The effect of cauterization of clitoris on serum LH levels in cows

The Effect of Cauterization of Clitoris on Serum LH Levels in CowsMurat YÜKSEL**University of Firat, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department of Obstetric andGynaecology-ELAZIGABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was the effect of cauterization of clitoris on serum LHlevels in cows.A total of 10 cows (3 Holstein, 4 Brown Swiss and 3 Simmental) aging between 2,5-6were used as material in the study. Animals were synchronised with double injection ofPGF2α at 11 day intervals. First spontanous estrous cycle was control cycle. From the firstsign of spontanous estrous, blood samples were collected 2 hours intervals until 24 hours tomonitor LH concentration and two days interval to monitor progesterone concentration untilnext estrous cycle. When the second spontaneos estrous occurred, the clitoris was cauterizedwith electrocoter under epidural anesthesia. After cauterization the blood samples werecollected 2 hours intervals until 24 hours post-cauterization to monitor LH concentration and2 days interval, until next spontenous estrous to monitor progesterone levels. Sera were storedin a freezer until assayed.Serum LH and progesterone levels were determined by Enzyme Immuno Assay.Progesterone values (± S.E.M.), in the control and clitoral cauterization group were 5.28±0.28ng/ml, 5.20±0.26 ng/ml. Precauterization and postcauterization progesterone levels did notsignificantly differ.The mean ±S.E.M. LH concentration, in the control and clitoral cauterization group were2.18±0.30 ng/ml, 2.03±0.31 ng/ml respectively. The mean ±S.E.M. preovulatory LH peakconcentration were 11.56±1.99 ng/ml in control group and 10.55±1.63 ng/ml in thecauterization group. Onset of LH surge (±S.E.M.) occured 9.6±2.56 h in control group and7.2±3.14 h in the cauterization group after the onset of estrous. End of LH surge (±S.E.M.)occured 18±2.53 h in control group and 17.6±3.19 h in the cauterization group after the onsetof estrous. The time (±S.E.M.) from the beginning of estrous to the LH peak was 16±2.61 h incontrol group and 12±0.97 h in cauterization group. The mean ±S.E.M. duration of LH surgewas 8.4±0.75 h and 10.4±0.4 h in control and cauterization group respectively. The mean LHconcentration, LH peak concentration, time from the beginning of estrous to onset of LHsurge, to end of LH surge and to the LH peak and mean duration of LH surge were notdifferent between control and cauterization group.In conclusion, serum LH values were not affected clitoral cauterization in cows.Key Words: Cow, LH, Clitoris, Cauterization