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ThesisItem Open Access FREEZABILITY OF SPECIFIC FRACTIONS OF LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE BOAR SEMEN SUPPLEMENTED WITH SODIUM DODECYL SULPHATE(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2021-12-30) AMBILY K G; Hiron M. HarshanThe present research was conducted to evaluate the effect of boar semen fraction as well as supplementation of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) on its freezability. Adult healthy Large White Yorkshire boars aged between 18 to 24 months, maintained at the Centre for Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy were selected for the study. The study was conducted in two phases, phase I for evaluating quality of semen fractions and phase II to evaluate effect of fractions and SDS on cryopreservability. The first 10 mL of sperm rich fraction (SRF) was designated as F1 and the rest of the SRF as F2. A total of 39 ejaculates were collected for the present study (phase I- 27, phase II- 12). In phase I the F1 fraction had significantly lower (p<0.01) pH than F2 and higher concentration (p<0.01) than F2, but were similar in protein concentration and protein bands on SDS PAGE analysis. In phase II the fractions after collection were immediately divided into three parts, namely, A (half of F1), B (half of F2) and C (remainder of F1 and F2 mixed). These were further processed and divided into six groups based on the fraction used and the presence or absence of SDS in the extender. The extender used for cryopreservation was Lactose egg yolk extender (LEY) with or without SDS. The extended semen was subjected to manual cryopreservation at a concentration of 1000 × 106 in 0.5 mL French Cassou straws. The protocol involved a holding time of one hour at 18C and an equilibration period of 90 min at 5C. Fresh semen characteristics such as sperm progressive motility, viability, abnormality, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity did not differ among fractions, whereas, concentration (p<0.05), functional membrane integrity (p<0.05) and sperm membrane cholesterol content (p<0.01) varied significantly between fractions. Post-thaw evaluation revealed that sperm from F1 had better post-thaw characteristics than F2. Considering all the parameters, sperm from F1 had better post-thaw progressive motility than the F1 and F2 mixed group (which represented SRF). On evaluation of supplementation of SDS, it was found that SDS supplemented F1 was better in all parameters and had significantly higher HOS response than F1 extended without SDS. The cholesterol content of sperm in F1 was significantly higher than F2 during all stages of preservation (p<0.01) Thus it could be concluded that fraction F1 (first 10 mL of SRF, had better cryopreservability than F2 or whole of SRF) and incorporation of SDS was found to yield better post-thaw HOS response. Hence use of F1 fraction for cryopreservation of boar semen, with supplementation of SDS can yield better cryopreservability of LWY boar semen.ThesisItem Open Access REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EARLY POSTPARTUM CROSSBRED COWS SUPLLEMENTED WITH BYPASS FAT AND SUBJECTED TO HORMONAL INDUCTION OF OESTRUS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2018-11-30) ANI S.DAS; Metilda JosephPostpartum infertility due to negative energy balance is a major problem among the high producing cows of Kerala, incurring huge economic loss. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of bypass fat on the reproduction and production parameters of high yielding crossbred cows with or without postpartum hormonal induction of oestrus and its techno-economics. The trial was conducted with four experimental groups of six cows each (GI – control, GII- 200 g bypass fat 90 days, GIII – 200g bypass fat daily + Ovsynch protocol on day 45postpartum, GIV – Ovsynch protocol alone). The animals in GII and GIII were observed to be superior in milk production parameters viz. peak yield (P<0.05), and days taken for attaining peak yield. Cessation of post-patum lochial discharge and its characteristics were normal in all groups. The animals in GII and GIII showed earlier post-partum oestrus compared to others (P<0.05). As per rectal examination and ultrasonographic findings, more number of animals in GII and GIII showed early resumption of ovarian cyclicity. The number of days taken for complete involution of uterus and reduction of uterine wall thickness as per ultrasonographic examination were significantly lower in those animals fed with bypass fat. With respect to various serum biochemical parameters, blood glucose and total cholesterol were significantly higher (P<0.01) in those animals fed with bypass fat. Blood urea nitrogen, non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides were significantly lower (P<0.01) in bypass fat fed groups. (GII and GIII). The mean circulating blood progesterone level and serum insulin concentration were also significantly higher (P<0.05) in the animals fed with bypass fat. The conception rate was highest in GIII followed by GII. The study indicated that it is ideal to supplement bypass fat before attempting hormonal induction of oestrus in early postpartum cows for enhanced reproductive efficiency. The techno-economic analysis of study showed that bypass fat supplementation is a financially viable, eco-friendly and socially acceptable method for improving the production and reproduction parameters of the cows, thereby augmenting the farm income.ThesisItem Open Access DETECTION OF BIOFILM FORMING BACTERIA AND THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF BIOFILM DISRUPTING AGENTS WITH ANTIBIOTICS IN ENDOMETRITIS OF CROSSBRED COWS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2020-07-24) LEEBA CHACKO; K. PromodThe present study was carried out to investigate the presence of biofilm forming bacteria in uterine samples of postpartum cows with endometritis and evaluate the efficacy of different therapeutic protocols incorporating biofilm disrupting agents along with the investigation for the presence of VF genes, Agn43aCFT073 and Agn43bCFT073, in E. coli isolates. Crossbred dairy cows (n=137) at 28-35 days postpartum, aged between three to eight years, parity between two to six without any postpartum reproductive complications were selected for the study. Screening for endometritis was carried out by the evaluation of vaginal mucus discharge using Metricheck® device and endometrial cytology by cytobrush technique. Postpartum cows with VMS score ≥ 1 or more than five per cent PMN cells in the EC smears by cytobrush technique were considered as positive for endometritis. Isolation and identification of bacteria and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by disc diffusion method. The antibiotic to which most of the bacteria were highly sensitive was used for the in vivo treatment for endometritis. Biofilm disrupting agents (EDTA-Tris and NAC) were also used for treatment incorporated with antibiotic or alone. Biofilm forming ability of isolates were assessed using microtitre plate assay. The E. coli isolates were screened for biofilm VF genes viz., Agn43aCFT073 and Agn43bCFT073 by PCR employing suitable primers. Sixty postpartum cows with endometritis were randomly allotted into five groups (n=12). Group I were treated with intrauterine infusion of ciprofloxacin to which most bacteria were sensitive, Group II were treated with 30 mL of 3.5 mM EDTA, 50 mM Tris, (pH 8.0) and ciprofloxacin, Group III were treated with 30 mL of 3.5 mM EDTA, 50 mM Tris (pH 8.0), Group IV were treated with 30 mL of 3.3 per cent NAC and ciprofloxacin and Group V were treated with 30 mL of 3.3 per cent NAC as intra uterine infusions. In the present study, vaginal mucus discharge was collected from 137 dairy cows and among that 20.44, 45.26, 15.33, 10.95 and 8.03 per cent cows exhibited VMS no discharge, zero, one, two and three, respectively. Cows with purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) had lowest reproductive performance at 35 days postpartum was a better criterion for the diagnosis of endometritis. Out of 137 animals, 47 cows exhibited VMS ranging from one to three at 31.58 ± 0.13 dpp were diagnosed positive for CE and the prevalence recorded was 34.31 per cent. The prevalence of subclinical endometritis detected by cytobrush technique in the present study was 10.95 per cent. The overall prevalence of endometritis by VMS and EC at 31.58 ± 0.13 dpp was 34.31 and 43.79 per cent, respectively EC detected more number of cows with endometritis than VMS. The results of the present study indicate that by measuring the VMS and EC (five per cent cut off) at 31.58 ± 0.13 dpp predicted animals with endometritis. Hence, it could be concluded that the cytobrush samples were superior and this method of sample collection is more consistent and reliable in postpartum dairy cows. The most frequently isolated bacteria in the present study were E. coli, Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Streptococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Heirarchichal cluster anlaysis of antibiotics under present study revealed highest sensitivity for ciprofloxacin followed by enrofloxacin. In the present study, biofilm forming ability was detected in 80.52 per cent of bacterial isolates on microtitre plate assay. Maximum number of isolates (77.42%) exhibited moderate biofilm forming ability while, 8.06 and 14.52 per cent exhibited strong and weak biofilm forming ability, respectively. No significant (p>0.05) was noted in the biofilm forming ability of different bacterial isolates. None of the E. coli isolates recorded the VF genes, Agn43aCFT073 and Agn43bCFT073. Highest recovery rate (100%) and conception rate (83.33%) was noticed after treatment with NAC and ciprofloxacin intrauterine. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) was noticed between the treatment groups in the conception rate. Recovery from endometritis was more with combination biofilm disrupting agents and antibiotics than using antibiotics or biofilm breaking agents alone. Disruption of biofilm resulted in better penetration of antibiotics which aid in recovery. Collection of vaginal mucus discharge using Metricheck® device and endometrial cytology samples by cytobrush technique help detection of endometritis during early postpartum period under field conditions. It was concluded that resistance to antibiotics could be attributed to the presence of biofilm forming bacteria which form a layer and resist the action of antibiotics. Biofilm disruption aid in better penetration of antibiotics and hence, recovery. Further studies in a wider population in different dosage regimens and combinations needed to be undertaken to elucidate the efficacy of NAC for uterine infections.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF BROMOCRIPTINE, CABERGOLINE AND THYROXINE IN INDUCING OESTRUS IN BITCHES(College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy., 2008-05-30) G. AJITKUMAR; Dr. T. SreekumaranDetailed survey on breeding, feeding and management of 1721 dogs belonging to 817 owners was conducted in different parts of Kerala State. Among the dogs surveyed, 518 (30.10%) were male and 1203 (69.90%) were female. Breed-wise details of dogs maintained by individual owners revealed German shepherd dog (20.74%) as the most popular breed of dog followed by Labrador retriever (18.13%), Dachshund (11.39%), Rottweiler (9.12%) and Spitz (5.52%). The percentage of local non-descript dogs was found to he 14.64 only. The prevalence, nature and magnitude of anoestrus among the female dogs were evaluated based on breeding details. Haematological, hormonal, mineral and cholesterol profile of anoestrous hitches were estimated. Data on breeding revealed that 92.93 per cent of hitches were allowed to breed and the remaining 7.07 per cent were kept as virgin throughout their lifetime. The age at first breeding in majority of the hitehes (57.85%) was between 1 to 2 years with an average of 16.30 months. The average number of oestrus periods and the number of breeding per year were 2.14 ± 0.24 and 1.47 ± 0.32 respectively. The average duration of proestrual bleeding was found to he 10.87 ± 1.24 days. Most of the hitches (51.97 %) were bred twiee in one oestrus and the period of acceptance varied from 4 to 22 days with an average of 8.94 ± 2.18 days. The incidence of failure of conception, abortion, stillbirth and pseudopregnancy were 18.87, 5.72, 15.56 and 13.69 per cent respectively. The neonatal problems encountered in 13.88 per cent of hitches included agalactia / hypogalactia / mammitis (5.29%), cannibalism (2.65%), puppy fading syndrome (2.09%), puerperal tetany (1.98%) and rejection of young one by dam / poor mothering ability (1.87%). Among the hitches surveyed, 134 (11.14%) were identified as in the stage of anoestrus, 65.67 per cent in primary and 34.33 per cent in secondary anoestrus and the average age was 22.68 and 34.34 months respectively. The average II duration of secondary anoestrus was 11.71 months. Analysis of breed-wise prevalence revealed that it was high in breeds such as Dachshund (18.18%), Labrador retriever (16.74%), Great Dane (16.67%), Dalmatian (15.38%) and Doberman pinscher (14.00%) and was lowest (2.44%) among local non-descript bitches. Data on body condition revealed that 42 per cent of the anoestrous bitches were with the ideal body score of five, 46 per cent with body score more than five (obese) and 12 per cent with body score less than five (lean). Analysis of haematological profile of anoestrous bitches revealed normochromic normocytic anaemia. The mean serum progesterone, prolactin and thyroxine levels in anoestrous bitches were of 0.57 ± 0.03 ng/ml, 0.75 ± 0.05 ng/ml and 1.80 ± 0.06 pg/dl respectively. The mean serum calcium and phosphorus levels in anoestrous bitches were 8.94 ± 0.24 and 3.48 ± 0.12 mg per cent respectively. The mean serum iron, copper, cobalt, zinc, manganese and cholesterol levels were found to be within the normal range. Oestrus induction trials were carried out in forty anoestrous bitches and the data obtained were compared with that of control bitches. Out of 10 animals treated in each group, five (50%) in Group 1 (bromocriptine @ 50 pg/kg. body weight), nine (90%) in Group 11 (cabergoline @ 5 pg/kg. body weight), eight (80%) in Group III (thyroxine @10 pg/kg. body weight) and seven (70%) in Group IV (thyroxine @ 5 pg/kg. body weight) evinced proestrual bleeding. The mean treatment onset to proestrus in Groups 1, II, III and IV was 28 ± 3.39, 13.44 ± 3.12, 24.50 ± 3.18 and 33 ± 2.21 days respectively. The average duration of proestrus in the treatment groups was 9.80 ± 0.86, 10.11 ± 0.68, 11.25 ± 0.88 and 10.71 ± 0.68 days respectively as against 9.70 ± 0.42 days in the control group. The average duration of oestrus in the four treatment groups and the control group was 7.60 ± 0.24, 8 ± 0.29, 8.5 ± 0.63, 7.85 ± 0.46 and 8 ± 0.39 days respectively. Fifty per cent of the animals treated with bromocriptine and 10 per cent of the animals treated with cabergoline exhibited nausea and vomiting as Ill side effects, whereas none of the animals treated with thyroxine exhibited side effects. The mean serum progesterone and prolactin levels during anoestrus, on the first day of proestrus and on the day of first breeding did not differ significantly within and between the treatment groups and the eontrol group. The mean serum thyroxine level during anoestrus and on the first day of proestrus did not differ significantly within and between the treatment and the eontrol groups, whereas on the day of first breeding the mean thyroxine level reeorded statistieally significant difference between the treatment and eontrol groups, the lowest being 1.56 ± 0.18 pg/dl in Group I and the highest being 2.10 ± 0.13 pg/dl in Group IV. Animals treated with levothyroxine (Group 111 & IV) exhibited a slight increase in the mean level of serum thyroxine on the first day of bleeding as well as on the day of first breeding, but the values were found to be within the normal limits. The haemoglobin level and total erythrocyte eount were found to be increased on the first day of proestrus and on the day of first breeding in animals of Group 111 and IV. The mean serum phosphorus level on the first day of proestrus and on the day of first breeding in the treatment groups were found to eontinue at low levels as in the anoestrous stage. The mean serum copper level on the first day of proestrus exhibited statistieally significant difference between the treatment and eontrol groups. The mean serum level of ealeium, iron, cobalt, zinc and manganese during anoestrus, on the first day of proestrus and on the day of first breeding did not reveal statistieally significant difference between groups. The overall eoneeption rate in the treatment groups were 40, 70, 50 and 40 per eent respectively as against 70 per cent in the control group. The average gestation length and litter size did not differ significantly between the treatment and eontrol groups.ThesisItem Open Access IN VITRO FERTILITY ASSESSMENT OF FROZEN BOVINE SPERMATOZOA AS INFLUENCED BY BREED AND SEASON(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2016) ALANTEENA, JACOB; Metilda JosephFrozen semen of four animals of each breed- crossbred Holstein Friesian (CBHF- Holstein Friesian X Gir), crossbred Jersey (CBJY- Jersey X Red Sindhi), Vechur (VR) and Kasargod Dwarf (KD)- produced from August 2015 to May 2016 during South west monsoon, Post-monsoon, Winter and Summer were procured from semen bank of KLDB, Dhoni. Minimum two samples of each bull (n=16) processed during each season were subjected to different in vitro fertility tests like routine semen quality tests (post-thaw motility, viability and abnormality), sperm function tests (acrosome integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling test), fertility tests (bovine cervical mucus penetration test and in vitro capacitation test with heparin). In vitro capacitation was assessed indirectly by inducing acrosome reaction using Lysophosphatidyl choline and it was evaluated by Trypan Blue-Giemsa staining. Statistical analysis of collected data revealed that season had significant (P<0.05) effect on post-thaw motility, sperm abnormality, response to hypoosmotic swelling and induced acrosome reaction whereas, breed had significant (P<0.05) effect only on post-thaw motility and bovine cervical mucus penetration distance of frozen bull semen. Among four seasons, winter was found to be better for frozen semen production and among breeds CBHF and KD semen exhibited better frozen semen quality than that of other two breeds. The crossbred semen samples studied did not show any significant reduction in quality during summer season in midlands of Kerala and also they showed better performance during winter compared to the indigenous cattle. This may be attributed to the combination of genetic makeup in the crossbreds. But during humid seasons, monsoon and post monsoon, frozen semen of indigenous bulls were better in quality. The results of present study indicate that crossbreeding policy of cattle in Kerala can be continued by employing the most adaptable superior bulls along with the conservation of indigenous animals to overcome the effects of global warming. Also distribution of frozen semen can be reviewed with alterations in supply chain by substituting quality semen produced during favourable seasons for AI during adverse climatic conditions based on the geographic location to enhance the fertility in female animals.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF INTRA-PARTUM FOETAL STRESS ASSOCIATED WITH OBSTETRICAL INTERVENTIONS ON VIABILITY AND SURVIVABILITY OF CANINE NEONATES(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2015-06) KARTHIK, V. KUTTAN; Metilda JosephThe study was undertaken with the objective of identifying and evaluating intra-partum foetal distress in connection with type of delivery in bitches. For this purpose, 26 bitches between one to five years, belonging to 10 different breeds were evaluated. Bitches were subjected to detailed clinico-gynaecological examination based on history. Neonatal stress associated with assisted whelping (AW), emergency Caesarean section(EC) and spontaneous whelping (SW) was evaluated using modified Apgar score and umbilical vein lactate estimation. A high umbilical lactate value and low Apgar score was associated with foetal distress. The mean umbilical lactate value was highest in EC (12.54±0.8 mmol/L) followed by AW (8.86±0.9 mmol/L) and lowest value was found in SW (7.56±0.58 mmol/L) .A significant increase (P<0.05) in umbilical lactate level was observed in EC group of neonates compared with AW and SW groups. The mean Apgar score was lowest in EC (4.85±0.45) followed by AW (10.92±0.53) and highest value was found in SW (11.44±0.58). A significant decrease (P<0.05) in Apgar score was obsverved in EC group of neonates. Out of 13 puppies each in AW and EC, number of puppies that responded to resuscitation was 11(84.6%) and 7 (53.8%) in AW and EC respectively. Overall mean umbilical lactate values of the dead (13.31±1.08 mmol/L) and live (8.87±0.55 mmol/L) puppies differed significantly at 5 per cent level. . From these results it can be concluded that umbilical vein lactate estimation and Apgar scoring can be considered as easy and reliable techniques for the identification of distressed canine neonates. Such a prompt identification of neonatal distress can help the clinician to undertake immediate medical therapy or resuscitation, thereby reducing neonatal mortality.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF B-MODE AND COLOUR DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR DETECTION OF IN VIVO OVULATION IN CANINES(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2015-09) ANISH RAJANWith the objective of evaluation of B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography for detection of in vivo ovulation in canines, six apparently healthy, post pubertal bitches of different breeds were subjected to B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography daily after the detection of pro-oestrus. The study was conducted at University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai. Methods like vaginal cytology, vaginal pH, cervico-vaginal mucus arborisation and vaginoscopy were performed in an attempt to relate the ultrasonographic findings with the oestrous cycle stages. The mean interval between ovulation and anuclear cell index peak was 1.5 ± 0.224 days. Vaginal pH was lowest on the day of ovulation in all the bitches. Cervico-vaginal mucus arborisation and vaginal mucosal shrinkage peaked two days after ovulation. Serum progesterone estimation was done using radioimmunoassay. The mean progesterone levels at day of LH surge, day of ovulation and first day of metoestrus were 1.323 ± 0.299 ng/ml, 2.070 ± 0.454 ng/ml and 8.655 ± 0.558 ng/ml, respectively. The mean ovarian surface area increased from 1.048 ± 0.116 cm2 and 1.151 ± 0.160 cm2 , respectively, for left and right ovaries on the day of LH surge to reach 1.166 ± 0.185 cm2 and 1.205 ± 0.454 cm2, respectively, on the day of ovulation. The mean follicular diameters, when measured 3 days preceding ovulation was 0.386 ± 0.032 cm and 0.370 ± 0.048 cm for left and right ovaries, respectively and it reached maximum size on the day before ovulation to 0.501 ± 0.030 cm and 0.470 ± 0.026 cm, respectively. The increase in ovarian blood flow after the occurrence of LH surge was detected by colour Doppler ultrasonography. The mean number of follicles detected by ultrasonography was 5.33 ± 0.558. There was no statistical difference between the number of follicles detected by ultrasonography and the litter size of 5.00 ± 0.577 obtained. It was concluded that by performing daily ovarian ultrasonography in vivo ovulation could be precisely detected.ThesisItem Open Access ULTRASONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF FOLLICULAR DYNAMICS IN POST-PARTUM ATTAPPADY BLACK DOES.(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 2017) Narmada, M; Amritha AravindThirteen Attappadi Black does with a body condition score of 2.5-3.5 in the last month of gestation were selected for the present investigation. Transrectal uterine and ovarian ultrasonography was performed on alternate days from day seven postpartum to study the uterine involution and post-partum follicular dynamics.The average litter size observed was 1.92±0.13. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval from day seven to sixty postpartum for estimating serum progesterone. The mean number of days required for uterine involution was day 27 postpartum and mean day of first post-partum ovulation was on 45.15±2.66. The mean progesterone value was at basal level on day 7 post-partum (0.04-0.06 ng/mL) for all animals and showed a progressive increase after day 4 of first ovulation. Percentage of animals showing short cycles with a mean duration of 8.4 days were 38.46. In animals, showing three wave pattern of oestrous cycle (69.23 per cent), the day of emergence of first, second and ovulatory wave was on 0.00±0.00, 6.66±0.33 and 12.22±0.22 respectively. In animals, showing four wave pattern (30.76 per cent) day of emergence of first, second, third and ovulatory wave was on 0.00±0.00, 6.00±0.00, 10.50±0.50 and 14.50±0.50 respectively. The follicles of first and last wave attained maximum diameters in both wave patterns.Ovulation occurred from third and fourth wave in animals with three and four wave pattern in which the maximum diameter of the ovulatory follicle was 7.62±0.08 mm and 7.50±0.20 mm respectively. The first interwave intervals were longer irrespective of the number of waves per cycle. The mean day of ovulation was 21.33±0.33 and 21.50±0.28 in three and four wave cycles respectively and the mean duration of oestrus was 29.76±1.44 h (22-38 h).ThesisItem Open Access ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF EMBRYONIC AND FOETAL DEVELOPMENT IN MALABARI GOATS(Kerala Veterinary and animal science university, Pookode, 2017-02-02) MADHUSUDHAN, S.V; Promod, KThe present study was conducted with the objectives to evaluate the accuracy of foetal body measurements for the prediction of gestational age and to design a reference charts for embryonic and foetal body development employing ultrasonography in Malabari goats. The study was conducted at the Goat farm, Instructional Livestock Farm Complex (ILFC) attached to CVAS, Pookode. A total of twenty pluriparous goats aged one to five years with normal oestrous cycles and without any reproductive complications were selected. All the goats were subjected to oestrus synchronisation by double injection protocol of PGF2α (Lutalyse®, 10 mg, Dinoprost tromethamine) at 12 days apart. The goats were monitored for oestrus at every 12 h intervals after second injection of PGF2α by exposing to the apronised bucks. Oestrus signs were graded to assess the oestrus response and goats in standing oestrus were naturally bred with fertile bucks at 48 and 72h. The day of mating was considered as day 0 of gestation. The reproductive performances of goats were assessed by the time of onset of oestrus, duration of oestrus, service rate, the oestrus response and conception rate. All the experimental animals were subjected for transrectal ultrasound scanning by standard procedures for the study of conceptus from Day 15 post-service every day until the confirmation of early pregnancy. Twelve pregnant goats were subjected to ultrasonographic foetometry by measuring different parameters such as foetal crown rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), trunk diameter (TD) and femur length (FL). The scanning was carried out at every three days until day 39 by transrectal probe (7.5 MHz) then at every five days interval up to Day 64 by both transrectal and transabdominal probe, thereafter until Day 114 by transabdominal probe (5.0 MHz) alone. Out of 20 goats synchronised, all the animals expressed the oestrus signs with 100 per cent oestrus response. The time of onset of oestrus was ranged from 24 to 72h after second injection of PGF2α with an average of 49.2 ± 4.07 h and the duration of oestrus was ranged from 30 to 48h with an average of 36.8±3.2 h. In these 20 goats 18 goats completed the service with a service rate of 90 per cent. Among these 18 goats 12 were conceived with a conception rate of 66.67 per cent. The earliest period at which the embryonic vesicle detected was between 18 to 21 days (n=12) with an average early detection was at 20 ± 0.426 days. The hyperechoic embryo within anechoic embryonic vesicle was detected between Day 21 to Day 24, with an average period for early detection of embryo was at 23.833 ± 0.112 days. Similarly, the first detection of embryonic heartbeat was between Days 24 to Day 27 with an average period of 25.5 ± 0.45 days. The gestational sac diameters on Days 18 and 21 post-service were 7.40 ± 0.59 mm and 10.70 ± 0.77 mm, respectively. The foetal CRL was measured by both transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonography from Day 24 to Day 89 at 3-5 days interval. The foetal CRL was ranged from 0.88 ± 0.016 cm to 15.18 ± 0.064 on Day 24 and Day 89 respectively. Ultrasonographic measurement of foetal BPD was carried out between Day 30 to Day 114 which was ranged between 0.81 ± 0.004 cm to 4.70 ± 0.019 cm. Beyond Day 114, measurement of foetal BPD was difficult due to compression of the foetal head by growing foetal parts. On the other hand, foetal TD was measured from Day 44 to Day 114 which was ranged from 1.48 ± 0.007 to 5.99 ± 0.014 cm. The foetal FL was measured from Day 59 to Day 114 which ranged from 0.93±0.006 cm to 4.13 ± 0.009 cm. It was easy to measure the foetal FL in fourth month because femur was almost ossified. All the measured data were subjected to statistical analysis by linear regression model. The relationship between the foetal CRL, BPD, TD and FL were significant with the gestational age at one per cent level (P ≤ 0.0001) and fitted to the regression line. The relationship between the CRL (x) in cm and the gestational age (y) in days was plotted into a linear regression equation, y = 24.226+4.529x with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.967. A highly significant (P≤ 0.0001) relationship was existed between BPD (x) in cm and gestational age (y) in days of Malabari goat foetuses and the coefficient of determination was R2 = 0.968. The data were plotted in a linear regression curve to derive a linear regression equation, y = 20.822 +20.91x. The foetal TD increased linearly from Day 44 to Day 114 with the coefficient of determination of R2= 0.997. The relationship between the crown rump length (x) in cm and the gestational stage (y) in days was plotted into a linear regression equation, y = 24.63+14.93x. A highly significant (P≤ 0.0001) relationship was existed between FL (x) in cm and gestational stage (y) in days of Malabari goat foetuses and the coefficient of determination was R2 = 0.978 and plotted in a regression equation, y=49.33+16.23x. From the present study it is evident that the synchronisation by double PGF2α injection regimen is more efficient and cost effective method with higher conception rate (66.67 per cent). The pregnancy can be identified as early as day 18 transrectal ultrasonography which is more reliable than any other method. The gestational equations designed in our study can be used to estimate the age of the foetus with high accuracy within a limited period especially in Malabari goats. Since in most of the cases the mating date is unknown, this gestational age estimation by ultrasonography by the gestational equations helps in drying off lactating does, induction of kidding and to take care of the pregnant doe by planned nutrition and management.
