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The plasma profile of various hormonal, biochemical and mineral constituents was studied in 32 buffaloes under nutritional management of transition period for 2 months before to 2 months postpartum. The buffaloes that expressed estrus and conceived within 120 days postpartum, irrespective of nutrient treatment or control groups, were classified as fertile (n=15) and rests as infertile (n=17) buffaloes. The variations in blood glucose and plasma profile of progesterone, estradiol, protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, Ca, P, Mg and trace minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, Mn), if any, on day 60, 30, 15 prepartum, on the day of calving, and on day 15, 30, 45 and 60 postpartum in postpartum conceiving and non-conceiving buffaloes were examined. There was no significant effect of fertile-infertile groups on plasma P4 and E2 profile on any day, except on day 45 postpartum, where E2 was (p<0.05) higher in fertile than infertile group (31.47±2.37 vs. 24.29±1.76 pg/ml), indicating early onset of follicular activity with ovulatory estrus in postpartum fertile group. The blood glucose and plasma protein profile also did not vary significantly at any of the intervals between two groups. Further, no significant difference in plasma cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations was found between conceived and non-conceived buffaloes at any of the intervals pre- or postpartum, except that the pooled mean cholesterol level was higher (P<0.05) in non-conceived than conceived buffaloes. The plasma concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium also did not reveal significant variation between fertile and infertile buffaloes at any of the intervals, though the magnesium value was higher in conceived than non-conceived buffaloes. Similarly, no significant difference was seen in the levels of plasma trace minerals, viz., Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu or Co between fertile and infertile buffaloes at any of the intervals studied. These nonsignificant variations noted between fertile and infertile buffaloes in blood profile could perhaps be due to masking effect of nutritional supplementation as the control group was also optimally managed by the farmers; hence the animals were pooled irrespective of groups for this comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken on 48 postpartum (>90 days) anoestrus buffaloes each in winter and summer seasons with the object to know the seasonal influence on efficacy of three estrus induction/ synchronization protocols towards fertility response and blood biochemical profiles. Twelve buffaloes each in treatment group I, II and III were subjected to Ovsynch, Heatsynch and Triu-B hormone protocols, respectively, while group IV served as untreated control. The estrus induction response varied from 75.00 to 83.33% during summer and 83.33 to 91.66% during winter season with these protocols. The conception rates obtained at induced estrus and overall of 3 cycles in anoestrus buffaloes were comparatively lower under all three protocols during summer than winter season (16.27 vs 41.67 & 25.00 vs 58.33% for Ovsynch; 16.27 vs 25.00 &25.00 vs 50.00% for Heatsynch, and 16.27 vs 41.67 & 33.33 vs 58.33%, respectively), and obviously higher than control group (overall CR 8.33 & 25.00%) in both the seasons. The overall mean plasma protein values were significantly higher (p<0.01) in winter season than summer season in all three groups, while inverse results were found with respect to seasons for total cholesterol under Ovsynch and Triu-B protocols. The effect of period and pregnancy status was non-significant within the protocol for both the traits in both the seasons, except the total protein under Ovsynch protocol in winter season was significantly higher in conceived than non-conceived group (7.96 ± 0.09 vs. 7.54 ± 0.11 g/dl; p<0.05). There was no influence of days or conceived and non-conceived status on the calcium, phosphorus and magnesium profile in any of the groups studied during both the seasons. However, significantly higher (p<0.05) overall mean plasma values for calcium and magnesium were observed in winter as compared to summer season in buffaloes of all three protocols. It was concluded that all three protocols can be used successfully during winter and Triu-B only during summer season to induce estrus and improve fertility in postpartum anoestrus buffaloes, and that the plasma metabolite profile was significantly altered by season, but not by the hormonal treatments or pregnancy status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was planned to evaluate the fertility response and plasma profile of biochemical and mineral constituents in 46 postpartum anoestrus crossbred cows (>90 days) treated with different standard hormonal protocols (TriU-B/PRID, Ovsynch and Heatsynch, n=12 each), keeping untreated anoestrus control (n=10) and normal cyclic control (n=10) groups. All the cows (100 %) under TriUB, Ovsynch and Heatsynch protocols exhibited induced estrus within mean intervals of 67.00±1.74, 69.83±0.87 and 68.17±1.24 h, respectively, from PGF2α injection, with prominent to moderate estrus signs. The conception rates obtained at induced estrus in cows under TriU-B, Ovsynch and Heatsynch protocols were 33.33, 41.66 and 33.33 per cent, respectively. The corresponding overall conception rates of three cycles were 50.00, 58.33 and 41.66 per cent, respectively. In anoestrus animals under TriU-B, Ovsynch and Heatsynch protocols, and in normal cyclic control group, the overall pooled mean plasma total cholesterol concentrations found were 218.32±5.81, 218.65±6.04, 202.44 ±5.73 and 225.87±9.09 mg/dl (P<0.05), respectively. The corresponding values for total protein were 7.95±0.06, 7.57 ± 0.05, 7.94 ± 0.14 and 8.69 ± 0.16 g/dl (P<0.05), plasma calcium 9.15 ± 0.06, 9.18 ± 0.09, 10.01 ± 0.08 and 10.15 ± 0.09 mg/dl (P<0.05) and inorganic phosphorus 4.33±0.10, 4.02 ± 016, 5.00 ± 0.18 and 4.90 ± 0.10 mg/dl (P<0.05). The influence of treatment days (0, 7, 9/AI or day 21 post-AI) was not significant for any of the traits in any of the groups, except for protein in Heatsynch protocol. The levels of all four constituents were significantly higher in normal cyclic control group than the values found in most treatment groups, which were at par. The conceived cows had insignificantly higher values of total cholesterol and protein as compared to non-conceived ones in most treatment protocols and even in cyclic control groups. In general, Ovsynch protocol followed by TriU-B appeared the best for induction of estrus and improvement of fertility without influencing the blood biochemical and mineral profiles in anoestrus crossbred cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken on semen ejaculates (n=48) of six mature Surti buffalo bulls. Following evaluation the ejaculates were extended in standard TFYG (Tris-citric acid-fructose-egg yolkglycerol) diluent at 34°C temperature keeping 100 x 106 sperm per ml. The fractions of extended semen samples were preserved at refrigeration preservation (5°C, 72 hrs) as well as at ultra low (-196°C) temperature using split sample technique. The semen filled in French mini straws was frozen in LN2 vapour using programmable biofreezer. The mean ± SE values of various spermatozoal attributes obtained of fresh, refrigerated and cryopreserved semen were within normal acceptable limit for the buffalo semen. The correlation matrix analysis was worked out for sperm motility, viability, normal morphology, intact acrosome and plasma membrane integrity in fresh semen, semen preserved at 5°C for 24 and 72 hrs and in post-thawed samples. There were significant (P<0.01) interrelationships (r = 0.29 to 0.94) observed between sperm motility, viability, 5normal morphology, intact acrosome and plasma membrane integrity in fresh, refrigerated and cryopreserved buffalo semen, which proved that initial motility and membrane integrity can be used as predicative measures of cryopreservability of buffalo semen in routine evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 30 good quality semen ejaculates from 5 mature bulls of HF x Kankrej (F1) breed were studied for sperm motility and velocity parameters of fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa using computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). The ejaculates immediately after collection in AV were assessed by CASA for fresh sperm motility and velocity parameters. A part of each ejaculate cryopreserved at -196°C in LN1 using standard Tris-citric acid-fructose-yolk-glycerol extender was thawed and assessed for post-thaw analysis of motility and velocity traits on CASA using via-dent stain. The mean values of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa observed in fresh semen (74.73± 1.71 and 51.57± 2.61 %) were highly significantly (P< 0.01) reduced (50.80± 1.36 and 30.23± 1.16 %, respectively) in post-thawed semen. The Average Path Velocity (VAP), Straight Line Velocity (VSL) and Curvilinear velocity (VCL) of spermatozoa noted in fresh semen were also reduced significantly (P< 0.01) in frozen-thawed semen. Amplitude of Lateral Head displacement (ALH, μm) and its Elongation (%) were increased, while Beat-Cross Frequency (BCF, Hz), Straightness (%), Linearity (%) and sperm area (μm2) were decreased in post-thawed sperms. The proportion of rapidly motile sperm was significantly reduced and that of slow motile and static sperm increased in post-thawed semen, suggesting cryodamage to the spermatozoa. Most of the CASA traits of fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa were significantly and positively interrelated. Thus, CASA appeared to be the fast, accurate and precise means of qualitative evaluation of the fresh and frozen-thawed bull semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out on 42 normal parturient Kankrej cows of 2nd to 4th parity on an organized farm during the period from 2010-12 to evaluate the puerperal events and postpartum fertility with and without use of oestrus induction / synchronization protocols (viz., Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch+CIDR, Cosynch and PGF2αa) around day 90-95 postpartum in anoestrus/suboestrus cows. Palpation per rectum was carried out at five days interval from day 10 to 40 postpartum, to monitor ovarian changes and uterine involution, and around day 70-90 at 10 days intervals to confirm anoestrus/ suboestrus condition. The plasma progesterone levels were estimated by RIA at 10 days interval from calving till 140 days postpartum. The birth weight of calf, time required for expulsion of fetal membranes and weight of expelled fetal membranes were 24.29 ± 1.54 kg, 5.04 ± 2.01 hrs and 2.84 ± 0.76 kg, respectively. Complete uterine involution was noted in Kankrej cows by mean interval of 36.80 ± 1.21 (range 32-45) days postpartum. The interval for occurrence of first oestrus postpartum clinically and through plasma progesterone profile was 105.49 ± 1.66 (range 86-106) and 56.42 ± 3.88 (range 30-80) days, respectively (P<0.05). The first service and overall conception rates of three consecutive cycles obtained were 30.95 (13/42) and 40.47 (17/42) per cent, respectively, within 150 days postpartum. The fertility response to all the five oestrus synchronization treatments used in anoestrus/suboestrus cows was at par with that of the normal cyclic cows in the same herd. However, the animals of the mega mineral bolus group showed significantly lower fertility response in stipulated time as compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty two postpartum anoestrus Surti buffaloes selected through glynaeco-clinical examinations in three village co-operative societies of Panchmahal district were randomly divided into four groups. Group-A (n=14) was treated with oral supplementation of Chelated mineral mixture @ 30 g/day/ animal for one month, Group-B (n=14) with Inj. inorganic phosphorus and Inj. vitamin AD3E 10 ml each, im at weekly interval for three consecutive week, Group-C (n=12) with Inj. GnRH (Receptal) 5.0 ml, im once and Group-D (n=12) served as untreated control. The effect of above treatments on reproductive efficiency and plasma profile of progesterone and various biochemical and macro-minerals was studied at pre-treatment, at induced oestrus and 22nd day post-Al. Significantly higher oestrus induction response (83.33%), the highest conception rate (80.00 %) and reproductive efficiency (66.66 %) were observed, for group-C GnRH treated buffaloes followed by group-B and A, and the values were lowest in control group-D. The mean plasma progesterone (ng/ml) levels were significantly (P.<0.05) higher at day 22nd post-Al in all the groups compared to those at pre- treatment and induced oestrus phase. The mean plasma protein level was significantly (P<0.05) higher at induced oestrus and 22nd day post-Al than at pre-treatment level in group-A (7.25 ± 0.22 and 7.31 ± 0.18 Vs 6.52 ± 0.31 g/dl). The mean total cholesterol levels (mg/dl) were non-significantly higher at induced oestrus and 22nd day post-Al than at pretreatment level in all the groups. Plasma calcium levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher at induced oestrus and 22nd day post-Al than that at pre-treatment level in group-B. Similarly the mean plasma inorganic phosphorus level was significantly higher at induced oestrus than the pre-treatment level in group-A. The mean plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels at different stages showed non-significant differences in buffaloes of other groups. Results showed that, injection of GnRH had beneficial effect on reproductive performance of postpartum anoestrus buffaloes as compared to vitamin-mineral supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was made to compare serum biochemical indices between healthy normal parturient buffaloes (Control, n=15) and buffaloes affected with retained fetal membranes (RFM) following abortion (RFM/AA, n=10) or parturition (RFM/AP, n=12). Blood glucose and serum total protein, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were estimated on day 0, 30 and 45 of calving. The mean blood glucose level and serum protein was significantly (P<0.05) higher in control group than in RFM/AA group. The mean serum cholesterol level on day 45 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the levels observed on day 30 and 0, the latter two also differed significantly (P<0.05). The mean serum aspartate aminotransferase activity on day 0 was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that observed on day 30 and 45. The mean serum alanine aminotransferase activity observed in control group was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that observed in RFM/AP and RFM/AA groups. The values varied significantly (P<0.05) between periods, irrespective of groups for alanine aminotransferase activity. The breeding efficiency in terms of postpartum first estrus and fertile estrus and number of services per conception was significantly reduced in RFM groups as compared to control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out on 24 Gir cows of 2nd to 4th parity from calving till 140 days postpartum on an organized farm. The objective was to monitor the plasma total protein, cholesterol and triglyceride profile at 10 days interval during first 90 days postpartum and then during various estrus synchronization (CIDR, Ovsynch and Cosynch) protocols till 40 days post-AI. The behavioural estrus induction response was observed in 83.33, 83.33 and 100.00 % of cows under CIDR, Ovsynch and Co-synch protocols, respectively. The conception rates at induced estrus (FTAI) in CIDR, Ovsynch and Cosynch protocol were 50.00, 50.00 and 33.33 %, respectively. The corresponding overall conception rates of 2 cycles post-treatment were 83.33 (5/6), 66.66 (4/6) and 83.33 % (5/6). In control group, the first service and overall conception rates were 33.33 and 66.66 (4/6) %, respectively. The overall pooled mean values of total protein, cholesterol and triglyceride varied between intervals from calving till 90 days postpartum in the range of 5.82 ± 0.19 to 6.44 ± 0.15 g/dl, 79.66 ± 2.70 to 190.57 ± 8.84 mg/dl and 16.31 ± 0.86 to 21.53 ± 1.59 mg/dl, respectively. The values of cholesterol varied significantly between periods in all the 4 groups, including pooled values and that of triglycerides showed significant difference only in CIDR group. None of the three parameters were influenced by estrus induction/ synchronization protocols, during treatment or till 40 days post-AI. The biochemical investigations helped to conclude that the selected animals in all hormone protocols and control group were healthy and were maintained under optimum nutritional regime, and this was probably the reason, why their profile was not influenced by the various estrus induction and synchronization protocols used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation was undertaken on 24 normal parturient Gir cows of 2nd to 4th parity on an organized farm to evaluate the puerperal events and postpartum fertility with and without use of estrus induction / synchronization protocols (viz., CIDR, Ovsynch and Cosynch) around day 90- 92 postpartum in anoestrus/suboestrus cows. Per rectal palpation was carried out periodically during early postpartum period to monitor ovarian changes and uterine involution, and around day 70- 90 at 10 days intervals to confirm anoestrus/suboestrus condition. The plasma progesterone levels were estimated by RIA at 10 days interval from calving till 140 days postpartum. The birth weight of calf, time required for expulsion of fetal membranes and weight of expelled fetal membranes were 19.08 ± 0.84 kg, 4.67 ± 0.46 hrs and 3.06 ± 0.19 kg, respectively. Complete uterine involution was noted in Gir cows by mean interval of 36.54 ± 0.68 (range 31-42) days postpartum. The interval for occurrence of first estrus postpartum clinically and through plasma progesterone profile was 94.29 ± 2.24 (range 70-101) and 65.42 ± 5.77 (range 20-101) days, respectively (P<0.05). The first service and overall conception rates obtained were 41.66 per cent (10/24) and 87.50 per cent (21/24) within 150 days postpartum. The fertility response to all three estrus synchronization treatments used in anoestrus/suboestrus cows was at par with that of the normal cyclic cows in the same herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buffaloes are the main milk producing unit, rearing somewhere in villages of India and back bone of Indian milk Industries. Buffalo require some peculiar management. They should be managed age group wise, so that the estrus buffaloes can easily be identified. It is proved that majority of buffaloes show peak sexual activity during late evening or in early morning. So deploying extra labour or providing the incentives to supervisors/ animal attendants should be done to identify majority of estrus buffaloes. Some of the peculiar characteristics of estrus aids of its diagnosis and reproductive physiology and related problems are highlighted and discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of endogenous progesterone (P4) on body temperature comparing lactating, pregnant with lactating, nonpregnant cows, and to study the effect of exogenous P4 administered via a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) insert on body temperature in lactating dairy cows. Body temperature was measured vaginally and rectally using temperature loggers and a digital thermometer, respectively. In experiment 1, 10 cyclic lactating cows (3 primiparous, 7 multiparous) and 10 lactating, pregnant cows (3 primiparous, 7 multiparous) were included. Vaginal temperatures and serum P4 concentrations were greater in pregnant cows (vaginal: 0.3 ± 0.01°C; P4: 5.5 ± 0.4 ng/mL) compared with nonpregnant cows. In experiment 2, estrous cycles of 14 postpartum healthy, cyclic, lactating cows (10 primiparous, 4 multiparous) were synchronized, and cows were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments (CIDR-P4 or CIDR-blank). A temperature logger was inserted 1 d after ovulation using a P4-free CIDR (CIDR-blank) and a CIDR containing 1.38 g of P4 (CIDR-P4) in the control (n = 7) and the P4-treated group (n = 7), respectively. On d 3 after P4 treatment, vaginal temperature was 0.3 ± 0.03°C greater compared with that on d 1 and d 5. In experiment 3, 9 cyclic multiparous lactating cows were enrolled 1 ± 1 d after confirmed ovulation and a temperature logger inserted. Two days later, a CIDR-P4 was inserted on top of the CIDR-blank. On d 5 ± 1 and d 7 ± 1, respectively, the CIDR-P4 and CIDR-blank with the temperature logger were removed. During the CIDR-P4 treatment (48 h), vaginal temperature was 0.2 ± 0.05°C and 0.1 ± 0.05°C greater than during the pre- and post-treatment periods (48 h), respectively. Serum P4 concentration peaked during CIDR-P4 treatment (2.2 ± 0.8 ng/mL) and was greater than during the pre-treatment period (0.2 ± 0.2 ng/ mL) for 48 h. An increase in vaginal temperature could be due to endogenous and exogenous P4. However, a correlation between serum P4 concentrations and body temperature did not exist. Further investigations are warranted to better understand the pathways of the thermogenic effect of P4 on body temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]