author(s)
SK Pothireddy, M Honparkhe, Gurpreet Singh, AK Ahuja, SS Dhindsa and Prahlad Singh

abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate concentrations of blood plasma biochemical composition of certain variables with reproductive importance (glucose, cholesterol, total protein, ceruloplasmin) in normal and delayed pubertal buffalo heifers. Buffalo heifers were screened for reproductive tract pathologies and 20 animals were selected. Animals were divided into two groups viz. Group-I (n=10; normal pubertal buffalo heifers) having average age of 2.5-3 years and the history of estrus exhibition at least once and Group-II (n=10; delayed pubertal buffalo heifers) having average age ≥3 years but without any history of estrus exhibition. All the four plasma biochemical variables measured were with in normal physiological range in both the groups. Mean±SEM values of plasma cholesterol and total protein are significantly higher (P<0.05) in group II (delayed pubertal animal) compared to group I (normal pubertal animals). Non significantly higher (P>0.05) mean±SEM values of plasma glucose and ceruloplasmin were recorded in group II than group I. Higher values of blood biochemical in delayed pubertal buffalo heifers may be attributed to higher body weight and body condition score compared to normal pubertal buffalo heifers. It was concluded that delayed pubertal buffaloes had differences in plasma biochemical profile that normal pubertal heifers which might be contributing for the underlying aetiology for delayed puberty.