Teddy is highly proliferative goat breed, as female of this breed are famous for high twining rates. Feed supplementation of olive oil has been shown to improve semen quality of goat bucks. In this study, the effect of feed supplementation with olive oil on serum testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and some biochemical metabolites in teddy goat bucks were investigated. For this purpose, 9 adult male goats, with clinically normal reproductive tract, were randomly separated into by three equal assemblies A, B and C. Animals in Cluster A were fed control ration (control group), whereas goats in group B and C were nourished with complemented 15 and 30 ml Olive oil, respectively, in morning daily for 8 weeks. Blood was collected weekly from each experimental animal and analyzed for serum testosterone, T3 and T4 concentration through ELISA. Similarly, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were determined using commercially available kits. Results revealed that serum concentrations of testosterone, T3 and T4 were higher (P<0.05) in bucks of groups B and C compared to those of control group. However, differences in concentration of these hormones between bucks of the former two groups were non-significant. Among biochemical metabolites, serum ALT, total cholesterol and triglycerides differed significantly (P<0.05) among three groups, with highest in control group and lowest in group C. Serum AST activity was also lower in bucks of assembly B and C than control, but, changes between groups B and C were non-significant. Similarly, the treatment had no effect on serum glucose concentrations. Based on results of the present studies, it was concluded that feed supplementation of olive oil improves semen quality and libido of Teddy goat bucks. However, its effects on health biomarkers and fertility rates of buck may be investigated before making any recommendation.

Current experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of linseed oil (Omega-3) on the post thaw quality parameters of Nili Ravi buffalo bull's semen. For this purpose, twelve adult Nili Ravi buffalo bulls were randomly divided into three equal groups i.e. A, B and C. Groups A and B were fed with linseed oil at125 ml and 250 ml/day, respectively for 12 weeks. Group-C served as control group. Semen samples (two ejaculates/bull) were collected with the help of artificial vagina at different weeks of experiment. Semen samples were thawed and evaluated for different parameters such as percent motility of spermatozoa, percent live spermatozoa, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity. Statistical analysis of data revealed that supplementation of ration with linseed oil at125 ml and 250 ml for 12 weeks to the bulls of groups A and B showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) number of, motile and live spermatozoa than control group, however, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between groups A and B. Post thaw plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were also not significantly different among linseed oil supplemented groups. It was concluded from study that supplementation of ration with linseed oil has positive impact on quality parameters of spermatozoa.

Clomiphene citrate(an anti-estrogen) has the abilities for the secretion of gondaotropin from the anterior pituitary gland. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of CC and hCG on female sex hormones (FSH, Estrogen) and serum biochemical constituents in pre-pubertal Sahiwal heifers. The twelve animals were randomly divided into a) treatment and b) control groups. These animals were grouped on the basis of reproductive status of heifers. The animals in treatment group were fed clomiphene citrate with dose of 300mg/ animal for 9 days. On 10thday of experiment, hCG (IVF-C 5000 iu (hCG) LG Life Sciences, Korea) was injected I/V to both groups. For the serum biochemical constituent’s evaluation and oxidative stress (MDA), blood on day 0, 14 and 28 was collected. Similarly, for hormones evaluation three blood samples per week (on alternate days) for 9 days were collected. The concentrations of both hormones were assessed by ELISA. For the comparison of variables, student t-test was applied. Analysis of data revealed that levels of hormones were higher in treated animals as compared to control. There was significant (p less than 0.05) increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides total protein and sugar.But there was nonsignificant(p> 0.05) effect on liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and MDA. It was concluded that use of CC and hCG increase the FSH and estrogen and few alterations in serum biochemical constituents in the pre-pubertal Sahiwal heifers.

Teddy is highly proliferative goat breed, as female of this breed are famous for high twining rates. Feed supplementation of olive oil has been shown to improve semen quality of goat bucks. In this study, the effect of feed supplementation with olive oil on serum testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and some biochemical metabolites in teddy goat bucks were investigated. For this purpose, 9 adult male goats, with clinically normal reproductive tract, were randomly separated into by three equal assemblies A, B and C. Animals in Cluster A were fed control ration (control group), whereas goats in group B and C were nourished with complemented 15 and 30 ml Olive oil, respectively, in morning daily for 8 weeks. Blood was collected weekly from each experimental animal and analyzed for serum testosterone, T3 and T4 concentration through ELISA. Similarly, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were determined using commercially available kits. Results revealed that serum concentrations of testosterone, T3 and T4 were higher (P<0.05) in bucks of groups B and C compared to those of control group. However, differences in concentration of these hormones between bucks of the former two groups were non-significant. Among biochemical metabolites, serum ALT, total cholesterol and triglycerides differed significantly (P<0.05) among three groups, with highest in control group and lowest in group C. Serum AST activity was also lower in bucks of assembly B and C than control, but, changes between groups B and C were non-significant. Similarly, the treatment had no effect on serum glucose concentrations. Based on results of the present studies, it was concluded that feed supplementation of olive oil improves semen quality and libido of Teddy goat bucks. However, its effects on health biomarkers and fertility rates of buck may be investigated before making any recommendation.

Objective: To evaluate the ovulation inducing effect of clomiphene citrate along with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in prepubertal Sahiwal heifers. Clomiphene citrate (an anti-estrogen) causes gonadotropin secretion from pituitary gland by removing the negative feedback effect of estrogen. This causes more FSH secretion which ultimately stimulates follicular growth and upon hCG administration (luteinizing hormone activity) ovulation occurs. Methods: Twelve prepubertal Sahiwal heifers were divided into experimental and control groups, with six animals in each group. The grouping of animals was made on the basis of plane ovary. The status of ovarian puberty was checked through rectal palpation and history of previous estrus signs. Experimental heifers were given clomiphene citrate at 300 mg/heifer for 9 d orally, while heifers in control group were given placebo tablets. The dose of clomiphene citrate was selected on the basis of previous literature. On day 10, hCG (IVF-C 5000 iu (hCG) LG Life Sciences, Korea) was given to all heifers of both groups at 2 500 IU/heifer through intravenous route. Two base line blood samples were collected before start of the treatment at each rectal palpation examination for selection of animals. Subsequently, during and after treatment three blood samples per week (on alternate days) for 4 weeks were collected for measuring the progesterone (P4) in serum. The concentration of progesterone was measured though enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. For the comparison of variables, student t-test was applied. Results: The P4 concentrations in five heifers (83.3%) in the experimental group with (P4 > 1 ng/mL) and one heifer (16.7%) in the control group along with corpus luteum on ovary showed ovulation. One heifer in control group ovulated that might be due to hCG. Mean progesterone concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in treated heifers than in control heifers. Conclusion: Administration of clomiphene citrate and hCG can induce ovulation induction in prepubertal Sahiwal heifers.

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of supplementation of Flaxseed (Linumusitatisimum) oil on libido and semen quality of Nilli-Ravi buffalo bulls.

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences on reproductive biology and medicine ISSN 2052-1472 (online)

In this study, an attempt was made to induce ovulation in crossbred pre-pubertal heifers by the use of clomiphene citrate (an anti-estrogen) and hCG. The hypothesis was that the clomiphene citrate, being anti-estrogen, would remove negative feedback effect of estrogen on the release of pituitary gonadotropins. Elevated gonadotropins would support ovarian follicular growth to a point where hCG would induce ovulation. Six pre-pubertal heifers were given clomiphene citrate orally at 300 mg/heifer for 9 days. At the same time, six control heifers were given placebo tablets. On following day, hCG was given to all heifers at a dose of 2500 IU. Blood was collected before, during and after treatment and plasma was assayed for progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations. Five heifers (83.3%) in the experimental group had E2 concentrations above 10 pg/ml compared to one heifer (16.7%) in control group. Due to a wide variation, mean E2 concentration did not differ significantly between experimental and control heifers. The P4 assays showed that four heifers (66.7%) in the experimental group had ovulated (P4 > 1 ng/ml plasma) compared to one heifer (16.7%) in control group, and mean P4 concentration differed (P < 0.05) when concentrations were greatest in the clomiphene citrate-treated heifers. In conclusion, clomiphene citrate along with hCG can be used to induce ovulation in pre-pubertal heifers.

Introduction Dengue virus in the family Flaviviridae is the causative agent of dengue fever, which is a major growing health problem. Dengue virus has four serotypes. Sometime due to infection or re-infection from different serotypes, dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever enters into sever dengue shock syndrome. Two species of mosquitoes namely Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus transmit the virus to the human body. Vector control programs are not valid options in preventing dengue virus and dengue fever. The best option is the production of potential tetravalent vaccine against all four serotypes. Molecular vaccine is a valid source in preventing dengue virus and their four serotypes. In the present review different strategies have been discussed for potent molecular vaccine production. These vaccines include Live Attenuated Vaccine (LAV), Virus-Vectored Vaccine (VVV), Recombinant Protein Vaccine (RPV), Recombinant Chimeric Vaccine (RCV) and DNA Vaccine (DV) which is based on DNA plasmid vector. Conclusion Plasmid vectors express single open reading frame, which carries domain III of E protein of all dengue serotypes which are separated from each other by proteolytic cleavage sites. These strategies for the formulation of a promising tetravalent vaccine are under various clinical trials, which is the ultimate solution for preventing all dengue serotypes.

In this study, anterior pituitary glands were collected from 12 young male buffalo calves after slaughter, cultured with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and estrogen stimulus and the extract obtained. Adult male rabbits (n=15) were divided into three equal groups. Rabbits of Group A served as control; those of Groups B and C were given extract containing 4 and 8mIU of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), respectively twice daily for 3 weeks. Body weight of rabbits was recorded before and after treatment; blood samples were collected after treatment and analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), platelet counts, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), while serum samples were analyzed for FSH and total cholesterol. Then, all rabbits were slaughtered, and weight of paired testes was recorded. Results showed that the values for weight gain, RBC count, WBC count, PCV and MCH did not differ among rabbits of three groups. Blood Hb was greater (P<0.05) in rabbits of Group B than Group C. Testis weight, serum FSH, total cholesterol and blood platelets count were greater in rabbits of Groups B and C, while MCV was less in rabbits of Group C, compared to the control (P<0.05). In conclusion, in vitro cultured cells of adenohypophysis from male buffalo calves showed FSH activity. This FSH increased testes size, serum FSH, total cholesterol and blood platelets counts and decreased MCV in rabbits. However, it had no effect on weight gain, RBC counts, WBC counts, PCV and MCH.

This study was aimed at determining effects of Medicago sativa plants on body and organs weights, serum estradiol, progesterone, total proteins, total cholesterol, the liver and kidney functions in immature female rats. For this purpose, low (250 mg/kg) and high (500 mg/kg) doses of ethanolic extract of M. sativa plants were given to immature female rats for 22 days. Body weight of rats of control group was higher compared to the rats given low dose of the extract (114.40 +/- 5.35 versus 93.20 +/- 7.57g; P<0.05). Mean ovarian weight was significantly higher (P<0.05) in rats of both the treatment groups (18.80 +/- 2.94 mg for low dose and 22.80 +/- 2.94 mg for high dose) compared to the control group (9.99 +/- 2.08 mg). The uterine weight of rats of control group was significantly higher compared to the rats given low dose of the extract. Serum progesterone concentrations were higher in both treatment groups (49.04 +/- 6.67 and 40.20 +/- 11.92 ng/mL for low and high dose groups respectively) compared to controls (21.76 +/- 4.35 ng/mL), which was assumed to be due to increased follicular development, followed by ovulation and corpus luteum formation or leutinization of Graafian follicles under estrogen-like activity of the plant extract Serum total proteins concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) in rats given high dose (65.01 +/- 4.15 g/L) than control group (48.46 +/- 2.93 g/L) or the low dose group (51.95 +/- 4.15 g/L). Serum total cholesterol concentration was the highest in the control group (100.90 +/- 1.89 mg/dL) and lowest in rats given low dose of the extract (74.96 +/- 0.65 mg/dL), the difference was significant. There were no differences in the liver or kidney weights, serum urea concentrations and ALT activities among rats of the three groups. However, serum AST activity was lower in rats of both treatment groups compared to control rats. Thus, ethanolic extract of M. sativa plants exhibited estrogen like activity, increased serum total proteins, decreased serum total cholesterol and had no adverse effects on the liver or kidney functions in immature female rats. (c) 2013 Friends Science Publishers

Testosterone like activity of seeds of Mucuna pruriens and its effects on serum biochemical metabolites in immature male rats were investigated. Forty eight immature male rats were divided into four equal groups. Rats of groups A and B were orally given ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Mucuna pruriens seeds daily at the dose rate of 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 14 days. Rats of group C were injected with testosterone at the dose rate of 2.5 mg/kg body weight daily, while rats of group D served as controls. After 7 days, six rats from each group were euthanized, while the remaining six rats from each group were euthanized after 14 days of treatment. Rats given ethanolic extract gained higher weight compared to controls (P<0.05). Testis weight was the highest in rats treated with testosterone. The effect of treatments on the weight of the liver and the kidneys was non significant. Rats given ethanolic or aqueous extract had higher serum testosterone concentration than controls. Similarly, rats given ethanolic or aqueous extract had higher serum total proteins, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol compared to controls. Moreover, ethanolic extract treated rats also had higher total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol than aqueous extract treated rats. However, differences in serum total proteins, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol between control and testosterone injected rats were non significant. Serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and ALT activity did not differ among rats of four groups. Serum AST activity and urea were lower in rats treated with ethanolic or aqueous extract compared to controls. Thus, seeds of Mucuna pruriens had testosterone like activity and increased serum total proteins, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, with no adverse effects on the serum LDL cholesterol, liver or kidney functions. (C) 2011 PVJ. All rights reserved

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) on serum estradiol, progesterone and some biochemical metabolites in immature female rats were investigated. Thirty six immature female rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Rats of group A served as controls, while those of groups B and C were given crude extract of Flax seeds orally @ 500 mg/kg and estradiol @ 40 mu g/kg body weight, respectively, daily for 14 days. After 7 days, 6 rats from each group were euthanized, while the remaining 6 rats in each group were killed 14 days after treatment. Blood samples were taken for serum biochemical analysis, while ovaries were used for the determination of ovarian cholesterol contents and histological studies. Body weight of rats given Flax seeds extract was higher (P<0.05) compared to control rats and those given estradiol. Serum estradiol, progesterone, total proteins and total cholesterol contents were higher (P<0.05) in rats given Flax seeds extract and estradiol compared to controls. The ovarian cholesterol contents were reduced in rats of both treatment groups (P<0.05). Serum ALT and AST activities were higher in Flax seeds treated rats compared to control, while it was not so in estradiol treated group. There was no difference in serum urea concentrations among rats of three groups. In conclusion, aqueous methanol extract of Flax seeds increased serum estradiol, progesterone, total proteins, total cholesterol, ALT and AST activity, and decreased ovarian cholesterol levels, while it had no effect on kidney function in immature female rats. (C) 2011 PVJ. All rights reserved

Serum and follicular fluid concentrations of some hormones during the low (May to October) and the peak (November to April) breeding seasons in female camels with small and large Graafian follicles were investigated. Ovaries of 25 adult female camels slaughtered at a local abattoir were collected. Jugular blood samples and follicular fluid aspirated from small (5-9 mm) and large (10-20 mm) follicles were analyzed for progesterone, estradiol, T3, T4 and cortisol concentrations. Serum progesterone and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) during the low than the peak breeding season. However, reverse was true for the serum estradiol, T3 and T4 levels. Animals with small follicles had higher (P<0.05) serum progesterone and cortisol concentrations than those with large follicles, while reverse was true for serum T3 levels. Follicular size had non significant effect on serum estradiol and T4 levels. In the follicular fluid, estradiol concentration was higher (P<0.05) during the low breeding season. However, season had non significant effect on follicular fluid levels of other hormones. Size of the follicle affected only progesterone level in the follicular fluid, which was higher (P<0.05) in large follicles. In conclusion, serum contents of estradiol, T3 and T4 were higher during the peak than the low breeding season; while reverse was true for serum progesterone and cortisol contents. For the follicle fluid, contents of estradiol were higher during the low than the peak breeding season. Follicle size influenced its progesterone contents only, which were higher in large than in small follicles. (C) 2011 PVJ. All rights reserved

Echotexture of testes and epididymides from 10 slaughtered male buffaloes was studied. Diameter of testis and mediastinum testis was measured by ultrasound and compared with respective values taken by calipers. Testes and epididymides of another 10 fertile and 10 infertile breeding bulls were examined in vivo through manual palpation and ultrasound imaging. Semen quality of these bulls was also monitored. There were significant (P<0.01) positive correlations between ultrasound and calipers values of all parameters. The testicular parenchyma of fertile bulls was uniformly homogeneous and moderately echogenic. Epididymal tail was more heterogeneous and less echogenic, while epididymal head was homogeneous and less echogenic, than the testicular parenchyma. The epididymal body appeared as hypoechoic structure with echogenic margin. Among 10 infertile bulls, nine had poor semen quality, while one bull failed to give any ejaculate. On ultrasonography, six bulls showed abnormalities in their scrotal echotexture. Among these, one had an abundance of hyperechoic areas scattered in the testicular parenchyma, some of these showed acoustic shadowing, showing testicular degenerations with mineralization. The second bull showed many anechoic areas in the testes and epididymal head, demarcated from the rest of the organ by well defined margins. In the third bull, three-fourth of the right testis showed hyperechoic areas, suspected of testicular degeneration with mineralization. The fourth bull had two anechoic areas in one testis assumed to represent dilated blood vessel. The fifth bull showed small hyperechoic areas within the testicular parenchyma. The sixth bull showed an anechoic area with distinct hyperechogenic margin below the testicular tunics. The remaining four bulls had normal echogenicity of testes and epididymides in spite of poor semen quality. In conclusion, diagnostic ultrasound may be included in breeding soundness examination of breeding bulls. (C) 2011 PVJ. All rights reserved

This study was undertaken to investigate serum and follicular fluid (FF) concentrations of some biochemical metabolites during the low (May to October) and the peak breeding season (November to April) in female camels with small and large follicles. For this purpose, ovaries from 92 female camels aged 3–7 years (young) or 8–15 years (adult) with clinically normal reproductive tract and slaughtered over a 24-month period were collected. Jugular blood samples and FF aspirated from small (5–9mm) and large (10–20mm) follicles were analyzed for various metabolite concentrations, using the commercial kits.

In this project, ovarian size and activity during the peak (November-April) and the low (May-October) breeding seasons in young and adult camels were studied. Ovaries of 92 camels (Camelus dromedarius), with clinically normal reproductive tracts, aged 3-15 years and slaughtered at Faisalabad or Lahore abattoirs over a period of 24 months, were collected. Jugular blood was collected from each animal before slaughter; the serum was separated and analyzed for oestradiol concentration. The size (length, width and thickness) and weight of each ovary were measured. Grossly observable Graafian follicles were counted and their diameter was measured using Vernier Calipers. The camels having ovaries presenting follicles more than 5 mm in diameter were taken as having active ovaries. The results showed that ovarian length, width and weight were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the peak than the low breeding season. The percentage of active ovaries was also significantly higher (p<0.01) during the peak than the low breeding season. However, the effect of season on ovarian thickness was non-significant. Similarly, the ovarian length, width, thickness, weight and activity did not vary significantly between young (3-7 years old) and adult (8-15 years old) animals. Serum oestradiol concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the peak (67.70±1.36 pg/ml) than the low breeding season (15.25±1.54 pg/ml). It was concluded that in Pakistani camels ovarian size and activity were higher during the peak than the low breeding season. However, age of the camel (from 3 to 15 years) had no effect on these parameters.