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ThesisItem Open Access FREEZABILITY OF BUCK SPERMATOZOA TREATED WITH CHELATING AGENT FOR FIBRONECTIN TYPE II PROTEINS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2011) SHINY M.; Hiron M. HarshanA study to evaluate the effect of Fn2 type protein chelating agent (choline chloride) or immediate extension and washing on the freezability of buck spermatozoa was carried out at Artificial Insemination Centre, under the department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur using 18 normal ejaculates from an adult healthy Malabari crossbred buck. The total seminal plasma protein content was estimated by Lowry’s method. The ejaculates were grouped into three with group I consisting of ejaculates collected directly into Tris extender alone, group II consisting of ejaculates collected into Tris extender containing choline chloride and group III serving as the control. The processed semen was packed in 0.25 ml French straws after extending them in Tris yolk glycerol extender and cryopreservation was carried out. The volume of buck semen samples collected under group III (control) were 0.57 ± 0.09 ml and average sperm concentration was 3971 ± 99.42 million per ml. The gross semen characteristics except volume (0.6 ± 0.09 ml and 0.32 ± 0.03 ml respectively) and sperm concentration (3683 ± 115.49 and 3905 ± 147.50 million per ml) could not be evaluated directly from semen samples of group I and group II as these were collected directly into a collection vial containing Tris extender and choline chloride solution respectively. Mean progressive motile spermatozoa of the three groups were 83.83 ± 1.25, 82.67 ± 1.26 and 84.67 ± 0.84 per cent respectively, while the mean live sperm percentage were observed to be 94.83 ± 0.83, 94.17 ± 1.08, 95.33 ± 0.61 respectively in the three groups. Average per cent of abnormal spermatozoa of the three groups were 3.00 ± 0.63, 3.00 ± 0.68 and 2.50 ± 0.56 respectively. Mean per cent of acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa were 90.50 ± 0.99, 90.17 ± 1.17 and 89.67 ± 0.95 respectively in three groups. After equilibration, the percentage progressive sperm motile spermatozoa in group I, II and III (control) were 76.17 ± 1.08, 77.17 ± 1.08 and 73.67 ± 1.15 respectively. The viable spermatozoa percentage of three groups observed at prefreeze stage were 82.67 ± 1.36, 83.33 ± 0.76 and 79.33 ±0.99 respectively which did not show any significant difference between the groups. The intact acrosome percentage at prefreeze levels were 83.67 ± 1.12 in group I, 82.00 ± 0.97 in group II and 82.67 ± 0.95 in group III. The sperm abnormality of the three groups were 3.33 ± 0.56, 3.33 ± 0.42 and 3.50 ± 0.67 respectively. The mean of membrane integrity by hypo osmotic swelling test of group I, group II and group III were 67.67 ± 2.04, 65.17 ± 2.02, 61.17 ± 1.66 respectively. Spermatozoa of group I had significantly higher HOS response than spermatozoa of group III (control). After freezing and thawing, the mean percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa were found to be 40.83 ± 0.91 in group I, 44.67 ± 1.31 in group II and 33.83 ± 1.30 in group III. The post-thaw live spermatozoa were 49.17 ± 0.91, 52.17 ± 1.30 and 44.17 ± 1.40 respectively. The values obtained in both the treatment groups differed significantly from the values observed in the control group. The values of intact acrosome in percentage were 65.83 ± 1.35 in group I, 71.00 ± 1.00 in group II and 63.33 ± 1.05 in group III. The spermatozoa of choline chloride treated group had significantly higher intact acrosome than spermatozoa of both group I and control group. The percentage of sperm abnormality obtained after thawing were 11.33 ± 0.56 in group I, 10.67 ± 0.49 in group II and 11.17 ± 0.60 group III respectively. The mean of membrane integrity by hypo osmotic swelling test of group I, group II and group III were 43.83 ± 2.50, 48.17 ± 2.30, 37.17 ± 1.89 respectively. Significant difference (p<0.05) was obtained between teh HOS response of spermatozoa of choline chloride treated group and the control group. It was observed that both immediate extension and washing of Malabari buck spermatozoa or treatment with choline chloride at the time of semen collection resulted in improved sperm post thaw characters. Of the two techniques, treating spermatozoa with choline chloride at the time of collection resulted in better post thaw motility, viability acrosome integrity and HOS response of frozen buck semen.ThesisItem Open Access GONADOTROPHINS MEDIATED SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE AND VIABILITY OF FRESH AND VITRIFIED RABBIT EMBRYOS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2011) VEENA C. PHILIP; Metilda JosephSuperovulation was induced in two groups (A and B) of Newzealand White female rabbits by administration of a single dose of 150 IU of eCG intramuscularly in group A, and two 3 mg and then four 4 mg injections of p-FSH subcutaneously at 12 hour intervals, in group B. On observation of heat signs, mating of females with the same buck was done twice and to induce ovulation 150 IU hCG was given intravenously. Animals belonging to group C remained as control. In vitro collection of embryos were done 72 h post coitum. The onset and intensity of oestrum, number of ovulations, embryo recovery and quality of embryos were studied and compared with those of control animals. Eighteen transferrable embryos from each group were subjected to OPS vitrification. After a minimum storage period of 10 days, the vitrified embryos were thawed and examined for morphological characteristics and membrane integrity was assessed by Trypan blue staining. Further, viability of embryos after in vitro culture was also assessed. The mean interval from gonadotrophin administration to onset of oestrus in groups A and B were 77±5 h and 75±3.30 h, respectively. The intensity of heat was higher in treatment groups than in control. The percentage of animals which showed sexual receptivity in A, B and C groups were 66.67, 100 and 100 respectively. The mean ovulation rate in groups A, B and control were 8.50±5.22, 10.67±3.25 and 7.50±1.38, respectively. The range of corpora lutea was 0 to 33 in group A, 0 to 21 in group B and 2 to 12 in group C. Eventhough total ovulation points were more in group B followed by groups A and C, there was no significant difference in the ovulation rate between the three groups. The total number of haemorrhagic follicles in the groups A, B and control were 1.00±0.63, 10.67±4.64 and 2.00±0.58, respectively. The average number of anovulatory follicles in groups A, B and C were observed as 1.49±0.23, 2.40±0.20 and 1.76±.08, respectively. Significant difference (p<0.05) could be seen in the number of haemorrhagic and anovulatory follicles between group B and other two groups. The mean total ovarian response in the groups A, B and C were 11±6.50, 26.33±7.45 and 11.67±1.9, respectively which did not show any significant difference. 119 The average (percentage) embryo recovery rate in groups A, B and C were 5.50±3.83 (55.56%), 7.83 (66.50%) and 4.83±1.72 (53.41%), respectively. The mean fertilization rate in groups A, B and C were100, 100 and 93.55 per cent, respectively. The corresponding values for mean (percentage) transferrable embryo recovery rate in the three groups were 5.50±3.83 (100), 7.50±2.83 (95.74) and 3.33±1.20 (68.97) respectively. Overall total (percentage) of morulae and blastocysts recovered 72 h post coitum was 49 (44.95) and 60 (55.05) respectively. Percentage embryo recovery rate after OPS vitrification in groups A, B and C were 72, 77.78 and 55.56, respectively. Percentage of morphologically normal embryos recovered from animals belonging to these groups were 92.30, 71.43 and 80, respectively. After Trypan blue staining of morphologically normal embryos, the percentage of viable embryos in the three groups were as 81.8, 83.33 and 71.43, respectively. On further viability assessment of vitrified embryos after TB staining using in vitro culture revealed development of 77.78 per cent of the embryos after 24 h. Present study revealed that administration of gonadotrophins followed by mating twice at the induced heat and hCG supplementation could be effectively used for producing satisfactory superovulatory response in rabbits. The study also indicated that Open pulled straw vitrification technique can be successfully applied for cryopreservation of rabbit embryos. Trypan blue staining technique can be employed as a satisfactory method for assessing the viability of rabbit embryos.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE AND PROSTAGLANDIN FOR IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY IN GOATS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) JULLIET; Joseph MathewWith the objective of studying the effect of GnRH and prostaglandin for improving reproductive efficiency in goats the study was carried out at University Sheep and Goat Farm, Mannuthy using 42 cycling goats. Based on the behavioural and physiological changes associated with oestrum the goats were divided into two groups viz.. Group I and Group II. Group I animals were those that exhibited pronounced oestrus signs and were divided into two subgroups namely Group lA and Group IB. Group II animals were those that exhibited weak oestrus signs and were divided into three subgroups namely Group llA, IIB and lie. Group IA animals were administered 0.0042 mg Buserelin (1 ml Reeeptal) a potent GnRH analogue on day 0, and Group IB served as the Control. Blood was collected prior to GnRH administration and breeding from all does. The mean duration of oestrum in Group lA and IB was 19.33 ± 0.45 and 33 ± 0.58 h respectively. The conception rate in Group lA and IB was 50 per cent and 66.66 per cent respectively. The serum P4 level on day 0 in does in Group lA and IB was 0.43 ± 0.05 ng/ml and 0.40 ± 0.05 ng/ml respectively. Group IIA and Group IIB does were treated as per the CO-Synch protocol (i/m inj. of 0.0042 mg of Buserelin (1 ml Reeeptal) on day 0, 125 pg cloprostenol (0.5 ml clostenol) on day 7; 0.0042 mg of Buserelin and mating on day 9) and prostaglandin protocol respectively (two intramuscular injections of 125 pg cloprostenol (0.5 ml clostenol) 11 days apart followed by mating at 72 and 96 h), while Group IIC served as the control. The oestrus response, oestrus onset interval, duration of oestrum and conception rate in Group IIA was 90.9 per cent, 47.6 ± 0.45 h, 24.5 ± 0.63 h and 40 per cent respectively. The oestrus intensity score of induced oestrus ranged from 0 to 13. The serum P4 level in pregnant and non pregnant does was not significantly different on days 0, 7 and 9 (P>0.05). The oestrus response, oestrus onset interval, duration of oestrum and conception rate in Group IIB was 81.8 per cent, 54 ± 1.006 h, 39.77 ± 1.54 h and 66.66 per cent respectively. The oestrus intensity scores in induced oestrus ranged from 0 to 13. The serum progesterone level in does that became pregnant and those that were non pregnant were not significantly different on day 0, 11, and at 72 and 96 h. In Group II C the duration of oestrum and pregnancy rates was 40 ± 0.91 h and 33.33 per cent respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis was done at three months of gestation by abdominal palpation and the accuracy of the method was 90.9 per cent. Mean gestation length was 146.03 ± 0.76 days. Litter size at birth in Group lA, IB, IIA, IIB and lie was 2, 2, 2, 1.83 and 2 respectively. Average birth weight of kids was 2.35 ± 0.164 kg and the mean birthweight of male and female kid was 2.42 ± 0.98 kg and 2.28 ± 0.36 kg respectively. Thus from the present study, it can be concluded that 1. Administration of GnRH on the day of oestrum in animals exhibiting pronounced oestrus signs failed to improve conception rate when compared to the control. 2. In animals exhibiting weak oestrus signs both CO-Synch and double prostaglandin protocols resulted in higher conception rate when compared to control group. 3. The double prostaglandin protocol was found to be more efficient in improving conception rate in animals exhibiting weak oestrus signsThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF BLOOD UREA NITROGEN, MINERAL STATUS AND UTERINE pH ON FERTILITY IN DAIRY COWS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) SEENA. N. S; K V ATHMANAn investigation was carried out with the objective of studying the effect of BUN and uterine pH on fertility in dairy cows under farm and field conditions and also for correlating the mineral status with fertility using 40 crossbred dairy cows selected at random during oestrus, 20 each from those belonging to University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy (Group 1) and those brought for insemination at Artificial Insemination Centres at Mannuthy and Kokkalai (Group 11). All the cows in Group 1 were found to be maintained in a relatively high nutritious diet computed as per the scientific feeding standards compared to Group II animals. Detailed elinico-gynaecological examination was carried out and blood samples and uterine mucus were collected from all the selected cows during oestrus for estimation of biochemical parameters and uterine pH respectively. They were inseminated during the most appropriate period of oestrus and were subjected to pregnancy diagnosis at 60 days post insemination. Conception rates in both the groups were compared in relation to each parameter. The mean duration of oestrus was slightly higher in Group 11 (30.00 ± 2.11 hours) compared to Group 1 (26.10 ± 1.74 hours). Intensity of oestrus was high, medium and low in 40, 45 and 15 per cent of animals respectively in Group 1 and 50. 40 and 10 per cent in Group 11. Physical changes of reproductive tract viz. degree of vulval oedema and hyperemia of vestibular mucous membrane were more pronounced in animals of Group II compared to Group I, where as degree of tonicity was high in Group 1 compared to Group II. Characteristics of cervical mucus were also found to be affecting fertility. Better conception rate was obtained in animals with clear and stringy cervical mucus exhibiting typical type of fern pattern. Spinnbarkeit value did not vary much between conceived and non conceived animals. Uterine pH did not show a marked variation between groups, even though a slightly higher value was recorded in Group 1. But, an inverse relationship could be obtained between BUN level in serum and uterine pH during oestrus. Correlation between uterine pH and BUN level was highly significant (P<0.01) with a correlation eo-efficient of r = -0.896 and r = - 0.753 in groups 1 and 11 respectively. The mean blood urea nitrogen level in animals of Group 1 was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in Group 11. The BUN level also varied significantly (P<0.05) between conceived and non-conceived animals of both groups. A marginal increase in plasma glucose level could be noticed in conceived animals compared to non-conceived animals of Group 1. The mean serum total protein was significantly higher (P<0.01) in Group 1 compared to Group 11. The serum level of minerals viz. calcium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and copper were also correlated with fertility. The mean level of serum calcium and manganese varied significantly between groups 1 and II, but there was no significant difference in serum phosphorus, zinc and copper between two groups. Also, a slightly higher mean value was observed for serum calcium, phosphorus, manganese and zinc in conceived animals compared to non-conceived. But serum copper level did not vary between conceived and non-conceived animals. In light of these findings, it can be concluded that the elevation in systemic concentration of urea is likely to impair fertility in dairy cows as a consequence of alterafions in uterine environment. The benefits of feeding excess dietary protein and urea to maintain peak milk production should be compared with potential negative effects on fertility. Hence, a good nutritional management is essential for improved fertility in dairy cows.ThesisItem Open Access DETECTION OF SERUM RELAXIN AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR EARLY PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN BITCHES(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2007) DEEPTHI. L; T. SreekumaranWith the object of fioding a suitable and reliable method of early pregnancy diagnosis in bitches, the study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of trans abdominal palpation, ultrasound scanning and relaxin detection was conducted. The study consisted of 45 apparently healthy bitches whieh were brought to the clinics for finding the optimal breeding time. Out of this, ten animals were selected at random for pregnancy diagnosis and were subjected to different methods of pregnancy diagnosis at different gestational age-16 to 20 days, 21 to 24 days and 25 to 30 days post breeding. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of haemoglobin, packed eell volume and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at the day of breeding and also at the above gestation periods. Body weights were reeorded at the day of breeding and also at different gestation periods. In the present study, it was found that abdominal palpation was difficult m diagnosing pregnancy between 16 to 20 days of gestation. When palpation was done in between 21 to 24 and 25 to 30 days post breeding, the accuracy obtained was 50% and 70% respeetively. This study suggests that trans abdominal palpation was not useful in diagnosing early pregnancy. By ultrasound scanning, the percentage accuracy at 16 to 20 days was 50%, which improved to 80 percent and 100 percent at 21-24 and 25-30 days post breeding respeetively. Foetal heartbeat could be observed in all the positive cases from 24 days of gestation. Pseudo-pregnancy, pyometra and abortion could be easily identified by this method. The earliest positive result obtained for serum relaxin detection was obtained at 20" day post breeding and the percentage accuracy was 50% at this period, as against 100% at 21-30 days of gestation. In the present study, it was found that serum relaxin test was not influenced by pseudo-pregnancy and uterine pathological conditions like pyometra. There was significant variation in haemogram (P <0.01) at the day of breeding and at different gestational age. Haemoglobin concentration at 16-20, 21-24 and 25-30 days of gestation were 10.88+0.31, 10.24+0.22, 8.77+0.28g/dl, which was lower than the value 11.56+0.27 obtained prior to breeding. The packed cell volume values were 34.66+0.9, 30.77+0.94, 28.22+1.02 and 26±0.94 percent at day 0, 16-20, 21-24, 25-30 days post breeding. There was significant variation in the values before and after conception. There was significant variation in erythrocyte sedimentation rate between day zero and at different gestational age. The values obtained varied significantly and recorded as 4.6±0.33, 14.3±1.09, 17.8±1.28 and 21.76±1.47mm/hr at day 0, 16-20, 21-24 and 25-30 days of gestation respectively. The body weight of all the ten animals varied significantly (P<0.01). It was observed that the body weight had shown a steady and progressive increase as the pregnancy advanced. The study revealed that abdominal palpation was not very useful in diagnosing early pregnancy. By ultrasound scanning, uterus as well as foetus could be visualized after 23 days of gestation. Serum relaxin detection could be used as an early tool for pregnancy diagnosis in bitches from 20 days post breeding. Results of the present study suggest that the relaxin test was accurate in diagnosing early pregnancy and its advantage being that it could be conducted and interpreted easily by a dog breeder or a dog owner. It could be concluded that detection of serum relaxin is a quick, simple and accurate tool for diagnosing early pregnancy under field conditionsThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF PROCESSING AND FREEZING PROCEDURES ON THE ACROSOME MORPHOLOGY OF BUCK SPERMATOZOA(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1998) RANJINI. A.; K. Prabhakaran NairSix 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 centrrfuging 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 (25° C for 30 seconds). In protocol II. 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 III) 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 1.328 + 0.067 ml. creamy in colour. DDDD density, ++++ mass activity. pH of 7.275 ± 0.040 and a concentration of 2972 ± 293 millions per ml. No significant difference in the above semen characters were found between bucks. The initial sperm motility of 82.000 + 0.606 was found to drop significantly during processing and freezing and the final post thaw motility obtained was 44.000 + 0.790 in protocol 1. Similarly in protocol II the initial motility dropped from 81375 ± 1.089 to 44.750 + 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 + 0.801 was found to decrease to 54.250 + 0.593 after freezing and thawing in protocol by NE staining. Similarly in protocol II, the mean percentage of live sperms was found to reduce to 53.125 + 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 II . 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.ThesisItem Open Access PROSTAGLANDIN THERAPY FOR POST - PARTUM CLINICAL ENDOMETRITIS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1993) T. C. JACOB; E MadhavanThe object of the investigation was to evaluate the therapeutic values of PGF2 alpha, for evolving a non antibiotic alternative for the treatment of post partum clinical endometritis. For this, 42 cross-bred cows, belonging to University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy, having post partum clinical endometritis were divided into four groups. Group I consisted of 10 animals which were watched for their natural oestrus and inseminated twice at 24 hours interval. In group II, 11 animals were observed for their natural oestrus and inseminated twice at 24 hours interval and were given post insemination intrauterine antibiotic treatment 24 hours later based on antibiotic sensitivity test. Eleven animals in group III were subjected to induction of oestrus by administration of PGF2 alpha (Lutalyse) 25 mg intramuscular 8-12 days of their cycle and inseminated twice at 24 hours, at the induced oestrus. Group IV consisted of 10 animals subjected to induction of oestrus as in group III and inseminated twice at 24 hours interval and were given post insemination intrauterine antibiotic therapy based on sensitivity tests, 24 hours later. The observations made and inferences drawn are given below. The interval from the administration of PGF2 alpha to the onset of oestrus ranged from 48-120 hours (mean 61.81 hours) and 36 to 72 hours (mean 54.0 hours) in group III and IV, respectively. The mean duration of oestrus was 21.6 hours, 23.36 hours, 28.36 hours and 31.60 hours in the four groups respectively. The duration of oestrus showed significant variation between groups I and IV (f = 2-8910) and between groups II and IV (f = 2.6445). The percentage of intense, medium and weak oestrus was 66.66, 23.80 and 9.52 per cent respectively in natural oestrus and 66.66, 19.04 and 14.28 in induced oestrus respectively. The difference in the intensity of oestrus between natural and induced oestrus was not significantly different, although, a slightly high incidence of weak oestrus was observed, when oestrus was induced with Lutalyse. Physical changes of the reproductive tract like oedema of the vulva, congestion of vulval mucosa and sliminess did not show any variation between the natural oestrus and induced oestrus. The percentage of animals showing purulent discharge, discharge with flakes and cloudy discharge showed a marked reduction when treated with PGF2 alpha alone and a combination of PGF2 alpha and antibiotics. Similarly the percentage of animals showing clear discharge increased enormously by above treatments. The bacterial organisms isolated from the uterine discharges were citrobacter spp. 23.84 per cent. Bacillus spp. 23.80 per cent, S. aureus 14.28 per cent, Pseudomonas 14.28 per cent, Corynebacterium spp. 9.52 per cent, Coagulase negative staphylococci, 9.52 per cent and the yeast Candida guilliermondii 4.76 per cent. Gentamicin was the most sensitive antibiotic for most of the organisms isolated, followed by chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline and sulphadiazine. Penicillin was the most resistant followed by streptomycin and nitrofurantoin. Significant difference in the overall conception rate was observed between different groups; the overall conception rate was significantly higher in group IV than in group I and II (t' = 4.8341 between groups I & IV and t' = 2.9186 between groups II & IV). Significantly higher conception rate was observed in group III than group I also (f = 5.5886). The number of inseminations required per conception was lowest in group III and highest in group I. Thus, it appeared that PGF2 alpha in combination with antibiotic was beneficial in the treatment of clinical endometritis. But since the number of inseminations required for conception was lower in group III than group IV and because, there is no significant difference in the overall conception rate, between these two groups, it could be inferred that administration of antibiotics along with PGF2 alpha did not have any added advantage. Furthermore, considering the harmful effects of administration of antibiotics, it may be stated that PGF2 alpha alone would be beneficial in the treatment of post partum clinical endometritis and can be recommended as the drug of choice.ThesisItem Open Access SEASONAL FERTILITY OF BILLY GOATS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1995) C. IBRAHEEM KUTTY; V SudarsananBiweekly data on body weight, scrota! circumference, testicular length and diameter and weekly data on semen parameters as volume, colour, pH, consistency, density, sperm concentration, mass activity, initial motility, sperm abnormality, vitality, metabolism and resistance to hyperosmotic medium of seven billy goats were observed for a period of one year. The data was grouped into four pertaining to four seasons aixived at on the basis of a simultaneously kept daily record of maximum-minimum temperature, humidity and day length. It was statistically analysed to find out that the differences between seasons were significant to be attributed to the environmental variables. Mean body weight, scrota! circumference and testicular length and diameter were 43.62±1.11 kg, 25.08 +0.12 cm, 8.57+0.07 cm and 5.32+0.03 cm respectively. There was no significant difference between the seasons except in testicular diameter and they were foimd to maintain an inverse relationship with day length and humidity. Mean volume, pH, initial motility, sperm concentration, total number of sperm per ejaculate, live sperm per cent, abnonnal spenn per cent, MBR time and R value were 0.75=0.04 ml, 6.25+0.02, 73.51 ±0.98 per cent, 3600±144 millions/ml, 2660.6 + 133.96 millions, 83.44+0.76, 4.33=0.43, 277.1 ±14.27 seconds and 84.75 ±12.39 ml respectively. There was no significant difference between seasons in these parameters except pH, initial motility, live sperm per cent and R value. They were found to have a significant difference between seasons and were found to maintain either direct or indirect relationship with humidity and day length. Semen on extension with milk antibiotic extender and on storage under relfigeration was found to fast deteriorate rendering it unusable in 24 h. Semen on the day of collection and extension, was used for artificial insemination and result of insemination was found to be independent of the significant or nonsignificant seasonal differences of semen parameters. But, during the period of smdy, there were two peaks in conception and two peaks in birth corresponding to it. The pattern appeared to be an adjustment of reproduction by the female to the varying food availability and climate with little involvement of the male.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF PROSTAGLANDIN - PREGNANT MARE SERUM GONADOTROPIN (PMSG) COMBINATION FOR ENHANCING PROLIFICACY IN MALABARI GOATS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 2002) P. SENTHILKUMAR; P. P. BalakrishnanThe object of present investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of prostaglandin-PMSG combination treatment at different dose levels in order to enhance the fertility and prolificacy of Malabari does. The material used for the study consisted of 48 cycling nulliparous Malabari does of eight to ten months age and body weight 18 to 20 kg, belonging to Kerala Agricultural University Goat farm, Mannuthy. All the experimental does were administered with two doses of cloprostenol (SYNCHROMATE) at the rate of 0.5ml intramuscularly 11 days apart. One day prior to the second prostaglandin administration the does were randomly divided into four groups viz. Group I, II, III and IV with 12 in each group. On the same day group I, II and III were administered PMSG (FOLLIGON) intramuscularly at the rate of 200, 400 and 600 lU respectively. Group IV was maintained as control with the prostaglandin treatment alone. After the second dose of prostaglandin all does in group I, II and III (100%) showed oestrus and in group IV only II does (91.67%) exhibited oestrus. The mean time taken for onset of oestrus in group I, II, III and IV was 28.00±2.70, 30.00±4.3I, 24.00, 43.64±4.36 h respectively. Group IV was significantly different from prostaglandin-PMSG group I, II and III (P < 0.01). The mean duration of oestrus in group I, II, III and IV was 84.00±6.94, 64.00±7.44, 86.00±752 and 34.91 ±4.97 h respectively. Group IV was significantly different from group I, II and 111 (P < 0.01).Mean intensity oestrus score was 11.50±0.49, 12.25±0.33, 14.25±0.72 and 8.82±1.59 respectively in group I, II, III and IV. Group IV was statistically significant from group I, II and III (P < 0.01). All prostaglandin-PMSG treated does exhibited common oestrus signs like wagging of tail, standing to be mounted, vulval redness, vulval oedema and vulval discharge whereas in control group only wagging of tail, vulval redness and vulval oedema noticed.The percentage of conception rate in group I, II, III and IV was 41.67, 50.00, 33.33 and 45.45 respectively. In prostaglandin-PMSG groups I, II and III mean litter size was 1.60±0.25, 1.5010.43 and 1.50+0.65 respectively but in group IV the same was 1.2010.20. There was no significant difference between the groups in litter size. However, more litter size with twins and triplets was noticed in prostaglandin- PMSG groups than the control group. Ingroup I, II and III mean birth weight was 1.4510.14, 1.2410.13 and 1.2710.18 kg respectively whereas in group IV it was 1.6210.24 kg. There was no significant difference among the groups with respect to the birth weight of kids. The percentage of preweaning mortality of kids in group I, II, III and IV was 50.00, 44.44, 50.00 and 33.33 respectively. The causes of preweaning mortality were pneumonia, enteritis and other etiological factors such as sudden death of weak born kids. Analysis of the results of present investigation indicatedthat prostaglandin double dose combined with PMSG at low dose regimen of 200 lU treatment can be used for enhancing the litter size without affecting thereproductive efficiency of nulliparous young does. For enhancing the litter size of goat, though requires further detailed investigation, it appears to offer a clear indication on the possibility of hormonally modulated for enhancement of litter size among goats. This might find in potential commercial application in intensive goat production system