This study was carried out in the Rangpur Division, Bangladesh, to identify domestic cat breeds and assess their reproductive performance. Data were obtained through direct questionnaire administered to cat owners, complemented by regular observation of breed characteristics, behaviour, and reproductive traits. Ten breeds were identified: Indigenous, Persian, Persian (Calico), Maine Coon, Bengal Cat, Mixed, British Shorthair, Turkish Angora, Scottish Fold and American Shorthair. Common oestrus signs included vocalization, rolling, rubbing of the body and genital area, affectionate behaviour, and receptivity to male. The age at sexual maturity among females ranged from 6 to 23 months, with Persian cats exhibiting the highest mean age at maturity (16.2 ± 3.8 months, P<0.05). Oestrus cycle length varied from 7 to 45 days, with Bengal cats having the longest cycle (25.5 ± 6.4 days, P<0.05). Indigenous cats generally matured in spring and summer, although some showed year-round oestrus when housed with tomcats. Gestation lasted 57 – 67 days, with no significant difference between breeds; the longest was recorded in Scottish Folds (64.2 ± 2.4 days). Litter sizes ranged from 2 to 10 kittens, with Bengal cats producing the largest average litters (6.0 ± 3.5 kitten). Postpartum oestrus began 30–90 days after parturition. Pregnancy rates were highest in Indigenous cats (86.1%) and lowest in Scottish Folds (77.8%). Abortion rates were highest in Scottish Folds (28.6%) and lowest in Indigenous cats (16.1%). The sex ratio of kittens was approximately 49 males to 50 females. Kitten mortality was highest in Persian cats (21.8%) and lowest in American Shorthairs (11.8%). These findings provide valuable insights into breed-specific reproductive physiology, which can support breeding management strategies and inform veterinary reproductive care. Bang. vet. 2025. Vol. 42, No. 1 – 2, 17 – 27

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of extenders using skim milk from different species on sperm quality during storage at 5°C over time. Eight ejaculates were preserved in each of five home-made semen extenders: cow skimmed milk (CSM), goat skimmed milk (GSM), sheep skimmed milk (SSM), buffalo skimmed milk (BSM) and commercial dried skim milk (CDSM). Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and normal morphology (%) were assessed at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. At 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours, sperm motility in the GSM extender was higher than in the BSM, SSM, and CDSM extenders. Plasma membrane integrity (%) and normal sperm morphology (%) in the GSM and CSM extenders were significantly higher than in the BSM, SSM, and CDSM extenders at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. Overall, motility, membrane integrity, and normal morphology were superior in the GSM extender. Further research is needed to validate sperm quality in relation to lambing rates. Bang. vet. 2025. Vol. 42, No. 1 – 2, 11 – 16

Trichosomoides crassicauda (T. crassicauda) is a nematode inhabiting the urinary bladder of wild and laboratory rats. Although often considered nonpathogenic, it can cause haemorrhagic cystitis, renal haemorrhages, and urinary calculi, thereby influencing interpretation of research findings. Here is the report of T. crassicauda infection in a laboratory rat colony in Bangladesh, emphasizing clinical features, diagnostic findings, and preventive measures. Infection was controlled through strict hygienic measures, along with treatment of infected and non-infected colonies using ivermectin, supplemented with iron, vitamin B complex, and zinc. Bang. vet. 2025. Vol. 42, No. 1 – 2, 38 – 43

A Holstein-Friesian cross-bred cow was presented due to gestation being prolonged to >365 days. The presence of a dead fetus was determined by examination per rectum. Induction of parturition was attempted using dexamethasone and a PGF2α analogue, but the cow did not respond. The fetus was therefore removed two days later by caesarian surgery. The fetus had gross abnormalities of the head, but the brain was at least partially intact. The cow recovered uneventfully after surgery. It was considered that the gross prolongation of gestation was due to a developmental perturbation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis that had prevented the initiation of parturition. Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 25 – 29

The Clostridium perfringens causes food poisoning in men and animals. Pasteurized full cream cows’ milk samples (n = 100) were collected from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) in Bangladesh between July 2022 and June 2023. One sample showed the characteristic properties of C. perfringens in Dhanmondi area of DNCC in winter season. Hygienic management should be followed during processing of milk for human consumption. Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 7 – 12

Prevalence of mastitis and their antimicrobial resistance in Amtali (sub-district) area of Barguna District were studied. Mastitis was diagnosed by examining the udder and milk of 300 dairy cows. The bacteria were cultured and biochemical tests and antimicrobial profiling were done. The overall prevalence of mastitis was 5.0%, and cross-bred and local cows had 6.4% and 3.8%, respectively. The prevalence was higher in animals 7 - 8 years old (5.9%) and in cows of 3rd - 4th parity (8.8%). Cows with peri-parturient diseases and 1st - 2nd lactation had prevalence of 6.8% (P<0.05) and 5.7%, respectively. The prevalence in dry and wet seasons was 33.3% and 66.7% (P<0.10), respectively, and 53.3% of cows were affected with mastitis when the floor was wet and soiled. The prevalence was 73.3% (P<0.05) in unhygienic conditions. The prevalence of E. coli and S. aureus in mastitis milk samples was 73.3% and 66.7%, respectively. E. coli was sensitive to amoxicillin (36.4%), ampicillin (36.4%), tetracycline (54.6%), streptomycin and co-trimoxazole (81.8%), gentamicin & ceftriaxone (90.9%), cefuroxime and cefixime (100%). S. aureus was sensitive to co-trimoxazole (60%), tetracycline (70%), amoxicillin, ampicillin, streptomycin (80%), gentamicin, ceftriaxone (90%), cefuroxime and cefixime (100%). Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 13 – 22

Abstract not available Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 23 – 24

Microbial contamination of drinking water poses a health threat for man and animals. The aim of this study was to detect Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Salmonella in drinking water from the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SrAU) campus and its surrounding areas between January 2021 and August 2021. A total of 60 water samples were collected from dormitories, academic buildings and nearby shopping centres. Identification of bacteria was done using growth characteristics on selective media, staining, microscopic examination, and biochemical tests. The overall prevalence of contamination was 53.3%, with the highest rate (61.1%) in water from shopping centres. Drinking water in the SrAU campus and its vicinity is unsafe for drinking and household purposes. Sanitation programmes of the SrAU health centre need to be strengthen to mitigate health risks of the community. Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 1 – 6

Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella spp. were found in hospital wastewater. The highest (E = (6.2 ± 1.8) x 109; S = (4.3 ± 2.2) x 109) and lowest (E = (1.4 ± 1.2) x 109; S = (1.1 ± 1.8) x 109) Total Viable Count (TVC) were in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (SSMCH) and National Institute of Ophthalmology Hospital (NIOH), respectively. The overall occurrence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. was 80% and 87%, respectively, with 100% occurrence in SSMCH and National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Hospital (NICVDH) for Salmonella spp. (p ≤ 0.036). Prevalence of E. coli was low (72%) in winter (November - February). Both types of bacteria were resistant to Tetracycline whereas and 97.5% of E coli were resistant to ampicillin. Gentamycin was more effective than other antibiotics. Rational use of antibiotics is suggested, and hospital management practice should be followed as defined by the Joint Commission International for Hospital Accreditation.
 Bang. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1 – 2, 16 – 24

The effect of ovarian phase on oocyte quality in slaughterhouse material of cows was studied. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from all visible follicles. COCs were graded on the number and intensity of the cumulus cells and the homogeneity of the ooplasm as A (4 – 5 layers compact cumulus with a homogeneous ooplasm), B (1 - 2 layers compact cumulus with homogeneous ooplasm having a coarse appearance), C (slightly expanded cumulus with irregular cluster ooplasm), and D (denuded oocyte or expanded cumulus, irregular ooplasm). The overall aspiration rate of COCs was 37.2%. The aspiration rate was significantly higher (P<005) in follicular (41.2%) than in luteal phase (28.6%). The percentage of grade A and B oocytes was significantly (P<005) higher in the follicular phase (20.4 and 28.6%) than luteal phase (11.1 and 22.2%). The proportion of grade A COCs in the indigenous cows was significantly (P<005) higher (29.0%) than in crossbred cows (8.3%). Ovaries with diameter of 2.0 cm or more had higher proportion (P<005) of grade A and B COCs than others. It is suggested that follicular phase of the sexual cycle had significant effect on COCs quality.
 Bangl. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1-2, 1–7