Genetic architecture and bottleneck analyses of Salem Black goat breed based on microsatellite markers

20. Genetic architecture and bottleneck analyses of Salem Black goat breed based on microsatellite markers - A. K. Thiruvenkadan,

V. Jayakumar, P. Kathiravan and R. Saravanan

Veterinary World, 7(9): 733-737

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.733-737

A. K. Thiruvenkadan: Department of Animal Husbandry Statistics and Computer Applications, Veterinary College and Research Institute,

Namakkal - 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India; drthirusiva@gmail.com

V. Jayakumar: Veterinary Dispensary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Namakkal - 637 001, Tamil Nadu, India; drjaikumar007@gmail.com

P. Kathiravan: Livestock Geneticist, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria; kathirvet@yahoo.co.in

R. Saravanan: Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal - 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India;mrsagb@gmail.com

Received: 05-05-2014, Revised: 12-08-2014, Accepted: 19-08-2014, Published online: 27-09-2014

Corresponding author: A. K. Thiruvenkadan, e-mail: drthirusiva@gmail.com

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Abstract

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Aim: The present study was undertaken in Salem Black goat population for genetic analysis at molecular level to exploit the breed for planning sustainable improvement, conservation and utilization, which subsequently can improve the livelihood of its stakeholders.

Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 50 unrelated Salem Black goats with typical phenotypic features in several villages in the breeding tract and the genetic characterization and bottleneck analysis in Salem Black goat was done using 25 microsatellite markers as recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization, Rome, Italy. The basic measures of genetic variation were computed using bioinformatic software. To evaluate the Salem Black goats for mutation drift equilibrium, three tests were performed under three different mutation models, viz., infinite allele model (IAM), stepwise mutation model (SMM) and two-phase model (TPM) and the observed gene diversity (He) and expected equilibrium gene diversity (Heq) were estimated under different models of microsatellite evolution.

Results: The study revealed that the observed number of alleles ranged from 4 (ETH10, ILSTS008) to 17 (BM64444) with a total of 213 alleles and mean of 10.14±0.83 alleles across loci. The overall observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, inbreeding estimate and polymorphism information content values were 0.631±0.041, 0.820±0.024, 0.233±0.044 and 0.786±0.023 respectively indicating high genetic diversity. The average observed gene diversities (He) pooled over different markers was 0.829±0.024 and the average expected gene diversities under IAM, TPM and SMM models were 0.769±0.026, 0.808±0.024 and 0.837±0.020 respectively. The number of loci found to exhibit gene diversity excess under IAM, TPM and SMM models were 18, 17 and 12 respectively.

Conclusion: All the three statistical tests, viz., sign test, standardized differences test and Wilcoxon sign rank test, revealed significant deviation of Salem Black goats from mutation-drift equilibrium under IAM and TPM models, however, nonsignificant deviation under SMM model. The qualitative test of mode shift analysis supported the results under SMM indicating the absence of the genetic bottleneck in the recent past in Salem Black goats.

Keywords: bottleneck, genetic diversity, microsatellites, Salem Black.

Influence of controlled breeding techniques on fertility and plasma progesterone, protein and cholesterol profile in true anestrus and repeat breeding buffaloes

19. Influence of controlled breeding techniques on fertility and plasma progesterone, protein and cholesterol profile in true anestrus and repeat breeding buffaloes - K. K. Savalia, A. J. Dhami, K. K. Hadiya, K. R. Patel and N. P. Sarvaiya

Veterinary World, 7(9): 727-732

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.727-732

K. K. Savalia: Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, India; ketan89862@gmail.com

A. J. Dhami: Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, India; ajdhami@aau.in

K. K. Hadiya: Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, India; kamleshhadiya@yahoo.co.in

K. R. Patel: Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, India; ketanfriend007@gmail.com

N. P. Sarvaiya: Reproductive Biology Research Unit, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, India; npsarvaiya@aau.in

Received: 13-05-2014, Revised: 05-08-2014, Accepted: 11-08-2014, Published online: 27-09-2014

Corresponding author: A. J. Dhami, e-mail: ajdhami@aau.in

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Abstract

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Aim: The aim was to evaluate the estrus response, conception rate and plasma profile of progesterone, protein and cholesterol following use of different hormonal protocols in anestrus and repeat breeding buffaloes.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 20 true anestrus, 20 repeat breeders, and 10 normal cyclic buffaloes. Ten anestrus buffaloes each were treated with standard controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR) i/vg device and Ovsynch (GPG) protocols with fix timed artificial insemination (FTAI), and blood samples were obtained on day 0, 7, 9/10 (AI) of treatment and day 21 post-AI. Ten repeat breeding buffaloes with mature mid-cycle palpable corpus luteum (CL) were treated with i/m injection of 25 mg prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) with FTAI twice at 72 and 96 h later, whereas other ten repeat breeding buffaloes in standing estrus were inseminated with simultaneous i/m injection of buserelin acetate-gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) 20 μg. 10 buffaloes exhibiting first estrus within 90 days postpartum and inseminated without any treatment served as normal cyclic control. Blood samples were obtained on day of PG injection, day of AI and day 21 post-AI for estimation of plasma progesterone, protein, and cholesterol.

Results: CIDR and Ovsynch protocols resulted in 100 and 80% induction of estrus with conception rates of 40 and 30% at induced estrus, respectively, in anestrus buffaloes. Mid-cycle PGF2α treatment resulted in 90% estrus induction and 40% conception rate at induced estrus, while Buserelin acetate-GnRH 20 μg injection at AI resulted in 30% conception rate in repeat breeders. In normal cyclic control group also, the first service conception rate was 30%. The mean plasma progesterone concentrations on day 0, 7, 9/10 (AI) of treatment and on day 21 post-AI were found to be significantly (p<0.05) different in both CIDR and Ovsynch protocols, being higher on day 7 (day of PG injection) and on day 21 post-AI than on day 0 and 9/10 (FTAI), which were near basal levels. The mean plasma progesterone level was significantly (p<0.01) higher on the day of initiation of mid-cycle PGF2α treatment (3.81±0.67 ng/ml) in a repeat breeding buffaloes suggesting luteal phase. The mean plasma P4 levels on day 21 post-AI were significantly (p<0.01) higher than on the day of estrus in both repeat breeders and in normal cyclic controls. The plasma P4 value on day 21 post-AI was significantly (p<0.01) higher in conceived than non-conceived buffaloes in all five groups. The mean plasma total cholesterol and total protein concentrations in anestrus and repeat breeding buffaloes under different treatments did not vary significantly between sampling days. However the cholesterol content was significantly (p<0.05) lower (79.96±2.17 vs. 92.27±6.04 mg/dl) and protein higher (8.14±0.73 vs. 7.69±0.59 g/dl) in conceived than non-conceived animals. In both anestrus and repeat breeding buffaloes, the values of cholesterol and protein were significantly lower than in normal cyclic control group (138.04±11.98 mg/dl and 7.82±0.11 g/dl, respectively).

Conclusion: The results showed that CIDR was better than Ovsynch protocol in inducing fertile estrus in anestrus buffaloes, while mid-cycle PG treatment was superior over AI + GnRH in repeat breeders, and all four treatment protocols significantly influenced plasma P4 profile, but not the protein or cholesterol.

Keywords: anestrus, biochemical profile, buffalo, conception rates, plasma progesterone, repeat breeder, synchronization protocols.

Prevalence, population dynamics and host preferences of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of livestock in Marathwada region of Maharashtra State

18. Prevalence, population dynamics and host preferences of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of livestock in Marathwada region of Maharashtra State - B. W. Narladkar and P. R. Shivpuje

Veterinary World, 7(9): 717-726

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.717-726

B. W. Narladkar: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery

Sciences University, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India; babanar47@gmail.com

P. R. Shivpuje: Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India; pralhadshivpuje@rediffmail.com

Received: 24-05-2014, Revised: 31-07-2014, Accepted: 04-08-2014, Published online: 27-09-2014

Corresponding author: B. W. Narladkar, e-mail: babanar47@gmail.com

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Abstract

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Aim: The present study is a part of a research project on integrated pest management of livestock pests with reference to Culicoides spp. Study of prevalence, population dynamics and host preferences are the important benchmarks essential for chalking out the strategies of integrated pest management of Culicoides, thus the study was aimed.

Materials and Methods: Light trap collections of Culicoides midges and other tiny flies from animal shed from seventeen centers representing entire Maharashtra state were conducted. Similarly, year round collections from host sheds were envisaged to work out host preferences and population dynamics of Culicoides spp. locally prevalent. Multiple regression analysis was employed to define the environmental predictors responsible for ups and downs during different seasons occurring in the geographic region of the present study.

Results: Study revealed the prevalence of Culicoides spp., Phlebotomus spp. and Simulium spp. Simultaneous study undertaken by the aid of hand net, collections of fly species from Marathwada region of Maharashtra state yielded additionally, Tabanus spp., Pangonia spp., mosquitoes and other cyclorrhaphan flies. Some of the species are vectors of livestock diseases hence map of the distribution of these pest species is for to reckon risk areas. Population dynamics study on Culicoides spp. in Marathwada region indicated that, (a) Culicoidespopulation were persistent throughout the year; (b) Two peaks of population, one in the monsoon (August-September) and another minor peak occurred during post monsoon/beginning of winter (November) of the year. Drastic reduction in the population occurred during the month of May, which is the hottest month in the year. Culicoides collections from the sheds of different host species indicated the preferences for feeding in the ascending order of preference as cattle, sheep, buffaloes and then goats.

Conclusion: Prevalence of Culicoides schultzei, Culicoides peregrinus and Culicoides actoni was occurred in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra along with other haematophagus flies. Seasonal population dynamic studies depicted two peaks in the Culicoides population, and peak population observed during the monsoon season. Study on the parameters is essential for the preparation of prediction models and forecasting.

Keywords: Culicoides spp., host preferences, livestock, Marathwada, population dynamics.

Cloning and sequencing of protein L-isoaspartyl O-methyl transferase of Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from poultry

17. Cloning and sequencing of protein L-isoaspartyl O-methyl transferase of Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from poultry - S. K. Dixit, D. P. Hota, M. Kumawat, T. K. Goswami and M. Mahawar

Veterinary World, 7(9): 712-716

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.712-716

S. K. Dixit: Immunology Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;

sunildixit1987@gmail.com

D. P. Hota: Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India; durgaprasad.hota04@gmail.com

M. Kumawat: Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India; 0711mworld@gmail.com

T. K. Goswami: Immunology Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India; goswami.tapas@gmail.com

M. Mahawar: Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India; manishbiochemistry@gmail.com

Received: 16-05-2014, Revised: 28-07-2014, Accepted: 04-08-2014, Published online: 25-09-2014

Corresponding author: S. K. Dixit, e-mail: sunildixit1987@gmail.com

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Abstract

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Aim: To clone the Salmonella Typhimurium protein L-isoaspartyl O-methyl transferase (PIMT) enzyme and to analyze the sequence withPIMT gene of other pathogenic serovars of Salmonella.

Materials and Methods: Salmonella Typhimurium strain E-2375 was procured from the National Salmonella Center, IVRI. The genomic DNA was isolated from Salmonella Typhimurium. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to amplify PIMT gene using the designed primers. The PCR product was cloned into pET28c plasmid vector and transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α cells. The plasmid was isolated from E. coli and was sequenced. The sequence was analyzed and submitted in Genbank.

Results: The PCR product revealed a distinct amplicon of 627 bp. The clone was confirmed by PCR. Sequencing data revealed 100% homology between PIMT sequences from Salmonella Typhimurium strain E-2375 (used in the current study) and PIMT sequences of standard reported strain (Salmonella Typhimurium str. LT2) in NCBI data base. This submitted sequence in Genbank having accession no. KJ575536.

Conclusions: PIMT gene of Salmonella is highly conserved in most of the pathogenic Salmonella serovars. The PIMT clone can be used to isolate PIMT protein. This PIMT protein will be helpful to identify isoaspartate containing proteins thus can help in study Salmonella virulence.

Keywords: cloning, sequencing, Salmonella Typhimurium protein L-isoaspartyl O-methyl transferase, virulence.

Job Vacancy: Project Officer at the Coordination Unit of the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund

Position title: Project Officer at the Coordination Unit of the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund

Net salary: 2,800 Euros/month (net) + benefits

Responsibilities : Supporting on a daily basis the workload of the C oordination Unit of the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund (World Fund) , the incumbent will assume shared responsibility for the following: •  Providing management support , as assigned by the Coordinator of the World Fund (Head of Unit), on the activities implemented through the OIE World Fund (monitoring of activities and follow up of financial commitments and constraints), including specific cost accounting and Monitoring & Evaluation activities when appropriate. •  Contributing to the preparation of negotiation documents, calls for proposals and concept notes (to Donors including international organisations and/or private foundations), while using results frameworks and OIE World Fund Indicators. •  Contributing to the development of OIE partnerships and activities at country level (development projects / initiatives at field level with a variety of institutional partners). •  Monitoring / Preparation of specific budgets and follow up tables for the financial components of OIE programmes and activities, e.g. for twinning programmes, Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway missions (PVS Evaluation missions, PVS Gap Analysis missions, Legislation missions), or programmes and activities managed or implemented by OIE Regional or Sub-Regional Representations. •  Drafting technical and financial reports to World Fund Donors. •  Supporting the operations of antigen/vaccine banks by monitoring production/delivery orders, antigen/vaccine stocks and corresponding expenses. •  Supporting the secretariat of the Advisory and of the Management Committees of the OIE World Fund (annual meetings), including the preparation of working documents, executive presentations, financial analysis of donor accounts, and summary minutes of these meetings. •  Possible participation to international meetings or duty missions (including abroad) when required (internal meetings, external meetings with donors, or thematic meetings and conferences), capability to represent the Coordination Unit of the OIE World Fund (internally), or the OIE (externally). •  If necessary, contributing to updates in design and content of the OIE website on World Fund activities. •  Carrying out any other related activities as assigned by the Coordinator of the World Fund (Head of Unit), the incumbent may be assigned to other tasks relating to World Fund activities. In addition, the Director General or the Deputy Director General (Administration, Management, Human Resources and Regional Activities) may, where necessary, assign to the incumbent any other duties within his/her areas of competence.

Qualifications and Experience: •  Project or business management qualifications or equivalent experience; •  Good knowledge and experience notably with World Bank and European Union procedures (e.g. preparation of proposals) and the World Bank / EU Financial Regulations; •  Team player with strong interpersonal skills, capable of adapting to a team of five persons already in place ( Coordination Unit of the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund); •  Organisational awareness: strong ability to establish priorities, work within tight timelines and multi-task; •  Capability of working in a multicultural international environment with colleagues from different departments and offices, and grasp different topics and activities quickly; •  Ability to work at General Directorate level with high level of resilience and accuracy; •  Good communication skills both verbally and in writing; •  Self-motivated, focused and driven; •  Excellent knowledge of English and Spanish or French; knowledge of a third language would be an additional asset; •  Good computer skills, namely Word, Excel (pivot tables), PowerPoint, Prezi, and MS Project (or equivalent) would be an additional asset; •  Experience in project accountancy and cost accounting is very important; N.B. - These qualifications are considered minimum requirements for the position.

Additional information: The French authorities do not require OIE staff to have a work permit. The post is Paris-based (17 th arrondissement ). OIE staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, offices or duty stations of the Organisation. Full-time position, to be filled immediately.

Curriculum vitae and letters of motivation should be sent to the OIE, by mail or by email at a.dehove@oie.int andhr.dept@oie.int , before 31 October 2014 .

Job Vacancy: Veterinary Epidemiologist – Animal Health Information Department of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

Position title: Veterinary Epidemiologist – Animal Health Information Department of the 
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
Salary: 3000 Euros/month + benefits
Duration of the position: Two years renewable
Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Animal Health Information Department and in close
collaboration with his Deputy, the incumbent will be mainly responsible for:
- Applying the review process for validation of six-monthly, annual and wild annual reports during
the year;
- Checking the consistency of the animal health information received during current year and
checking the consistency with historical data along the years;
- When needed, contact the National Veterinary Services (National Focal Points for animal disease
notification and for wildlife) in order to verify and complete epidemiological information;
- Archiving official reports and documents and drafting correspondence to Member Countries for
the Head of the Animal Health Information Department on questions relating to the world animal
health situation;
- Following-up with countries to encourage them providing regular and timely animal health reports
by issuing reminders when necessary;
- Providing World Animal Health Information System users with technical support in order to resolve problems or difficulties;
- Assisting in OIE’s search and verification of unofficial information and sharing relevant information with partners;
- Extracting and verifying WAHIS data for external analyses run by collaborating institutions of the
OIE, as well as reviewing the results of these analyses, verifying the proper use, interpretation and
conclusions made on such data.
- Conducting epidemiological and statistical analysis using WAHIS data and eventually complement
it with other relevant source of information using external resources such as scientific papers,
regional information systems, etc.
- Participating in epidemiological analysis on diseases and their trends, including risk analysis,
disease forecasting as well as producing maps, graphs and PowerPoint presentations of high
design and quality standards;
- Participating in the preparation and edition of documents in relation with world animal health
situation and diseases produced by the Department in the OIE working languages;
- Working with IT experts in the development of a data extraction tool from WAHIS to facilitate data analysis and participate in the development of tools for rapid analysis and production of reports,
graphs, maps, etc.
- Participating in the preparation and running of workshops and seminars on WAHIS, WAHIS
interface and WAHIS-wild interface for national Focal Points for animal disease notification to the
OIE and for Wildlife;
- Participating actively in the implementation and development of the animal health information
system (on-line Web notification manuals, WAHIS application, WAHIS Interface, Web interface,
etc.);
- Participate and provide expertise in the design, evaluation, and reporting of questionnaires and
surveys on OIE Member Countries’ health status;
- Performing any other duties as required by the Head of the Animal Health Information Department
and the Director General of the OIE.
Qualifications and experience:
- Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, with at least 7 years’ experience in data processing, analysis,
database management and epidemiological analysis;
- Good sense of observation and accuracy; good analytical skills and understanding of issues
relating to information processing, animal health data management and control methods;
- Good computer skills, especially in geographical information systems (e.g. ArcMap), cartography,
Excel, Access, statistical software (R, SPSS, STATA or SAS) and internet-based research;
- Courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multinational and
multicultural environment;
- Good communication skills and team working abilities especially under tight deadlines;
- Work experience of the National Veterinary Services will be considered as an added advantage;
- Excellent knowledge of English is required and good knowledge of Spanish or French will be
considered an asset.
N. B. - These qualifications are the minimum requirements for the position and candidates should
only apply if they fill all the above conditions.
Other information:
The French authorities do not require OIE staff to have a work permit.
The post is based in Paris (17th arrondissement).
OIE staff members are international civil servants and are under the authority of the Director
General. They may be assigned to any activities or departments within the organisation.
The position is full-time and immediately available.
Curriculum vitae should be sent to the attention of the Director General, OIE, by mail or email at
information.dept@oie.int, copied to hr.dept@oie.int before 1st November 2014.

Comparative study of heparin-binding proteins profile of Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen

16. Comparative study of heparin-binding proteins profile of Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen - S. S. Ramteke, A. M. Shende,

J. S. Rajoriya, N. C. Barik, Megha Pande, S. K. Bhure, G. K. Das, S. K. Ghosh and J. K. Prasad

Veterinary World, 7(9): 707-711

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.707-711

S. S. Ramteke: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;drsnehalramteke@rediffmail.com

A. M. Shende: Protein Research Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India; asashishivri216@gmail.com

J. S. Rajoriya: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;jituivri@gmail.com

N. C. Barik: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;iamdrncbarik@gmail.com

Megha Pande: Animal Physiology Lab, Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India; megha985@gmail.com

S. K. Bhure: Protein Research Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;sdbhure@rediffmail.com

G. K. Das: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;gkdasivri@gmail.com

S. K. Ghosh: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;subrata_kghosh@yahoo.co.in

J. K. Prasad: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;jkprasad2001@yahoo.co.in

Received: 12-06-2014, Revised: 31-07-2014, Accepted: 06-08-2014, Published online: 20-09-2014

Corresponding author: S. S. Ramteke, e-mail: drsnehalramteke@rediffmail.com

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Abstract

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Aim: The experiment was conducted to study the total seminal plasma protein (TSPP) and heparin-binding proteins (HBPs) in relation to initial semen quality of buffalo bull.

Materials and Methods: Semen from two Murrah buffalo bulls (bull no. 605 and 790) with mass motility of ≥3+ were used for the study and categorized into three groups (Group I- Mass motility 3+, Group II- Mass motility 4+ and Group III- Mass motility 5+). Seminal plasma from semen was separated by centrifugation. HBPs was isolated and purified from heparin-agarose affinity column by modified elution buffer. TSPP and isolated HBPs concentration was estimated by Lowry’s method. The purified HBPs were resolved on Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to check the protein profile of two bulls.

Results: The mean values of TSPP concentrations in bull no. 605 and 790 in Group I, II and III were 30.64±0.12, 31.66±0.09, 32.53±0.19 and 28.51±0.09, 29.49±0.15, 30.45±0.17 mg/mL, respectively. The mean values of HBPs concentrations in bull no. 605 and 790 in Group I, II and III were 3.11±0.07, 3.32±0.06, 3.46±0.08 and 2.51±0.08, 2.91±0.05, 3.10±0.03 mg/mL, respectively. Both the values of TSPP and HBPs were significantly higher (p<0.01) in bull no. 605 when compared to 790 in all the three groups. 31 kDa HBP was more intensely present in bull no. 605, thus may indicate its superiority over bull no. 790 in relation to fertility potential.

Conclusion: TSPP and HBPs shows variation in concentration with respect to initial semen quality. Furthermore, presence of fertility related 31 kDa HBPs in one of the bull may be an indication of high fertility of a bull. In future, in-vivo and in-vitro correlative study on larger basis is needed for the establishment of fertility-related HBPs in semen which might establish criteria for selection of buffalo bull with high fertility potential.

Keywords: buffalo bull, heparin-binding proteins, semen, seminal plasma.