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Anand Agricultural University, Anand
Anand Agricultural University (AAU) was established in 2004 at Anand with the support of the Government of Gujarat, Act No.(Guj 5 of 2004) dated April 29, 2004. Caved out of the erstwhile Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU), the dream institution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. K. M. Munshi, the AAU was set up to provide support to the farming community in three facets namely education, research and extension activities in Agriculture, Horticulture Engineering, product Processing and Home Science. At present there seven Colleges, seventeen Research Centers and six Extension Education Institute working in nine districts of Gujarat namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Dahod, Kheda, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Mahisagar, Botad and Chhotaudepur
AAU's activities have expanded to span newer commodity sectors such as soil health card, bio-diesel, medicinal plants apart from the mandatory ones like rice, maize, tobacco, vegetable crops, fruit crops, forage crops, animal breeding, nutrition and dairy products etc. the core of AAU's operating philosophy however, continues to create the partnership between the rural people and committed academic as the basic for sustainable rural development. In pursuing its various programmes AAU's overall mission is to promote sustainable growth and economic independence in rural society. AAU aims to do this through education, research and extension education. Thus, AAU works towards the empowerment of the farmers.
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ThesisItem Open Access VARIATIONS IN THE GONADOTROPHIC HORMONE LEVELS IN THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND, DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE IN BUFFALO(AAU, Anand, 1970) Agarwal, Shanti Prasad; Buch, N. C.Abstract not AvailableThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON FACTORS AFFECTING ANOESTROUS (pubertal and Postpartum) STATE IN GIR CATTLE AND TRIALS FOR RESUMPTION OF OVARIAN FUNCTION(AAU, Anand, 1980) KODAGALI, SHRINIVAS BINDURAO; Deshpande, B. R.Abstract not AvailableThesisItem Open Access ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN FOLLICULAR DYNAMICS, FERTILITY MANAGEMENT AND EARLY PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN CATTLE(AAU, Anand, 2014) HADIYA, KAMLESHBHAI KHODABHAI; Dhami, A. J.These investigations were undertaken on 60 Gir and HF x K Crossbred cattle of University farm in Anand from January to June 2014 with the objectives to study the follicular dynamics of spontaneous as well as hormonally (Mid-cycle PG, Ovsynch and CIDR) induced estrous cycles and even during early pregnancy in postpartum cows and postpubertal heifers using real time B-mode transrectal ultrasound scanning; to detect early pregnancy and embryonic mortality using clinical diagnosis and ultrasonography; to evaluate the efficacy of estrus synchronization protocols toward fertility improvement in subfertile cows; to monitor blood biochemical and plasma endocrine profile of spontaneous and induced cycles during treatment and thereafter at weekly interval until next estrus or 42 days of pregnancy; and to correlate plasma progesterone and estradiol profile with ovarian changes during estrous cycle and early pregnancy. The normal cyclic (24) and infertile (36) animals were thoroughly screened for their genital health through gynaeco-clinical examinations. They were subjected to transrectal ultrasonographic scanning to study the follicular dynamics during various reproductive phases and during estrus synchronization treatments. The animals found in spontaneous or induced estrus were inseminated with good quality frozen-thawed semen. Pregnancy was confirmed in non-return cases on day 23, 28, 35 and 42 using transrectal ultrasonography and per rectal palpation 60 days post-AI. Infertile animals (subestrus and repeat breeders) were included in estrus synchronization protocols, viz.. Mid-cycle PG, Ovsynch and CIDR, and subsequent ovarian follicular/luteal dynamics, blood profile and fertility evaluation. Six subestrus/ repeat breeding postpartum cows each of Gir & Crossbreds (6x2 = 12) having mid cycle mature CL were treated with single i/m injection of 500 ng cloprostenol, and fix timed AI was performed at 72 and 96 hrs post-treatment. Ultrasound scanning of the animals was performed daily from start of treatment till expression of induced estrus/FTAI and/or ovulation with blood sampling. Similarly, six infertile cyclic cows each of Gir and Crossbred category (6x2=12) were treated with standard CIDR protocol and equal numbers (6x2=12) with Ovsynch protocol using FTAI on day 9 and 10. The ovarian changes were monitored daily with blood sampling on day 0 (initiation of treatment), 2, 4, 6, 7 (PG injection), 8,9 (GnRH injection), and day 10 (induced estrus/FTAI). All 36 induced cycling and fix timed inseminated cows together with 24 spontaneously cycling and inseminated cows {cows (n=12) and heifers (n=12), 6 each of Gir and Crossbred type} were further monitored for follicular dynamics daily from the day of AI till day 21 post-AI and then for early pregnancy in non-return cases through uterine scanning with 6.5 MHz transducer, together with jugular blood sampling at weekly interval, i.e. on day 0 (AI), 7, 14, 21 post-AI and then on day 23, 28, 35 and 42 post-AI in non-return cases for assay of blood glucose and plasma total cholesterol, estradiol and progesterone profile. All these inseminated animals (n=60) not returned to estrus again were monitored through transrectal USG (6.5 MHz) for detection of early pregnancy and/or embryonic mortality on day 23, 28, 35 and 42 post-AI, and the findings were correlated with plasma P4 on day 21 and per rectal palpation on day 60 post-AI. The characteristics of dominant and ovulatory follicles observed between two consecutive estruses in 24 unbred animals, comprising of 12 heifers and 12 cows, 6 each of Gir and HF x K crossbred genotype, using 7.5 MHz tranrectal linear array transducer indicated the presence of two- and three-wave cycles in 66.66 (n=12) and 33.33 (n=6) per cent, respectively, of all heifers and crossbred cows, while in Gir cows the frequency of 2- and 3-wave cycles was equal. None of the animals showed single-wave cycle. The second wave appeared earlier in the estrous cycle with 3-wave than with 2-wave (9.00±1.00 vs 10.00±0.58 days; P<0.01). The persistence of the first dominant follicle and duration of regression phase were significantly (P<0.05) longer in 2-wave than in 3-wave cycles (20.25±0.25 vs 19.00±0.00 days and 7.25±0.62 vs 5.00±0.00 days). The maximum diameter of ovulatory follicle was significantly higher (P<0.05) in 3-wave as compared to 2-wave pattern (13.70±0.10 vs 12.55±0.27 mm). The linear growth rate of first dominant follicle was significantly (P<0.01) higher in 2-wave as compared to 3-wave cycle (1.09±0.19 vs 0.46±0.11 mm/day). Similarly, the linear growth of ovulatory follicles was significantly (P<0.05) higher in 3-wave than the 2-wave cycles in all animals. The duration and end day of second dominant follicle were significantly (P<0.05) longer in 2-wave as compared to 3-wave cycle (12.00±0.70 vs 6.00±0.00, 21.50±0.28 vs 14.50±0.50). The emergence of ovulatory follicle was significantly (P<0.01) earlier in 2- wave (9.50±0.50 days) as compared to 3-wave cycle (14.50±0.50 days). Similarly, the duration of ovulatory follicles differed significantly (P<0.01) between 2- and 3-wave cycles (12.00±0.70 vs 7.00±0.00 days). The diameter of ovulatory follicle of 2-wave cycle was significantly (P<0.05) larger than 3~wave cycle (17.22±0.79 vs 14,65±0.45 mm). The ovulatory follicle of 2-wave cycle in crossbred cows appeared significantly (P<0.01) earlier than 3-wave cycle (days 9.00±0.71 vs 14.50±0.50). The persistence of ovulatory follicle was significantly longer (P<0.01) in 2-wave as compared to 3-wave cycle (12.00 ±0.70 vs 7.50±0.50 days). Two- and three-wave cycles differed significantly (P<0.05) with respect to the mean interovulatory interval (22.33±0.33 vs 24.00±0.00 days). In Crossbred cows with 2-wave cycle, there was no relationship between the development of first dominant follicle and presence of CL in either of the ovaries, while in 3-wave cycle the first dominant follicle and the ovulatory follicle developed on opposite side to the ovary bearing the CL, while the second dominant follicle developed on the same ovary bearing the CL in both Gir and Crossbred cows. Similarly, no pattern was observed for the development of ovulatory follicle with respect to first dominant follicle on the ovaries in 2-wave cycle. However, the proportion of ovulatory follicles was higher on opposite side as compared to same side to the first dominant follicle in 2-wave cycle in both the breeds. In 3-wave cycle the second dominant follicle developed opposite to first dominant follicle and the ovulatory follicle developed opposite to second dominant follicle in all the animals. Thus, there was no difference in the pattern of this phenomenon between two breeds studied. In Gir and Crossbred cows, there were positive correlations between CL diameter and plasma P4 values (r = 0.82 & 0.72), and follicle size and E2 values (r = 0.69 «& 0.36). The average plasma P4 values were higher (P<0.01) and E2 values lower on day 7 and 14 than on day 0 and 21 post-estrus, with corresponding larger CL and smaller follicular size in both Gir and Crossbreds. The profiles of follicular growth and regression compared for first 21 days post-AI in conceived and in non-bred cyclic Gir & Crossbred cows revealed the fi-equency of occurrence of two follicular wave up to 75.00 (6/8) per cent in pregnant and 58.33 (7/12) per cent in non-bred cyclic cows, while the remaining seven cows (2 pregnant and 5 cyclic) showed three follicular waves. Almost similar patterns in the follicular growth characteristics, viz., beginning day, end day and duration (days) of first dominant follicle were observed between pregnant and non-bred cyclic cows (0.75±0.29 vs 0.50±0.29, 9.25±0.48 vs 8.25±0.25 and 8.50±0.48 vs 7.75±0.48). However, the linear growth rate (mm/day) of first dominant follicle was significantly lower (P<0.05) in pregnant as compared to non-bred cyclic cows (0.93±0.07 vs 1.21±0.12). The difference was also significant (P<0.01) in the beginning day (15.75±0.25 vs 14.00±0.41) and the maximum diameter of first dominant follicle (11.72±0.22 vs 14.40±0.24 mm) between above two groups. Similarly, the duration (days) of regression phase and linear regression rate (mm/day) of first dominant follicle (4.75±0.65 vs 7.00±0.40 and -1.07±0.07 vs -1.39 vs 0.09) and the maximum diameter of second dominant follicle (11.70±0.22 vs 16.40±1.04 mm) were significantly (P<0.01) lower in pregnant as compared to normal cyclic cows. In all, 60 spontaneous (n=24) or induced cyclic (n=36) cows were inseminated and those did not return to estrus by day 21 after AI were further scanned four times on day 23, 28, 35 and 42 using trans-rectal linear array transducer of 6.5 MHz frequency to detect early pregnancy and embryonic mortality, if any. The sensitivity of USG was cent per cent on all the 4 days, but the specificity was lower on day 23 and 28 (68.00 % each) as compared to day 35 (92.00 %) and 42 (100%). On day 23 and 28, 8 animals were incorrectly diagnosed pregnant, while on day 35, two and zero animals were wrongly diagnosed pregnant. However, the progesterone assay on day 21 post-AI revealed 9 animals being diagnosed incorrectly pregnant. The sensitivity and negative predictive values were cent per cent on all days by both the methods, but specificity and positive predictive values were lower for pregnancy diagnosis using progesterone assay (64.00 % and 79.55 %) as compared to ultrasound scanning results on all 4 days (day 23 & 28, 68.00 to 81.40 %; day 35, 92.00 - 94.59 % and day 42, 100 %). Similarly, the accuracy was relatively higher with ultrasound scanning than the progesterone assay (100 vs 86.44 %). Based on plasma progesterone profile, 35 cows were correctly diagnosed as pregnant (P4, 6.48±0.38 ng/ml) and 16 cows as non-pregnant (P4, 0.45±0.13 ng/ml). However, 9 animals were incorrectly diagnosed as pregnant (P4, 4.14±0.12 ng/ml) and no animal was incorrectly diagnosed as non-pregnant as compared to the results of pregnancy diagnosis on day 60 by rectal palpation. Out of 9 cows, which were incorrectly diagnosed pregnant on the basis of plasma P4 profile on day 21 post-AI, 6 were found pregnant on day 23 and 28, but only three were found pregnant on day 35 by ultrasonography indicating early embryonic mortality in three animals (3/35; 8.57%) between day 28 and 35, The technique of ultrasound scanning facilitated the diagnosis of all non-pregnant animals as early as on day 23 post-service. The results indicated that day 35-42 is the earliest possible time when pregnancy diagnosis should be attempted using ultrasound for maximum accuracy and specificity. The conception rates of 12 subfertile cows, each subjected to CIDR, Ovsynch and Mid-cycle PGF2a treatment protocols were 41.66, 41.66 and 33.33 per cent, respectively, at induced estrus. The corresponding conception rates at second cycle post-treatment were 28,57, 42,85 and 25,00 per cent; and at third cycle 40,00, 50.00 and 33.33 per cent, with the overall conception rates of 3 cycles as 75.00, 83.33 and 66.66 per cent. In untreated cyclic control group, out of 24 animals (12 Gir and 12 Crossbreds) inseminated, the conception rates at first, second and third service and overall of 3 services were 20.83, 21.05, 26.66 and 54.16 per cent, respectively. The results obtained using all 3 treatment protocols were much better than that of untreated cyclic control animals. Gir cattle in fact responded better with CIDR, while Crossbreds showed better results with Ovsynch protocol, and the response with Mid-cycle PGF2a treatment was relatively poor and almost same in both the classes of animals. The follicular dynamics, CL size, plasma progesterone, estradiol-17p, total cholesterol and blood glucose profiles were studied in Mid-cycle PGF2a treated as well as CIDR and Ovsynch treated Gir and Crossbred cows from the day of initiation of treatment until day of induced estrus/FTAI. The pooled mean CL size in cows as monitored by transrectal ultrasonography at 0, 24, 48 and 72 (estrus/AI) hrs of PG treatment was found to be 14.02±0.46, 12.68±0.49, 10.26±0.62 and 7.70±1.16 mm, respectively, and that of follicle 4.42±0.22, 5,37±0.35, 8.52±0.59, 12.94±0.74 mm. The corresponding plasma progesterone concentrations were 5.22±0.43, 3.10±0.36, 1.14±0.32 and 0.48±0.31 ng/ml, respectively, and those of estradiol-17p 19.42±2.07, 24.33±2.33, 41.25±4.40, 51.41±2.02 pg/ml. The values of CL size and plasma P4 were significantly (P<0.01) higher and those of follicle size and E2 lower on the day of PG treatment indicating the presence of mature functional CL on the ovary. The CL size reduced and plasma progesterone concentration dropped significantly with parallel increase in follicle size and plasma E2 within 48-hrs of PG treatment. The values of CL size and plasma P4 were the lowest or at basal level and those of follicle and E2 at peak on the day of induced estrus/AI, around 72-hrs posttreatment. No significant variation was noted in any of the traits between breeds or at any of the intervals studied within the breed, except at 72-hrs of PG treatment wherein the values of CL size and plasma P4 were significantly (P<0.05) higher in crossbreds as compared to Gir, suggesting breed difference in the action of PG and duration of induced luteolysis. The conceiving and non-conceiving cows revealed identical pattern and values of CL and follicle size as well as plasma P4 and E2 concentrations till 48-hrs of mid-cycle PG injection, but by 72-hrs of treatment the drop in CL size and plasma P4 were drastic and significant over 48-hrs values in conceiving cows than the non-conceiving cows. The pooled mean concentration of blood glucose recorded at 0, 24, 48, 72 hrs after PG treatment was 56.78±2.25, 57.34±2.00, 58,76±2.06, 60.78±1,61 mg/dl, respectively. The corresponding plasma total cholesterol concentrations were 166.84±3.73, 166.36± 2.33, 173.42±2.65, 169.19±3.89 mg/dl, respectively. The values of none of these traits varied significant between different intervals post-PG-treatment, and the values were more or less similar in both the breeds, and no significant variation was noted in blood glucose or plasma cholesterol profile at any of the intervals studied between breeds. The follicular dynamics, CL size, plasma progesterone, estradiol-17p, cholesterol and blood glucose profiles were also studied in Gir and Crossbred cows on day 0 (Wg CIDR insertion), 2, 4, 6, 7 (CIDR removal & PG injection), 8 and 9 (GnRH injection) of CIDR (1.38 g hydroxyl-progesterone in silastic coil) treatment, and on day 10 (induced estrus/FTAI). The pooled mean CL size in cows on these was found to be 11.09±0.71, 10.97±0.69, 10.80±0.50, 10.60±0.43, 10.63±0.49, 8.25±0.18, 5.65±0.38 and 5.21±0.67 mm, respectively and that of follicle size 7.70±0.59, 7.23±0.36, 8.68±0.71, 8.63±0.63, 9.02±0.67, 10.50±0.61 12.48±0.72, 7.50±1.00 mm, respectively. The corresponding plasma P4 concentrations were 4,55±0.34, 5.54±0.49, 5.12±0.31, 4.73±0.24, 4.66±0.36, 1.78±0.21, 0.67±0.12, 0.13±0.02 ng/ml, respectively, and those of estradiol-17p 14.16± 1.94, 25.50±2.40, 29.16±2.94, 37.16±3.39, 30.75±1.92, 40.75±2.75, 49.66±4.03, 33.50 ±7.02 pg/ml. The values of CL size and plasma P4 were significantly (P<0.01) higher and follicle size and E2 lower on the day of CIDR insertion indicating that the animals were cyclic with presence of mature functional CL on the ovary when the treatment was initiated. The CL/ follicle size and plasma progesterone/estradiol concentrations were maintained for 7 days until CIDR was removed and PG was injected i/m, which resulted in luteolysis with sudden and significant drop in CL size and plasma progesterone within 24- hrs with further drop to basal level with concurrent rise in follicle size and plasma E2 levels by next 48-hrs, i.e. the day of induced estrus/FTAI due to withdrawal of negative feedback effect of plasma P4 on the pituitary and hypothalamus, thus inducing ovulatory estrus within 72-hrs. No significant variation was noted in any of these traits at any of the intervals studied, between or within Gir and Crossbred cows. The values of blood glucose and cholesterol were more or less similar in both the breeds, as were found in Mid-cycle PG treated group, and no significant variation was noted at any of the intervals post-CIDR treatment between breeds or within breed. Although the blood glucose levels were apparently higher and cholesterol lower in Gir cows as compared to Crossbreds during the CIDR treatment phase until induced estrus. The effect of Ovsynch treatment on the follicular dynamics, CL size, plasma progesterone, estradiol-17p, total cholesterol and blood glucose profiles studied in infertile cyclic Gir and Crossbred breed cows on the same days as with CIDR protocol was almost similar with identical pattern and values to those of CIDR treatment group. All these parameters were also studied in normal cyclic control post-pubertal heifers (6) and postpartum cows (6) of Gir and Crossbred breeds each at weekly interval, together with those cows induced to estrus and inseminated at fixed time under three synchronization protocols, from day 0 (estrus/AI) to day 21 post-AI and then on day 23, 28, 35 and 42 in non-return cases. One cows in each synchronization treatment underwent embryonic mortality between day 28 and 35 post-AI as confirmed by transrectal USG. The pooled mean CL size in 12 heifers as monitored by ultrasonography on day 0 (estrus/AI), 7, 14, 21, 23, 28, 35 and 42 post-AI was found to be 4.72±0.33, 12.30±0.55, 12.72±0.62, 8.74±1.39, 9.47±1.17, 11.83±0.87, 14.44±0.61 and 14.50±0.67 mm, respectively, and that . of follicle size 12.70±0.51, 5.86±0.52, 5.23±0.45, 9.21±0.96, 7.4U0.91, 6.14±0.48, 4.80±0.51 and 4.94±0.30 mm, respectively. The corresponding plasma progesterone concentrations were 0.49±0.10, 3.16±0.21, 5.18±0.41, 3.01±0.99, 3.50±0.96, 5.66±0.73, 8.54±0.21 and 8.96±0.15 ng/ml, respectively, and those of estradiol-17p were 56.08±2.98, 29.58±2.52, 20.25±2.43, 38.08±5.70, 22.66±4.97, 21.58±2.84, 15.80±2.53 and 22.40±3.29 pg/ml, respectively. Very similar values and trend of observations were recorded for CL and follicular size as well as plasma progesterone and estradiol-17p profile in postpartum cows also from the day of estrus/breeding till day 42 post-AI. The values of CL size and plasma P4 were the lowest or at basal level on the day of estrus/AI, increased highly significantly (P < 0.01) by day 7 and 14, dropped down around day 21-23 and again rose significantly at day 35 and 42 post-AI, with concurrent inverse trend in follicle size and plasma E2 profile. These trends were associated with establishment of pregnancy and return of rest of the animals to next cycle around day 21- 23. No significant variation was noted in CL or follicular size and plasma progesterone or estradiol-17P profile at any of the intervals studied and the trend was the same in both the Gir and Crossbred heifers as well as cows. Further, the conceiving and non-conceiving animals of Gir and Crossbred breed (irrespective of parity) revealed identical pattern and values of CL/follicle size and plasma P4, E2 concentrations till day 14 post-AI, and there was significant drop in CL size as well as progesterone profile in non-pregnant animals with increase in follicle size and plasma E2 profile due to luteolysis, folliculogenesis and res-establishment of next cycle around day 21-23; and persistence of CL and continuance of progesterone production in conceived ones. The pooled mean concentration of blood glucose in heifers on day 0 (estrus/AI), 7, 14, 21, 23, 28, 35 and 42 post-AI was found to be 64.35±3.21, 68.71±2.54, 66.41±2.63, 68.67±2.10, 66.91±2.08, 64.43±2.30, 60.96±1.69 and 61.18±1.58 mg/dl, respectively. The corresponding cholesterol levels were 172.73±5.27, 175.91±3.69, 181.01±1.85, 176.90± 3,33, 173.90±2.65, 174.81±2.19, 170.50±2.60 and 169.79±1.43 mg/dl, respectively. Very similar values and trend of observations were recorded for blood glucose and plasma total cholesterol profile in postpartum cows from the day of estrus/breeding till day 42 post-AI. The values of none of these traits varied significantly between intervals post-estrus/AI, No significant variation was noted between Gir and Crossbred heifers as well as cows in blood glucose or plasma cholesterol profile at any of the intervals studied and the trend was the same. Further, the conceiving and non-conceiving animals of Gir and Crossbred breed (irrespective of parity) revealed identical pattern and values of blood glucose and plasma cholesterol concentrations till day 42 post-AI. Very similar trend and values of follicular dynamics, CL size, plasma P4, E2, total cholesterol and blood glucose were also found in all three groups of estrus synchronized cows of Mid-cycle PG, CIDR and Ovsynch protocols (12 each) at weekly interval from day 0 (induces estrus/FTAI) to day 21 post-AI and then on day 23, 28, 35 and 42 in nonreturn cases, hence the data are not repeated again for these groups. It is concluded that the ultrasound scanning is a very usefiil technique to study follicular dynamics as well as to detect early pregnancy and embryonic mortality in bovines. The Gir and Crossbred cows evince either 2- or 3-follicular waves per cycle, but not the single wave cycle. Ultrasonographic technique is helpful in detection of nonpregnancy as early as day 23 post-service with cent percent negative predictive value. There is regular growth and development of dominant follicles during early stages of pregnancy as a safe guard in the event of early embryonic mortality to evince next cycle in time. Plasma progesterone profile on day 21 post-breeding is also a very good index for detection of pregnancy with 79.55 per cent positive predictive value and cent per cent negative predictive value. The CL diameter and plasma P4 values as well as follicle size and E2 values were positively correlated. The results in general did not reveal any specific role of glucose or cholesterol in reproductive processes. Of the different synchronized treatment protocols, the highest overall conception rate was achieved with Ovsynch (83.33%) followed by CIDR (75.00%) and Mid-cycle PGF2a (66.66%) treatment and the least in control group (54.16%), hence the Ovsynch and CIDR treatments can be recommended to the field veterinarians for improving the fertility of infertile cattle.ThesisItem Open Access EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY DURING PEAK AND LOW BREEDING SEASON IN KANKREJ COWS AND MEHSANA BUFFALOES(AAU, Anand, 1995) Sahatpure, Sunil K.; Mehta, V. M.To apply the embryo transfer technology in field level Kankrej cows and Mehsana buffaloes this research programme was planned. The major objectives of this research work were to study the efficacy of FSH and PMSG as superovulatory hormones in field level Kankrej cows and Mehsana buffaloes placed in peak (winter) and low (summer) breeding seasons. During the course of these experiments the embryo recovered were transferred to estrus synchronized recipients maintained under same season and management. An attempt was made to study the endocrine interrelationships with SOV responses of donors and pregnancy responses in recipient cows and buffaloes. The present work was conducted in villages of Mehsana district of Gujarat state where the kankrej cows and Mehsana buffaloes are thickly populated. The August to December months were included in peak breeding season and April to June months were included as low breeding season in present studies. The climatological parameters such as ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded during these months. To study the interactions between gonadothrophin response with seasons and species of animals total four experiments were planned. In experiment-I four each of Mehsana buffaloes were superovulated in low breeding season either with PMSG (2500 lU) or folltropin-V(500 mg NIK). In experiment-II keeping other items constant the Mehsana buffaloes were superovulated with folltropin-V or PMSG in peak breeding season. In experiment-Ill four each of kankrej cows were superovualted with PMSG (2000 lU) or folltropin-V (400 mg NIH) during low breeding season. In experiment IV keeping other things constant Kankrej cows were superovualted with folltropin-V or PMSG in peak breeding season. All the donor cows and buffaloes were synchronized for induced estrus with the help of PGF2a treatment injection at interval of 11 days. The PMSG treatment wua given as a single dose on day 10 of the cycle where as folltropin was injected in small divided and tapering doses between day 10 to day 13. The superovulated estrus was induced with prostaglandin injection two days after initiation of gonadotropin treatment. Employing non-surgical flushing technique of embryo recovery, the embryos were recovered from all the donor cows and buffaloes respectively on day 7 and day 6 after SOV estrus. The embryo recovered were evaluated and graded. The blood serum samples collected at definite interval and stages were analyzed for levels of estradiol-l 7{3 progesterone total cholesterol and total protein. Wherever possible, the attempts were made to transfer embryos in estrus synchronized recipients. In experiment-V the estrus synchronized recipients were transferred with fresh embryos recovered in above four experiments and wherever fresh embryos were not available, the frozen embryos were transferred. The recipient cows and buffaloes were estrus synchronized with prostaglandin F2a analogue (Lutalyse 25 mg). The embryos were transferred on day 7 and day 6 after synchronized estrus respectively in cattle and buffaloes. The blood serum samples collected at different interval were analyzed for the levels of progesterone, estradiol-1713, total cholesterol and protein. The pregnancy rate in recipient was calculated. The Kankrej cows selected randomly exhibited induced estrus between 48 to 60 h and 36 to 48 h respectively in low and peak breeding season. The seasonal differences were significant. The Mehsana buffaloes had taken 36 to 48 h time for induction of estrus in both seasons. All cows and buffaloes responded to PGF2a treatment. The SOV estrus was induced in all the Kankrej cows between 32 to 42 h and 38 to 90 h in peak and low breeding season respectively. The SOV estrus duration was longer in low breeding season. The Mehsana buffaloes had taken 36 to 48 h time for induction of SOV estrus after last PG injection. No seasonal influence was noted in time taken for induction of estrus but duration of estrus especially in PMSG treated low breeding season buffaloes was largest (90 to 120 h). All the Kankrej cows and Mehsana buffaloes had developed corpus luteum present on day of initiating folltropin or PMSG treatment. The right ovary was observed to be more functional in both species as compared to left ovary. The SOV response recorded . on day of embryo recovery was significantly higher with"^ folltropin treatment in both the species when compared with PMSG treatment. The average number of follicles and corpora lutea developed on both ovaries in kankrej cows with folltropin treatments were 15.5±3.45 and 13.0±3.62, 12.5+4.63 and 10.75±0.72 respectively in peak breeding and low breeding season. The difference were significant (P< 0.05) The Kankrej cows treated with PMSG had developed average follicles and corpora lutea 4.5±1.73 and 2.5±10; 3.0±0.47 and 1.5+0.33 respectively in peak and low breeding seasons. The SOV response to PMSG was significantly lower (P< 0.01) than folltropin treatment. The SOV response of Mehsana buffaloes remained significantly inferior than Kankrej cows. The total number of follicles and corpora lutea developed were 6.75±0.55 and 4.75±0.25, 5.25+1.59 and 4.25±1.59 respectively, when folltropin was used in peak and low breeding season respectively. In this comparison the ovarian response to PMSG in both seasons was very poor. The 3.7±0.72, and 3.2±0.7 follicles were activated respectively in peak and low breeding season developing 2.0±0.47 and 1.75+0.55 corpora lutea respectively. The unovulated follicles of low breeding (summer) group of cows and buffaloes had tendency to turn into cystic follicles. The flushing behavior of both Kankrej cows and Mehsana buffaloes was optimal, only two kankrej cows out of 16 and three Mehsana buffaloes out of 16 had non-negotiable cervix, so flushing could not be attempted. The embryo recovery rate of Kankrej cows was optimal (28/4 cows) after folltropin treatment in peak breeding season. Comparatively less number of embryos (17/4) were recovered in low breeding season folltropin treated cows. The difference observed due to season were significant. In this comparison the Mehsana buffaloes had only four embryos under folltropin treatment in peak and low breeding seasons. With PMSG treatment in donor buffaloes no embryo was recovered. The studies revealed a significant effect of season and gonadotrophin both on the embryo recovery rate. The fertilization rate in the ova recovered from cows was most satisfactory in present studies. The season and gonadotrophin treatment had no significant effect on fertilization rate. However, the fertilization rate in buffaloes of low breeding season is comparatively lesser than peak breeding season. Since the number of observations are too less for buffaloes the differences due to season may not be significant. The embryo evaluation studies in kankrej cows revealed that more than fifty percent of embryos both under folltropin (25/44) and PMSG (3/6) treatment group were morula stage. Ten embryos in folltropin treatment group were in blastocyst stage. About 10%, 16% and 50% embryos were found to be degenerated in folltropin treated peak breeding season, folltropin treated low breeding season and PMSG treated peak breeding season cows. The difference were significant. In this comparison Mehsana buffaloes had 50% (4/8) embryos either in morula stage or in degenerated and unfertilized stage. The overall progesterone profiles of SOV kankrej cows and Mehsana buffaloes' were following same trend as reported in literature. All the Kankrej cows maintained above 2.0 ng/ml progesterone levels on day (DIO) and buffaloes maintaining above 1.0 ng/ml progesterone level on day 10 (DIO) had responded to SOV treatment. Lowest levels of progesterone were maintained by Kankrej cows and Mehsana buffaloes on day 0 (DO) (Induced estrus) and day 14 (D14 day of SOV estrus) had not responded properly to SOV treatment. The blood progesterone levels recorded steep heights on day of embryo recovery both in SOV responded cows and buffaloes. However, the levels were positively correlated with the number of ovulations and corpora lutea developed. In folltropin treatment of cows seven out of eight had shown progesterone level between 8.58 to 22.50 ng/ml on day of embryo recovery. Since buffaloes exhibited significant variation in SOV treatment of folltropin and PMSG the progesterone levels recorded on day of embryo recovery (D21) are highly variable. Seven buffaloes out of eight in peak breeding season and two buffaloes out of eight in low breeding season maintained progesterone level above 2.5 ng/ml on day of embryo recovery. The blood progesterone levels were found to be significantly dropped to low level on day 35 (D35) in 50% of Kankrej cows superovulated, whereas 80% of Mehsana buffaloes still maintained level above 1.0 ng/ml on day 35 (D35). The species difference \n luteolytic effect of PGF2a analogue (lutalyse) is evident in present studies. The elevated estradiol - 17(3 was recorded in Kankrej cows on • days of induced estrua. The levels recorded on day of SOV-; estrus were significantly higher than all other stages studied. The peak estradiol levels were not positively correlated with embryp; recovery response» The levels were not influenced by peak or low breeding season or type of gonadotrophin used. The estradiol 1713 levels tended to decline on day 10 (DIO). Significantly higher levels recorded on day of embryo recovery declined significantly in folltropin treated Kankrej cows whereas the levels were maintained significantly higher on day of embryo recovery in PMSG treated Kankrej cows. The maintenance of high estradiol - 170 upto day of embryo recovery was detrimental to embryo recovery and embryo quality in present studies. The superovulated Mehsana buffaloes tended to maintain general trend of blood level estradiol 17B similar to Kankrej cows. However, the levels in PMSG treatment group were retained higher upto day 35. The embryo recovery rate in buffaloes was inversely proportional to estradiol 170 levels maintained on day of embryo recovery. The higher blood serum cholesterol levels were recorded in Kankrej cows on day of induced estrus (DO), SOV estrus (D14), and estrus following (D35). The levels tended to decline significantly on day 10 and day 21 (i.e. luteal phase). A positive correlation between blood cholesterol levels and follicle size recorded had no significant relationship with embryo recovery rate. The Mehsana buffaloes also maintained the same trend in maintaining blood serum total cholesterol levels. The blood serum total protein levels in SOV Kankrej cows and Mehsana buffaloes were not significantly changed in different stages of superovulation. The 15 recipient cows responded to estrus synchronization treatments of prostaglandin F2a analogue. The shorter time interval (6-28 h) was recorded between estrus of donors and recipients in peak breeding season. However, this time interval was between 18 to 28 h in low breeding season. The differences were significant. Two recipient cows transferred with good quality embryos become pregnant, when embryos collected from folltropin treated peak breeding group of cows were transferred to them. This gave a pregnancy rate of 50 percent in peak breeding season. However, none of the embryos collected from cows in folltropin treated low breeding group, PMSG treated peak breeding and low breeding group when transferred to estrus synchronized recipients could be implanted in estrus synchronized recipient cows because of estrus synchrony between donor and recipient cows was more than six hours. A very close estrus synchrony (<6h) was essential in establishing pregnancy in recipient cows even though all of them developed corpus luteura on the ovaries. All the sixteen buffaloes, estrus synchronized with prostaglandin F2a anologue had responded with close estrus synchrony (0 to 18h) in present studies. The Mehsana buffaloes reacted better to PGF20. treatment as compared to cows. Since the embryos recovered from SOV buffaloes donor were less, only 10 recipients were transferred with embryos. In buffaloes recipients also the pregnancy get established in peak breeding season giving pregnancy rate 50% in folltropin peak breeding season group (2/4) and overall 25% pregnancy in 8 recipients transferred with embryos from folltropin group donors. The overall pregnancy rate in buffaloes was 20 percent (2/10). The recipient buffaloes also required close estrus synchrony (<6h) for establishing pregnancy. The overall trend followed by estrus synchronized buffaloes and cows in maintaining blood estradiol-17β and progesterone were similar. The peak estradiol-17β and extremely low progesterone profiles were maintained by cows and buffaloes on days of synchronized estrus. The progesterone profiles above 2.0 ng/ml on day of embryo transfer were maintained on 5 recipient cows out of sixteen. Among these five cows, the pregnancy was established in two in peak breeding season crossbred cows. Similarly the recipient Mehsana buffaloes on day of embryo transfer which maintained above 1.5 ng/ml progesterone level had established pregnancy in peak breeding season. The luteal deficiency was recorded in low breeding group of cows and buffaloes. The pregnant recipient cows and buffaloes had maintained above 3.0 ng/ml progesterone level in blood on day 21 whereas cows and buffaloes maintaining progesterone levels than 2.0 ng/ml on day 21 (D21) were non pregnant and had elevated levels of estradiol- 1713. The blood total cholesterol and protein levels maintained by recipient cows and buffaloes. Similar trend as superovulated buffaloes and none of these parameters were related with establishment of pregnancy in recipient.ThesisItem Open Access VARIATIONS IN THE GONADOTROPHIC HORMONE LEVELS IN THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE IN BUFFALO(AAU, Anand, 1970) Agarwal, S. P.; Buch, N. C.Abstract not AvailableThesisItem Open Access BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOCRINOLOGICAL STUDIES DURING EMBRYO TRANSFER IN GOATS(AAU, Anand, 1997) Baru, Parmod; Dugwekar, Y GThe present study on biological and endocrinological studies during the embryo transfer in goats was conducted to explore the possibility of using single subcutaneous injection of gonadotrophin for superovulating goats. The study was conducted on the Surti and Marwari goats maintained at Reproductive biology research unit, Anand. The donor goats were grouped in to 5 groups and animals of each group were superovulated using single subcutaneous administration of either PMSG or FSH. The cyclic goats of group - 1 were superovulated using Folltropin - V 200 mg. on day 15 of cycle. The cyclic goats of group 2, 3, and 4 were treated on the same lines with FSH-P 16.5 mg. Folligon 1000 lU and 500 lU respectively. Group 5 acyclic goats were treated with Crestar system for 14 days. The number of goats responding to superovulatory treatment was 3 of 3; 2 of 3; 4 of 5; 5 of 6 and 3 of 3 in groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. However there was no significant difference between the treatment groups for time taken to exhibit sov-oestrus (24 to 51.5±3.5 h) and duration of sov-oestrus (20.66 ± 1.76 to 27 ± 3 h). The animals of all groups were laparotomized 72 h after breeding to collect the embryos. The total ovarian response, number of GL and UOF recorded in goats of various treatment groups did not differ significantly. The embryos recovered from superovulated goats were at various stages of development from 2 cell to early morula and majority of embryos were of transferable quality. The number of embryos recovered from the acyclic goats were comparatively lower than the number recovered from cyclic goats. The serum P4 concentration in the superovulated goats of various treatment groups showed non significant differences between the various treatments at various intervals of superovulation treatment. The serum P4 on day of embryo recovery was considerably higher in all superovulated goats and exhibited a significant positive correlation with number of CL. (r=0.85) The serum E, concentration was highest on day of sov-oestrus in all superovulated goats and difference between the various treatment group was significant. However the E, concentration had no significant correlation with total ovarian response. The serum biochemical constituents (cholesterol, glucose, calcium and phosphorus) did not show significant variation amongst animals following superovulation between various treatment groups. The embryos collected from the donors of various treatment groups were transferred in to estrus synchronized recipients. The synchrony of oestrus between donor and recipient ranged between ± 24 h. Embryos of 2 cell to early morula were transferred in to recipients. Up to day 35 post embryo transfer six does (16%) returned to estrus. Amongst others four kidded at the end of gestation period yielding ten viable kids. The overall kidding percentage was 31 %. During the study one each birth of single, twin, triplet and quadruplet were recorded. Considerably high incidence of 23 % pseudo pregnancy were recorded in the present study. The serum P4 of pregnant, pseudopregnant and nonpregnant goats on day 35 of embryo transfer had a significant difference (5.9 ± 0.73. 7.93 ± 0.13 and 1.76 ± 0.91 ng/ml, respectively). The serum E" concentration in all the recipients remained low following transfer of embryos up to day 35 of transfer. The rise in E" was much pronounced in the pregnant and pseudo pregnant recipients. The levels of serum biochemical constituents (Cholesterol, Glucose, Calcium and Phosphorous) had no significant difference between the pregnant pseudo pregnant and non pregnant does.ThesisItem Open Access LIPID COMPOSITION IN REPRODUCTIVE TRACT TISSUES AND BLOOD SERUM IN SURTI BUFFALO DURING DIFFERENT PHASES OF REPRODUCTION(AAU, Anand, 1988) Patel, Arvind V.; Janakiraman, K.Totally 52 Surti (also spelt as Surati) buffalo calves and adults of both sexes were used in five different experiments. Six biochemical characteristics, lipids, were analysed from tissues and blood serum as they pertain to reproductive phases. In the 1st experiment, 24 Surti buffalo heifers (3 to 4 years of age) were slaughtered at four different phases of oestrus cycle (D2, D9, D15, and S0 ) to collect reproductive tract - tissues; follicular, luteal and interstitial tissues along with follicular fluid from ovary, fallopian tube, uterine '- endometrium and myometrium, cervix and vagina. Blood was also collected at the said stages. Lipid and its fractions viz. triglyceride, total phospholipid, total, free and ester cholesterol were e.stimated from these tissues and blood serum. Results of above study revealed that total lipid, triglyceride and total phospholipid were higher at D2 and D15 phases of the oestrus cycle in all tissues compared to other phases. However, cholesterol (total, free and ester) did not follow the similar trend, but their levels were found higher when the ovaries were active (revealing a follicle or CL). Follicular fluid collected at D2 and D15 phases of oestrus cycle, also showed higher concentration of lipid and its fractions at D15 phase except total phospholipid. However, phospholipid and ester cholesterol showed significant phase variation. Blood serum was analysed were for the same characteristics and results were observed on the same line as tissues. However, significant variation was observed between oestrus cycle phases except triglyceride and total phospholipid. In the 2nd experiment, where 12 farm born prepubertal calves (six males and six females - 6 to 10 months old) were taken for study; showed nonsignificant variation between young male and female in all characteristics except ester cholesterol. However, levels of lipid were found higher in male than female except for cholesterol (total, free and ester). In the 3rd experiment, which was concerned with variation of lipid constituents in matured male during 24 hrs of the day. Blood was collected at four hours of interval. At lower temperature of the day all the six biochemical characteristics showed higher lipid components than that of hot hours. The variation between the different hours in all characteristics except free cholesterol,.were found significant. In the 4th and 5th experiment, 10 pregnant buffaloes were taken to study early and late pregnancy, respectively. The blood sampling was done from fertile heat to 95 days of pregnancy in early pregnant buffalo and 30 days of ante-partum to 2 hrs after calving in advanced pregnant buffalo. Total 14 and 8 stages were considered in the early and late pregnancy study respectively, where last two collections of late pregnancy were 2 hrs before and 2 hrs after calving. All the characteristics studied showed higher level at early pregnancy stages which showed decreasing trend as the pregnancy advanced and were found lowest at term. The individual stage variation was worked out for early and late pregnancy stages separately. The stage variation was observed for triglyceride and phospholipid in early pregnancy and triglyceride, total and ester cholesterol for late pregnancy stages respectively. Total 22 stages of early and late pregnancy were grouped in total seven phases as per their physiological importance. There was a significant variation between different phases of pregnancy. Since the data has been obtained under conditions of nutrition and management more or less similar to those of the farmers of this area, the results particularly on blood lipid profile will be useful as a data base to farmers who are interested in assessing the potentiality of their animals with respect to early maturity and optimum reproductive performance. Further studies are, however, necessary to pinpoint one or two of the many lipid fractions that may serve as markers for this purpose. Such studies are necessary on animals maintained under village as well as large farm management conditions to be of broad base, use.