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ThesisItem Open Access VIRULENCE GENE PROFILING OF Escherichia coli FROM BOVINE MASTITIS AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF COLIFORM MASTITIS(Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, Thrissur, 2019-12-30) M.REVATHI; S. SulficarColiforms are the major etiological agents of bovine mastitis which is an economically devastating disease causing substantial loss to the dairy farmers through reduction in the milk production. The present study was conducted to detect the virulence genes of E. coli by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), to study the therapeutic efficacy of various antibiotics in E. coli mastitis and to identify the risk factors associated with coliform mastitis. Epidemiological investigations revealed that affected cows were in younger age and early stage of lactation having average milk yield. Absence of hygienic practices for clean milk production such as teat dipping resulted in poor udder hygiene which led to the occurrence of coliform mastitis. The affected animals had elevated temperature with varying degree of udder oedema and pale yellow coloured milk. In the present study, out of 168 animals affected with clinical mastitis, 123 bacterial isolates could be isolated of which 26 constituted coliforms such as Escherichia coli (14), Klebsiella spp. (10), Enterobacter spp. (1) and Citrobacter spp. (1) with the prevalence of 21.13 per cent and the remaining were Gram positive isolates. In vitro antibacterial sensitivity test of coliform isolates revealed that ceftizoxime was the most sensitive drug. Treatment of affected cases was done with sensitive antibiotics according to the antibiogram, fluid therapy, flunixin meglumine and trisodium citrate were administered based on the resolution of clinical signs. After treatment, clinical recovery with increase in milk yield was noticed in all the cases but for the resolution of udder oedema. Haematological analysis prior and after treatment revealed significant increase in total blood count and reduction in leukocyte counts. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify the virulence genes of E.coli viz., traT, stx 1, stx 2, eaeA and aerobactin (iucD) which revealed that among 14 isolates, two were positive for traT gene, two were positive for aerobactin gene and one was positive for stx 2 gene. Thus, the present study revealed the presence of virulence genes among E.coli isolates causing bovine mastitis.ThesisItem Open Access VIRULENCE GENE PROFILING OF Escherichia coli FROM BOVINE MASTITIS AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF COLIFORM MASTITIS(Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, Thrissur, 2019-09-30) M.REVATHI; S. SulficarColiforms are the major etiological agents of bovine mastitis which is an economically devastating disease causing substantial loss to the dairy farmers through reduction in the milk production. The present study was conducted to detect the virulence genes of E. coli by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), to study the therapeutic efficacy of various antibiotics in E. coli mastitis and to identify the risk factors associated with coliform mastitis. Epidemiological investigations revealed that affected cows were in younger age and early stage of lactation having average milk yield. Absence of hygienic practices for clean milk production such as teat dipping resulted in poor udder hygiene which led to the occurrence of coliform mastitis. The affected animals had elevated temperature with varying degree of udder oedema and pale yellow coloured milk. In the present study, out of 168 animals affected with clinical mastitis, 123 bacterial isolates could be isolated of which 26 constituted coliforms such as Escherichia coli (14), Klebsiella spp. (10), Enterobacter spp. (1) and Citrobacter spp. (1) with the prevalence of 21.13 per cent and the remaining were Gram positive isolates. In vitro antibacterial sensitivity test of coliform isolates revealed that ceftizoxime was the most sensitive drug. Treatment of affected cases was done with sensitive antibiotics according to the antibiogram, fluid therapy, flunixin meglumine and trisodium citrate were administered based on the resolution of clinical signs. After treatment, clinical recovery with increase in milk yield was noticed in all the cases but for the resolution of udder oedema. Haematological analysis prior and after treatment revealed significant increase in total blood count and reduction in leukocyte counts. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify the virulence genes of E.coli viz., traT, stx 1, stx 2, eaeA and aerobactin (iucD) which revealed that among 14 isolates, two were positive for traT gene, two were positive for aerobactin gene and one was positive for stx 2 gene. Thus, the present study revealed the presence of virulence genes among E.coli isolates causing bovine mastitis.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF PULMONARY FUNCTION IN RESPIRATORY AND CARDIAC DISORDERS OF DOG(COLLEGE OF VETRINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2019-09-30) SWATHI S; S. AjithkumarEighteen adult Labrador retriever dogs of either sex above 1 year of age presented to the University Veterinary hospital, Mannuthy with history of clinical signs suggestive of cardio-pulmonary disease were considered for the study. Based on clinical, radiographic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination, respiratory and cardiac diseases were confirmed in 18 dogs. The study consisted of four groups. Group A: Control (Apparently healthy animals) (n=6), Group B: Animals with upper respiratory tract diseases (n=6), Group C: Animals with lower respiratory tract diseases (n=6) and Group D: Animals with cardiac involvement showing respiratory signs (n=6). These animals were subjected to pulmonary function tests (spirometry and arterial blood gas analysis). The different types of upper respiratory tract diseases diagnosed in canine patients under study were tracheal stenosis (33.33 %), tracheitis (33.33 %), tracheal collapse (16.66 %) and pharyngitis (16.66 %). The diseases were more common in middle aged male dogs. The clinical signs included nasal discharge, respiratory distress, dyspnoea, cough, syncope, snoring and anorexia. Auscultation of trachea revealed inspiratory dyspnoea, stridor and stertor. The radiographic findings were evidence of narrowing of trachea in the cervical region and thoracic inlet, mild to moderate thickening of tracheal membrane and enlargement of pharyngeal region. In Group B, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, pleural effusion and metastasis were noted in 50, 16.66, 16.66 and 16.66 per cent of the cases, respectively. The diseases were more common in middle aged male dogs. Respiratory abnormalities like dyspnoea, tachypnoea, cough (productive or non productive), fever, cyanosis and wheezing, crackles and harsh respiratory sounds on auscultation of lungs were the common clinical examination findings recorded. Radiographic appearance of lung pathologies in dogs with lower respiratory tract diseases showed bronchial, alveolar, vascular and interstitial or mixed patterns, peribronchial markings, increased soft tissue opacity, obscured cardiac silhouette and diaphragm, air bronchograms, lobar sign, lung consolidation and multiple miliary lesions depending upon the involvement of the anatomical structures. The cardiac disorders diagnosed were dilated cardiomyopathy (66.66 %), mitral valvular disease (16.66 %) and idiopathic pericardial effusion (16.66 %). The main clinical signs included anorexia, dyspnoea, cough, exercise intolerance, weak femoral pulse, ascites, limb oedema, syncope, tachycardia, murmurs, pulmonary crackles and muffled heart sounds on thoracic auscultation. Electrocardiographic and radiographic findings suggested of chamber enlargement and pericardial effusion was confirmed by echocardiography. The shape of the spirometric flow-volume loops obtained from control group was similar to the alphabet ‘D’ in appearance. Flattening and prolonged phase of inspiratory and expiratory portion of the loops were seen in dogs with upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract diseases, respectively. Flattening of both inspiratory and expiratory portion of the loops was observed in dogs with cardiac diseases. Significant decrease was noticed in the mean values of tidal volume in Group B, C and D in comparison to normal healthy animals. A significantly higher values of respiratory rate were recorded in group C and D in comparison to healthy animals and no difference was observed between Group A and B. There was significant decrease in the mean values of inspiratory time in Group C and D, whereas the mean values of inspiratory time in Group B was significantly increased compared to healthy animals. The mean values of expiratory to inspiratory time ratio in Group C and D showed significant increase, whereas mean values of expiratory to inspiratory time ratio in Group B showed significant decrease when compared to Group A. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed significant evidence of hypoxemia in affected dogs. Statistically significant decrease was noticed in the mean values of partial pressure of oxygen and saturated oxygen and significant increase was noticed in the mean values of Alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient in Group B, C and D compared to apparently healthy animals.ThesisItem Open Access OCCURRENCE OF ENTEROAGGREGATIVE ESCHERICHIA COLI IN ANIMALS, HUMAN INFANTS AND ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES IN ERNAKULAM(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2019-09-30) MANJUSHREE T.R.; C. SethulekshmiThe present study was undertaken to find out the occurrence of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) in young animals, human infants and associated environmental sources in Ernakulam district, Kerala. All the samples procured during a period of 12 months from August 2018 to July 2019. During the study diarrhoeic faecal sample of young animals viz., calves and piglets were collected from individual cattle and pig rearing households of two panchayats in Ernakulam district. To study the environmental association water and soil samples were also collected from the animals rearing areas. Finally to study the occurrence in human beings, infant diarrhoeic stool samples were collected from primary health care units, hospitals, anganwadis and diagnostic laboratories of Ernakulam district. The samples collected were aseptically processed by conventional cultural technique. Molecular confirmation of EAEC was done by performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that targeted conserved genus specific 16SrRNA gene and virulence genes viz., astA, Pic, aggR and fimA genes with amplicon size 231, 106, 1111, 251 and 342 bp, respectively. The isolates were subjected to biofilm assay using a 96-well microtitre plate. To understand the antibiotic resistance profile, all the isolates were subjected to standard disc diffusion method for commonly used antibiotics. Thus the study gives information regarding occurrence of EAEC in the Ernakulam district and the risk associated with it. All the procured samples were initially subjected to isolation of E. coli through conventional cultural and biochemical techniques and E. coli could be recovered from 51and 42 samples of calves and piglets respectively. From the environmental samples, 30 soil samples and 62 water samples showed positive for E. coli. Among the human infants samples, 39 samples revealed positive for E. coli. All the 224 E. coli isolates were subjected to a genus specific 16SrRNA which affirmed that all the isolates belong to the genus Escherichia. All these E. coli isolates were further subjected to PCR for the detection of virulence associated genes belonging to EAEC. Four oligonucleotide primers targeting the EAEC viz., heat-stable toxin (astA), mucinase (Pic), transcriptional activator aggregative gene (aggR) and fimbrial subunit gene (fimA) were used in the study for detection of EAEC. On analysis 21.57 per cent, 5.89 per cent, 5.89 per cent and 15.69 per cent of the E. coli isolates from calf diarrhoeal samples carried the astA, pic, aggR and fimA genes respectively. From the piglets’ diarrhoeal samples, astA, pic, aggR and fimA genes were detected from 9.52 per cent, 9.52 per cent, 4.76 per cent and 23.81per cent of E. coli isolates respectively. From water and soil samples of calves rearing areas seven E. coli isolates carried virulence genes. Of the piglets rearing areas only two isolates from water carried the virulence genes where as soil samples remained negative. Out of 39 E. coli isolates from human infant diarrhoeal samples 20.51 per cent, 7.69 per cent, 7.69 per cent and 17.94 per cent carried astA, pic, aggR and fimA genes respectively. To study the biofilm forming ability, all the EAEC isolates were subjected to quantitative biofilm assay through which it was inferred that the 84 and 78.57 per cent of isolates from calves and piglets were low biofilm producers whereas only 10.5 and 7.14 per cent showed high biofilm forming ability. None of the isolates from environmental sources showed high biofilm forming ability. From human infants only two isolates showed high biofilm forming ability whereas 81.2 per cent were low biofilm producers. On antibiotic sensitivity study, EAEC isolates from calves showed highest resistance towards ampicillin (84 per cent) followed by cefotaxime (57.89 per cent). Among the isolates from piglets resistance was observed with cefotaxime and tetracycline (79 per cent). From environmental sources norfloxacin (78 per cent), cefotaxime and tetracycline (77.7 per cent) showed highest resistance. In human infants EAEC isolates showed highest resistance against ampicillin, streptomycin (75 per cent) and azithromycin (68.75 per cent). All the isolates were sensitive to imipenem. Further sensitivity was observed among nitrofurantoin and meropenem. From the study it was concluded that EAEC is an emerging pathogen of public health importance because of its ability to form biofilm and increasing antibiotic resistance towards commonly used antibiotics.ThesisItem Open Access RUMEN METAGENOME PROFILES AND METHANE EMISSION LEVELS IN VECHUR AND CROSSBRED CATTLE UNDER DIFFERENT DIETARY REGIMENS(Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, Thrissur, 2019-09-30) TINA SADAN; T. V. AravindakshanA study was conducted to assess the rumen metagenome profiles and methane emission levels in Vechur and crossbred cattle under different dietaryregimens. Feeding patterns were designed to have an increasing proportion of forage and a decreasing proportion of the concentrate mix. A total of ten adult cows comprising five in each genetic group maintained on standard ration (Forage: concentrate ratio of 50:50) formed the material for the whole metagenomic study. Out of twelve adult cows, six adult cows each of Vechur and crossbred cattle fed with forage: concentrate ratio of 75:25 and 100:0 for a period of three weeks were selected as the experimental animals for 16S rRNA based metagenome study. Rumen liquor and rumen gas samples were collected from all the experimental animals. DNA samples isolated from rumen liquor using standard procedure were pooled genetic group wise and subjected to metagenome sequencing using Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform and further bioinformatics analysis. The concentrations of methane (per cent) in the gas samples were determined using a methane analyser. Research findings from whole metagenomic study revealed that bacteria followed by Archaea and Eukaryota dominated in the Vechur as well as the crossbred rumen samples. In Vechur and crossbred cattle rumen, 1086 and 1262 microbial species were observed exclusively and 4731 species were shared between habitats. There was a significant difference in total microbial species abundance between two genetic groups. Diversity indices displayed a higher microbial diversity in Vechur cows compared to crossbred cows and also there was a significant difference in diversity between genetic groups. Functional annotation of contigs carried out by SEED classification revealed sequence reads related to carbohydrate and protein metabolism were the most abundant in rumen of both genetic groups. A significant difference in genes associated with different metabolic pathway as revealed by KEGG pathway analysis was found between two genetic groups. The 16S rRNA based metagenome sequencing study showed that Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla in both genetic groups. An increase in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio observed with the increase in roughage proportion. There was highly significant difference in bacterial diversity indices and no significant difference in total bacterial phylum abundance between diets and genetic groups. Comparison of methane emission levels in Vechur and crossbred cattle under different diets confirmed the effect of genetic group and diet on methane emission levels. Significantly higher methane emission levels were observed for Vechur cattle and 100 per cent forage dietary regimen in both genetic groups.The 16S rRNA based metagenome sequencing study showed that Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla in both genetic groups. An increase in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio observed with the increase in roughage proportion. There was highly significant difference in bacterial diversity indices and no significant difference in total bacterial phylum abundance between diets and genetic groups. Comparison of methane emission levels in Vechur and crossbred cattle under different diets confirmed the effect of genetic group and diet on methane emission levels. Significantly higher methane emission levels were observed for Vechur cattle and 100 per cent forage dietary regimen in both genetic groups.ThesisItem Open Access STANDARDISATION OF FINISHER RATION FOR GRAMASREE COCKERELS FOR MEAT PURPOSE(Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, Thrissur, 2019-09-30) SHINDE VAIBHAV JYOTIRAM; P. AnithaAn experiment was carried out to standardise the finisher ration for Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. Three hundred and thirty-six, Gramasree male birds of six weeks age were procured from University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy and allotted to six dietary treatments having four replicates of 14 birds each and the experiment was conducted from seven to fourteen weeks of age.The six dietary treatment comprised of two levels of metabolizable energy and three levels of crude protein in a factorial design. The dietary treatment T1, T2 and T3 were 20:3000, 19:3000 and 18:3000, respectively and T4, T5 and T6 were 20:3200, 19:3200 and 18:3200, respectively. The growth parameters were studied from seven to fourteen weeks of age and slaughter studies were carried out at the end of 10 th , 12 th and 14 th weeks of age using two birds from each replicate.The results revealed that the mean body weight at fortnightly intervals was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 and T2 group at 14 weeks of age. The difference in mean cumulative body weight gain was not significant at different periods among the treatments. The effect of energy on cumulative body weight gain was significant at seven to ten and seven to twelve weeks period but effect of protein and their interaction did not influence the cumulative body weight gain.The mean cumulative feed consumption of birds was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 group during seven to ten weeks period while it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1, T2 and T3 group during seven to twelve weeks period. The individual effect of energy showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed consumption in birds fed with diet containing 3000 kcal/kg ME compared to 3200 kcal/kg ME at seven to twelve and seven to fourteen weeks period. The effect of protein on cumulative feed consumption showed that it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 18 per cent CP group than 20 per cent CP group. The effect of energy and protein on mean cumulative FCR was significant (p<0.05), but not their interactions. The effect of energy, protein and their interaction on eviscerated yield and ready-to- cook yields was significant at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age. Effect of energy on abdominal fat per cent was significant at 12 and 14 weeks of age, but the effect of protein and interaction was not significant.The mean cumulative livability from seven to fourteen weeks ranged from 98.93 to 100 per cent among treatment groups. With respect to economics of cockerel rearing up to 10, 12 and 14 weeks period, the highest net profit per kilogram live weight was obtained with T1 (20% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) and T2 (19% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) groups compared to other treatments groups. Among the three periods cockerel rearing was found to be more profitable up to 10 weeks of age, thereafter profit was reduced due to the decline in body weight gain and poor FCR. Based on the overall performance of cockerels and the findings on the economical parameters assessed, it could be concluded that finisher diet with 19 per cent CP and 3000 kcal/kg ME is found to be optimum for Gramasree cockerel rearing for meat purpose. This study also reveals that the age of introduction of finisher ration may be fixed at eight weeks instead of six weeks for rearing Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. If consumer preference is for birds with higher body weight at slaughter, then rearing of Gramasree cockerels can be extended further.ThesisItem Open Access EXPRESSION OF MECHANISTIC TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN(mTOR) AND DISHEVELLED, EGL 10 AND PLECKSTRIN DOMAIN CONTAINING MTOR INTERACTING PROTEIN (DEPTOR) IN CANINE SUPERFICIAL AND MAMMARY TUMOURS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2019-09-30) RAIMON MATHEW; Sajitha I.S.The present work was undertaken to study the expression of two proteins, critical in the cell signaling pathway namely, mechanistic target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and Dishevelled, EGL10 and Pleckstrin domain containing mTOR interacting protein (DEPTOR) in canine mammary and superficial tumours. Excision biopsy samples of mammary and skin tumour suspected growths from dogs presented to University Veterinary hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai were collected for the study during the period from January 2018 to March 2019. Out of the 129 tumour suspected cases, 22 were mammary tumour growths and 17 were superficial tumour growths. Age wise analysis revealed that the mean age of the dogs affected with mammary tumours and superficial tumours was 7.85±0.41 years and 6.55±0.59 years respectively. The highest incidence of both the tumours was seen in the age group of seven to nine years. All the mammary tumours were recorded in female dogs but in case of superficial tumours male dogs (58.82 per cent) were more affected. Data on breed-wise occurrence showed the highest occurence of both the type of tumours in Labradors. Among the mammary tumours, 90 per cent were malignant and 10 per cent were benign, where as in case of superficial tumours majority (76.47 per cent) were benign in nature. Grossly CMTs varied in shape, colour and consistency with a mean size of 6.70±0.60 cm. The superficial tumours were predominantly round to oval in shape with grayish white colour having a mean size of 4.65±0.37cm. On grading of malignant CMTs, majority of the simple carcinomas, which are the most malignant type, had higher grade of II or III. Immunohistochemistry for mTOR and DEPTOR has revealed that both the proteins were significantly expressed (p0.05) with expression of these proteins. The mean expression of mTOR in mammary tumours and superficial tumours was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of DEPTOR. Further, it was also found that there was significant positive correlation (p<0.01) between the expression of mTOR and DEPTOR in both these type of tumours. Thus, the present study identified that the two key proteins in cell signaling pathway, the mTOR and DEPTOR, were significantly expressed in canine mammary and superficial tumours. Further it was shown that their expression was positively correlated. Hence the oncogene role of DEPTOR in CMTs and CSTs was established through the study.ThesisItem Open Access MANAGEMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN CAPRINE ANAPLASMOSIS(COLLEGE OF VETRINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2019-08-05) DHANASREE G.; Usha Narayana PillaiCaprine anaplasmosis is an economically important tick-borne rickettsial disease that affects goats all over the world. The present study entitled “Management of oxidative stress in caprine anaplasmosis” apprehends the correlation between parasitemia caused by Anaplasma spp. and oxidative stress indices and also the management of oxidative stress in goats affected with anaplasmosis. Microscopic examination of stained blood smears from 162 animals revealed inclusion bodies of Anaplasma spp. in 24 cases. Genus specific PCR for Anaplasma spp. yielded positive results in 22 cases and 10 in-contact animals. Major clinical signs noted were anorexia, pyrexia, dullness, pallor of mucous membrane, drop in milk yield , diarrhoea and wasting. Haematological analysis revealed anaemia with low TEC, Hb and VPRC. All the diseased animals showed a significant fall in the mean values of antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase and a significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation. It was found that the parasitemia and malondialdehyde levels were in positive correlation whereas all the antioxidants were in negative correlation with parsitemia. Out of the 22 animals positive for anaplasmosis both in blood smear and PCR, 16 female non pregnant goats selected for study were divided into two groups consisting of eight animals each. Animals belonging to group I and II were treated with oxytetracycline dihydrate. In addition, animals of group II were supplemented with vitamin E- selenium combination. Haematological and oxidative stress parameters were rechecked on 10th day of treatment. Clinical response and improvement in haematological parameters were equally evident in both the groups. At the end of the study period, a significant reduction in malondialdehyde level and a significant increase in mean value of superoxide dismutase were detected in group II. While there was a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase values within both the groups after treatment, reduced glutathione showed no significant difference within the group.ThesisItem Open Access EXPRESSION OF GONADOTROPINS AND THEIR RECEPTORS IN ATTAPPADY BLACK AND MALABARI GOATS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR,, 2019-12-31) BHUVANA PLAKKOT; K. RajiThe difference in prolificacy between high prolific Malabari and low prolific Attappady Black goat breeds of Kerala has been evaluated by gonadotropins and their receptors gene expression studies, and analysis of steroid hormones. Six numbers of experimental animals, each from Malabari and Attappady Black breeds were selected for the study from the culling list of University Sheep and Goat Farm, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy. Ovaries, pituitary and serum samples were collected from animals slaughtered at the proestrus stage of the oestrus cycle. By radioimmunoassay technique, a significant difference was observed in serum oestradiol concentrations, with Malabari having a higher mean (44.22±7.00 pg/mL) when compared to the Attappady Black breed (13.98±4.35pg/mL). The ovarian antral follicles were isolated and classified into small (1-3 mm) and large (>3 mm) follicles. RNA isolated from the follicles and pituitaries were used for expression studies. By performing quantitative real-time PCR technique, it was observed that between the breeds, there was no significant difference in the level of FSHβ expression in the pituitary, FSHR expression and LHR expression in follicles. However, there was a significant difference in the pituitary LHβ expression between breeds, with a significantly (P<0.01) high level in Attappady Black compared to Malabari breed. A non-significant decrease in (fold-change of 0.64) FSHR expression and a non-significant increase in (fold-change of 1.4) LHR expression were observed from small to large follicles in goats. Irrespective of breeds, a non-significant negative correlation (-0.49) was observed between oestradiol and FSHβ expression. Also, a non-significant negative correlation (-0.15) was observed between LHβ expression and progesterone concentration. A positive correlation although not very significant was found between FSHβ expression and FSHR expression in goats irrespective of breeds. Similarly, between FSHβ expression and LHR expression in goat antral follicles, a significant positive (P<0.05) correlation was observed. The antral follicle FSHR expression irrespective of breeds, showed a significant (P<0.05) positive correlation (0.46) with the oestradiol concentration. No correlation was found between pituitary overall LHβ and follicle LHR expression in antral follicles irrespective of the breed. A significant (P<0.05) positive correlation was also observed between oestradiol and oestrus signs and Malabari breed exhibited prominent oestrus signs compared to Attappady Black breed.
