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The present study was aimed to develop a most effective extender for long term storage of Labrador dog semen at 4oC. Tris-citric acid-fructose was supplemented with egg yolk (TEY), egg yolk plasma (TEYP), low density lipoproteins (TLDL) and coconut water (TCW) @10, 15 and 20; 10, 15 and 20; 11-15; and 25, 50 and 75 percent, respectively. Extended semen was stored at 4oC and analyzed for sperm attributes and lipid peroxidation. Values for motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity remained significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 15% TEY, 15% TEYP, 13% TLDL and 25%/50% TCW from 0 hr to 72 hrs of storage. It indicated superiority of 15% TEY, 15% TEYP, 13% TLDL and 25%/50% TCW over other concentrations for storage of Labrador dog semen at 4oC. A significant (p < 0.05) decline in motility, viability and membrane integrity was observed from 0-72 hrs of preservation in all extenders, but sperm attributes were still >50% at 72 hrs of preservation. Decline was comparatively less in 15% TEY, 15% TEYP, 25%/50% TCW and 13% TLDL compared to other concentrations. Values for acrosome integrity also differ significantly (p > 0.05) among different concentrations of extenders except TEY. Lipid peroxidation did not vary among different extenders except TEY. In conclusion, both 15% TEY and 15% TEYP were better than 13% TLDL and 25% TCW. TEY extender may be substituted with TEYP for preservation of dog semen at 4°C and further interventions may improve TLDL and TCW extenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemato-biochemical and inflammatory markers (TNF, Interleukin and Fibrinogen) were compared between fetotomy operated and normally calved buffaloes. 50 buffaloes were used in the present study and were randomly divided into two groups. Group I comprised of 30 healthy buffaloes subjected to fetotomy operation, while as Group II comprised of 20 normally calved healthy buffaloes. The average values of serum Ca, P and protein were significantly (p<0.05) lower whereas serum glucose was significantly (p<0.05) higher in buffaloes subjected to fetotomy operation than the normally calved buffaloes. The average count (%) of neutrophils and eosinophils were significantly higher (p<0.05), in buffaloes subjected to fetotomy operation than the normally calved buffaloes. The monocyte counts did not showed any characteristic trend. The average values of fibrinogen was non-significantly (p<0.05) higher, whereas the values of TNF and IL-10 were significantly (p<0.05) higher in buffaloes subjected to fetotomy than the normally calved buffaloes. Dystocia is a stressful event which results in haemato-biochemical alterations and results in alteration of inflammatory molecules. The current study can assist in management of obstetrical cases in field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface follicle count and oocyte quality was investigated in buffalo ovaries collected from an abattoir. Between seasons, the percentage of various size follicles was different (p<0.05). During winter, average follicle count per ovary, average oocyte recovery rate and percentage of grade-A oocytes was high (p<0.05). The tertiary follicles had intact granulosa cell layers in winter and loosened granulosa cell layers in summer. The apoptotic bodies in ovaries and vacuolizations observed between granulose cell layers and antral fluid in summer were absent in winter season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, interaction of LDHC4, PH-20, α-actin and β-tubulin on dog's sperm surface and their immunocontraceptive effect in bitches has been elucidate. Anti spam -1 and anti LDHC4 recognized 46/32 and 36/30/28 kDa proteins in dog sperm extracts on immunoblots. Whereas, proteins of 43, 36 kDa and 62, 46, 43, 30 and 28 kDa were detected on immunoblots with anti-α-actin and anti-β-tubulin. In MALDI-TOF analysis, sequence of 46, 30. 28 and 43, 36 kDa antigens matched twice to β--tubulin and α-actin respectively. Therefore, one sub unit each of LDHC4 and a-actin had same mol wt of 36 kDa and two other sub units each of LDHC4 and β-tubulin shared the same mol wt of 30/28 kDa. Reaction of 46 kDa protein both with anti-spam-1 and β-tubulin indicated similarity in their mol wts. Similarly the reaction of 43 kDa protein both with antia- actin and anti-β-tubulin revealed some similarity between both. Sequence analysis revealed 19.49%, 24.28%, 21.42% and 18.75% similarity of LDHC4/ α-actin, PH-20/ α-actin, LDHC4/ β-tubulin and LDHC4/tubulin respectively. Immunofluoresence staining of dog sperm smears also indicated similarity in localization of these four proteins. Localization of PH-20 and β-tubulin was mainly on the entire head region. Whereas, LDHC4 is uniformly distributed on the whole sperm and actin is more concentrated on the post acrosomal cap. Purified native proteins o f46/32 and 36/30/28 kDa were injected to a group of two bitches respectively through i/m route to elucidate their immunocontraceptive potential. Immunization of bitches in both the groups resulted in suppressed heat, and inhibited natural mating. On being subjected to AI, ultrasonography of four immunized and two unimmunized (control) bitches 35 days after insemination confirmed the presence of 0 and 3-4 fetuses respectively. Therefore, it seems that LDHC4/PH-20 and α-actin/tubulin share their molecular weights or interact with each other or actin/β-tubulin superimpose LDHC4 /PH-20 on sperm surface. In view of observed contraceptive effect, it can be concluded that LDHC4 and PH-20 collectively with α-actin and β-tubulin affect estrus, process of natural mating and ultimately the fertility in bitches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericin, a protein derivative of silkworm Bombyx mori has been used for the cryopreservation of various mammalian and insect cell lines. The present study was conducted to validate an effective concentration of sericin having optimum cryoprotective effect on post thaw semen quality. Semen ejaculates (n = 5) from one healthy buffalo bull were divided into five equal fractions, diluted with tris egg yolk extender, supplemented with different concentrations of sericin viz. 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0% and then cryopreserved using standard procedures. The seminal parameters viz. motility, viability, morphology, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and acrosome integrity were determined. Per cent HOST positive spermatozoa (20.7 ± 0.9 vs. 11.3 ± 2.3) and acrosome integrity (87.2 ± 1.6 vs. 79.8 ± 5.5) were significantly higher (P<0.05) with 0.25% sericin supplementation to semen extender than in control, respectively. Post-thaw sperm motility (43.5 ± 1.0 vs.40.9 ± 2.3%) and viability (60.8 ± 3.2 vs. 60.8 ± 3.2%) were alsonon-significantly higher (P > 0.05) with 0.25% sericin supplementation as compared to control and supplementation with other higher concentrations i.e. 0.5%, 0.75% and 1%. However, no differences were seen for per cent morphological abnormalities among various sericin concentrations in comparison to control. Higher concentrations viz. 0.5, 0.75 and 1% sericin have less or no beneficial effect in comparison to 0.25% sericin supplementation on cryopreserved semen quality. In conclusion, based on post-thaw sperm motility, viability, HOST and acrosome integrity, addition of 0.25% sericin to the semen extender seemed to be most effective concentration for cryopreservation of buffalo bull semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the activity of antioxidant enzymes or lipid peroxidation (LPO) and oxidative stress in calved and dystocia affected Murrah buffaloes in India. The study uses analysis of covariance to evaluate antioxidant metabolites and other important levels between the parameters being studied. Result shows that damages were detected in uterine torsion and fetal dystocia and severe oxidative strees have been generated during parturition.

The article presents a study conducted in India on biochemical profiles and activity measures of neonatal buffalo calves. Biochemical status of calves delivered normally and through forced extraction (FD) was studied right after calving. Measures like blood glucose and protein levels were estimated, and activity measures like time from birth till sternal recumbency were studied. Results showed wider differences in blood glucose values in the two sets of calves, showing importance of stress level in the FD group.

A study was conducted on seasonal variation in hormones (progesterone, estrogen, IGF-1) and enzymes (LDH, ALK) in blood plasma and dominant follicle fluid collected from buffalo (n=7) subjected twice, to ovsynch protocol, at monthly interval both in breeding and off-breeding season. The results revealed that preovulatory follicles had differential profile of hormones and enzymes between seasons that may have a role in fertility outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which evaluated the histopathological alterations of cervix in relation to dilatation in normally calved, dystocia and uterine torsion affected prostaglandin F2α induced buffaloes. Histopathological observations revealed that there was partial loss of cervical epithelium and severe hemorrhage. The study showed that necrotic changes in cervix leading to failure of cervix is an indication of an increase in severity of cervical histopathological alterations following dystocia and uterine torsion.

A study was undertaken to observe the variation in blood glucose and free fatty acid levels in postpartum buffaloes during winter and summer seasons. Twenty seven freshly calved buffaloes were selected and they were divided into two groups. In the experimental group, UMMB was supplemented and the animals were observed for the manifestation of first behavioral estrus up to 60 days postpartum. There was non significant (P = 0.05) variation of blood glucose between experimental and control groups during both the seasons. However, the plasma free fatty acids were significantly (P= 0.05) higher in summer season and there was no significant variation of plasma free fatty acid levels by UMMB feeding during both the seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which determined the effect of GnRH (buserelin)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) release in the hypophyseal response of dairy buffaloes during early postpartum period. The results reveal that hypophyseal responsiveness to GnRH- induced LH release and reproduction in early postpartum period is suppressed in buffaloes with high luteal activity as compared to buffaloes with reduced luteal activity. The methods used in preparation, testing, and data analysis are also discussed.

Studies of thermoelectric uniformity have been carried out on both undoped and doped p and n type specimens of Bi2Te3 based alloys using a scanning thermoprobe. It has been found that the thermoelectric uniformity of the specimens improves with doping. Room temperature Hall effect measurement studies have also been carried out. The mobility of both p and n type specimens has been found to improve with doping. These studies have direct relevance on the preparation of thermoelements for thermoelectric coolers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a study that examines the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and its effect on luteal profile and conception in postpartum Murrah buffaloes. The PUFA contents of fish meal (FM) used in dairy cow rations as a source of rumen undegradable proteins (RUP) are discussed. The study concludes that FM supplementation has no influence on preovulatory follicle size, plasma progesterone concentration and corpus luteum (CL) size.

The article discusses a study that assessed the efficacy of Ovsynch plus controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol to improve the conception rate of repeat-breeder dairy cattle. It details the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the insertion of a CIDR device in 18 lactating repeat-breeder crossbred cattle. It is indicated that the AI protocol is effective in inducing synchronized ovulation in repeat-breeder cattle with high conception rate.

The article discusses a study that examined the oxidative stress and inflammation in placental tissue and umbilical cord of normally calved and dystocia affected buffaloes. It shows that normally calved buffaloes have higher levels of total protein in placental tissue and umbilical cord compared to the buffaloes with fetal dystocia. Findings indicate that increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol following dystocia and uterine torsion may contribute to stress and could result in severe postpartum uterine inflammation.

The article describes the case of management of dystocia due to lipomatosis associated with fetal ascites in a buffalo. A 10-year-old Nilli Ravi buffalo who is eight months pregnant has been straining for 10-12 hours has ruptured its allantoic and amniotic bags. The fetus was dead and in the posterior presentation. On examination, large distended fetal abdomen with fluid thrill is present which is indicative of dystocia due to abnormal fetus.

The article presents a study on the effect of housing management on the reproductive efficiency of buffaloes. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the relationship between degree of housing comfort and the length of postpartum acyclic period in buffaloes. Results showed that there was a significant linear relationship between housing index and acyclic period of buffaloes. The study concluded that housing management significantly affected the postpartum reproductive efficiency of buffaloes during summer and winter.

The article presents a study on the role of plasma estradiol concentration in prepartum vaginal prolapse in buffaloes. Blood samples were collected from buffaloes having prepartum vaginal collapse. Results revealed that there was a significant variation of estradiol before and after treatment with the corresponding stage of normal gestation during 6-8 months, 8-10 months and above 10 months of gestation. The results suggested that estrogen concentration has a role in prepartum vaginal collapse.

A case of dystocia due to arthrogryoposis in indigenous cattle fetus and its successful per-vaginal delivery was reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of fetotomy procedure for the successful per-vaginum delivery of interlocked twins in a full-term pregnant crossbred dairy cow. Thygeson's fetotome loaded with a wire saw and tied to a calving rope carrier was used in the fetotomy after the calving rope carrier was passed around the fetal thorax. Applied traction is cited to have helped the delivery. Causes of interlocking twins such as the fetus size, monoamniotic twins, and paucity of fluid are presented.

The article presents research which dealt with gastro-intestinal phycomycosis in a puppy. The researchers examined the conditions of a pregnant female puppy brought in a veterinary clinic for anorexia and vomition for two days. They found that the intestine of the subject has marked segmental thickening characterized by congestion and exudates on serosal surface near the ileum.

The article presents a study on the alterations of the initial concentrations of plasma progesterone in bitches with pyometra during natural PGF2α treatment. The researchers performed the study on 13 pyometric bitches that were divided randomly into two groups. They also gathered blood samples in heparinised syringe on the day of presentation and every third day of treatment thereafter until the last day of therapy. They found the association of a successful treatment of pyometra with PGF2α with luteolysis.

The article describes the case of a pregnant Napoleon Mastiff bitch that was brought for treatment at Veterinary Clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana. The bitch had been straining since a day before and was treated with Calcium Sandoz and Pitocin but no progress was observed. The case was diagnosed as dystocia due to a defect in the uterus and an emergency caesarean section was performed. The article discusses dystocia caused by uterine displacements in bitches.

The article focuses on a fetal development abnormality called amorphous globosus as a co-twin to a normal fetus causing dystocia in a buffalo in India. The condition refers to spherical bodies that weigh approximately 0.5 to 1 kilogram (kg) and are often attached to the fetal membranes of a calf that has no defects. According to detailed examination of the abnormal fetus, it seemed to comprise of a short trunk, pelvis and hind legs, without the head and neck. Successful management of the condition is also described.

The article presents a case of arrested development of Perocephalus brachyrhynchus with Perochephalus anomatus in a buffalo fetus. A pleuriparous buffalo with 10 days of gestation period and suffering from dystocia symptom was treated at the University at Ludhiana veterinary clinics in India. The buffalo's vaginal examination showed two limbs in the birth passage with minor bruises in passage, and her fetus was dead. Several factors that could result in a perocephalus fetus in buffalo are discussed, including an autosomal recessive gene.

In the present study, a 31-kDa protein, purified from cattle bull seminal plasma heparin-binding proteins (SP-HBP), was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Raw semen of six cross-bred bulls was treated with 31-kDa HBP before cryopreservation to observe its effect on motility, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling test, acrosome integrity, in vitro capacitation/acrosome reaction, and oxidative stress at pre-freeze and frozen-thawed phases of cryopreservation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 31-kDa protein eluted and purified from SP-HBP (separated on acrylamide gels) resulted in a single band of 40 kDa. In matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight analysis, 12 peptides were identified with matching significantly (P < 0.05) to interlukin-6 of bovine with a top score of 55. Addition of 25 μg/mL of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated 31-kDa protein to raw semen and incubation at 37 °C for 20 minutes before cryopreservation resulted in its binding mainly to head region. Treatment of semen with 31-kDa HBP resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) average increase of 9.2%, 6.8%, and 11.7% and 5.5%, 6.5%, and 11.0% in motile, viable, hypo-osmotic swelling-responsive spermatozoa in six bulls at pre-freeze and frozen-thawed phases of cryopreservation, respectively. Percentage of spermatozoa with intact acrosomes nonsignificantly enhanced in the semen treated with 31-kDa HBP at both phases of cryopreservation. An average nonsignificant increase of 3.1% in in vitro capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was obtained in semen supplemented with 31-kDa HBP. Addition of 31-kDa HBP also nonsignificantly reduced Malonadialdehyde (MDA) level by 10.7 and 19.3 μM/10(9) spermatozoa in prefrozen and frozen-thawed semen, respectively. The results obtained here indicate to conclude that treatment of cross-bred cattle bull semen with 31-kDa HBP protects the spermatozoa from cold shock effect by coating the sperm surface., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to assess the synchrony in follicular wave emergence and subsequent ovulation following dominant follicle ablation or estradiol-17β administration. Six cycling Murrah buffaloes were sequentially allotted to three groups, that is, control, follicular ablation, and estradiol-17β groups. For the control group, buffaloes at random stages of estrous cycle were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography for 14 days and the day of wave emergence was recorded. Following induced luteolysis and ovulation (Day 0), these buffaloes were included in the ablation group. All follicles (>5mm) were ablated on Day 3 or 5 or 7 (n=2 each day). Seven days after the ablation, these buffaloes were administered prostaglandin F2α to induce luteolysis and ovulation. Following this, buffaloes were included in the estradiol treatment group with estradiol administered on similar days as for ablation in the ablation group. Luteolysis was induced nine days after the estradiol injection. All animals of the treatment groups were subjected to transrectal ultrasound and blood samplings daily from treatment to induced ovulation. The follicular waves emerged significantly earlier (P=0.001) in both the ablation (2.1±0.79 days) and estradiol (4.0±0.25 days) treatment groups than the control group (8.3±0.88 days). The deviation from mean day of ovulation was greater (P=0.02) for the control group buffaloes (1.66±0.3 day) than those of the treatment groups (ablation, 0.76±0.2 and estradiol, 0.58±0.2 day). In conclusion, both ablation and estradiol resulted in synchronous emergence of a new follicular wave irrespective of stage at which the treatment was given, with greater synchrony of ovulations in water buffalo., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A Dalmatian female presented with a history of vaginal bleeding and was diagnosed as having transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) after cytological examination of the vaginal growth revealed typical TVT cells. A cytology of the aspirate from multiple nodules in the skin near the abdominal and inguinal pair of mammary glands revealed similar cells suggestive of metastasis to skin of mammary region. Chemotherapy was initiated with weekly injections of vincristine sulphate (0.025 mg/kg BW, IV, SID) and haematological examination was performed pre- and post-treatment to assess the prognosis of the patient and side effects of the drug. The major side effects observed during the course of the treatment were high body temperature, mild neutropaenia and significant decrease in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, total leucocyte and erythrocyte count. Four weekly injections of vincristine were administered, and 4 weeks from initiation of treatment, the tumour and nodules were gone, suggesting complete recovery., (© 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Luteolysis of corpus luteum, due to un-inhibited PGF(2α) secretion, has been reported to be a cause of early embryonic mortality in dairy animals. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fish meal (FM) supplementation on the uterine secretion of PGF(2α) and hence establish its supplementation as an antiluteolytic strategy in dairy buffaloes. Five cycling Murrah buffaloes were supplemented with 250g FM daily for 55 days in addition to their routine feed and seven buffaloes were kept as non-supplemented control. After 30 days of FM supplementation, the oestrus was synchronized in all the buffaloes using Ovsynch protocol. On day 15 of synchronized cycle, animals were challenged with oxytocin (OT; 100IU) intravenously and blood samples were collected at 15min interval, 1h before to 4h after OT challenge. The PGF(2α) response was measured as the venous concentration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2α) (PGFM). The mean hourly concentration of PGFM in FM supplemented buffaloes was lower than in the control buffaloes at all the occasions. During peak response (1h post-OT challenge), PGFM concentration was significantly lower (P<0.05) in FM supplemented buffaloes than in the control (197.4±41.7pg/ml versus 326.3±33.5pg/ml, respectively). Also the percent rise in PGFM after OT-challenge in FM supplemented buffaloes was less than the control (11.73% versus 22.47%). The dietary supplementation did not affect the size of corpus luteum (CL) and plasma progesterone concentration. Plasma glucose and total protein concentrations remained within the normal physiological limits during FM supplementation. The present study indicated that supplementing FM decreased the concentrations of PGF(2α) without alterations in the size of CL and plasma progesterone concentrations in dairy buffaloes., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)