Day Of Estrus Research Articles

The relationship of anogenital distance with fertility and anti-müllerian hormone in Awassi and Cukurova meat ewes

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of anogenital distance (AGD) with fertility and the serum concentrations of estrogen and anti-müllerian hormone in Awassi and Cukurova meat ewes. Fifty five Cukurova meat ewes and 46 Awassi ewes were used in the study. Before sponge insertion, AGD of all ewes were measured with a digital caliper. For each breed, they were divided into two AGD categories: short AGD group and long AGD group. A sponge containing 60mg medroxyprogesterone acetate was applied intravaginally on day 0, and remained in situ for 12 days. On the 12th day, sponges were removed and eCG (500 IU per ewe) was administered intramuscularly. Blood samples were collected from all ewes on day 0 and at the onset of estrus. Estrous rate, conception rate, pregnancy rate, lambing rate, multiple birth rate, litter size and male rate were calculated in all groups and breeds. No significant difference were detected in the parameters between the groups (P>0.05). It is stated that AGD was found not to affect AMH or estrogen levels (P>0.05); however linear regression showed a positive correlation (P=0.03) between AGD and estrogen on the day of estrus in the Awassi ewes. It is stated that AGD is not associated with fertility in Awassi and Cukurova meat ewes, but there is a relationship between AGD and estrogen level in Awassi ewes.

Impact of antral follicle count on follicular-luteal characteristics, superovulatory response, and embryo quality in Sahiwal cows.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of antral follicle count (AFC) on follicular and luteal development during the estrous cycle and superovulatory period, as well as on superovulatory response and in vivo embryo quality within the MOET program. A total of 48 estrus-induced (500 μg PGF2α, Single dose, IM) Sahiwal cows (Bos indicus) with a BCS between 3.5 and 4.0 were selected for the study. On the day of wave emergence, the animals were divided into two groups based on the AFC, i.e., low AFC (≤18) and high AFC (>18). Both the groups were monitored daily using B-mode ultrasonography (USG) for one cycle, and the superovulation protocol was initiated on the 9th day of the subsequent estrous cycle. A total of 240 μg of FSH in eight divided doses were given in a tapering sequence for 4 days and simultaneous administration of 500 μg PGF2α, along with the fifth dose of FSH. Donors were inseminated at superovulatory estrus using double straws of high-quality frozen semen thrice at 12-h intervals, and non-surgical flushing was performed on day 7 of the superovulatory estrus followed by embryo searching and evaluation under a stereo zoom microscope. Ovulatory waves of the high-AFC Sahiwal cows have significantly (p ≤ 0.05) larger sizes of preovulatory follicles (POF) (12.06 ± 0.19 mm vs 11.56 ± 0.16 mm) and corpus luteum (CL) (19.57 ± 0.28 mm vs 18.26 ± 0.35 mm), as compared to low AFC. The ovarian size was significantly (p < 0.0001) larger in cows with high AFC during the superovulatory protocol. The number of large, medium, and small follicles was significantly (p < 0.0001) high on the day of superovulatory estrus (SOE), PGF2α administration, and initiation of superovulatory protocol, respectively, in high AFC. Donors with high AFC had a notably greater (p < 0.0001) count of CL and embryos retrieved per flushing, including excellent and fair-quality embryos. A strong association (p < 0.0001) between high AFC and ovarian size (r = 0.9136), superovulatory response (r = 0.9350), and embryo quality (x2 = 8.788; p = 0.032) and number (r = 0.9858) were also recorded. Based on these results, AFC is considered a dependable indicator for forecasting reproductive capacity. Bos indicus donors with an average AFC of 30 or higher are recommended.

Follicular persistence, oestradiol level and conception on the first and second day of oestrus and influence of thermal stress in cross-bred dairy cows manifesting prolonged oestrus

Increasing incidence of prolonged oestrus reported in cross-bred dairy cows bred through artificial insemination (AI), is attributed to various causative factors and underlying mechanisms. The present study was to assess the pattern of follicular growth, oestrogen secretion, and conception on the first and second day of oestrus and to understand the influence of thermal stress as a causative factor for oestrus prolongation. The year-round study involved 52 crossbred cows intensively managed under a hot humid climate, during their second and third months postpartum. Animals were examined for the status of ovarian follicles, oestrogen level, and conception to AI on Day 0 and Day 1 of oestrus confirmation and the findings were compared across seasons. While oestrus detection rate (ODR) and conception of AI were lowest during the summer season attributable to maximum TS, better ODR (P&lt;0.05) and more prolonged oestrus (P&lt;0.01) occurred during the seasons of favourable climate having least TS and better green fodder availability. Besides, the occurrence of larger follicles and almost similar oestradiol levels on Day 0 and Day 1 of oestrus, better conception rate for double AI (63.16 %) than total AI (48.48 %) indicated prolonged oestrus and involvement of delayed ovulation among the causation. Comparison of the seasonal pattern of follicular growth, oestrogen level, and conception to AI between Day 0 and Day 1 further clarifies the influence of TS and increased milk production as the potential contributors to the occurrence of prolonged oestrus in cross-bred cows under the hot humid tropical climate. Keywords: Crossbred cow, Oestrogen, Prolonged oestrus, Thermal stress

Comparative assessment on the effect of long vis-à-vis short-term progesterone priming on reproductive attributes in silent estrus goats

Silent estrus results in spread-out kidding and extended inter-kidding interval in goats. Progesterone (P4) priming for 12-14 days could be one of the approaches for estrus induction with optimum fertility. The present work was carried to comparatively assess the duration of P4 priming on estrus and fertility in silent estrus goats. Sirohi does (n=18) with a history of anestrus and high basal P4 in paired samples were equally divided into three groups. Does in P-0 d group received 200 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin by intramuscular route. Does in group second and third were subjected to per-vaginal P4 sponges for 7 (P-7 d) and 14 (P-14 d) days, respectively and were given 200 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin following sponge withdrawal. Estrus was monitored for 72 h at 12 h intervals using teaser buck to record estrus per cent, induction time and duration. Estrus induction was highest in P-14 d (6/6) than P-0 d and P-7 d (4/6 and 5/6), respectively. Estrus induction time was shorter in P-7 d and P-14 d than P-0 d. The estrus duration was shortest in P-14 d group. The conception and pregnancy rate did not differ significantly among the groups, though all the does in P-14 d conceived. The fertility was non-significantly higher in P-14 d (6/6) and P-7 d group (5/5) than P-0 d (3/4). It could be concluded that P4 priming for 7-14 days in silent estrus does results in improved reproductive performances.

Estrous Cycle-Dependent Modulation of Sexual Receptivity in Female Mice by Estrogen Receptor Beta-Expressing Cells in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus.

The sexual receptivity of female mice, shown as lordosis response, is mainly regulated by estradiol action on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), depending on the day of the estrous cycle. Previous studies revealed that ERα in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) plays an essential role in the induction of lordosis on the day of estrus (Day 1). However, the mechanisms of the transition to nonreceptive states on the day after estrus (Day 2) are not completely understood. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of ERβ, which is highly expressed in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), in lordosis expression. We found that ERβ-Cre female mice, which were ovariectomized and primed with estradiol and progesterone to mimic the estrous cycle, showed high levels of lordosis on Day 2 when ERβ-expressing DRN (DRN-ERβ+) neuronal activity was chemogenetically suppressed. This finding suggests that excitation of DRN-ERβ+ neurons is necessary for the decline of lordosis on Day 2. Fiber photometry recordings during female-male behavioral interactions revealed that DRN-ERβ+ neuronal activation in response to male intromission was significantly more prolonged on Day 2 compared with Day 1. Chemogenetic overstimulation of DRN-ERβ+ neurons induced c-Fos expression in brain areas known to be inhibitory for lordosis expression, even though they did not express anterogradely labeled fibers of DRN-ERβ+ cells. These findings collectively suggest that DRN-ERβ+ neuronal excitation serves as an inhibitory modulator and is responsible for the decline in receptivity during nonestrus phases.

APPLICATION OF OVASCAN AND PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION FOR PREDICTION OF OVULATION DURING ESTRUS IN THE MARE

The estrous cycle of 8 Arabian mares was followed for one year, by visual observation of the estrous behaviour and by teasing with a stallion. Serum progesterone concentration was determined by RIA, Vaginal electric resistence was studied with aid of Ovascan, comapared with the changes in the reproductive tract as determined by rectal examination for prediction of ovulation. The changes in the reproductive tract and the behavioural manifestations expressed during the cycle indicated that the experimental mares were exhibiting estrous year arround, however, 75% of the cycles were observed during the months from March to August and 25% during the. rest of the year. The total number of cycles exhibited by the mares averaged 68 cycles, of these 22 cycles were observed during Summer, 20 during Spring, decreased to 13 cycles during Fall and 13 during Winter. the length of the estrous cycle ranged between 24-26. 31 days, the average estrus length ranged between 5.5-8.6 days andthe luteal phase ranged from 19.04-24.87 days. The ovascan readings showed decline by 50 degrees, constantly, a day preceeding ovulation, compared to the readings during the rest of estrus days and this finding was confirmed by rectal palpation of the reproductive tract in succeeding day which disclosed the disappearance of the mature follicle and the: presence of the ovulation site on the ovary, consequently, the estrous signs faded away gradually within 24-48 hours of the ovuletion. Serum progesterone concentration, during’ the estrus and one day before ovulation ranged between 0.58 -1.05 ng/ml, while mean luteal phase concentration was 10.2820.89 ng/ml. The results of the present study disclosed that the mares in Iraq could be bred any time of the year and it is most probable that measurement of progesterone concentration will have more practical application for monitring ovarian activity and estrus prediction, if. a rapid system of measurment made avilable (as progesterone strip). The application of Ovascan proved effecient tool for prediction of ovulation in the mare, providing information for synchroniztion of service with ovulation, a mean augmenting fertility and avoiding rectal palpation which hinder service.

Early detection of pregnancy status in cattle using ISG17 polyclonal antibody recombinant

Abstract Optimization of female cattle reproduction requires reliable and accurate systems for early pregnancy detection. Identifying pregnant status as early as possible is essential in managing reproductive cycles because it allows farmers to make early decisions about rebreeding strategies. Interferon stimulated gen (ISG) 17 is a gene expressed during maternal recognition pregnancy through Interferon tau (IFN-T) secretion signal, which begins on days 8 to 9 of pregnancy and peaks on days 16 to 17 (day 0 = day of estrus). This study aims to detect ISG17 expression using ISG17 polyclonal antibodies as a determinant of pregnancy in cattle that have received artificial insemination. The polyclonal antibody of ISG17 was produced in New Zealand white rabbits using ISG17 recombinant protein expressed by pET-32b expression vector in Escherichia coli systems of strain pLys BL21-Origami. ISG17 polyclonal antibody (ISG17-pAb) was used to detect ISG17 proteins expressed in blood serum obtained from 2 to 10 weeks-inseminated cattle (Frisian Holstein and Ongole) by NCM-ELISA method. ISG17-pAb was also labeled with gold nanoparticles and assembled into a lateral flow system for easier pregnancy detection in the field. NCM-ELISA test results showed a typical reaction between ISG17 antigen and ISG17-pAb in the form of brown dots after adding DAB substrate. Detection of pregnancy status showed that the antibody reaction to blood serum from dairy cows indicated 13.2% false negatives, 15.8% false positives, and 71.0% accuracy. In comparison, blood serum from beef cattle showed 7.5% false negatives, 0% false positives, and 92.5% accuracy. Interestingly, a lateral flow kit based on ISG17-pAb-gold nanoparticles showed good antibody reactions against blood serum from pregnant and non-pregnant cows. This indicates that the development of early pregnancy detection based on ISG17-pAb is prospective for optimizing productive cows by continuing to increase accuracy.

The Influence of Selected Factors on Changes in Locomotion Activity during Estrus in Dairy Cows.

The objective of this study was the evaluation of the locomotion activity of heifers and Holstein dairy cows during estrus. We have analyzed the locomotion activity using the Heatime RuminAct device on 180 cows (32 heifers and 148 dairy cows) and we evaluated a total of 633 estrus cycles during the reference period of 3 days before estrus, 3 days after estrus, and on the day ofestrus occurrence. The datawere analyzed using the DataFlowTM II program. The locomotion of cows was expressed in the units of locomotion activity in 24 h (u.24 h-1). During the reference period of 3 days before estrus, the cows showed locomotion activity of 558 u.24 h-1, with an increase in locomotion activity on the day of estrus of 836 u.24 h-1, and, during the reference period of 3 days after estrus, the level of locomotion activity decreased to 537 836 u.24 h-1, which is a similar level of locomotion activity to the reference period before estrus. Through the statistical analysis, we evaluated the impact of parity, lactation stage, milk yield, and individuality on changes in locomotion activity during estrus and throughout the reference period, and we found a significant effect of parity (F = 13.41, p < 0.001) on changes in the locomotion activity of dairy cows during estrus. Based on these results, this research offers fresh perspectives on assessing specific factors affecting the locomotion activity of dairy cows during estrus through the practical application of electronic systems for estrus detection on dairy farms.

Effect of exogenous oestrogen treatment frequency on induction of artificial lactation in pseudopregnant sows.

In this study, we examined whether the frequency of exogenous oestrogen treatment affects the induction of artificial lactation and milk production. Furthermore, we analysed changes in milk components obtained from artificially lactating sows. Pseudopregnant induced by treatment with 30 mg of estradiol dipropionate (EDP) on Day 10 (Day 0 = the last day of estrus) were divided into three groups: those administered 5 mg of EDP once on Day 39 (n = 5), twice on Days 32 and 39 (n = 5) and three times on Days 25, 32 and 39 (n = 6). All animals were treated with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on Day 46 for induced lactation. Artificial lactation was induced in 66.7%-80.0% of sows, and the EDP treatment frequency before PGF2α administration had no significant effect on either the induction rate of artificial lactation or the milk yield during the experimental period. The milk composition (levels of crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, lactose and immunoglobulin) did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, the number of EDP treatments prior to PGF2α administration had no effect on either the efficiency of artificial lactation induction or milk production.

Are there sex differences in oxytocin and vasopressin V1a receptors ligand binding affinities?

There is substantial evidence for sex differences in the functioning of one of the most common receptor systems; G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). There are many points along the GPCR-mediated molecular signaling pathway at which males and females may differ, one of the first of which, chronologically, is in the stability of the interaction between the ligand and the receptor, or its binding affinity. Here we investigate the binding affinities of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) at the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and the vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR), both of which are present in numerous in brain regions associated with social behavior. In order to investigate sex- and estrous cycle-dependent differences in ligand-receptor binding affinity, male (n = 6) Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), females on the day of estrus (E females, n = 6), and females on the second day of diestrus (D2 females n = 6) were chosen for study. Brains from hamsters were mounted on slides and competition and saturation binding assays were conducted. We report a remarkable similarity in the binding affinities of OT and AVP in males and females. Small differences were detected, however, in receptor and ligand specificity in females depending on whether they were in the estrous or diestrous stage of their ovulatory cycle. These data suggest that sex differences in binding affinity are not a likely source of the many sex differences that have been observed in the effects of OT and AVP in hamsters and other species.

17 Does the stage of in vitro-produced embryos transferred on different days of estrus affect pregnancy outcomes?

17 Does the stage of in vitro-produced embryos transferred on different days of estrus affect pregnancy outcomes?

DINAMIKA OVARIUM PADA SAPI PERANAKAN SIMMENTAL MENGALAMI ESTRUS BERKEPANJANGAN YANG DITERAPI DENGAN HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN (hCG) SECARA INTRAVENA

This study was aimed to identify ovarian dynamics using ultrasonography (USG) in simmental crossbreedcows diagnosed prolonged oestrustreatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). A total of four Simmental crossbreed cows diagnosed with prolonged oestrouswere used in this study. The first oestrous observations in all four cows were a control group, where as the next oestrous cycle observation to the same four cows treated with 1500 IU hCG in jugular vein refer to treated group. The observation of ovarian dynamics was started from the first oestrous day until ovulation occurs in the second oestrus cycle using ultrasonography (USG) with a linear rectal probe. At the same time, follicle and corpus luteum (CL) images were recorded every day. Data were analyzed using paired data comparison test (pair sample t-test). The observation results ovarian dynamics on prolonged oestruscows showed that the long of oestrous cycle was 22.5 ± 0.5 days, and there are three follicular wave patterns in oestrous cycle. The first wave of dominant follicle was firstly identified on day 3.3 ± 0.5, reached maximum diameter 12.0 ± 0.3 cm. The second and third dominant follicle appeared on day 10.8 ± 0.5 and 15.8 ± 0.5 cm reached maximum diameter 1.2 ± 0.3 cm dan 1.5 ± 0.3 cm.Therapy with hCG does not significantly affect the dominant follicle’s diameter during oestrous (p&gt;0.05). The conclusion of this study showed that 1500 IU of hCG therapy does not affect the development of dominant follicle, however, it can shorten the duration of oestrous and ovulation time.

Effects of prostaglandin F2α treatment at follicular wave emergence on endometrial epidermal growth factor concentration on day 3 of the next estrous cycle and on fertility in dairy cows

Inadequate exposure to estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) may be the main causes of altered endometrial epidermal growth factor (EGF) profile, leading to reduced fertility in dairy cows. We hypothesized that PGF2α administration at different timings of the estrous cycle and stages of follicular development could change the profile of steroid hormones between luteolysis and estrus. This results in reduction in the peak concentration of endometrial EGF on day 3 (day 0 = estrus) in the next estrous cycle. In study 1, lactating Holstein cows were treated with PGF2α either on days 12–14 (selection phase group, n = 20) or on days 16–17 (control group, n = 24) of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were obtained before PGF2α treatment, 24 and 48 h after treatment, and on the day of estrus and ovulation for E2 and P4 assays. Endometrial tissues were collected by biopsy on day 3 for EGF assays. The duration from PGF2α treatment to both estrus and ovulation was longer in the selection phase group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The time between estrus and ovulation was longer in the selection phase group (P < 0.05). E2 concentrations were higher in the control group on the day of estrus (P < 0.05). P4 concentrations were not different between the groups. Endometrial EGF concentrations were lower in the selection phase group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In study 2, lactating Holstein cows were treated with PGF2α either on day 12 (selection phase group, n = 76) or day 16 (control group, n = 80). They were subjected to artificial insemination (AI) at estrus, and those that failed to ovulate by 24h after the first AI were subjected to second AI. On day 3, endometrial EGF concentration was determined. At estrus and on days 3 and 7, blood was collected for E2 and P4 assay from 20 randomly selected cows in each group before PGF2α treatment. The cows in the selection phase group exhibited lower EGF concentration, proportion of cows with normal EGF profile, and conception rate than cows in the control group (P < 0.05). On the day of estrus, E2 concentrations tended to be lower in the selection phase group than in the control group (P = 0.08). P4 concentrations were not different between the groups. These findings suggest that low E2 concentrations at estrus and low P4 concentrations for a prolonged period due to premature termination of CL in the absence of a dominant follicle are potential causes of altered endometrial EGF profile in dairy cows.

Impact of Different Therapies on Haemtological Parameters and Therapeutic Outcome in Subclinical Endometritic Buffaloes

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of administration of intrauterine dextrose, s/c levamisol and intrauterine PGF2α on haematological indices and therapeutic response in endometritic buffaloes. Twenty eight repeat breeder buffaloes with subclinical endometritis were randomly assigned into four groups. Seven animals were kept as Control (untreated C), and the rests were assigned to three treatment group, i.e., T1 (Dextrose I/Ut, 50 mL 4 times on the day of estrus), T2 (Levamisol s/c, @ 2.5 mg/kg b.wt. on day 0, 7 and 14 of the cycle), and T3 (PGF2α I/Ut, @ 0.25 mg in 0.5 mL saline twice, on the day of first and next estrus). Following treatment the values of Hb, TEC and PCV elevated significantly and TLC values dropped to normal or near normal in all three treatment groups as compared to control group. Furthermore, the post-treatment neutrophils and lymphocytes counts were elevated significantly in all four groups. However, there was no any definite pattern of eosinophils and basophils. The therapeutic response (clinical recovery) was 14.29, 71.43, 85.71 and 42.86 % in T0, T1, T2 and T3 group, respectively. The corresponding conception rates were 0.00, 60.00, 66.67 and 66.67 %. The results conclude that, Dextrose intrauterine, Levamisol s/c, and PGF2α intrauterine can be used effectively to manage subclinical endometrtitis in buffaloes.

Dynamics of progesterone, estradiol, cortisol, triiodothyronine and indicators of adaptive immunity concentrations in female dogs during estrus

In different periods of postnatal ontogenesis in dogs, as well as in other animals, there are critical physiological periods, the adequacy of which depends on immunoendocrine homeostasis. The estrus in bitches is a critical period because it lasts longer than in other mammals and has specific endocrine and immune changes in the body. In this study authors demonstrated the dynamics of changes in hormone content and indicators of adaptive cellular immunity in bitches during the estrus. Determination of these indicators does not require expensive laboratory equipment and is available in veterinary practice. Taking into account the fact that estrus in dogs lasts long enough, it is not clear enough what indicators and in what terms should be determined for predicting possible dysfunctions of the reproductive system and, as a result, premature impossibility of reproduction in bitches. The peak concentration of progesterone occurs on the 20th day of estrus, the reaction of the immune system, which is manifested by the maximum decrease in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, should be noted. An increase in the concentration of estradiol on the 5th day of estrus, in contrast to progesterone, had the opposite effect on phagocytic activity of neutrophils, namely, the ability of neutrophils to phagocytosis increased. Further, we conducted clinical animals’ observations for three months after estrus for the possibility of inflammatory processes in the reproductive system development. According to the obtained indicators, no complications were found.

Expression and localization of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in the pig uterus during peri-implantation and determination of the in vitro effect of the angiogenesis inhibitor SU5416 on VEGF system expression

The aim of this work was to determine endometrial mRNA expression and uterine protein localization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 during the estrous cycle and peri-implantation period in sows. Uterine tissues were collected from pregnant sows on days 12, 14, 16, and 18 after artificial insemination and from non-pregnant animals on days 2 and 12 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = day of estrus). Using immunohistochemistry, a positive signal for VEGF and its receptor VEGFR2 was found in uterine luminal epithelial cells, endometrial glands, stroma, blood vessels, and myometrium. A VEGFR1 signal was only found in endometrial and myometrial blood vessels and stroma. By day 18 of gestation, the mRNA expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 were higher than those observed on days 2 and 12 of the estrous cycle and on days 12, 14, and 16 of gestation. Then, a primary culture of sow endometrial epithelial cells was established to define the potential of the selective inhibition of VEGFR2 after treatment with inhibitor SU5416 and determine its effects on the expression pattern of the VEGF system. The endometrial epithelial cells treated with SU5416 showed a dose-dependent decrease in VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 mRNA expression. The present study provides additional evidence on the importance of the VEGF system during peri-implantation, as well as on the specific inhibitory activity of SU5416 in epithelial cells, which, as demonstrated, express the protein and mRNA of VEGF and its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2.

Salivary crystallization pattern: a possible unconventional tool for timing of insemination and early pregnancy diagnosis in zebu cows.

The present study assessed if salivary crystallization pattern (ferning pattern formed as a result of the higher levels of salt content in the dried sample) could be used for estrus detection and for diagnosis of pregnancy/non-pregnancy in dairy cows. Saliva and blood samples were collected from non-pregnant cycling cows (Sahiwal breed; n = 20) on alternate days from the day of estrus till next estrus. Then, all the cows were inseminated and saliva and blood sampling were continued further for a period of 22 d post-insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 45 post-insemination and eight cows were found to be pregnant. The salivary crystallization pattern and estradiol:progesterone ratio during estrous cycle and during pregnancy were compared among these cows. Six types of salivary crystallization patterns were discerned; distinct patterns such as branch-like, fern-like, fir-like and combinations of these. Fern-like pattern was observed in all the cows on the day of estrus (first measurement day) and furthermore, all of the cows that subsequently became pregnant had fern-like salivary crystallization pattern at the time of insemination. Saliva of all the pregnant cows showed branch-fir type of crystallization pattern on day 16 post-breeding while only 50% of non-pregnant cows showed this pattern on day 16 of estrous cycle. The appearance of fern-like pattern was positively and significantly related to estradiol:progesterone ratio (r = 0.86; P < 0.001). The findings were validated on a separate group of cycling cows (n = 32). We can conclude that salivary crystallization pattern might serve as a non-invasive and cost effective and easy-to-use cow-side tool for estrus detection and early pregnancy/non-pregnancy diagnosis in cows upon validation on a larger sample size.

Estrus Behaviour and Estrus Intensity Score in Relation to Hormonal Profile in Kankrej Cows at an Organized Farm

The present investigation was undertaken to study the estrus behaviour in Kankrej cattle at an organized farm during 3 different seasons. In each of three seasons, seven (07) Kankrej heifers and seven (07) Kankrej cows showing estrus were considered. In Kankrej cattle, majority of the animals showed acceptance of teaser bull (100%), estrual mucus discharge (88.10%), homosexuality (78.57%), excitement, and edema erythema and wetness of vulva (76.19% each), frequent micturition (59.52%) and bellowing (16.67%). None of the Kankrej cattle went partial or complete off-feed during estrus phase. Overall it was revealed that the estrus signs were manifested more during summer season than monsoon and winter, which shows the heat tolerance capability of the Kankrej cows in the area. Nearly three forth (73.81%) of the total Kankrej cows exhibited normal and above normal estrus intensity score, whereas one forth (26.19%) animals showed weak estrus intensity score. The difference between Kankrej cows and heifers for overall intensity score was found non-significant (p&gt;0.05). The serum estradiol concentrations in Kankrej heifers and cows were significantly higher on the day of estrus than the corresponding levels on 11th day of estrus with inverse trend of serum progesterone in all three seasons. On the day of estrus the mean estradiol level in Kankrej heifers and progesterone levels in cows were higher in summer than winter and monsoon.

EFFICACY OF LUGOL’s IODINE AND GENTAMICIN IN REPEAT BREEDING COWS SUFFERING FROM UTERINE INFECTIONS

The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Lugol’s iodine (Intrauterine) and gentamicin (parenteral and post-AI) in repeat breeding cows (n=54). Repeat breeding cows were divided into two groups based upon the type of cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) discharge, Group-1, n=28, repeat breeding cows having pus flakes or pus in uterine discharge; Group-2, n=26, repeat breeding cows having apparently clear CVM. For treatment purpose, 14 cows from Group-1 as Group 1(a) were infused 50 ml of 0.5% lugol solution once on day of estrus and 14 cows as Group 1(b) were injected gentamicin @ 5 mg per kg body weight intra muscular twice daily for three days, starting on the day of estrus. In the Group 2(a), repeat breeding cows (n=15) were infused gentamicin @ 2 mg body weight twenty hours post AI. Group 2(b) comprising of 11 cows served as untreated control. Overall conception rate in Group 1(a) was 72.7% as compared with 60% in Group 1(b) with 1.8 and 2.1 services per conception. Conception rate in repeat breeding cows having apparently normal CVM treated with post AI gentamicin intrauterine infusion didn’t improve as compared to control (40 vs. 36). It was concluded that the intra uterine infusion of lugol’s solution once on day of estrus in repeat breeding cows having purulent vaginal discharge was better in cleaning uterus of uterine infections than parenteral administration of gentamicin for three days

Development of an enzyme immunoassay to measure urinary and faecal 5α-androst-16-en-3-one in pigs

Androstenone, a volatile steroid that possesses pheromonal activity, is responsible for boar taint, sexual interactions, and reproduction in pigs. A wide range of analytical methods has been developed to quantify and detect androstenone in adipose tissue and blood, which are invasive procedures. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a non-invasive method to detect and quantify the androstenone. We produced group-specific polyclonal androstenone antibody to standardize and validate an enzyme immunoassay to measure faecal and urinary androstenone in Yorkshire boars and sows. Parallelism was performed to determine the immunoreactivity between faecal and urinary immunoreactive androstenone and respective antibody. In boars, urinary and faecal androstenone concentrations were higher on the day of mounting and copulation with sows. In sows, we also measured faecal progesterone metabolites to confirm the oestrus and mating. Faecal androstenone concentrations were peaked on the day of oestrus and mating in sows. Our results suggest that androstenone could be detected and quantified in faecal and urine samples of boars and sows.•Developed an enzyme immunoassay for measuring 5α-androst-16-en-3-one as a marker of boar taint and sex pheromone in urine and faeces of pigs•Detection of 5α-androst-16-en-3-one using a non-invasive method