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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 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 INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF FOLLICLES ON QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF OOCYTES WITH RESPECT TO THEIR IN VITRO MATURATION IN SURTI BUFFALO(AAU, Anand, 2011) SINGH, RAHUL PRATAP; Shah, R. G.The present study was conducted on buffalo abattoir ovaries at Laboratory of Biotechnology of Veterinary College, Anand. The study was conducted over nine months from February 2010 to October 2010 on 499 ovaries. They had 1740 different size of follicles; from them 1046 different grades of oocytes were recovered for the study by slicing method. The influence of different categories of follicles on quantity and quality of buffalo oocytes, its maturation, effect of presence or absence of CL on oocytes recovery rate and its quality and in vitro fertilization of matured oocytes were studied. The total numbers of follicles recovered from 499 ovaries were 1740, of them 726 follicles were observed on the ovaries which had all the three size of follicles. The overall mean number of follicles per ovary was found to be 2.40 ± 0.07. The mean number (percentage) of small, medium and large size follicles per ovary were 3.16 ± 0.11 (49.40), 1.81 ± 0.06 (34.20), and 1.30 ± 0.05 (16.40), respectively. Oocytes collected by slicing method were classified on the basis of cumulus investment and ooplasm homogenecity, viz. grade A (>3 layers of cumulus cells), grade B (1-3 layers of cumulus cells), grade C (less compact cumulus) and grade D (nude oocytes). The mean number of oocytes per ovary of grade A (2.92 ± 0.14) and B (2.49 ±0.13) were significantly higher (P<0.05) followed by grade C (1.66 ± 0.09) than that of grade D (1.32 ±0.10) oocytes. The correlation studies between follicles size and oocytes qualities indicated that the small (<5 mm) follicles had highly significant (P<0.01) and positive correlations with grade B and C oocytes. Similarly, medium size follicles (5-8 mm) showed highly significant (P<0.01) and positive correlations with grade A oocytes. Large follicles (>8 mm) showed significant (P<0.05) and posiive correlation with grade A oocytes, whereas it had negative correlation with grade D, C, and B oocytes. The maturation rate achieved was 80.97 per cent in TCM-199 supplemented with 0.6 per cent BSA. The highest percentages of cytoplasmic maturation observed in oocytes of grade A, B, C and D were for good (50.30 per cent), fair (37.70 per cent) and poor (33.30 per cent) and poor (28.60 per cent) quality of oocytes, respectively. The significantly higher number of grade A (>3 layers of cumulus cells) and grade B (1-3 layers of cumulus cells) quality of oocytes attained good cytoplasmic maturation than grade C (less compact cumulus cells) and grade D (nude oocytes). The total maturation rate from grade A oocytes was highest (87.94 per cent) followed by oocytes of grade B (82.91 per cent) and grade C (72.22 per cent). The nuclear maturation was evaluated in 528 oocytes by Hoechst 33342 stain. The highest number of grade A oocytes (26 per cent) reached to M-II stage, followed by grade B (24.21 per cent), and grade C (14.28 per cent) and none of the oocytes from grade D reached to M-II stage, they were mainly arrested at GV and GVBD stage. The grade D oocytes did not mature and maximum per centage of degenerated oocytes (72.50 per cent) was found in this category. Of the 367 ovaries, the CL was present on 73 and absent on 294 ovaries that yielded 74 and 972 oocytes, respectively. Significantly (P<0.05) greater number of oocytes per ovary were recovered (5.06 ± 0.36) when the CL was absent compared with ovaries on which CL was present (0.38 ± 0.05). Further, significantly higher percentage (P<0.01) of recovery rate of grade A (37.76 per cent) and grade B (37.96 per cent) oocytes was obtained from the ovaries in which CL was absent than the ovaries in which CL was present (grade A: 40.54 per cent and grade B: 39.19 per cent). The effect of presence Vs absence of CL on the ovaries revealed 8.11 Vs 18.00 per cent recovery rate for grade C and 12.16 and 6.27 per cent for grade D oocytes. Oocytes of grade A (n=181) and B (n=305), which had cytoplasmic maturation, were utilized for in vitro fertilization. The overall fertilization rate observed was 20.16 per cent for grade A and B occytes. The higher fertilization rate was observed for grade A (21.00 per cent) oocytes than that of grade B (19.67 per cent). Application of in vitro embryo production technology in assisted reproduction of buffalo will not only improve productive and reproductive potential of the buffalo population but will also help to rescue the precious germ plasma going to waste by indiscriminate slaughter of this animal. This study showed that functional structure on the ovaries, i.e. corpus luteum, size of follicles etc. affect the recovery rate and quality of oocytes. The higher oocyte recovery rate and good quality oocytes were observed in absence of corpus luteum on the ovaries. It also revealed that the presence of cumulus layer around the oocytes affect the maturation rate. Further studies required for the in vitro culture system for in vitro embryo production of buffaloes.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF QUALITY AND FERTILITY OF BOVINE SEMEN USING COMPUTER ASSISTED SEMEN ANALYSER(AAU, Anand, 2011) PATEL, JIGNESHKUMAR BHEMABHAI; Dhami, A. J.This study was undertaken on 90 semen ejaculates (6/bull) of fifteen sexually mature healthy breeding bulls (5 Jafarabadi, 5 Mehsana and 5 HF x Kankrej F1), aged 3-8 years, stationed at State Frozen Semen Production and Training Institute, Patan. The study included subjective evaluation of seminal characteristics, hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, post-thaw motility, and objective assessment of sperm motion characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen by Computer Assisted Semen Analyser (CASA) including in vivo fertility trials of frozen-thawed semen under field conditions and establishment of interrelationships among various spermatozoal traits. The ejaculate volume (ml), mass activity (score 0-5), initial motility (%), sperm concentration (million/ml), live sperm (%), total abnormal sperm (%) and HOS reactive sperm (%) recorded in Jafarabadi buffalo semen averaged 4.81 ±0.21, 3.30 ± 0.08, 74.33 ± 0.75, 1466.80 ± 72.43, 84.93 ± 0.59, 10.67 ± 0.43 and 70.47 ± 0.54, respectively. The corresponding values for Mehsana buffalo semen were 5.01 ± 0.23, 3.23 ± 0.12, 73.83 ± 0.67, 1307.43 ± 94.27, 82.47 ± 0.67, 10.83 ± 0.38 and 71.53 ± 0.89, and for HF x K crossbred bull semen 6.68 ± 0.31, 2.83 ± 0.09, 72.00 ± 0.51, 1094.80 ± 78.85, 79.60 ± 0.65, 12.87 ± 0.45 and 61.37 ± 0.69, respectively. The values of all traits, except volume, were significantly (P<0.05) higher in buffalo bulls than the crossbreds. In Jafarabadi bulls, mass activity showed significant positive correlation with (P<0.01) sperm concentration per ml (0.865), and live sperms with abnormal sperms (-0.853). In Mehsana bulls, ejaculate volume had significant correlations with sperm concentration (-0.471) and live sperms (0.576); mass activity with initial modlity (0.554), sperm concentration (0.859) and live sperms (0.491); and sperm concentration with initial modlity (0.530) and live sperms (-0.469), whereas in HF x K bulls, mass activity showed significant correlations with initial motility (0.493) and sperm concentration (0.953); initial motility with sperm concentration (0.534), and live sperms with abnormal sperms (-0.525). The fresh semen analyzed by CASA revealed the mean motile sperm (%), progressively motile sperm (%), average path velocity (VAP μm/s), straight line velocity (VSL nm/s) and curvilinear velocity (VCL μm/s) for Jafarabadi buffalo sperms as 79.77 ± 1.62, 78.90 ± 1.22, 114.15 ± 2.28, 99.97 ± 2.09 and 181.30 ± 4.19, respectively. The corresponding values for Mehsana buffalo sperms were 61.80 ± 1.85, 61.37 ± 1.58,108.75 ± 2.59, 93.63 ± 2.14 and 176.72 ± 6.12, and for HF x K crossbreds 74.73 ± 1.71, 51.57 ± 2.61, 100.37 ± 2.61, 86.25 ± 2.15, and 158.93 ± 6.46, respectively. The values of all the traits were significantly (P<0.05) lower for crossbreds as compared to Jafarabadi and Mehsana buffalo sperms, which however differed significantly (P<0.01) for VSL. Among the other sperm velocity parameters of fresh semen, the mean values of amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), straightness (STR, %), linearity (LIN, %), elongation (ELG, %) and sperm area (ARE, μm2) for Jafarabadi buffalo sperms were 6.57 ± 0.17, 38.51 ± 0.75, 87.63 ± 0.84, 60.73 ± 1.47, 43.07 ± 1.99 and 20.23 ± 0.58, respectively. The corresponding values for Mehsana buffalo sperms were 6.63 ± 0.27, 37.64 ± 0.64, 86.43 ± 1.04, 60.00 ± 2.58, 46.83 ± 2.41 and 22.13 ± 0.99, and for HF x K crossbreds 6.87 ± 0.31, 32.79 ± 0.81, 86.63 ± 1.13, '61.93 ± 2.24, 44.43 ± 1.51 and 22.13 ± 0.81, respectively. The mean values of none of these traits, except BCF, differed significantly between breeds. Moreover, the mean values of rapidly mofile sperms were significantly (P<0.01) higher in the semen of Mehsana and Jafarabadi buffalo bulls, whereas the values of medium motile and static sperms were significantly (P<0.01) higher in HF x K bulls. The mean post-thaw motility of Jafarabadi, Mehsana and crossbred bulls semen averaged 52.67 ± 0.79, 51.33 ± 1.01 and 50.50 ± 0.91 per cent, respectively, while HOS reactive sperms were 54.57 ± 0.61, 51.50 ± 0.83 and 46.80 ± 1.06 per cent, respectively, the values of later trait were significantly (P<0.01) higher in buffalo semen than crossbreds. For the frozen-thawed semen assessed by CASA, the viable (via-dent stained), motile and progressively motile sperms of Jafarabadi buffalo bulls averaged 87.47 ± 1.04, 51.20 ± 1.57, 33.20 ± 1.45 per cent, respectively. The corresponding values for Mehsana bulls were 84.40 ± 1.24, 52.10 ± 1.70 and 34.30 ± 1.54 per cent, and for HF x K bulls 81.37 ± 1.18, 50.80 ± 1.36 and 30.23 ± 1.16 per cent, respectively. The viable sperm differed significantly (P<0.01) only between Jafarabadi buffalo and HF x K bulls. The values of velocity parameters, viz., VAP μm/s), VSL (μm/s), VCL (μm/s), ALH (μm), BCF (Hz), straightness (%), linearity (%), elongation (%), and head area (μm2) of post-thawed sperms of Jafarabadi bulls were 71.69 ± 1.64, 55.84 ± 1.49, 126.80 ± 2.89, 6.72 ± 0.19, 34.05 ± 0.46, 74.70 ± 1.02, 44.37 ± 1.01, 50.73 ± 0.93 and 10.83 ± 0.17, respectively. The corresponding values for Mehsana bulls were 72.11 ± 1.86, 55.26 ± 1.42, 129.76 ± 3.16, 6.78 ± 0.14, 33.35 ± 0.34, 74.27 ± 0.67, 42.97 ± 0.65, 49.87 ± 0.88 and 11.20 ± 0.42, and in HF x K crossbreds 71.11 ± 1.45, 52.28 ± 1.14, 136.26 ± 2.73, 7.86 ± 0.14, 31.88 ± 0.39, 69.57 ± 0.67, 38.10 ± 0.72, 43.83 ± 0.97, and 12.03 ± 0.16, respectively. The values of VAP, VSL and VCL in frozen-thawed sperms did not differ between buffalo and crossbred bulls. The values of head area, VCL and ALH were higher in HF x K bulls than the Mehsana buffalo. The mean values of BCF, STR, LIN and ELG were statistically similar in the semen of Jafarabadi and Mehsana buffalo breeds, though differed significantly from HF x K bulls. The rapidly motile sperms in the frozen-thawed semen were higher in Jafarabadi bulls than in HF x K crossbreds. The medium and slow motile and static sperm were, however, higher in crossbreds than in buffalo bulls semen. The overall conception rates obtained through 3275, 4320 and 3632 AIs performed using frozen semen doses of respective breeds in Jafarabadi and Mehsana buffaloes and crossbred cows under field conditions were 40.37, 41.39 and 43.36 per cent, respectively, which did not differ significantly. Significant (P<0.05) or highly significant (P<0.01) interrelationships were observed between some of the CASA attributes, viz., motile, progressive motile, VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, BCF, sperm area, rapid moving spermatozoa of Jafarabadi buffalo bulls in fresh and frozen-thawed semen (0.468 to 0.960). Similar significant interrelationships were also observed between subjective and objective (CASA) assessment traits of fresh and frozen-thawed semen of Mehsana buffalo bulls (0.464 to 0.959) and in HF x K crossbred bulls (0.465 to 0.932). These interrelationships indicated that a good functional correlation existed between the two systems of semen analysis. The CASA provided the base for quality assessment of sperm kinematics in both fresh as well as frozen-thawed semen of all three breeds and supported the visual or subjective assessment of semen quality. HOS test gave indirect indication of fertilizing potential of fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa.ThesisItem Open Access ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION IN POSTPARTUM ANESTRUS MEHSANA BUFFALOES USING DIFFERENT HORMONE PROTOCOLS AND EARLY PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS BY TRANSRECTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY(AAU, Anand, 2009) NAIKOO, MEHRAJUDDIN; PATEL, D. M.The present study was carried out on 24 postpartum anestrus Mehsana buffaloes during breeding season (November 2008 to March 2009) at Geeta Dairy Farm, Jambuva Village near Jambuva crossing, Vadodara, Gujarat. The animals were divided into four groups (six in each group), keeping six animals as control. The study included administration of three hormone protocols: i) Ovsynch ii) Ovsynch and CIDR and iii) CIDR alone. The effect of these hormone protocols was studied using different parameters and B-mode transrectal ultrasonography and the findings were evaluated by comparing them with plasma progesterone levels at different time intervals after treatment. The Ovsynch protocol was initiated in Mehsana buffaloes with postpartum anestrus period of more than four months, considering the day of first GnRH injection as day 0. All the animals of this group showed synchronized estrus and ovulation. Estrus was observed between 10-20 hrs after the last GnRH injection with ovulation 9 to 15 hrs after the end of estrus in all the animals. The animals were bred by fixed-time AI (FTAI) twice (day 11) and ultrasonography on day 26 post-insemination revealed first service and second service conception rates of 50% each, giving overall conception rate of 66.66% (four out of six animals). Ultrasonography on day 40 and rectal palpation on day 60 post-insemination revealed both pooled conception rate and pregnancy rate of 50% (three out of six animals), suggestive of early embryonic death (EED) in one animal. Combination of Ovsynch-CIDR protocol was initiated in postpartum anestrus animals, considering the first day of treatment as day 0. Synchronization of estrus and ovulation occurred in all the six animals, with ovulation within 10 to 14 hrs after the end of estrus in all the animals. The animals were bred by FTAI and ultrasonography on day 26 post-insemination revealed first service conception rate, second service conception rate and overall conception rate of 66.66% (four out of six animals), 50.00% (one out of two animals), and overall conception rate of 83.33% (five out of six animals), respectively. Both, ultrasound scanning and rectal palpation on day 40 and 60 post-insemination revealed pooled pregnancy rate of 83.33%. The use of CIDR protocol in postpartum anestrus animals caused induction of estrus in all the six animals with ovulation in five out of six animals (83.33%). These animals were bred by FTAI and ultrasonographic scanning on day 26 and 40 postinsemination revealed first service and second service conception rates of 50%) each and pooled conception rate of 66.66% (four out of six animals). The rectal palpation on day 60 post-insemination indicated 50.00% pregnancy rate, suggestive of EED or EFD in one animal. In the control group, all the six animals were anestrus as observed by rectal examination and plasma P4 assay. The plasma P4 levels in all the six animals remained < 1.20ng/ml throughout the research period. Upon ultrasound scanning, the embryo proper was observed on day 26 postinsemination. However, the embryo was observed in nine out of 13 buffaloes. The amniotic and allantoic vesicles were observed as non-echogenic cavities closely surrounding the embryo proper on day 40 post-insemination. These cavities were surrounded by large anechoic area i.e. embryonic fluid. The heartbeats were observed in 10 out of 13 animals on day 26 and in all 12 animals on day 40 post-insemination. The mean heart rate was found to be 174.60 ± 0.81 beats per minute on day 26 postinsemination, which later on decreased to 165.28 ± 1.4 beats per minute on day 40 post-insemination. The sensitivity of ultrasound scanning was cent percent on days 26 and 40 post-insemination. The specificity of ultrasound scanning was 80.00 per cent and 100 per cent on days 26 and 40 post-insemination, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the ultrasound scanning was 92.85 per cent and 100 per cent on days 26 and 40 post-insemination, respectively. The negative predictive value (NPV) of the ultrasound scanning was cent per cent on both the days i.e. days 26 and 40 post-insemination. The overall accuracy/diagnostic accuracy in the present study was recorded as 94.44 per cent and 100 percent on days 26 and 40, respectively. All the 24 buffaloes included in this study were anestrus, having plasma progesterone levels ranged from 0.21-1.18ng/ml. After initiation of treatment, plasma progesterone levels increased in all animals among the treatment groups upto 9-10 days and then decreased drastically around the day of estrus. Plasma progesterone concentrations in estrus buffaloes ranged from 0.12 - 1.54ng/ml with an average of 0.46±0.20ng/ml on the day of Al. Plasma progesterone concentrations ranged from 3.00 - 6.02ng/ml with an average of 4.42±0.52ng/ml in pregnant animals on day 20 post-insemination. In non-pregnant animals plasma progesterone concentrations remained to be 0.97 - 1.91ng/ml with an average of 1.22±0.06ng/ml on day 20 postinsemination. These results suggest that estrus synchronization in postpartum anestrus Mehsana buffaloes using different hormone protocols viz. Ovsynch, Ovsynch and CIDR and CIDR alone are extremely useful in initiating cyclicity in anestrus/acyclic buffaloes and may serve as an excellent tool for synchronization of estrus, ovulation and conception in postpartum Mehsana buffaloes. Ultrasonography facilitates diagnosis of all non-pregnant animals at an early stage (day 26 post-insemination) and is really advantageous than pregnancy diagnosis by rectal palpation method, with 100 per cent reliability. Thus, ultrasound scanning appeared to be of immense value in detection of early pregnancy, early nonpregnancy and early embryonic mortality.ThesisItem Open Access MONITORING POSTPARTUM REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN GIR COWS THROUGH CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS, BLOOD PROFILE AND HORMONAL THERAPY(AAU, Anand, 2011) AMMU, RAMAKRISHNAN; Dhami, A. J.The present study was carried out at Livestock Research Station of the University on 24 Gir 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 estrus induction and synchronization protocols (CIDR, Ovsynch and Cosynch) on day 90 postpartum for enhancing the 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-AI, and to compare plasma profiles of conceived and nonconceived cows at first AI. The time required for expulsion of fetal membranes, weight of expelled fetal membranes and the birth weight of calf were 4.67 ± 0.46 hrs, 3.06 ± 0.19 kg and 19.08 ± 0.84 kg, respectively. The Gir cows showed complete uterine involution by mean interval of 36.54 ± 0.68 (range 31-42) days postpartum. The interval for occurrence of first estrus postpartum clinically and through P4 profile was 94.29 ± 2.24 (range 70-101) and 65.42 ± 5.77 (range 20-101) days, respectively (P<0.05). The first service and overall conception rates obtained at spontaneous/induced estrus were 41.66 (10/24) and 87.50 (21/24) per cent within 150 days postpartum. The comparative evaluation of the efficacy of three estrus induction/ synchronization protocols tested, on 6 cows each, viz. CIDR, Ovsynch and Cosynch revealed estrus induction response of 83.33, 83.33 and 100.00 per cent with behavioural signs, although all animals were in estrus at FTAI as confirmed by per rectal palpation. The first service conception rates obtained were 50.00, 50.00 and 33.33 per cent, respectively, as compared to 33.33 per cent in normal cyclic -control- cows. The corresponding second service conception rates were 66.66, 33.33 and 75.00 per cent, and the overall conception rates of two cycles over the 25 day period were 83.33, 66.66 and 83.33 per cent, respectively, as against 50.00 and 66.66 per cent in normal cyclic group. The results of CIDR and Cosynch protocols were better than the Ovsynch and normal control groups. The mean plasma P4 level varied significantly between different intervals in all the four groups including the overall pooled mean and also in the conceived and nonconceived groups upto day 40 post-AI. The mean P4 concentration on the day of calving was low, around 1 ng/ml, in all the groups, which further reduced slightly till day 20 postpartum and then gradually increased to reach appreciable level of 2.24 ± 1.03,2.59 ± 1.95, 2.56 ± 1.70 and 3.68 ± 1.30 ng/ml by day 30, 50, 70 and 40 postpartum in control, CIDR, Ovsynch and Cosynch groups, respectively. In control group, all the animals came into estrus at least once between day 30 and day 60 postpartum. Three animals each were inseminated on natural estrus around day 70-72 and day 80-82 postpartum. In CIDR group, three animals each remained anestrous and subestrous until day 90 postpartum. In Ovsynch group, 4 animals were in subestrous stage and two were in anestrous condition. In Cosynch group, 5 and 1 animals remained in subestrous and anestrous condition, respectively. The mean plasma progesterone concentrations of all the groups remained at the lowest or basal level on the day of AI, irrespective of whether they came to estrus naturally or after treatment. Further, the mean progesterone levels, irrespective of control or treatment groups, increased significantly by day 10 post-AI and then remained at that elevated levels till day 40 post-AI in conceived animals, whereas in non-conceived animals the levels dropped on day 20 post-AI, and thereafter showed cyclic pattern upto day 40 post- AI. The overall pooled mean values of biochemical constituents, viz. protein, cholesterol and triglyceride analyzed at 10 days interval varied in the range of 5.82 ±0.19 to 6.44 ± 0.15 g/dl, 79.66 ± 2.70 to 190.57 ± 8.84 mg/dl and 16.31 ± 0.86 to 21.53 ± 1.59 mg/dl, respectively, from calving upto 90 days postpartum. The values of cholesterol varied significantly in all the 4 groups, including pooled values, and that of triglycerides showed significant difference only in CIDR group. None of the three parameters were influenced by estrus induction/synchronization protocols, during treatment or till 40 days post-AI. The overall pooled mean values of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium studied at 10 days interval varied in the range of 8.74 ± 0.17 to 9.42 ± 0.18 mg/dl, 5.66 ± 0.18 to 7.34 ± 0.26 mg/dl and 2.87 ± 0.07 to 3.05 ± 0.08 mEq/L, respectively, from calving till 90 days postpartum. None of the values varied significantly at any of the intervals, except calcium, which showed significant difference between different intervals in control group. None of the estrus induction/synchronization protocols, viz, CIDR, Ovsynch and Cosynch used in the study influenced the plasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentration. The overall pooled mean levels of micro-minerals varied non-significantly from calving until 90 days postpartum in the range of 0.78 ± 0.06 to 0.98 ± 0.06 ppm for zinc, 2.86 ± 0.19 to 3.35 ± 0.20 ppm for iron, 0.94 ± 0.06 to 1.13 ± 0.06 ppm for copper, 0.34 ± 0.02 to 0.37 ± 0.03 ppm for cobalt and 0.32 ± 0.03 to 0.38 ± 0.04 ppm for manganese. There was no effect of groups or periods on the plasma profile of these elements, except that the values of copper on day 10, 20 and 30 postpartum were significantly higher in Cosynch group as compared to other groups. None of the micro-minerals studied was influenced by the different estrus synchronization protocols used. Among the conceived and non-conceived groups of Gir cows, progesterone and total cholesterol varied significantly between 10 day intervals from calving until day 140 postpartum, including the days of treatment, AI and 10-40 post-AI in both the groups. The mean values of progesterone ranged from 0.39 ± 0.14 to 7.06 ± 1.22 ng/ml for conceived and 0.60 ± 0.13 to 5.14 ± 1.15 ng/ml for non-conceived cows, and those of cholesterol were 81.08 ± 2.44 to 209.06 ± 11.25 and 78.65 ± 4.36 to 216.58 ± 14.56 mg/dl, respectively. The mean values of magnesium differed significantly between periods in conceived group in the range of 2.73 ± 0.10 to 3.15 ± 0.12 mEq/L, whereas no such difference was noticed in non-conceived group (2.85 ± 0.08 to 3.25 mEq/L). Further, the values of P4 were significantly increased in CIDR and Cosynch groups by day 7 of treatment due to exogenous and endogenous source as compared to control or Ovsynch groups. The P4 values in conceived and non-conceived cows of all 4 groups were lowest on the day of AI, with peaks on day 10 post-AI, which were then maintained almost at the same levels in the conceived groups till day 40 post-AI, while in nonconceived groups they dropped significantly on day 20 post-AI and then showed cyclic pattern till day 40 post-AI. However, none of the other parameters studied, viz., plasma proteins, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus and trace minerals, varied significantly between periods within the conceived/non-conceived group or between the two groups at any of the intervals postpartum. The study, in general, revealed that CIDR and Cosynch protocols were better in estrus expression and fertility, and thus, reduce the maintenance cost of dry animals, which in fact is of economic importance to the farmers. The plasma progesterone profile studied at 10 days interval postpartum helped in detecting silently cycling animals. The biochemical investigations helped to conclude that the selected animals in all hormone protocols and control group were healthy and were maintained under optimum nutritional regime, and this was probably the reason, why their profile was not influenced by the various estrus induction and synchronization protocols used.
