This study was carried out in the Rangpur Division, Bangladesh, to identify domestic cat breeds and assess their reproductive performance. Data were obtained through direct questionnaire administered to cat owners, complemented by regular observation of breed characteristics, behaviour, and reproductive traits. Ten breeds were identified: Indigenous, Persian, Persian (Calico), Maine Coon, Bengal Cat, Mixed, British Shorthair, Turkish Angora, Scottish Fold and American Shorthair. Common oestrus signs included vocalization, rolling, rubbing of the body and genital area, affectionate behaviour, and receptivity to male. The age at sexual maturity among females ranged from 6 to 23 months, with Persian cats exhibiting the highest mean age at maturity (16.2 ± 3.8 months, P<0.05). Oestrus cycle length varied from 7 to 45 days, with Bengal cats having the longest cycle (25.5 ± 6.4 days, P<0.05). Indigenous cats generally matured in spring and summer, although some showed year-round oestrus when housed with tomcats. Gestation lasted 57 – 67 days, with no significant difference between breeds; the longest was recorded in Scottish Folds (64.2 ± 2.4 days). Litter sizes ranged from 2 to 10 kittens, with Bengal cats producing the largest average litters (6.0 ± 3.5 kitten). Postpartum oestrus began 30–90 days after parturition. Pregnancy rates were highest in Indigenous cats (86.1%) and lowest in Scottish Folds (77.8%). Abortion rates were highest in Scottish Folds (28.6%) and lowest in Indigenous cats (16.1%). The sex ratio of kittens was approximately 49 males to 50 females. Kitten mortality was highest in Persian cats (21.8%) and lowest in American Shorthairs (11.8%). These findings provide valuable insights into breed-specific reproductive physiology, which can support breeding management strategies and inform veterinary reproductive care. Bang. vet. 2025. Vol. 42, No. 1 – 2, 17 – 27
Trichosomoides crassicauda (T. crassicauda) is a nematode inhabiting the urinary bladder of wild and laboratory rats. Although often considered nonpathogenic, it can cause haemorrhagic cystitis, renal haemorrhages, and urinary calculi, thereby influencing interpretation of research findings. Here is the report of T. crassicauda infection in a laboratory rat colony in Bangladesh, emphasizing clinical features, diagnostic findings, and preventive measures. Infection was controlled through strict hygienic measures, along with treatment of infected and non-infected colonies using ivermectin, supplemented with iron, vitamin B complex, and zinc. Bang. vet. 2025. Vol. 42, No. 1 – 2, 38 – 43
Exploration of exfoliative vaginal cytology (EVC) was conducted to detect subclinical uterine infection (SUI) in clinically normal dairy cows and to evaluate the impact of anoestrus and repeat breeding (RB) on reproductive performance. Fifty indigenous and crossbred cows were examined during the first visit (V1). Clinically normal cows (n = 23) were selected based on the absence of disease signs during external examination. Genital discharge was assessed through visual inspection for abnormalities, with or without a history of anoestrus or repeat breeding. All cows were re-examined at the second visit (V2) and subsequently monitored for a minimum of eight months, until they either became pregnant or were culled. EVC was used to establish diagnostic criteria for SUI, based on factors associated with reduced pregnancy rates. At V1, a positive EVC result defined as >45% polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) or an equivalent proportion of exfoliative vaginal cells was significantly associated with lower pregnancy rates and was considered indicative of SUI. At V2, a positive EVC result of >65% PMN or a similar proportion of exfoliative vaginal cells also identified cows with SUI. Cows showing various types of vaginal discharge with exfoliative vaginal cells, particularly those with mean PMN values >45%, were predominantly in anoestrus. In contrast, cows with PMN values >60% were classified as repeat breeders, compared to those without SUI. Given that EVC involves vaginal swab collection and cytological staining, it offers a diagnostic approach with predictive value for pregnancy risk. The findings suggest that SUI, as diagnosed through EVC, is associated with reduced pregnancy rate in dairy cows. Bang. vet. 2025. Vol. 42, No. 1 – 2, 28 – 37
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of extenders using skim milk from different species on sperm quality during storage at 5°C over time. Eight ejaculates were preserved in each of five home-made semen extenders: cow skimmed milk (CSM), goat skimmed milk (GSM), sheep skimmed milk (SSM), buffalo skimmed milk (BSM) and commercial dried skim milk (CDSM). Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and normal morphology (%) were assessed at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. At 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours, sperm motility in the GSM extender was higher than in the BSM, SSM, and CDSM extenders. Plasma membrane integrity (%) and normal sperm morphology (%) in the GSM and CSM extenders were significantly higher than in the BSM, SSM, and CDSM extenders at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. Overall, motility, membrane integrity, and normal morphology were superior in the GSM extender. Further research is needed to validate sperm quality in relation to lambing rates. Bang. vet. 2025. Vol. 42, No. 1 – 2, 11 – 16
The Clostridium perfringens causes food poisoning in men and animals. Pasteurized full cream cows’ milk samples (n = 100) were collected from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) in Bangladesh between July 2022 and June 2023. One sample showed the characteristic properties of C. perfringens in Dhanmondi area of DNCC in winter season. Hygienic management should be followed during processing of milk for human consumption. Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 7 – 12
Prevalence of mastitis and their antimicrobial resistance in Amtali (sub-district) area of Barguna District were studied. Mastitis was diagnosed by examining the udder and milk of 300 dairy cows. The bacteria were cultured and biochemical tests and antimicrobial profiling were done. The overall prevalence of mastitis was 5.0%, and cross-bred and local cows had 6.4% and 3.8%, respectively. The prevalence was higher in animals 7 - 8 years old (5.9%) and in cows of 3rd - 4th parity (8.8%). Cows with peri-parturient diseases and 1st - 2nd lactation had prevalence of 6.8% (P<0.05) and 5.7%, respectively. The prevalence in dry and wet seasons was 33.3% and 66.7% (P<0.10), respectively, and 53.3% of cows were affected with mastitis when the floor was wet and soiled. The prevalence was 73.3% (P<0.05) in unhygienic conditions. The prevalence of E. coli and S. aureus in mastitis milk samples was 73.3% and 66.7%, respectively. E. coli was sensitive to amoxicillin (36.4%), ampicillin (36.4%), tetracycline (54.6%), streptomycin and co-trimoxazole (81.8%), gentamicin & ceftriaxone (90.9%), cefuroxime and cefixime (100%). S. aureus was sensitive to co-trimoxazole (60%), tetracycline (70%), amoxicillin, ampicillin, streptomycin (80%), gentamicin, ceftriaxone (90%), cefuroxime and cefixime (100%). Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 13 – 22
A Holstein-Friesian cross-bred cow was presented due to gestation being prolonged to >365 days. The presence of a dead fetus was determined by examination per rectum. Induction of parturition was attempted using dexamethasone and a PGF2α analogue, but the cow did not respond. The fetus was therefore removed two days later by caesarian surgery. The fetus had gross abnormalities of the head, but the brain was at least partially intact. The cow recovered uneventfully after surgery. It was considered that the gross prolongation of gestation was due to a developmental perturbation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis that had prevented the initiation of parturition. Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 25 – 29
Microbial contamination of drinking water poses a health threat for man and animals. The aim of this study was to detect Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Salmonella in drinking water from the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SrAU) campus and its surrounding areas between January 2021 and August 2021. A total of 60 water samples were collected from dormitories, academic buildings and nearby shopping centres. Identification of bacteria was done using growth characteristics on selective media, staining, microscopic examination, and biochemical tests. The overall prevalence of contamination was 53.3%, with the highest rate (61.1%) in water from shopping centres. Drinking water in the SrAU campus and its vicinity is unsafe for drinking and household purposes. Sanitation programmes of the SrAU health centre need to be strengthen to mitigate health risks of the community. Bang. vet. 2024. Vol. 41, No. 1 – 2, 1 – 6
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diseases and its associated risk factors in crossbred Friesian calves in a dairy farm in Bangladesh. Date of birth, birth weight, age and sex of 194 calves up to three months old, season of disease occurrence, date of illness and the percentage of IgG in colostrum were recorded. The prevalence of calf diseases was 33.5%, of which 30.1% were suffering from medical conditions, 19.6% having enteritis: only 5% had surgical disorders. Calves up to 21 days old had significantly higher disease prevalence (22.2%) than calves aged 22-90 days (11.3%). The prevalence of diseases was significantly higher (43.1%) in calves with birth weight up to 29 kg than calves with birth weight 30 kg or more (28.7%). The prevalence of diseases was higher in male calves (38.0%) than female (28.7%). The prevalence of diseases was significantly higher (72.4%) in calves consumed colostrum containing 22-24% IgG compared to calves given colostrum containing 28-30% IgG. The prevalence of diseases was significantly higher in rainy season (64.2%) than in summer (29.5%) and in winter (6.1%). Bang. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1 – 2, 37 – 45
Clostridium perfringens causes food poisoning in humans worldwide and C. perfringens beta toxin is associated with improperly heated or reheated cooked food. A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of beta toxin-producing C. perfringens in cooked Plain rice, Pulao, and Biryani in different types of restaurants (general, well furnished) of four districts [Dhaka (north and south city corporation area), Cumilla, Narayangonj, Gazipur)] of Bangladesh. A total of 200 food samples were examined for the presence of C. perfringens and its beta toxin. The positive samples were further tested for the CPB gene (236 bp) of beta toxin-producing C. perfringens using PCR assay. Three samples had C. perfringens (1.5%), in food samples of the restaurants in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Beta toxin-producing C. perfringens was in one sample (0.5%) in a sample of pulao in the same area during the winter. It is suggested that the prevalence of beta toxin-producing C. perfringens was low but, further studies are required in other cities in Bangladesh. Bangl. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1-2, 8–15
Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella spp. were found in hospital wastewater. The highest (E = (6.2 ± 1.8) x 109; S = (4.3 ± 2.2) x 109) and lowest (E = (1.4 ± 1.2) x 109; S = (1.1 ± 1.8) x 109) Total Viable Count (TVC) were in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (SSMCH) and National Institute of Ophthalmology Hospital (NIOH), respectively. The overall occurrence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. was 80% and 87%, respectively, with 100% occurrence in SSMCH and National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Hospital (NICVDH) for Salmonella spp. (p ≤ 0.036). Prevalence of E. coli was low (72%) in winter (November - February). Both types of bacteria were resistant to Tetracycline whereas and 97.5% of E coli were resistant to ampicillin. Gentamycin was more effective than other antibiotics. Rational use of antibiotics is suggested, and hospital management practice should be followed as defined by the Joint Commission International for Hospital Accreditation. Bang. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1 – 2, 16 – 24
The effect of ovarian phase on oocyte quality in slaughterhouse material of cows was studied. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from all visible follicles. COCs were graded on the number and intensity of the cumulus cells and the homogeneity of the ooplasm as A (4 – 5 layers compact cumulus with a homogeneous ooplasm), B (1 - 2 layers compact cumulus with homogeneous ooplasm having a coarse appearance), C (slightly expanded cumulus with irregular cluster ooplasm), and D (denuded oocyte or expanded cumulus, irregular ooplasm). The overall aspiration rate of COCs was 37.2%. The aspiration rate was significantly higher (P<005) in follicular (41.2%) than in luteal phase (28.6%). The percentage of grade A and B oocytes was significantly (P<005) higher in the follicular phase (20.4 and 28.6%) than luteal phase (11.1 and 22.2%). The proportion of grade A COCs in the indigenous cows was significantly (P<005) higher (29.0%) than in crossbred cows (8.3%). Ovaries with diameter of 2.0 cm or more had higher proportion (P<005) of grade A and B COCs than others. It is suggested that follicular phase of the sexual cycle had significant effect on COCs quality. Bangl. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1-2, 1–7
Small ruminant production contributes to the livelihood of small-scale farmers. However, the production is low due to several factors, including pneumonic pasteurellosis. The primary causes of infections are Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Biberstinia trehalosi. It is of great importance at the national level. The disease is commonly transmitted through the air causing sporadic and epidemic pneumonia and septicaemia. Clinical signs include respiratory distress with high fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and thick purulent nasal discharge. They typically occur in individuals with poor immunity. Weak management practices are often linked to stress. The disease incurs significant losses. The existence of many serotypes without cross-protection and the emergence of drug resistance have made its management more challenging. Furthermore, the causal agents are mostly organisms that reside in the upper respiratory tract but might lead to infection in those with reduced immune systems. Hence, it is crucial to prioritise appropriate selection of antimicrobials, reliable diagnosis, and the inclusion of relevant serotypes in developing vaccines to prevent and manage pneumonic pasteurellosis. Bang. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1 – 2, 25 – 36
The focus of this study is to improve the pregnancy rate of cattle using different interventions with the analysis of associated risk factors. A total of 180 cows with pregnancy failure after one insemination were selected, which showed normal oestrous behaviour and vaginal mucus discharge. The animals were divided into six groups: A [control: with only Artificial Insemination (AI)]; B [penis-like device (PLD) used after AI]; C [intramuscular injection (im) of 2 ml prostaglandin-F2α at day 7 of the oestrous cycle and AI at observed oestrus], D [AI at natural oestrus followed by 2.5 ml GnRH im, repeated 4-6h after AI], group E [As group C and PLD used after AI], group F [as D and PLD used after AI]. The overall pregnancy was 55.6%. Group F had the highest pregnancy rate (70.0%). Higher pregnancy rates were in older animals of more than 4.6 years of age with parity of more than two. A significant correlation was found between age and parity; age and Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT); Body Condition Score (BCS) and breed; Reproductive Health (RH) and AIT. It is suggested that the use of hormonal treatments (with or without PLD) improved the pregnancy rate in cattle. Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 16–25
Farmers’ perception of veterinary services at the Upazila (Sub-district) Veterinary Hospital (UVH), and constraints of livestock farming in Bangladesh were studied. Data from 135 livestock farmers which were obtained, using a pretested questionnaire. Most of the farmers (99.3%) had small families. Most were illiterate (60.0%), 22.2% had Secondary School Certificate and 17% had Higher Secondary Certificate or above. Mostly, stall feeding system was practised (76.9%), concentrated feed (71.9%) and water (68.9%) were supplied twice daily and animals were dewormed at regular intervals (51.1%). Irregular vaccinations were followed by 15.6% farmers. Only 55.2% of farmers called on veterinary surgeons when their animals were sick. About 77.6% farmers were satisfied with the existing public veterinary services.About 32.1% farmers got veterinary services at their door step by the veterinary surgeons whereas 29.9, 28.4 and 8.2% farmers received drugs, services, and free vaccination, respectively. Poor knowledge of farming (71.3%), feeds and fodder scarcity (55.6%) and unavailability of safe water (64.4%) were the main constraints identified. It is suggested that more training and veterinary extension programmes for farmers are required. Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 26–33
Characteristics of fresh semen and the effect of chilling on the quality of semen of Boer-cross bucks were studied. Fresh semen from two Boer-cross bucks was evaluated for volume, mass motility, progressive motility, viability, concentration and proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, mid-piece and tail. The semen was diluted at 1:4 ratios with Tris-fructose-citrate-egg yolk extender, preserved at 4ºC for 72 hours and evaluated for progressive motility and proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, mid-piece and tail at 24-hour intervals for three days. The mean volume, mass motility, progressive motility, sperm viability, sperm concentration and proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, mid-piece and tail of fresh semen of Buck 1 and Buck 2 were 370.0 ± 0.1 and 410.0 ± 0.1 μl, 3.3 ± 0.4 and 3.4 ± 0.1, 74.0 ± 13.9 and 76.0 ± 6.5%, 82.3 ± 7.5 and 84.3 ± 4.2%, 2730.0 ± 740.9 × 106/ml and 2584.0 ± 470.1 × 106/ml, and 93.3 ± 2.9 and 94.9 ± 0.4%, respectively. The progressive motility in chilled semen of Buck 1 at days 1, 2 and 3 was 61.2 ± 7.3, 51.0 ± 7.3 and 39.0 ± 5.5%, respectively; in Buck 2, it was 60.6 ± 6.8, 50.2 ± 6.2 and 39.2 ± 5.4%, respectively. The difference in semen parameters among days of preservation was significant (P<0.05) in both bucks. The proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, mid-piece and tail in chilled semen of Buck 1 at days 1, 2 and 3 was 88.0 ± 7.0, 88.8 ± 5.9 and 87.1 ± 7.7%, respectively; in Buck 2, it was 86.6 ± 4.8, 84.1 ± 4.6 and 81.8 ± 4.9%, respectively. It is suggested that the characteristics of fresh semen of these two Boer-cross bucks were within normal range. The quality of semen of Boer-cross bucks deteriorated with chilling up to 72 hours. Improvement of the preservation protocol is required to obtain satisfactory quality of chilled semen of Boer-cross bucks. Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 34–42
The study was conducted to know the effects of age on haemato-biochemical profiles in Black Bengal (BB) goats. Fifty BB goats were equally divided into five groups: group A (control, 3 years), group B (>3 - 5 years), group C (2-<3 years), group D (1-<2 years) and group E (<1 year). Most of these haemato-biochemical parameters were within the normal range of reference values, except Albumin and ALP. The significantly (P<0.01) higher concentrations of RBC (17.9 ± 0.2 Million/cu mm), WBC (14.4 ± 0.3 Thousands/cu mm), Haemoglobin (9.0 ± 0.2 gm/dl) and PCV (29.9 ± 0.2%) were found in group B. The percentage of Neutrophil (35.2 ± 0.4%), Eosinophil (1.0 ± 0.0%) and Basophil (0.6 ± 0.0%) were higher in group E. Percentage of Lymphocyte (60.0 ± 0.4 %) and Monocyte (3.5 ± 0.2%) was higher in group B than other younger groups. The significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) higher concentration of total protein (74.7 ± 0.2g/L) and globulin (46.3 ± 0.5 g/L) respectively, were in Group B. Albumin (28.4 ± 0.2g/L) and ALT (22.3 ± 0.5 U/L) concentrations were significantly P<0.02) higher in Group E than other groups of goat. Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 43–53
The study aimed to evaluate the quality of fresh and frozen-thawed semen of five adult Holstein-Friesian crossbred bulls and the pregnancy rate of cows inseminated with frozen semen of those bulls. The fresh semen of breeding bulls collected for artificial insemination (AI) programme in the field was of good quality with volume (6.7 ± 0.2 ml - 8.9 ± 0.5 ml), concentration (904.2 ± 56.4 million/ml), mass activity (3.3 ± 0.2-3.6 ± 0.2), total motility (77.0 ± 1.1% – 92.1 ± 0.6%), progressive motility (67.0 ± 1.2% – 87.4 ± 0.6%) and semen viability (73.0 ± 0.6% to 85.4 ± 0.7%). The computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) results showed that diluted pre-freezing semen had good sperm total motility (50.1 ± 3.8 % to 59.0 ± 4.7%), progressive motility (30.0 ± 1.2%-39.0 ± 1.6%), the velocity traits of straight linear velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and average path velocity (VAP) of sperm ranged from 48.0 ± 1.3 - 71.3 ± 0.7 μm/s,118.1 ± 2.8-181.3 ± 10.9 μm/s and 68.4 ± 2.5 to 91.0 ± 2.9 μm/s, respectively. Bull 1 showed significantly higher VSL (71.3 ± 0.7 μm/s), VCL (181.3 ± 10.9 μm/s) and VAP (91.0 ± 2.9 μm/s) compared to others. Viability of frozen-thawed semen was lower in Bull 5 (73.0 ± 1.71%) compared to others. Although in frozen-thawed semen these parameters declined, the semen was sufficiently good to be used in AI in the field. The overall pregnancy rate using frozen semen was 55.6% and the highest pregnancy rate (62%) was in cows that were inseminated with frozen semen of Bull 1, but the differences between bulls was not significant. The pregnancy rate had positive correlation with sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, VCL, VSL, VAP, amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat cross frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), sperm viability. In artificially inseminated cows, the intensity of oestrus of cows, timing of AI, site of semen deposition and season had a significant effect on pregnancy rate. In conclusion, the fresh and frozen-thawed semen of breeding bulls supplied in North-East Bangladesh for AI programme were good quality. Heat detection and insemination timing need to be improved to increase the pregnancy rate. Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 1–15
