Wednesday 1 July 2015

Sexual behavior and its relationship with semen quality parameters in Sahiwal breeding bulls

Research (Published online: 18-06-2015)
10.  Sexual behavior and its relationship with semen quality parameters in Sahiwal breeding bulls - Shushant Singh, M. Bhakat, T. K. Mohanty, A. Kumar, A. K. Gupta, A. K. Chakravarty and P. Singh
Veterinary World, 8(6): 745-749



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.745-749




Aim: The study was conducted at Artificial Breeding Research Centre, NDRI, Karnal, to determine the sexual behavior and its relationship with semen quality parameters in Sahiwal breeding bulls.
Materials and Methods: A total of 63 ejaculates were collected from six adult Sahiwal bulls (age ~47 mo and bwt ~466 kg), to study the relationship of sexual behavior and semen quality. The degree of association between different variables was estimated by Pearson’s correlation coefficient method.
Results: The results depicted that, sexual aggressiveness showed significantly high positive correlation with libido score (LS) and sexual behavior score (SBS). Reaction time (RT) and total time taken in mounts (TTTM) had a significant negative correlation with LS and SBS. Penile erection score and penile protrusion score (PPS) both had a significant positive correlation with ejaculatory thrust score, mating ability score, and SBS. Results of correlation among seminal attributes and with sexual behavior depicted that ejaculate volume had positive significant correlation with initial progressive motility (IPM), sperm concentration (SCON), head abnormality, total abnormality, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acrosomal integrity (AI) whereas, mass activity had positive significant correlation with IPM, SCON, non-eosinophilic spermatozoa count (NESC), HOST, AI, RT and TTTM and IPM had positive significant correlation with SCON, NESC, HOST, AI, and TTTM, whereas and HOST had positive significant correlation with AI. Among seminal attributes, SCON had a positive significant correlation with PPS where as head abnormalities had a positive significant correlation with RT and TTTM.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the relationship of sexual behavior and semen quality parameters are reflecting that the sexual behavior of individual bulls is important to harvest good quality and quantity of semen as desired type of sexual preparation can be provided.
Keywords: correlation, Sahiwal bulls, semen quality, sexual behavior.

Evaluation of subacute bisphenol – A toxicity on male reproductive system

Research (Published online: 17-06-2015)
9.  Evaluation of subacute bisphenol – A toxicity on male reproductive system - S. S. Karnam, R. C. Ghosh, S. Mondal and M. Mondal
Veterinary World, 8(6): 738-744



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.738-744




Aim: The aim was to evaluate the effect of multiple oral administration of bisphenol A (BPA) for 28 days on seminal characteristic on mammal using Wistar rat as a model.
Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into five different groups having 6 male rats in each group. The doses chosen were 50, 200, and 600 mg/kg body weight for Groups III, IV and V, respectively, based on preliminary dose range finding study and Group II served as vehicle control and Group I was negative control.
Results: Reproductive study in the BPA-treated rats on day 28 revealed that there was significant (p0.05) reduction in the epididymal sperm count of rats of Group IV and significant (p0.01) decrease in Group V. Sperm motility percentage, dead count percentage, head and tail abnormality percentage were found to be significantly (p0.01) increased in rats of BPA-treated groups as compared to rats of control groups. Testes showed necrosis of germinal layer and spermatogonial cells in the seminiferous tubules. Hematological examination revealed significant (p0.01) decrease in the mean values of total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and there was also significant (p0.05) lymphocytopenia in treated animals.
Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that subacute toxicity of BPA caused a reduction in the epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, dead count, head and tail abnormality, as well as hematological indices such as TLC, TEC etc. Hence, it appears that BPA affects the germ cells leading to impairment in the spermatogenesis, and thus having its property as reproductive toxicant and it also suppresses bone marrow functioning, which leads to normocytic hypochromic anemia in rats.
Keywords: bisphenol A, hematology, rat, spermatozoa, testes.

Seasonal variation of hemato-biochemical parameters in indigenous pig: Zovawk of Mizoram

Research (Published online: 17-06-2015)
8.  Seasonal variation of hemato-biochemical parameters in indigenous pig: Zovawk of Mizoram - P. Mayengbam and T. C. Tolenkhomba
Veterinary World, 8(6): 732-737



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.732-737



Aim: To investigate the influence of season on erythrocyte picture, plasma enzyme and electrolyte profile of local pig of Mizoram at a different age.
Materials and Methods: A volume of 2 ml of blood samples were collected from 72 Zovawk pigs of three different age groups viz. pre-weaning, grower and adult pigs reared in College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram, India, livestock farm during summer and winter in order to find out influence of season on erythrocyte picture, enzyme and electrolyte profile. The hematological parameters were estimated by using an automatic blood analyzer. The biochemical parameters were estimated by using diagnostic kits.
Results: The grower pigs had lower hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) during summer, rainy and winter seasons (p<0.05) and lower MCH concentration (MCHC) during summer season (p<0.05). Adult pigs had lower Hb with higher total erythrocyte count in rainy season. PCV and MCV of adult pigs decreased in summer (p<0.05). Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity of both the grower and adult groups increased during summer and rainy seasons (p<0.05). Zovawk pigs had higher sodium (Na) and lower potassium (K) in rainy season (p<0.05). Pre-weaning piglets had higher Na, K, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in summer than in winter. Grower pigs had higher Na, K and Ca in summer (p<0.05). Pi of pre-weaning and grower groups was higher in winter. Adult pigs had lower alkaline phosphatase activity and Ca in summer and higher Pi and Mg in winter (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Seasonal variation in some hemato-biochemical parameters of Zovawk pig were investigated. Influence of season on the hemato-biochemical profile was most evident during the grower stage, followed by adults and pre-weaning piglets.
Keywords: enzyme, electrolyte, hematology, Mizoram, pig, Zovawk.

Sunday 28 June 2015

Evaluation of physiological and biochemical responses in different seasons in Surti buffaloes

Research (Published online: 17-06-2015)
7.  Evaluation of physiological and biochemical responses in different seasons in Surti buffaloes - Sandhya S. Chaudhary, Virendra Kumar Singh, Ramesh C. Upadhyay, Gopal Puri, Arjun B. Odedara and Pankaj A. Patel
Veterinary World, 8(6): 727-731



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.727-731




Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of hot dry, hot humid and comfortable season on physiological, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in Surti buffaloes.
Materials and Methods: Ten lactating Surti buffaloes of similar physiological status were selected. Based on the temperature-humidity index (THI), their natural exposure to the environment was categorized as hot dry (THI1), hot humid (THI2) and moderate winter/comfort season (THI3). Blood/serum samples were collected and analyzed for physiological, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters. The results were analyzed using standard statistical methods.
Results: With increase in THI, significant rise in physiological parameters such as respiration rate (RR), hematological parameters such as red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit, hemoglobin (Hb) and mean cell Hb concentration (MCHC), biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Na, K, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, Mn, Cu and Zn, hormones such as cortisol and oxidative stress parameters such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxide (LPO) and total antioxidant status (TAS) and significant decline in glucose, cholesterol and triiodothyronine (T3) was observed.
Conclusion: It was concluded that THI is a sensitive indicator of heat stress and is impacted by ambient temperature more than the relative humidity in buffaloes. Higher THI is associated with significantly increased RR, total RBC count, Hb, hematocrit, MCHC, ALT, urea, sodium, creatinine, triiodothyronine, SOD, GPx, LPO and TAS and with significant decrease in glucose, cholesterol and triiodothyronine (T3).
Keywords: biochemical, heat stress, physiological, surti buffalo, temperature humidity index.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in Banaraja fowls reared in semi-intensive system of management in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha

Research (Published online: 17-06-2015)
6.  Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in Banaraja fowls reared in semi-intensive system of management in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha - Ananta Hembram, M. R. Panda, B. N. Mohanty, C. R. Pradhan, M. Dehuri, A. Sahu and M. Behera
Veterinary World, 8(6): 723-726



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.723-726




Aim: Studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths infection in Banaraja fowls of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha with respect to semi-intensive system of rearing.
Materials and Methods: A total of 160 Banaraja birds (30 males and 130 females) belonging to two age groups (below 1 month age and above 1 month) were examined for the presence of different species of gastrointestinal helminth infection over a period of 1-year. The method of investigation included collection of fecal sample and gastrointestinal tracts, examination of fecal sample of birds, collection of parasites from different part of gastrointestinal tract, counting of parasites, and examination of the collected parasites by standard parasitological techniques followed by morphological identification as far as possible up to the species level.
Results: Overall, 58.75% birds were found infected with various gastrointestinal helminths. Total five species of parasites were detected that included Ascaridia galli (25.63%), Heterakis gallinarum (33.75%), Raillietina tetragona (46.25%), Raillietina echinobothrida(11.87%), and Echinostoma revolutum (1.87%). Both single (19.15%) as well as mixed (80.85%) infection were observed. Highest incidence of infection was observed during rainy season (68.88%) followed by winter (66.66%) and least in summer season (41.81%). Sex-wise incidence revealed slightly higher occurrence among females (59.23%) than males (56.67%). Age-wise prevalence revealed that chicks were more susceptible (77.77%) than adults (51.30%) to gastrointestinal helminths infection.
Conclusions: Present study revealed that mixed infection with gastrointestinal helminths of different species was more common than infection with single species and season-wise prevalence was higher in rainy season followed by winter and summer. Chicks were found to be more prone to this parasitic infection and a slight higher prevalence among female birds was observed.
Keywords: Banaraja fowl, gastrointestinal helminths, prevalence.

Enhancement of growth performance in pre-weaning suckling Boer kids supplemented with creep feed containing alfalfa

Research (Published online: 15-06-2015)
5.  Enhancement of growth performance in pre-weaning suckling Boer kids supplemented with creep feed containing alfalfa Nay Naing Htoo, Aung Tun Khaing, Yusuf Abba, Nwe Nwe Htin, Jesse Faaz Firdaus Abdullah, Than Kyaw, Mohd Azam Khan Goriman Khan and Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila
Veterinary World, 8(6): 718-722



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.718-722




Aim: This study examined the effects of creep feed (CF) supplementation (with or without Alfalfa) on the pre-weaning growth performance of nursing goat kids.
Materials and Methods: A total of forty eight (48), 7 days old, single born kids (live weight 4.4±0.09 kg) were divided into three treatment groups, each containing eight males and eight females. All three groups had access to their dams’ milk (DM). The kids from the first treatment group had free access to CF containing alfalfa (CFA) while those from the second group had free access to CF without alfalfa. The third treatment group (control) had access to their DM only. All three groups were kept isolated from the dams from 800 to 1200 h and from 1400 to 1800 h while having access to CF.
Results: Total weight gain and average daily gain of kids from CFA group (11.2±0.36 kg, 145.2±4.64 g) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than kids from CF (7.9±0.49 kg, 102.9±6.43 g) and DM (5.5±0.43 kg, 71.1±5.56 g) groups. The weaning weight of kids from CFA group (15.6±0.39 kg) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those from CF (12.1±0.56 kg) and DM (9.9±0.59 kg) groups.
Conclusion: This result shows that supplementation of CF combined with alfalfa from birth to weaning enhances growth performance of cross-bred Boer goat kids.
Keywords: boer, creep feed, growth performance, pre-weaning, alfalfa.

Hematobiochemical changes in ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat

Research (Published online: 10-06-2015)
4.  Hematobiochemical changes in ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat - C. M. Bhadesiya and S. K. Raval
Veterinary World, 8(6): 713-717



   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.713-717



Aim: The present research work was undertaken to study the diagnostic importance of hematobiochemical changes in naturally occurring ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat irrespective of their age, breed, and sex.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples from a total of 29 dogs of Anand region of Gujarat state were screened for detection of anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies using Immunocomb® rapid diagnostic kit (Biogal Galed Laboratories, Israel) and subjected to estimation of hematobiochemical parameters by auto hematology analyzers at College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand. Statistical analysis, interpretation and comparison of hematobiochemical changes with scientific literature was carried out in order to understand the pathophysiology of the disease.
Results: Of 29 dogs, 18 were positive for naturally occurring ehrlichiosis based on the presence of anti-E. canis antibodies while 11 were negative. Haematology evinced that the mean values of hemoglobin, total erythrocyte counts, platelet count and packed cell volume in dogs with ehrlichiosis decreased significantly (p<0.01) in comparison to healthy dogs. Among differential leucocyte count, mean values of lymphocytes decreased, neutrophils increased, eosinophils decreased and basophils decreased significantly (p<0.05) in dogs with ehrlichiosis in comparison to healthy dogs while statistically nonsignificant (p>0.05) difference was observed in values of monocytes in dogs with ehrlichiosis and healthy dogs. Among various red blood cells indices, the mean values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration increased significantly (p<0.01) in dogs with ehrlichiosis in comparison to healthy dogs. Serum biochemistry revealed significant (p<0.01) increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and creatinine levels as well as decrease in total protein levels in dogs with ehrlichiosis as compared to healthy dogs.
Conclusion: Clinical importance of hematobiochemical changes in 18 natural cases of ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat irrespective of their age, breed and sex is discussed, which would aid new insights in diagnosis and therapeutic management.
Keywords: dogs, ehrlichiosis, anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies, hematobiochemical changes.