Reproductive Performance Parameters Research Articles

Infection and Coinfection of Porcine-Selected Viruses (PPV1 to PPV8, PCV2 to PCV4, and PRRSV) in Gilts and Their Associations with Reproductive Performance.

Seven novel porcine parvoviruses (nPPVs) (PPV2 through PPV8) have been described, although their pathogenicity and possible effects on porcine reproductive failure (PRF) are undefined. In this study, these nPPVs were assessed in gilts from Colombia; their coinfections with PPV1, PCV2, PCV3, PCV4, and PRRSV and an association between the nPPVs and the reproductive performance parameters (RPPs) in sows were determined. For this, 234 serum samples were collected from healthy gilts from 40 herds in five Colombian regions, and the viruses were detected via real-time PCR. The results confirmed the circulation of PPV2 through PPV7 in Colombia, with PPV3 (40%), PPV5 (20%), and PPV6 (17%) being the most frequent. Additionally, no PCV4 or PPV8 was detected. PPV2 to PPV7 were detected in concurrence with each other and with the primary PRF viruses, and these coinfections varied from double to sextuple coinfections. Additionally, the association between nPPVs and PRF primary viruses was statistically significant for the presence of PPV6 in PCV3-positive (p < 0.01) and PPV5 in PPRSV-positive (p < 0.05) gilts; conversely, there was a significant presence of PPV3 in both PCV2-negative (p < 0.01) and PRRSV-negative (p < 0.05) gilts. Regarding the RPPs, the crude association between virus detection (positive or negative) and a high or low RPP was only statistically significant for PCV3 and the farrowing rate (FR), indicating that the crude odds of a low FR were 94% lower in herds with PCV3-positive gilts. This finding means that the detection of PCV3 in gilts (PCV3-positive by PCR) is associated with a higher FR in the farm or that these farms (with positive gilts) have lower odds (OR 0.06, p-value 0.0043) of a low FR. Additionally, a low FR tended to be associated with the detection of PPV4 and PPV5 (p-value < 0.20). This study is important for establishing the possible participation of nPPVs in PRF.

Role of Vitamin E Supplementation on the Reproductive and Growth Performance, Hormonal Profile and Biochemical Parameters of Female Hybrid Red Tilapia

AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin E (VE) supplementation on the reproductive and growth performance, hormonal profile, and biochemical parameters of female hybrid red tilapia before spawning season. Seventy-two female hybrid red tilapia were caught with an average body-weight 272.56 ± 34.84g and an average total length 24.3 ± 2.5 cm. Healthy fish were distributed equally into 4 treatments supplemented with (0, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg) of VE given for 8 weeks. VE significantly improved weight gain, length gain, specific growth rate, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio. 50 mg of VE/kg diet could improve the viscerosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and gonadosomatic index. Also, it could improve the parameters of biochemical (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, and alkaline phosphatase) and haematology (total erythrocytic and leucocytic count, hematocrit and hemoglobin) and increase FSH, LH, E2 and, progesterone concentrations significantly. The conclusion revealed that the addition of 50 mg of VE /kg diet has a beneficial impact on reproductive and growth performance, hormonal profile, and biochemical parameters of female hybrid red tilapia. So, it is advisable for adding 50 mg/kg of vitamin E to the fish diet before the spawning season (pre-spawning).

Effects of Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Reproductive Performance and Biochemical Parameters of Lactating Cows in Arid Subtropics

Effects of Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Reproductive Performance and Biochemical Parameters of Lactating Cows in Arid Subtropics

Anacardato de cálcio como fonte de compostos fenólicos na dieta para coelhas Nova Zelândia Branco

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the dietary addition of calcium anacardate as a source of phenolic compounds on the reproductive performance and blood antioxidant parameters of New Zealand White female rabbits. Twenty-seven New Zealand White female rabbits were distributed in a randomized complete block design with three treatments and nine replicates, considering one animal as the experimental unit. The treatments consisted of pelleted diets with different inclusion levels of calcium anacardate (0, 0.5, and 1.0%). The inclusion of calcium anacardate in the diets increased the concentration of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity in the blood of lactating female rabbits. Calcium anacardate at the level of 1.0% improves the feed conversion ratio during gestation and increases the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in the blood serum of female rabbits at 21 days of lactation.

Development of a new protocol for estrus induction and synchronizationin multiparous weaned sows

Estrus induction and estrus synchronization with P.G. 600 to improve the reproductive performance of multiparous sows is a standard protocol. However, its nonavailability in India and higher cost warrants development of new protocols without compromising the reproductive performance. The present study compared the efficacy of two different protocols for estrus induction and synchronization in multiparous sows. The sows (n=80) were randomly divided into two groups. In group-I, sows (n=40) were injected with P.G. 600 (equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG] 400 I.U. and human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] 200 I.U.) and in group-II, P.G. 450 (eCG 300 I.U. and hCG 150 I.U.) intramuscularly. Reproductive performance parameters, including estrus induction, treatment to estrus induction interval, estrus duration, farrowing rate, live born piglets/litter, stillborn piglets, total piglets born/litter, litter size at weaning and pre-weaning mortality were analyzed between two groups. Estrus induction and farrowing rate were numerically higher in group-II but statistically nonsignificant. Treatment to estrus induction interval was 55.59 h and 55.57 h, respectively in group-I and group-II. Similarly, total litter size at birth and litter size at weaning were non-statistically higher in group-II as compared to group-I. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that estrus induction and synchronization can be successfully achieved in multiparous sows with P.G. 450 and this will reduce the cost of hormonal treatment and optimize the reproductive efficiency in Indian condition.

Energy efficiency, reproductive performance, and metabolic parameters of grazing Hereford heifers

Feed and energy efficiency have been topics of extensive research in recent years, with residual feed intake (RFI) being the preferred index to determine feed efficiency in beef cattle. Nevertheless, the biggest downside of RFI is that its measurement requires accurately determining individual feed intake, which leads to the need to carry out RFI trials in confinement conditions. In this context, residual heat production (RHP), defined as the difference between observed and predicted heat production, presents an alternative to determine efficiency in grazing conditions as it is independent of feed intake. This work aimed to evaluate the repeatability of RHP and study its relationship with metabolic, endocrine, and reproductive variables. Seventy-four Hereford heifers were used, and at the beginning of the experimental period, heifers were 18 ± 0.7-month-old and weighed on average 278 ± 26 kg. Heat production (HP) was determined at the beginning (March to May; fall) and at the end (September to November; spring) of the experiment using the heart rate-O2 pulse technique to classify heifers according with the residual heat production (RHP). Efficient heifers showed lower HP (P < 0.01), ME (P < 0.01), and DM intake (P < 0.01) without differences in retained energy (RE; only in spring). During fall, average daily gain (ADG) was not included in the estimated HP model; therefore, although, as in RFI, RHP should be independent of BW and ADG, a trend for greater ADG and RE was found for efficient when compared with inefficient heifers. Decreased maintenance requirements (NEm and MEm) as well as higher partial efficiency of use of consumed ME (k) were estimated for more efficient heifers (low RHP; HH), while efficient heifers showed an earlier luteal phase and a shorter service-conception interval and calved earlier in the season, probably associated to an earlier development of fat tissue. Excluding glucose, no major differences were found in the plasma metabolites between groups. However, high-efficiency animals showed positive correlations with cholesterol and negative ones with NEFA plasma concentrations during fall.

Physiological role of dietary energy in the sexual maturity: clues of body size, gonad development, and serum biochemical parameters of Chinese indigenous chicken

Sexual maturity is a crucial factor in the formation and development of poultry reproductive capacity. The nutritional status has been confirmed to play an important role in the regulation of sexual maturity. To investigate the effect of dietary energy levels on sexual maturity in chicken, diets with 3 energy levels (group L: 2,573 kcal/kg, group C: 2,836 kcal/kg, group H: 3,122 kcal/kg) were implemented to feed Guangyuan Gray chickens. During this trial, body weight, body size, organ development, sexual maturity, reproductive performance and blood biochemical parameters were monitored. The earlier sexual maturity was observed in group H, as well as a heavier first egg weight, larger interpubic distance and higher total cholesterol (T-CHO) content at sexual maturity. The dietary energy levels had no significant effect on body weight at first egg and egg production at 300 d of age. Although dietary energy levels had a significant effect on body weight, comb length, tibia length and girth, abdominal fat weight, oviduct weight and length, T-CHO, triglyceride (TG) content and estradiol (E2) level during the rearing period. No significant difference of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) level among 3 groups was observed during the trial. The dietary energy levels had effects on mRNA expression of GnRH, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) in hypothalamus, gonadotropin inhibitory hormone receptor (GnIHR) in pituitary and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), ESR2 in ovary. The GnIHR/GnRHR ratio in pituitary was higher before sexual maturity and decreased at sexual maturity. The results of correlations analysis found that all the body size, carcass traits, serum biochemical parameters negatively correlated with age at first egg except for interpubic distance and serum blood glucose content. Collectively, dietary energy levels had effects on sexual maturity of chicken, which may be achieved by affecting body weight, gonad development, endocrine and the mRNA expression of genes related to hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis. These results further set our understanding of how dietary energy regulates sexual maturity.

Paternal low-dose benzo(a)pyrene exposure in rats impairs sexual development and fertility of the paternal lineage in F2 generation: A transgenerational study

The field of Paternal Origins of Health and Disease (POHaD) is highly relevant but remains under-explored. The F2 generation from males indirectly exposed (F1 - via germ cells) to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), named PF2, was investigated in this study under parameters of sexual development and reproductive performance of male and female rats. Male Wistar rats (F0) were exposed to BaP (0.1 µg/kg/day) for 31 consecutive days (gavage) during prepuberty. The F0 rats were mated with untreated females to produce male offspring (F1), which were exposed to BaP via germ cells. The F1 males were later mated with untreated females to obtain the PF2 generation, which was the focus of our investigation. Our findings showed that PF2 males exhibited a decrease in anogenital distance, fertility potential, testosterone levels, and type A sperm. Meanwhile, PF2 females had an earlier vaginal opening, lower lordosis scores, and decreased fertility. Furthermore, changes in the histomorphology of the testis/epididymis and ovary/uterus were observed. The repercussions of the PF2 generation indicate that these animals showed losses in both sexual development and fertility potential, and we can conclude that this damage remained due to paternal transgenerational inheritance caused by a low dose of BaP.

Genotoxicity and maternal-fetal safety of the dried extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) in Wistar rats.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae), popularly known as "neem", is used for the treatment of rheumatism, cancer, ulcers, diabetes, respiratory problems, among others. This species is present on six continents and contains more than 400 bioactive compounds. Practically all parts of the plant are used in the treatment of diseases. Although it is widely used, no study has evaluated the safety of this species throughout the gestational period in Wistar rats. To evaluate the genotoxicity and the effect of treatment with dried extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica on maternal toxicity and fetal development. The dried extract of leaves of A. indica was obtained by spray drying after percolation of the plant material in 30% ethanol (w/w). The total flavonoids and rutin contents of the extract were determined by spectrophotometric method and HPLC-DAD, respectively. Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 40) were divided into four groups (n = 10/group): one control and three groups treated with dried extract of leaves of A. indica at doses of 300, 600 or 1200 mg/kg. Treatments were carried out from gestational day (GD) 0-20. During gestation, clinical signs of toxicity, weight gain, feed and water consumption of the dams were evaluated. On GD 21, rats were euthanized and cardiac blood was collected. Liver, kidneys, lung, heart, uterus, ovaries and bone marrow were collected. Reproductive performance parameters, histopathological analysis, biochemistry and genotoxicity were evaluated. Fetuses were evaluated for external morphology, skeletal and visceral changes. The total flavonoid content of the extract ranged from 2.64 to 3.01%, and the rutin content was 1.07%. There was no change in body mass gain, food and water consumption between the evaluated groups. There was also no difference between the groups in terms of biochemical parameters, reproductive performance, histopathological analysis of the mother's organs and genotoxicity. Supernumerary ossification sites of the sternum were observed, and other skeletal and visceral alterations were not significant. The treatment did not induce maternal toxicity, it was neither embryotoxic nor fetotoxic. The extract was not potentially genotoxic, and at a dose of 1200 mg/kg, it caused changes in the ossification of the sternum.

The ethanolic extract of Salvia lachnostachys Benth is not maternotoxic, does not alter reproductive performance, but has teratogenic potential

Salvia lachnostachys Benth is native to Brazil and has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, cytotoxic, antitumor, and antihyperalgesic activities. The population, including pregnant women, consume this plant to treat pain, inflammation, flu, spasms, insomnia, and depression, mainly. There are no safety reports on the use of this plant during pregnancy. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of S. lachnostachys ethanolic extract (EESl) on reproductive performance, embryofetal development, and DNA integrity of pregnant female mice. Pregnant females were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 10): The Control group was treated with a vehicle, and treatment groups were administered with EESl at 100 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. Treatment occurred by gavage throughout the gestational period until day 18. Afterward, reproductive performance, embryofetal development, and DNA integrity parameters were evaluated. The results indicated that EESl did not alter any reproductive performance parameters. However, it changed embryofetal outcome through reduced placental weight (EESl 100 mg/kg), decreased fetal weight (EESl 100 and 1000 mg/kg), and increased frequency of small for gestational age fetuses (EESl 1000 mg/kg). In addition, EES1 increased the frequency of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations. Because of the above, it is considered that EESl is not maternotoxic, does not alter reproductive performance, but does alter embryofetal development. Its use in the gestational period is not indicated due to its teratogenic potential.

Effects of Housing Density on Reproductive Performance, Intracage Ammonia, and Welfare of Mice Continuously Housed as Breeders in Standard Mouse and Rat Caging.

Maintaining compliance with cage density recommendations in The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals precludes continuous trio breeding in standard-sized mouse cages. This study evaluated and compared several parameters of reproductive performance, intracage ammonia concentration, and fecal corticosterone levels in 2 strains of mice, C57BL/6J (B6) and B6.129S(Cg)-Stat1tm1Dlv/J (STAT1-/-), housed as continuous breeding pairs or trios in standard-sized mouse cages, and continuous breeding trios in standard-sized rat cages. Reproductive performance data indicated that STAT1-/- trios raised in rat cages weaned significantly more pups per litter than did STAT1-/- trios raised in mouse cages, and B6 mice had higher pup survival rates at weaning than did STAT1-/- mice in mouse cages housing continuous breeding trios. In addition, the Production Index was significantly higher for B6 breeding trios in rat cages than for B6 trios in mouse cages. Intracage ammonia concentration increased with cage density, with significantly higher ammonia concentrations in mouse cages housing trios compared with rat cages housing trios. However, fecal corticosterone levels did not differ significantly regardless of genotype, breeding configuration, or cage size, and daily health checks revealed no clinical abnormalities under any of the conditions evaluated. These results suggest that, although continuous trio breeding in standard-sized mouse cages does not seem to compromise mouse welfare, it offers no advantage in reproductive performance compared with pair breeding, and in some cases, it might be disadvantageous in this regard. Further, high intracage ammonia in mouse cages containing breeding trios might necessitate more frequent cage changes.

Comparison of reproductive performance of Gembrong goats and male Boerka goats

&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;This study aims to compare the reproductive performance of Boerka goats and Gembrong goats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The research was conducted at the Sei Putih Slaughter Goat Research Workshop in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. In this study, male Boerka (n=3) and Gembrong (n=3) goats, aged 3 years and having the same average Body Condition Score (BCS) of 3.83±0.29, were used. Reproductive performance observed included scrotal circumference, libido score, and semen quality macroscopically (volume, color, odor, and consistency) and microscopically (concentration, motility, viability, and abnormalities). The data collected was tabulated and analyzed by t test.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Of all the parameters of reproductive performance examined, it is known that only the parameters of semen volume (ml) and sperm concentration (x106 cells/ml) showed a significant difference (P&amp;lt;0.05) between Gembrong goats vs. Boerka goats with values of 0.50±0.0 vs. 1.0±0.20 and 1.557±712 vs. 4.500±317.65, respectively, while the other parameters did not show a significant difference (P&amp;gt;0.05).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; It was concluded that the volume and concentration of Boerka goats were higher than Gembrong goats.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Analysis of MTNR1A Genetic Polymorphisms and Their Association with the Reproductive Performance Parameters in Two Mediterranean Sheep Breeds.

Sheep farming plays an important economic role, and it contributes to the livelihoods of many rural poor in several regions worldwide and particularly in Tunisia. Therefore, the steady improvement of ewes' reproductive performance is a pressing need. The MTNR1A gene has been identified as an important candidate gene that plays a key role in sheep reproduction and its sexual inactivity. It is involved in the control of photoperiod-induced seasonality mediated by melatonin secretion. The aim of this study was to identify SNPs in the MTNR1A gene in two Tunisian breeds, Barbarine (B) and Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO). DNA extracted from the blood of 77 adult ewes was sequenced. Selected ewes were exposed to adult fertile rams. A total of 26 SNPs were detected; 15 SNPs in the promoter region and 11 SNPs in the exon II were observed in both (B) and (QFO) breeds. The SNP rs602330706 in exon II is a novel SNP detected for the first time only in the (B) breed. The SNPs rs430181568 and rs40738822721 (SNP18 and SNP20 in our study, respectively) were totally linked in this study and can be considered a single marker. DTL was associated with SNP18 and SNP20 in (B) ewes (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was detected between the three genotypes (G/G, G/A, and A/A) at these two SNPs. Fertility rate and litter size parameters were not affected by SNP18 and SNP20. There was an association between these two polymorphisms and (B) lambs' birth weights (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ewes with the A/A genotype gave birth to lambs with a higher weight compared to the other two genotypes for this breed (p < 0.05). There was not an association between SNP 18 and SNP20 and (QFO) ewes' reproductive parameters. These results might be considered in future sheep selection programs for reproductive genetic improvement.

The effect of L-carnitine administered to pregnant mice on reproductive performance of female offsprings

Carnitine was detected at the beginning of the previous. In the last 30 years, interest in the metabolism and functions of carnitine has steadily increased. Carnitine plays an essential role in fatty acid metabolism by facilitating the transport of long-chain free fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix, making them available for β-oxidation, which is the most efficient metabolic pathway for energy production. The present study was performed to determine the effects of L-carnitine administered to pregnant mice on some parameters of reproductive performance for their female offspring. Sixty healthy female mice (age: 6 weeks) were used in this study, and divided into two equal groups including control group (mothers administered distilled water during gestation period)and treated group (mothers administered 1 mg/Kg L-carnitine during gestation period). Blood samples were taken from their female offspring for assessment of serum hormones (FSH, LH and E2). Also, weight of reproductive system for female offspring was recorded, and then histological sections were prepared for the uterus and ovary to measure the diameters uterine gland and ovary, in addition to measure endometrial thickness. Significant elevation (P&lt;0.01) was observed in the levels of serum gonadotropins (FSH and LH) and E2 for the treated group as compared to the control group. Weight of female reproductive system for the treated group was highly significant increased (P&lt;0.01) as compared to the control group. Also, significant increment (P&lt;0.05) was noticed in the thickness of endometrium for the treated as compared to the control group. Similarly, diameters of ovary and uterine glands for treated group were increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Administration low doses of L-carnitine to pregnant mice have positive effects on reproductive performance of their female offspring. Further studies are recommended to investigate effects of L-carnitine to pregnant mice on oogenesis for their female offspring.

Effect of delayed mating on reproductive performance and life-history parameters of dengue vector Aedes aegypti.

Dengue is a fast-spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. The primary vector of the disease is Aedes aegypti of the family Culicidae. It is a container breeder. Since a vaccine or a drug has not been developed against dengue, vector control appears to be the best method so far to control dengue. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of delayed mating on fecundity, fertility, life-history parameters, and longevity of Ae. aegypti, because such information can help formulate integrated vector control strategies involving the release of sub-fertile males into the environment. During this study, mating was delayed by 0, 2, 5, and 8 days after emergence. Males and females were separated by hand at the pupal stage using the apparent size difference of the sexes. The separated pupae were kept in separate cages until emergence. When mating was delayed for 8 days, the number of eggs laid by the female declined by 38%, and the percentage number of eggs that hatched reduced by 24%. However, the percentage of larval mortality, duration of the larval and pupal periods, and adult longevity were not significantly affected. The current results indicate that delayed mating has a negative effect on the reproductive performance of vector mosquitoes.

Dietary organic trace mineral supplement affects steroid hormone, antioxidant enzyme concentrations, and reproductive performances in dairy cows

Supplementation of organic trace mineral (OTM) may affect reproductive functions in several aspects and has been studied, but very rare is reported in dairy cows. To determine the effects of dietary OTM supplement during pre- and postpartum with timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on steroid hormones, antioxidant enzymes, and reproductive performances in dairy cows. Prepartum Holstein cows (n = 60) were randomly assigned to received either a control diet or OTM supplemented for 42 days. Both groups were fed the same total mixed ration, but were supplemented with 5 g/head/d OTM (Bioplex®) in the treatment group. Blood and follicular fluid samples were collected to determine progesterone (P4), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and estradiol (E2) concentrations. Cows fed OTM had better placental expulsion period, milk yield, and reproductive performance parameters (day to first ovulation and estrus, percentage of first estrus and size of preovulatory follicle) than control cows (P &lt; 0.05). Cows fed OTM affected (P &lt; 0.05) the serum concentration of P4 on days 12, 15, 18, 21, and 42 after TAI. Follicular fluid concentrations of E2 in large follicle in OTM cows were greater than control cows (336.3 and 376.9 ng/mL; P &lt; 0.05). Cows supplemented with OTM had greater serum SOD and GSH-Px activities than control cows (15.5 vs. 10.6 U/mL and 12.1 vs. 9.9 U/mL; P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, supplements with OTM improved uterine and placental health, steroid hormones concentrations, and antioxidant enzyme activities but did not improve conception rate in dairy cows.

Postpartum reproductive performance and blood parameters of Egyptian buffalos treated with some hormones and propylene glycol, or their combination

Postpartum reproductive performance and blood parameters of Egyptian buffalos treated with some hormones and propylene glycol, or their combination

Reproductive and Productive Performance of Crossbred and Terai Cattle in Bardiya District of Nepal

To compare the reproductive and productive performance of exotic crossbreds and indigenous Terai cattle under farmers' management condition, a household survey was carried out in 218 households of Bardiya, Nepal. Total of 262 cows [Jersey cross (n=107), Holstein cross (n=24) and indigenous Terai cattle (n=131)] were considered to determine the production and reproduction parameters. The age at first calving in months was the lowest in Jersey crossbred (27.8±1.8) followed by Holstein cross (29.5±4.0) and Terai cattle (45.7±3) (P&lt;0.05). However, the number of services per conception, calving to conception interval (in months) and inter-calving interval (in months) were shorter in Terai cattle (1.3±0.7, 3.4±1.4 and 12.6±1.9) compared to Jersey cross (1.7±1.3, 4.4±2.2 and 13.5±3.1) and Holstein cross (1.8±0.9, 5.7±2.8 and 14.9±4.7), respectively (P&lt;0.05). Total 6.5% of cattle had a history of reproductive problems; Incidence of repeat breeding tended (P&lt;0.1)) to be higher in Jersey cross (8.4%) and Holstein cross (8.3%) than in Terai cattle (3.0%). Daily peak milk yield (L/day) was significantly lower in Terai cattle (1.7±1.1) than Jersey cross (13.5±3.1) and Holstein cross (14.9±4.7). The lactation length (months) was significantly shorter in Terai cattle than exotic crossbreds. Consequently, the length of dry period (in months) was significantly longer in Terai cattle (5.2±2.1) than in Jersey cross (2.5±0.9) and Holstein cross (2.2±0.7). The reproductive performance parameters in exotic crossbred cows under the farmers' management condition were satisfactory; however, their productivity was low. Thus, the good reproductive traits and variations in productivity of Terai cattle can be utilized in cross breeding programs.

Toxicological effects of the Morinda citrifolia L. fruit extract on maternal reproduction and fetal development in rats

Morinda citrifolia L., also known as Noni, is widely used plant in folk medicine for various therapeutic purposes. However, reports on its effects during pregnancy are limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the M. citrifolia fruit extract on maternal performance and fetal development during pregnancy in rats. Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 12/group) were treated from gestational days (GD) 0–21 with water (control group) or the aqueous extract of M. citrifolia fruit at doses of 200, 400, or 750 mg/kg, orally. During pregnancy, clinical signs of toxicity, maternal weight, feed intake, and water consumption were noted. On GD 21, the rats were anesthetized and blood was collected to evaluate various biochemical parameters. During laparotomy, reproductive performance parameters were recorded, and fetuses were weighed and the anomalies analyzed. Reduced placental efficiency and fetal growth restriction were observed in the group treated with 400 mg/kg of M. citrifolia extract. The highest dose (750 mg/kg) augmented aspartate aminotransferase concentration and preimplantation losses, while reducing the number of live fetuses. Furthermore, both doses (400 and 750 mg/kg) of the plant extract caused fetal anomalies. In conclusion, consumption of high doses of the M. citrifolia aqueous extrac during pregnancy leads to maternal hepatotoxicity, anti-implantation effects, intrauterine growth restriction and fetal abnormalities, indicating that the plant fruit extract can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus.

Effect of Different Wheat-Based Diets and Corn Meal Addition on Development Parameters of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The expansion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including biological control, has had several positive consequences for the agricultural environment and participants in the production chain. To enable successful operation and applications of biological control, production of insects used for rearing natural enemies (parasitoids and predators) must be optimized to reduce time and costs and improve production both qualitatively and quantitatively. The present study evaluated the effect of wheat varieties, the main component of artificial diets for Ephestia kuehniella, on the reproductive performance and biological parameters of this flour moth, which is used for mass production of Trichogramma spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and other parasitoids and predators. Four varieties of wheat were compared: BRS 327, BRS Marcante, BRS Parrudo, and KBR, with and without the addition of corn E. kuehniella reared on 97% BRS 327 wheat flour + 3% nutritional yeast had the best biological parameters and substitution of corn for about half of the wheat increased the number of eggs per female.