"In vivo" pH and electric conductivity of cer-vical mucus of cows during estrous cycle

Abstract

The pH and the electric conductivity of the bovine cervical mucus during estrous cycle were measured in vivo by a pocket-type pH meter and a handy type electric conductivity meter, respectively.
The pH values fluctuated during the estrous cycle. Mean values from day -10 to day -1 and day 2 to day 11 ranged between 6.83 and 7.40. On day 0 and day 1, the pH fell to 6.49 and 6.52, respectively. The minimal pH was observed on day 0 (the day of estrus).
The electric conductivity values also fluctuated during the estrous cycle. On day -3, the electric conductivity values began to rise. The maximal value (1.05) appeared on day 0 (the day of estrus), followed by rapid decrease to basal levels. Levels from day -10 to day -4 and from day 3 to day 11 ranged between 0.24 and 0.58.
The changes of the ratio of the electric conductivity to the pH during estrous cycle were also investigated.