Methylene Blue Reduction Time Research Articles

Study of Certain Biochemical Attributes of Pantja Buck Semen

The current study was conducted to study biochemical attributes of Pantja Buck semen. For this purpose six mature healthy bucks were selected from the Goat Unit maintained at Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (India). All the experimental bucks were kept under similar feeding and management conditions. Semen collection was done early morning by artificial vagina method. Total 36 semen samples were collected for a period of 3 months. Immediately after the collection, samples were examined for biochemical attributes. Overall mean value of pH was found (6.61 ± 0.02) independent of buck age. Resazurin and Methylene blue reduction time were noted higher for younger bucks and minimum for older bucks with overall value 3.15 ± 0.25 and 6.04±0.36 min. respectively. Mean values of HOST and Millovanov’s resistance test were recorded as 36.10 ± 1.17 % and 5216.70 ± 1.94 respectively. 16.76 ± 0.86 % sperms were found resistance to cold shock.

Effect of sample volume and time on rumen juice analysis in cattle.

Rumen juice analysis (RJA) involves analysis of a 10mL sample within minutes after sampling. However, it can be challenging to collect 10 mL of rumen juice (RJ) from some ruminants, and clinical circumstances can delay RJA. Quantify the effect of sample volume (2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 mL), and time-to-analysis (0, 30, and 60 minutes) on RJA. Cannulated cow. Observational experimental study. Two liters of RJ were collected at 26 separate times. The samples were subdivided into 2 duplicates of each sample volume at each sampling time; and analyzed at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after collection. Rumen juice analysis included pH measurement, methylene blue reduction time (MBRT), and protozoal motility. The pH of 2 and 5 mL samples was significantly (P = .01) higher than the pH of 50 and 100 mL samples at all time points. The MBRT was significantly lower (faster bacterial reduction) for 100 mL samples compared to all other samples at 0 minute and to 2, 5, and 50 mL samples at 30 min. The pH and MBRT at 60 minutes were significantly higher than at 0 minute for all volumes (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). For large protozoa, small sample volumes (2 and 5 mL) had significantly lower protozoal motility (scores of 5 and 4.5, respectively) compared to 100 mL samples at 60 minutes (score of 4; P < .05). Interpretation of RJA could be affected by small sample volumes and delays to analysis. Sample volumes of ≥10 mL analyzed within 30 minutes after collection are recommended.

Risk factors, clinical indicators, and pathological findings of abomasal ulcers in tropical dairy buffaloes.

The current study aimed at identifying the risk factors and initial diagnostic aids for abomasal ulcers. The risk factor analysis confirmed a significant association (P < 0.05) of abomasal ulcers with concentrate-rich diets (OR, 4.795; CI, 1.212-15.974) and concurrent disorders (OR, 2.978; CI, 0.987-8.980), while the buffaloes in early lactation (OR, 2.777; CI, 0.703-10.972) showed a higher tendency (P = 0.078) for the disorder. The depressed demeanour, dark or black manure (melena), anemia, tachycardia, decreased milk production, anorexia, tachypnea, absence of rumination, abdominal guarding, kyphosis, and tachypnea were the most frequent clinical signs. Subjecting the abomasal fluid for cultural isolation, gram staining, and stormy clot fermentation test identified the presence of clostridium perfringes, while screening through uniplex PCR detected cpa toxin. The buffaloes affected with type-3 and 4 abomasal ulcers exhibited a higher peritoneal fluid to serum ratio of total protein, albumin, and glucose with a low (P < 0.01) serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) concentration compared to reference values of healthy buffaloes. The first two principal components of PCA explained 54.50% of the total variances with lymphocytes, creatine kinase, and rumen chloride levels as the top contributors to dimension I, and albumin, total protein, sodium, and methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) for rumen liquor as the major contributors to dimension II. The vector plot revealed lymphocytopenia, decreased hemoglobin, hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia, decreased rumen pH, neutrophilia, eosinophilia, leucocytosis, greater MBRT, and higher rumen chloride, serum creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen as the major indicators for abomasal ulcers. Histopathological studies revealed infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mucosa along with multifocal areas of necrosis, degeneration, and eroded muscle structure. The study projected a few high-scored clinical signs and extremely variable clinical indicators as initial diagnostic aids of abomasal ulcers, which can be confirmed by ultrasonography and peritoneal fluid examination.

PSXIII-B-2 Clearance of Poly(Butylene Succinate-co-Adipate):Polyhydroxyalkanoate and low-Density Polyethylene Films from the Rumens of Holstein Bull Calves

Abstract Replacing undigestible, polyethylene-based agricultural plastics like net wrap with biodegradable alternatives polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) may reduce the incidence of plastic impaction in ruminants. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the ruminal clearance of PBSA:PHA compared to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and to evaluate animal health when these materials are fed. Twelve Holstein bull calves, blocked by age and weight, were randomly allocated to one of three daily bolus treatments for 30d: 13.6g of PBSA:PHA in 4 capsules (Blend), 13.6g of LDPE in 4 capsules (LDPE), or 4 empty capsules (Control). Hemograms were conducted on blood samples collected on d0 and d30. On d31, animals were sacrificed to evaluate gross rumen measurements, pathology, and papillae length, and to characterize polymer residues in rumen contents. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED in SAS and least squared differences were adjusted by Tukey’s method. No animals presented any symptoms related to plastic impaction and animal health was not affected by treatment. Daily grain and hay intake, body weight, rectal temperature, hematological parameters, gross rumen measurements and pathology, and rumen pH and temperature were not affected by treatment. Methylene blue reduction time of Blend calves tended to be decreased by 30% compared to LDPE calves (P=0.06), and caudal ventral papillae length of Blend calves were 50% longer than those of Control animals (P&amp;lt; 0.01). Thus, PBSA:PHA may have beneficial impacts. Calves dosed with LDPE retained 27.42g of undegraded polymer in the rumen while 1.72g of fragmented polymers 10% of their original size were detected in Blend calves (P&amp;lt; 0.01). Our results indicate that if net wrap is developed from PBSA:PHA and incorporated into ruminant feed, aggregation of filamentous material will not occur in the rumen, and incidences of plastic impaction will be decreased compared to net wrap developed from LDPE.

Abomasal impaction in buffaloes: Risk factors, clinical indicators, necropsy findings, and histology studies.

The present study aims to identify potential risk factors and most possible clinical indicators of abomasal impaction in buffaloes. Among the screened buffaloes (n = 636), the logistic model was fitted for 491 buffaloes because of the non-availability of parity-related data for 145 buffaloes. Third-trimester pregnancy, feeding paddy straw alone, and concurrent disorders were identified as the potential risk factors using multivariate regression analysis. The buffaloes reared by farmers devoid of land tended to have a higher incidence of abomasal impaction. Depressed demeanour, absence of rumination, abdominal guarding, scleral congestion, sunken eyeballs, anorexia, reduced dung output, abacus beads-like faeces, colic signs (straining to defecate, frequent lying down, and kicking at abdomen), tachypnea, and tachycardia were the most repeatedly noticed clinical signs in buffaloes diagnosed with abomasal impaction. Further, the principal component analysis revealed increased rumen fluid sedimentation time and chloride content, serum creatine phosphokinase, and blood neutrophil and eosinophil content along with decreased blood lymphocytes proportion, potassium, and chloride as the greatest indicators for abomasal impaction. Next to them, a higher rumen fluid methylene blue reduction time, serum urea nitrogen, and blood total leucocyte count, along with a lower serum albumin and blood haemoglobin were the best possible indicators for diagnosis. The necropsy findings of the buffaloes that died with abomasal disorders revealed an abomasum with increased dimensions and constant pitting on pressure. Furthermore, the histopathological studies showed degeneration and necrosis of the abomasal wall with infiltrated mononuclear cells. The results of the study help in designing a comprehensive evaluation mechanism for diagnosing abomasal impaction in buffaloes.

Association between aflatoxin M1 excretion in milk and indicators of rumen fermentation in bovines.

Aflatoxins and its metabolites negatively impact the ruminant health and production. The present cross-sectional study was aimed to determine the effect of aflatoxins on rumen fermentation by deducing the correlation between the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) excretion in milk and indicators of rumen fermentation in bovines. The indicators of rumen fermentation were taken into account and correlated with AFM1 concentration in milk of 120 bovines (cattle (n = 82) and buffalo (n = 38)). The AFM1 in milk samples (n = 120) was quantified by ELISA kit. The correlation analysis revealed that with increase in excretion of AFM1 in milk, the pH (r = 0.38), methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) (r = 0.43), sedimentation activity time (SAT) (r = 0.31) and ammonia nitrogen content (r = 0.34) of rumen liquor increase, whereas the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) content (r = - 0.25), total bacterial count (TBC) (r = - 0.43) and total protozoal count (TPC) (r = - 0.14) of rumen liquor decrease. The results of the present study suggest that the presence of aflatoxins in rumen could have negative effect on the process of rumen fermentation. Therefore, the prevention of primary entry point(s) of AFB1 through the feed of bovines is important for the animal health as well as public health.

Extension of Shelf Life of Raw Milk in Transit by Use of Lactoferrin and Lysozyme

The aim of the study was to extend the shelf life of raw milk in transit by use of lysozyme and lactoferrin. The effects of temperature, lysozyme concentration and lactoferrin concentration on milk in transit were evaluated by measuring pH, titratable acidity and methylene blue reduction time for eight hours. From the screening tests the Pareto plots indicated lysozyme concentration and lactoferrin concentration as factors of high influence. Further experiments were carried out focusing on the two factors to determine the optimum concentrations of lysozyme and lactoferrin to maintain a constant pH and titratable acidity for 8hours. A 3D Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to graphically map and optimise conditions. Optimum conditions were found to be 0.5g/l and 4g/l of lactoferrin and lysozyme and lactoferrin respectively, to maintain pH at 6.7 – 6.9, titratable acidity at 0.12 and methylene blue reduction time at 10.25 hours.615minutes.

Clinico-Biochemical, Rumen Function and Histopathological Investigations of Trichobezoars in Sheep

Twenty-five out of 200 mature Barki ewes were diagnosed with trichobezoars over two years in a privately owned sheep farm. Diagnosed ewes showed signs of inappetence, dullness, emaciation, weakness, scanty hard feces, and recurrent bouts of tympany. Closer observation of these ewes revealed the abnormal behavior of wool pulling by teeth from each other. Serum copper, zinc, iron, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulins, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and total cholesterol levels were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower in ewes affected by trichobezoars than healthy ewes. In contrast, mean values of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, blood urea, and creatinine were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) elevated in affected ewes. Furthermore, ruminal fluid analysis of trichobezoars ewes revealed a significant (P &lt; 0.05) decrease in pH, total protozoa counts with reduced motility, whereas a significantly (P &lt; 0.01) prolonged methylene blue reduction time and elevated levels of total volatile fatty acids were observed. Histopathological changes in the trichobezoars-affected rumen revealed ballooning degeneration, leukocytic infiltration in the mucosal layer. Mucosal sloughing with a detachment of the stratified epithelium abomasum showed ulcerated surface with necrotic glandular epithelium and focal leukocytic infiltrations, in conclusion when trichobezoars accumulate in larger numbers, more significant sizes in the rumen and Abomasum can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract and increase mortality risks in sheep.

Concentration of 2,3 bisphosphoglycerate in cattle affected with acute ruminal acidosis.

The main objective of the study conducted here was to estimate the concentration of 2,3‐Bisphosphoglycerate (2,3‐BPG), 1,3‐Bisphosphoglycerate (1,3‐BPG), bisphospho‐glycerate mutase (BPGM) and 3‐phosphoglycerate (3PG) in cattle clinically diagnosed with acute ruminal acidosis. A secondary objective was to examine the physical and chemical characteristics of the ruminal fluid in affected cattle. A total of 20 cattle clinically diagnosed with acute ruminal acidosis and eight clinically normal cattle were included in this study. The results showed that decrease of ruminal pH changed the ruminal fluid colour, odour and consistency, as well as decreased the sedimentation time, increased the methylene blue reduction time, and decreased ruminal microflora motility. The study indicated that the concentration of 2,3‐BPG, BPGM and BPGP decreased with the decrease of ruminal pH, while 3‐PG concentration was not affected with the decrease of ruminal pH. In conclusion, 2,3‐BPG could play a role in the pathogenesis of ruminal acidosis, and thus, the intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate is important, particularly in severe cases, to correct any systemic acidosis that can decrease 2,3‐BPG concentration and results in tissue hypoxia.

Clean milk production practices and its impact on the prevention and control of mastitis in Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu

Mastitis is one of the major infectious diseases affecting dairy cows and causing economic loss. Majority of the rural dairy farmers are not aware of preventing mastitis through management practices. Lack of adoption of clean milk production practices is the major reason for mastitis. So the focus of study was imparting knowledge on clean milk production practices to dairy farmers from selected villages in Tiruchirapalli district along with management of mastitis in dairy animals through capacity building programme. After the adoption of clean milk production practices, there was remarkable reduction in the incidence of mastitis from 19.33 per cent to 2.4 per cent. The keeping quality of milk was also improved by enhancement in methylene blue dye reduction time (MBRT). This was an indirect indication of improved microbial quality of raw milk. The subclinical mastitis was monitored with somatic cell count (SCC) and the quarters of udder health by California mastitis test (CMT) respectively. The mastitic animal was treated effectively with suitable antibiotic by conducting antibiotic sensitivity test (ABST) and thereby protected the dairy farmers from huge economic loss.

The effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) powder addition as natural antibiotic on the quality of milk replacer for lamb during storage

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) powder addition as a natural antibiotic, temperature, and storage time on the quality of milk replacer for lam during storage. Turmeric powder addition equal to 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% (w/v), room temperature (28°C) and refrigerator temperature (5°C) stored for 5 days were used in this study. The parameters observed were Total Plate Count (TPC), bacterial growth by Methylene Blue Reduction Time (MBRT) test, resazurin test, organoleptic test (odor and texture), pH, acid number and protein level in milk replacer. The data were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with factorial pattern 4x2x2. If there were significant difference on each parameter, Duncan test was performed. The addition of turmeric powder with different levels on E. Coli growth, TPC, acid number, organoleptic, MBRT and resazurin test showed significant difference (P<0.01), but the parameter of pH and protein level does not showed significant difference (P>0.01). Comparison with control, samples with the addition of turmeric levels that are higher can inhibit bacterial growth, more effectively, besides the effect of the storage factor shows the result that the storage of milk replacer with the best quality is at (5°C) and 0 day.

Prevalence of latent acidotic stress in dairy cows in the Şanliurfa region

This study aimed to determine the incidence of latent acidotic stress (LAS), which is an important problem in dairy cow breeding in Turkey, to investigate net acid-base excretion in urine, and to provide veterinary doctors with information about the early diagnosis and treatment of LAS. Two study groups were formed according to the rumen fluid pH values: LAS group (19 cows) with 5.2 &lt; pH &lt; 6.0 (19 cows) and healthy group (81 cows) with 6.0 &lt; pH &lt; 7.2. Blood, urine and ruminal fluid samples were taken after a general clinical examination of the animals. The physical properties of the rumen fluid, methylene blue reduction time, total infusoria number, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) amounts were determined. In addition, examinations of blood gases, urine pH, and net acid-base excretion (NABE) were performed. The general physical examination did not reaveal any statistically significant difference in the body temperature between the LAS group (n = 19) and the control group (n = 81) (p = 0.614), but a significant increase in the heartbeat, respiratory frequency, and the number of rumen movements was observed in the LAS group (p = 0.001). The following findings were observed in the rumen fluid from cows of the LAS group: decreased methylene blue reduction time (p = 0.001), decreased pH (p = 0.001) and infusoria density (p = 0.001), increased sedimentation time (p = 0.001) and total VFA amount (p = 0.001), no flotation. Compared with the healthy cows, the LAS group showed decreased blood pH (p = 0.001) and oxygen pressure (pO2) (p = 0.001), increased carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2), base excess (BE) and bicarbonate (HCO3) values (p = 0.001), and decreased urine pH (p = 0.001) and net acid-base excretion (p = 0.001) values. The incidence of latent acidotic stress in dairy cows in the Sanliurfa region was determined as 19%. In addition, it was concluded that net acid-base excretion values in urine can be used as an auxiliary parameter in the diagnosis of LAS and can be easily applied in the field.

Effect of plastic foreign body impaction on rumen function and heavy metal concentrations in various body fluids and tissues of buffaloes.

Rumen impaction by plastic waste (PW) is a common condition in the developing countries where ruminants are reared under extensive grazing. As heavy metals (HM) are used in the manufacture of plastic, we hypothesized that buffaloes with PW impaction would have suboptimal rumen function and higher content of HM in the rumen fluid, sera and body tissues. Buffaloes at an abattoir were categorized into impacted with PW or not (Group C and B, respectively; n=30/group). From the animals of group C and B, rumen fluid and sera were collected ante-mortem, while muscle, liver and kidney were collected after exsanguination. Blood and rumen fluid of stall-fed buffaloes (Group A; n=15) served as known negative control. Rumen function was assessed by protozoal density, motility, pH, methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) and sedimentation activity time (SAT). Concentration of HM such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) in the body fluids, tissues and impacted PW was estimated by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). A significant decrease in the rumen protozoal density, motility and increase (P<0.05) in the rumen fluid pH, MBRT and SAT were observed in group C as compared to group A and B. Concentration of Pb, Hg and Cd showed a moderate to strong significant negative correlation with rumen function indicators. Quantitatively, Cu content (ppm) was highest in PW with 0.9±0.04. The concentration of HM in the body fluids and tissues was significantly (P<0.05) elevated in group C, but was below the toxic levels. In stall-fed buffaloes, Hg, Pb and Cd were undetectable in body fluids. Collectively, the results indicate that long term exposure of buffaloes to HM from PW affect the health, productivity and increase the risk of entering the food chain.

Alterations in Ruminal Fluid and Serum Biochemical Constituents in Goats Affected with Ruminal Acidosis

Ruminal acidosis is an important clinical emergency in small ruminants. In this study, eight healthy farm goats and 24 goats presented at TVCC of the college of Veterinary Sciences and A.H., Anand with clinical signs of ruminal acidosis and having rumen liquor pH below 6 were examined for alterations in the ruminal fluid and serum biochemical parameters. Among various rumen fluid parameters evaluated, the mean values of rumen fluid pH decreased significantly (4.71±0.11 vs. 6.90±0.10), while sediment activity time (46.67±1.20 vs. 24.50±0.78 min) and methylene blue reduction time (29.50±0.73 vs. 10.03±0.27 min) increased significantly in acidotic goats. The normal greenish, aromatic viscous color, odour and consistency of rumen fluid of healthy goats also changed to milky grey/creamy, sour/pungent watery in acidotic goats. The rumen protozoal activity decreased to nil in acidotic goats as compared to the healthy goats. Among various serum biochemical constituents, the mean values of glucose (92.43±1.37 vs. 74.13±1.83 mg/dl), BUN (26.49±0.47 vs. 22.63±1.19 mg/dl), serum creatinine (01.01±0.02 vs. 00.83±0.02 mg/dl) and albumin (03.22±0.03 vs. 03.05±0.05 g/dl), ALT (56.75±1.55 vs. 27.88±1.14 IU/L) and AST (93.25±1.82 vs. 54.00±1.75 IU/L), increased significantly, while there was significant decrease in serum calcium (09.09±0.14 vs. 10.29±0.08 mg/dl) in acidotic goats. The mean values of alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) in acidotic goats increased non-significantly from the base values of healthy goats.

Influence of food, storage temperature, and time on the extracorporeal viability of ruminal fluid of cattle

Rumen fluid obtained from slaughter houses is sometimes used for transfaunation. In this study, we evaluated the ruminal fluid of cattle fed on pasture or pasture and concentrate and slaughtered recently. The rumen fluid samples were stored in a water bath, at ambient temperature, cooled, or frozen and subjected to physical, chemical, and microbiological evaluation for 24 h. The color, consistency, and odor changed primarily in the cooled samples, followed by the ambient temperature and water bath samples. The pH of fresh ruminal fluid was 7.5 in the pasture group and 6.4 in the pasture and concentrate group. The methylene blue reduction time of the fresh ruminal fluid was 2.35 min in the pasture group and 1.86 min in the pasture and concentrate group; the best values were observed in the water bath group. The chloride content was 15.7 mEq/l in the pasture group and 16.3±3.6 mEq/l in the pasture and concentrate group. A predominance of gram-negative bacteria was observed. The concentration of protozoa was 51.5 in the pasture group and 47.5 × 104/ml in the pasture and concentrate group, with a slight predominance of small protozoa; motility was better in the water bath samples than in the ambient temperature, cooled, and frozen samples. The viability of ruminal fluid collected from freshly slaughtered cattle was influenced by food provided in vivo; however, changes as a function of time and storage temperature were more remarkable. The rumen fluid was viable for up to 9 h when stored in the water bath (38°C) and 2 h at ambient temperature, and it was observed to be nonviable when subjected to cooling or freezing.

Clinico-haemato-biochemical, Peritoneal Fluid and Rumen Fluid Alterations in Buffaloes with Peritonitis

This study was designed to investigate the clinico-haemato-biochemical, rumen fluid and peritoneal fluid alteration in buffaloes with peritonitis. Buffaloes with peritonitis had anorexia, dehydration, abdominal distension, ruminal atony, pain, fever, reduced milk yield and loss of defecation. Pungent smelling peritoneal fluid was yielded on abdominocentesis. Hemato-biochemical alterations revealed absolute neutrophilia, increased levels of plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, globulin and fibrinogen and decreased levels of plasma sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride. Peritoneal fluid analysis showed increased total leucocyte count, neutrophil count and total protein level. Whereas, rumen liquor of diseased buffaloes had microbial inactivity, increased methylene blue reduction time, increased ammonia nitrogen and decreased total volatile fatty acids.

Methylene blue reduction test in semen analysis of White Pekin ducks

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between methylene-blue reduction time (MBRT) and other semen quality parameters in duck by analysis of correlation coefficients. Semen ejaculates (32), collected at 2 days interval from 10 randomly selected drakes, were examined for different seminal parameters like pH, volume, colour, mass activity, individual motility, livability, concentration, number of spermatozoa per ejaculate, total sperm abnormality per cent and MBRT. The overall mean time to decolourise methylene blue in the white Pekin ducks was 10.03±0.24 min with a range from 8 to 13 min. MBRT was negatively correlated with mean spermatozoa concentration, number of spermatozoa per ejaculation and colour of semen samples but positively correlated with individual motility and livability. High correlation of MBRT with seminal parameters indicated its practical utility in monitoring semen characteristics.

Synthesis of Silver Nanorods from Food Industrial Waste and Their Application in Improving the Keeping Quality of Milk

A novel method for the synthesis of silver nanorods is reported, in which industrial milk waste was utilized, that were then used to extend the stability of milk. During the synthesis, the size of the silver nanorods were affected by pH and temperature. Silver nanorods were formed at alkaline pH in room temperature, whereas nanoparticles were formed in lower pH at elevated temperature. The obtained nanostructures were characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). These silver nanorods were used to control coliform and standard plate count (SPC) in milk. This was confirmed by an increase in 4 to 5 folds of methylene blue reduction time as compared to the control. The Hom inactivation model was proposed to express microbial inactivation in milk. The cytotoxic effect of silver nanorods shows that they have been nontoxic to humans even at higher concentration.

English

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of photoperiod on the seminal traits of crossbreed wool-producing rams throughout one year period. For the effect of photoperiod (PTP), two periods were considered: Decreasing daylight length (summer and autumn) and the other, increasing daylight length. For this study, 5 Baluchi × Moghani (BL × MG) and 5 Arkharmerino × Moghani (AM × MG) rams were used. Semen collection started from first of October 2010 to end of September 2011. After a training period of 2 weeks, semen ejaculates were evaluated for volume, total sperm/ejaculate (TSE), concentration (SC), color, wave motion (WM), percentage of progressive motility (PM), percentage of live sperm (LS) and abnormal sperm (SAB), pH, methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) and semen index (SI). Analysis of the year long data showed that semen with the best quality was collected in September to November (P 0.05). Although, there were significant seasonal changes in seminal traits of the crosses, the fresh semen showed adequate quality to be used for artificial or natural insemination throughout the year. PTP was found to influence semen production in two genetic groups at 38°02' N, 46°27' E and an altitude of 1567 m above sea level of Iran. However, these effects were not detrimental to the use of rams for breeding purposes throughout the year. Key words: Genetic group, crossbreed ram, photoperiod, seasonal variation, spermatozoa

Influence of chicken native breeds on some physical and biochemical characteristics and short-term storage of semen

1. The major objective of this study was to examine the influence of 24-h storage of semen at low temperature on semen characteristics and fertilising ability of spermatozoa in two native breeds (Kadaknath – KN, Aseel Peela – AP) and White Leghorn (WL) chicken. 2. Various physical and biochemical properties of freshly ejaculated semen of KN and AP were investigated. Fertility was examined in freshly-ejaculated as well as 24-h-stored (3°C) semen diluted (1:3) with Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender. 3. No significant difference was observed in sperm motility among the different breeds whereas live counts were higher in WL than the native breeds. Body weight, semen volume and sperm concentration were highest in AP, followed by KN and WL. A similar trend was observed in the percentage of dead and morphologically-abnormal spermatozoa. 4. The activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase in seminal plasma were higher in WL than KN, whereas the opposite trend was recorded for glutamic oxaloacetic and pyruvic transaminases. The cholesterol content of semen was highest in AP, followed by KN and WL. Cholesterol was much lower in seminal plasma compared with whole semen but there were no differences between breeds. Mean values of the methylene blue reduction time test were higher in WL than in the native breeds. 5. Fertility and hatchability, using freshly-diluted semen, were poorer in the native breeds than in WL. The pattern of fertility deteriorated further, especially in native fowls, when the birds were inseminated with 24-h-stored semen. 6. In conclusion, variation in physical and biochemical characteristics of semen in native breeds compared to WL correlated with poor fertility after short-term storage of semen.