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Crystallization Patterns of Cervical Mucus as Related to Estrus in Beef Cattle¹

Mississippi Agricultural Experiment Station

Abstract

This preliminary investigation indicates that the crystallization patterns of cervical mucus appears to be related to ovarian activity of the female. The patterns formed immediately before, during and after estrus are fernlike and more extensive than during the luteal phase.

The first indications of the fernlike patterns of crystallization of cervical mucus became evident about 3.5 days before estrus. These patterns reached a maximum in extent at the time of estrus and began a decline before ovulation occurred. Deviations from linear regression of smear on follicle size was highly significant. Vaginal mucus was less reliable than cervical mucus as an indicator of approaching estrus.

Although reasonable care must be exercised, extensive equipment and aseptic conditions are not essential for obtaining results that on the average appear to be satisfactory for predicting time of estrus within relatively narrow time limits.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Mississippi Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Paper No. 666 from the Department of Animal Husbandry.

² Present address: Department of Animal Industry, North Carolina State College, Raleigh.

³ Present address: Department of Animal Husbandry, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn.