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The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of injecting estrus-synchronized ewes with vitamin E and selenium (Se) on their reproductive performance. Awassi ewes (n = 74) were randomly assigned into one of two groups. Group one (control, n = 36) did not receive vitamin E/Se injections, and group two (vitamin E/Se, n = 38) received 13.6-mg/kg BW of vitamin E plus 0.045-mg/kg BW of Se. Concurrent with estrus-synchronization program, vitamin E/Se injections were given at the time of insertion, withdrawal, and 19 days after withdrawal of intravaginal sponges. At all injection times, serum samples were collected (20 ewes per group) to measure Se contents. Pregnancy rates were evaluated by progesterone assay and by ultrasonography, respectively, at days 19 and 40 after sponge removal. Lambing rate, singles and twins%, sex ratio (M:F), and birth weight were recorded at lambing. Vitamin E/Se injections did not affect (P > 0.25) BW at lambing or BW change of ewes from breeding to lambing. Vitamin E/Se injections tended (P = 0.08) to decrease total pregnancy losses from 44.8 to 24.3%, subsequently, injections positively improved (P 0.20) by vitamin E/Se injections. Under conditions of our study, multiple injections of vitamin E/Se improved the reproductive performance of estrus-synchronized ewes.

Data regarding semen collection and characteristics in Arabian oryx are not available so far. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate scrotal circumference, testicular dimension and semen characteristics in four age groups of this species. Eleven male Arabian oryx bulls were divided into four groups according to age: group 1: 3 years old (n = 2); group 2: 4 years old (n = 2); group 3: 5 years old (n = 2) and group 4: 10 years old (n = 3). After immobilisation, scrotal circumference, testicular dimensions, volume and weight and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were estimated for each animal. Semen was collected from each male on a weekly basis for 3 weeks. Immediately after collection, semen was evaluated for volume, pH, osmolality total motility (TM), forward progressive motilities (PM) using a phase microscope. Furthermore, TM, PM, progressive velocity (PV), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and pathway velocity (VAP) have been evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analyser (CASA). Sperm concentration was evaluated using a haemocytometer, whereas sperm morphology was detected using phase contrast microscopy and staining methods by eosin-nigrosin and Spermac stains. Sperm viability was assessed using eosin-nigrosin stain under light microscopy and Sybr14/PI stain under fluorescence microscopy. The current findings indicated a positive correlation between body weight versus scrotal circumference, testicular weight, testicular volume and GSI. However, age did not have a positive association with percentage of normal sperm in Arabian oryx. Conclusively, the current findings provide a valuable data for future use of artificial insemination, which will be crucial for propagation and conservation of Arabian oryx.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of injecting estrus-synchronized ewes with vitamin E and selenium (Se) on their reproductive performance. Awassi ewes (n = 74) were randomly assigned into one of two groups. Group one (control, n = 36) did not receive vitamin E/Se injections, and group two (vitamin E/Se, n = 38) received 13.6-mg/kg BW of vitamin E plus 0.045-mg/kg BW of Se. Concurrent with estrus-synchronization program, vitamin E/Se injections were given at the time of insertion, withdrawal, and 19 days after withdrawal of intravaginal sponges. At all injection times, serum samples were collected (20 ewes per group) to measure Se contents. Pregnancy rates were evaluated by progesterone assay and by ultrasonography, respectively, at days 19 and 40 after sponge removal. Lambing rate, singles and twins%, sex ratio (M:F), and birth weight were recorded at lambing. Vitamin E/Se injections did not affect (P 0.25) BW at lambing or BW change of ewes from breeding to lambing. Vitamin E/Se injections tended (P = 0.08) to decrease total pregnancy losses from 44.8 to 24.3%, subsequently, injections positively improved (P 0.05) pregnancy rates determined by progesterone assay (from 80.6 to 97.4%) and ultrasonography (from 63.9 to 86.8%). Although overall fertility was not affected, vitamin E/Se injections markedly increased the percentage of ewes that lambed after only one service from 64.0 to 93.3%. Singles and twins%, lamb sex ratio, and birth weight of lambs were not affected (P 0.20) by vitamin E/Se injections. Under conditions of our study, multiple injections of vitamin E/Se improved the reproductive performance of estrus-synchronized ewes.

In Jordan, the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is considered among the most important wild ungulates. The Arabian Oryx is listed as vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Based on author’s knowledge, estrus synchronization in the Arabian Oryx has never been investigated. Therefore, the current study aimed to validate a Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) estrus synchronization technique for the first time in 7 Arabian Oryx females. Prior to CIDR application, animals were subjected to transabdominal ultrasonic examination twice, two weeks apart to exclude pregnancies. A single CIDR was inserted (Day 0) for a period of 7 days. At the time of CIDR removal (Day 7), animals were administered a single injection of prostaglandin F2α (PF2α) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Blood samples were collected from all animals before, during and after CIDR removal for progesterone (P4) analysis. Animals were monitored for estrus behavior for 8 days starting 24 h after CIDR removal. All animals were considered to be anestrous at the start of the study as defined by having blood progesterone

A total of 246 performance and 257 prolificacy records belong to Afec-Awassi crossbred, improved and local Awassi sheep were collected through the years from 2007 to 2010. The sheep were kept under intensive production system at Al-Khanasry Research Station in the North of Jordan. The studied traits were: milk production, lactation, period, milk composition, birth weight and prolificacy of ewes of the three lines. The following environmental effects, parity of ewe, type of birth, sex of lambs and body weight of ewe at lambing were studied. The results showed that sex of lamb’s effect was significant in which males were heavier (P≤0.05) than females. Single born lambs were heavier (P ≤ 0.05) than other types of birth. Effect of ewe body weight at lambing on prolificacy was negatively significant (P≤ 0.01). Birth weight of Afec-Awassi crossbred lambs and the ewes' prolificacy were significantly higher than the lambs of other two lines. Year and ewe parity had significant effect on total milk production and lactation period. Total milk production was the highest (P < 0.05) in Improved Awassi ewes (134.1 ±15. 5 kg) with average lactation period of 106.2 ± 8 days, while the lowest lactation period was obtained by Afec Awassi ewes (83.3 ± 7 d). Fat and protein contents did not significantly differ between the studied lines. In conclusion, the fecundity gene that introduced into the Awassi sheep might have a remarkable positive effect on prolificacy, while it may contribute negatively in milk production.

The hematology, plasma biochemistry, and urinary excretion of glucose and certain minerals in nine pluriparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows affected with clinical parturient paresis were reported in this study. For comparison, 12 normal cows from represented herds were selected to match age, parity, and lactation stage of affected cows. Cows affected with parturient paresis had subnormal rectal temperature, bradycardia, and hyperpnea. Rumen motility was reduced in all affected cows. Cows affected with parturient paresis had significantly elevated packed cell volume and significantly increased numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils. In the plasma biochemical analysis, affected cows had significantly elevated glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and total protein. Plasma insulin was significantly decreased in affected cows. Plasma calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium concentrations in affected cows were significantly lower than in normal cows. In the urine analysis, no significant changes were found between the two groups in any of the studied parameters.

El objetivo fue describir las caracteristicas anatomicas e histologicas distintivas de la traquea del Orix de Arabia (Oryx leucoryx). Fueron medidos el numero de anillos traqueales y la longitud traqueal. El diametro, grosor y area de la seccion transversal (AST) del anillo traqueal fueron determinados en cuatro regiones (cervical craneal (CCR), medio cervical (MC), entradas toracicas (ET) e intratoracica (EIT)). Tambien se realizo en los anillos traqueales el analisis histologico. La longitud media de la traquea fue de 54,1±0,73 cm, mientras que el numero de anillos traqueales vario desde 50 hasta 51. Las mediciones del anillo traqueal (diametro, grosor y AST) fueron menores en la region de la entrada toracica. La relacion de los diametros transversal exterior a vertical exterior y transversal interno a vertical interno oscilo entre 0,75 y 0,98. El analisis histologico revelo que la pared de la traquea se compone de cuatro capas: mucosa de epitelio pseudoestratificado y lamina propia, submuscosa de tejido conectivo denso irregular, cartilago hialino y tunica adventicia de tejido conectivo laxo.

The objective of this study was to report the distinctive anatomical and histological features of the trachea of the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx). The number of tracheal rings and tracheal length were measured. The diameter, thickness and cross sectional area of tracheal ring were determined at four tracheal regions (cranial cervical (CCR), middle cervical, thoracic inlets and intra thoracic). Tracheal rings were also collected for histological analysis. The mean length of the trachea was 54.1cm ± 0.73, while the number of tracheal rings varied from 50-51. Tracheal ring measurements (diameter, thickness and cross sectional area) were smallest at the thoracic inlet region. The ratio of the outer transverse to outer vertical and inner transverse to inner vertical diameter ranged between 0.75 and 0.98. The histological analysis revealed that the wall of the trachea consists from four histological layers: a mucosa made of pseudostratified epithelium and lamina propria, submucosa made of dense irregular connective tissue, a hyaline cartilage and a tunica adventitia made of loose connective tissue. El objetivo fue describir las características anatómicas e histológicas distintivas de la tráquea del Orix de Arabia (Oryx leucoryx). Fueron medidos el número de anillos traqueales y la longitud traqueal. El diámetro, grosor y área de la sección transversal (AST) del anillo traqueal fueron determinados en cuatro regiones (cervical craneal (CCR), medio cervical (MC), entradas torácicas (ET) e intratorácica (EIT)). También se realizó en los anillos traqueales el análisis histológico. La longitud media de la tráquea fue de 54,1±0,73 cm, mientras que el número de anillos traqueales varió desde 50 hasta 51. Las mediciones del anillo traqueal (diámetro, grosor y AST) fueron menores en la región de la entrada torácica. La relación de los diámetros transversal exterior a vertical exterior y transversal interno a vertical interno osciló entre 0,75 y 0,98. El análisis histológico reveló que la pared de la tráquea se compone de cuatro capas: mucosa de epitelio pseudoestratificado y lámina propia, submuscosa de tejido conectivo denso irregular, cartílago hialino y túnica adventicia de tejido conectivo laxo.

Female reproductive anatomy of the Arabian oryx is unknown. In this study, reproductive tracts of seven female Arabian oryx (aged 2 to 7 years) were examined to characterize their reproductive anatomy. Observations and measurements were obtained in situ from dead animals during necropsy. Animals were allocated into two groups: cycling (n = 3; follicles or corpora lutea present) and not-cycling (n = 4; follicles or corpora lutea absent). Different reproductive tract segments for each animal in both groups were measured using a digital caliper. The mean, SD and range for each reproductive tract segment were generated and compared between groups. Female oryx reproductive anatomy share some anatomical characteristics with that of domestic ruminants except that the oryx uterus has no distinct uterine body and the cervix has two internal openings for each respective uterine horn. In addition, there were more than 8 rows of caruncles within each uterine horn. There were significant differences in the length and width (P0.05), but not in height, of both the right and left ovaries between cycling and not-cycling animals (P0.05). Posterior and anterior vaginal lengths varied between cycling and not-cycling groups (P0.05). Length of right and left oviducts, left and right uterine horns, cervix and vulva did not vary between cycling and not-cycling groups (P0.05). Defining this unique morphology of female Arabian oryx reproductive anatomy will help in the development of appropriate reproductive techniques in order to propagate this endangered species and control its reproduction.

Female reproductive anatomy of the Arabian oryx is unknown. In this study, reproductive tracts of seven female Arabian oryx (aged 2 to 7 years) were examined to characterize their reproductive anatomy. Observations and measurements were obtained in situ from dead animals during necropsy. Animals were allocated into two groups: cycling (n=3; follicles or corpora lutea present) and not-cycling (n=4; follicles or corpora lutea absent). Different reproductive tract segments for each animal in both groups were measured using a digital caliper. The mean, SD and range for each reproductive tract segment were generated and compared between groups. Female oryx reproductive anatomy share some anatomical characteristics with that of domestic ruminants except that the oryx uterus has no distinct uterine body and the cervix has two internal openings for each respective uterine horn. In addition, there were more than 8 rows of caruncles within each uterine horn. There were significant differences in the length and width (P0.05). Posterior and anterior vaginal lengths varied between cycling and not-cycling groups (P0.05). Defining this unique morphology of female Arabian oryx reproductive anatomy will help in the development of appropriate reproductive techniques in order to propagate this endangered species and control its reproduction., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol 117, No 3 (2012)

Between June and September 2013, sera from 11 dromedary camels, 150 goats, 126 sheep and 91 cows were collected in Jordan, where the first human Middle-East respiratory syndrome (MERS) cluster appeared in 2012. All sera were tested for MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) specific antibodies by protein microarray with confirmation by virus neutralisation. Neutralising antibodies were found in all camel sera while sera from goats and cattle tested negative. Although six sheep sera reacted with MERS-CoV antigen, neutralising antibodies were not detected.