requirements for follicular growth. Sixteen local Iraqi buffalo ovaries obtained from a slaughterhouse were used for this study over two months (July and August). Buffaloes were nonpregnant, mature, and disease-free. Follicles were classified into three groups based on diameter: small (2-5 mm, n=32), medium (6-9 mm, n=61), and large (10-15 mm, n=48). Harvested FF from each ovary of the same animal of the same category was pooled and then kept until hormonal evaluation. Progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations were analyzed. The results showed significant differences in progesterone and estrogen concentrations between 10-15 mm, 2-5 mm, and 6-9 mm follicle sizes (p < 0.0001). Testosterone concentration was greater in 6-9 mm compared to 10-15 mm and 2-5 mm follicle size. However, TSH did not significantly differ among the three studied follicle size groups. Despite the sample size, the current results provide new insights into the hormonal profile underlying the development of the follicular dynamic mechanism in anestrus local Iraqi buffalo, with progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone as key features. Additional research is warranted to compare these hormones across different ages using a larger sample.