THE FLOW PROPERTIES OF CERVICAL SECRETIONS IN THE COW AS RELATED TO CERTAIN PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

The flow properties of bovine cervical secretions were measured in a constant speed emptying capillary micro-rheometer (the 'rheoscope'). Ten cows were studied for three oestrous cycles and onwards through the complete gestation period (875 readings). In a subsidiary special study of the changes in secretions occurring during the first 2 months of pregnancy, forty animals were examined (480 readings). The variations in the flow properties so measured were found to be correlated with the physiological changes accompanying the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. Characteristic differences were noted in cases of abortion and subfertility. It is suggested that the flow properties are governed by the ovarian hormones and that the measurements represent the resultant effect of the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body.