Metabolic characteristics of follicular fluid in cows: A review

Abstract

Female fertility largely depends on ovarian function. Follicles serve as the basic unit of the ovary and provide the metabolic microenvironment for oocyte development. The metabolism of follicular fluid changes dynamically with follicular development and is affected by maternal metabolism, age, and breeding season. This paper aims to summarize the metabolic characteristics of follicular fluid in growing cohort follicles, ovulatory follicles, and cystic follicles and discuss changes in follicular fluid metabolism associated with maternal metabolic stress, maternal age, and breeding season. Results provide a systematic and clear understanding of the metabolic characteristics of bovine follicular development.

Keywords: Cows; Cystic follicles; Follicular development; Follicular fluid; Metabolite; Ovulation.