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
