Evaluation of Bovine Cervical Mucus During Estrous Cycle by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

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Abstract
Bovine cervical mucus exhibited cyclical change of nuclear magnetic resonance properties in relation to stage of estrous cycle. The spectral lineshapes, as measured by asymmetry indices calculated for widths at 20 and 50% peak height, showed an abrupt change between early and midestrus. A second transition was at 6 to 15 days postestrus. The estrus-related change is postulated as reflecting primarily increase of water content of cervical mucus, whereas the postestrus transition appeared to be the consequence of decreased mucous hydration in concert with molecular changes of structure of mucous polymers.