CHANGES IN CONCENTRATION OF MINERALS IN FOLLICULAR FLUID OF GROWING FOLLICLES

The present study was undertaken in goat ovaries to study the changes in mineral content of follicular fluid during growth and maturation of follicles. Goat ovaries were procured from local slaughterhouse. The diameter of surface follicles was measured and grouped into small (< 5 mm) and large (? 5 mm). From these follicles the fluid was aspirated and after centrifugation and dilution was estimated for Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn using atomic absorption spectorphotometer (AAS). It was found that the concentrations of Na and Ca were significantly higher in large follicle (199.41 ± 6.13 mEq/L and 6.44 ± 0.57 mEq/L respectively) as compared to small follicles (155.43 ± 4.2 mEq/L and 6.07 ± 0.07 % respectively). The concentrations of K, Zn and Fe were significantly higher in small follicles (21.36 ± 0.98 mEq/L, 2.79 ± 0.03 % and 5.99 ± 0.07 % respectively) as compared to large follicles (15.06 ± 1.3 mEq/L, 1.98 ± 0.03 % and 2.25 ± 0.01 % respectively). The levels of Mg, Mn and Cu did not differ significantly between small and large follicles. This study emphasizes the changes of minerals in folliculogenesis of goats.