Sexual Behaviour and Seminal Attributes Associated with Fertility of Jaffarabadi Buffalo Bulls

Background: The selection of breeding bulls based on the association of sexual behaviour, seminal attributes and conception rate are more important and economical. However, information on association of sexual behaviour and seminal attributes with fertility in buffaloes particularly with reference to Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls is meager. Methods: The study was carried out to assess the association of sexual behaviour and seminal attributes with first service conception rate (FCR) of Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls. A total of 192 semen ejaculates were evaluated and cryo-preserved. First AI conception rate (FCR) was carried out on 800 Jaffarabadi female buffaloes inseminated with frozen-thawed semen and pregnancy was confirmed by per rectal palpation at 2 months post-insemination. Result: The results indicated that both sexual behaviour and seminal attributes were associated with fertility in Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls.

Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Intestinal Intussusception by Open Lumina Technique in Dairy Heifers (Bos taurus)

The present study was conducted in ten dairy heifers (Bos taurus) suffering from intestinal intussusception. All these cases exhibited the clinical signs of bouts of colicky pain for 6-12 hours followed by anorexia and cessation of faeces. In all cases, the onset of disease was between 72-120 hours. Per-rectal palpation revealed spiral-shaped mass and distended intestinal loops. Ultrasonographically, distended loops, ileus, passive movement of ingesta and presence of peritoneal fluid were consistent findings. The diagnosis of intestinal intussusception was made on the basis of clinical signs, per-rectal palpation and trans-abdominal ultrasonography. Further it was confirmed on full abdominal right flank exploratory laparotomy. All the heifers were subjected for standing right flank laparotomy under linear infiltration of local anaesthesia followed by exteriorization and resection of intussucepted intestinal mass. The side-to-side entero-anastomosis was done by open lumina technique using gastro-intestinal anastomotic (GIA) stapled devices. Signalment, duration of surgery and anastomotic time were recorded in all cases. Thus, Intestinal intussusception in dairy heifers was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, per-rectal palpation, trans-abdominal ultrasonography which was further confirmed by full abdominal right flank exploratory laparotomy. The GIA staples applied for side-to-side entero-anastomosis by open lumina technique took less total surgical and anastomotic time. Moreover, there was reduction in tissue trauma/manipulation and in contamination by intestinal contents. The closure of bowel was easy and secured. GIA staples can be used effectively for entero-anastomosis in cattle affected with intestinal intussusception.

237 Incidence and Implications of Disparate Uterine and Ovarian Development Observed Among Heifers Evaluated During the Peripubertal Period

Rapid development in the reproductive tract occurs in the peripubertal period, with variable rates of development of reproductive tissues potentially resulting in perceived disparities in ovarian and uterine development at pre-breeding examination. Data collected from 22,173 heifers evaluated over five consecutive breeding seasons (2014–2018) were analyzed retrospectively to assess relationships between observed disparities in uterine and ovarian development and the timing of conception within the breeding season. Pre-breeding evaluations were conducted 35–45 days prior to breeding. Weight, hip height, and pelvic area were recorded. A single veterinarian conducted all reproductive evaluations via rectal palpation, and heifers were assigned individual scores for ovarian (2=infantile, 3=no significant structures, 4=large follicle and/or corpus luteum) and uterine (2=infantile, 3=mid-sized, distended tract, 4=well-vascularized, distended or coiled tract) development respectively. Heifers received artificial insemination (AI) based on detected estrus following the 14-day MGA-PG protocol. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed via transrectal ultrasonography. Pregnancy rates to AI (P/AI) were greater for scores 4-4 (n = 14,567) in comparison with 3-3 (n=3,941; P < 0.0001) or 2-2 (n = 44; P < 0.0001) and likewise were greater (P < 0.0001) for scores 3-3 in comparison with 2-2. Heifers with disparate scores of 2–3 (n = 38) did not differ (P = 0.53) from those with disparate scores of 3-2 (n = 53) with respect to P/AI, but either disparity was associated with greater (P < 0.01) P/AI relative to scores of 2-2 and reduced P/AI relative to scores of 3-3 (P < 0.01). Scores of 4-3 (1,698) and 3-3 did not differ (P >0.44) in P/AI, but P/AI tended (P = 0.06) to be greater among scores 3–4 (1,832) in comparison with 3-3. Similar (P > 0.33) P/AI was observed among heifers scored 4-4, 4-3, or 3–4. In summary, disparate ovarian and uterine development impacted timing of conception within the breeding season among heifers with lower tract scores. Such disparities were observed among 0.4% of heifers evaluated.

PSXV-12 What 30 years of accumulated pregnancy data taught us about the Bos indicus influence on reproductive performance of beef cattle

Bos taurus X Bos indicus crossbreeding is commonly used in tropical and subtropical regions to enhance beef production. The effect of Bos indicus genetics on pregnancy to AI (P/AI) and AI + natural service (P/AI+NS) is understudied. We measured the indicus effect from a 30-year dataset of the University of Florida multibreed herd (MBH; n= 7105 animals). The MBH is composed of six breed groups, according to the following proportion of Brahman: 0–19%, 20–34%, 37% (Brangus), 40–59%, 60%-78% and 79%-100%. Estrus of all animals was synchronized using mainly the SelectSynch+CIDR protocol, followed by three-day AI based on heat or timed-AI (TAI) for non-heat animals. After TAI, animals were bred by NS. Breeding seasons lasted 91±18d. Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation and/or ultrasonography 30d after AI and 30d after removal of bulls. P/AI was affected negatively (P < 0.001) by the proportion of Brahman, regardless of parity, but P/AI+NS was similar across breeding groups (Table 1). By logistic regression, each 1/32nd increment of Brahman influence reduced odds of P/AI by 0.5% (0/32nd = 51.4% to 32/32nd = 35.3%). The variables of body condition score (BCS), days post-partum (DPP) and body weight at the beginning of synchronization protocol did not explain the negative effect of indicus genetics on P/AI. However, indicus genetics were associated negatively with the proportion of animals AIed in heat (P < 0.001). AI in heat resulted in twice as great (P < 0.001) P/AI (65.4%; n = 984) than no-heat TAI (30.9%; n = 829). In conclusion, indicus genetics did not influence overall pregnancy rates at the end of a 90d breeding season. Nevertheless, indicus influence dampened estrus responses to protocols based solely on GnRH-PGF and progestin/progesterone, resulting on suboptimal P/AI (< 40%).

Evaluasi Status Reproduksi Sapi Hasil Persilangan Peranakan Ongole dengan Bali

ABSTRACT. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui status reproduksi hasil persilangan sapi peranakan ongole (PO) dan sapi bali (yang selanjutnya dinamakan sapi POBA) jantan dan betina melalui beberapa kegiatan lapang. Penelitian ini bersifat non eksperimental yang dilakukan secara eksploratif; menggunakan 20 ekor sapi berumur antara 32 sampai 36 bulan. Parameter yang diamati meliputi kualitas semen, kondisi organ reproduksi sapi betina dan angka kebuntingan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, kualitas semen sapi POBA rendah atau jelek berdasarkan hasil analisis secara mikroskopis maupun makroskopis; namun memiliki libido yang cukup tinggi yaitu rata-rata sekitar 4 menit 25 detik dari mulai mengendus atau didekatkan dengan ternak pemancing (teaser) sampai ejakulasi. Secara umum kondisi organ reproduksi sapi POBA betina normal, sehingga siap dijadikan indukan yang produktif. Sebanyak 66,67% menunjukkan perilaku estrus yang tampak terutama keluar lendir yang terlihat jelas menggantung di bibir vagina bahkan diantaranya mengejar dan/atau menaiki sapi-sapi lain. Namun hasil pemeriksaan kebuntingan (PKB) melalui palpasi rektal menunjukkan tidak ada sapi betina yang bunting. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa sapi POBA jantan infertil, yang diindikasikan melalui hasil pemeriksaan semen dan tidak adanya sapi betina yang berhasil bunting melalui perkawinan alam selama 3 (tiga) bulan. Sedangkan sapi betina POBA memiliki organ reproduksi normal serta menunjukkan ekspresi estrus yang baik. (The evaluation of cattle reproduction status between crosses Ongole Crossbreed with Bali cows) ABSTRAK. The purpose of this research was to determine the reproductive status of the crossbred PO and Bali cattle (hereinafter referred to as POBA cattle) through several field activities. This research is non-experimental and carried out exploratory using 20 cattle aged 32 to 36 months. Parameters observed included semen quality, cows' reproductive organ condition, and pregnancy rate. The quality of POBA bulls semen was low or bad as indicated by the results of microscopic and macroscopic analysis; but had pretty high libido, which was an average of about 4 minutes and 25 seconds, starting to sniff or being brought near to teaser until ejaculation. In general, the reproductive organs of POBA cows were normal so that they were ready to become productive sires. As many as 66.67% showed estrus behavior, especially visible mucus that was hanging on the lips of the vagina, even among them chasing and/or riding other cattle. However, the results of pregnancy examination through rectal palpation showed that there were no pregnant cows. It can be concluded that POBA bulls are infertile, which was indicated by the results of semen examination and the absence of successfully conceived cows through natural mating for 3 (three) months. Meanwhile, POBA cows have normal reproductive organs and show good estrus expression.

Fertility restoration of racing mare with persistent corpus luteum

Background and Aim: Persistent corpus luteum (PCL) causes anestrus in mares. This study aimed to determine the effect of intrauterine prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatment on PCL of racing mares to restore fertility. Materials and Methods: Twelve racing mares suspected with PCL were diagnosed using transrectal palpation and confirmed by serum progesterone (P4) concentration measurement. PGF2α was infused intrauterine, followed by serum collection at 24, 48, and 72 h after. Estrous symptoms were monitored, and mating was conducted on day 3 of estrus with an earlier injection of 8.4 μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone twice a day. Transrectal palpation was performed on days 21-30 to observe the corpus luteum. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed rectally on 40-45 days post-mating and confirmed using Doppler ultrasound scanning. Results: Eleven of the 12 mares had PCL. There was a dramatic reduction in the P4 concentration following PGF2α treatment of mares with PCL. All mares exhibited estrus 2.6±0.55 days post-treatment with a P4 concentration of 0.12±0.12 ng/mL. Rectal palpation and P4 concentration on 21-30 days after estrous onset showed that all mares were ovulating. The evaluation of P4 concentration on days 40-45 post-mating showed that all mares were still in the luteal phase. However, the pregnancy rate was only 54.5% based on rectal palpation and Doppler ultrasound scanning. Conclusion: Treatment of PCL in racing mares with an intrauterine infusion of PGF2α restored the estrous cycle and induced ovulation and pregnancy.

Angka kebuntingan sapi perah dengan korpus luteum persisten setelah pemberian kombinasi prostaglandin F2α dan gonadotropin

This case study aims to determine the effect of a combination of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) with Gonadotropin (PG-600), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the estrus and pregnancy rates in Holstein Friesian (HF) cows with persistent corpus luteum (PCL). A total of 15 Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cows aged 3-5 years with body condition score (BCS) 5-7 (scale 1-9) diagnosed with PCL, were injected with 7.5 mg PGF2α intra-vulvar submucosa. Cows were then divided into three treatment groups. Group P0 was not given the combination treatment, while P1 group was injected with a combination of 300 IU PG-600 and 150 IU hCG, meanwhile P2 group was was injected with a combination of 300 IU PG-600 and 300 IU hCG intra-muscularly. The PGF2α and PG-600 injections were carried out on the same day PCL was diagnosed. Meanwhile, the injection of hCG was carried out at the same time as the AI. The Pregnancy examination was performed 90 days after AI through rectal palpation. The results showed that all treated cows were estrus observed with the fastest onset of estrus was the P2 group, that was significantly different (p <0.05) compared to the P0 and P1 groups. All treated cows were diagnosed as pregnant. It can be concluded that the administration of PGF2α or its combination with gonadotropins in HF cows with PCL could result in 100% estrus and pregnancy rates.

Pelvic Fracture, Coxo-femoral Luxation in a Pregnant Nigerian Local Bitch Following Road Traffic Accident

A road traffic accident is a life-threatening traumatic condition affecting man and animals. A 7- Year-old local bitch weighing 25 kg was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto with the chief complaint of trauma following an automobile accident. At presentation, vital parameters were within normal range but the dog was on sternal recumbency. During clinical examination, there was an audible crepitating sound on rectal palpation. The mammary glands were engorged and ultrasonography revealed pregnancy with presence of viable foetuses. Dorsoventral radiography of the pelvic region revealed fracture of the pelvis and right coxo-femoral luxation. However, the bitch died over-night and was sent for post mortem, which revealed fracture of the right ilium and pubis with severe intra-muscular haemorrhages of the gluteus and quadriceps muscles. There was diaphragmatic hernia along with congested lungs and blood-tinged fluid in the thorax. There was also severe hydroperitoneum, rupture of the left uterine horn and six dead foetuses in-utero. The dog may have died of hypovolemic shock due to the traumatic injury.

Some Factors Associated with Ovarian Disorders of Dairy Cattle in Northern Vietnam

This research’s objectives were to assess the risk factors associated with ovarian disorders in dairy cattle in Hanoi Capital, Ha Nam Province, Vinh Phuc Province, and Moc Chau District in Son La Province. The ovarian diseases were evaluated by rectal palpation combined with information collected based on the questionnaire and surveys. Records of feeding management and ovarian disorders were comprising of persistent corpus luteum (PCL), cystic ovarian disease (COD), inactive ovary (IO) from 818 females, including heifers and cows from the first to the eighth parities. A multinomial logistic regression procedure in SAS9.0 was applied for data analysis. The results have shown that the changes of region, age classes, housing condition, and body condition scores were associated with the odds of suffering from dairy cattle’s ovarian disorder categories. The cows got the odds of suffering from PCL in the old age or fatter condition, and IO at the younger or angular cows. When cattle were confined in simple houses or laid on rubber bedding, they suffered from IO, but they tended to get the odds of suffering from PCL when the cattle were raised in modern houses or laid on concrete bedding. In conclusion, region, parity, body condition score, housing type, and bedding material affect ovarian disorders in dairy cattle in northern Vietnam.

Practical Aspects of Twin Pregnancy Diagnosis in Cattle

Twin pregnancies are an economically unwanted phenomenon in dairy cattle, not only because they increase pregnancy losses, but also because antibiotics usage and culling rate of the dam are also dramatically increased due to them, furthermore animal welfare issues are also affected through them. In cattle, under field conditions using an early pregnancy determination tool, the first accurate diagnosis from the pregnancy status is available from around day 28, although further confirmations of pregnancy are required. Twin pregnancy diagnosis is available either by rectal palpation or ultrasonography. The measurement of pregnancy specific proteins are also available to determine gestation, but there is still a long way to go to properly identify twin pregnancies. In this commentary, we compared our own results with the literature data in this field with a special emphasis on the clinical practices.