LOW COST, INDIGENOUS VAGINAL SPONGES FOR ESTRUS CONTROL IN BUFFALOES

摘要

Progesterone impregnated vaginal devices other than sponges are available in the market to control estrus in buffaloes, but these devices are imported and very costly which our poor farmers can not afford. Hence, a need was felt to develop cost effective, indigenous, progesterone impregnated vaginal device to control estrus in buffaloes. In the present document we hereby report for the first time the development of cost effective, indigenous, progesterone impregnated, vaginal sponges to control estrus in buffaloes. The invention relates to slow and sustained absorption of progesterone through vaginal wall into the circulation during the presence of vaginal sponges in situ vagina for a period of 10-14 days. Further, it relates to suitability of the shape and size of sponge for buffaloes and can be conveniently inserted with the aid of simple plastic speculum and removed easily by the user. The speculum, plunger and sponges are fabricated as per the needs of buffaloes. The speculum is made up of plastic material having sufficient endurance thickness. The plunger is prepared from thick nylon material. Vaginal sponge is prepared using a sheet of spongy foam and thread. Sponge is imbibed with progesterone solution by applying small aliquots. Sponge is then dried in hot air and kept in a neat and sterilized polythene bag. Sponges are loaded in speculum through the anterior end by taking out the thread of sponge from its distal end. Liquid paraffin is applied on the outer surface of loaded speculum as lubricant for smooth insertion of speculum. After intra-vaginal insertion of loaded speculum, sponge is expelled out of the speculum into the vagina near os-cervix by pushing it through the speculum with the help of plunger, plunger is retained and speculum is withdrawn. After expulsion of sponge, the speculum and plunger are removed carefully. Sponge is kept in situ vagina up to 10-14 days. After 10-14 days sponge is taken out of the vagina by pulling the thread carefully.