The present study was conducted on 31 buffalo-cows aged 3-10 years and diagnosed rectally as they had follicular cyst. The previous diagnosis of the follicular cyst was confirmed by ultrasonography and serum progesterone assay. Ultrasound images of the ovarian follicles, both mature and cystic follicles, were individually identified and monitored and were subsequently digitized for computer analysis of echotexture [mean pixel value (MPV) and pixel heterogeneity (PH)] of the follicle antrum and wall. Animals were classified into two groups (Treated, n=20 and control, n=11). The treated buffalo-cows injected i.m with 100mg progesterone oily in nature followed by i.m injection of 5000 IU HCG at days 5. Out of the twenty treated animals 14 buffaloes responded and diagnosed as they had luteinized cyst. Out of the 14 animals that had luteinized cyst 9 buffaloes injected with 25 mg of PGF2α at day 14 and the other 5 buffaloes left as control. The 6 non responded buffaloes were classified into two subgroups each (n=3), one of them injected with HCG and the other left as control without any treatment. The time elapsed till luteinization of the follicular treated group was significantly different (32.67 ± 1.45 days and 15.71 ± 0.75 days respectively). The recovery rate was 27.27 % in control animals and 70% in treated ones. Days elapsed till appearance of estrus was significantly shorter in treated buffaloes (22.20 ± 1.19 days) in comparison to the control ones (56.33 ± 2.03 days). The conception rates were 33.33% and 66.67% in control and treated group respectively. Days elapsed from the treated animals (36.50 ± 1.47 days) compared to the control ones (64 days). Serum progesterone level was significantly different in treated animals comparing to the control ones. Changes in echotexture of bovine ovarian follicles assessed by computer analysis of ultrasound images has revealed a significant increase in echotexture parameters (MPV & PH) in cystic follicles compared with preovulatory follicles. PH of the antrum and wall of luteinized cystic follicles increased significantly compared to preovulatory and cystic follicles. Ultrasonography examination and echotexture analysis has revealed a presence of positive correlation between the cyst wall thickness and progesterone level which consequently aids in the treatment protocol. From the present study, it could be recommended that accurate diagnosis of the ovarian cyst was done by ultrasonography in combination with echotexture characteristics of ultrasound images together with progesterone profile 2 weeks postpartum early as soon as possible; and the animals should be re-examined with 7-10 days if possible for re-treatment of non responded cases if necessary. |
