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The success of assisted reproduction relies on functional competence of frozen-thawed semen. Heat stress affects protein folding leading to aggregation of mis-folded proteins. Hence, a total of 384 (32 ejaculates/bull/season) ejaculates from six matured Gir bulls were used to evaluate physico-morphological parameters, the expression of HSPs (70 and 90) and fertility of frozen-thawed semen. The mean percent individual motility, viability and membrane integrity were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in winter compared to summer. Out of 1200 Gir cows inseminated, 626 confirmed pregnant and the mean conception rate of winter (55.04 ± 0.35) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than summer (49.33 ± 0.32). A significant (p < 0.01) difference in concentration of HSP70 (ng/mg of protein) but not HSP90was observed between the two seasons. The HSP70 expression in pre-freeze semen of Gir bulls had significant positive correlation with motility (p < 0.01, r = 0.463), viability (p < 0.01, r = 0.565), acrosome integrity (p < 0.05, r = 0.330) and conception rate (p < 0.01, r = 0.431). In conclusion, the season influences physico-morphological parameters and expression of HSP70 but not HSP90 in Gir bull semen. The HSP70 expression is positively correlated with motility, viability, acrosome integrity and fertility of semen. The semen expression of HSP70 may be utilized as biomarker for thermo-tolerance, semen quality and fertilizing capacity of Gir bull semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artificial insemination with frozen semen is of great value for livestock breeding and improvement. However, the procedure of cryopreservation leads to varying degree of oxidative and cryodamage to sperms deteriorating its quality, capacitation status and fertility. Hence, a variety of protocols, cryoprotectants and additives have been tried to protect sperms from such damages. This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and cryocapacitation inhibitory potential of Mifepristone, Sericin and Taurine in routine extender on cryopreserved bull semen including in vivo fertility. Methods: Semen ejaculates of 3 Gir and 3 Murrah bulls with >75% initial motility were split-diluted @ 100 million spermatozoa ml-1 using TFYG extender without and with Mifepristone (10 µg/ml), Sericin (5 mg/ml) and Taurine (4 mg/ml) and frozen in LN2 using a programmable biofreezer. The freshly diluted as well as frozen-thawed samples were assessed for sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, CTC (chlortetracycline) fluorescence assay and seminal plasma oxidative markers. The straws frozen as above were used to inseminate 100-375 cows and/or buffaloes with each treatment involving well trained field AI technicians. Conception rates were determined based on confirmation of pregnancy per-rectum 45-60 days after first AI in non-return cases. Result: The mean percentages, on dilution and at post-thaw stage in particular, of motile, live, HOS reactive and non-capacitated sperm were significantly (p<0.01) higher with reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA, SOD and GPx) whereas capacitated and acrosome reacted sperm were lower in Mifepristone supplemented extender than in control extender and the values for Sericin and Taurine fortified extender were intermediary in both the species. The first AI conception rates obtained for Gir and Murrah bull semen cryopreserved in control extender and extender supplemented with Mifepristone, Sericin and Taurine were 44.48, 51.11, 47.22 and 48.72% in cattle and 44.44, 55.40, 51.57 and 52.05% in buffaloes, respectively, suggesting that all additives used and Mefipristone in particular can be advantageously incorporated in the semen extender for cryopreservation of both cattle and buffalo semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surveillance of breedable 4711 zebu cattle, 8416 crossbred cattle and 15688 buffaloes (total 28,815) from 5 different regions of Gujarat revealed reproductive problems in 27.4, 26.6 and 34.5 % animals, respectively. Reproductive performance, reproductive problems, feeding, and housing practices varied among different classes of animals in different regions. Natural service was still the major means of breeding cattle and buffaloes in Saurashtra and Kutch region, while in middle, north and south Gujarat AI has been practiced for 70-90% breeding. Blood glucose, biochemical and minerals profile of infertile animals also varied greatly in different regions, and it was significantly improved following supplementations of chelated ASMM and bypass fat for 30-45 days. Among so called infertile animals (7390), the incidence of anestrus was maximum (23.34%) followed by repeat breeding (14.94%), subestrus (14.69%), uterine infection (12.91%), infantile genitalia/pubertal anestrus (9.64%), pregnancy or estrus (10.63%) and others (13.83%). Supplementation of minerals in combination with bypass fat in anestrus animals resulted in enhanced estrus response and conception rate as compared to supplementation of minerals and bypass fat alone. Biherbal therapy (pulverized Curry leaves and Bael leaves, 1:1) @ 200 g/day for 5 days modulated genital health and improved estrus expression and conception rate in anestrus, repeat breeding and endometritic bovines (n=75). With respect to molecular identification of fertility marker gene tried in more than 550 animals, targeting 6 specific genes, only LHCGR3 showed appreciable difference in gene frequencies between fertile and infertile crossbred HF cattle. 'T' allele was more prevalent in infertile crossbred cattle (50%), and 'C' allele in fertile crossbred cattle (100%). However, no such differences were observed in indigenous cattle and buffalo. It was also validated on 83 crossbred calves below 1 year of age by revealing genotype frequency of CC, TT and CT as 0.70, 0.11 and 0.19, and allele frequency for T and C allele as 0.20 and 0.80, respectively, predicting 80% of tested calves fertile. Thus, SNP 'T' in LHCGR3 may be involved in infertility at least in crossbred cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The evaluation of bull fertility essentially involves semen analysis and conception rates among inseminated females. The conventional evaluation is relatively imprecise, time consuming and subjected to individual variations, while computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) is a quite faster, precise and objective tool to identify differences in sperm motility and velocity/kinematics attributes and avoids subjective errors. The present study was planned to evaluate and compare the CASA traits of fresh and frozenthawed semen of Gir and Murrah bulls in Tris extender without and with different antioxidant additives by adopting Biovis CASA. Methods: The semen ejaculates with >75% initial motility from 3 Gir and 3 Murrah bulls were split-diluted at 100 million sperm per ml using Tris-citrate-fructose-yolk-glycerol (TFYG) extender without (control) and with three antioxidant additives, viz., Mifepriston (10 µg/ml), Sericin (5 mg/ml) and Taurine (4 mg/ml), were filled in French mini straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour using a programmable biofreezer. The freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen samples were assessed for sperm motion characteristics, velocity/kinematics using Biovis CASA. Result: The mean percentages of total motile spermatozoa, irrespective of additives, in freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen were 85.50±0.92 and 48.76±1.69 for Gir bulls and 85.03±0.72 and 52.61±1.46 for Murrah bulls, respectively. The mean total motile as well as rapid and slow progressive motile sperm percentage were significantly enhanced by fortification of TFYG extender with Mifepristone than in control extender, while values for Sericin and Taurine were intermediary and statistically similar to Mifepristone. The per cent decline in total motile sperm due to freezing-thawing was more or less same in both the breeds for all the extender additives, being lowest in Mifepristone supplemented extender in cattle (32.27 vs 48.81%) and buffalo (31.27 vs 43.14%) semen. The rapid and slow progressive motile sperm also followed the same pattern. The values of VAP and VCL were significantly (p<0.05) higher and VSL lower in Murrah than Gir breed at post-thaw stage. The overall mean linearity (%), straightness (%), beat-cross frequency (hz), lateral head displacement (µm), wobbling index (%), dancing velocity (µm2/s) and dancing mean (µm2/s) of sperm were higher in Murrahs than in Gir semen with significant (p<0.01) difference at post-thaw stage. The fortification of extender with Mifepristone improved all these traits at post-thaw stage compared to other additives and control TFYG extender. The per cent decline in these traits due to freezing stress was much lower in buffalo sperm than the cattle sperm particularly with Mifepristone fortification. It was concluded that freezing-thawing stress adversely affected the motion and kinematics of both cattle and buffalo sperm and that Tris extender fortified with antioxidant additives, particularly Mifepristone @ 10 µg/ml, protected sperm from adverse effect of dilution and cryopreservation with improved post-thaw sperm quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotic bacteria are an important subject to explore when it comes to inhibiting infectious bacteria, also commercially available for its usage in a variety of sectors including animals and humans. Postpartum uterine infections including metritis and endometritis are common in buffaloes and cow a major problem dairy industry, as it is associated with reduced fertility and decreased milk yield. To address this issue, the present review discusses the role of probiotics in the treatment of infectious uterus and its implications in the reproductive efficiency of dairy animals. Probiotic administration in the host has proven to improve health status by competing for the nutrient utilization of infectious microbes. The antibiotic activity of probiotic bacteria is also known to reduce stress on the host. Application of the probiotic strains has been proposed as an alternative to prevent uterine infection and inflammation. Hence, this review article summarizes the effects of probiotics on metritis and endometritis in bovines. And the current studies on probiotics with their effects on the uterus include their immunomodulatory effects on the animal host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ovarian stimulation prior to ovum pick-up (OPU) is yet to be fully assessed in buffaloes. Hence the present study was designed to assess the effect of different ovarian stimulation regimes before OPU on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in buffaloes. Nine selected donor buffaloes were equally and randomly allocated to two stimulation protocols (SP1 and SP2) and a non-stimulated control. In the SP1 group, an intravaginal progesterone device (CIDR) was inserted along with Estradiol Benzoate (2.0 mg, im) on a random day of the estrous cycle (Day 0). In SP2 group, two PGF2a injections were administered im 11 days apart, followed by 10 µg GnRH im on day 14. In SP1 on days 4 and 5, and in SP2 on days 16 and 17, buffaloes were administered a total of FSH 200 mg im, divided in four tapering doses at 12 hours interval (57, 57, 43, and 43 mg). In the control group, OPU sessions were performed on day 10 of PGF2a induced estrus, while OPU sessions were carried out after 52 hours of coasting period in SP1 and SP2 groups. Two OPUs were carried out on each donor across experimental groups. Means of different groups were compared using one-way ANOVA using a general linear model. Although a mean number of follicles aspirated per buffalo remained similar across all groups (22.0 ± 6.9 vs. 22.0 ± 6.0, 21.2 ± 5.8; p = 0.99), a mean number of oocytes recovered/buffalo/OPU (14.8 ± 7.8 vs. 11.5 ± 3.4, 7.8 ± 2.3; p = 0.63) and oocyte recovery rate (59.2 ± 13.2 vs. 54.5 ± 4.8, 36.7 ± 3.4%; p = 0.17) was higher in the control group compared to both the stimulated groups. Attributing to ovarian stimulation in both the stimulated groups, the cleavage rate (39.2 ± 10.1 vs. 66.3 ± 7.8, 68.9 ± 10.1%; p = 0.07) and blastocyst rate (8.7 ± 5.3 vs. 32.1 ± 8.9, 17.3 ± 7.1%; p = 0.10) were higher compared to the control group. The highest embryos/OPU (1.3 ± 0.8, 3.3 ± 1.0, 1.5 ± 0.6; P = 0.23) were achieved in SP1 group as compared to Control and SP2 groups. The results indicate that ovarian stimulation increases oocyte quality, especially when stimulated in the presence of exogenous luteal support, translating into better and cost-efficient IVEP in buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out on 24 advanced pregnant Gir cows in their first to third lactation to study the effects of supplementing rumen protected choline (RPC) and rumen protected fat (RPF) alone and in combination on their blood glucose, plasma insulin and IGF-1 profile, and postpartum fertility. The cows were divided equally into four treatment groups (n = 6 each), T1 (control), T2 (RPC), T3 (RPF) and T4 (RPC and RPF) on the basis of parity, body weight and previous lactation yield. In T1 group, cows were fed with basal diet to meet their nutrient requirement as per Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) (2013) feeding standards. In T2, each cow was supplemented with RPC @ 45 g/day, in T3 with RPF @ 80 g/d and in T4 with RPC @ 45 g/day + RPF @ 80 g/d along with basal diet of T1, starting from 30 days before expected date of calving to 60 days postpartum. Concentrations of blood glucose, plasma insulin and IGF-1 studied at monthly interval revealed drop in values around day 30 and 60 postpartum with significant differences in both the hormones. Supplementation of RPC and RPF alone or in combination had no significant effect on blood glucose and plasma insulin levels, overall or at any period, except on day 60 postpartum where glucose was significantly higher in RPF group. Plasma concentration of IGF-1 was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in T3 and T4 and non-significantly in T2 as compared to control overall and at prepartum and on the day of calving. It was also lowest on day 30 postpartum and fluctuated non-significant between -30, 0 and +60 days in all four groups. First heat postpartum appeared significantly earlier in all three supplementation groups as compared to control (46.17 ± 3.89 to 53.60 ± 4.92 vs.81.67 ± 3.87 days), however reduction in service period and number of services per conception was statistically non-significant. Combined supplement of RPC and RPF had no additional advantage in the study. It can be concluded that RPC or RPF alone can be supplemented in the ration of periparturient Gir cows to improve their energy status and postpartum fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum fertility in dairy bovines is one of the important criteria of sustainable dairy industry and economy of farmers. The Kankrej, a dual purpose zebu cattle, is known for its endurance, but is slow breeder with very late maturity, prolonged postpartum anestrous/subestrous and thereby calving interval. These peculiarities necessitate scientists to adopt fixed time AI (FTAI) protocols of estrus synchronization for improving their reproductive efficiency. Hence this study was aimed to assess the fertility and plasma metabolic profile of normal and synchronized anestrous/ subestrous suckled Kankrej cows of an organized farm. Methods: The study involved 36 parturient Kankrej cows of the University Farm that were maintained under identical nutritional and managerial practices. Blood samples were collected in heparinized vacutainers from all the animals on the day of calving and then at 10 days interval till 90 days for plasma metabolic profile. Animals monitored by per rectal palpation 10 days apart around day 70-80 postpartum revealed 30 cows to be anestrous or subestrous, which were randomly allocated to five different estrus synchronization protocols at day 90-92, each with six cows and a group of six cows that exhibited estrus and were bred by day 70-90 served as normal control. The treatment protocols included Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch + CIDR, Cosynch and double PGF2α together with estimation of plasma metabolites on day 0, 7, 9/10 (AI) and then at 10 days interval up to day 40 post-AI. Result: The mean plasma total protein levels varied non-significantly, while total cholesterol and triglycerides varied significantly (p<0.01) between intervals until 90 days postpartum in most of the groups with gradual increase in the mean values from the day of calving. The estrus synchronization protocols, however. did not alter the plasma profile of these constituents. The estrus induction response with Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch + CIDR, Cosynch and PGF2α treatment was 66.66, 83.33, 50.00, 66.66 and 66.66% and the conception rates at induced estrus 16.66, 33.33, 16.66, 50.00 and 50.00%, respectively. In normal cyclic control group, the conception rate at first cycle was 33.33%. The plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides were higher in conceived than non-conceived cows, particularly during early postpartum period and post-AI. It was concluded that CIDR, Cosynch and PGF2α protocols were better for estrus induction and conception rate in anestrous and subestrous suckled Kankrej cows, although they did not influence the plasma metabolic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation was carried out on three breeding bulls each of Gir and Murrah breeds to evaluate the interrelationships among sperm quality attributes, cryo-capacitation, oxidative markers and Biovis CASA traits of fresh and frozen thawed semen. The ejaculates (n=4/bull) having >75% initial motility were split-diluted @ 100 million sperm/mL in TFYG extender without (control) and with fortification of Mifepristone, Sericin and Taurine, filled in French mini straws, and were frozen using a programmable biofreezer. The straws were thawed in water bath at 37°C for 30 sec. The freshly diluted and frozen-thawed samples were assessed for various routine sperm quality parameters, cryo-capacitation status by CTC fluorescence, oxidative markers and for various motion characteristics/kinematics by Biovis CASA, the overall means of which are tabulated. The Pearson's correlations studied among all these traits in freshly diluted and frozenthawed semen of both the species revealed that the sperm motility, HOS reactive sperm, live sperm and non-capacitated sperm were significantly (p<0.01) and positively interrelated (r= 0.29 to 0.88), while their correlations with capacitated & acrosome reacted sperm as well as seminal plasma GPx and MDA were negative (r= -0.25 to -0.99), but had no appreciable correlations with CASA traits of sperm, except initial motility with total and rapid progressive motile sperm, VCL, VAP and VSL of freshly diluted semen in Gir bulls (r= 0.28 to 0.41), and HOS reactive sperm with most of the CASA traits in Murrh bulls (r= 0.29 to 0.49). MDA activity of fresh semen and SOD of frozen-thawed semen in Murrah bulls also showed significant positive correlations with most of the CASA traits of respective stage. In post-thawed semen of both the species, all the sperm quality and capacitation traits including oxidative markers had significant positive or negative correlations with CASA derived total motile and rapid & slow progressive motile sperm (r= ± 0.29 to ± 0.70). Moreover, the sperm kinematics parameters of both fresh and frozen-thawed semen of both the species showed significant (p<0.01) positive interrelationship among themselves (r= 0.29 to 0.99), except slow progressive motile sperm and BCF in Gir bulls fresh semen and slow progressive motile sperm, ALH and DNC in Murrah bulls had negative correlations with other CASA traits, although no such specific trend was observed in post-thawed semen of either species. The first insemination conception rates also showed positive association with sperm motility, HOS reactive sperm, live sperm and non-capacitated sperm, SOD and GPx activity of plasma, but not with CASA traits. Thus, the initial and post-thawed sperm quality parameters including capacitation and oxidative status can predict the overall quality and fertility of bovine frozen-thawed semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anestrus is one of the most commonly encountered infertility problems in cattle and buffalo in India. Jaffarabadi is one of the heaviest buffalo breeds of the world and is a native of Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The breed is known for poor reproductive efficiency. To improve its reproductive efficiency, this study was undertaken on acyclic Jaffarabadi animals employing double Ovsynch protocol and its assessment through ovarian dynamics and blood biochemical and endocrine profile on a farm. Methods: The study included acyclic post-pubertal Jaffarabadi heifers (age 42±2 and 48±2 months; Gr-I and Gr-II, n=6 each) and the postpartum lactating acyclic buffaloes (Gr-III, n=6) using a double Ovsynch protocol, which consisted of i/m injections of 20 µg Buserelin acetate on days 0, 10, 17 and 26 and 500 µg Cloprostenol sodium on days 7 and 24, with a timed insemination on day 27. Ovarian dynamics was monitored by performing ultrasonography using real-time B-mode ultrasound scanner together with blood sampling for hormonal and biochemical profile on each day of hormone therapy and then on days 0, 12, 21 and 35 post-AI. The animals inseminated at induced estrus/FTAI were followed for return to estrus, if any. Pregnancy was confirmed in non-return cases on day 35 by ultrasonography and on day 70 by per rectal examination. The findings on ovarian dynamics, plasma endocrine and biochemical profile were compared statistically between groups and periods and fertility rates between groups. Result: In animals of treatment group I and II, a significant (p<0.05) increase in numbers of small follicles was observed on day 26. Number of large sized follicles was significantly (p<0.05) higher on day 26 in comparison to day 0 and day 7 in group III animals. Large and subordinate follicular diameters increased gradually, but the differences between periods were significant (p<0.001) only in group III with the highest diameter of large follicle on day 17. Plasma FSH and LH concentrations differed significantly (p<0.001) among groups at all-time intervals. Plasma LH in group I and III differed significantly (p<0.001). Plasma estrogen level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group II than group III. Plasma progesterone concentrations in group I and II animals were significantly higher on day 35 post-AI. Plasma insulin levels were significantly (p<0.01) lower on all days for group III animals than group I and II. Blood glucose level was significantly (p<0.001) higher in group I on day 17 as compared to group II and III. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group III as compared to group I and II. The conception rates at first service/FTAI in double Ovsynch treated animals of group I, II and III were 66.66, 83.33 and 16.66%, respectively. Thus it was concluded that ovarian structures and the plasma endocrine profile reflected the ovarian response to different hormonal injections and that double Ovsynch protocol could be a better choice for improving conception rate in post-pubertal acyclic Jaffarabadi buffalo heifers as compared to multiparous acyclic buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed at assessing the plasma trace minerals profile at 10 days interval up to 90 days postpartum, followed by estrus induction and fertility response together with mineral profiling till day 40 post-FTAI in anestrus/subestrus suckled Kankrej cows (n=36) of an organized farm using five different treatment protocols and a normal cyclic control group (6 cows in each group). The mean plasma levels of zinc, iron, copper, cobalt, and manganese did not vary significantly until 90 days postpartum in most groups, except Ovsynch and Ovsynch + CIDR and Cosynch. The estrus induction response with Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch + CIDR, Cosynch, and PGF2α treatment protocols initiated at day 90-92 postpartum was 66.66, 83.33, 50.00, 66.66, and 66.66 %, and the conception rates at induced estrus in anestrus/subestrus cows were 16.66, 33.33, 16.66, 50.00 and 50.00 %, respectively. In the standard cyclic control group, the conception rate at the first cycle was 33.33 %. The above treatment protocols influenced none of the minerals studied. The values of trace minerals varied insignificantly for entire post-treatment periods even within and between conceived and non-conceived groups, with a few exceptions. There was no association between plasma trace minerals profile and estrus response or fertility after treatment. It was concluded that CIDR, Cosynch, and PGF2α protocols were better than others for estrus induction and conception rate in anestrus/subestrus zebu cows. Although they did not influence the plasma trace minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, and Mn) profile, perhaps due to well-nourished animals on the organized farm, it helped to infer that the selected animals were maintained under the optimum nutritional regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystic ovarian degeneration (COD) with prevalence of 10-13% is a common and economically important condition in dairy cattle affecting fertility. Predisposing factors and aetiology of ovarian cysts are multifaceted. The most widely accepted cause is either absent, insufficient or wrong time occurrence of pre-ovulatory LH-surge. The accuracy of differential diagnosis of cyst per rectum can be increased by simultaneous use of USG and/or plasma progesterone assay and therapeutic success depends on type and duration of cystic condition. The literature on these aspects in crossbred cows is meagre, hence was planned to differentially diagnose the ovarian follicular and luteal cysts based on clinical, sonographic and endocrine findings and to study the estrus response and conception rates following different treatment modalities of COD in crossbred cattle. Methods: This study was conducted on >90 days postpartum HF crossbred cows with cystic ovaries (n=58) confirmed by per rectal palpation and ultrasonography. The animals with follicular cysts were randomly treated with either conventional Ovsynch or Ovsynch + CIDR protocol (n=10 each) and those with luteal cysts with either Double PG injections 11 days apart or modified Ovsynch protocol (n=16 each) with fixed time AI. A group of six cystic cows was kept as untreated control. Blood samples were collected in heparinized vacutainers, together with trans-rectal ultrasonography, on day 0 (just before initiation of treatment), on day of last PGF2α injection, on day of induced estrus/FTAI and on day 12 post-AI for determination of plasma progesterone and estradiol-17β by RIA technique. Result: The mean diameters and wall thickness of ovarian cysts regressed significantly (p<0.01) among responded cows of all four protocols. The estrus induction response within 48-96 hrs of last PG injection with Ovsynch, Ovsynch + CIDR, Modified Ovsynch and Double PG protocols was 90.00, 100.00, 87.50 and 81.25%, respectively. The conception rates at induced estrus with FTAI for these protocols were 50.00, 40.00, 50.00 and 43.75%, respectively and the corresponding overall conception rates for 3 cycles' posttreatment were 60.00, 70.00, 68.75 and 56.25%, respectively, compared to zero result of control group. The mean plasma progesterone concentration varied highly significantly (p<0.01) between periods of treatment in all protocols, the values were lower (p<0.01) on day 0 and on day of FTAI than on the day of last PG injection and on day 12 post-AI. The values on day 12 post-AI were significantly higher in conceived than non-conceived cows. The trend of estradiol-17β profile on day of last PG injection was reversed than on day 0. The higher levels of estradiol-17β on day of FTAI were associated with regression of cystic structures and development of new dominant follicles with estrogenic activity concomitant to induced estrus and ovulatory LH surge in most of the animals as evident from USG monitoring, behavioural signs and conception rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the endocrinal and enzymatic alterations in buffaloes suffering from uterine torsion (Gr-I, n=10) in comparison to normal parturient buffaloes Gr-II, n=6) just before as well as 1 hr, 1 day and 1 week after parturition. Serum enzymatic profile revealed that the mean values of serum AST and CPK were significantly higher in torsion affected buffaloes than normal parturient buffaloes at all peripartum intervals, whereas, the mean values of serum ALT were found significantly (p<0.05) elevated in affected buffaloes only during prepartum period. Serum endocrine profile revealed apparently lower serum estradiol 17ß concentrations in uterine torsion affected than normal parturient buffaloes at most periparturient periods, whereas circulatory progesterone and cortisol levels were significantly higher in torsion affected buffaloes than normal ones, before and 1 hr after parturition only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involved semen ejaculates with >75 % initial motility of 3 Gir and 3 Murrah bulls split-diluted at 100 million sperm per ml using Tris-citric acid-fructose-egg yolk-glycerol (TFYG) extender without (control) and with fortification of additives Mifepristone (10 µg/ml), Sericin (5 mg/ml) and Taurine (4 mg/ml) and frozen in French mini straws using a programmable biofreezer. The straws were thawed in water bath at 37°C for 30 sec. The frozen semen doses of buffalo (1446) and cattle (495) so prepared were distributed among 18 good to average performing AI technicians of Panchamahals District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited, Godhara (Gujarat). Irrespective of additives, the overall first AI conception rate, and the mean post-thaw percent sperm progressive motility, viability, HOS reactivity, CTC assay (non-capacitated sperm, 'F' pattern) and CASA traits, viz., VAP (µm/s), VCL (µm/s), (VSL (µm/s) and ALH (µm) recorded in Gir bull semen were 47.07, 46.73±0.67, 63.99±0.83, 54.36±0.78, 65.56±0.95, 30.89±0.63, 73.68±1.03, 23.98±0.65 and 1.86±0.04, respectively. The corresponding figures for Murrah bull semen were 50.76, 48.81±0.82, 65.63±0.70, 56.64±0.64, 68.80±0.82, 33.35±0.72, 72.26±0.83, 27.29±0.83 and 1.90±0.04. All values where apparently or statistically better in Murrah than Gir bull semen. The effect of extender-additives was highly significant (p<0.01) on all the parameters studied in both the species. The percent motile, live, HOS reactive and non-capacitated sperm, and conception rates were significantly (p<0.01) higher in semen extender supplemented with Mifepristone than in control extender, and the values for Sericin and Taurine fortified TFYG were intermediary in both the species. However there was no effect of additives on CASA traits in either of the species. The first AI conception rates among 12 technicians involved for buffalo insemination ranged from 44.08 to 56.52% (p<0.01), and among 6 technicians involved for crossbred cattle insemination with Gir bull semen ranged from 40.37 to 54.88% (p<0.05). There was positive association of sperm quality parameters and fertility in both the species. The study concludes that Mifepristone (RU-486, 10 µg/ml) fortified semen extender maximally improves the quality and fertility of bovine frozen semen, followed by Taurine and Sericin over control, and hence addition of Mifepristone should be practiced at all semen stations for the betterment of farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out on post-pubertal acyclic Jaffrabadi buffalo heifers (n = 12, age 40-50 months) and >90 days postpartum lactating acyclic buffaloes (n = 6) employing double Ovsynch protocol to evaluate the treatment response, ovarian dynamics, and hormonal and biochemical profile assessed on different days of treatment till day 35 post-FTAI and their correlations. The protocol consisted of i/m injections of 20 μg Buserelin acetate, a GnRH analogue on day 0, 10, 17 and 26, and 500 μg PGF²α, Cloprostenol, on day 7 and 24, with a timed insemination on day 27. The populations of small (4 mm), medium (4-8 mm) and large (>8 mm) size follicles, and the diameters of largest/dominant and subordinate follicles did not vary between double Ovsynch treated acyclic heifers and buffaloes, but they were significantly (p < 0.05) interrelated among themselves in both the categories of animals. The overall mean plasma levels of LH, estrogen. insulin and conception rate were significantly (p < 0.05) higher and plasma FSH and total cholesterol were lower in treated heifers than in buffaloes. However, the levels of plasma FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone and insulin concentrations did not reveal any appreciable correlations among themselves and with most of the follicular traits in buffaloes, but in heifers plasma LH had significant correlations with diameter of subordinate follicles and plasma total protein. Plasma estrogen was significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with blood glucose, protein and cholesterol in buffaloes, while progesterone showed significant negative correlations with blood glucose, total protein and most of the follicular traits in heifers. Plasma protein showed significant positive correlations with plasma insulin and cholesterol levels, and cholesterol with blood glucose, but their correlations with follicle population and diameter were negligible. It was concluded that higher conception rate in double Ovsynch treated acyclic heifers could be due to better synchrony of follicular events and plasma biochemical and endocrine constituents, culminating into ovulatory induced estrus compared to multiparous buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken on semen of three mature bulls each of Gir, Surti and Murrah breed to evaluate the comparative motion characteristics and kinematics of their fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa by Biovis CASA. The ejaculates (n= 24/breed) having >75% initial motility were diluted @ 80 million sperm/ml using TFYG extender and were assessed. Amongst motility traits, the total motile, rapid progressive motile and slow progressive motile spermatozoa percentage decreased significantly by 23.08 - 30.09, 43.57 - 55.18, 9.12 - 22.75%, respectively, (p<0.01), while non-progressive motile sperm (4.78 - 21.48%) and immotile sperm (164.38 - 178.38%) percentage increased significantly (p<0.01) in frozen-thawed semen compared to that of fresh semen. The post-thaw quality of semen of all three breeds was in acceptable range. The mean values of sperm velocity/kinematic parameters observed in frozen-thawed semen of Gir, Surti and Murrah bulls, based on total motile sperms, viz., average path velocity, curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity, linearity, straightness, beat-cross frequency, amplitude of lateral head displacement, dancing frequency and dancing mean decreased significantly by 13.70 - 17.79; 9.76 - 12.95; 13.28 - 21.90; 7.28 - 9.68; 4.36 - 7.79; 15.56 - 25.15; 8.78 - 10.50; 6.16 - 18.67 and 12.98 - 15.96%, respectively, as compared to that of their fresh semen samples. However, wobbling index remained almost same for both fresh and frozen semen. All motility traits differed but none of kinematics/velocity traits differed significantly between breeds/species. The values of all velocity parameters for progressive motile sperms were higher than total motile sperms in all three breeds. The effect of freezing-thawing on velocity and kinematic attributes was much less compared to absolute sperm motility, and both the fresh and frozen-thawed sperms behaved identically with respect to their velocity and kinematics. The rapid progressive motile sperm in both fresh (r=0.41 to 0.92) and frozen-thawed (r=044 to 0.88) semen had significant correlations with most of their velocity traits and the later were significantly and positively or negatively inter-related among each other in semen of all three breeds. It was therefore concluded that cryopreservation process significantly reduces the motility and kinematics attributes of bovine spermatozoa and, CASA analysis of fresh semen for motility and velocity traits could predict the post-thawed sperm motility and velocity/kinematics of spermatozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out to study the prophylactic efficacy of extracts of roots of Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) and fruits of Tribulus terrestris (Gokhru) on adenine induced chronic kidney disease in male Wistar rats. Total 30 mature rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, group I (normal control, n=6), group II (adenine control group, in which adenine was given @ 200 mg/kg b.wt., daily orally for 28 days, n=8), while group III and IV served as biherbal prophylactic groups. In group III (n=8) biherbal aqueous extracts (ratio 0.5:1) and in group IV (n=8) biherbal alcoholic extracts (ratio 1:1) of Boerhavia diffusa and Tribulus terrestris were given in 0.5% sodium bicarbonate solution at the dose rate of 300 mg/kg b.wt. along with adenine solution @ 200 mg/kg b.wt. daily orally for 28 days. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were studied on day 0 and 28 of experiment. The mean haemoglobin, TEC, and lymphocyte counts showed significant decrease and TLC and granulocyte counts showed significant increase in adenine control group as compared to normal control group after 28 days of treatment. Among serum biochemical parameters, ALT, AST, serum urea nitrogen, uric acid, creatinine, and phosphorus levels showed significant increase, whereas serum total protein showed significant decrease in adenine control group as compared to control group on day 28 over day 0. All the haemato-biochemical changes were significantly prevented in the biherbal prophylactic groups. The result revealed that aqueous and alcoholic biherbal extracts possess prophylactic and nephroprotective activities, which protected kidneys against adenine induced chronic kidney disease in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemiological surveillance of canine reproductive disorders was carried out based on total 21852 clinical cases (9159 at the College Clinic, Anand, and 12693 at Polyclinic, Vadodara) attended in dogs over three years. Among them, the overall 486 (2.22%) and 85 (0.39%) cases were of gynecological and andrological nature, respectively. Amongst the gynaecological cases, the highest incidence was of pyometra (23.25%), followed in descending order by mammary tumours (22.22%), pregnancy diagnosis (16.25%), elective sterilization (9.88%), CTVG (7.61%), proestrus bleeding (5.97%), pseudo-pregnancy (3.06%), misalliance (2.67%), anestrus (2.26%), dystocia (1.65%), abortion (1.03%) and Cesarean (0.82%). Among the andrological cases, the highest cases were of venereal granulomas (31.76%) followed in descending order by scrotal dermatitis (18.82%), castration (12.94%), orchitis (7.06%), cryptorchidism, paraphimosis and balanoposthitis (5.88% each), prostatic hyperplasia and testicular tumor (4.70% each) and testicular hyperplasia (2.35%). The breed most prone to gynecological disorders was non-descript (51.65%), Pomeranian (16.25%), German Shepherd, Labrador (6.79% each) and Doberman (5.97%). Maximum cases were in the young age group of 0-5 years (51.02%), followed by the middle age group of 6-10 years (27.57%) and older bitches of 11-15 years of age (20.58%). The major clinical modalities and their management strategies adopted have also been summarized. The results signified the importance of life-threatening diseases like pyometra, mammary tumors, and CTVG in pet dogs in urban areas of middle Gujarat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]