Follicular Cyst in Buffaloes

A follicular cyst is a condition where the normal follicle in the ovary fails to ovulate and continues to grow leads to a fluid-filled sac. This is a type of ovarian cyst that disrupts the estrous cycle. A follicular cyst disrupts the normal hormonal balance and prevent the buffalo from coming into estrus or lead to prolonged estrus which in turn affect the fertility. Unlike normal follicles that grow and rupture during the estrus to release an egg for fertilization; a follicular cyst does not rupture. Instead, it grows larger and produces abnormal levels of estrogen which leads to an absence of estrus or prolonged estrus. Follicular cysts are one of the common ovarian disorders observed in the buffaloes particularly in tropical regions. Managing the follicular cysts is essential for maintaining the reproductive health and optimizing the productivity on a buffalo farm. In tropical regions, heat stress, inadequate nutrition and infections are more prevalent leads to the follicular cysts. This condition is associated with the reduced reproductive performance in the buffalo herds leads to extended calving intervals and lower overall herd productivity