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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access Nanoemulsions for reducing oxidative stress in cryopreserved buck semen(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Rongmei, Soihem Diana; Gupta, M DasROS production during cryopreservation is inevitable which induces detrimental changes to the plasma, acrosomal and mitochondrial membrane, DNA integrity and tail of the spermatozoa. In the same line of context, anti-oxidative supplements in the semen extender are highlighted to curtail the ROS production but their efficiency rate is variable. Therefore, we hypothesized that incorporating TEYCAE with nano zinc oxide might help to reduce the oxidative stress and maintain the sperm ultrastructure during cryopreservation. With this background, the present study conducted on 24 pooled ejaculates, collected by using standard collection method (artificial vagina) from 4 Beetal bucks (A1, A2, A3 and A4) maintained at Goat Research Station, A.A.U., Burnihat. Fresh and cryopreserved seminal traits of all the 4 bucks were evaluated for routine semen analysis and statistically (p<0.05) best 2 bucks were selected for further study. A total of 10 pooled ejaculates were harvested from the selected two bucks and centrifuged to form the pellet and separate the seminal plasma. The pellet was treated with different concentrations of nano zinc oxide (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml) as additives in TEYCAE and cryopreserved by following standard freezing protocol. After cryopreservation, the nano zinc oxide treated semen samples were evaluated for sperm motility, HOST-reacted sperm, live sperm, live intact acrosome and sperm abnormalities and the mean percentage were recorded as 59.5 ± 0.89, 66.50 ± 0.76, 66.5 ± 0.76 and 64.5 ± 1.16; 46 ± 0.33, 49.3 ± 0.21, 49.7 ± 0.21 and 48.5 ± 0.30; 73.7 ± 0.59, 78.7 ± 0.33, 79.3 ± 0.26 and 77.9 ± 0.45; 76.3 ± 0.55, 82.8 ± 0.35, 84 ± 0.21 and 81.9 ± 0.73; 11.1±0.56, 10.9±0.31, 10.3±0.21 and 10.5±0.42 respectively, showing significant difference between the treated and non-treated groups in all the parameters except post thaw sperm abnormalities. Biochemical test such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) for non-treated and treated groups were recorded as 0.2195 ± 0.03, 0.7271 ± 0.48, 0.8286 ± 0.04 and 0.6651 ± 0.04; 1.851 ± 0.03, 1.241 ± 0.02, 1.176 ± 0.02 and 1.275 ± 0.02 respectively, revealing significant difference (p<0.05) in treated groups as compared to the control group, highlighting a significant reduction in oxidative stress in nano zinc oxide incorporated samples. The advanced fluorescent dyes technique included membrane integrity using DNA integrity using acridine orange, acrosomal integrity using FITC-PSA, sperm viability using CFDA-PI and mitochondrial membrane potential using JC-I and the recorded values were 75 ± 0.64, 78.5 ± 0.61, 78.5 ± 0.5 and 77.4 ± 0.61; 62.9 ± 0.48, 66.3± 0.5, 66.5± 0.57 and 66± 1.38; 65.4 ± 0.71, 68.4 ± 0.58, 68.5 ± 0.5 and 68 ± 0.57; 51.2 ± 0.38, 53.1 ± 0.37, 54 ± 0.21 and 53 ± 0.42 respectively for 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml nano zinc oxide in the TEYCAE. Besides, significantly (p<0.05) lower DNA damage, higher live sperm, acrosome and mitochondrial health were observed in treated groups as compared to the non-treated group. On the other hand, electron microscopy (TEM) of the ultrastructure of the sperm cells detected intact nucleus, mitochondria, outer dense fiber and axoneme but ruptured and separating plasma membrane exposing the acrosome in non-treated group whereas the treated sperm showed distinct intact ultrastructure with intact plasma membrane. Although there was no significant difference among the treated groups but the concentration of 0.1 mg/ml nano zinc oxide revealed positive effect as compared to the other concentration of treatment groups. Hence, nano zinc oxide incorporated at a certain amount act as an effective antioxidant in reducing the cryo-stress and maintaining the quality of the sperm cells.ThesisItem Open Access Correlation of insulin like growth factor-1 concentration with semen characteristics of beetal buck(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Keshav; Choudhury, M DA total of seventy two ejaculates, six from each of twelve adult Beetal bucks maintained at Goat Research Station, AAU, Burnihat, collected using standard artificial vagina and a total of thirty six blood samples, three from each of twelve Beetal bucks, collected on the day of semen collection, were used to study the correlation of serum and seminal plasma IGF-1 concentrations with semen characteristics. IGF-1 concentration was estimated in serum and seminal plasma using the ELISA kit following the standard procedure. Fresh semen attributes viz. ejaculate volume, mass motility, individual progressive motility, sperm concentration, sperm viability, intact acrosome, sperm abnormalities, sperm plasma membrane integrity and reactive oxygen species; and frozen semen attributes viz. post thaw sperm motility, sperm viability, intact acrosome, sperm abnormalities, sperm plasma membrane integrity and reactive oxygen species were evaluated following the standard procedures. There was a highly significant positive correlation (r=0.4243; p<0.01) between IGF-1 concentration in serum and seminal plasma of the Beetal buck. Insulin like growth factor-1 concentration in serum had a highly significant positive correlation with sperm viability (r=0.554; p<0.01), acrosome integrity (r=0.527; p<0.01), post thaw sperm motility (r=0.407; p<0.01), post thaw sperm viability (r=0.426; p<0.01) and a significant positive correlation with post thaw acrosome integrity (r=0.333; p<0.05) of the Beetal buck semen. Insulin like growth factor-1 concentration in serum had a highly significant negative correlation (r=-0.458; p<0.01) with SOD activity in fresh semen. There was no significant correlation between IGF-1 concentration in serum and ejaculate volume, mass motility, individual progressive motility, sperm concentration, sperm abnormality, plasma membrane integrity and post thaw sperm abnormality, post thaw sperm plasma membrane integrity and post thaw SOD activity Insulin like growth factor-1 concentration in seminal plasma had a significant positive correlation with individual progressive motility (r=0.341; p<0.05) and highly significant positive correlation with sperm viability (r=0.527; p<0.01), acrosome integrity (r=0.539; p<0.01), sperm plasma membrane integrity (r=0.464; p<0.01), post thaw sperm motility (r=0.644; p<0.01), post thaw sperm viability (r=0.643; p<0.01), post thaw acrosome integrity (r=0.487; p<0.01) and post thaw sperm plasma membrane integrity (r=0.521; p<0.01). Insulin like growth factor-1 concentration in seminal plasma had a highly significant negative correlation with SOD activity in fresh semen (r=-0.714; p<0.01) and frozen semen (p<0.01) of Beetal buck. There was no significant correlation between IGF-1 concentration in seminal plasma and ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm abnormality, sperm concentration and and post thaw sperm abnormality. IGF-1 in seminal plasma can be considered as biomarker for selection of buck for breeding. However, further validation using a large sample size is required.ThesisItem Open Access Pregnancy diagnosis in pig with special reference to biomarker analysis(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Roy, Jyotimalita; Sarma, Dipak KrEarly pregnancy diagnosis is an important managemental practice for efficient swine operation. It can identify the non-pregnant or open female and reduce the non productive days by rebreeding or culling them as soon as possible. Therefore, the study was undertaken with the objective of finding the most suitable method for early pregnancy diagnosis in pig with special reference to the biomarker analysis. In the present study, real-time ultrasonography, hormone assays (estrone sulfate and progesterone in various body fluids) using ELISA, and biomarker (micro RNA) analysis using Real Time qPCR were conducted to identify early pregnancy in sows with the goal of selecting the most suitable method among them. A total of twenty healthy and fertile sows belonging to similar age group (2-3 years), maintained at ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Pig, A.A.U., Khanapara and S.S. Agro (Pig Breeding Farm), Rani were selected for this study. The sows were categorized into two equal groups as nonbred (control) and bred animals and pregnancy diagnosis methods were applied. Considering the day of insemination as 0 day, pregnancy diagnostic techniques were carried out on the inseminated sows from 7th day onward at an interval of 3 days till 28th day of gestation. The results were compared with that of the non-bred sows of respective parameters. Pregnancy could be diagnosed in 80 per cent tested pigs on 25th day and rest 20 per cent on 28th day, thus 100 per cent sows were diagnosed to be pregnant by real time ultrasonography. Pregnancy diagnosis using hormone assay was carried out by estimating the level of estrone sulfate and progesterone hormone in various samples collected at different days of gestation. A highly significant difference (p<0.01) was observed between the concentration of hormones in non-pregnant and pregnant sows at different days of gestation. Estrone sulfate concentration in serum on day 19 and, saliva and urine on day 16 of gestation were significantly (p<0.01) higher in pregnant sows. Moreover, the Progesterone levels in serum and saliva were also increased significantly (p<0.01) in pregnant sows on days 16 and 19 of gestation as compared to the findings in non-pregnant sows, respectively. In regards to the biomarker analysis the expression of miRNA could be detected as early as 7th day of gestation considering miR-17 as target gene. The results obtained from ultrasonography, hormone assay and biomarker expression were analyzed statistically and finally inference was drawn as the biomarker analysis(miRNA) to be the best and earliest method of pregnancy diagnosis in sows among all the tests applied under this present study.ThesisItem Open Access Reproductive performance in prepubertal Assam hill goat supplemented with bypass fat(2022-09) Kalita, Arjyarittik; Dutta, L JEarly attainment of puberty and ultimately sexual maturity is very important in the reproductive life of an individual because it increases the productiveness of a herd. Nutrition plays a very important role in enhancing the reproductive performance in animals. The neuronal apparatus which is designed to detect the metabolic rate and energy balance which helps in transmission of circulating concentration of different hormone that in turn signals the nutritional status of the animal to the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis which affects sexual development. Bypass fat formulation prevents degradation by hydrolysis in the rumen and it can pass to the intestine and get absorbed resulting in more energy to the animals. Fat supplementation in ruminant diet is generally associated with increased cholesterol level, which is a precursor of steroid hormones and hence can improve the reproductive performance. A study was conducted with the primary objectives of evaluating the effect of bypass fat (Hilak, Ayurvet Limited, Delhi) supplementation on reproductive performance and to correlate it with the associated blood biochemical and hormonal profiles of pre-pubertal Assam Hill Goat. A total of 24 numbers of 3 months old pre-pubertal doelings maintained at Goat Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Burnihat were randomly selected into one control and three treatment groups comprising of 6 animals in each group. Control group was fed with standard basal diet without bypass fat supplementation, treatment 1 group with 10g bypass fat per animal, treatment 2 group with 15g bypass fat per animal and treatment 3 group with 20g bypass fat per animal in addition to the standard basal diet for a period of two months. Blood was collected from each doeling before treatment i.e. day 0, day 30, day 60 and on the day of estrus. Findings of the present study indicated that supplementation of different doses of bypass fat significantly (P<0.05) varied with the period of appearance of first estrus and duration of estrus among the groups. The frequency of occurrence of intermediate estrus was found to be higher (41.66%) in all the groups followed by intense (37.50%) and weak estrus (20.80%). The most common behavioural signs of estrus observed in all the groups were bleating (100.00%), tail wagging (83.33 to 100.00%) and standing to be mounted by male (50.00 to 100.00%). The most common physical signs of estrus observed in all the groups were scanty and clear vaginal discharge (50.00 to 100.00%) and hyperemia of vulvar mucous membrane (50.00 to 100.00%). There was no significant difference in the mean percent of different cell types in between the groups observed during the cytological examination of the vaginal epithelial cells. Arborization pattern was found to be mostly typical in T-2 and T-3 groups wheras atypical and no fern pattern was observed mostly in the T-0 and T-1 groups. The conception rate was recorded to be higher in groups T-2 and T-3 (83.33%) than in groups T-0 and T-1(66.66%). Among the blood biochemical parameters, serum calcium, zinc and copper level varied significantly (P<0.05) between and within the groups without affecting the serum phosphorous level. Superoxide dismutase activity was higher (P<0.05) in 15g and 20g bypass fat supplemented groups as compared to the group fed with 10g bypass fat and control. Serum cholesterol level did not vary significantly between the groups whereas it varied significantly (P<0.05) on different days of observation for all the groups. Serum estrogen level varied significantly (P<0.05) between and within groups with higher values in group T-2 and T-3 groups. Serum progesterone level did not differ significantly in between the groups but significant difference was observed in T-2 group on different days of observation. The Body Condition Score was recorded to be significantly higher in T-2 and T-3 groups. Hence, supplementation of bypass fat to the basal diet of pre-pubertal Assam Hill Goat significantly improved the reproductive performance by shortening age at puberty, increasing the duration and intensity of first estrus and thereby improving the conception rate and Body Condition Score. A significant correlation was observed between reproductive parameters like age at puberty and duration of first estrus with blood biochemical parameters like serum cholesterol, SOD, serum calcium, serum estrogen and progesterone.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of antioxidants on quality and relative expression of fertility related genes of cryopreserved beetal buck semen(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2023) Singh, W Lomen; Sinha, SudipA total of 120 ejaculates from six Beetal bucks, collected by artificial vagina were used in the study. Immediately after collection each ejaculate was evaluated for volume, mass activity and initial sperm motility and the ejaculates having volume 0.8 ml or more, mass activity (0 to 4+ scale) 3+ or more and initial sperm motility 70 per cent or more were pooled. A total of 48 pooled ejaculates comprising 12 pooled ejaculates for each experiment were evaluated for sperm motility, live sperm, intact acrosome, sperm concentration, HOST-reacted sperm and sperm abnormalities. Each pooled ejaculate was split into two parts and one part was used for assessment of glutathione–S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the seminal plasma. The other part of pooled semen was split into four parts, then centrifuged and the seminal plasma was discarded. The centrifugate of the first three parts was extended separately in Tris extender containing vitamin E @ 1, 2 and 3 mM in experiment I; IGF-1 @ 100, 125 and 150 ng/ml in experiment II; crocin @ 1, 2 and 3 mM in experiment III; and vitamin E @ 2 mM (best of expt. I), IGF-1 @ 125 ng/ml (best of expt. II) or crocin @ 1 mM (best of expt. III) in experiment IV while the fourth part was kept as control in each experiment. Semen was frozen in 0.25 ml French straws using static horizontal vapour freezing. Frozen semen was thawed in warm water at 37ºC for 30 seconds for evaluation. Each semen sample was evaluated after freezing in experiment I, II and III for sperm motility, intact acrosome (Giemsa stain), HOST-reacted sperm and intact DNA (AO stain) and in experiment IV for sperm motility, intact acrosome (FITC-PSA stain), HOST-reacted sperm, viability (CFDA + PI stain), high mitochondrial potential (JC-1 stain) and intact DNA. Semen after freezing in all the experiments was evaluated for GST, SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, ALT, AST, LDH and MDA levels in the extracellular fluid by standard methods. In experiment IV, the relative expression of certain fertility related genes and their correlation with seminal attributes in frozen-thawed Beetal buck spermatozoa as well as fertility rate of frozen semen was also studied. In Beetal bucks all the seminal attributes studied immediately after collection and pooling were within normal ranges. Semen samples extended with Tris extender containing vitamin E @ 1, 2 and 3 mM or no additive (control) and with Tris extender containing IGF-1 @ 100, 125 and 150 ng/ml or no additive differed significantly (P<0.001) in respect of sperm motility, intact acrosome, HOST-reacted sperm, intact DNA, GST, SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, ALT, AST, LDH and MDA after freezing. Semen samples extended with Tris extender containing crocin @ 1, 2 and 3 mM or no additive differed significantly (P<0.05) in respect of sperm motility and intact acrosome after freezing. While HOST-reacted sperm, intact DNA, GST, SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, ALT, AST, LDH and MDA differed significantly (P<0.001) after freezing in Tris extender containing crocin @ 1, 2 and 3 mM or no additive. In semen extended using Tris extender containing best concentration of vitamin E (2 mM), IGF-1 (125 ng/ml) and crocin (1 mM) or no additive differed significantly (P<0.001) in respect of sperm motility, intact acrosome, HOST-reacted sperm, viability, MMP+, intact DNA, GST, SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, ALT, AST, LDH and MDA after freezing. NFE2L2, GPx4, CAT and SOD2 gene expression was significantly (P<0.05) higher in IGF-1 group compared to that in vitamin E and crocin groups, however, no significant (P>0.05) differences were recorded between vitamin E and crocin groups. ii Correlation study revealed that sperm motility showed a significant (P<0.05) positive correlation with all the four target genes, irrespective of the antioxidant treatment. The target genes also showed a positive correlation with all the seminal attributes in different antioxidant groups. Although the kidding rate (doe kidded per inseminated doe) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between groups, the values were found to be the highest in the IGF-1 @ 125 ng/ml group. Based on the semen parameters studied it was concluded that IGF-1 @ 125 ng/ml, was found to be superior to other additives studied in maintaining post-thaw semen quality.ThesisItem Open Access Differential cytokine gene expression in postpartum endometritic crossbred cows(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Nath, Maradona; Bhuyan, DipakThe present research work was conducted to find out the incidence of postpartum (PP) endometritis and to study the differential cytokine gene expression during early postpartum period and its variation following treatment in endometritic crossbred cows. The incidence of postpartum endometritis was 25.19 per cent on examination of 258 postpartum crossbred cows based on white side test and cytological examination of uterine endometrial discharge obtained by cytobrush technique adopting the threshold level of 4.00 per cent PMN. Out of 18 postpartum stallfed cows that were selected on the basis of white side test, cytological, haematological examination and liver function test, six apparently healthy animals were kept as control (Group- A) and 12 animals (Group-B) without history of abnormal parturition but found to be endometritic on cytological examination of uterine sample at first PP oestrus were subjected to study cytokine gene expression. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture from all the cows of group-A and B on the day of parturition i.e., Day 0, Day 7 PP, Day 14 PP, on day of first PP oestrus and on day of second PP oestrus for the study of different haematological parameters viz. Hb, TLC, DLC, TEC and PCV. Uterine biopsy samples were collected by cytobrush technique on the said days for study of cytokine gene expression of IL-10, IL-6 and IL-2. Oestrogen, Progesterone and cytokines IL-10, IL-6, IL-2 were estimated in serum samples. Uterine discharge was collected on first and second PP oestrus for bacteriological study and antibiotic sensitivity test. It was revealed that the level of TLC (20.18± 1.85 m/mm3), Neutrophil (26.32 ± 1.68 %) and Lymphocyte (68.40 ± 2.38 %) count were significantly (P<0.01) higher on first PP oestrus in postpartum endometritic cows than the healthy cows. Other haematological parameters did not vary significantly between the groups of animals on the days of observation. Oestrogen and progesterone concentrations did not differ significantly between the two groups. Significantly (P<0.05) higher expression of cytokine gene IL-10 (4.85 fold), IL-6 (3.95 fold) and IL-2 (2.98 fold) was observed on first PP oestrus in postpartum endometritic cows in comparison with that in non-endometritic control cows. The serum IL-10, IL-6 and IL-2 concentrations were significantly (P<0.01) higher in endometritic cows on first PP oestrus (71.47 ± 1.60, 1210.91 ± 3.40 and 477.63 ± 3.81 pg/ml respectively) than the control cows. Uterine samples from all the endometritic cows in Group-B (12/12) i.e. 100.00 per cent were found to be positive for presence of bacteria on first PP oestrus before treatment. Two out of twelve cows i.e. 16.67 per cent exhibited bacterial presence on second PP oestrus following treatment. Two types of bacterial isolates were identified, Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli. The Staphylococcus spp. was predominant with percentage frequency of occurrence of 58.33 on first PP oestrus (pretreatment) in group-B cows. The percentage frequency of occurrence for E. coli on first PP oestrus was 41.66 in Group- B. Uterine discharge was free from E. coli infection on second PP oestrus (posttreatment). The presence of Staphylococcus spp. in uterine samples of endometritic cows after treatment with sensitive antibiotic reduced to 16.67 per cent on second PP oestrus. A total of seven (7) Staphylococcus spp. and five (5) E. coli isolates were isolated from the cultured uterine samples. Out of the total seven (7) Staphylococcus spp. isolated 5 isolates were found to be sensitive to ciprofloxacin (71.43 %). Three (3) out of total five (5) E. coli isolates were found to be sensitive to ciprofloxacin (60.00 %). The overall sensitivity of both the bacterial isolates was higher for ciprofloxacin (65.72 %) and hence intrauterine infusion of ciprofloxacin was selected for intrauterine antibiotic for treatment of endometritis in group B crossbred cows. The frequency of occurrence of bacteria decreased substantially in endometritic cows after intrauterine antibiotic infusion based on sensitivity test indicating the efficacy of the antibiotic used. The first A.I. conception rate in endometritic crossbred cows after intrauterine antibiotic treatment was 58.33 per cent which was higher than that in control cows. The present findings indicated that intrauterine treatment with most sensitive antibiotic was effective in postpartum endometritis of crossbred cows. It was concluded that upregulated cytokine gene expression and higher concentration of serum cytokines at first postpartum oestrus could serve as an indicator of endometritis which could be effectively addressed by intra-uterine antibiotic based on antibiotic sensitivity test for the enhancement of fertility in crossbred dairy cows.ThesisItem Open Access Morphological and functional characterization of boar spermatozoa on incubation in capacitating media and preservation(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-03) Das, Arunima; Barua, P MA total of 24 ejaculates comprising 6 ejaculates from each of four HD-K75 boars of 10-12 months age maintained at ICAR - All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Pig C.V.Sc, A.A.U., Khanapara, Guwahati are being selected for the present study. The semen was collected by simple fist method twice weekly to study the morphological and functional characterization of in-vitro capacitated and preserved boar spermatozoa. After initial evaluation (volume, concentration and initial motility), the fresh semen was split into three parts. One part of the semen was used for fresh semen evaluation, second for capacitation and the other for preservation. For capacitation, the semen was incubated in TALP and m-KRB media at 37oC for 5 hours. For preservation semen was extended (1:4) in BTS and GEPS extenders and held at 22ºC for 4 hours. The extended semen was then preserved at 15oC in BOD incubator upto 120 hours. The overall mean of strained volume of semen, initial motility, hyperactivated spermatozoa, sperm concentration, live spermatozoa, live acrosome reacted spermatozoa and per cent hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) was 220.65±5.34 ml, 83.29±0.92 per cent, 92.21±0.54 per cent, 270.87±2.94 million per ml, 90.82±0.83 per cent , 82.76±0.36 per cent and 65.06±0.27 per cent and the overall range being 150-265 ml, 78 to 95 per cent, 88 to 95 per cent, 245- 298 million per ml, 86 to 95, 79-86 and 62 to 78 per cent respectively. Sperms were suspended in TALP media and m-KRB media and incubated for 5 hours at 370C for in-vitro capacitation and evaluation was carried out at 0, 3 and 5 hours of incubation. In the present study, the highest hyperactivated motility was observed at 3 hours of incubation, from 18.51% at 0 hour to 57.32% in TALP and 17.96% at 0 hour to 43.25% at 3 hour in m-KRB, the hyperactivated motility of spermatozoa increased significantly upto 3 hours then it decreased upto 44.72 in TALP and 43.25 at 5 hours of incubation. The overall mean live acrosome reacted spermatozoa per cent declined from 85.31% to 35.52 % in TALP and 84.95% to 34.04% in m-KRB media, HOST reacted spermatozoa decreased from 68.49% to 53.37% in TALP and 67.54% to 51.41% in m- KRB, FITC-PSA(-ve) spermatozoa percentage increased from 0.17% to 13.92% in TALP and 0.17 % to 12.58% in m-KRB, total protein increased from 0.41mg/ml to 1.21 mg/ml in TALP and 0.44 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml in m-KRB, total cholesterol decreased from 31.58 mg/dL to 11.28 mg/dL in TALP and 32.24 mg/dL to 10.61 mg/dL in m-KRB, total phospholipid 61.90 mg/dL to 59.24 mg/dL in TALP and 62.15 mg/dL to 59.40 mg/dL in m-KRB. The overall mean values were found to be differed significantly (P<0.01) between periods, while between media no significant difference was observed except in live acrosome reacted spermatozoa (P<0.05) and HOST (P<0.01). In preserved group, Semen was extended with BTS and GEPS extender (1:4), held at 22oC for 4 hours and preserved upto 120 hours at 15oC. The semen samples were evaluated at 0 (i.e. immediately after extension), 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours of preservation. In the present investigation, the overall mean sperm motility showed a decline from 82.63% to 30.21% in BTS and 83.04% to 31.75% in GEPS, hyperactivated motility percentage decreased from 84.64% to 32.70% in BTS and 83.95% to 34.24% in GEPS and live spermatozoa decreased from 84.92% to 45.08% in BTS and 85.75% to 46.92 % in GEPS, live acrosome reacted decreased from 80.79% to 44.79% in BTS and 82.29% to 44.79% in GEPS, host reacted spermatozoa decreased from 61.64% to 36.09% in BTS and 60.62% to 34.20% in GEPS, FITC-PSA(-ve) spermatozoa increased from 0 to 13.17% in BTS and 0 to 12.58% in GEPS, total protein (g/dL) level increased from 1.39% to 2.01% in BTS and 1.32% to 2.02% in GEPS, total cholesterol (mg/dL) level decreased from 32.82 to 15.54 in BTS and 32.82 to 15.21 in GEPS and total phospholipid (mg/dL) level decreased from 62.03 to 60.90 in BTS and 62.31 to 60.24 in GEPS. The overall mean values were found to be differed significantly (P<0.01) between periods, while between media significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in sperm motility and HOST while, hyperactivated motility, live spermatozoa and live acrosome reacted spermatozoa were differed significantly higher (P<0.05). The aim of the present study was to determine the nature of capacitation like changes during preservation by studying the morphological and functional characteristics of in-vitro capacitated and preserved boar spermatozoa. In the present study, the maximum in-vitro capacitation was observed at 3 hours of incubation at 37oC. While, changes of the boar spermatozoa after 72 hours of preservation in respect of acrosomal status, plasma membrane integrity, total protein, total cholesterol and FITC-PSA (-ve ) spermatozoa resembled with the changes of spermatozoa of in-vitro capacitated for 3 hours of incubation.ThesisItem Open Access EXTRAPOLATION OF GESTATIONAL CURVE AND WHELPING TIME IN BITCH(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2022-01) DAS, CHAYANIKA; Barua, P. M.To study extrapolation of gestational curve and determination of whelping time, gestation period of six (6) crossbred bitches were divided into first, second and third phases; planned to study on 0-day (day of mating), 10th , 20th , 30th , 40th , 50th day and on the day of term or whelping. Different parameters of physical and behavioural signs, extrafoetal and foetal structures, vaginal cytology and haematobiochemical parameters were taken for the study. The per cent mean of enlarged belly (50.00%) and enlarged udder and teats (83.33%) were first found to be recorded from second phase, while, oozing of milk (100.00%) and vulvar swelling (100.00%) were recorded on third phase of gestation, respectively. The occurrence of reduced appetite, decreased activity, restlessness and nesting behaviour of behavioural signs were found 100.00% on day of whelping. Gestational Sac Diameter (GSD) was first recorded (02.17 ± 0.07 mm) on 20th day of first phase of gestation. Inner Chorionic Cavity (ICC), Crown Rump Length (CRL) and Foetal Head Diameter (FHD) was first recorded as 15.03 ± 0.27 mm, 12.98 ± 0.29 mm and 07.05 ± 0.09 mm, respectively on 30th day of second phase of gestation in crossbred bitch. The FHD was increasing throughout phases of gestation and found 29.28 ± 1.11 mm diameter on day of whelping. There was highly significant (P<0.01) difference between groups, between day of gestation and between interaction groups x days of gestation. The Foetal Heart Rate (FHR) was first recorded on 30th day of second phase of gestation which was found 207.17 ± 4.93 beats/min. FHR was significantly (P<0.01) differed between days; recorded 146.00 ± 7.52 beats/min on day of whelping. On day of mating (0-day), the Large Intermediate and Superficial Keratinized cells were recorded as 9.00 ± 0.52% and 91.00 ± 0.52%, respectively. On day of whelping, highest (59.67 ± 0.56%) and lowest (2.67 ± 1.43%) values were recorded in case of Small Intermediate cells and Superficial Keratinized cells. There was significant difference (P<0.01) between types of cells on different days of first, second and third phase of gestation. While between days of gestation no significant difference was found. Highly significant (P<0.01) difference recorded in interaction between days of gestation x types of cells. Level of progesterone was increasing from 10th day of gestation (29.97 ± 0.54 ng/ml) which dropped on day of whelping to 1.66 ± 0.25 ng/ml. Relaxin level reduced on 10th day of gestation (0.39 ± 0.03 ng/ml) which then gradually was increasing till 50th day of gestation (5.54 ± 0.39 ng/ml); on day of whelping recorded as 3.71 ±0.86 ng/ml. Both progesterone and relaxin were significantly (P<0.01) differed between day of gestation in crossbred bitches. There was highly significant (P<0.01) difference of C-Reactive Protein between day of gestation. On day of whelping C-Reactive Protein was recorded as 11.62 ± ABSTRACT 2.32 mg/L. There was significant (P< 0.01) difference between calcium and phosphorus; significantly (P< 0.05) differed on each day of first, second and third phase of gestation. But, non-significant difference recorded between days of gestation and in interaction between minerals days of gestation. On day of whelping, level of calcium and phosphorus was recorded as 10.21 ± 0.31 mg/L and 4.47 ± 0.31 mg/L, respectively. Haemoglobin and glucose per cent was recorded on day of whelping as11.07 ± 0.54 gm/dl and 108.18 ± 2.90 mg/dl, respectively. The values were differed non-significantly between days of gestation. From this study it was concluded that pregnancy could be first confirmed based on GSD and FHR, respectively by 20th and 30th day of first and second phase of gestation. On day of whelping, examination of vaginal cytology revealed significantly (P<0.05) increased Small Intermediate cells (SIC), while, Superficial Keratinized Cells (SKC) significantly (P< 0.05) decreased. Level of progesterone and relaxin hormone significantly (P<0.05) decreased on the day of whelping.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF NANO ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF ASSAM HILL GOAT(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2022-01) Deori, Dipika; Dutta, L. J.Zinc is considered to be an essential element required for reproduction. Nanotechnology to produce nano size zinc with their novel properties as large surface area, higher bioavailability, better absorption has been an effective alteration for both organic and inorganic zinc sources. A study was conducted with a primary objectives of evaluating the efficiency of nano zinc (NZn) as feed supplementation on reproductive performance and to extrapolate fertility associated blood biochemical and hormonal profiles of Assam Hill Goat. Twenty-four numbers of 7 days post kidding doe maintained at Goat Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Burnihat were randomly selected into 4 groups comprising 6 animals each where control group of animals were fed with basal diet without zinc supplementation, for treatment 1 group 25mg NZn, for treatment 2 group 35 mg NZn and for treatment 3 group 50 mg NZn/kg concentrate mixture with basal diet were fed for a period of three months. Blood was collected from each does upto 3 months before treatment, every fortnightly and on the day of oestrus. Does were bred naturally at 24 hours from the onset of oestrus and confirmed for pregnancy after two months. Results indicated that supplementation of different doses of nano zinc significantly (P0.05) among the groups. Supplementation of nano zinc had no effect (P>0.05) on haematological parameter viz. PCV (%), haemoglobin (g/dL), RBC (106/μl) and WBC (103/μl). However, among other biochemical parameter studied, serum zinc level varied significantly (P0.05) among the group. Hence, zinc supplementation in the form of nano zinc improved the reproductive performance by shortening the interval between kidding and first post partum oestrus and conception rate without much affecting the other reproductive parameter in Assam Hill goats.
