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Open Access
Effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Ranjini, A; KAU; Prabhakaran Nair, K
Six pooled semen samples (two ejaculates) of good quality from five Malabari crossbred bucks were processed and frozen in two different protocols to evaluate the effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa. In protocol I, the samples were diluted 10 fold in Tris buffer before centrifuging twice and the final pellet was re-suspended in the non glycerolated fraction of Tris yolk diluent. The sample was glycerolated (six per cent), equilibrated (four hours), frozen (eight minutes), and thawed (250 C for 30 seconds). In protocol 11, centrifugation was done only once, after 15 fold dilution in Tris buffer. The re suspended pellet was glycerolated (seven per cent), equilibrated (three hours), frozen (10 minutes) and thawed (60° C for 10 seconds). The semen characters such as motility, live sperm, sperm abnormalities and acrosome abnormalities were evaluated at the end of washing and initial extension (stage I), cooling to 5° C (stage II), glycerolisation and equilibration (stage Ill) and freezing and thawing (stage IV). The results were compiled to evaluate the effect of different processing and freezing procedures on the semen characters in general and acrosome morphology in particular. The semen sample used for split sample dilution had a mean volume of 1.3282± 0.067 ml, creamy in colour, DDDD density, ++++ mass activity, pH of 7.275 2± 0.040 and a concentration of 2972 2± 293 millions per ml. No significant difference in the above semen characters were found between bucks. The initial sperm motility of 82.000 2± 0.606 was found to drop significantly during processing and freezing and the final post thaw motility obtained was 44.000 2± 0.790 in protocol I. Similarly in protocol II the initial motility dropped from 81.375 2± 1.089 to 44.750 2± 1.075 at the end of stage IV. Even though there was significant drop in motility between stages in both the protocols, there was no significant difference in the corresponding stages of the two protocols. It could be inferred that good post thaw motility was obtained in both the protocols. The fact that a single washing and centrifugation was only adopted in protocol II makes it a more acceptable procedure for buck semen freezing. The mean live sperm percentage of fresh semen was evaluated using both NE and NEG staining technique. The percentage of live sperms of 90.050 2± 0.801 was found to decrease to 54.250 2± 0.593 after freezing and thawing in protocol by NE staining. Similarly in protocol 11, the mean percentage of live sperms was found to reduce to 53.125 2± 0.793 with the same staining. Even though there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II no significant difference in the live sperm percentage between the corresponding stages of protocol I and I I . With NEG staining the initial live sperm percentage of 80.850 ± 1.494 was found to drop to 54.875 ± 0.677 in protocol I as against 53.400 ± 0.730 in protocol II. While there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II there was no variation between corresponding stages of the two protocols. A significantly lower percentage of live sperms was recorded with NEG staining when compared with NE staining probably on account of the fact that the differentiation of live and dead sperm was difficult in the former staining method as live sperms were stained light blue instead of colourless. The mean percentage of abnormal sperms of 3.050 ± 0.245 in fresh semen did not register any significant increase during processing. However, there was significant increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities during freezing and thawing with the final abnormality percentage of 7.125± 0.706 in protocol I and 6.300± 0.36 in protocol II. The initial acrosomal abnormality of 8.825 in the fresh semen steadily rose to 23.375 in protocol I as against 19.825 in protocol II at the end of stage IV. There was no significant difference in the percentage of various acrosomal abnormalities between corresponding stages of the two protocols. However, there was significant increase in the acrosomal abnormalities during glycerolisation, equilibration, freezing and thawing under both the protocols. It was concluded that the processing and freezing under two different protocols did not significantly alter the post thaw motility, percentage abnormal and dead sperms and acrosomal abnormalities. A good post thaw motility and low acrosomal abnormality was obtained with a single washing of buck semen with 15 fold Tris buffer which was comparable with double washing with 10 fold Tris buffer.
Open Access
Superovulatory response, embryo collection and transfer in crossbred cows
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Unnikrishnan, M P; KAU; Suresan Nair, S P
Out of eleven crossbred cows superovulated with 2000 IU of PMSG on day eleven and 25 mg PGF2 alpha 48 h later, nine animals (81.8%) exhibited oestrum after an average interval of 39.44 ± 2.44 h. Average duration of oestrum was 40.00 ± 2.00 h with 66.7 per cent of them exhibiting intense heat signs and 33.3 per cent exhibiting only moderate heat signs. Average number of corpora lutea and unovulated follicles in both the ovaries put together was 6.67 ± 0.50 and 6.22 ± 0.57 respectively. Ovarian response was more in right ovary than in left ovary, though not statistically significant. Average fluid recovery on flushing was 79.5 per cent which was comparatively low. The average embryo recovery and percentage of embryo recovery were 3.38 ± 0.70 and 53.11 ± 10.18 respectively, which was comparatively lower. The reason for poor recovery of embryo was attributed to poor fluid recovery on flushing. The average number and percentage of transferrable embryo recovered were 1.50 ± 0.53 and 33.34 ± 10.14. Reason for these lower rates were attributed to loss of embryo quality, due to prolonged action of PMSG. Donors of parity over three performed better on superovulation and flushing, than those below three. Animals of age group six to nine years produced more transferrable embryos than cows of age group ten and above. A conception rate of 30 per cent was achieved after transfer of embryos to naturally synchronised recipients. Heifers appeared to be better recipients than cows. Although a high incidence of abortion was encountered, birth of an embryo transfer male calf was also recorded in the study. All the donor cows came into regular oestrous cycle within four months of superovulation treatment.
Open Access
Growth and reproductive performance of crossbred heifers in selected areas
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Rajeev, R; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K N
Growth and reproductive status of crossbred heifers under field condition were assessed and the role of calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and manganese with reproductive performance was evaluated with the aim of evolving suitable corrective measures in cases of those with impaired reproductive performance due to subnormal serum mineral status. One hundred and twelve heifers were subjected to repeated gynaecoclinical examination. It was observed that there were 36.6 per cent true anoestrum, 19.6 per cent under developed genitalia, 29.5 per cent normally cycling, 9.8 per cent repeat breeders, 3.6 per cent suboestrum and 0.9 per cent bilateral ovarian hypoplasia. From the above heifers 89 were randomly selected and classified based on the breeding history and repeated gynaecological examination as 15 normally cycling (control), 41 true anoestrous heifers, 22 under developedgenitalia and 11 repeat breeders. The daily weight gain obtained was 55.05 ± 4.2 g, 32.26 ± 2.49 g, 27.33 ± 3.4 g and 24.1 ± 4.8 g. The above result gave significant difference in weight gain between control animals and other groups. The growth rate of heifers might have influenced the normal reproductive performance. Serum samples drawn from 89 heifers were analysed for calcium, inorganic phosphorus and trace elements namely copper, zinc and manganese. Serum calcium and phosphorus were estimated by employing spectronic-20, i&hile trace elements were estimated through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The serum calcium level obtained was 11.1 ± 0.31 mg%, 10.74 ± 0.13 mg%, 10.8 ± 0.2 mg% and 10.8 ± 0.42 mg% in normally cycling, true anoestrous, under developed genitalia and repeat * breeding heifers respectively. The serum levels of all the four groups were well within the normal range and no significant variation among the groups. Hence the influence of calcium on reproduction could not be established. The serum inorganic phosphorus was 4.87 ± 0.13 mg% in normally cycling heifers (control) as against 3.83 ± 0.09 mg% for true anoestrous heifers, 3.52 ± 0.1 mg% for underdeveloped genitalia and 4.7 ± 0.15 mg% for repeat breeders. The level was significantly lower (<0.05) in true anoestrous and underdeveloped genitalia compared to control group. It can be summarised that hypophosphataemia might be one of the cause for true anoestrum and under developed genitalia. Among the trace elements estimated the serum level of copper only was found to be significantly varying among normally cycling, true anoestrous and heifers with under developed genitalia. The serum copper in control group heifers registered a value of 1,26 ± 0.07 ppm which was significantly higher (P<0.01) than those recorded for true anoestrous heifers (O’. 9 ± 0.04 ppm) and heifers with under developed genitalia (0.71 ± 0.05), ajhile no statistical significant variation obtained between serum value of repeat breeders (1.27 ± 0.08 ppm) and the control group. It is therefore reasonable to assume that hypocupraemia as evidenced by lower serum value might have contributed to true anoestrum and under developed genitalia condition and not with that of repeat breeding condition. The serum zinc and manganese levels of control group were 1.71 ± 0.05 ppm and 0.04 ± 0.002 ppm respectively. The corresponding values for the true anoestrum heifers were 1.61 ± 0.03 ppm and 0.04 ± 0.002 ppm and for heifers with under developed genitalia group were 1.6 ± 0.05 ppm and 0.04 ± 0.002 ppm respectively. These values did not vary significantly from those of control group. The corresponding values for repeat breeders were recorded to be 1.73 ± 0.06 ppm and 0.04 ± 0.002 ppm which did not differ: significantly from the values obtained for control group. The result of supplementation with dicalcium phosphate and copper sulphate to the respective mineral deficient heifers with true anoestrum and under developed genitalia showed that the mineral supplementation could induce oestrum. The serum mineral status comparison at different level of feeding showed significant difference (P<0.05) in the serum phosphorus level as well as copper level of moderate plane group with that of low and poor plane groups. Hence the effect of plane of nutrition on serum mineral status could be established in case of serum phosphorus and copper. The soil level of calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and manganese found to be well within the normal range. The level of exchangeable calcium and available phosphorus were ranged 0.11-0.12 per cent and 0.05-0.06 per cent respectively. The available copper, zinc and manganese levels obtained were ranged 4.43-4.5 ppm, 5.3-5.44 ppm and 96.34-99.7 ppm respectively. The result showed that the soil mineral content did not influence: the serum mineral status
Open Access
Ovarian response to gonadotrophin releasing hormone in non-cyclic goats
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Aravinda Ghosh, K N; KAU; Mathai, E
The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Gonadotropic Releasing Hormone (GnRH) on ovarian activity and its usefulness in restoring normal oestrous cycle in adult non-cyclic goats. A total of 60 healthy Malabari, Malabari x Saanen and Malabari x Alpine does aged one to four years, with a record of one or more kiddings and 45 days post partum belonging to Goat Farm of Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy were closely observed for a period of 60 days for the occurrence of oestrus and serum samples were collected at fortnightly intervals for the estimation of macro and micro minerals. Serum progesterone profile in eight cyclic and sixteen non-cyclic does, selected at random, were estimated by Radioimmunoassay using a coat-A-count progesterone kit. Out of eight non-cyclic does treated with potent GnRH anologue (Buserelin) three responded to single dose and one responded to a second dose. The oestrus was exhibited at a mean of 87.000 ± 9.950 h after the administration of GnRH analogue. The mean length of oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in cyclic does were 20.313 ± 1.553 days and 37.500 ± 7.263 hrs while in GnRH responded does were 12.750 ± 0.830 days and 18.000 ± 4.240 hrs, respectively. The mean serum phosphorus level was found significantly higher in GnRH responded does (5.375 ± 0.205 mg per cent) as compared to cyclic does (4.800 ± 0.260 mg per cent) and non-cyclic does (4.770 ± 0.280 mg per cent). There was significantly higher serum copper level in GnRH responded (1.123 ± 0.089 ppm) and in cyclic does (1.160 ± 0.170 ppm) as compared to non-cyclic controls (0.830 ± 0.110 ppm) . The serum zinc level was significantly higher in non-cyclic (1.510 ± 0.430 ppm) as compared to cyclic (1.180 ± 0.120 ppm) and GnRH responded does (1.155 ± 0.091 ppm). There was no significant difference in the serum calcium, cobalt and manganese level between the three groups. The mean serum progesterone in cyclic does for the two consecutive cycles was 0.304 ± 0.087, 1.294 ± 0.382, 2.531 ± 0.758, 3.619 ± 0.794, 2.456 ± 0.430 and 0.871 ± 0.246 ng/ml and in GnRH responded does was 0.158 ± 0.026, 0.800 ± 0.177, 1.475 ± 0.334, 0.675 ± 0.236, 0.280 ± 0.030 and 0.120 ± 0.021 ng/ml on day one, four, six, ten, 14 and 18 of cycle, respectively. The overall mean serum progesterone during induced cycle in GnRH responded does was 0.535 ± 0.139 ng/ml which was significantly lower as compared to cyclic does (1.848 ± 0.339 ng/ml) but significantly higher as compared to untreated non-cyclic does (0.190 ± 0.106 ng/ml), Detailed biometry studies of pituitary ovary, uterus and cervix of GnRH responded does showed non-significant increase in the size and weight as compared to untreated non-cyclic does. The mean number and size of follicles were found significantly higher in GnRH responded as compared to non-cyclic does. The mean tissue ACP, ALP and LDH in the pituitary, ovary and uterus of GnRH responded does showed non significant increase as compared to untreated non-cyclic does. The mean LDH level in both ovaries together was significantly higher in GnRH responded does as compared to non-cyclic does. The present study confirms that GnRH administration in non-cyclic does has reactivated the ovary by increased follicular growth, maturation and corpus luteum formation. However, the length of induced oestrous cycle, duration and intensity of oestrus was significantly less in GnRH responded does
Open Access
Superovulation and embryo recovery in rabbits
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1997) Sathesh Kumar, S; KAU; Suresh Nair, S P
Superovulation was induced in Newzealand White and Sovira. Chinchilla breeds of rabbits by administration of a single dose of 150 IU PMSG followed by double mating at induced cycle and 150 IU HCG soon after second mating to induce ovulation. The onset and intensity of oestrum, number of ovulations, embryo recovery and quality of embryos were studied and compared with those of the controls of the respective breeds. The mean interval from PMSG administration to onset of oestrus in both the breeds was 56.0 + 5.1 h. It was further observed that most of the treated animals showed intense oestrum when compared to controls. The ovulation rate based on the number of corporalutea in control animals of Newzealand White breed was 4.7 + 1.2 as against 22.0 ± 1.35 in the treated group. There was significant difference (P<0.01) in the ovulation rate between the groups. The percentages of embryo recovery, fertile embryos and transferrable embryos in the control group were 47.22, 86.7 and 92.3 while those of the treatment group were 31.67, 100 and 87.8 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. While the control animals in Soviet Chinchilla breed has an ovulation rate of 6.7 ± 0.65, the treated rabbits showed a higher ovulation rate of 20.0 ± 3.2. There was significantly higher ovulation rate (P<0.01) in treated group when compared to controls. The embryo recovery rate, fertilized embryos and transferrable embryos in the control group were 53.33 per cent, 77.8 per cent and 93.8 per cent respectively. The corresponding values in the treatment group were 36.27 per cent, 69.82 per cent and 93.1 per cent respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups. No breed influence on the above parameters could also be noticed in this study It may be concluded that superovulation could be successfully induced in Newzealand White and Soviet Chinchilla breeds of rabbits with single dose of 150 IU PMSG, followed by 150 IU HCG soon after second mating. Eventhough there was superovulation, the embryo recovery rate was comparatively lower in the treated group probably on account of an altered oestrogen-progesterone profile interfering with the transport of the zygote, however the fertilization rate and the quality of the embryos were unaffected with the superovulation treatment.
Open Access
Assessment of bacterial load in chilled and frozen buck semen
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Liz Simon; KAU; Vijayakumaran, V
With the object of assessing the 'bacterial load of buck semen during processing and preservation by freezing and chilling, a study was carried out at Artificial Insemination Centre, College of Veterinary And Animal Science, Mannuthy, Thrissur, using 72 ejaculates from six Malabari cross bred bucks. The average volume of semen from two pooled ejaculates was l.23 ± 0.03 millilitre. Semen samples with creamy colour, BB mass activity and DDDD density were only used for processing and preservation. The samples were diluted 10 fold in phosphate buffered .. saline before centrifuging twice and the pellet was reconstituted to the original volume with PBS. These were then split into two portions, one for chilling and other for freezing. The sample for chilling was diluted ten fold with Tris-citric acid- fructose egg yolk diluent and preserved under refrigerated conditions for 48 hours. The sample for freezing was diluted five fold in nonglycerolated fraction of Tris- citric acid-fructose-egg yolk-glycerol diluent, cooled to 50 centigrade, glycerolated, equilibrated for 4 hours, frozen in liquid nitrogen and preserved upto 30 days. The initial live sperm percentage was 94.69 ± 0.67 which dropped to 57.83 ± 0.90 after freezing and storage for 30 days. Similarly, the initial sperm motility of75.14 ± 1.42 after washing and reconstitution dropped significantly to 33.17 ± 1 . 14 during the same period. There was an increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities from 1.31 ± 0.67 to 7.42 ± 0.45 and that of acrosomal abnormalities from 0.70 ± 0.15 to 14.76 ± 0.77 during the same period. The bacterial load of neat semen was 1166.67 ± 348.64 organisms per millilitre which increased on washing and reconstitution to 3493.05 ± 734.90 organisms per millilitre. Further there was a significant increase on initial extension to 27272.22 ± 4012.70 organisms per millilitre. The declining trend started after glycerolisation with a reduction of bacterial load to '24466.67 ± 3682.40 organisms per millilitre. But on equilibration, reduction in the bacterial load was much more faster and significant and reduced to 2691.11' ± 664.81 organisms per millilitre. This further reduced significantly to 221.81 ± 129.77, 161.00 ± 19.94 and 162.78 ± 29.03 organisms per millilitre on storage at zero, 15 and 30 days of freeze preservation. With respect to preservation by chilling the live sperm percentage at zero, 24 and 48 hours were 88.24 ± 0.56, 80.82 ± 0.53 and 72.72 ± 1.70 respectively. The sperm motility also reduced from 73.47 ± 4.53 to 70.55 ± 0.17 and 62.50 ± 1.27 during the same period. There was a slight increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities from 2.97 ± 0.37 at zero hour to 3.68 ± 0.51 and 4.74 ± 0.48 respectively at 24 and 48 hours of preservation. The percentage of acrosomal abnormalities were 7.20 ± 0.58, 8.58 ± 0.60 and 9.31 ± 0.66 respectively at zero, 24 and 48 hours of preservation.
Open Access
Fertility management of early post- partum cows with gonadotrophin releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Jayakumar, C; KAU; Balakrishnan, P P
With the object of evaluating the e f f i.ca cy of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) for induction of early postpartum oestrus and reduction of calving to conception interval, 30 crossbreds cows which had normal parturition, selected from Livestock Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu were allotted to three different treatment groups. Ten cows each in gro~p I, II and I I I were administered intramuscularly 5 ml Receptal, 5 ml Dinofertin and 5 ml Saline respectively on 14th day of calving. The time taken for regression of pregnancy corpus luteum averaged 14.5 ± 0.37, 14.9 ± 0.45 and 15.3 ± 0.87 days respectively in the three groups. Uterine involution was complete in 25.3 ± 0.47, 25.0 ± 0.77 and 34.6 ± 1.79 days respectively. Analysis of data revealed significant variation in the uterine involution between experimental and control groups. The interval from treatment to onset of oestrus was 18.1 ± 1.69, 19.5 ± 1.93 and ~0.7 ± 3.37 days respectively for the three groups and the interval from calving to first exhibited oestrus was 32.1 ± 1.69, 33.5 ± 1.93 and 46.11 ± 3.19 days respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant variation in the interval from calving to first oestrus and treatment to onset of oestrus between treatment and control groups. Percentage of cows that evinced oestrus within 45 d of calving were lOO, 90 and 50 respectively in the three groups. This variation between treatment and control groups was statistically significant. A higher proportion of cows from group I and 11 showed medium to high intensity of oestrum when compared to control. The ovulation rate in cows that exhibited oestrus upto 45 d of calving wa$ 90, 77.77 and 60 per cent respectively in group I, 11 and Ill. There was significantly higher progesterone level in the ovulated cows of the treatment groups than that of control. The interval from calving to first insemination in group I, 11 and III were 56 ± 1.99, 52 ± 1.24 and 65.77 ± 2.90 days respectively and the interval from calving to coneption were 69.77 ± 3.70, 75.87 ± 5.62 and 95.0 ± 6.04 days respectiyely. The variations in service period and calving to conception interval between treatment and control .groups was statistically significant. The first insemination conception and overall conception rate with three or more A.I. were 30 and 90 per cent for group I, 20 and 70 per cent for group 11 and 11.1 and 55.5 per cent for group Ill. The A.I. index was 1.7, 2.25 and 2.8 for the three groups respectively. Eventhough, there was no significant difference in the first insemination conception and A. I. index between the three groups, there was apparently better conception rate in the treatment groups with reduction in A.I. index. However, no '. significant variation in any of the reproductive parameters between the two treatment groups was noticed. The accuracy of prediction of pregnancy by progesterone assay on day 20 was only 70 per cent as against 100 per cent for non-pregnant animals. The accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis by this method can be improved by a second assay on day 30, which will cover loss of pregnancy due to early embryonic death. It is concluded that GnRH er PGF2 alpha administered on the fourteenth day of calving will help early induction of oestrum and conception and is therefore cost-effective.
Open Access
Diagnosis of pregnancy in bitches by transabdominal palpation along with haematological studies
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Namsui, Thou; KAU; Athman, K V
With the object of evolving a suitable and reliable method of early pregnancy diagnosis in bitch, a study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of transabdominal palpation and liaematological profile during various stages of pregnancy in bitches. Seventeen apparently normal healthy Alsatian and 7 Pomeranian bitches aged l5? to 6 years selected at random formed the material for the study. These bitches were subjected to abdominal palpation between 21 and 25, 30 and 35 and 45 and 50 days of mating. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of total serum protein, albumin, globulin, total erythrocyte and leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count, PCV, ESR and Hb concentration on the respective days. In addition, on the 45th and 50th day bitches were subjected to radiography. Body weights and diameter of the abdomen of bitches were recorded on all days of examination. Whelping of bitches confirmed pregnant were followed up for recording litter size, sex and weight of the pups. The data obtained were tabulated. Signs of physical and behavioural changes were not noticeable before 21 to 25 days of gestation but apparent at 30 to 35 days which continued upto 45 to 50 days. The mean body weights and diameter of the abdomen were significantly higher (P<0.01) in pregnant than in non-pregnant bitches. The earliest positive result obtained by palpation was 21 days after mating. Accuracy of palpation in Alsatian and Pomeranian bitches at 21 to 25 days was 66.7 per cent and 100 per cent respectively while at 30 to 35 days and 45 to 50 days it was 88.9 per cent and 100 per cent respectively. The mean total serum protein and globulin were higher in pregnant than that in non-pregnant bitches, however the mean serum albumin content did not differ. The mean erythrocyte count, PCV values and haemoglobin content were lower in pregnant when compared to that in non-pregnant bitches. The mean leucocyte count and ESR values in pregnant were higher than that in non-pregnant bitches. The percentage of neutrophil was slightly higher in non-pregnant than that in pregnant bitches, in contrast, the mean lymphocyte count was higher in pregnant than that in non-pregnant bitches. However, the mean monocyte and eosinophil count between pregnant and non-pregnant bitches did not differ. Radiographs obtained between 45 to 46 days after mating revealed faint fetal skeletal components in 4 bitches while 5 bitches when radiographed between 48 to 50 days showed a distinct fetal vertebrae and skull. The mean gestation length, body weights after whelping, litter size and birth weight of pups in Alsatian and Pomeranian were 62.43 days and 59.5 days, 28.929 ± 1.631 kgs and 9.25 ± 0.25 kgs, 4.429 ± 0.649 and 5 ± 1 and 523.871 ± 28.203 gms and 287 ± 7.311 gms respectively. To sum up', it could be said that diagnosis of pregnancy in bitches can be done by abdominal palpation and haematological studies after 4 weeks of mating. However, radiography can be recommended as an accurate method of pregnancy diagnosis in the last trimester. It, could, further be said that each method has its own advantages and limitation at various stages of gestation and hence informing these variables to the client is essential, until further studies with large number of animals in this line are undertaken.
Open Access
Hormonal induction of oestrus in bitches
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1997) Shibu Simon; KAU; Athman, K V
With a view to make commercial dog breeding a viable enterprise, a study was undertaken to induce fertile oestrus in anoestrous bitches. A preliminary survey was also carried out ill IIl1d around Thrissur to elucidate the reproductive parameters and breeding practices in relation to feeding, housing and managemental practices adopted by the dog breeders. The survey carried out in 100 bitches revealed that the mean of puberty, oestrus interval, duration of bleeding, duration of oestrus, number of matings, duration of muting, gestation period, duration of whelping and litter size was respectively, 11.4 months, 6.8 months, 8.5 days, 7.6 days, 1.74 times, 16.2 minutes, 61.9 days, 5.3 hours and 6 pups. The conception rate was found to be 49.2 per cent. The percentage incidence of perinatal mortality of pups and pseudopregnancy in bitches was observed to be 15.8 and 3.2. Most of the managemental factors were not found to significantly influence the tl productive parameters covered in the survey. However, conception rate and litter size in bitches kept along with males was higher probably on account of the fact that more number of rnatings were allowed during oestrus. Twenty four anoestrus bitches aged 2 to 6 years were randomly allotted to four groups of 6 bitches each. While group J received 20 IU/kg PMSG for 5 consecutive days, group If received PMSG nl the satuv dose rute as ill ----- --- \'1 \~~~ group I followed by 500 IU of hea. While group III received clomiphene curate 50 mg daily for 5 days, group IV was eated as control. Exfoliative vaginal cytology was studied in all the bitches from day 1 to 19 of treatment. All bitches were given natural scrvite/1l1tificial insemination ill the induced oestrus. In group I, 83.3 per cent of bitches came: to oestrus at a mean of 12 days from the beginning of treatment and gave 1I conception rate of 50 per cent with a III ea 11 litter size of 3.3. III group 11, cventhough a similar percentage of bitches CUIlIC to oestrus at U fJleUII of 13.8 days, hut a conception rate of 33.3 pcr cent was obtained with a mean litter ~llC of 2.5. In contrast, in groups III and IV, none of the bitches came to oestrus and concci vcd. The response to treatment in groups I and Il with respect tu the duration and intensity of pro- oestrus and oestrus, acceptance, conception and litter size was comparatively lower in the induced oestrus than ill natural oestrus. Similarly, the anuclcar cell peaks in these two groups were much lower than that reported in natural oestrus. It is concluded that, bitches in anoestrus could be induced to come into fertile oestrus with PMSG alone or in combination with hCa eventhough the conception rate was lower than in natural oestrus. Since a better conception and litter size was obtained with PMSG alone and the cost of treatment is less in this protocol, it is preferred over a combination treatment of PMSG and hCG.

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