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The present case report puts on record of successful management of dystocia in a jenny suffering from posterior presentation of fetus and torsion of the umbilical cord. A five-year-old pregnant jenny in its last trimester with the history of vaginal discharges followed by mild straining without any progress was reported at the farm. The vaginal examination revealed a fully dilated cervix with the presence of a fetus with breech presentation. The fetus was relieved successfully by repulsion of the fetus, extension of flexed hind legs and final traction of the fetus without any administration of anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The horse, one of the most domesticated animals, has been used for several purposes, like transportation, hunting, in sport, or for agriculture-related works. Kathiawari, Marwari, Manipuri, Zanskari, Bhutia, Spiti, and Thoroughbred are the main breeds of horses, particularly due to their agroclimatic adaptation and role in any kind of strong physical activity, and these characteristics are majorly governed by genetic factors. The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of these Indian equine breeds using microsatellite markers have been reported, but further studies exploring the SNP diversity and runs of homozygosity revealing the selection signature of breeds are still warranted. In our study, the identification of genes that play a vital role in muscle development is performed through SNP detection via the whole-genome sequencing approach. A total of 96 samples, categorized under seven breeds, and 620,721 SNPs were considered to ascertain the ROH patterns amongst all the seven breeds. Over 5444 ROH islands were mined, and the maximum number of ROHs was found to be present in Zanskari, while Thoroughbred was confined to the lowest number of ROHs. Gene enrichment of these ROH islands produced 6757 functional genes, with AGPAT1, CLEC4, and CFAP20 as important gene families. However, QTL annotation revealed that the maximum QTLs were associated with Wither's height trait ontology that falls under the growth trait in all seven breeds. An Equine SNP marker database (EqSNPDb) was developed to catalogue ROHs for all these equine breeds for the flexible and easy chromosome-wise retrieval of ROH along with the genotype details of all the SNPs. Such a study can reveal breed divergence in different climatic and ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was undertaken with an aim to record and analyse the data related to basic reproductive parameters such as length of estrous cycle, estrus duration, pre-ovulatory follicle size at ovulation, day of ovulation, length of gestation and days of occurrence of foal heat in respect of Kathiawari mares for a period of thirteen consecutive breeding seasons (2010-2023). The mares were monitored closely for their estrus signs, examined with transrectal ultrasonography for the size of the follicle variation and to determine the size of the follicle at ovulation. The mares were inseminated with the frozen thawed semen collected from Kathiawari stallions. This is the first time ever report that live foals have been obtained using frozen semen via artificial insemination in kathiawari horses. The data on reproductive indices of the mares of Kathiawari breed in India are scanty and there are no available reports on reproductive characteristics of Kathiawari breed until today in the literature. The results of the present findings are of much useful and may serve as a ready reckoner for the reproductive traits of Kathiawari breed reared under arid region. The differences in the reproductive parameters observed in relation to other breeds of Indian horses may be attributed to breed differences and other environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In bovines, cryopreserved semen is used for artificial insemination; however, the fertility of cryopreserved semen is far lower than that of fresh semen. Although cryopreservation alters sperm phenotypic characteristics, its effect on sperm molecular health is not thoroughly understood. The present study applied nextgeneration sequencing to investigate the effect of cryopreservation on the sperm transcriptomic composition of bull spermatozoa. While freshly ejaculated bull spermatozoa showed 14,280 transcripts, cryopreserved spermatozoa showed only 12,375 transcripts. Comparative analysis revealed that 241 genes were upregulated, 662 genes were downregulated, and 215 genes showed neutral expression in cryopreserved spermatozoa compared to fresh spermatozoa. Gene ontology analysis indicated that the dysregulated transcripts were involved in nucleic acid binding, transcriptionspecific activity, and protein kinase binding involving protein autophosphorylation, ventricular septum morphogenesis, and organ development. Moreover, the dysregulated genes in cryopreserved spermatozoa were involved in pathways associated with glycogen metabolism, MAPK signalling, embryonic organ morphogenesis, ectodermal placode formation, and regulation of protein auto-phosphorylation. These findings suggest that the cryopreservation process induced alterations in the abundance of sperm transcripts related to potential fertility-associated functions and pathways, which might partly explain the reduced fertility observed with cryopreserved bull spermatozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reason for poor semen quality among the breeding bulls is not well understood. In the present study, we performed high‐throughput RNAseq analysis of spermatozoa to identify the SNPs present in good and poor‐quality semen‐producing Holstein Friesian breeding bulls. A total of 21,360 and 44,650 SNPs were identified in good and poor‐quality semen with a minimum read depth of 20, among which 4780 and 8710 novel variants were observed in good and poor‐quality semen, respectively. Greater SNPs and indels variations were observed in poor compared to good‐quality semen. In poor‐quality semen, SNP variations were observed in ZNF280B, SLC26A2, DMXL1, OR52A1, MACROD2 and REV1 genes, which are associated with regulation of spermatogenesis, post‐testicular maturation, Cl− channel activity, V‐ATPase‐mediated intracellular vesicle acidification, a mono‐ADP‐ribosyl hydrolase and ATR‐Chk1 checkpoint activation. GO analysis of filtered genes with significant variations between good and poor‐quality semen showed enrichment in important pathways related to semen quality such as MAPK signalling pathway, Akt signalling pathway, focal adhesion, cAMP signalling pathway, and Rap1 signalling pathway. Network analysis of filtered genes in poor‐quality semen showed variations in pathways of purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, prolactin signalling pathway and RNA cap‐binding complex. It is inferred that SNP in genes involved in maintaining sperm functions could be the reason for poor‐quality semen production in bulls, and the identified SNPs hold potential to be used as biomarkers for semen quality in bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seminal plasma proteins and pathways associated with sperm motility have not been elucidated in stallions. Therefore, in the current study, using the high throughput LC/MS-MS approach, we profiled stallion seminal plasma proteins and identified the proteins and pathways associated with sperm motility. Seminal plasma from six stallions producing semen with contrasting sperm motility (n = 3 each high-and low-motile group) was utilized for proteomic analysis. We identified a total of 1687 proteins in stallion seminal plasma, of which 1627 and 1496 proteins were expressed in high- (HM) and low- motile (LM) sperm of stallions, respectively. A total number of 1436 proteins were co-expressed in both the groups; 191 (11%) and 60 (3.5%) proteins were exclusively detected in HM and LM groups, respectively. A total of 220 proteins were upregulated (>1-fold change) and 386 proteins were downregulated in SP from LM group stallions as compared to HM group stallions, while 830 proteins were neutrally expressed in both the groups. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed dysregulation of the important proteins related to mitochondrial function, acrosome, and sperm cytoskeleton in the seminal plasma of stallions producing ejaculates with low sperm motility. High abundance of peroxiredoxins and low abundance of seminal Chaperonin Containing TCP1 Complex (CCT) complex and Annexins indicate dysregulated oxidative metabolism, which might be the underlying etiology for poor sperm motility in LM group stallions. In conclusion, the current study identified the seminal plasma proteomic alterations associated with poor sperm motility in stallions; the results indicate that poor sperm motility in stallions could be associated with altered expression of seminal plasma proteins involved in oxidative metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A seven-year-old Marwari mare that was routinely used in semen collection programme was mismated by a fertile stallion. The mare was active and alert and all the clinical and hematological parameters were observed to be normal at the time of examination of pregnancy. Rectal examination of the mare through ultrasonography on day 15 revealed an embryonic vesicle confirming the pregnancy. Initially, the pregnancy was tried to terminate with prostaglandins and prostaglandins in combination with oxytocin, but, the pregnancy persisted and the levels of progesterone (P4) were observed to be elevated. Manual crushing for pregnancy termination was also tried but proved unsuccessful. Uterine lavage by infusing the weak iodine solution in combination with Ringer's lactate helped in flushing out the conceptus and the levels of P4 were also observed to decrease after the expulsion and the uterus was also found to be devoid of any fluid. The mare showed uneventful recovery and exhibited regular cycles later on and did not show up any abnormalities in conceiving in the consecutive cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants are used to minimize oxidative stress during liquid semen storage. The main aim of current study was to elucidate effect of supplementing melatonin and canthaxanthin in Tris‐based extender could enhance seminal quality of ram at 4°C up to 72 h. A total of 48 ejaculates were collected from breeding Magra rams (n = 8) and were preliminarily subjected for various macroscopic and microscopic semen evaluation tests. These ejaculates were pooled and divided into three equal aliquots. Two aliquots were diluted (1:10) using extender encompassing final concentration of 1mM melatonin and 25 µM canthaxanthin and stored at 4°C. Third aliquot with extender only was kept as control. Structural and functional seminal changes were observed at different time points of preservation. Results revealed that mean values for progressive sperm motility, viability and total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in melatonin group while hypo‐osmotic swelling test was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in canthaxanthin group. Total sperm abnormalities and malondialdehyde levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in both treatment groups indicating their antioxidant efficacy in protection of spermatozoa from oxidative stress. Results of study indicated that supplementation of these antioxidants to ram semen could be used to enhance storage life of liquid semen at 4°C up to 72 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the significance of equine conservation in India and highlights the successful implementation of embryo transfer technology to preserve indigenous horse breeds, exemplified by the birth of Raj-Prathama, India's first Marwari filly born through this method. Topics include the declining population of equines, the role of the National Research Centre on Equines in genetic conservation, and the potential of embryo transfer technology to enhance breed preservation efforts.

During transit and storage in epididymis, spermatozoa undergo final maturation, acquire motility, functional competence and the ability to fertilise an oocyte. Epididymal secretions contain a complex biochemical milieu of diverse inorganic ions, proteins, metabolites and other molecules. Since it is believed that spermatozoa are translationally silent, proteins appearing in them are thought to be synthesised elsewhere, including epididymis, and then incorporated to the cells. One of the important mechanisms suggested to be involved in transfer of epididymal secretions to spermatozoa is through exosomes called epididymosomes. Epididymosomes released from the epididymal epithelium contain proteins, noncoding RNAs and distinct set of lipids that are transferred to spermatozoa while they pass through the different epididymal regions. Owing to the importance of these molecules for sperm maturation and fertilising ability, research on epididymosomes has gained increasing attention during the last decade. This review is focused on epididymosomes, with emphasis on recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms of epididymosomal cargo transfer to spermatozoa and potential roles of epididymosomes in sperm function and beyond. Possibilities of utilising the molecular signatures of epididymosomes as a tool for male fertility assessment are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the functional membrane integrity of cryopreserved spermatozoa from stallions belonging to two contrasting motility groups (high and low motility groups). A dual staining method comprising of carboxy fluoroscein diacetate (CFDA) and propidium iodide (PI) was used for this purpose. Stallions were classified into either high (post thaw progressive motility e"35%) or low (post thaw progressive motility <25%) motility groups. The proportion of membrane intact spermatozoa was significantly (P<0.05) higher in high motility group. Interestingly, it was observed that the proportion of moribund population was significantly (P<0.05) higher in low motility group as compared to high motility group. It was inferred that higher proportion of moribund spermatozoa might be one of the important contributing factors for poor sperm motility in stallions belonging to low motile group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted with the objective to evaluate the post thaw semen qualities of Poitou donkey by addition of α-tocopherol, Pentoxifylline and Taurine in semen extender. Semen was divided in four different treatments having final concentration of 150 x 106 sperm/ml with use of cryoprotectant (5% DMF) containing without supplement (control) and following supplements with concentration: á-tocopherol (1 mM), Pentoxifylline (3.5 mM) and Taurine (25 mM), all stored in liquid nitrogen for 24 hrs. All samples after thawing process were maintained at 37°C, were analyzed and performed. Spermatozoa motility, live sperm count, host reactive, acrosomal integrity and DNA integrity were recorded and performed for each additive and also for an untreated control. In between the overall treatments, Pentoxifylline (T2) and Taurine (T3) revealed the higher (P<0.01) post thaw sperm motility (53.78±0.87 and 52.28±0.90%) compared to α-tocopherol-T1 (50.15±0.80%) and control (39.65±0.52%) while, T2 and T3 differed non-significantly. Between the treatments, T2 and T3 revealed the higher (P<0.01) post thawed live sperm count (60.62±0.82and 59.46±0.84%) compared to T1 (57.12±0.77%) and control (45.43±0.56%). In between the treatments, T2 and T3 revealed the higher (P<0.01) values of post thaw host reactive sperms (43.28±0.77 and 42.18±0.84%) compared to T1 (40.21±0.72%) and control (30.15±0.40%). Whereas, T2 and T3 differed non-significantly. Between the treatments, T2 and T3 revealed the higher (P<0.01) post thaw Acrosomal integrity (87.03±0.52and 87.03±0.45%) compared to T1 (84.62±0.34%) and control (80.34±0.24%) while T2 and T3 differed non-significantly. In between the treatments (T2 and T3) revealed the higher (P<0.01) DNA integrity (88.28±0.37 and 87.50±0.28%) compared to both treatment T1 (84.75±0.26%) and control (81.03±0.37%) while T2 and T3 differed non-significantly. In above study Pentoxifylline was found to improve sperm motility, live sperm count, host reactive, acrosomal integrity and DNA integrity and may also enhance the quality of frozen equine semen by increasing the fertility rate probably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate various biochemical components of seminal plasma in Marwari stallions and Poitou Jacks and to find out their correlation with that of the seminal characteristics. Materials and Methods: In this study, semen was collected from six Marwari stallions and six Poitou jacks aged from 4 to 6 years and with known fertility status. The semen collection from the stallions were collected during the breeding season, i.e., between the months of April and June. From the collected semen ejaculates, we estimated the values of some biochemical components, viz., total protein content, total lipid content, and enzymes such as glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) and correlations among different seminal parameters were statistically examined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: In this study, we found positive correlations between semen volume as well as sperm concentration and GOT, GPT, ALP and ACP for both the group stallions. Significant correlation between motility and glucose, GOT and GPT could be an indication for their role metabolism and protection against free radicals to the spermatozoa. Conclusion: Based on the results, it is concluded that there is a positive correlation between some biochemical values such as glucose, Ca, ALP, and LDH and seminal parameters which play a key role in capacitation and onward movement of the spermatozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to superovulate donor Indian mares using eFSH. eFSH administration was initiated on 7th day of estrus cycle with dose of 25 mg @ 12.5 mg x 12 hourly or 6.25 mg x 6 hourly in total six mares. Another six mares served as control. Treatment was continued till development of two or more follicles of 35 mm size. The superovulatory response was assessed by serial ultrasonography of ovaries twice daily. Artificial insemination was undertaken in all mares with detected ovulations were detected. Similar super-ovulatory response was seen in all six mares with average days (n) of eFSH treatment of 8.6 days. Average number of follicles (>35 mm) in super-ovulated mares were 5.5. Although ovulations per mare were 4.16, yet embryo collection per mare was only 1.16 (seven embryos from six treated mares) where as in control group, it was 0.83 (five from six control mares). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical diagnosis of pyometra in an Arabian mare was undertaken through transrectal ultrasonography and was managed with uterine lavage and intrauterine antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report records diagnosis and management of endometrial cysts in mares. The endometrial cysts were diagnosed through ultrasonography and their size was determined. As cysts were small in nature, they were treated and pregnancy was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the correlation between Hypo-Osmotic Swelling (HOS) test positive sperms and fresh and frozen thawed stallion spermatozoa in 3 various equine breeds. Semen samples were taken from stallions housed in the Equine Production Campus, Rajasthan, India and maintained in uniform conditions of feeding and management. It suggests that HOS test can be a valuable and practical tool in knowing the functional capacity of fresh and frozen thawed spermatozoa of equine species.

The article presents information on a study which identified the seminal characteristics of Zanskari ponies in the arid region of Rajasthan, India. It describes the experimental methods utilized including macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the semen collected from three Zanskari stallions maintained at the National Research Centre on Equines, Equine Production Campus, Bikaner. Findings showed invariably thin semen with milky white to creamy colour.

The article presents a study which examined the presence of cryptorchidism in a Marwari stallion based on the biometry of scrotum and level of testosterone. The variables considerfed include the level of blood testosterone which is validated by electrochemiluminescence method, semen sampling through artificial vaginal method and sperm concentration. A comparison of testosterone level in monorchid stallion, normal Marwaei stallion and exotic Poitou jacks is offered.

The article describes the case of a seven-year old Marwari mare with post-partum endometritis. Observations showed the results of the rectal and ultrasonographic examinations on the Marwari mare. The mare receive intrauterine treatment and parenteral antibiotic treatment, as well as oxytoxin and Prostaglandin for uterine clearance.

The article presents a study on seminal plasma protein from three different breeds of equines, namely, Marwari stallions, Zanskari stallions and exotic jacks or martina franca. Eight semen ejaculates were obtained from the equines. The gel portion of the semen was removed by filtration while the seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation. The Lowry method was used in order to estimate the total protein from the seminal plasma.

The article discusses a study conducted in 2005 at Livestock Research Station in Andhra Pradesh, India, to assess the ejaculate characteristics and fertility in Ongole bulls. The fertility and ejaculate parameters were evaluated using nine Ongole bulls of 3-6 years age and 10 ejaculates and 20 insemination doses from each bull. Significant difference between bulls and collections were noted in relation to overall mean ejaculate volume, mass activity, sperm concentration, and initial motility.

The article discusses a study that examined the size of the testes in terms of scrotal circumference and its relation with the age and body weight in Marwari stallions. The mean age of the two groups of Marwari stallions were two to five years and six to 13 years. The body weights ranged from 280 to 443 kilograms. Findings showed a correlation between age and body weight, age and scrotal circumference, body weight and scrotal circumference and age and right testicular length.

Fibronectin type-II (FnII) family proteins are the major proteins in many mammalian species including bull, horse and pig. In the present study, a major FnII protein has been identified and isolated from donkey (Equus hemionus) seminal plasma, which we refer to as D onkey S eminal P lasma protein-1 (DSP-1). The amino acid sequence determined by mass spectrometry and computational modeling studies revealed that DSP-1 is homologous to other mammalian seminal plasma proteins, including bovine PDC-109 (also known as BSP-A1/A2) and equine HSP-1/2. High-resolution LC-MS analysis indicated that the protein is heterogeneously glycosylated and also contains multiple acetylations, occurring in the attached glycans. Structural and thermal stability studies on DSP-1 employing CD spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry showed that the protein unfolds at ~43 °C and binding to phosphorylcholine (PrC) – the head group moiety of choline phospholipids – increases its thermal stability. Intrinsic fluorescence titrations revealed that DSP-1 recognizes lyso-phosphatidylcholine with over 100-fold higher affinity than PrC. Further, interaction of DSP-1 with erythrocytes, a model cell membrane, revealed that DSP-1 binding is mediated by a specific interaction with choline phospholipids and results in membrane perturbation, suggesting that binding of this protein to sperm plasma membrane could be physiologically significant. • A new FnII family protein, DSP-1 was affinity purified from donkey seminal plasma. • DSP-1 (Mr ≈ 20 kDa) is highly homologous to other FnII proteins BSP-A1 (bovine) and HSP-1 (horse). • High-resolution LC-MS analysis indicated that DSP-1 is heterogeneously O -glycosylated. • DSC studies reveal that DSP-1 unfolds at ~43 °C and phosphorylcholine (PrC) binding stabilizes its structure. • DSP-1 perturbs erythrocyte membranes by binding to choline phospholipids and induces cell lysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In bovines, cryopreserved semen is used for artificial insemination; however, the fertility of cryopreserved semen is far lower than that of fresh semen. Although cryopreservation alters sperm phenotypic characteristics, its effect on sperm molecular health is not thoroughly understood. The present study applied next-generation sequencing to investigate the effect of cryopreservation on the sperm transcriptomic composition of bull spermatozoa. While freshly ejaculated bull spermatozoa showed 14,280 transcripts, cryopreserved spermatozoa showed only 12,375 transcripts. Comparative analysis revealed that 241 genes were upregulated, 662 genes were downregulated, and 215 genes showed neutral expression in cryopreserved spermatozoa compared to fresh spermatozoa. Gene ontology analysis indicated that the dysregulated transcripts were involved in nucleic acid binding, transcription-specific activity, and protein kinase binding involving protein autophosphorylation, ventricular septum morphogenesis, and organ development. Moreover, the dysregulated genes in cryopreserved spermatozoa were involved in pathways associated with glycogen metabolism, MAPK signalling, embryonic organ morphogenesis, ectodermal placode formation, and regulation of protein auto-phosphorylation. These findings suggest that the cryopreservation process induced alterations in the abundance of sperm transcripts related to potential fertility-associated functions and pathways, which might partly explain the reduced fertility observed with cryopreserved bull spermatozoa., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ebenezer Samuel King, Sinha, Kumaresan, Nag, Das Gupta, Arul Prakash, Talluri and Datta.)

Precise and site-specific genome editing through application of emerging and modern gene engineering techniques, namely zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/ Cas9) have swiftly progressed the application and use of the stem cell technology in the sphere of in-vitro disease modelling and regenerative medicine. Genome editing tools facilitate the manipulation of genes in various types of cells with target-specific nucleases. These tools aid in elucidating the genetics and etiology behind different diseases and have immense promise as novel therapeutics for correcting the genetic mutations, making alterations, and curing diseases permanently, which are not responding and resistant to traditional therapies. These genome engineering tools have evolved in the field of biomedical research and have also been shown to have a significant improvement in clinical trials. However, their widespread use in the research revealed potential safety issues, which need to be addressed before implementing such techniques for clinical purposes. Significant and valiant attempts need to be made in order to surpass those hurdles. The current review outlines the advancements of several genome engineering tools and describes suitable strategies for their application towards regenerative medicine., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)