Conception Rate In Buffaloes Research Articles

PGF<sub>2α</sub> induced estrus synchronization of native buffaloes in Bangladesh

Buffaloes have low fertility due to silent estrus, seasonal anestrous, delayed puberty and long calving interval. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of single and double doses of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2a) on synchronization of estrus in buffaloes. A total of 66 buffaloes were selected and subjected to estrus synchronization experiments: single dose PGF2a, and double dose PGF2a. In single dose PGF2a experiment, buffaloes were injected with either 500 or 875 µg of cloprostenol (PGF2a) and all buffaloes were examined to identify corpus luteum through rectal palpation before administration of PGF2a. In double dose experiment, buffaloes were injected with either 500 or 875 µg of cloprostenol (PGF2a) on Day 0 and Day 12 without identifying corpus luteum. The buffaloes were examined for estrus by collecting cervical mucus using universal artificial insemination gun from the mid cervix and timed artificial inseminations (TAI) were done after 72 hrs of last dose of PGF2α injection. The results showed that there were no significant differences in estrus rate (75±3.96% and 85±0.79%) single dose of PGF2α with 500 and 875 µg of cloprostenol, respectively. However, 875 µg of cloprostenol significantly (P<0.05) increased estrus rate in buffaloes than double doses with 500 and 875 µg of cloprostenol (60 ± 12.72% and 63 ± 2.22%). The conception rate in buffaloes were 45±6.91% and 55±6.91% in 500 µg and 875 µg of cloprostenol in single dose of PGF2a and 30±14.69% and 37±8.81% in 500 µg and 875 µg of cloprostenol in double dose of PGF2a. The calving rate in buffaloes were 10±5.20% and 15±0.79% in 500 µg and 875 µg of cloprostenol in single dose of PGF2a and 10±8.33 and 12±6.18% in 500 µg and 875 µg of cloprostenol in double dose of PGF2a. However, there were no significant differences in conception and calving rates in buffaloes neither between single and double doses PGF2a nor different concentrations of PGF2a. In conclusion, single dose of PGF2a with 875 µg of cloprostenol injection efficiently increased estrus synchronization rate in buffaloes.
 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2021. 50 (2): 80-85

Follicular wave emergence and fertility following estrogen based synchronization regimen in anestrus buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The study was undertaken to study the follicular changes around the time of new wave emergence following estradiol-17 (E-17) + controlled internal drug release (CIDR) based synchronization in 30 anestrus buffaloes. The animals were divided in two Groups, viz. Group I and II. In Group I (n=20), on day 0 (beginning of experiment), buffaloes were administered CIDR device (1.38 g P4) and concurrently received 1.5 mg estradiol-17 in 1.5 ml canola oil (i. m.). On day 9, CIDR was removed and a prostaglandin (PG) 2 analogue (500 μg, i. m.) was administered. On day 11, buffaloes were administered gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue (20 μg, i.m.) and inseminated twice at 12 h and 24 h following GnRH injection. Group II (control, n=10) received the CIDR-based protocol except the administration of estradiol at the time of CIDR insert. Ovaries were examined for follicular wave emergence, ovulation of dominant follicles at estrus and subsequent conception at 45 days of insemination. The mean diameter of largest follicle was reduced from 8 mm (0th day) to 4 mm on the day of wave emergence (WE), i.e. day 4 in Group I but day 6 in control. The mean number of 4-5 mm follicle was 5.7 in Group I and 4.8 in control on the days of WE. Ovulation and conception rates achieved were 85 vs 60% and 47 vs 30% respectively. In conclusion the new wave emergence was induced earlier by estradiol-17 administered along with CIDR which ultimately resulted in more ovulation and conception rate in buffalo. Estrogen based protocols might be adopted to improve fertility in anestrum buffaloes.

Vocal cues based Decision Support System for estrus detection in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

To have more economic profitability from buffalo dairy business, timely estrus detection and right timed insemination is the key to success but accurate and timely detection of estrus period has remained a challenging task for the livestock breeders particularly in buffaloes. Silent estrus is important factor which hamper reproductive performance in buffaloes. Proper estrus detection is the biggest constraint in attaining high conception rate in buffaloes. Contemporary practice for estrus detection relies on the visual observation of estrus-specific behaviours/signs. This study proposes the design of a Decision Support System based on acoustic features of vocalization for estrus detection in buffaloes. Threshold values of acoustic features along with animal number were used as input variables. So, two types of conditions (positive estrus and negative estrus) were identified by DSS based on vocal cues of Murrah buffaloes. Accuracy and efficiency of DSS model for estrus detection were found to be 95% and 78.94%, respectively. This study explores the potential use of vocal cues for the development of algorithms for automation and precision livestock farming in commercial dairy buffalo farms. Moreover, this study is a proof that DSS based on animal calls may be a corrigible method to get clue about estrus phase in buffaloes especially during daytime when chances of silent estrus are more.

Mastitis outcomes on pre-ovulatory follicle diameter, estradiol concentrations, subsequent luteal profiles and conception rate in Buffaloes

The objectives of this study was to investigate the outcome of mastitis, in its clinical or subclinical forms, on the mean diameter of pre-ovulatory follicle (POF), plasma estradiol concentration on the day of estrus, subsequent luteal profile and subsequent conception rate in buffaloes. Sixty dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalus) conducted in this study were divided into three groups {healthy (H), n=20; subclinical mastitis (SCM), n=18; and clinical mastitis (CM), n=22}. Ultrasonography of ovaries revealed that mean diameter of POF was larger (P<0.05) in H buffalo (14.35mm) compared to SCM (12.40mm) and CM (10.25mm). Also, plasma estradiol concentration on the day of estrus was higher (P<0.05) in H buffalo compared to SCM and CM counterparts; 34.95 vs. 32.87 and 27.50pg/ml, respectively. Besides, positive correlation was observed between the POF diameter with plasma estradiol concentration in H, SCM and CM buffaloes (r=0.64, 0.74, 0.72 respectively, P<0.05). Moreover, positive correlations (P<0.01) were found on days 9, 12, 16, and 21 post-ovulation between POF diameter and luteal profile. Thus, the conception rate in H buffalo was higher (P<0.05) compared with SCM and CM counterparts; 55% vs. 38.89 and 18.18%, respectively. In conclusion, mastitis in its clinical or subclinical forms disrupts the functioning of the pre-ovulatory follicle on the day of estrus, associated with low follicular estradiol production, resulting in suppression to subsequent luteal profile leading to substantial decrease in pregnancy consequence of buffaloes.

Urine levels of luteinizing hormone as predictor of the period of ovulation for advantage of timed-artificial insemination in murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Assessment of urine levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) for predicting the reproductive status of animals is in practice. The aim of this study was to predict the period of ovulation based on the urine levels of LH for timed-artificial insemination to increase the conception rate in buffaloes, which are naturally silent-oestrous animals. Level of LH in urine was assessed using ELISA, and a cut-off LH concentration for prediction of ovulation period was obtained using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Artificial insemination was performed before- and after -positive prediction of ovulation period adopting this method, and the rates of conception were assessed. Urine LH level of 105mIU/ml (n=14) was derived as a cut-off concentration which predicts the ovulation period. The buffaloes in the positively predicted group (day 1 or 2) inseminated via intracervical route had an increase in the conception rate (83.33%); however, the insemination in the before-positive-prediction group resulted in poor conception rates (day 0; 16.66%) compared to that of the naturally inseminated group (day 0; 75.0%). In conclusion, the urinary LH would possibly be a fairly reliable predictor of the ovulation period. The day when cut-off LH concentration is obtained may be taken as the most favourable time for artificial insemination, so as to attain a much better rate of conception in the buffalo.

The efficacy of an inhibin DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis on follicular development and ovulation responses in crossbred buffaloes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an inhibin DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis on follicular development and ovulation responses in crossbred buffaloes. A total of 158 crossbred buffaloes divided into four groups and were intramuscularly injected with 1×1010 (T1, n=41), 1×109 (T2, n=37), 1×108 (T3, n=37) or 0 (C, n=43) CFU/ml bacteria delivered inhibin vaccine in 10ml PBS on day 0 and 14, respectively. All animals were administered with 1000 IU PMSG on day 28, 0.5mg PGF2α on day 30 and 200μg GnRH on day 32. The results showed buffaloes immunized with the bacteria delivered inhibin vaccine had significantly higher titers of anti-inhibin IgG antibody than control group (P<0.01). The number and diameter of large follicles (≥10mm) as well as ovulatory follicles in group T1 was significantly greater than group C (P<0.05). The growth speed of dominant follicles in group T1 was significantly faster than groups T3 and C (P<0.05), resulting in a greater conception rate in buffaloes with positive antibodies. These results demonstrate that immunization with the bacterial delivered inhibin vaccine, coupled with the estrus synchronization protocol, could be used as an alternative approach to improve fertility in crossbred buffaloes.

Supplementation of Slow-Release Melatonin Improves Recovery of Ovarian Cyclicity and Conception in Summer Anoestrous Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

The role of melatonin as a protective neurohormone against restoring cyclicity in summer anoestrous animals in photoperiod species has gained wider acceptance. This study was designed to uncover the evidence the slow-release melatonin (MLT) has on initiation of ovarian cyclicity and conception rate (CR) in summer anoestrous buffaloes. Thus, buffaloes diagnosed as summer anoestrous (absence of overt signs of oestrus, concurrent rectal examination and radioimmunoassay for serum progesterone at 10 days interval) were grouped as untreated (Group I, sterilized corn oil, n = 8) and treated (Group II, single subcutaneous injection of MLT @18 mg/50 kg bwt in sterilized corn oil, n = 20). Animals treated and detected in oestrus were artificially inseminated (AI) followed by division into Group III (second dose of MLT on 5th day post-AI, n = 8) and Group IV (no melatonin administration, n = 10). Blood samples were collected at 4 days interval for estimation of serum MLT, progesterone and oestrogen using radioimmunoassay kit. Mean oestrous induction rate (OIR), oestrous induction interval (OII), interoestrous interval (IOI) and CR were estimated. Compared to control, concentration of melatonin was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in treated group ranging from 14.34 ± 1.72 to 412.31 ± 14.47 pg/ml whereas other two hormones did not show any concentration difference. Melatonin-administered buffaloes showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher (90%) OIR with OII of 18.06 ± 1.57 days. Results showed improvement in conception rate in buffaloes administered with post-insemination melatonin. It can be concluded from the study that slow-release melatonin supplementation restored cyclicity in summer anoestrous animals resulting in improvement in conception rate in buffaloes.

Impact of buserelin acetate or hCG administration on day 5 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study aimed to establish the impact of buserelin acetate or hCG administration on day 5 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in buffalo. The buffalo (n=45) were subjected to an estrous synchronization protocol (synthetic analog of PGF2α administered, through intramuscular route, 11 days apart), followed by artificial insemination (AI) during mid to late estrus. On day 5 post-ovulation, buffalo were administered (i.m.) normal saline (Control, n=14), buserelin acetate (20μg, d5-BA, n=14) or human chorionic gonadotropin (3000IU, d5-hCG, n=17). Ovarian ultrasonography was conducted on the day of induced estrus and on days 0, 5, 12, 16 and 21 post-ovulation to assess preovulatory follicle or corpus luteum (CL) diameter. Also, on these days, jugular vein blood sampling was conducted for the estimation of plasma progesterone. First service conception rate was greater (χ2=5.18, P>0.05) in d5-BA and d5-hCG groups (71.4% and 47.1%, respectively) as compared to control (28.6%). Both treatment groups had a greater (P<0.05) CL diameter and plasma progesterone during the post-treatment period in comparison to that control treatment group. Treatment-induced accessory CL formation was observed in 92.9% and 76.5% buffalo of d5-BA and d5-hCG groups, respectively. In conclusion, buserelin acetate and hCG administration on day 5 post-ovulation leads to accessory CL formation that may have a role in enhancing conception rate.

OPTIXcell improves the postthaw quality and fertility of buffalo bull sperm

The present study was conducted to compare the liposome-containing, animal protein–free, commercially available OPTIXcell extender with the Tris–citric–egg yolk extender for postthaw quality and fertility of buffalo semen. Semen was collected from five adult Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls of similar age group with an artificial vagina (at 42 °C) for 3 weeks (replicates). Semen ejaculates from each buffalo bull were divided into two aliquots and diluted (at 37 °C having 50 × 106 spermatozoa/mL) in the OPTIXcell or Tris–citric–egg yolk (control) extender. Diluted semen was cooled to 4 °C in 2 hours, equilibrated for 4 hours, and filled in 0.5-mL straws. The semen straws were kept over liquid nitrogen vapors (5 cm) for 10 minutes. The straws were then plunged and stored in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C). After 24 hours of storage, the semen straws were thawed at 37 °C for 30 seconds to assess postthaw quality. Percentages of sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability, and acrosomal integrity were improved (P < 0.05) in the OPTIXcell extender compared to the Tris–citric–egg yolk extender. Values for DNA integrity (%) did not differ in the OPTIXcell and Tris–citric–egg yolk extenders. The overall conception rate in buffaloes was improved (P < 0.05) with semen cryopreserved in the OPTIXcell extender (59.5%) compared to semen cryopreserved in the Tris–citric–egg yolk extender (41.5%). It is concluded that the liposome-containing commercially available OPTIXcell extender is more efficient to conserve postthaw quality and resulted in higher fertility rate of buffalo in the field.

Efficacy of AISURE herbal oral liquid feed supplement on conception rate in repeat breeding graded Murrah buffaloes and cyclic graded Murrah buffaloes

The present study was conducted in 4 repeat breeding and 4 cyclic graded Murrah buffaloes to see the efficacy of AISURE herbal oral liquid feed supplement on conception rate. AISURE herbal oral liquid feed supplement was drenched to all 8 buffaloes immediate after artificial insemination. Out of 4 repeat breeding buffaloes 2 (50 %) were conceived on first AI and 1 (50 %) buffalo conceived on second time AI and one not at all conceived. From the 4 cyclic buffaloes all 4 (100 %) were conceived on first AI. 75 per cent overall conception rate was observed. It is observed that AISURE herbal oral liquid feed supplement is useful in increasing the conception rate in buffaloes.

Size of dominant follicle, plasma progesterone and estradiol levels on the day of ovulation and subsequent conception rate in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) following modified ovsynch + CIDR protocol

The study was designed to compare the size of dominant follicle (DF) achieved, plasma progesterone decline and plasma estradiol level on the day of estrus and subsequent conception in buffaloes subjected to modified ovsynch-based regimen in buffaloes. In estradiol-based protocol (n = 15) on day 0 (beginning of experiment), buffaloes were administered controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device (1.38 g P4) and concurrently received 1.5 mg estradiol-17β in 1.5 ml canola oil (i.m.). On day 9, CIDR was removed and a PGF2α analogue (500 µg, i.m.) administered. On day 11, buffaloes were administered gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue (20 µg, i.m.) and inseminated on day 11 and day 12. Ovsynch-based group (control, n = 15) received GnRH on day 0 in place of estradiol-17β, CIDR insert for 7 instead of 9 days and the remaining protocol and insemination procedures were same as treatment group. The diameter of DF, plasma progesterone and estradiol levels were not different between the groups. The first service conception rate (FSCR) was higher (p < 0.05) in estradiol-based group than in control (53.33 vs. 33.33%, respectively). In conclusion, replacement of first GnRH with estradiol-17β in ovsynch plus CIDR protocol and increasing CIDR exposure by two days leads to higher FSCR.

Impact of buserelin acetate or hCG administration on day 12 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study investigated the impact of gonadotropic hormone administration on day 12 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in buffaloes. All the buffaloes (n=48) were estrus synchronized by a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), administered 11 days apart, followed by insemination during mid to late estrus. To examine the effect of mid-luteal phase hormonal treatment, buffaloes were randomly divided into control (normal saline, n=14), d12-BA (buserelin acetate, 20μg, n=17) and d12-hCG (hCG, 3000IU, n=17) groups. Ovaries were scanned on the day of induced estrus to measure the preovulatory follicle (POF) diameter and on days 5, 12, 16 and 21 post-ovulation to examine the alterations in corpus luteum (CL) diameter. On the day of each sonography, blood samples were collected for the estimation of plasma progesterone. In treatment groups, luteal profile (CL diameter and plasma progesterone) on day 16–21 post-ovulation was better (P<0.05) as well as first service conception rate was higher (52.9% in each treatment group vs. 28.6%, P>0.05) compared to controls. All the pregnant buffaloes exhibited higher (P<0.05) plasma progesterone on various post-ovulation days than their respective non-pregnant counterparts. Treatment-induced accessory corpus luteum (ACL) formation was observed in 58.8 per cent and 70.6 per cent buffaloes of d12-BA and d12-hCG group, respectively, that also had higher (P<0.05) plasma progesterone compared to controls. Compared to the spontaneous CL, the diameter of ACL was less (P<0.05) in the treatment groups. In conclusion, buserelin acetate and hCG administration on day 12 post-ovulation leads to accessory CL formation, improves luteal profile and consequently increases conception rate in buffaloes.

Impact of norgestomet supplementation during early luteal phase on subsequent luteal profiles and conception rate in buffalo: a preliminary study

The current study was aimed to establish the impact of progesterone supplementation (norgestomet progestagen) between days 4 to 10 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in buffaloes. The 28 Murrah buffaloes of second to fourth parity, having normal reproductive organs, were estrus synchronized by double PGF(2α) protocol at 11 days apart. The buffaloes were inseminated during mid- to late estrus and thereafter repeated at 24 h interval. The buffaloes were randomly assigned into two groups: (1) control (no treatment, n = 14) and (2) treatment group (CRESTAR ear implant, n = 14). The CRESTAR ear implant (3 mg, norgestomet progestagen) was inserted subcutaneous between days 4 to 10 post-ovulation. The ovaries were scanned at estrus and thereafter on days 4, 10, 16, 21, and 40 post-ovulation to examine the preovulatory follicle (POF) and corpus luteum (CL) diameter. Each ultasonography was followed by blood sample collection for analysis of plasma progesterone concentrations following ovulation. The conception rate was similar (p > 0.05) between treated and control buffaloes. The pregnant buffalo of the control group had larger (p < 0.05) POF diameter than nonpregnant counterparts. The CL diameter was similar (p > 0.05) in both treated and untreated control as well as in their pregnant and nonpregnant buffaloes of the respective groups. The plasma progesterone concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group on the day 10 post-ovulation as compared to the control buffaloes. It is concluded that norgestomet supplementation had no impact on conception rate and CL diameter but enhances the plasma progesterone concentrations following treatment in buffaloes.

Impact of pre-ovulatory follicle diameter on plasma estradiol, subsequent luteal profiles and conception rate in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study was designed to investigate the impact of pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) diameter on the day of estrus on plasma estradiol concentration, subsequent luteal profile (corpus luteum, CL, diameter and plasma progesterone concentration) and conception rate in buffaloes. Twenty-eight buffaloes were synchronized with synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) administered 11 days apart. Transrectal ultrasonography and jugular vein blood sampling was carried out on the day of estrus and on days 0 (day of ovulation), 5, 12, 16 and 21 post-ovulation. Out of 28 buffaloes, 11 (39.3%) were diagnosed pregnant on day 40 post-ovulation. Retrospective analysis revealed that the buffaloes getting pregnant had larger (p<0.05) POF diameter. In fact, all the buffaloes (n=5/5) having POF diameter between >14 and 16mm conceived, whereas, conception rate in buffaloes with POF diameter between >12 and ≤14mm (n=6/17) or <12mm (n=0/6) was 35.3% and 0.0%, respectively. A positive correlation (r=0.57, p<0.05) was observed between POF diameter and plasma estradiol concentration at estrus. On day 5 post-ovulation, luteal profile was positively correlated (CL: r=0.34, p<0.05; plasma progesterone concentration: r=0.27, p>0.05) with POF diameter. Further, on the same day, plasma progesterone concentration was positively correlated (r=0.47, p<0.05) with CL diameter, however, this correlation was absent (r=0.05, p>0.05) during the subsequent luteal phase. Nevertheless, the post-ovulation luteal profile of pregnant buffaloes was higher (p<0.05) compared to non-pregnant counterparts. In conclusion, the diameter of POF in buffaloes has positive impact on plasma estradiol concentration at estrus, post-ovulation luteal profile and conception rate. The diameter of CL can be used as an indicator of luteal function at early but not at mid or late luteal phase of estrus cycle in buffaloes.

Effect of Selective COX-2 Inhibitor on Conception Rate, Progesterone and PGFM Profile in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Rajkumar, R., Singh, S.K., Agarwal, S.K., Mahmood, S. and Shankar, U. 2010. Effect of selective COX- 2 inhibitor on conception rate, progesterone and PGFM profile in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). J. Appl. Anim. Res, 38: 209–212. To determine the effect of selective COX-2 inhibitor (Meloxicam) on conception rate, progesterone and 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α(PGFM) profile, buffaloes in estrus were inseminated and divided into two equal groups. Meloxicam was injected @ 0.5 mg/kg body weight in tramuscularly on d 13, 14 and 15 post-insemination to treatment group and normal saline into control group. Conception rate was higher (20%) in the meloxicam treated buffaloes. Serum progesterone concentration did not differ (P>0.05) between the two groups. However, it was higher (P<0.05) on day 18, 21 and 24 post-insemination in pregnant animals indicating maintenance of CL and thus pregnancy. The serum PGFM concentration was (P<0.01) lower on d 15 in meloxicam treated pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes indicating decrease in PGF2α secretion following administration of a selective COX-2 inhibitor. The results demonstrated beneficial effect of selective COX-2 inhibitor on conception rate in buffalo.

Ovulation and conception rates according intravaginal progesterone device and hCG or GnRH to induce ovulation in buffalo during the off breeding season

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravaginal progesterone device (P4; first or second use) of different ovulatory inductors on ovulation and conception rates in buffaloes during the off breeding season. Two hundred and forty two buffaloes were allocated in four groups and received P4 device of first or second use plus estradiol benzoate on Day 0 (D0). The P4 device was removed and a dose of PGF2α and eCG was administered on D9. On D11, buffaloes received hCG or GnRH and 16hs after the animals were inseminated. The ultrasound examination was performed on D0 to verify the ovarian status, from D9 to D14 to establish the moment of ovulation and on D40 for pregnancy diagnosis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square test. There was no effect of interaction. The ovulation and conception rate were similar for P4 device of first and second use, for hCG and GnRH. Results indicate that the use of P4 device for two times and the use of GnRH instead of hCG provide satisfactory ovulation and conception rate in buffalo during the off breeding season and might reduce the cost of the protocol for artificial insemination.

Dairy cooperative societies-Perceptions of milk producer members

Data collected from milk producing members of 20 dairy cooperative societies in eastern Rajasthan reveal various bottlenecks in the functioning of these societies. Timings of supply of milk by the producers mainly affected women cooperative members, who ranked this as their main infrastructural concern; it meant they had to get up early in the morning on cold winter days to milk cows. The male members interviewed cited irregular and inadequate supply of cattle feed, non-availabiiity of emergency veterinary services, and infrequent visits of veterinary staff-tasks for which males took responsibility-as the prime infrastructural problems. Delay in payments and irregular bonus disbursement were the economic constraints ranked high by both male and female members, as was the poor conception rate in buffalo, which was cited as the top ranking technical constraint by both male and female respondents. On socio-psychological constraints, the prominent issues were perceived to be infrequent meetings of the society, and the perception that the cooperative was meant for influential people. Manipulation of testing of the fat content of milk and malpractices from the society to the chilling centre were the top ranking marketing constraints as encountered by male and female milk producer members.

The use of the probit model to predict pregnancy status of buffalo based on physio-chemical properties of estrual mucus

Improper timing of artificial insemination with respect to ovulation is one of the major factors hampering the conception rate in buffalo. The present study was an attempt to relate physio-chemical changes in estrual mucus to subsequent pregnancy status in order to find their optimal values for determining the time for artificial insemination (AI). Serum estradiol, total protein and dry matter contents of estrual mucus were evaluated to predict the subsequent pregnancy in 36 buffalo during October 1988 to February 1989. Serum estradiol was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA); spinnbarkeit, dry matter and total protein were determined by standard methods. Multivariate probit analyses were carried out to relate these variables to subsequent pregnancy status. Elasticity and protein concentration were significantly related to prediction probability of pregnancy status, and they predicted the pregnancy status 86% of the times correctly (P < 0.05). The probability of pregnant animals being correctly classified was 0.76, whereas the corresponding value for non-pregnant animals was 0.95. The present study demonstrated the possibility of using such a statistical model on mucus characteristics for determining proper AI time for better conception rates in Nili-Ravi water buffalo.