Indigenous Ewes Research Articles

Performance evaluation of Indigenous and Garole crossbred sheep (F1) under semi-intensive management system

A crossbreeding program was sought to enhance the genetic attributes of coastal sheep by mating them with Garole rams. The breeding program involved a combination of two male Garole with a group of twenty indigenous ewes. These sheep were permitted to mate naturally, without external intervention. Data collection focused on key metrics like birth weight (kg lamb-1), litter size, sex of lambs, instances of dystocia, weaning weight (kg lamb-1), weaning age (days), body weight (kg), age at puberty (days), and mortality rates (%). Crossbred male lambs had an average birth weight of 1.48±0.12 kg, while female lambs averaged 1.57±0.10 kg. Male to female ratio among crossbred lambs was 54.1% to 45.9%. As for weaning, males and females averaged 151.92±2.24 days and 144.00±4.20 days, respectively, with respective weaning weights of 7.98±0.85 kg for males and 8.31±0.90 kg for females. Between 30 and 60 days, male and female lambs gained at 50.16±5.94 g day-1 and 51.44±7.82 g day-1, respectively. Between 331 and 360 days, growth rates were 15.33±3.84 g day-1 and 22.33±6.00 g day-1 for males and females respectively. Dystocia, or difficult births, occurred in 75% of cases. There was no mortality for male lambs, but female lambs experienced a 20% mortality rate. Crossbreeding has emerged as a viable strategy for increasing meat production due to enhanced growth rates and their adaptability to certain environments. It can be concluded that crossbreeding of indigenous coastal sheep with Garole ram can be carried out to increase body weight and ADG. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (2): 55-67, 2024

Factors affecting the postpartum onset of estrus in local ewes

The delayed onset of estrus following lambing reduces the productivity of sheep. The present study was carried out to determine the key factors affecting the early onset of postpartum estrus in local ewes of Bangladesh. The effects of body weight, breed, season, presence of male following delivery, and suckling on the postpartum onset of estrus were observed. Seventeen ewes (12 Indigenous and 7 Garole) were used in this study. The pregnancy and delivery were monitored. All data were recorded. The indigenous ewes with higher body weight (14.87±0.27 kg) showed earlier postpartum onset of estrus (28.8±5.48 vs. 46±8.96 days) compared to lower body weight (12.89±0.48 kg). Similarly, the earlier postpartum onset of estrus (28.5±8.5 vs. 37±9.0 days) was observed in Garole ewes of higher body weight compared to lower body weight (28.3±2.65kg vs. 24.42±0.22kg). No significant difference was observed on Days of postpartum estrus onset between the breeds, although the Garole breed having higher body weight exhibited estrus earlier. The postpartum onset of estrus was earlier (27±7.56 vs. 44.57±7.47 days) during the breeding season compared to the non-breeding season in indigenous ewes. Indigenous ewes showed significantly (P<0.05) earlier onset of estrus (21.5±0.5 vs. 41.88±6.6 days) in the presence of ram compared to the absence. Similarly, an earlier onset of estrus was observed in Garole ewes, however the difference was insignificant. The postpartum onset of estrus was significantly (P<0.01) delayed (49.85±5.18 vs. 17.75±2.3 days) in the indigenous ewes of the suckling group compared to the non-suckling group. A similar trend was observed in Garole ewes (37±9.0 vs. 28.5±8.5 days); however, the difference was not significant. Therefore, the economic losses due to delayed postpartum estrus could be prevented through the management of the above-mentioned factors.

Effects of Dietary Flaxseed Oil and Ascorbic Acid on the Reproductive Performance of South African Indigenous Sheep

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of the dietary inclusion of flaxseed oil and ascorbic acid on the reproductive performance of South African indigenous sheep (Ovis aries). Twenty-two matured South African indigenous rams (eight BaPedi, nine Zulu, and five Namaqua Afrikaner; age of 6 years and body weight of 64.4 ± 1.6 kg) were randomly assigned into five treatment groups (NC (standard diet), PC (basal diet), FO (5% flaxseed oil), AA (4% ascorbic acid), and FO + AA (5% flaxseed oil + 4% ascorbic acid)). Semen samples were collected during the natural breeding season using an artificial vagina. Semen samples were evaluated for macroscopic (semen volume, pH, and sperm concentration) and microscopic (morphology, malondialdehyde, membrane permeability, and sperm cell motility parameters) characteristics. Eighty-one South African indigenous ewes were synchronized using controlled intravaginal drug devices impregnated with 0.3 g progesterone for 10 days and then injected with 300 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin. These ewes were then hand-mated. The data were subjected to the General Linear Model (GLM) in Minitub® 2017. A cross-tabulated Chi-Squared (χ2) test was used to track the frequencies of the conception rate. Treatment means were separated using Student’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) and considered significantly different when the p-value was less than 0.05. No considerable breed effect was observed for semen volume, semen pH, sperm concentration, intact membrane, and non-intact membrane. FO + AA led to higher semen volume (1.05 ± 0.06 mL), intact sperm membranes (88.83 ± 1.27%), and low malondialdehyde levels (0.37 ± 0.04 nmol/mL) in comparison to other treatment groups. Total sperm motility was higher in FO + AA (95.81 ± 0.80%) compared to FO, AA, PC, and NC. The conception rate was higher in FO (94%), AA (94%), and FO + AA (100%) when compared to NC (71%) and PC (79%). The testosterone concentration did not differ among PC, FO, AA, and FO + AA. It was concluded that the inclusion of 5% flaxseed oil (FO and FO + AA) improves both the semen quality and the conception rate of South African indigenous sheep.

Phenotypical categorization of indigenous ewes as resistant, resilient or susceptible to Haemonchus contortus.

The economic losses caused by parasite infections, aggravated by resistance to anthelmintics, have generated demand for alternatives involving non-chemical control, such as the selection of resistant animals. The objective of this study was to identify which characteristics best describe animals that are resistant, resilient or susceptible to Haemonchus contortus and estimate the percent number in each category. Sixty-one Morada Nova ewes were evaluated in an extensive system. The performance variables (weight, body condition score), hematological variables (packed cell volume, hemoglobin, white blood cells, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes) and fecal egg counts were measured individually every 14 days during 6 months. The variables were transformed, and analysis of variance was carried out, with construction of a correlation network. Characteristics linked to parasite infection showed variations among the categories, which helped to identify sheep resistant, resilient or susceptible to H. contortus. Based on the analyses performed, 88.3% of the animals were resistant or resilient and only 11.7% were susceptible. Presence of Trichostrongylidae eggs, body condition score, packed cell volume (PCV) and eosinophil counts were found to be good indicators of naturally infected ewes, and there were significant differences between the categories and correlations between the traits.

Thermoregulatory responses, and acid–base and electrolytic balance of indigenous ewes of different coat colour in an equatorial semi-arid region

Context Animal husbandry in thermally stressful environments can be both complex and difficult, and the anticipated effects of climate change are expected to increase this condition. Aim Thermoregulatory responses, and acid–base and electrolytic balance were evaluated in indigenous ewes of different coat colour during different moments of natural heat stress. Methods Fifteen ewes of different colour (white, red and black; five of each) were used and data were collected for six consecutive weeks in the dry and rainy periods at three times of the day [(Moment 1) 0500 hours to 0600 hours; (Moment 2) 1200 hours to 1300 hours; and (Moment 3) 1700 hours to 1800 hours)]. Thermoregulatory (clinical measures), acid–base and electrolytic variables (blood examinations) were recorded. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured, and the radiant heat load was calculated. Key results Black ewes showed higher averages of respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT). RT was different between before and after heat stress for all ewes, while the RR was not affected and cutaneous evaporation presented minor variations. Between 1200 hours and 1300 hours, there was an increase in the hydrogen potential, oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation and total carbon concentration averages, and a decrease in partial pressure of carbon dioxide for all ewes. The base excess was not significantly different for each time of the day between the periods, and were not affected by the time of the day or the season. White ewes were highly affected by the time of the day and the period regarding electrolytic parameters, followed by the red ewes and black ewes. The first two discriminant functions showed that ewes, regardless of coat colour, show similarity in the animal responses at Moments 1 and 3, compared with Moment 2. RT was the main variable that distinguished the three genetic groups. Conclusions Indigenous ewes of different coat colour recover physiological equilibrium after heat challenges. These adjustments enable them to maintain thermoregulatory responses, and acid–base and electrolytic balance within the physiological equilibrium. Implications These variations indicated the ability of Brazilian indigenous ewes of different coat colour to recover thermoregulatory, and acid–base and electrolytic balance after an environmentally challenging condition in an equatorial semi-arid region, regardless of the period.

Effect of Different Preservation Time of Chilled Semen on the Fertility of Field Indigenous Ewes

Background: Artificial insemination (AI), among all the fundamental systems of animal breeding, has proved to be the best and efficient method for the rapid improvement of livestock for maximum use of superior genetic merit of males on numerous dams. The frozen AI in sheep is, to date, not fulfilling the farmer’s need. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the pregnancy rate in indigenous ewes with chilled semen preserved at different hours. Methods: Semen was collected from three indigenous rams using an artificial vagina and evaluated for its quality both in the fresh and chilled stage at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h before insemination. Trans-cervical insemination was performed in PGF2α synchronized ewes. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography at 50-60 days of gestation. Result: The motility, viability and normal sperm values of chilled semen decreased significantly (p less than 0.01) with increasing the duration of preservation. However, the quality of chilled semen was acceptable level for insemination. The pregnancy rate was significantly varied (p less than 0.01) and the higher pregnancy rate (64.28%) was achieved when AI was performed using semen stored at 4oC for 12 h than 24 h (58.33%) and 48 h (50%), respectively. Therefore, increased the duration of preservation time of different chilling process negatively affect the semen quality and the pregnancy rates.

Effects of cervical ripening treatments on pregnancy rates following transcervial artificial insemination in ewes

The study was aimed to identify the effective cervical ripening treatment to increase the pregnancy rates following transcervical artificial insemination (TC-AI) in indigenous ewes of Bangladesh. Three treatments schedules were compared, G1 (n = 6, control), G2 [n = 6, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) as Misoprostol-Cytomis®] and G3 (n = 6, estrogen as Oestriol-Ovestin® + oxytocin as Linda-S® Vet). Ewes (n=18) were synchronized for estrus using two doses of 100 µg prostaglandin (PGF2α; Ovuprost®) 9 days apart. The cervical ripening treatments were administered just after the onset of estrus and left for 12 h before TC-AI. The cervical ripening was reflected with the depth of cervical penetration. The depth of cervical penetration in G1, G2 and G3 both before and after cervical ripening treatments were 0.33 ± 0.10 cm vs 0.43 ± 0.07 cm, 0.41 ± 0.09 cm vs 3.50 ± 0.26 cm and 0.43 ± 0.09 cm vs 1.54 ± 0.14 cm, respectively. The depth of cervical penetration increased significantly (p

“A History We Can Neither Accept nor Deny: Feeding and Purging the Spirits in Maya Angelou’s All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes”

This essay examines Maya Angelou’s 1980 memoir All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes. From 1962 to 1965, Angelou was part of a community of African American writers, artists, intellectuals, and activists who settled in Ghana as its first president, Kwame Nkrumah, seemed poised to usher in a new era of pan-African unity. Hoping to situate her identity within this dream of global pan-Africanism, Angelou narrates her relationship to Africa through the trope of diaspora-as-family. Her use of this metaphor, however, is complicated by her growing awareness of the involvement of Africans in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, as both victims and participants. While other scholarship on All God’s Children focuses on Angelou’s supposed inability to achieve a diasporan identity, I argue that Angelou is successfully able to come to terms with the trauma of the middle passage by listening to the “voices” of her enslaved ancestors (as they emerge within her own consciousness), and participating in an indigenous Ewe mourning ritual that she inadvertently precipitates. As a result of these experiences, Angelou comes to realize that while narration is important to the formation of both identity and community, African-descended people living in the Americas must first grapple with a historical trauma that exceeds the limits of narration. It is only when Angelou realizes this that she allows herself to be receptive to the spectral voices of her enslaved ancestors and the power of mourning to forge community across divides of time and place.

Factors affecting the pregnancy rate of Bangladeshi ewes following Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (LAP-AI)

The study was conducted to determine the effects of different factors on increased pregnancy rate of Bangladeshi ewes through LAP-AI. A total of 24 indigenous ewes and 4 rams were selected. Frozen semen with a concentration of 100×106 spermatozoa/ 0.25 ml straws were produced. The selected ewes were synchronized using two doses of PGF2α @ 175µg per ewe at 9 days intervals intramuscularly. Estrus was confirmed by the vasectomized ram. The LAP-AI was performed at two different times from the onset of estrus, two angles of placement on the laparoscopic cradle, and two different puncture sites. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography on days 45-50 following insemination. The pregnancy rate of ewes 2.5-4 years of age and 16-20 kg bodyweight was higher (75% vs. 41.67%) than ewes 1-2 years and 9-13 kg. However, this was not significant (p>0.05). The pregnancy rate of ewes having BCS >3 was significantly higher (p<0.05) (78.57% vs. 30%) than BCS 2-2.5. The 20-24 hours insemination time from the onset of estrus yielded a significantly higher (p<0.05) (75% vs. 25%) pregnancy rate than 12-16 hours. The pregnancy rate was higher (66.67% vs. 50%) at 45° than 30°angle of placement of ewes on the laparoscopic cradle. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05). The puncture point, 4-5 cm away from the udder resulted from a significantly higher pregnancy rate (p<0.05) (83.33% vs. 33.33%) than 7-10 cm. The present study indicates that the pregnancy rates following LAP-AI using frozen semen could be increased if the significant factors are considered.

Monitoring Vaginal Electrical Resistance, Follicular Waves, and Hormonal Profile During Oestrous Cycle in the Transition Period in Bangladeshi Sheep.

IntroductionThe ovarian follicular dynamics, vaginal electrical resistance (VER), progesterone (P4) and oestrogen (E2) profiles were investigated during the oestrous cycle in four indigenous ewes.Material and MethodsDaily VER values were recorded with a heat detector. The follicles were observed and measured by trans-rectal ultrasonography. Blood was collected daily for hormonal profiles.ResultsA significant variation in VER values (P < 0.05) in oestrus by ewes and position in the sequence of cycles was observed. Trans-rectal ultrasonography of ovaries revealed the presence of 2–4 waves of follicular growth. Study of hormonal profiles by ELISA revealed a positive correlation between E2 concentration and development of follicles and a negative correlation between P4 concentration and their development. The concentrations of oestradiol increased in oestrus and then decreased to a basal level. Follicular growth was accompanied by a rise in the concentration of serum oestradiol. Inversely, when follicles received the stimulation for ovulation, concentration of progesterone started to fall, but after ovulation, it climbed back to its peak and remained at this state until next ovulatory follicle reached its maximum diameter.ConclusionThis study could help to set up a manipulative reproductive technique for improving genetic values in indigenous sheep.

Pregnancy rate in indigenous ewes by direct transfer of vitrified embryos

The effects of PMSG on superovulation, quality of embryos, and pregnancy rate were studied following transfer of vitrified embryos into indigenous ewes. Three donor and nine recipient ewes were synchronized using two intramuscular doses of Cloprostenol (PGF2α) equivalent to 125 μg Prostaglandin F2α (Ovoprost® Bayer, New Zealand) at an interval of nine days. To ensure ovulation donor and recipient ewes were treated with 600 iu and 250 iu Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG; Folligon®, Intervet, Boxmeer, The Netherlands) at the time of 2nd injection of Prostaglandin F2α. All donor ewes were mated by fertile rams. Embryos were collected from donor ewes on day six after mating by inguinal laparotomy. Grade 1 embryos were vitrified using standard procedure. After thawing the embryos were transferred into the exteriorized uterine horn of the recipient by inguinal laparotomy. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by trans-abdominal ultrasonography on Day 40 of transfer. Oestrus occurred 31.3 ± 8.1 hours after second injection of prostaglandin and 32.6 ± 8.7 hours in recipients. Oestrus lasted 24.7 ± 9.9 hours in donors and 32.8 ± 12.8 hours in recipients. The mean numbers of corpora lutea and embryos of donor ewes were 11.7 ± 4.0 and 8 ± 2.6, respectively. Total embryo recovery rate of donor ewes was 68.6%. The mean values of qualities of embryo yield of donor ewes were 6 ± 1.7 grade 1, 0.3 ± 0.6 grade 2, 1.3 ± 1.2 grade 3, and 0.3 ± 0.6 grade 4. Twenty embryos were vitrified, 16 embryos were transferred and four recipient ewes were found pregnant. The pregnancy rate of recipient ewes was 44.4%.Bangl. vet. 2017. Vol. 34, No. 1, 27-33

Bacterial contamination of ram semen used for artificial insemination in indigenous ewes

Ram semen was assessed for quality and presence of bacteria. Four ejaculates were collected from each of four rams twice a week using artificial vagina. The volume varied from 0.4 - 1.3 mL, colour from 2 - 4 (creamy to creamy-grey), mass activity from 3 - 5, sperm motility from 75 - 85%, viability from 80 - 95%, and concentration from, 2500 - 5000 × 106/mL. The mass activity of ram R6 was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher (5.0 ± 0.0) compared with ram R1 (4.4 ± 0.5), R2 (3.9 ± 0.0) and R5 (4.7 ± 0.5). The mean motility was 81.7 ± 4.0, viability 90.0 ± 4.0 and concentration 3519.0 ± 545.6 x 106/ml. E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. were found in all four rams’ fresh semen confirmed by culture, staining and biochemical tests. However, Bacillus spp. was found only in ram R5. When the semen samples were treated with antibiotics there was no growth of bacteria after three days of incubation. It is suggested antibiotics control the transmission of microorganisms through AI in ewes.Bangl. vet. 2017. Vol. 34, No. 1, 20-26

Factors influencing the pregnancy rate in indigenous ewes following AI using frozen semen

Study was conducted to observe the influence of different factors on pregnancy rate in 24 indigenous ewes following artificial insemination (AI) with frozen semen. The ewes were synchronized by intra-muscular injection of Prostaglandin F2α (Ovuprost® Bayer, New Zealand). The onset and intensity of oestrus were determined by oestrus behaviour of ewes with vasectomized ram. VER values were measured immediately before AI using electrical heat detector (DRAMINSKI®, Owocowa 17, Poland). Twelve ewes were inseminated trans-cervically and 12 laparoscopically. Five ewes were treated with Misoprostol (Cytomis® 200 µg tablet; Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Bangladesh) to relax the cervix 12 hours before TCAI, and cervical penetration depth was measured by a steel rod. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography at 40 – 45 days after AI. Cervical penetration depth was significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) (0.48 ± 0.04 vs. 3.52 ± 0.17 cm) in treatment group. The pregnancy rate tended to be higher in treatment group (60.0 vs. 28.6%). In treatment group cervical penetration was significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) (0.35 ± 0.08 vs. 3.52 ± 0.17 cm) immediately before AI compared with before oestrus synchronization. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) (75.0 vs. 28.6%) in LAPAI than TCAI without treatment. The pregnancy rate tended to be higher (75.0 vs. 55.6%) in ewes with high oestrus intensity than in those with medium intensity. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05 : 70.0 vs. 20.0%) in lower VER group (230 - 280 Ω) compared with higher VER group (331 – 380 Ω.) Although LAPAI was superior to TCAI, TCAI in ewes treated with misoprostol giving a pregnancy rate of 60% could be acceptable, until the LAPAI could be made simpler to be used in field. The oestrus intensity and low VER values could be used to select ewes to be inseminated to increase the pregnancy rate.Bangl. vet. 2016. Vol. 33, No. 2, 33-38

Ultrasonographic monitoring of abdominal wound healing in ewes

Objective: The present study was done to monitor the progress of abdominal wound healing after experimental laparotomy in ewes using Doppler ultrasonography. Materials and methods: Laparotomy was performed in seven apparently healthy indigenous ewes for collection and transfer of embryos. Wound morphology was studied in terms of width of sutured area of internal wound (ventral raphae) and swelling of suture areas, width and contraction rate of external wound. Internal wound healing process was monitor at two days interval by real time B-mode ultrasonography using transabdominal (13 MHz frequency) transducer. The echoes focus or zone of best resolution was adjusted to the point of interest on the screen. Results: The average widths of raphae wounds declined from 7.7±0.18 mm on day 0 to 0.9±0.34 mm on day 20 and were completely healed on day 22 in all ewes. The average widths of skin wound decreased to 0.36±0.14 mm on day 26 from 8.6±0.33 mm on day 0. Conclusion: It was observed that internal wound healed rapidly than external wound.

Genetic parameters for tick count and udder health in commercial and indigenous ewes in South Africa

The genetics of tick infestation in sheep need study, as host resistance often forms part of integrated pest control programs. Repeated udder health scores, site-specific tick count, mating weight and reproduction records (N=879–1204) were recorded annually from 2010 to 2015 on ewes of the indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner (NA) fat-tailed breed, as well as the commercial Dorper and SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) breeds. Udders were scored subjectively on a 1–5 scale (1 – udder intact and 5 – udder damaged severely) and ticks were counted on three locations. The body sites counted were the head and thoracic limb (HTLTC), udder-pelvic limb (UPLTC) and perineum-breech-tail (PBTTC). These counts were also totaled for a total tick count (TTC). Reproduction traits were number of lambs weaned per ewe lambed and total weight of lamb weaned per ewe lambed. Udder health scores of NA ewes were lower than those of Dorpers, which in turn had lower scores than SAMM ewes. NA ewes had lower values for HTLTC, UPLTC and TTC than the commercial breeds, but higher values for PBTTC than Dorpers. Heritability estimates amounted to 0.26±0.04 for HTLTC, 0.53±0.04 for UPLTC, 0.07±0.06 for PBTTC, 0.44±0.06 for TTC and 0.61±0.03 for udder health score. Animal permanent environment also affected PBTTC (0.14±0.07). Significant genetic correlations were found between the HTLTC and UPLTC (0.47±0.10), UPLTC and udder health score (0.52±0.07), HTLTC and UPLTC (0.24±0.11) as well as UPLTC and PBTTC (−0.44±0.11). Heavier ewes had higher UPLTC (0.38±0.09), TTC (0.33±0.09) and impaired udder health (0.21±0.08). Udder health scores and tick counts at all sites were not related to reproduction traits. The indigenous NA breed outperformed the commercial breeds with lower values for HTLTC, UPLTC, TTC and a better udder health score. Mechanisms contributing to the better performance of the NA breed under pastoral conditions and the scope for selection for tick tolerance within breeds should be studied further.

Comparisons of commercial Triladyl and locally manufactured extenders for the chilling of semen and their effects on pregnancy rates after transcervical AI in Bangladeshi Indigenous (Ovis aries) sheep

Two different extenders were compared for their effects on preservation of semen from Indigenous rams and on pregnancy rate (PR) in Indigenous ewes. Semen was collected from nine Indigenous rams (Ovis aries) once a week using an artificial vagina. Each ejaculate was divided into 2 aliquots, diluted with either commercial (Triladyl®) or locally manufactured (tris, fructose, citric acid, egg yolk: TFE, prepared in own laboratory) extenders and kept at 4°C for 48 h. Motility, viability, functional integrity and morphological changes were evaluated at 0, 24 and 48 h. Synchronized oestrus ewes inseminated transcervically with 24 and 48 h of preserved chilled semen diluted with Triladyl and TFE extenders separately. Semen preserved in Triladyl had better motility, viability, and functional integrity at 24 and 48 h (P 0.05) over the entire period of preservation. The quality of semen decreased (P 0.05) the overall PR after transcervical AI (TCAI) in ewes. Increased preservation time (48 h) negatively affected the PR in TFE extended semen compared with than that of Triladyl. The results suggest that the quality of chilled semen (motility, viability, and functional integrity) is more improved when preserved in Triladyl than if extended with a TFE. PR may higher when TCAI is performed with chilled semen preserved in Triladyl for a longer time than TFE. However, TFE extender may be used to dilute the semen for chilling and used in TCAI to get similar PR of Triladyl up to 24 h of preservation.

Comparison of commercial Triladyl extender with a tris-fructose-egg-yolk extender on the quality of frozen semen and pregnancy rate after transcervical AI in Bangladeshi indigenous sheep (Ovis aries)

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of commercial and locally manufactured tris-fructose-egg-yolk semen extenders on the quality of frozen semen and pregnancy rates (PR) after AI of Bangladeshi indigenous sheep. Semen was collected weekly by artificial vagina (AV) from 6 mature indigenous rams (Ovis aries). Each semen sample was diluted with commercial (Triladyl®) and locally manufactured (tris, fructose, egg-yolk, 7% glycerol) extenders, to a final concentration of 200, 400 and 600×106sperm/mL. Semen samples were frozen in 0.25mL mini-straws in liquid nitrogen (LN) vapor for 6min and then stored in LN. Post-thawing motility, viability, functional integrity and normal morphology were evaluated on Days 1, 5 and 30 of storage. Post-thaw sperm quality parameters were better (p<0.001) in Triladyl than in the locally manufactured extender; and quality parameters were also higher for a pre-freezing concentration of 400×106sperm/mL (p<0.001) than for other concentrations, regardless of extender. Storage time did not affect semen quality parameters (p>0.001). Indigenous ewes (n=46) were inseminated transcervically using semen from both extenders at a sperm concentration of 400×106/mL. There was no difference in the pregnancy rates between sperm frozen in Triladyl compared with the locally manufactured extender (p>0.70). In conclusion, whilst post-thaw sperm quality was better in semen frozen in Triladyl, this did not result in any significant benefit compared with the locally-prepared extender on PR after TCAI in ewes.

Exploring Indigenous Interpretive Frameworks in African Music Scholarship: Conceptual Metaphors and Indigenous Ewe Knowledge in the Life and Work of Hesinɔ Vinɔkɔ Akpalu

Indigenous and frameworks are increasingly gaining discursive currency in studies and its cognate fields. While Indilinga: Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems has exclusively been devoted to African indigenous for example, the 2006 book edited by David Millar, Stephen Bugu Kendie, Agnes Atia Apusigah, and Bertus Haverkort consists of thematically related articles on indigenous that advocate development in different spheres of Africans' lives. Yet, closer to the geo-cultural focus of my article is Gbolonyo (2009), a study of forms of indigenous in Ewe musical practices. With a strong conviction about the importance of the preceding direction for music scholarship, I write this article aiming to abstract paradigms of indigenous epistemology. Given that conferences are fertile sites for advocating new directions in scholarship, I presented this article at the Third International Symposium on the Music of Africa at Princeton University in April 2009. (2) I argue that ethnomusicology and its related disciplines will become richer when scholars rigorously and constantly explore the hermeneutical and epistemological tools that are embedded in the very music cultures we study. They are an integral facet of indigenous and would contribute to our African-centered representation of Africa and Africans in revealing ways with added fresh insights. In this article, I examine Vinoka Akpalu's use of metaphors in (1) the nomenclature of an Ewe music genre he invented, (2) his song texts and poetry, and (3) his sayings and position on dissemination strategies of his songs. This discussion is based on my 1998-1999 and 2003 field conversations with selected Ghanaian Ewe traditional music composers, Nicholas Nayo's seminal study of Akpalu (Nayo 1964, 1973), (3) Sheshie's (1991) biographical insights on Akpalu's life and work, (4) and perspectives from Daniel Avorgbedor, Kofi Gbolonyo, Kofi Anyidoho, and James Essegbey (Anlo Ewe Africanist scholars). Also, Kobla Ladzekpo (a renowned Ghanaian master drummer from Anyako) shared perspectives that complementarily enrich this article. Further, as this article advocates the use of conceptual metaphors, an element of indigenous knowledge, as interpretive frameworks in music scholarship, I give each of the preceding themes a critical discussion at vantage points, intended to illuminate and legitimize Akpalu's case evidence and my positioning. Interpretive Frameworks: Prevailing Practices and Landscape Although it has long been proven that the attribute of humans as knowledgeable beings is not the exclusive monopoly of certain cultural communities (Boas [1894] 1982), the place of prize and prominence given to different forms of within the larger academic community is far from satisfactory. Admittedly, most of today's ethnomusicologists and other ethnographers have, to some extent, acknowledged the richness and power of local knowledge (Geertz 1983) as idiosyncratic of every single cultural group in the world. Feld (1982), Seeger (1987), and Blum (1999) have provided texts that exemplify the specificities of in diverse musical practices. However, one is inclined to suggest that we Africanist music researchers have not consistently and fully explored the question of models and processes through which our informants really interpret their worlds and lives. This practice and subjugation of an aspect of indigenous in the academy can be attributed to (1) the imprints of colonial legacies that linger in discourses on Africa (Mudimbe 1988; Appiah 1992; Yankah 1996; Agawu 2003; Mazama 2003; Asante 2007); (2) researchers' conscious or inadvertent extreme subjective reflexivity that pushes their researched subjects to the mire; and/or (3) lack of consciousness of and appreciation for the richness of a body of traditional systems and their custodians whom we study and whose voices need foregrounding in our research reports. …

Oestrus Synchronization with Ovuprost? and Prostenol? in the Indigenous Ewes of Bangladesh

The present study was designed to observe the oestrus responses in the indigenous ewe induced by cloprostenol sodium manufactured by two different companies (Ovuprost, BOMAC, Newzealandand Prostenol, Techno, Bangladesh). Twelve local ewes were divided into 3 groups (n= 8). The ewes in Group I and II were induced by intramuscular injection of 100 μg (0.4 ml) of cloprostenol sodium (Ovuprost and Prostenol), respectively. The 2 injection in each group was given at 9 days apart. The ewes in Group III were kept as control for observing natural oestrus characteristics and comparing the responses with induced oestrus. Hundred and 75% ewes showed oestrus following 2 injection of Ovuprost and Prostenol, respectively. The average time of onset of oestrus following 1 and 2 injection of Ovuprost and Prostenol were 50.5 ± 3.5 vs 48.0 ± 0.0 h and 49.9 ± 1.9 vs 49.5 ± 1.7 h, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two types of cloprostenol sodium group on the onset of oestrus. The average duration of oestrus was 27.5 ± 0.7 vs 27.5 ± 0.0 h and 25.9 ± 3.3 vs 24.2 ± 0.3 h in Ovuprost and Prostenol treated ewes, respectively. For natural oestrus, the duration of oestrus was 25.2 ± 3.3 h. There was no significant difference among the cloprostenol sodium produced by two different companies and natural oestrous ewes on the duration of oestrus. The higher percentages of cornified cells were present in induced oestrus (90 and 85%) compared with natural oestrus (80%), although there was no significant difference among them. The pregnancy rates were 75, 66.7 and 100% in Ovuprost, Prostenol and natural oestrous ewes, respectively. The above results indicate the suitability of using cloprostenol sodium for synchronization of oestrus in indigenous ewes in Bangladesh. (

Exfoliative Vaginal Cytology and Serum Progesterone during the Estrous Cycle of Indigenous Ewes in Bangladesh

Exfoliative Vaginal Cytology and Serum Progesterone during the Estrous Cycle of Indigenous Ewes in Bangladesh