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Present study was designed to ascertain antioxidative enzyme shift during cryopreservation of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Enzymatic profile of three enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase/reductase) was established for fresh, post-dilution, pre-freezing and post-thaw stages. A total of twenty semen samples from four bulls were cryopreserved in French straws by using tris based extender. Catalase (U/mL), superoxide dismutase (U/mL) and total glutathione (µM) profile for fresh semen (25.8±1.6, 93.1±1.3, 77.4±5.2; respectively), lowered with semen extension (6.0±0.6, 60.7±2.4, 63.0±0.9 respectively; P<0.05).During equilibration time, the enzymatic profile for catalase remained stable (7.0±0.7; P>0.05) but superoxide dismutase and glutathione profile deteriorated further (47.7±1.4, 44.6±0.6 respectively; P<0.05). During cryopreservation, major shift was observed in catalase profile (2.3±0.3; P<0.05) while superoxide dismutase and glutathione readings were stable in post-thaw evaluations (P>0.05). It is concluded that cryopreservation process deteriorated catalase enzyme profile while superoxide dismutase and glutathione profiles are declined by metabolic activities of spermatozoa in time dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in cattle and buffaloes by oocyst microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cryptosporidiosis as detected by microscopic examinations was higher in cattle (10.5%) than buffaloes (8.47%) in Lahore from August, 2007-July, 2008. Percent prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in cattle and buffaloes was higher at Governmental dairy farms (20.55 & 16. 66) followed by Gawala colonies (12.77 & 9.44), Military dairy farm (6.11 & 4.44) and House hold dairies (3.88 & 3.34). The highest percent prevalence recorded in cattle and buffaloes was during summer (15 &12), followed by autumn (10.88 &20), spring (10.88 &7.5) and the lowest in winter season (6.6 &4.5). Infection rate was higher in young cattle and buffaloes than older. Non-significant difference was recorded in relation to sex of animals and infection rate. Percent prevalence in cattle (12.22%), as detected by PCR was highest at Governmental dairy farm(22.7%), followed by Gawala colonies (14.41%),Military dairy farm(7.7%) and House hold dairies (5%). Although, the prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis detected by PCR was higher as compared to microscopic examinations, no statistically significant difference was observed. It is concluded that cryptosporidiosis is highly prevalent in Lahore, which insinuates authorities for its monitoring by microscopic or molecular methods to achieve the production to its maximum potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]