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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 COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ANTIOXIDANT SERICIN IN EGG YOLK TRIS EXTENDER FOR CRYOPRESERVATION OF BOVINE SEMEN(DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SCIENCE & ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY ANAND, 2019) Patel Tapasvikumar M.; Dr. A.J. DhamiThis investigation was undertaken during winter season on three mature healthy pedigreed breeding bulls each of Gir cattle and Murrah buffalo breeds, with the aim to assess effect of different concentration of antioxidant Sericin in standard Tris fructose egg yolk glycerol (TFYG) extender for improving cryopreservation of cattle and buffalo semen based on sperm quality parameters, and assay of oxidative markers in seminal plasma of freshly diluted and cryopreserved semen, and thereby to find out the optimum level of Sericin that can be recommended for cryopreservation of bovine semen. Ten ejaculates were studied from each bull at weekly interval in a split-sample technique for spermatozoa quality traits, and representative six ejaculates for oxidative markers, viz., malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in freshly diluted and frozen-thawed seminal plasma. Only the ejaculates with >70% initial motility were used.ThesisItem Open Access MONITORING POSTPARTUM REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN KANKREJ COWS THROUGH CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS, BLOOD PROFILE AND HORMONAL THERAPY(AAU, Anand, 2012) NAIKOO, MEHRAJUDDIN; Dhami, A. J.The present study was carried out at Livestock Research Station of the University on 42 Kankrej cows of 2nd to 4th parity. The chief objectives were: to monitor the early postpartum period (0-90 days) clinically and through plasma profile of progesterone, metabolites and macro-micro minerals at 10 days intervals; to evaluate the efficacy of a sustained release mineral supplement (Mega bolus PO) on the day of calving and five oestrus induction and synchronization protocols (Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch + CIDR, Cosynch and PGF2α) on day 90-95 postpartum towards augmenting reproductive efficiency of anestrous and subestrous cows (6 animals in each group), keeping 6 normal cyclic animals as control, and its effect on above profile till day 40 post-treatment/post- AI, and to compare plasma profiles of conceived and non-conceived cows at first Al. The time required for expulsion of fetal membranes, weight of expelled fetal membranes and the birth weight of calf (pure and crossbred) were 5.04 ± 2.0 hrs, 2.84 ± 0.76 kg and 24.29 ± 1.54 kg, respectively. The Kankrej cows showed complete uterine involution by mean interval of 36.80 ±1.21 (range 32-45) days postpartum. The interval for occurrence of first oestrus postpartum clinically and through plasma P4 profile was 105.49 ± 1.66 (range 86-106) and 56.42 ± 3.88 (range 30-80) days, respectively (P<0.05). The first service and overall conception rates obtained at spontaneous/ induced oestrus, within 150 days postpartum were 30.95 (13/42) and 40.47 (17/42) per cent. The comparative evaluation of the efficacy of five oestrus induction/ synchronization protocols tested, on 6 cows each, viz. Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch + CIDR, Cosynch and PGF2α revealed oestrus induction response of 66.66, 83.33, 50.00, 66.66 and 66.66 per cent, respectively, with behavioural signs at FTAI as confirmed by palpation per rectum. The first service conception rates obtained were 16.66, 33.33, 16.66, 50.00 and 50.00 per cent, respectively, as compared to 33.33 per cent in normal cyclic control cows. The corresponding second service conception rates were nil, 25.00, 20.00, nil, nil and nil per cent, as compared to 25.00 per cent in untreated control animals. The overall conception rates of three cycles over the 45 days period were 33.33, 50.00, 33.33, 50.00 and 50.00 per cent, respectively, as against 50.00 per cent in normal cyclic group. The results of CIDR, Cosynch and PGF2α protocols were better than the Ovsynch and normal control groups.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE AND HEAT STRESS ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY COWS AND VALIDATION OF CONTINUOUS BODY TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT IN IDENTIFYING ESTRUS(AAU, Anand, 2012) SUTHAR, VISHAL S.; Dhami, A. J.The present study with four experiments and manifold objectives were conducted on German (HF) dairy cows at or affiliated farm facilities of Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany, during January 2010 to June 2012. The overall objectives of this study were to evaluate: 1) performance of temperature data logger in in vitro and in vivo conditions, 2) validity of BT to identify induced estrus, 3) effect of exogenous and endogenous P4 on BT of dairy cows and 4) and to study effect of heat stress on BT and postpartum performance of dairy cows. In first study to evaluate performance of temperature data logger (Minilog 8, Vemco Ltd., Halifax, Canada), three sub-experiments were conducted. The study began with an in vitro validation of 24 temperature loggers comparing them to a calibrated liquid-in-glass thermometer as a reference method (sub-experiment 1). The association and agreement between the 24 temperature loggers with the reference method was r = 0.996 (P < 0.001) and a negligible coefficient of variance (0.005) between the loggers. In vivo temperature loggers were tested in 11 healthy postpartum cows (sub-experiment 2) and 12 early postpartum cows with greater BT (sub-experiment 3). Temperature loggers were set to record VT and RT at 1 min intervals. To prevent rectal and vaginal straining and potential expulsion of temperature logger an epidural injection of 2.5 ml of 2% Procain was administered. Association between RT and VT was r = 0.92 (P < 0.001) in sub-experiment 2 and r = 0.94 (P < 0.001) in sub-experiment 3 with a negligible difference of -0.1 and 0.01°C, respectively. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated an agreement between RT and VT for healthy and early postpartum cows with greater BT in sub-experiment 2 and 3, respectively. Therefore, continuous VT monitoring with temperature loggers can be used as a measure for BT in dairy cows.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON SOME ASPECTS OF INFERTILITY IN JERSEY COWS USED EXTENSIVELY IN EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY.(AAU, Anand, 2004) SHAH, RAKHIBEN MADANBHAI; PATEL, D. M.The present investigation on "Studies on some aspects of infertility in Jersey cows used extensively in Embryo Transfer Technology" was undertaken on Jersey animals (n=10) at the Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand Campus Anand. The study was carried out during the months of May 2003 to September 2003 The experimental animals were located at Reproductive Biology Research Unit, Veterinary College, Anand. All the Jersey cows were used in research related to non-surgical embryo transfer and were super-ovulated and flushed number of times under the strict Veterinary care. Also, excellent quality embryos after evaluation were transferred into some these animals, which served as recipients. Preliminary examination was made to know the reproductive status of the animals. Animals were divided in two groups. In first group normal estrus cycle of animals before breeding were observed. In the second estrous cycle of the first group all the animals were given intrauterine antibiotic, ampicilin and cloxacilin preparation (Ampoxin 2 gm containing ampicilin 1000 mg. and cloxacilin 1000 mg). In the second group animals were treated with GnRH (Receptal, 5 ml, I/M) and were bred. Blood collection was made at weekly interval and the pregnancy diagnosis was done on day 45 post breeding. The blood serum levels of glucose, calcium, phosphorus, calcium: phosphorus ratio, iron, copper, cobalt, zinc, manganese were lower in these animals. Repeated rectal examination of these cows revealed the cause of infertility to be cystic ovarian degeneration (two animals), ovarobursal adhesion (one animal), and early embryonic mortality (two animals). Tubal insufflation method of testing fallopian tube patency revealed bilateral complete tubal blockage in two animals and partial tubal blockage in three animals. These findings clearly demonstrated that superovulation in embryo transfer technology lowers the fertility in cows and repeated super ovulation lead to sterility in cows.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON PHYSICO-BIOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES AND PRESERVABILITY (AT 5°C AND -196°C) OF SEMEN OF TRIPLEBRED (HF X JERSEY X KANKREJ) BULLS(AAU, Anand, 2006) JAGDISHCHANDRA, RAVAL RUPESHKUMAR; DHAMI, A. J.This study was undertaken in 2 phases on semen of 4 mature triplebred bulls at Livestock Research Station, AAU, Anand. The study covered evaluation of seminal characteristics, seminal plasma biochemical profiles, acrosomal morphology, and effect of extender-additives, viz. cysteine HCl (0.1 %) and EDTA (0.1 %) in Tris fructose yolk glycerol (TFYG) diluent on cryo-freezing as well as refrigeration preservation (5°C till 48-hr) of semen in terms of motility, viability, morphology and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa. In phase-I, physico-biochemical attributes and their interrelationships were studied, while in phase-II, the effect of additives was studied using split-sample technique (1:10 dilution) on 36 ejaculates for cryo-freezing and refrigeration storage. Sperm motility was examined at 24 hourly intervals till 96- hr in refrigerated semen. The data on various traits of cryopreserved and refrigerated semen were analysed using 3-factors' Factorial CRD. The ejaculate, volume, mass activity (score 0-5), individual sperm motility, sperm concentration, live sperm and abnormal sperm recorded in triplebred bulls' semen during phase-I (winter) were 3.88 ± 0.16 ml, 3.73 ± 0.06, 999.06 ± 16.14 million/ml, 84.00 ± 1.02 %, 86.28 ± 0.97 % and 8.28 ± 0.44 %, respectively. The average seminal plasma content of GOT, GPT, AKP, total protein, total cholesterol, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium was 189.11 ± 6.29 lU/L, 82.53 ± 4.29 lU/L, 718.94 ± 24.27 lU/L, 6.95 ± 0.34 g/dl, 42.77 ± 2.87 mg/dl, 21.26 ± 0.56 mg/dl, 44.16 ± 1.30 mg/dl and 2.89 ± 0.06 mEq/L, respectively. The bulls varied significantly (P < 0.05) in their ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, abnormal sperm per cent, seminal plasma total protein, total cholesterol, GPT, calcium and magnesium levels. Semen quality of all 4 triplebred bulls was of optimum type and its' biochemical profile was within normal physiological limit. Moreover, the ejaculate volume had significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) with abnormal spermatozoa (r = 0.41); mass activity with the initial motility (r = 0.81), abnormal sperm (r = -0.46) and plasma total protein (r = 0.50); live sperm percentage with initial motility (r = 0.54), abnormal sperm (r = -0.60) and plasma cholesterol (r = 0.36); initial motility with abnormal sperm (r = -0.59) and plasma GPT (r = 0.34) and sperm concentration with seminal plasma GPT, total protein and magnesium levels (r = -0.43, -0.46, -0.39). Seminal plasma GOT activity was significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with plasma GPT, total protein, total cholesterol and magnesium concentrations (r = 0.46, 0.39, 0.36, 0.39, resp), while GPT activity had significant correlations only with plasma protein and magnesium contents (r = 0.64, 0.60), and magnesium with total protein and calcium levels (r = 0.65, 0.39). Plasma AKP and inorganic phosphorus levels did not show significant correlations with any of the physico-biochemical attributes studied. The mean percentages of motile, live and abnormal sperms and intact acrosome observed in freshly extended semen in standard TFYG diluent were 77.92 ± 0.73, 88.89 ± 0.57, 7.44 ± 0.28 and 92.33 ± 0.33, respectively. There was insignificant change in most of these values at prefreeze level, but the post-thaw values differed highly significantly (P < 0.01) from the initial as well as prefreeze values, and so also was the case for the effect of 24-hr and 48-hr of refrigeration storage. The relative % decline in motile and live sperms and intact acrosome at postthaw stage over the initial values was 40.46, 35.63 and 11.82, respectively, while the incidence of abnormal sperm and damaged acrosome increased relatively by 87.10 and 142.24 % at post-thaw stage over the initial values. The values of segment-wise sperm abnormalities and acrosome abnormalities were found to be more than double at post-thaw stage over the initial values. The 48-hr refrigeration storage of extended semen caused significant change in these parameters, but the magnitude of change was relatively small (12 to 18%). Statistically, that there were significant (P < 0.01) differences in percentages of motile, live and abnormal sperms and intact/damaged acrosomes between bulls (n=4), between stages (n=3, initial, prefreeze & post-thaw or 0, 24 & 48 hr) and between additives (n=3, EDTA, cysteine & control) both in cryopreservation and refrigeration storage of semen. Among all the two- and three-way interactions of bulls, stages and additives studied, only bull x stage and/or bull x additive interaction was found significant (P < 0.05) for some of these traits during cryo-freezing and/or refrigeration preservation. The overall pooled mean values of progressively motile sperms (irrespective of diluent additives) at initial, post-thaw and 48-hr post-refrigeration of semen were 81.07 ± 0.48, 50.60 ± 0.77 and 72.41 ± 0.61 %, respectively. The corresponding values for live sperm were 88.89 ± 0.32, 58.63 ± 0.63 and 73.22 ± 0.37 %; abnormal sperm 7.44 ± 0.16, 13.57 ± 0.20 and 11.02 ± 0.15 %; intact acrosome 92.33 ± 0.19, 83.65 ± 0.27 and 86.82 ± 0.21 %, and damaged acrosome 7.67 ± .19, 16.30 ± 0.28 and 13.18 ± 0.21 %, respectively. The sperm motility sustained in the extended semen till 96-hr of refrigeration was 63.47 ± 0.69 %, indicated acceptable preservability of crossbred bulls' semen at 5°C for 3-4 days. The mean percentages of progressively motile spermatozoa at initial, postthaw and 48-hr of refrigeration of semen in control Tris diluent were 77.92 ± 0.73, 46.39 ± 1.27 and 70.00 ± 0.91, respectively. The corresponding values for the diluent containing EDTA were 83.20 ± 0.67, 53.19 ± 1.26 and 74.31 ± 0.96, and that containing cysteine were 82.08 ± 0.85, 52.22 ± 1.20 and 72.92 ± 1.17, respectively. The corresponding values for live sperm per cent in control Tris diluent were 88.89 ± 0.57, 57.22 ± 1.09 and 72.28 ± 0.62, respectively; in EDTA containing diluent 88.89 ± 0.57, 61.50 ± 0.76 and 74.50 ± 0.68, and that in cysteine containing diluent 88.89 ± 0.57, 57.17 ± 1.25 and 72.89 ± 0.57, respectively. The mean percentages of sperms with intact acrosome at initial, post-thaw and 48-hr of refrigeration of semen in plain Tris diluent were 92.33 ± 0.33, 81.42 ± 0.44 and 85.31 ± 0.26, respectively. The corresponding values for the diluent containing EDTA were 92.33 ± 0.33, 85.08 ± 0.39 and 88.08 ± 0.27, and that containing cysteine were 92.33 ± 0.33, 84.44 ± 0.35 and 87.08 ± 0.39, respectively. The trend observed for the effect of freezing steps, storage intervals and additives was identical in the semen of all 4 individual bulls for motile and live sperm and intact acrosome. In general, the values of all three traits were significantly higher at all stages of cryo-freezing and refrigeration preservation of semen in the presence of EDTA and cysteine hydrochloride (EDTA being superior than cysteine) as compared to control Tris diluent. The mean percentages of total sperm abnormalities at initial, post-thaw and 48-hr of refrigeration of semen in control Tris diluent were 7.44 ± 0.28, 13.92 ± 0.26 and 11.42 ± 0.23, respectively. The corresponding values for the diluent containing EDTA were 7.44 ± 0.28, 13.03 ± 0.32 and 10.53 ± 0.28, and that containing cysteine were 7.44 ± 0.28, 13.78 ± 0.41 and 11.11 ± 0.23, respectively. The overall mean percentages of sperms with head, midpiece and tail abnormalities recorded initially in fresh semen of triplebred bulls were 2.33 ± 0.06, 1.37 ± 0.06 and 3.78 ± 0.12, respectively. The corresponding values after freezing thawing of semen were 4.35 ± 0.13, 2.78 ± 0.09, 6.45 ± .018, respectively, and after 48-h of refrigeration storage 3.60 ± 0.11, 2.07 ± 0.09, 4.61 ± 0.13 per cent, respectively. The differences due to freezing stages and storage intervals were significant (P < 0.01) for all the three traits. However, there was no significant effect of diluent-additives on any of these segmental defects in either of the protocols, except tail defects. The mean percentages of sperms with damaged acrosome at initial, post-thaw and 48-hr of refrigeration of semen in control Tris diluent were 7.67 ± 0.33, 18.42 ± 0.50 and 14.69 ± 0.26, respectively. The corresponding values for the diluent containing EDTA were 7.67 ± 0.33, 14.92 ± 0.39 and 11.92 ± 0.27, and that containing cysteine were 7.67 ± 0.33, 15.56 ± 0.35 and 12.92 ± 0.39, respectively. The mean percentages of sperms with swollen, ruffled, denuded and detached acrosome recorded initially in fresh semen were 2.25 ± 0.06, 2.03 ± 0.08, 2.00 ± 0.09 and 2.55 ± 0.10, respectively. The corresponding values at post-thaw stage were 3.69 ± 0.12, 3.79 ± 0.13, 3.63 ± .012 and 5.32 ± 0.16, respectively. The values after 48-h of refrigeration were 3.05 ± 0.10, 4.47 ± 0.18, 2.27 ± 0.11 and 3.28 ± 0.13 per cent, respectively. All types of acrosomal defects were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in presence of EDTA and cysteine than the control diluent, and increased with freezing or storage time. Highly significant (P < 0.01) interrelationships observed for the percentages of motile, live and abnormal sperms and intact/damaged acrosome in fresh, post-thawed and refrigerated semen of triplebred bulls (r = ± 0.19 to 0.88) proved that the assessment of initial motility can be taken as a fairly good indicator of semen quality after freezing and/or refrigeration in terms of above traits.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON CANINE PYOMETRA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CLINICALDIAGNOSIS, HAEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND UTERINE PATHOLOGY(AAU, Anand, 2005) DABHI, DINESHKUMAR M.; DHAMI, A. J.This investigation was taken up on 14 pyometric (10 open; 4 closed pyometra) and 10 normal bitches presented for ovario-hysterectomy at the College Clinic including screening of past two years records of all canine clinical cases attended to know the incidence of various reproductive disorders particularly pyometra. Other objectives were to evaluate clinical and radiographic diagnostic modalities, haematological, blood biochemical and sex steroid profile, bacterial isolates of uterine content and their antibiogram, and surgical therapy by ovariohysterectomy in cases of canine pyometra, and to study the gross and histopathological structures in the genital organs of pyometric and normal bitches. Of the total 5024 clinical cases attended in canines during the year 2003-05, 224 (4.46 %) and 28 (0.56 %) were of gynaecological and andrological nature, respectively. The highest incidence was of pyometra (27.23 %), followed by mammary tumours (16.52 %), pro-oestrus (12.50 %), pregnancy diagnosis (11.61 %), spaying (11.61 %), CTVG (7.14 %), misalliance (3.12 %) and others (10.26 %). Among the andrological cases, the highest incidence was of scrotal dermatitis (32.14 %), followed by castration (25.00 %), venereal granulomas (14.28 %), orchitis (10.71 %), prostatic hyperplasia (10.71 %) and balano-posthitis (7.14 %). The breed most prone to gynaecological disorders was Pomeranian (42.85 %). The highest occurrence of gynaecological cases was found in young bitches 0-5 years old (49.11%). Of the 14 pyometric bitches, incidence of pyometra was higher in 9-12 years age group (42.85 %), followed by 5-8 years (28.57 %) and in < 4 years and >13 years age groups (14.28 % each). The age range of affected bitches was 2.5 years to 13 years with a mean of 8.36 ± 0.82 years. The age of bitches presented for spaying ranged from 1 to 6 years with a mean of 3.60 ± 0.46 years. Further, the highest incidence of pyometra was observed in Pomeranian breed (8 cases) and nulliparous bitches (64.29 %). Oestrous cycle was irregular in 42.86 and 30.00 per cent of pyometric and normal bitches. The general condition of bitches with closed pyometra was poor, whereas it was fair in cases of open pyometra. The distension of abdomen was apparent in 57.14 per cent cases and on palpation, uterus was also found distended. Inappetance, fever and vomition was observed in 78.57, 64.28 and 28.57 per cent of pyometric bitches, while toxaemia, polyuria and polydipsia was present in 50.00, 42.86 and 57.14 per cent of pyometric bitches, respectively. Vaginal discharge sticking to the hair of tail and perineum was present in all cases of open pyometra and it's colour varied from gray to chocolate with foul odour. Abdominal palpation was clear in 5 cases and unclear in 9 cases. Radiography done in 5 selected cases of pyometra revealed clear picture in 3 and unclear in 2 cases. A significantly lower mean haemoglobin (Hb) and total erythrocyte count (TEC) was found in pyometric bitches (11.21 ± 0.91 g % and 5.86 ± 0.45 million/cmm) than in healthy bitches (14.26 ± 0.49 g % and 7.92 ± 0.17 million/cmm). The mean PCV value was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (40.34 ± 1.87 vs 34.35 ± 2.70 %) and that of ESR lower (2.60 ± 0.31 vs 9.53 ± 1.33 mm) in healthy bitches as compared to pyometric ones. There was slight improvement in the Hb, TEC and ESR post-operatively, but not in PCV, in pyometric bitches. Pyometric bitches showed a marked leukocytosis as compared to healthy ones (26.61 ± 3.13 vs 14.10 ± 0.82 thousand/cmm). Neutrophil count was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (74.30 ± 1.75 vs 57.80 ± 0.76 %) and lymphocyte lower (22.07 ± 1.59 vs 37.70 ± 0.58 %) in pyometric bitches than the normal ones. The levels of both serum urea and creatinine were three times higher (P < 0.01) in pyometric bitches than the normal ones (54.79 ± 6.12 vs 16.60 ± 1.25 and 2.67 ± 0.34 vs 0.84 ± 0.08 mg/dl, respectively). Serum cholesterol concentration observed in pyometric bitches was significantly greater than that in normal bitches (263.86 ±21.54 vs 190.70 ± 18.79 mg/dl). Moreover, the levels of all three constituents, particularly serum urea and creatinine, declined in all cases of pyometra following ovario-hysterectomy. Serum total protein concentration was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in pyometric bitches than the healthy ones (7.75 ±0.51 vs 5.71 ±0.13 g/dl), but were identical for close and open pyometra. Moreover, the serum albumin concentration of pyometric bitches was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (2.27 ± 0.20 vs 3.17 ± 0.21 g/dl) and globulin higher (5.48 ± 0.49 vs 2.54 ± 0.25 g/dl) than that in healthy bitches, thus drastically reducing the albumin-globulin ratio (0.47 ± 0.06 vs 1.42 ± 0.21) in pyometric bitches. The mean activities of serum ASAT and ALAT were markedly increased in bitches affected with pyometra (69.43 ± 3.98 and 77.86 ± 7.70 IU/1) as compared to those in normal bitches (33.60 ± 2.85 and 30.80 ± 1.39 IU/1). Serum ALP activity was also found markedly elevated (P < 0.01) in pyometric bitches than the normal ones (81.14 ± 7.93 vs 40.40 ± 3.87 ICAU %), and the levels were insignificantly higher in cases of closed pyometra than the open ones but not the ASAT or ALAT, and the levels of all 3- dropped a little following surgery in affected animals. Serum progesterone profile was three times elevated (9.42 ± 2.20 vs 3.53 ± 1.07 ng/ml) and oestradio-17(3 was only one-half (364.14 ± 68.71 vs 615.00 ± 170.15 pg/ml ) in pyometric bitches than the normal ones. Moreover, the mean progesterone concentration was significantly higher in cases of closed pyometra than the open ones (18.90 ± 3.41 vs 5.63 ± 1.83 ng/ml), but not the oestradio-17p, and it's levels declined significantly (P < 0.05) following ovario-hysterectomy in all animals. Uterine horns of bitches affected with pyometra ranged between 10 and 30 cm, with the identical mean lengths of right and left horns (16.62 ± 1.31 and 16.29 ± 1.48 cm). The mean weight of intact organs of pyometric bitches was 469.28 ± 143.73 gm and in healthy bitches 80.50 ± 24.79 gm. Endometrium of pyometric bitches was found to be smooth in most cases and thickened in 3 cases. In cases of open pyometra, uterine walls were found thickened as compared to closed pyometra. In few cases oedema, thickening, corrugation or velvety appearance with roughened endometrium were observed. In majority of the cases endometrial surface was necrosed, ulcerated, eroded with focal to diffuse thickened cystic areas due to endometrial hyperplasia. The quantity of uterine content ranged from 8 ml to 1900 ml with a mean of 223.43 ± 132.97 ml in pyometric bitches, being greater in closed pyometra (220-1900 ml). It's colour was blood mixed reddish brown (chocolate) to grayish white with watery to thick creamy consistency. Ovaries revealed corpora lutea, cysts and follicles in majority of pyometric bitches. Histopathological examination of uterine tissues from pyometric bitches revealed CEH and inflammatory reaction classical of CEHPC. Out of 14 pyometric cases. 13 (92.86 %) were found positive for different bacterial isolates. Of these, gram-positive cocci were observed in 9, gram-negative bacilli in 1 and mixed isolates in 3 cases. Whereas all samples of 10 healthy bitches were negative for any pathogen. Drug sensitivity pattern revealed norfloxacin the most effective antibiotic. No fungal growth _could be seen in any of the cases studied. Judiciously performed ovario-hysterectomy was found uneventful to grace life to the pyometric bitches.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON DIFFERENT TREATMENTS IN RELATION TO SERVICE PERIOD AND MILK PROFILE IN HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN COWS(AAU, Anand, 2008) PARMAR, PRAKASHCHANDRA D.; Derashri, H. J.The present research experiment on "Effect of Different treatments on service period and milk profile in Holstein Friesian cows" was undertaken on 40 Holstein Friesian cows. Objectives of the experiment were to study the effect of herbal preparation on uterine involution and resumption of ovarian activity and conception rate in the animals, to study the effect of combination of hormones such as PGF2a and Oxytocin on uterine involution and resumption of ovarian activity and subsequent conception rate during postpartum period, to study the milk profiles- protein, fat, urea, ketone bodies, lactose and SNF during postpartum period. The animals were divided into four groups of ten animals (n=10) each. Group-I, animals were given intra-uterine infusions of herbal preparation (Vantab) at weekly interval for three consequtive weeks. Group-II animals were given Oxytocin, 50 lU and PGF2a, 25 mg I/M, (Iliren, Intervet International Gmbh, Germany) immediately after parturition, Group-Ill animals were injected with PGF2a 25 mg i/m immediately after parturition, and Group-IV(Control group) animals were not given any treatment. Milk samples were collected at weekly interval from experimental animals from the day of parturition till 15th week post-partum for biochemical analysis of milk for Milk Urea Nitrogen, Milk Ketone bodies, Milk Lactose, Milk Protein, Milk Fat, and Milk Solid Non-Fat (SNF). Milk Urea Nitrogen was estimated by quantitative Spectrophotometer. Milk Ketone bodies were estimated by Rothera's test. Milk Lactose, Milk Protein, Milk Fat, and Milk Solid Non-Fat (SNF) were estimated by Ultrasonic Ekomilk total. Insemination were done in this group of animal on day of estrus Observed beyond 50 days post-partum. The Mean interval of the service period under different treatment groups was 123.4 ± 17.94, 109.8 ± 16.77, 120 ± 13.78 and 128.3 ± 17.25 days respectively. There was no significant difference in service period between the treatments. The mean / average level of milk urea nitrogen up to 120 day post partum was 0.252 ± 0.007 in HF cows under study. Significant difference was observed between treatments and control and between treatment groups also. Group - I animals had significantly lower MUN values as compared to group - IV and group - III. Same way significant difference was observed between group - 1 and group - II and group - III.. Treatment was effective to minimize the MUN levels. The mean / average level of milk ketone bodies up to 120 day post partum was 1.292 ± 0.031 in HF cows under the study. Ketone bodies in group - I and group - II were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than group IV (control group). The mean / average level of Milk Fat up to 120 day post partum was 2.18 ± 0.05 percent in HF cows under the study. Significant difference was observed between group - I and group - II and between group - II and group - IV. The mean / average level of Solid Non-fat up to 120 day post partum was 9.56 ± 0.05 in HF cows under study. SNF values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group-II animals as compared to group-III and group IV animals. Significant difference (P < 0.05) for SNF values was also observed between the periods. The mean / average level of Milk Lactose up to 120 day post partum was 6.12 ± 1.026 in HF cows under study. No significant difference was observed between groups and between treatments. The mean / average level of Milk Protein up to 120 day post partum was 3.58 ± 0.02 g% in HF cows under study. Significant difference was observed between groups and periods. Milk protein values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group 1 and group-11 as compared to group-IV (control group). Percentage of pregnant animals was 90, in Gr-1, Gr-II, Gr-III, and Gr-IV, respectively. Higher number of animals was pregnant in different treatment groups than the control group. The treatments gave an indication to enhance the fertility in post-partum HF cows under the study.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON BLOOD PROFILE IN RELATION TO REPRODUCTION IN CROSSBRED COWS OF SABARKANTHA DISTRICT(AAU, Anand, 2008) PATEL, BANKIMCHANDRA N.; Derashri, H. J.The present research project "Studies on blood profile in relation to reproduction in crossbred cows of Sabarkantha district" was undertaken on 30 advance pregnant crossbred cows and 20 repeat breeder cows. The objective of the study were to observe the effect of supplementation of mineral mixture powder and Bolus cyclomin 7 on reproductive performance of individual animals and also studies the serum biochemical profile during pre-partum, at partum and 15, 30 and 45 days post-partum. The animals were divided into two major units, Unit-1 total 30 advance pregnant animals, which were further divided in to three groups of ten animals each. The three groups were: group I - Treatment 1 ( mineral mixture + cyclomin 7); Group II - Treatment-2 -( mineral mixture + cyclomin 7) + GnRH (Inj. Receptal); Group - III - Control group (no treatment). While in case Unit-2, total 20 animals were selected which were divided in to two groups Group - IV -Treatment-4 (mineral mixture + cyclomin 7); and Groups V -Treatment-5 Control group (no treatment). Average value of Serum Glucose, Total protein, Triglyceride and Cholesterol in the animals under different groups of treatment in unit-1 was 53.58 ±0.55 mg/dl, 8.11 ± 0.09 g/dl, 45.09 ± 0.88 mg/dl, 118.67 ± 2.19 mg/dl. Level of glucose, total protein, cholesterol was maintained at significantly higher level (P < 0.01) in the animals under treatment group as compared to control group. Level of glucose was less at 15 days prepartum which increased significantly at parturition, decreased significantly 15 days postpartum and increased significantly 30 days post-partum onwards. An increasing trend was observed in protein level from 15 days pre-partum to the day of parturition and then the values decreased significantly (P < 0.01) till 45 days post-partum. No significant difference was observed for triglycerides level between the treatment and period groups, however, the values showed increasing trend from 15 days pre-partum to 15 days post-partum and then the values were at par with those at 15 days pre-partum. The level of cholesterol was at par 15 days pre-partum and at parturition and then onwards it increased significantly (P < 0.01) towards 45 days post-partum. Average value of Serum Glucose, Total protein, Triglyceride and Cholesterol in the animals under different groups of treatment in unit-2 was 47.42 ± 0.81 mg/dl, 7.18 ± 0.11 g/dl, 48.81 ± 1.30 mg/dl and 114.28 ± 3.83 mg/dl. Significant (P < 0.05) difference was observed between treatment and control groups for glucose level. Average value of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium in blood serum for unit-1 in the animals under experiment was 8.55 ± 0.14 mg / dl, 4.86 ± 0.06 mg / dl, and 1.49 + 0.06. mEq /dl. Calcium levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 15 days prepartum to the day of parturition (7.71 ± 0.20) and then increased significantly (P < 0.01) towards 45 days post-partum (9.20 ± 0.31). Highly significant difference was observed between the treatment groups and treatment groups and the control group for calcium and phosphorus level. No significant difference was observed between treatments and between periods for serum magnesium level. Average value for Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium level in blood serum in the animals under experiment (Unit-2) was 8.02 ± 0.17, 4.42 ± 0.20 mg/dl and 1.42 ± 0.12 mEq/dl. Values were not significantly differ but comparatively higher in treatment groups as compared to control groups. Average serum, cobalt, copper, iron, Zinc, and manganese (ppm) in the experimental animals in unit-1 was 0.88 ± 0.08, 0.74 ± 0.04, 2.15 ± 0.03, 2.16 ± 0.09 and 0.31 ± 0.01 respectively. No significant differences were observed for zinc and cobalt level between treatments and between periods but the values were comparatively higher in the treatment groups at 15 days post-partum stage (2.47 ± 0.22). However, values deceased significantly (P < 0.01) at the time of parturition as compared to 15 days prepartum find highly significant difference between different periods (1.06 ± 0.08 Vs.0.67 ± 0.05). Whereas copper level significantly (P < 0.01) decreased at pre partum (0.42 ± 0.04) and increased at the time of parturition shows continuous increased trend up to 45 days (1.02 ± 0.12). Mean values of manganese was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased at the time of parturition (0.21 ± 0.02) and gradually increased post partum. Average level of serum, cobalt, copper, iron, Zinc, and manganese (ppm) in the experimental animals (Unit-2) were 0.85 ± 0.04, 0.39 ± 0.02, 2.00 ± 0.04, 1.35 ± 0.09 and 0.27 ± 0.01 respectively. The values differed significantly (P < 0.01) between treatment and control groups, (1.59 ± 0.11 vs. 1.11 ± 0.12) for zinc level. The treatment, supplementation with mineral mixture and micro minerals and GnRH, effectively reduced the calving interval and mean inseminations per conception and improved the reproductive efficiency of animals of treatment groups. The mean intercalving period was 337.37 ± 4.30, 345 ± 4.60 and 355.60 ± 5.44 for T1, T2 and T3 groups respectively. The calving interval was significantly less (P < 0.05) in the treatment groups than the control group.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON SOME ASPECTS OF INFERTILITY IN JERSEY COWS USED EXTENSIVELY IN EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY(AAU, Anand, 2004) SHAH, RAKHI MADANBHAI; PATEL, D. M.The present investigation on “Studies on some aspects o f infertility in Jersey cows used extensively in Embryo Transfer Technology” was undertaken on Jersey animals (n=10) at the Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College o f Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand Campus Anand. The study was carried out during the months o f May 2003 to September 2003 The experimental animals were located at Reproductive Biology Research Unit, Veterinary College, Anand. All the Jersey cows were used in research related to non-surgical embryo transfer and were super-ovulated and flushed number of times under the strict Veterinary care. Also, excellent quality embryos after evaluation were transferred into some these animals, which served as recipients. Preliminary examination was made to know the reproductive status o f the animals. Animals were divided in two groups. In first group normal estrus cycle o f animals before breeding were observed. In the second estrous cycle of the first group all the animals were given intrauterine antibiotic, ampicilin and cloxacilin preparation (Ampoxin 2 gm containing ampicilin 1000 mg. and cloxacilin 1000 mg). In the second group animals were treated with GnRH (Receptal, 5 ml, I/M) and were bred. Blood collection was made at weekly interval and the pregnancy diagnosis was done on day 45 post breeding. The blood serum levels of glucose, calcium, phosphorus, calcium: phosphorus ratio, iron, copper, cobalt, zinc, manganese were lower in these animals. Repeated rectal examination of these cows revealed the cause of infertility to be cystic ovarian degeneration (two animals), ovarobursal adhesion (one animal), and early embryonic mortality (two animals). Tubal insufflation method of testing fallopian tube patency revealed bilateral complete tubal blockage in two animals and partial tubal blockage in three animals. These findings clearly demonstrated that superovulation in embryo transfer technology lowers the fertility in cows and repeated super ovulation lead to sterility in cows.