Cow Bull Research Articles

Development of qPCR Assay for Determination of Sperm Sex Ratio in Indian Cow Bull

Development of qPCR Assay for Determination of Sperm Sex Ratio in Indian Cow Bull

Successful Management of Paraphimosis in Two Cow Bulls of Lakhimi Breed

Successful Management of Paraphimosis in Two Cow Bulls of Lakhimi Breed

Suppurative Injection Site lesion In Cattle: Clinico-biochemical, Ultrasonographic and histopathological examinations

This study was carried out on a total of 40 animals (13 female cows, 14 cow bull and 13 cow calves of both sexes) with an age ranged from 1- 5 years. Animals were admitted to Zagazig Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt with a history of injection site lesions. A history of injection at the site lesion was noted with swelling ranging from 5 to 15 cm in diameter, others were showing fluctuating swelling. Various clinical signs as abnormality in gait, painful condition on thigh, gluteal and neck muscle were recorded with respect to the site of lesion. Diagnosis was based on history, Clinico-biochemical findings, needle aspiration, ultrasound and histopathology of biopsy samples. Upon diagnosis, animals were classified into three groups; group I (Control group, n= 10), group II (Muscular abscess group, n= 17), and group III (Suppurative myositis group n= 13). Hematological findings revealed mild anemia, leucocytosis and neutrophilia in muscular abscess and suppurative myositis groups, while biochemical findings included hyperglobulinemia, elevation of serum muscular enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as a significant increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen in both diseased groups in comparison to control group. Results of ultrasonographic examination in muscular abscesses group revealed homogenous echogenic content surrounded with hyperechoic capsule which is embedded in the muscle and an increase in the echogenicty of the muscle in suppurative myositis group. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen from the affected muscle revealed fibrinopurunlent inflammation with aggregation of dead and live neutrophils, hyaline degeneration of muscle and muscle edema. In conclusion, ultrasonography provides an accurate, non-invasive and fast technique for diagnosis injection site lesions. In addition CRP and fibrinogen values in association with total white cell count were very useful in the diagnosis and prognosis.

Association between Genotypes of Growth Hormone Gene and Semen Quality Traits in Cow Bulls and Buffalo Bulls

Association between Genotypes of Growth Hormone Gene and Semen Quality Traits in Cow Bulls and Buffalo Bulls

Effect of Season on Bacterial Load in Semen of Different Breeds of Cattle

Fresh semen ejaculates collected from 56 cow bulls of different breed during three different seasons (summer, rainy and winter of the year) were subjected to bacteriological examination. Total viable bacterial count of fresh semen was determined using standard plate count method and result expressed as mean (±SEM) CFU/ml of semen. Significantly (P<0.05) higher bacterial load (33571 ± 3842 CFU/ml) in bovine semen was reported during rainy season as compared to summer and winter season. During rainy season, Gir semen showed significantly (P<0.05) higher bacterial count (37500 ± 7500 CFU/ml). During summer season, bacterial count was significantly (P<0.001) higher in semen of exotic bulls (37143 ± 3595 CFU/ml) followed by crossbred (32000 ± 5333 CFU/ml) and indigenous bulls (19359 ± 1875 CFU/ml), whereas non significant variation were noticed during rainy and winter season. Among breeds, significantly (P<0.005) higher count was reported in Jersey and HF cross during summer; and in Jersey and Gir during rainy season, however; Tharparkar and Red Sindhi bulls yielded significantly (P<0.005) lower bacterial load in their semen as compared to other breeds during whole seasons of the year. It could be concluded from the results of the present study that season had significant effect on bacterial load in semen of different breeds of cow bulls.

Effect of species, breed, and age on bacterial load in bovine and bubaline semen.

Aim:The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of species, breed and age on bacterial load in fresh and frozen semen of Cattle and Buffalo bull.Materials and Methods:Present study covered 56 cow and 10 buffalo bulls stationed at Central Semen Station Anjora, Durg (Chhattisgarh). Impact of breeds on bacterial load in semen was assessed using six breeds of cattle viz. Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, Jersey and Holstein Friesian (HF) cross. Cow bulls were categorized into four different groups based on their age (<4 years, 4-5 years, 5-6 years and > 6 years) to study variation among age groups. Bacterial load was measured in fresh and frozen semen samples from these bulls using the standard plate count (SPC) method and count was expressed as colony forming unit (CFU) per ml of semen.Results:Higher bacterial load was reported in fresh (2.36 × 104 ± 1943 CFU/ml) and frozen (1.00 × 10 ± 90 CFU/ml) semen of cow bulls as compared to buffalo bulls (1.95 × 104 ± 2882 and 7.75 × 102 ± 160 CFU/ml in fresh and frozen semen, respectively). Jersey bull showed significantly higher bacterial count (p < 0.05) both in fresh (4.07 × 104 ± 13927 CFU/ml) and frozen (1.92 × 103 ± 178 CFU/ml) semen followed by HF cross, Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi and Tharparkar bull. Bulls aged < 4 years and more than 6 years yielded increased bacterial load in their semen. Although a minor variation was reported between species and among age groups, no significant differences were measured.Conclusion:Bacterial load in semen did not differ significantly between species and age groups; however significant variation was reported among different breeds. Bulls of Jersey breed showed significantly higher bacterial load in semen as compared to the crossbred and indigenous bull.

Relationship of Naturally Occurring Antisperm Antibodies in Blood Serum and Seminal Plasma of Cattle Bulls with Sperm Function and Fertility Tests

The study was planned with an objective to assess the level of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the blood serum and seminal plasma of breeding cow bulls and their relationship with sperm function and fertility tests. ASA was analyzed in blood serum and seminal plasma by SpermMar test, Immuno peroxidase assay (IPA) and Enzyme linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA). In SpermMar test, about 54% bulls were with >40% IgG in blood serum against sperm surface antigens, whereas none of the bulls were with >10% IgG in seminal plasma. More than 20% and >10% IgA against sperm surface antigens were detected in the blood serum and seminal plasma of 65.8% and 37% bulls, respectively. Out of 26 bulls, seminal plasma of 21 bulls reacted with spermatozoa both in IPA and IgA latex particles and that of only 12 bulls reacted with IgG. In IPA, about 50% of the bulls had >40% ASA against head surface antigens, whereas, there were 23% bulls with >10% ASA in seminal plasma. Also ELISA indicated a higher antibody titre in blood serum (3200 - 6400) and seminal plasma (40 - 80) of 50% and 42% bulls, respectively. There were 11 bulls with low values of HOST/in vitro acrosome reaction/cervical mucus penetration assay and higher level of either serum or seminal plasma ASA. Our study revealed that a significant level of ASA in serum or seminal plasma may have effect on the fertility of bulls by affecting the sperm function.

BIOMETRICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON TESTES OF COW BULLS

200 testes of cow bulls were collected from Mirpur Khas abattoir and were examined for biometrical values and pathological conditions. Out of 200 testes, 54 were collected from calves (below 01 year of age), 97 from steers (up to 03 years of age) and 49 testes from adults (age over 03 years). Out of 200 testes 57 were found affected (11 calves, 29 steers and 17 adult cow bulls). The mean length of left and right testes respectively was measured as 6.075 ± 0.214 cm and 5.763 ± 0.173 cm in calves, 8.602 ± 0.142 cm and 8.466 ± 0.143 cm in steers and 10.839 ± 0.097 cm and 10.701 ± 0.102 cm in adult. The mean breadth of left and right testes respectively was measured as 3.398 ± 0.173 cm and 3.269 ± 0.146 cm in calves, 4.863 ± 0.099 cm and 4.793 ± 0.87 cm in steers and 6.206 ± 0.134 cm and 5.919 ± 0.116 cm in adults. The mean circumference of left and right testes respectively was measured as 8.483 ± 0.309 cm and 8.226 ± 0.213 cm in calves, 12.612 ± 0.264 cm and 12.493 ± 0.259 cm in steers and 15.463 ± 0.326 cm and 15.296 ± 0.300 cm in adults. The mean weight of left & right testes was recorded as 16.841 ± 1.962 gm and16.639 ± 1.981 gm in calves, 62.689 ± 2.709 gm and 61.009 ± 2.369 gm in steers and 123.937±5.123 gm and 121.813 ± 5.269 gm in adults. Gross pathological lesions in affected testes varied and recorded: Orchitis 0.5% in calves, 2.5% in steers and 2.0% in adults; Hypoplasia 0.5% in calves, 1.5% in steers and 1.0% in adults; Cryptorchidism 1.5% in calves, 2.5% in steers and 1.5% in adults; Adhesions 1.0% in calves, 3.5% in steers and 2.0% in adults; Spermatocele only 1.0% in calves and 1.0% in steers; Degeneration 1.0% in calves, 2.0% in steers and 1.0% in adults and Hydrocele 1.5% in steers and 1.0% in adults were seen in affected testes during study period.

Semantic Features and Semantic Categories: Differences in Rapid Activation of the Lexicon

Robust priming was shown in a semantic categorization task for prime–target pairs which shared semantic features (e.g., pumpkin–squash). Priming facilitation for these pairs was demonstrated at extremely rapid prime exposures (28 and 43 ms) and increased with prime duration. The onset and amount of facilitation differed significantly for these semantic, nonassociative pairs and for associative-semantic prime–target pairs (e.g., cow–bull). The latter pairs produced facilitation, but later (at prime–target SOAs of 70 and 200 ms) and of lesser magnitude. These results are discussed in relation to three current models of semantic memory: spreading activation, compound cue, and distributed models.

Incidence of Salmonella on Beef Carcasses Relating to the U.S. Meat and Poultry Inspection Regulations

This article is part of a major study designed to collect baseline contamination data by sampling beef carcasses in seven slaughtering plants (four steer–heifer and three cow–bull plants) during both a dry season (November to January) and a wet season (May to June). Samples (n = 30) were excised from each of three carcass anatomical sites (brisket, flank, and rump) at each of three points in the slaughtering chain (pre-evisceration, following final carcass washing, after 24-h carcass chilling). A total of 3,780 samples (100 cm2 each) were analyzed for presence of Salmonella; aerobic plate counts, total coliform counts, and Escherichia coli counts were also made. After 24-h chilling, average incidence (expressed as a percentage) of Salmonella in the brisket, flank, and rump samples, respectively, for steer–heifer carcasses was 0.8 ± 1.7, 0, and 2.5±5.0 for the wet season and 0.8 ± 1.7, 0, and 0 for the dry season; the corresponding percentages for cow–bull carcasses were 4.4 ± 2.0, 2.2 ± 3.9, and 1.1±1.9 for the wet season and 2.2 ± 3.9, 1.1 ± 1.9, and 0 for the dry season. Depending on plant and season, ranges of probabilities of chilled steer–heifer carcasses passing the U.S. regulatory requirements for Salmonella contamination were 0.24 to 1.0 for the brisket, 1.0 for the flank, and 0.002 to 1.0 for the rump; the corresponding ranges for the chilled cow–bull carcasses were 0.25 to 1.0, 0.25 to 1.0, and 0.70 to 1.0. When the number of positive brisket, flank, and rump samples were combined, the probabilities of passing the regulatory requirements were 0.242 to 1.0 and 0.772 to 1.0 for the wet and dry seasons, respectively, in steer–heifer plants and 0.368 to 0.974 and 0.865 to 1.0 in cow–bull plants. Correlation coefficients of aerobic plate counts, total coliform counts, and E. coli counts with Salmonella incidence were higher (P ≤ 0.05) for cow–bull samples that had increased incidence of the pathogen when compared to steer–heifer samples.

Effect of Substitution of Buffalo Bull Seminal Plasma with That of Cow Bull on Liveability and Conception Rate

Effect of Substitution of Buffalo Bull Seminal Plasma with That of Cow Bull on Liveability and Conception Rate

Bacteriology of the cervix in cases of infertility: effect on human and animal spermatozoa and role of elastase.

Microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans isolated from cervices of infertile human females inhibited motility and agglutinated human, cow bull, buffalo bull, and rat spermatozoa in vitro. Fifty percent of the infertile females studied carried elastase-positive microorganisms. Cell-free culture supernatants of 72-hr-old elastase-positive cultures were spermicidal within 60 min of contact with sperm, while elastase-negative cultures were spermicidal in 4-6 hr. Cultures of all the cervical isolates were spermicidal and agglutinated human, cow bull, buffalo bull, and rat spermatozoa, and these activities increased with age of the culture. Human sperm showed only tail-to-tail agglutination, while cow bull, buffalo bull, and rat spermatozoa showed mainly head-to-head agglutination. Spermicidal activity was also attributable to elastase, which was present more in 72-hr-old cultures than in 24-hr-old cultures.