Silent Heat Research Articles

Gayo horse’s estrogen concentration after pospartum silent heat therapy using intramuscularly vitamin A, D, E

Abstract Silent heat is a condition in which livestock does not show symptoms of heat but physiologically estrus occurs due to low concentrations of the estrogen. Vitamins are small organic compounds that are needed by horses for the process of development, reproduction, and activity. Vitamin preparations are easily obtained and economically for breeders. This research aimed to observe differences in estrogen concentrations in postpartum silent heat gayo horses before and after therapy using intramuscularly vitamins A, D, E. Four of six gayo mares suspected of postpartum silent heat after diagnosis using ultrasound were used in this study. Four gayo mares were divided into two groups, the control group (K1, n=1) was only injected with NaCl and the therapy group (K2, n=3) was injected with vitamins A, D, E intramuscularly twice with an interval of one week. Blood plasma samples were collected before and after therapy for 7 days, then stored in the freezer at -20°C for analysis of estrogen concentrations using EIA. Data before and after therapy were analyzed using paired sample t-test and data between groups were reported descriptively. The results showed that the estrogen concentration of postpartum silent heat gayo horses in K1 was not significantly different (P>0.05) before and after NaCl injection (251.71±57.90 vs 255.56±84.14 pg/ml), while there was a significant difference in K2 (P<0.05) before and after vitamin A, D, E therapy (194.82±56.64 vs 557.11±96.55 pg/ml). Descriptively, there were differences in the concentration of the hormone estrogen in K1 and K2 after postpartum silent heat therapy. The conclusion is postpartum silent heat therapy using vitamins A, D, E in gayo horses can increase the concentration of the hormone estrogen in the estrous phase which has an impact on the appearance of estrus symptoms that is more clearly and easily observed by breeders.

Untargeted metabolomics of buffalo urine reveals hydracyrlic acid, 3-bromo-1-propanol and benzyl serine as potential estrus biomarkers

Buffalo is a silent heat animal and doesn't show prominent signs of estrous like cattle so it becomes difficult for farmers to determine the receptivity of the animal based purely on the animal behaviour. India, having a huge population size, needs to produce more milk for the population. Successful artificial insemination greatly depends on the receptivity of the animal. Hence the present study aimed to identify the changes in the metabolome of the buffalo. GC–MS based mass spectrometric analysis was deployed for the determination of estrous by differential expression of metabolites. It was found that hydracrylic acid, 3-bromo-1-propanol and benzyl serine were significantly upregulated in the estrous phase of buffalo (p.value ≤0.05, FC ≥ 2). The pathway enrichment analysis also supported the same as pathways related to amino acid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism were up regulated along with the Warburg effect which is linked to the rapid cell proliferation which might help prepare animals to meet the energy requirement during the estrous. Further analysis of the metabolic biomarkers using ROC analysis also supported these three metabolites as probable biomarkers as they were identified with AUC values of 0.7 or greater. SignificanceThe present study focuses on the untargeted metabolomics studies of buffalo urine with special reference to the estrous phase of reproductive cycle. The estrous signals are more prominent in cattle, where animals show clear estrous signals such as mounting and discharge along with vocal signals. Buffalo is a silent heat animal and it becomes difficult for farmers to detect the estrous based on the physical and behavioral signals. Hence the present study focuses on GC–MS based untargeted metabolomics to identify differentially expressed urine metabolites. In this study, hydracrylic acid, 3-bromo-1-propanol and benzyl serine were found to be significantly upregulated in the estrous phase of buffalo (p-value ≤0.05, FC ≥ 2). Further confirmation of the metabolic biomarkers was done using Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis which also supported these three metabolites as probable biomarkers as they had AUC values of 0.7 or greater. Hence, this study will be of prime importance for the people working in the area of animal metabolomics.

Effect of GnRH treatment as a potential solution for ovarian disorders in dairy cows infected with foot and mouth disease in Indonesian smallholder farms.

The outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Indonesia induces reproductive disorders in dairy cows that lead to economic losses to smallholder dairy farms. The study was to assess the influence of FMD on reproductive traits and evaluate the effect of gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH) administrations on the reproductive performance in FMD-infected dairy cows. The study was conducted in Jemowo village, Taman Sari sub-district, Boyolali district, Central Java, Indonesia. A total of 155 cows were used to identify the reproductive disorders on FMD-infected dairy cows aged 2-10 years old. Cows were raised in similar conditions and fed diets. A single dose of 2 ml GnRH was injected intramuscularly into 96 ovarian disorder cows. Reproductive performance was measured by service per conception (S/C), conception rate (CR), and pregnancy rate (PR). A descriptive study was conducted to demonstrate the results. The study showed that 61.9% of FMD-infected cows had reproductive disorders, whereby 53.5% ovarian hypofunction, 4.52% silent heat, 1.94% repeat breeder, 1.29% ovarian atrophy, and 0.65% endometritis. FMD-infected cows injected with GnRH had a 98% reproductive recovery rate. Moreover, the S/C, CR, and PR of cows injected with GnRH were 2.02%, 51%, and 85%. GnRH administrations enhanced the reproductive traits of FMD-infected dairy cows indicated by the improvement of CR and PR.

Factors and mechanisms influencing seasonal disorders in pig reproduction

The problem of unsatisfactory reproductive results in pigs is visible in a significant percentage of herds, especially during summer months and early autumn (seasonal summer infertility). This is reflected mainly in the reduced percentage of sows entering estrus after weaning and the effectiveness of mating/insemination. The consequence is a significantly lower number of births in November, December and sometimes even in January, compared to other seasons. There are many causes of seasonal summer infertility. The first things mentioned are usually the length of the light day and the high temperature in the pigs environment. An important reason that is not often discussed is the daily temperature fluctuations which usually occur at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Persistent unfavorable conditions are responsible for long-term stress. Hormonal disorders related to stress, leading to reproductive disorders, result from connections taking place in the hypothalamus between the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG), which regulates, among others, the reproductive functions of the ovaries, and the hypothalamus – pituitary – adrenal axis – HPA which governs organism reaction to stress. Under stressful conditions, glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone) secreted in large amounts by the adrenal glands, as well as adrenaline, norepinephrine and, in small amounts, dopamine, may inhibit reproductive functions at the level of the hypothalamus, reducing the secretion of GnRH. At the same time, by reaching the pituitary gland, these hormones limit the sensitivity of the cells of this endocrine gland to GnRH. As a consequence, the maturation of follicles slows down, the number of ovulating and rupturing follicles decreases, and the secretion of estrogen is reduced. The consequence is the absence of heat or, more often, the so-called “silent heat”. Another problem is the uneven maturation of the follicles, which leads to a delayed appearance of estrus and its longer duration: 3-4 days. The final effect of these is a decrease in the rate of females presenting heat after weaning of piglets, a deterioration in the mating/insemination success rate, an increase in the rate of early abortions and percentage of litters with a small number of piglets in a litter. The summary stated that despite the identification of various seasonal causes of reproductive disorders in pigs, depending on both sows and boars, and the availability of various “tools” to reduce phenomenon of seasonal infertility, the presented problem has not been solved in a large percentage of swine farms. Its intensity varies and depends primarily on awareness, knowledge of ways to eliminate unfavorable conditions and determination in this regard. The first step, as always, is to objectively assess the situation. The assessment can be made through a detailed analysis of production data.

Genomic Study of Silent Heat: A Novel Mutation in HSD17β1 Gene Muting the Potential of Black Gold of Asia

Genomic Study of Silent Heat: A Novel Mutation in HSD17β1 Gene Muting the Potential of Black Gold of Asia

Quantification of Urinary Exosome Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Levels during Estrus and Diestrus Stages of Buffaloes

Background: The efficiency of reproduction in buffaloes can be increased by being able to spot buffaloes in estrus, as silent heat is a severe problem in this species. Proteins of urinary exosomes are identified to be better physiological biomarkers when compared to cell free proteins as these extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny in size, have additional protection from degradation by endogenous protease activity and are involved in intercellular communication. Hence, the present study was aimed to quantify the urinary exosome sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels during estrus and diestrus stages of buffaloes to determine its suitability as a marker for identifying buffaloes in estrus. Methods: The grouping of animals as mid-diestrus (Group-I/G-I/Control group), regular estrus (Group-II/G-II) and silent estrus (Group-III/G-III) buffaloes was done using a combinatorial approach. The levels of SHBG in urinary exosomes of three groups of animals was quantified using the bovine SHBG ELISA kit. Result: The present study’s findings showed significantly higher urinary exosome SHBG concentration (p less than 0.05) in G-I in comparison to G-II and G-III. The present study revealing for decreased concentration of urinary exosome SHBG in G-II and G-III animals when compared to G-I animals probably construes the physiological role of SHBG in the female reproductive tract at the estrus stage by mediating the action of estradiol 17 â (Eα) at the target site. However, for urinary exosome SHBG to be considered as a biomarker, there is need for additional research on a bigger population.

Investigation of neutronic and thermal–electric coupling phenomenon in a 100 kWe-level nuclear silent heat pipe-cooled reactor

Heat pipe-cooled reactors are attractive because of their compact structure, high power capacity and reliability, and inherent safety features. These reactors are distinguished by the use of high-temperature heat pipes that directly bridge the reactor core and energy conversion devices, thus creating a tightly knit modular system. However, comprehensive coupled analysis of these reactors remains challenging because of the intricate multiphysics interactions involved. To address this, the neutronic and thermoelectric coupled phenomena of heat pipe-cooled reactors are investigated in this study. Models are introduced for the point reactor kinetics, core heat transfer, channel heat transfer, two-phase two-dimensional heat pipes, thermoelectric coupling, and cold plates. The channel heat transfer is refined in a 100 kWe-level nuclear silent heat pipe-cooled reactor and a model for the three-dimensional heat transfer process in its thermoelectric matrix established, which effectively resolves the calculation distortions of the lumped model. The maximum deviation between the calculation results from the proposed model and the verification data for a full-system coupled computation is less than 10 K. The core temperature difference from the three-dimensional model is five times that of the lumped model with a maximum average fuel temperature difference of 225.7 K. The maximum and average thermoelectric conversion efficiencies are 15.56 % and 14.43 %, respectively. The failures of one, five, and nine heat pipes are analysed. The failure of a single heat pipe has negligible effects with a peak fuel temperature surge of only 121 K. In contrast, a failure involving nine heat pipes leads to a peak fuel temperature spike of 778 K and a 47.1 % increase in the maximum heat transfer power, marking a critical operational threshold. It is therefore imperative to consider the safety margin in the potential failure of multiple central heat pipes during the preliminary design stages.

Tamm-Horsfall Protein Expression in Urine of Buffaloes at the Estrus and Diestrus Stages of Estrous Cycle

Background: Identifying buffaloes in estrus is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of reproduction as silent heat is a major concern in this species. Review of literature indicated the role of Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is associated with the physiological events around the estrus stage. Hence, the present study was aimed to quantify the expression level of THP in urine of buffaloes to ascertain its suitability as a marker for identifying buffaloes in estrus. Methods: The grouping of animals as mid-diestrus (Group-I/G-I/Control group), regular estrus (Group-II/G-II) and silent estrus (Group-III/G-III) buffaloes was done using a combinatorial approach. The expression of THP in the urine of three groups of animals was quantified by western blot. Result: The results of the present study revealed higher levels of urinary THP in G-II animals when compared to G-III and G-I animals, although it was statistically non-significant (p greater than 0.05). The present study revealing for increased urinary expression of THP in G-II and G-III animals when compared to G-I animals probably construes the antimicrobial role of THP in the female reproductive tract and its role during estrus to prevent microbiota population beyond the physiological levels. For THP to be considered as biomarker for detecting buffaloes in silent heat there is need for further studies involving large number of animals. Nonetheless, an easy method has been developed that facilitated THP detection and quantification in urine of buffaloes by western blot.

Genetic Polymorphism of cyp19 and fshr Genes and Their Association with Ovarian ‎Inactivity and Silent Heat in Egyptian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)‎

Genetic Polymorphism of cyp19 and fshr Genes and Their Association with Ovarian ‎Inactivity and Silent Heat in Egyptian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)‎

Blood biochemical levels of reproductive disorders cases in Limousine Crossbred cows

This study determined the differences in the biochemical blood levels of Limousine crossbred cows with reproductive disorders and cows that successfully become pregnant. Limousine crossbred cows (45) were artificiallyinseminated, and observed for reproductive disorders after 42 days. The observation was conducted by using rectalpalpation and Ultrasonography. The cows were grouped into pregnant cows and cow with reproductive disorder (infertile). The cholesterol level, calcium, total protein, and blood glucose were analyzed and statistically testedby t-test using Microsoft Excel 2019 program. The observation of cows was divided into two groups, eight of 45 were normal or pregnant and 37 of them had reproductive disorder: 8 of repeat breeding, 10 of ovarian dysfunction, 11 of cystic ovary, and 8 of silent heat. The total cholesterol of Limousine crossbred cow varied, pregnant cows demonstrated higher cholesterol than those with the reproductive disorder. The blood protein, calcium, and glucoseconcentration also showed significantly low concentrations in Limousine cow with reproductive disorders. In conclusion, cows with reproductive disorders were marked by low cholesterol, calcium, total protein, and glucoselevels.

A Mathematical Model of Estradiol Production from Ultrasound Data for Bovine Ovarian Follicles

In this paper, we present a new way to assess the concentration of estradiol (E2) and Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF) based on the results from ultrasound scans combined with mathematical models. The IGF1 model is based on the progesterone (P4) concentration, which can be estimated with models calculating P4 level based on the size/volume of corpus luteum (CL) measured during ultrasound scans. At this moment little is known about the underlying reasons for double ovulation and silent heat occurrences. Both of these are linked to the level of IGF1: double ovulations are linked to higher IGF1 levels and and silent heat is linked to lower E2 to P4 ratio. These models can help to improve understanding of the related concentrations of E2 and IGF1. Currently, it is known that diet and genetic factors have an impact on ovulation rates and silent heat. In this study, we also examine the decline of the production of E2 in vivo by atretic follicles throughout the process of atresia. This is the first recorded quantitative description of this decline.

Study on Thermal-hydraulic Characteristics of Ocean Silent Heat Pipe Cooled Reactor

Study on Thermal-hydraulic Characteristics of Ocean Silent Heat Pipe Cooled Reactor

Successful Artificial Insemination using Sexed and Non Sexed Semen on Limousin Crossbred Cow

Background: Beef cattle fattening business requires male cattle because they grow faster so that by using sexed semen (Y sperm) it is expected to get a male calf. The purpose of this study was to determine the success of artificial insemination using non-sexed and sexed frozen semen using percoll density gradient centrifugation (PDGC) method. Methods: A total of 120 female Limousin Crossbred were used in this study. The cows were raised on smallholder farms aged between 3-9 years with a body condition score (BCS) between 3-7 (score 1-9). The treatment was T0: 60 cows were inseminated using non-sexed frozen semen while T1: 60 cows were inseminated using sexed Y frozen semen. The insemination was performed with double doses at the 2nd and 8th hours after oestrus and deep insemination. The parameter measured were NRR-1, NRR-2, conception rate and pregnancy rates. Determination of pregnancy was performed using rectal palpation and ultrasonography (USG). Result: The results showed that NRR-1 and NRR-2 at T0 were 47 (78.33%) and 42 (70%), while at T1 were 37 (61.67%) and 35 (58.33%), respectively. While conception rate at T0 and T1 was 22 (36%) and 18 (30%), pregnancy rate at T0 and T1 was 31 (56%) and 19 (31.67%) and silent heat at T0 and T1 was 24 (40%) and 26 (43.3%).

Demographic studies and constraints of buffalo farming in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh

A survey was conducted to analyse the buffalo farming system in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The demographic studies showed that 77 per cent of buffalo farmers in the study area were of middle age. Majority of buffalo milk producers in delta and upland areas belonged to other caste, but in agency area, most belonged to scheduled tribe. Buffalo farmers under the survey were educated (52.67%) and agriculture was their occupation supported by dairying. Buffalo farmers in agency area practiced agriculture, horticulture and dairying whereas in delta and upland area practiced only agriculture and dairying. Majority of milk producers in delta area were small farmers and in upland area were marginal farmer category. Most (83.67%) of the families were of small size (up to 4 members) in the study area. Upland milk producers had more extension contact with veterinarians (53%). Most (83.67%) of the milk producers had no exposure to mass media. Inadequate availability of fodder seed/ slipswas the major constraint perceived by the milk producers of study area. Veterinarians expressed problem of anestrous or silent heat and repeat breeding in buffaloes as major constraints in dairy production in East Godavari district.

Current status of assisted reproductive technologies in buffaloes.

Buffaloes are raised by small farm holders primarily as source of draft power owing to its resistance to hot climate, disease, and stress conditions. Over the years, transformation of these animals from draft to dairy was deliberately carried out through genetic improvement program leading to the development of buffalo-based enterprises. Buffalo production is now getting more attention and interest from buffalo raisers due to its socioeconomic impact as well as its contribution to propelling the livestock industry in many developing countries. Reproduction of buffaloes, however, is confronted with huge challenge and concern as being generally less efficient to reproduce compared with cattle due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as poor estrus manifestation, silent heat, marked seasonal infertility, postpartum anestrus, long calving interval, delayed puberty, inherently low number of primordial follicles in their ovaries, high incidence of atresia, and apoptosis. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are major interventions for the efficient utilization of follicle reserve in buffaloes. The present review focuses on estrus and ovulation synchronization for fixed time artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, somatic cell nuclear transfer, the factors affecting utilization in various ARTs, and future perspectives in buffaloes.

Effect of an integrated veterinary herd health program on fertility performance and incidence of reproductive disorders in five dairy herds.

The study was carried out in 5 dairy herds of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. The average milk yield was about 9000 kg per year. For each herd, the following fertility parameters were calculated at the start of the program and 4 years later: first- service conception rate, services per conception, length of inter-calving period and culling rate due to infertility. The incidence of silent heat, ovarian cysts, ovarian afunction, retained placenta and clinical endometritis was also recorded. Four years after implementation of the program, the average first-service conception rate increased from 43.2% to 51.2%. In three herds the differences were statistically significant (p⟨0.05). There was also a decrease in the number of services per pregnancy and in the culling rate due to infertility. Fertility performance was maintained in two herds. The average incidence of silent heat decreased from 38.1% to 29.7% and the difference was statistically significant (p⟨0.05) in three herds. There was no significant reduction in incidence of other reproductive disorders during the 4 years except for clinical endometritis in one herd. The average milk yield increased from 9300 kg to 9530 kg milk per cow per year. In conclusion, the results indicate that the implementation of the integrated veterinary herd health program improved or maintained fertility performance despite an increase in milk yield.

Subfertility in Buffaloes and the Association of Detected Milk Microbes

Lactogenesis is a complex physiology and an outcome of a successful reproductive cycle in mammalians. The purpose itself is to nourish the newborn with the nutrients necessary for its protection and growth a continuation from the in utero survival strategy. Thus, mammary development and physiology are intriguingly linked to the uterine changes that happen in a normal reproductive individual. Milk is a highly nutritious food that also favours the growth of microorganisms that can enter through the bloodstream or the discharge system. Briefly, the mastitis-induced release of inflammation mediators such as cytokines, interleukins, and prostaglandin F2α are established to be associated with infertility. Before breeding, mastitis can disrupt hormonal patterns (depression of estradiol production, delayed surge of luteinizing hormone) and delay ovulation. The issue of clinical mastitis is obvious but when subclinical mastitis persists for long the problem gets compounded. Thus, microbes get easily established in the mammary glands of buffaloes whose udder and teat anatomy, love for dirt, and swamp to wallow makes them more vulnerable exposing them to various kinds of pathogenic and opportunistic microbes. Buffaloes, by nature, have issues with silent heat, seasonal anestrus, more sensitive to direct radiation heat stress when faced with a pathological attack of infectious microbes in the milk chamber compromises their fertility.

Research progress on performance enhancement of heat pipes: a review

Heat pipes are silent heat transfer devices that work on the motion of boiling and condensation process. They have been used in space crafts, heat recovery and ventilation, power conversion, energy, and electronics cooling applications. Over the past few eras, several necessary upgradations in heat pipe technologies have happened to implement new advanced fluids, design modification, and modified wick structures. Heat transfer enhancement due to these upgradations/implementations has been deliberated in many studies. In this paper, performance studies of heat pipes with deposition of nanoparticles and suitable coating made on the wick structure are reviewed. Various heat transfer mechanisms involved in heat pipes with nanoparticles deposition on the evaporator are summarized. Also, the various heat transfer mechanisms in heat pipes while using a nanofluid and a porous coating in the evaporator are summarized. This review shall offer a superior comprehension of the improvement required in cooling devices and help future research fraternity to develop advanced cooling gadgets.

Deskripsi dan fenomena yang terjadi pada perkawinan alami sapi Peranakan Ongole (PO) dengan sapi Bali di Kandang Percobaan Loka Penelitian Sapi Potong

<p><strong>Objective:</strong> To determine the natural mating behavior pattern of PO bulls with Bali cows in the cattle breeding system using freestall housing of “Litbangtan Model”.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The materials were 63 livestock; 3 PO bulls and 60 Bali cows. The study was designed with a randomized block design (RBD) with three treatments based on the physiological status of Bali cows; namely Treatment A: 20 heifers, Treatment B: 10 heifers and 10 cows, and Treatment C: 20 cows. The parameters observed were the pattern of estrous behavior, the length of time from estrus to mating, the phenomena that occurred during pregnancy and the birth process, and the pregnancy rate.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The estrous intensity in the +++ category was higher than + or ++ in all treatments. The shortest average time interval between estrus and mating occurred in treatment A with a pregnancy rate of 83.33%. The phenomena that occur during pregnancy and at birth are abortion, dystocia and calf death at birth. Abortion occurs at 4-6 months of gestation, dominated by heifers; the incidence of dystocia is entirely experienced by heifers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Cows with estrus were 86.67% with various expressions starting from silent heat (+), medium (++) and visible (+++). There are 42 Bali cows that show normal behavior in a series of reproductive activities (estrus and mating) with a time interval estrus and mating between 0.67-14.75 hours. Pregnancy rate 83.33%; the phenomena that occur during pregnancy and childbirth include abortion, calf death at birth and dystocia.</p>

Effects of heat stress on animal reproduction

Heat stress during the summer disturbs reproductive processes in farm animals as it affects the physiology of reproductive tract by several means like hormonal imbalance, decreased oocyte and semen quality, and decreased embryo development and survival. Heat causes decreased secretion of the luteinizing hormone and oestradiol which causes reduced length and intensity of estrus expression, increased incidence of anoestrus and silent heat in farm animals. Oocytes exposed to thermal stress lose its competence for fertilization and development into the blastocyst stage, which results in decreased fertility because of the production of poor-quality oocytes and embryos. Furthermore, low progesterone secretion limits the endometrial functions, and subsequently embryo development. In addition, the increased secretion of endometrial prostaglandin F2 alpha during heat stress threatens the maintenance of pregnancy. The effects of heat stress on livestock can be minimized via adapting suitable scientific strategies comprising physical modifications of the environment, nutritional management and genetic development of breeds that are less sensitive to heat stress. In addition, the summer infertility may be countered through advanced reproductive technologies involving hormonal treatments, timed artificial insemination, and embryo transfer, which may enhance the chances for establishing pregnancy in farm animals.