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National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal

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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    SCROTAL INFRARED DIGITAL THERMOGRAPHY AS AN INDICATOR OF SEASONAL EFFECT ON SEMINAL ATTRIBUTES AND PHYSIO-BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF THARPARKAR AND KARAN FRIES BULLS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) JASKIRAN KAUR; SOHAN VIR SINGH
    In order to find out effect of scrotal temperature difference on semen quality and seminal biochemical parameters, five each of Tharparkar and Karan Fries bulls were selected from Artificial breeding research centre ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. All the experimental animal were maintained under standard conditions of feeding and management. The bulls were exercised in bull excerciser once a week to maintain sexual behavior and ensure quality semen production. The environmental variables in terms of minimum and maximum temperature, dry and wet temperature, relative humidity etc were recorded throughout experimental period for calculation of temperature humidity index (THI). Semen samples were collected from both the breeds of bulls at weekly interval during winter, spring and summer season. Just after collection semen sample were analyzed for Physical (semen volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, progressive motility, live sperm percent, HOST, acrosomal integrity and sperm abnormalities) and biochemical (seminal plasma malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species) parameters. Infrared thermography of different anatomical sites i.e. scrotum, ocular and muzzle temperature were recorded at weekly in both the breeds during different season. The physiological responses (RT and RR) of both the breeds were recorded at weekly interval during different season. Blood samples were collected at fortnight interval from both the breeds during different seasons. The plasma samples were analyzed for the levels of blood plasma testosterone and heat shock protein 70. The temperature gradient between proximal and distal pole of scrotum was significantly (P< 0.05) lower during summer season. The TG was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during summer season. No significant variation was found in the semen volume during summer season. The sperms mass motility, progressive motility, live sperm %, hypoosmotic swelling test and acrosomal integrity was found to be significantly (P< 0.05) higher during spring season than summer season in Karan Fries bulls. All these parameters showed significantly (P< 0.05) higher values in Tharparkar compared to Karan Fries bulls during winter, spring and summer season. Whereas, progressive motility was found to be significantly higher (P< 0.05) during spring season in Tharparkar bulls. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher sperm concentration was observed in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during all three seasons. Whereas, reverse trend i.e. lower total sperm abnormalities was found in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during different season. The seminal plasma MDA levels were observed to be significantly higher during summer season compared to spring and winter season in both the breeds. Further the levels of MDA showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during all three seasons. The ROS positive sperm cells were observed to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower during spring season compared to winter and summer in both the breeds. The ROS positive sperm cells are numerically higher in Karan Fries bulls than Tharparkar bulls during summer season. The rectal temperature and respiration rate were significantly (P < 0.05) higher during summer season in both the breeds. These values were found to be significantly higher in Karan Fries bulls than Tharparkar bulls during all the seasons. The blood plasma testosterone levels were found significantly (P < 0.05) higher during all the three seasons in Tharparkar compared to Karan Fries bulls. The blood plasma heat shock protein 70 showed significantly higher (P <0.05) levels during summer compared to spring and winter season. Among the breeds, the levels of HSP70 were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Karan Fries than Tharparkar bulls during different season. The scrotal temperature gradient showed significant (P<0.05) positive correlation with mass motility, progressive motility, live sperms %, HOST, acrosomal integrity and significant (P<0.05) negative correlation with sperm abnormality and level of testosterone. The THI was found to be inversely correlated with TG and positively correlated with testosterone and HSP 70. Based on the result obtained it can be concluded that lower scrotal temperature gradient in Karan Fries compared to Tharparkar bulls affected semen quality negatively and summer season was more stressful to Karan Fries than Tharparkar bulls. Since scrotal surface temperature gradient was less in Karan Fries bulls and correspondingly the semen quality was deteriorated and the level of stress markers (MDA, HSP70, ROS, RT, RR) was also higher indicating susceptibility of Karan Fries bulls to heat stress compared to Tharparkar bulls.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    MILK SOMATIC CELL COUNTS OF DAIRY ANIMALS REARED UNDER FARM AND FIELD CONDITIONS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) GORE PRATAP LAXMAN; AJAY KUMAR DANG
    The present study undertaken to study factors affecting the milk somatic cells of dairy animals reared under farm and field conditions. A total of 192 dairy animals were included from NDRI farm and adjoining villages (farm) of Karnal, Haryana and divided into 96 cows (48 Sahiwal and 48 KF), 48 buffaloes, 48 goats and further subdivided into 2 groups i.e. farm (n=24) and field (n=24). A proforma was prepared for survey on field which included different questionaries regarding managemental practices followed by farmers for clean milk production. Milk from different dairy animals was collected hygienically and evaluated for milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC). Changes in milk composition and somatic cell count were evaluated to observe the effect of different parity i.e., primiparous, and multiparous and different managemental practices. Milk somatic cell counts were significantly lower in primiparous as compared multiparous cows (Sahiwal and KF) in both farm and field conditions. While average range of milk somatic cell counts in Murrah buffaloes were significantly lower as compared to cows.Milk somatic cell counts in farm goats were higher than that of field.With increase in SCC there was no significant variation in fat percent of dairy animals. However, protein, EC and pH increased, whereas SNF and lactose decreased.Washing of animals, hands, udder and teats and collection vessels before milking were followed under field conditions, whereas washing of udder after milking, teat dipping and screening of udder for mastitis were not followed. This study indicated that milk SCC gets influenced by the different managemental practices that are being followed for lactating dairy animals. Further good health, hygiene and clean milking practices would help to maintain the quality of milk produced under farm and field conditions.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ASSESSMENT OF MILK METABOLOMICS AND PHYSIOBIOCHEMICAL PROFILES IN ZINC SUPPLEMENTED DAIRY GOATS DURING WINTER AND SUMMER SEASONS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) POOJA ANAND; ANJALI AGGARWAL
    Present study was carried out on crossbred lactating goat (Capra hircus) to study the effect of zinc supplementation on milk metabolites and physio-biochemical changes during winter and summer seasons. Eighteen crossbred Alpine × Beetal (AB) goats were selected and divided into three groups, 6 animals each as Control (C: no zinc supplementation), Treatment 1 (T1: 30ppm of zinc supplementation) and Treatment 2 (T2: 50ppm of zinc supplementation) on DMI basis during winter and summer seasons. Milk and blood samples were collected at fortnight interval. The physiological, hematological, bio-chemical and hormonal parameters as well as milk yield, milk composition and milk minerals content in goat were investigated during both the seasons. The present study intended to investigate the changes in milk metabolites if any in zinc supplemented dairy goats. One-way ANOVA analysis revealed no significant difference between the metabolites in milk samples of control, T1 and T2 groups. However, PLS-DA analysis revealed twenty-five (25) metabolites found in control, T1 and T2 groups of milk samples were having VIP score ≥ 1. Based on -log10(p) and impact values, pathways such as alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid, TCA cycle, linoleic acid metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism were found to be differentially regulated in control, T1 and T2 groups and these were involved in carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism. No significant effect of zinc supplementation was observed on rectal temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and skin temperature in control, T1 and T2 groups but significantly (p<0.05) higher values were observed during summer as compared to winter. No significant effect of zinc supplementation was observed on hematological parameters (Hb, PVC and TEC), milk yield and milk composition (fat, SNF, protein and lactose) but their values were significantly (p<0.05) higher in control, T1 and T2 groups during winter as compared to summer. No significant effect of zinc supplementation and seasonal variation was observed on milk mineral content of sodium, potassium and zinc but significantly (p<0.05) higher values of milk calcium were observed in control, T1 and T2 groups during winter as compared to summer. Plasma cortisol was found significantly (p<0.05) lower in T2 group during summer season, whereas plasma thyroxine was found significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 group during winter season. A significantly (p<0.05) higher level of plasma insulin was observed in control and treatment (T1 and T2) groups of AB goats during summer season, whereas no effect of zinc supplementation and seasonal variation was observed on plasma prolactin levels. No significant change in plasma glucose level was observed in control and supplemented groups (T1 and T2) but during winter season, significantly (p<0.05) higher plasma glucose levels (mg/dl) was observed. A significant (p<0.05) increase in plasma zinc levels in T2 group, during the IV and V fortnight intervals of experimental period during summer season was observed. A significantly (p<0.05) higher values of plasma copper level (ppm) in control group as compared to T2 group, whereas no significant variation between the supplemented groups (T1 and T2) was found during summer season. Based on present study, it can be concluded that supplementation of 50ppm of zinc was better in ameliorating effect of heat stress in goats.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ANALYSIS OF SEMEN QUALITY AND FERTILITY BIOMARKERS IN CROSSBRED MALE GOATS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ZINC DURING DIFFERENT SEASONS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) RESHMA DEBBARMA; ANJALI AGGARWAL
    The health of livestock is significantly impacted by heat stress, metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and immunological suppression as a result of more frequent extreme weather events, including higher temperatures and extremely low temperatures. The present study was experimentally investigated (i) to study the effect of zinc supplementation on the semen parameters and fertility biomarkers in seminal plasma of crossbred male goats during different seasons (ii) to study the effect of zinc supplementation on haematological parameters, hormones and enzymes in blood of crossbred male goats during different seasons. To investigate, eighteen Alpine x beetle buck goats age (2-4 years) were selected and classified into three groups (n=6) as control, zinc supplemented group T1 @40ppm/Kg BW DMI and T2 @60ppm/Kg BW DMI on the basis of their average body weight. All bucks were housed in individual pens and fed in accordance with ICAR standards uniformly. In each season, semen samples and blood were collected and physiological parameters were observed fortnightly from mid December to June. The influence of season (winter, spring and summer) and effect of zinc supplementation on animal’s physiology, semen and blood parameters were studied. Season showed significant (p˂0.05) variations in semen parameters. Semen quality in the zinc supplemented group was improved as evidenced by a statistically significant (p˂0.05) increase in semen volume, progressive motility, individual motility, and acrosomal integrity. The activities of seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and MDA were all significantly (p˂0.05) varied during different seasons and were improved by zinc supplementation as well as MDA level reduced. There was a significant (p˂0.05) seasonal variation in heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, TEC, TLC, PCV, haemoglobin, ALT, AST and lactoferrin. The levels of blood plasma cortisol, thyroxine, zinc, testosterone, ALT and AST were significantly different (p˂ 0.05) in different seasons. Therefore this study concludes that seasonal variation affects the semen quality. Zinc supplementation improved the semen quality by reducing oxidative stress in crossbred male goats. Seminal attributes, testosterone hormone, enzymes such as glutathione peroxidise, catalase, malondialdehyde and seminal plasma protein lactoferrin can serve as potential fertility biomarkers.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    CHANGES IN TOTAL AND DIFFERENTIAL MILK CELL COUNTS AND CERTAIN BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS COWS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) PRIYANKA KUMARI; A. K. DANG
    Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland and is classified as clinical or subclinical depending on the visibility of the effects of inflammation of the mammary gland. The present study was undertaken to study the total and differential milk cell counts and certain biochemical parameters in subclinical mastitis cows. A total of 144 cows were selected from Livestock Research Center (LRC), ICAR- NDRI, Karnal and divided into two groups, 72 indigenous (Sahiwal) and 72 crossbred (Karan Fries) cows, and subdivided into three groups viz., healthy (n=24), subclinical (n=24) and clinical mastitis (n=24) according to their somatic cell count (SCC) and California mastitis test (CMT). Milk from each cow was collected hygienically and evaluated for milk composition, SCC, and DLC. Whey and cell pellet were separated for the quantification of enzymes and minerals. With an increasing milk SCC there was no variation in the fat percentage of Sahiwal (SW) and Karan Fries (KF) cows. However, protein, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH increased whereas, SNF and lactose decreased significantly (P<0.05). Macrophage and lymphocyte percentages decreased with increasing milk SCC while, neutrophil percentages increased during subclinical and clinical mastitis in both the breeds. The mean lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), N- acetyl β-D Glucosaminidase (NAGase), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (ACP) concentration kept on increasing with an elevation of milk SCC with maximum values observed in clinical mastitis cows. Sodium and chloride values increased whereas, potassium decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the subclinical and clinical mastitis groups of cows. There was a positive correlation between milk SCC and neutrophils (%) whereas macrophages (%) and lymphocytes (%) were negatively correlated with milk SCC in both Sahiwal and Karan Fries cows. A highly significant (P<0.001) and positive correlation of milk SCC with milk protein, EC, and pH was found. However, a significant (P<0.001) and negative correlation was observed in milk lactose with milk SCC in both Sahiwal and Karan Fries cows. Milk enzymes along with sodium and chloride showed a positive correlation with milk SCC whereas potassium was negatively correlated. This study indicated that milk EC, pH, protein, lactose along with changes in LDH and ALP observed in the milk of subclinical cows can be effectively used as the markers for early detection of mastitis.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF PARENTERAL MICRONUTRIENTS SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE IMMUNE FUNCTIONS OF PERIPARTUM COWS AND THEIR CALVES
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) Yallappa Mallappa Somagond; AJAY KUMAR DANG
    Periparturient dairy cows undergo great stress due to major physiological and metabolic changes as well as immunosuppression occurs during this period. This period is linked to a decrease in the plasma concentrations of various minerals and vitamins. The present study was conducted on peripartum cows to investigate the effect of repeated injections of vitamins and trace elements on the functions and population of blood immune cells, the expression profile of the first cellular line of defence (i.e., neutrophils), and the concentration of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in cows and their calves. Twenty-four peripartum crossbred cows were randomly grouped into four (n=6): Control, Multi-mineral (MM), Multi-vitamin (MV), and Multi-minerals and Multi-vitamin (MMMV) groups. Five ml of MM (Zinc 40 mg/ml, Manganese 10 mg/ml, Copper 15 mg/ml, Selenium 5 mg/ml) and five ml of MV (Vitamin E 5 mg/ml, Vitamin A 1000 IU/ml, B-Complex 5 mg/ml, and Vitamin D3 500 IU/ml) were injected intramuscularly (IM) to the MM and MV groups. Animals of the MMMV group were injected with both. In all the treatment groups, injections and blood sampling were carried out on the 30th, 15th, and 7th days before and after the expected date of calving and also on the day of calving. In calves, blood samples were collected at birth i.e., day 0 and on days 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 15, 30, and 45 post-calving. Each cow's colostrum/milk was collected on the day of calving (day 0) and 2, 4, and 8 post-calving days. A lower percentage of total neutrophils, immature neutrophils, and a higher percentage of lymphocytes along with a significant (P<0.05) neutrophil phagocytic activity and lymphocyte proliferation were noticed in the micronutrient-injected groups (Cows and their calves). Lower expression of TLRs and CXCRs and higher expression of GR-α, CD62L, CD11b, CD25, and CD44 was seen in micronutrient (MMMV) injected groups. In both cows and calves, pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly (P<0.05) decreased and antiinflammatory cytokines increased in MMMV injected groups. Total antioxidant capacity was higher, activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), TBARS levels were lower in the blood plasma of treated cows/calves. In addition, a lower incidence of diseases was observed in micronutrient (MMMV) injected cows and their calves. Our results indicate that repeated injections of trace elements and vitamins to peripartum dairy cows could be a major strategy to improve the blood immune cell functions, decrease oxidative stress and in regulating the inflammatory response in periparturient dairy cows and their calves.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF CHLOROPHYTUM BORIVILIANUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE, HORMONES AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF CATTLE
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2020) DEVI, POOJA; SINGH, MAHENDRA
    The present investigation was carried out on Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) supplementation effect as heat stress ameliorator and immunomodulator in Tharparkar (TP) and Karan Fries (KF) cows. CB was supplemented at low (40 mg/kg bwt/day) and high dose (80 mg/kg bwt/day) during hot-humid (HH) and hot-dry (HD) season. The parameters like physiological responses, milk yield, DMI and body weight were recorded and milk composition, gene expression, hormones and energy metabolites were estimated. Second experiment was conducted during thermoneutral condition to isolate the effect of reduced DMI during HH season or high ambient temperature effect. The data on milk production performance, dry matter intake and physiological responses were recorded. THI was calculated to assess the level of heat stress on animals. Body weight of KF and TP cows during HD and HH season did not varied. CB supplementation in higher dose (80 mg/kg bwt) increased DMI (per 100 kg bwt) (p<0.01) in KF and TP cows during both the seasons, however, milk yield did not declined in HD season. The supplementation of CB in high dose increased the milk yield, milk fat, protein, plasminogen and decreased SCC in comparison to low dose. Further, ratio of SFAs:UFAs was significantly reduced (p<0.01) due to CB in both the seasons. However, higher SFAs and lower UFAs (p<0.01) were found in milk of KF cows in comparison to TP. Physiological responses viz. RR, PR, RT and skin temperatures (Forehead, neck, rear body and udder) were significantly lower (p<0.01) in TP cows in comparison to KF cows and decreased by CB treatment in both the seasons. Thermal imaging analysis of skin temperature at various sites was higher (p<0.01) in the afternoon in comparison to morning in KF and TP cows. Plasma Glucose was lower and NEFA, Urea and creatinine level was higher during both the seasons and declined at high dose than low dose. Plasma cortisol and prolactin level were higher (p<0.01) in HH than HD season in KF and TP cows. CB at higher dose reduced (p<0.01) plasma cortisol in both the breeds without affecting insulin and aldosterone levels. Plasma SOD, catalase, TBARS were higher in both the seasons in KF and TP cows and CB in high dose reduced (p<0.01) their levels and improved TAC. The CB supplementation downregulated (p<0.01) mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL1-β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL10) in both breeds during HD and HH season. However, effect of higher dose was more (p<0.01) than lower dose. Pairfed experiment revealed no effect of adjusted DMI on milk yield in thermoneutral conditions in comparison to HH season in which milk yield and DMI declined (p<0.01) indicating adverse effect of high temperature on milk yield. It can be concluded that higher dose (80mg/kg bwt) significantly reduced plasma energy metabolites, circulatory levels of stress hormones, and augmented the immunity of crossbred and Indigenous cows by downregulating the proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines in comparison to lower dose (40mg/kg bwt) without any adverse effect. Chlorophytum borivilianum @ 80mg/kg bwt could be used as effective heat stress ameliorator and immunomodulator in dairy animals.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ROLE OF AQUAPORINS IN THERMOREGULATION OFBUFFALOES DURING DIFFERENT SEASONS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2019) DEBBARMA, SUSHANTA; ASHUTOSH
    The study was conducted on buffaloes (n=12) to study the role of aquaporins in thermoregulation of buffaloes during different seasons. The relative gene expression of aquaporins in skin and upper respiratory tract were studied. For study of gene expression in upper respiratory tract, tissue samples were collected from slaughter house. In skin, AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 expression were studied during winter, spring and summer seasons. The relative mRNA expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4 and AQP5 in nasal turbinate and upper tracheal mucosa during winter, spring and summer seasons were studied. The results of the study confirmed the presence of aquaporins in the studied tissue by gene expression studies and immunolocalization in the skin, nasal turbinate and tracheal mucosa. Further physiological responses, hematological parameters, electrolyte, biochemical and hormonal concentrations of the animals were evaluated to ascertain their role in the thermoregulation of buffaloes. The physiological responses viz. respiratory rate, heart rate, rectal temperature and skin temperature of buffaloes increased with increase in ambient temperature. There was a significant increase in evaporation rate from skin and pulmonary surface of buffaloes with the concomitant increase in ambient temperature during summer. The hematological components varied seasonally with PCV being lowest during summer, Hb and TEC count being highest during spring, and TLC being highest during winter. The high concentration of plasma anti diuretic hormone accompanied by low packed cell volume during summer is indicative of its role to conserve body water content in buffaloes. The higher relative expression of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 during summer season in skin of buffaloes along with increasing sweating rate and evaporative loss through skin is indicative of their role in thermoregulation of buffaloes. The up regulation of AQP1 in nasal turbinate during summer and the concomitant rise in pulmonary evaporation rate is suggestive of its role in water diffusion through nasal mucosa during hot ambience. The down regulation of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4 and AQP5 in tracheal mucosa during summer indicates their minor role during evaporative water loss from upper respiratory tract during summer. Different aquaporins are regulated at different levels in skin, nasal turbinate and tracheal mucosa of buffaloes during different seasons.