Sequential changes in plasma progesterone, total oestrogens and corticosteroids in cow throughout pregnancy and around parturition

Blood samples were taken thrice a week for 2 weeks from 33 pregnant cows in 9 groups, 1 month apart. In addition, blood samples were collected twice daily 1 week from 8 cows before parturition. Plasma progesterone and total oestrogens were quantified by validated radioimmunoassays and total corticosteroids by a competitive protein binding technique. During the 1st 3 month of pregnancy, no remarkable changes were observed from the 3 hormones studied. From the 4th month on, concentrations of progesterone and total corticosteroids decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) and remained fairly constant until the 9th month. Values of total oestrogens increased significantly (P less than 0.05) from the 4th to 6th months and stayed unchanged afterwards. Progesterone levels in periparturient cows decreased linearly (P less than 0.01) during 3 days preceding delivery. Concentrations of total oestrogens rose sharply from day -5 and peaked at calving. Values of total corticosteroids increased dramatically on the 6th day and 24 hours before parturition. The results obtained suggest that in contrast to studies cited earlier plasma corticosteroids could play a key role for triggering parturition in cows.