Major Reproductive Problem Research Articles

Molecular Detection of Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila spp., Campylobacter spp., Brucella abortus and Coxiella burnetii in Genital Tracts of Goats

Abortion is the major reproductive problem in goats faced by goat-keepers. Abortion in animals including goats is caused mainly by infectious agents. The current study was planned to assess the presence of Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila spp., Campylobacter spp., Brucella abortus and Coxiella burnetii in the genital tracts of goats and foetal stomach contents. A total of 260 biological samples (vaginal/preputial secretions and foetal stomach contents) were randomly collected from the goats. The genomic DNA extraction from the samples was done by using the commercial kit. The detection of the targeted infectious agents in the biological samples was done by species as well as genus-specific polymerase chain reactions. Standardization of PCRs was done using gradient PCR. The PCR products were run in a 1% agarose gel to determine the gene size. Out of 260 samples, the presence of Coxiella burnetii was not detected in any sample. Brucella abortus was detected in two aborted goats. Only 10 samples out of 260 (6 vaginal swabs from the aborted goats and 4 foetal stomach contents) were found positive for Brucella melitensis. A total of 117 samples were found positive for Chlamydophila spp., whereas 84 were found positive for Campylobacter spp. A total of 63 samples were found positive for both Chlamydophila spp. and Campylobacter spp. The present study concludes that Chlamydophila and Campylobacter spp. were found as the prevalent microbial agents, which may be associated with abortion in goats in the forthcoming pregnancies in adverse conditions.

Breeding and healthcare management practices of dairy animals followed by farmers in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh

A field survey was conducted in the Varanasi district to find out the status of existing breeding and health care management practices followed by dairy farmers. A total of 80farmers were selected from the 4 randomly selected blocks of the district and survey was done with the help of prepared interview schedule throughout November 2021 to April 2022. Majority of the farmers (73.75%) always practised Artificial Insemination (A.I.)as a method of breeding for their dairy animals while mucus discharge was mostly used for detecting heat. About 24.00 percent of farmers always followed deworming and 26.25 per cent always vaccinated their dairy animals against FMD and HS. Repeat breeding was a major reproductive problem in dairy animals faced always by about 75.00 per cent of the farmers and pregnancy diagnosis of dairy animals was practised by only about42.50 per cent of the farmers.

Microbial Diversity and Pathogenic Properties of Microbiota Associated with Aerobic Vaginitis in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a major reproductive problem that affects approximately 5% of couples. The objective of this study was to assess vaginal flora dysbiosis in women suffering from unexplained RPL and to investigate the pathogenic properties of the microbiota associated with aerobic vaginitis (AV). The study included one hundred fifteen women, 65 with RPL and 50 controls. The diversity of vaginal microbiota isolated was evaluated by molecular sequencing. Then, pathogenic factors, such as acid-resistance, antibiotics susceptibility, and biofilm formation were evaluated. The prevalence of AV was five-fold higher in the RPL group than in the controls (64.6% vs. 12.0%). The most prevalent isolates in the case group were Enterococcus spp. (52%) and Staphylococcus spp. (26%). All bacterial strains tolerate low pH. The prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) among all bacteria was 47.7%. Of all strains, 91.0% were biofilm producers. The presence of MDR was found to be related to biofilm formation. The results provide evidence supporting an increased presence of dysbiosis of the vaginal flora, especially AV, in women with RPL in Tunisia. The viability of the AV-associated bacteria and their persistence in the genitals may be due to their ability to resist low pH and to produce a biofilm.

Ultrasonographical and hormonal comparative between true and postpartum anestrus of cows in south of Iraq

Anestrus is one of the major reproductive problems. A total of 218 local breed cows were diagnosed as 105 cows with true anestrus and 113 cows with postpartum anestrus. The results indicated that most cases of postpartum anestrus were concentrated from December to May, while the true anestrus occurred from May to September. The most important causes that were diagnosed by ultrasound for true anestrus cases were inactivity of the ovaries and anovulatory follicles. A high percentage of postpartum anestrus cases were suffered from luteinizing cysts, ovarian inactivity. Hormonal assay for inactive ovaries in true and postpartum anestrus cases revealed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH. While the hormonal results of postpartum anestrus cases revealed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the estrogen with a significant increase (p<0.05) in the progesterone in case of luteal cyst, persistent corpus luteum and cystic corpus luteum which accompanied by a significant increase (p<0.05) in the prolactin .The ultrasonographical features for true anestrus showed an increase in echo rates for ovaries. In postpartum anestrus cases the luteal cyst revealed 2.88-2.90cm follicle like structure. While the cases of persistent corpus luteum showed 1.15cm-1.75cm dense theca tissue.

Molecular characterization and association studies of CYP19 (aromatase) allelic variants with reproduction and production traits in Sahiwal and Hariana cattle

Anestrus is a major reproductive problem in bovines which occurs due to less secretion of estrogen from the ovarian follicles. Enzyme cytochrome P450 aromatase which helps in estrogen biosynthesis is encoded by CYP19 gene. In the current study, characterization of exon 9 and 10 region and polymorphic study in 5' UTR region of CYP19 gene was undertaken in Indian Sahiwal and Hariana cattle. Studied Indian cattle breeds showed 100% homology to Nelore and crossbred cattle, and 99.8% to Bos taurus at nucleotide level while at amino acid level, they showed 100% homology to Nelore and crossbred cattle, and 99.4% to Bos taurus. CYP19/PvuII PCR-RFLP assay conducted in 100 Sahiwal and 100 Hariana cattle revealed three types of genotype namely AA (405 bp), AB (405 bp, 327 bp and 78 bp) and BB (327 bp and 78 bp). The AA genotype was more frequent (58.5%) followed by AB (37.0%) and BB (4.5%) genotypes and Chi square analysis revealed the populations was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The allelic frequency of A and B allele was observed as 0.77 and 0.23, respectively. Association study of CYP19/PvuII genotypes with reproduction and production traits revealed no significant difference.

Cytological, Bacteriological and Antibiogram Studies for the Management of Uterine Infection in Repeat Breeder Bovines

Background: Repeat breeding syndrome (RBS) associated with sub-clinical uterine infection (UI) remains to be a major reproductive problem faced by Indian farmers. Present study documents its diagnosis, prevalent etiological agents, antibiogram pattern and efficacy of the treatment at field level. Methods: Seventy-eight RBS affected bovines were selected. The cervical mucous (CM) was collected for study of its characteristics, white-side test, endometrial cytology, microbial examination and antibiogram. The treatment protocol was developed and the animals’ response to the treatment was assessed. Result: The overall incidence of RBS was found to be 12.9% and the cases associated with uterine infection (RBS/UI+ve) and without uterine infection (RBS/UI-ve) were 44.87% and 55.13%, respectively. The mean scores of CM character, odour, pH and number of polymorphonuclear cells in RBS/UI +ve were 2.09±1.39, 1.14±0.12, 8.49±0.08 and 12.46±0.96, respectively, and differed significantly (P less than 0.05) from RBS/UI-ve cases. The microbial examination revealed the presence of gram negative bacilli, Trueperella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and yeast infection. Antibiogram studies recorded the response of Tetracyclin as best (48.57%) followed by Cephalexin (22.86%), Chloramphenicol (20.0%) and Streptomycin (8.57%). The RBS/UI+ve cases were treated individually, on one-to-one basis, obeying antibiogram. The infection appeared to be considerably controlled and overall success rate was observed in the form of confirmed pregnancy in 71.43% cases. Thus, it was concluded that prompt diagnosis using endometrial cytology and antibiogram guided therapeutic approach may aid for effective management of RBS/UI +ve cases, under field conditions.

Estimates of the Economic Cost Caused by Five Major Reproductive Problems in Dairy Animals in Assam and Bihar, India.

Simple SummaryLarge ruminant dairy animals (i.e., cattle and buffalo) suffer from several reproductive problems (such as abortion) that reduce ther ability to produce milk and offspring, resulting in huge economic costs to farmers; however, there are few studies in India that estimate such costs. Therefore, an attempt was made to assess the economic cost of five major reproductive problems in two of the poorest Indian states—Assam and Bihar. We estimated the cost by interviewing 534 randomly selected dairy farming households in both the states. Based on this, we found that 32.9% of dairy animals (milking, not-milking and heifer) in Assam and 43.1% dairy animals in Bihar suffered from one or more reproductive problems. The most common reproductive problem was failing to conceive after breeding (23.2% of surveyed dairy animals) followed by retained placenta (6.1%), abortion (4.9%), purulent vaginal discharge (2.9%) and stillbirths (1.0%). It was estimated that the selected reproductive problems caused an annual economic cost of Indian Rupees (INR), 3963.1 million (USD 59.0 million) in Assam, and INR 30,500.0 million (USD 453.9 million) in Bihar. The study concludes that adequate awareness, capacity building, adoption of good reproductive health management practices, proper farm record keeping and improved access to quality veterinary services are essential to address reproductive problems and reduce the cost caused by these reproductive problems.Reproductive problems in dairy animals reduce fertility, prevent conception, create problems in the delivery of healthy calves, lead to postpartum complications, increase inter-calving periods, reduce milk yield, and lower overall lifetime productivity. This study aimed at understanding the incidence of reproductive problems and the cost caused by these. The study covered 954 dairy animals in Bihar and 1348 dairy animals in Assam that were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method. The costs were calculated as the sum of income losses and expenditures incurred. The major cost incurred resulted from extended calving intervals (46.1% of the total cost), followed by loss through salvage selling (38.1%), expenditure for treatment of repeat breeders (5.9%), loss of milk production (5.3%) and expenditure for extra inseminations (2.0%). About one fifth of the selected reproductive problems were left untreated. The estimated cost of reproductive problems was Indian Rupees (INR) 2424.9 (USD 36.1) per dairy animal per year (of the total dairy animal population) which represented approximately 4.1% of the mean value loss of dairy animals (INR 58,966/USD 877) per year. Reproductive problems were significantly (p < 0.001) higher among improved (exotic breed or cross-bred) dairy animals than indigenous (native breed or nondescript indigenous) dairy animals. The study suggests that with the increase of improved dairy animal population, the loss may further increase. The study concludes that any economic estimation of reproduction problems based on aetiology without confirmatory diagnoses could be highly misleading because of the complex nature of the problems.

Leptospirosis by Sejroe strains leads to embryonic death (ED) in herds with reproductive disorders

This study aims to evaluate the association between reproductive disorders and the main serogroups of Leptospira spp. in dairy herds. Blood samples from 216 cows from nine herds were collected for a Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), and a reproductive follow-up with ultrasonography was carried out monthly for at least 12 months. A total of 75 (16.5%) cows were reactive, while seroreactivity to a herd level ranged from 16.0% to 52.8%. Out of the nine herds, in five (55.0%) Sejroe was found to be the predominant serogroup and in four (45.0%) it was Icterohaemorrhagiae. The major reproductive problems identified were embryonic death (ED) and abortions. All herds presented ED and abortion was observed in three (33.3%). Herds with high seroreactivity (>20%) had more reproductive problems. Those with a predominance of Sejroe were associated with ED (P < 0.05), while those with Icterohaemorrhagiae were associated with abortion. The results show that different leptospiral strains lead to different reproductive problems, as well as showing that the main problem – ED – is caused by leptospirosis, particularly for those determined by strains of the serogroup Sejroe.

Prevalence and clinical associations with premature ovarian insufficiency, early menopause, and low ovarian reserve in systemic sclerosis.

The low prevalence of pregnancy in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is due to multi-factorial causes, including premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The study aimed to determine the prevalence of POI, early menopausal status, and any clinical associations of these among Thai female SSc patients. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among female SSc patients between 18 and 45years of age. The eligible patients underwent blood testing for follicle stimulating hormone and anti-mullerian hormone levels, gynecologic examination, and transvaginal ultrasound for antral follicle count. We excluded patients having surgical amenorrhea, previous radiation, and history of hormonal contraception < 12weeks and pregnancy. A total of 31 patients were included. The majority (67.7%) had diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Three patients were POI with a prevalence of 9.7%. The factors associated with POI were a high cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide (CYC) (p = 0.02) and the long duration of CYC used (p = 0.02). After excluding POI, early menopause was detected in 10 patients with a prevalence of 35.7%. The factors associated with early menopause were long disease duration (p = 0.02), high cumulative dose of CYC (p = 0.03), and high cumulative dose of prednisolone (p = 0.02). Low ovarian reserve according to POSEIDON definition was found in 28 patients with the prevalence of 90.3%. POI in Thai SSc was uncommon, whereas early menopause and low ovarian reserve were frequently revealed. A high cumulative dose of CYC was associated with both POI and early menopause. Physicians should be aware of reproductive outcomes and advise patients at risk. Key Points • POI is revealed in patients with SSc particularly in who received high cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide, while early menopause and low ovarian reserve were major reproductive problem among SSc. • Prescriptions for CYC for female SSc-both for young patients of reproductive age and premenopausal middle-aged women-should be concerned of the long-term effects on gonadal function.

Body condition score, parity, shelter cleanliness and male proximity: Highly associated non-genetic factors with post-partum anestrus in Murrah buffalo in field conditions

Postpartum anestrus (PPA) is a major reproductive problem in buffalo. Although both genetic and non-genetic factors influence the incidence of PPA, identifying associated non-genetic factors would be helpful for effective management of this problem. No systematic study, however, has been conducted to identify the association of non-genetic factors with PPA in buffalo, especially in field conditions. Data for 39 variables affecting postpartum anestrus interval (PPAI), health, nutrition, management and environmental status of the animals were collected on 575 buffalo from 15 villages. Data were analyzed using a general linear model considering PPAI as a dependent variable and the remaining 38 non-genetic parameters as independent variables. The results from the analysis indicated body condition score (BCS) variables, such as pelvic girdle score (P < 0.0001) and girth (P < 0.05), parity (P < 0.0001), shelter cleanliness (P < 0.001), male proximity (P < 0.005), amount and frequency of concentrate feeding during the early postpartum period (P < 0.05), general feeding frequency in a day (P < 0.05) and the treatments with oxytocin at the time of milking to facilitate milk release from the udder (P < 0.05) were associated with PPAI in Murrah buffalo. Plotting the PPAI residuals indicated the possibility of other unexplained factors, including genetics, that could also affect the differences in values for this variables in Murrah buffalo. In conclusion, a greater understanding of associated non-genetic factors with PPAI would help farmers in conducting proper managemental practices for early induction of reproductive cycles following parturition in Murrah buffalo.

Serum Biochemical Changes in Relation to Some Nutritional and Hormonal Managements for Treatment of Inactive Ovaries in Buffaloes

Summer infertility may be considered as the major reproductive problem in buffaloes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hormonal and nutritional-dependant protocols to alleviate summer infertility in buffaloes. In this study, thirty buffalo cows affected with summer infertility were used; they were divided randomly into three groups (10/each). Group-I: were administrated with propylene glycol in addition to trace element mixture (containing zinc and selenium), Group-II: received the same previous treatment with hormonal estrous synchronization (GnRH-PGF-2a- GnRH), Group-III: received only the previously mentioned hormonal treatment. The results revealed that, all the treatment protocols has succeed to stimulate the ovarian activity and follicular growth which was accompanied by a significant increase in estrogen and progesterone hormone, but, only the first two protocols have a favorable effect on metabolic-related hormones (T3, T4), serum glucose concentration and mitigation of the present oxidative stress state. All of the treatment protocols have increased the concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1. Finally, it could be concluded that combination of both of nutritional and hormonal treatment has been proved to have the best plausible effect for relieving and cure of summer infertility in buffaloes.

Maternidad subrogada y su impacto en el tema de la infertilidad

&lt;p&gt;La complejidad de la cultura ha propiciado diversas modificaciones en las relaciones humanas, las cuales conducen a la formación de diferentes tipos de familias. Los problemas de la reproducción humana se han convertido en un reto para la salud pública y para el desarrollo de nuevas técnicas enfocadas a resolverlos. La fertilización &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; mediante inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (fiv icsi) es una técnica de reproducción asistida que se usa en la maternidad subrogada; ésta consiste en solicitar una madre portadora, quien no tendrá derechos de crianza y cuyo papel está circunscrito al desarrollo del nuevo ser intrauterino. Este proceso provee la oportunidad de ser padres a parejas o personas que no han logrado un embarazo exitoso. En el presente escrito, se abordan aspectos históricos de la maternidad subrogada, la epidemiología de los principales problemas reproductivos, la normatividad legal, así como consideraciones éticas que conlleva este proceso.&lt;/p&gt;

Development and validation of extension strategies for effective management of reproductive problems of dairy animals

Reproductive problems in dairy animals emerged as prime concern for farmers due to their significant effect on the profitability and sustainability of dairy ventures in India. The present study was undertaken to assess the major reproductive problems of dairy animals as well as to develop and validate the extension strategies for managing reproductive problems. A total of 60 respondents from three villages viz Dilawara, Chundipur and Dhakwada of Karnal district were selected through simple random sampling. Data were gathered through structured interview schedule from dairy farmers who had at least one milch animal. Study revealed that repeat breeding, anestrous, retention of fetal membrane and prolapse were the major reproductive problems of dairy animals as perceived by 46.67, 36.67, 28.33 and 26.67 per cent of respondents respectively. Among 14 selected extension strategies, development and demonstration of video on specific reproductive issues with Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) value of 81.19 and preparation of extension literature with RBQ value of 72.38 were found to be the two best strategies for faster dissemination of information onmanagement of reproductive problems. The mean knowledge gain was found to be 10.75 per cent, 13.28 per cent and 15.23 per cent after exposure to different treatments i.e. booklet, video and both (video+booklet) respectively in the studyvillages. This explains the effectiveness of extension strategies and warrants the extension personnel to contextualise and deploy appropriate combinations of different extension strategies in order toimprove the information delivery system.

Major Reproductive Health and Productive Problems of Dairy Cattle in Selected Dairy Farms in Bishoftu, Central Ethiopia

This study was conducted with the objectives of identifying major productive and reproductive problems of dairy cows in four farms in Bishoftu, Central Ethiopia. A total of 153 dairy cows were studied, out of which, 40.5% (n=62) were affected by at least one of productive and reproductive problems. Overall abortion, dystocia and retained foetal membrane were found with prevalence of 10.9%, 9.3%, and 48%, respectively. The prevalence of retained foetal membrane showed very highly significant difference among the farms studied (P 0.05). Milk yield per lactation ranges from 515 to 7210 litres at Almaz farm and at Genesis farms respectively. The difference in milk yield among the farms studied was very highly significant and the maximum yield at Almaz farm is lower than the minimum yield recorded at other farms. Similarly the mean number of service per conception, parity, mean number of calves per cow and the age of cows kept on the farms were found to vary significantly while the difference in calving interval was shown to be marginal (P=0.07). Linear regression analysis showed that only farms and retained foetal membrane are factors affecting milk yield. In general, there is great variation in reproductive and productive parameters among dairy cattle raised in different farms showing the need for further improvement.

Exploratory field study on the effect of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) sow vaccination on serological, virological and reproductive parameters in a PCV2 subclinically infected sow herd

BackgroundThis study sought to evaluate the effect of sow vaccination against Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) on reproductive parameters during two consecutive reproductive cycles. The study was performed in a PCV2 subclinical infected breeding herd (PCV2 circulation but absence of major reproductive problems). Ninety-four pregnant sows were primo-immunized with a commercial PCV2 vaccine and ninety-seven were injected with phosphate-buffered saline at 6 and 3 weeks before the first studied farrowing, and then boosted at 2 weeks before the second one. Blood samples were taken throughout the study to assess PCV2 DNA load and antibodies. At farrowing, main reproductive parameters and piglet vitality index were registered. In addition, in those litters with more than three mummified or stillborn piglets, microscopic examination and PCV2 antigen detection in foetal myocardium was done.ResultsVaccinated sows showed significantly higher antibody levels compared to the non-vaccinated counterparts. PCV2 DNA was only detected at farrowing in 2 (4.2%) non-vaccinated sows. Vaccinated sows had 1.3 more live-born piglets per litter at the second cycle than non-vaccinated counterparts. Piglets from vaccinated sows had significantly higher (+ 12.7%) vitality score than the ones born from non-vaccinated sows. No PCV2 compatible lesions neither PCV2 antigen were detected in the tested foetal hearts.ConclusionsThe present study represents a first attempt to demonstrate that PCV2 sow vaccination may have a positive influence on prolificacy and vitality of the offspring in a subclinical infected breeding herd. However, since reproductive outcomes at farm level may be affected by a number of factors, further studies would be needed to confirm this association.

Study on the Major Dairy Cows Reproductive Problems in and Around Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted commencing from October 2014 to April 2015 in urban and peri-urban areas of Gondar town, of the Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia to identify the major reproductive problems in dairy cows. A total of 401 dairy cows were examined for the major reproductive problems by classifying the methods of studying as questionnaire survey and regular follow up. Owner of 401 cows from 80 dairy farms and small holder farmers (households) were questioned for the major reproductive problems and found 100 (24.9%) affected animals and again from 401 dairy cows owner of 100 cows from 15 dairy farms and small holder farmers (households) were regularly followed and out of them 37 (37.0%) have at least one of the reproductive problems. The questionnaire survey of reproductive problems according to their relative importance were 24 (6.0%) anestrous, 18 (4.5%) repeat breeder,16 (4.0%) endometritis, 15 (3.7%) dystocia, 11 (2.7%) abortion, 8 (2.0%) mixed cases and 7 (1.7%) retained fetal membrane (RFM). Parallel to questionnaire survey regular follow up study was takes place on 100 dairy cows from 15 dairy farms and small holder farmers (households) and out of them 7 (7.0%) anestrous, 6 (6.0%) abortion, 6 (6.0%) dystocia, 6 (6.0%) endometritis, 5 (5.0%) RFM, 4 (4.0%) mixed cases, and 3 (3.0%) was repeat breeders. SPSS version 20 was used for chi-square test and p 0.05), between the two study methodology within the reproductive problems. This particular study indicates that an reproductive problem, which includes anoestrus, RFM, abortion, dystocia, endometritis and repeat breeding, were one of the major factor for the low fertilizing ability of dairy cows in urban and peri-urban area of Gondar town. Therefore, the dairy breeders should be providing additional feed to fulfill nutritional requirement of animal, improving cleanness and feeding practice of the animal.

Baarmoederaandoeningen na het afkalven bij melkkoeien: een overzicht met nadruk op subklinische endometritis

In dit artikel wordt een geüpdatet overzicht gegeven van de definities van de meest voorkomende baarmoederproblemen na het afkalven bij melkkoeien. Een afwijkend uterien milieu op de meest precaire momenten van de voortplantingscyclus veroorzaakt immers schade aan de gameten en het jonge embryo met finaal nefaste gevolgen voor het voortplantingsvermogen van de koeien. Dit laatste zorgt voor beduidende economische verliezen op veel moderne melkveebedrijven. Vandaar dat het voor de practicus van groot belang is om tot een accurate diagnose te komen teneinde een gerichte en efficiënte behandeling te kunnen instellen. Bovendien wordt in dit artikel bijzondere aandacht besteed aan subklinische endometritis. Deze aandoening is bij practici minder goed bekend terwijl ze bij een relatief groot aantal dieren voorkomt op het moment van inseminatie. Via het aanreiken van diepgaandere kennis omtrent het complex van postpartum baarmoederproblemen, hopen de auteurs met dit artikel de practicus te wijzen op de voorhanden zijnde mogelijkheden om tot een accurate diagnose en dus ook meer efficiënte behandeling te komen.

Reproductive disorders in dairy cattle under semi-intensive system of rearing in North-Eastern India.

Aim:This study was conducted to determine the incidence of major reproductive problems of dairy cattle reared under a semi-intensive system by small and marginal farmers in Meghalaya province of North-Eastern India.Materials and Methods:In a 3 years study, a total of 576 crossbred dairy cattle (212 Holstein Friesian cross and 364 Jersey cross) from all districts (n=11) of Meghalaya were assessed with the survey, clinical examination, and personal observations.Results:Out of the total animal assessed, 33.85% (n=195) were found to be affected with one or more of the clinical reproductive problems. Repeat breeding (RB), anestrus, retention of fetal membrane, and abortion were found to be the major clinical reproductive problems. Out of the total animal affected with reproductive disorders, the incidence of anestrus, RB, retention of fetal membrane, and abortion was found to be 31.79% (n=62), 24.61% (n=48), 14.35% (n=28), and 11.25% (n=22), respectively. In addition, dystocia (5.12%), prolapse (1.53%), endometritis (4.61%), and pyometra (6.66%) were minor clinical reproductive problems. There was a significant difference in the incidence of reproductive disorders with respect to breed, age, and parity.Conclusion:It was revealed from this study that RB, anestrus, retention of fetal membrane, and dystocia are the major clinical reproductive problems in Meghalaya. Results indicated unsatisfactory feeding, housing, and health management practices are the main cause of low fertility of dairy cows. Lack of scientific knowledge, low access to breeding, and health services further contributed to low productivity and fertility.

A Cascade of epistatic interactions regulating teratozoospermia in mice.

Infertility in humans and subfertility in domestic animals are two major reproductive problems. Among human couples, ~15% are diagnosed as infertile, and males are considered responsible in about 50% of the cases. To examine male fertility, various sperm tests including analyses of sperm morphology, sperm count and sperm mobility are usually performed. Teratozoospermia, a condition characterized by the presence of morphologically abnormal sperm, is considered as a symptom of infertility. B10.MOL-TEN1 (TEN1) mice (Mus musculus) show inherited teratozoospermia at high frequencies (~50%). In this study, the polygenic control of teratozoospermia in the TEN1 strain was analysed. A quantitative trait loci analysis indicated three statistically significant loci, Sperm-head morphology 3 (Shm3; logarithm of the odds (LOD) score, 29.25), Shm4 (LOD score, 6.80), and Shm5 (LOD score, 3.58). These three QTL peaks were mapped to 24.3 centimorgans (cM) on chromosome 1, 32.0 cM on chromosome X, and 63.8 cM on chromosome 6, respectively. Another locus that is yet to be determined was also predicted. Shm3 was found to be the major locus responsible for teratozoospermia, and a sequential cascade of interactions of the other three loci was apparent. These results are expected to help understand the mechanisms underlying reproductive problems in humans or domestic animals.

Assessment of Reproductive Performance and Problems in Crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Zebu) Dairy Cattle in and Around Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted in and around Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia from November 2013 to May 2014 with the aims to assess reproductive performance and prevalence of reproductive problems in crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Zebu) dairy cattle. A questionnaire survey methodology was used. The study sampled 177 randomly selected dairy farms comprising 1013 crossbred dairy cattle (736 cows and 277 heifers). The mean age at first service, age at first calving, first postpartum estrus and calving interval were 24.8 months, 35.3 months, 114.5 days and 401.5 days, respectively. Prevalence rates of reproductive problems recorded in the study area were anestrus (37.8%), repeat-breeding (21.0%), dystocia (11.6%), retained fetal membranes (11.5%), endometritis (6.6%), abortion (6.4%), prolapsed uterus/vagina (2.9%), stillbirth (2.0%) and freemartin (0.2%). Incidence of abortion did not vary with parity and stages of gestation. Breeding and the possible causes of missing insemination/mating while animals were in estrus are problematic. In conclusion, this study has revealed that the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle was not optimal, and anestrus, repeat-breeding, dystocia, retained fetal membranes, endometritis and abortion were the major reproductive problems. More effective breeding and reproductive health management should be considered to improve the fertility of this crossbred cattle herd. Awareness and training should be provided to the farming community to improve the productivity in the region.