Purpose of the Study: The use of calf sex-altering oral preparations (CSAOP) to increase female offspring can offer advantages in field applicability and affordability compared to other sex-manipulation techniques. The current study evaluated the effect of CSAOP (FemEXX®) on pregnancy rate and calf sex ratio in buffaloes. Methods: Parous buffaloes (N = 240) were selected and randomly divided into four groups (60 buffaloes per group). The groups received one of the following treatments: CSAOP alone, CSAOP combined with a special feed supplement, special feed supplement alone, or no treatment (control). At estrus, all buffaloes were bred naturally, and those in the CSAOP alone and CSAOP + special feed supplement groups were orally drenched with 300 mL of FemEXX®, 30 minutes after natural mating. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of treatment and other factors on pregnancy and female calf birth rates, and linear regression was applied for gestation length. Variables significant in univariable analysis were included in multivariable models, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05. Results: The overall pregnancy rate was 76.62%, and no significant difference in pregnancy rate was observed among treatment groups (p = 0.76). However, the proportion of female calves was significantly higher in the CSAOP (78.9%) and CSAOP with special feed (77.1%) groups than in controls (42.5%), with higher odds of female calf birth (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.68-12.78 and OR = 4.22, 95% CI: 1.52-11.72, respectively). Pluriparous buffaloes had higher odds of producing female calves than primiparous animals (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.01-4.70). Gestation length did not differ among treatment groups but was shorter in female-bearing buffaloes (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion the use of CSAOP is effective in increasing the number of female calves without affecting pregnancy rate in buffaloes.

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of duration of Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) placement in CIDR-PGF2α-GnRH protocol for the treatment of postpartum anestrus in dairy cows. Forty cows that were not detected in estrus at least until 60 days postpartum were selected and divided randomly into two treatment groups. The CIDR device containing 1.9 g progesterone was placed into the vagina of cows for seven days (T1, 7-day group, n=20) and 9 days (T2, 9-day group, n=20). One day before CIDR removal, all the cows were injected with PGF2α analogue (Cloprostenol 500 μg). In both groups, GnRH analogue Buserelin 20 mcg was injected intramuscularly 48 hours after CIDR removal. Then cows were artificially inseminated at fixed time (FTAI) 16-20 hours after GnRH injection. Both the estrus expression and the pregnancy rates were similar between 9-day and 7-day groups. Overall estrus expression and pregnancy rates were 97.5%, and 45%, respectively. None of the factors influenced the estrus expression and pregnancy outcomes except that the ovarian cyclicity at the start of protocol tended to affect the pregnancy rate (P=0.06). In conclusion, while applying CIDR-PGF2α-GnRH protocol, the application of CIDR for 7 days and 9 days were equally effective on inducing estrus and pregnancy outcome in postpartum anestrous cows, but the pregnancy outcome depended on the status of ovarian cyclicity at the start of the protocol.

Progesterone is the major reproductive hormone in female elephants to maintain pregnancy and is produced by the corpus luteum (CL) and placenta. This study routinely monitored the pregnancy status of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) of Sauraha, Nepal, based on individual blood progesterone profiles. The five captive Asian elephants were selected from the Elephant Breeding Center (EBC) and the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). A purposive sampling technique was adopted to collect blood samples at an interval of a month for 16 months from the ear vein using a vacutainer set with 18-gauge needles. Blood progesterone concentrations were measured from blood serum samples using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum progesterone concentration in non-pregnant elephants ranged from 57.01 pg/ml to 123.10 pg/ml (an average: 93.27±6.98 pg/ml) and in pregnant elephants (89.94-340.90) pg/ml, but at mid-gestation, its minimum concentration was 250 pg/ml. In this study, in pregnant elephants, the trend of serum progesterone concentration peaked at mid-gestation and became lowest at late gestation was observed. These findings in disparities in the concentration of serum progesterone levels between non-pregnant and pregnant elephants, with the help of ELISA, could be an avenue in the prediction of pregnancy status in Asian elephants.

Infertility refers to the decrease of normal fertility, and it can be associated with various infectious and non-infectious factors. Brucellosis and neosporosis are important infectious causes of infertility in cattle. This study evaluated the association of brucellosis, neosporosis and some non-infectious factors with infertility in cross-bred dairy cows in mid terai region of Nepal. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 100 households from three districts of mid terai region to collect information related to infertility. The cows that did not conceive at least until five month postpartum were considered infertile. Serum samples obtained from 162 infertile cows (Chitwan-62, Nawalparasi-50, Rupendehi-50) were examined using ELISA kits to detect antibodies against Neospora caninum and Brucella abortus.These infertile cows were clinically examined for anemic condition (using eye's mucous membrane)and body condition score (BCS). Overall, 4 (2.5%) and 9 (5.6%) cows were serologically positive for brucellosis and neosporosis, respectively. There was no association of brucellosis with abortion. Abortion cases were significantly higher in neosporosis positive cases (33.3%) than in neosporosis negative cases (9.8%). There was no association of brucellosis, neosporosis, breed and parity with repeat breeding. However, repeat breeding was more prevalent in cows having good nutritional status indicating that there might be other unknown factors causing repeat breeding. Likewise, there was no association of brucellosis, neosporosis and breed with anestrus. However, primiparity, low BCS, anemia, no drenching history since last calving and season of calving (spring and summer) were associated with anestrus in cross-bred dairy cows in mid terai region of Nepal.

Asian elephants are classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Its population has declined by an estimated 50 percent over the past 75 years and captivity is one of the several reasons. This study aimed to assess key reproductive parameters of captive Asian elephants in Nepal, including fertility status, age at first calving, inter-calving interval, calving seasonality, calf sex ratio, and associated reproductive issues. Data were collected between May and October 2024 from 96 captive female elephants in five protected areas using standardized questionnaire surveys and retrospective records from 1985 to 2024. Among these, only 76 elephants were found matured (10-82 years of age)and became part of this study.A total of 50 % (38/76) elephants had a history of conception and calving, producing 100 calves. The earliest calving age was 11 years, with a maximum of seven parities observed in a single elephant, and one case of twin births. The average age at first calving was 5447 +/- 1344 days (14 years 11 months 7 days), while the average inter-calving interval was 1543 +/- 771 days (4 years 2 months 23 days). The male-to-female calf ratio was 1.5, and calf survivability was 85 %. Calving was the highest in spring(31 %), followed by autumn (26 %), winter (23 %) and summer (20 %). Dystocia, abortions and neonatal mortality were the major reproductive complications.These findings provide critical insights into the reproductive dynamics of captive Asian elephants, offering valuable information for improving their management and addressing reproductive challenges to support conservation efforts.

This study compared the effectiveness of CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release)-PGF2 alpha protocol in terms of the duration of CIDR placement for the treatment of anestrus in buffaloes during low breeding season. Anestrous Murrah-cross buffaloes were randomly assigned to two Treatment groups. In Group 1 (T1, n = 15), a CIDR was inserted intravaginally for 7 days, while in Group 2 (T2, n = 15), the CIDR was inserted for 9 days. Each buffalo in both groups received an injection of a PGF2 alpha analogue, cloprostenol (500 mu g), 24 h before CIDR removal. Artificial insemination (AI) was performed twice, at 60 and 72 h after CIDR removal. Ovarian cyclicity status during CIDR insertion and the size of the corpus luteum (CL) on 7th day after AI were assessed using transrectal ultrasonography. Body condition score (BCS), endoparasitic infection, anemic score, suckling status and lactation stage were recorded. Pregnancy was diagnosed two months after AI. No significant differences were found between two Treatment groups regarding estrus induction, ovulation and pregnancy outcomes. The overallestrus induction, ovulation and pregnancy rates were 81%, 93% and 26%, respectively. The ovarian cyclicity status at CIDR insertion affected the ovulation and pregnancy outcome. Additionally, the size of CL one week after AI had an influence on pregnancy outcome (P=0.03). In conclusion, the ovarian status at CIDR insertion and the CL size one week after AI, but not the duration of CIDR placement, influenced the success of CIDR-PGF2 alpha protocol in treating anestrus in buffaloes during low breeding season.

Salivary fern patterns (SFP) offer a simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective alternative to conventional estrus detection methods, addressing challenges such as silent heat, inaccurate heat detection, and improper timing of artificial insemination (AI). This study evaluated the utility of SFP in determining best timing for AI and its association with conception in buffaloes. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, twelve cyclic buffaloes in follicular phase were treated with standard Ovsynch protocol and 168 saliva samples were systematically collected to establish reference SFP, its grades, and corresponding fractal dimension values across the luteal and follicular phases. In Experiment 2, 62 buffaloes in natural estrus were inseminated without hormonal treatment, with saliva samples collected prior to insemination for SFP analysis. The SFP were graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor based on microscopic observation and fractal dimension values. During Experiment 1, an excellent grade SFP with lower (P < 0.01) fractal dimension values was observed during late proestrus and early estrus. In about 15 h, the grading transitioned to a good grade corresponding to late estrus before declining to fair or poor grades in the luteal phase. In Experiment 2, buffaloes exhibiting a good grade SFP at insemination showed higher conception rates (P < 0.01) compared to other grades. These findings suggested a precision AI timing for improved conception in buffaloes at either 15 h after the appearance of an excellent grade SFP or when the SFP grade transitions to good, corresponding to late estrus. This approach may help enhance reproductive efficiency and address estrus detection challenges in buffaloes.

We report on the first measurement of J/ψ photoproduction from nuclei in the photon energy range of 7 to 10.8 GeV, extending above and below the photoproduction threshold in the free proton of ∼8.2  GeV. The experiment used a tagged photon beam incident on deuterium, helium, and carbon, and the GlueX detector at Jefferson Lab to measure the semi-inclusive A(γ,e^{+}e^{-}p) reaction with a dilepton invariant mass M(e^{+}e^{-})∼m_{J/ψ}=3.1  GeV. The incoherent J/ψ photoproduction cross sections in the measured nuclei are extracted as a function of the incident photon energy, momentum transfer, and proton-reconstructed missing light-cone momentum fraction. Comparisons with theoretical predictions assuming a dipole form factor allow for extracting a gluonic radius for bound protons of sqrt[⟨r^{2}⟩]=0.85±0.14  fm. The data also suggest an excess of the measured cross section for subthreshold production and for interactions with high missing light-cone momentum fraction protons. The measured enhancement can be explained by modified gluon structure for high-virtuality bound protons.

Background and Aim:To combat enteric infections and antibiotic resistance in the poultry industry, researchers seek alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as growth promoters. Synbiotics support probiotic growth through the supply of essential nutrients. The study's objectives were to assess the most effective delivery methods for synbiotics and evaluate their growth, histomorphometric, and hematological impacts on Cobb-500 broilers. Materials and Methods:Two studies, independently conducted, employed a completely randomized design. One hundred and eighty viable eggs in the first trial were assigned to three groups: Control (T1), sterile water (T2), and synbiotic in sterile water (T3). On the 21st day of hatching, hatchability, day-old body weights, and ileum samples for histomorphometric analysis were recorded. In the second trial, out of 500 viable eggs, 200 eggs were fed in ovo with synbiotics (PoultryStar® sol, Biomin Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore) on 17.5 days and 300 were set aside without in ovo injection. The treatments were control (T1), in water synbiotic (T2), in ovo synbiotic (T3), combination of in ovo synbiotic and synbiotic in feed (T4), and synbiotic in feed only (T5). On 21 and 42 days, blood, ileum, and visceral organ samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Data on weight gain, daily feed intake, and water consumption were recorded for 42 days. Results:The initial experiment's results revealed a decrease in hatchability, slight weight increase, and significant intestinal morphological changes with the use of an in ovo synbiotic. Applying synbiotic through various methods in the second trial yielded better growth results, lower blood cholesterol, and significantly longer (p < 0.05) villi on 21 days. Conclusion:Using the in ovo method to administer synbiotics lowered hatchability. Use of synbiotics with any method or in combination enhances growth, ileum structure, dressing yield, feed efficiency, and cholesterol levels in blood. Synbiotics enhance gut health and overall performance in broilers when used through diverse approaches.

Synbiotics, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, are increasingly being explored as alternatives to antibiotics in poultry nutrition due to rising consumer demand for antibiotic-free products and concerns about antibiotic resistance. With these issues, and the ban on antibiotics as growth promoters, the poultry industry is shifting toward natural feed additives. Synbiotics have gained attention for their potential as an effective growth promoter. Broiler growth performance, a critical factor for profitability, can be enhanced using synbiotics, which improve gut health, increase feed efficiency, and boost overall growth. The effectiveness of synbiotics, however, is influenced by the method, timing, and duration of administration. This study focuses on determining the optimal duration of synbiotic supplementation to maximize weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and gut health, aiming for more efficient and sustainable poultry production. To evaluate the impact of varying supplementation durations, a trial was conducted with day-old Cobb-500 chicks (420 in number), divided into seven treatment groups with six replicates of 10 chicks each. The study was carried out at Fewa Group of Poultry Industries Pvt. Ltd., Pokhara, Nepal, over six weeks, with weekly treatments lasting from the 1st to the 6th week, including a control group without synbiotic supplementation. Weekly performance parameters such as feed consumption, weight gain, and FCR were recorded. The results demonstrated that continuous synbiotic supplementation in feed throughout the rearing period of 6 weeks at the recommended levels significantly improved growth performance. Feed consumption increased notably in the fifth and sixth weeks, while weight gain was positively influenced from the third week onward. Additionally, cumulative feed intake, average weight, and FCR at 42 days showed substantial improvement, indicating that synbiotics are a viable alternative to antibiotics for promoting growth when used throughout the rearing periods of 6 weeks in broiler production.

This document presents the initial scientific case for upgrading the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab (JLab) to 22 GeV. It is the result of a community effort, incorporating insights from a series of workshops conducted between March 2022 and April 2023. With a track record of over 25 years in delivering the world's most intense and precise multi-GeV electron beams, CEBAF's potential for a higher energy upgrade presents a unique opportunity for an innovative nuclear physics program, which seamlessly integrates a rich historical background with a promising future. The proposed physics program encompass a diverse range of investigations centered around the nonperturbative dynamics inherent in hadron structure and the exploration of strongly interacting systems. It builds upon the exceptional capabilities of CEBAF in high-luminosity operations, the availability of existing or planned Hall equipment, and recent advancements in accelerator technology. The proposed program cover various scientific topics, including Hadron Spectroscopy, Partonic Structure and Spin, Hadronization and Transverse Momentum, Spatial Structure, Mechanical Properties, Form Factors and Emergent Hadron Mass, Hadron-Quark Transition, and Nuclear Dynamics at Extreme Conditions, as well as QCD Confinement and Fundamental Symmetries. Each topic highlights the key measurements achievable at a 22 GeV CEBAF accelerator. Furthermore, this document outlines the significant physics outcomes and unique aspects of these programs that distinguish them from other existing or planned facilities. In summary, this document provides an exciting rationale for the energy upgrade of CEBAF to 22 GeV, outlining the transformative scientific potential that lies within reach, and the remarkable opportunities it offers for advancing our understanding of hadron physics and related fundamental phenomena.

Background and Aim: Antimicrobials are extensively used in poultry production for growth promotion as well as for the treatment and control of diseases, including avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Poor selection, overuse, and misuse of antimicrobial agents may promote the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in APEC. This study aimed to assess antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and detect antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in APEC isolated from clinical cases of colibacillosis in commercial broiler, layer, and breeder chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 487 APEC were isolated from 539 across 300 poultry farms in various regions of Nepal. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns was determined using the Kirby -Bauer disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The index of AMR, such as multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index, resistance score (R -score), and multidrug resistance (MDR) profile, were determined. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect multiple ARGs and correlations between phenotypic and genotypic resistance were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of APEC was 91% (487/539). All of these isolates were found resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 41.7% of the isolates were resistant against 8-9 different antimicrobials. The antibiogram of APEC isolates overall showed the highest resistance against ampicillin (99.4%), whereas the highest intermediate resistance was observed in enrofloxacin (92%). The MAR index and R -score showed significant differences between broiler and layers, as well as between broiler breeder and layers. The number of isolates that were resistant to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial categories tested was 446 (91.6%) and were classified as MDR -positive isolates. The ARGs were identified in 439 (90.1%) APEC isolates, including the most detected mobilized colistin resistance (mcr1) which was detected in the highest (52.6%) isolates. Overall, resistance gene of beta-lactam (blaTEM), mcr1, resistance gene of sulphonamide (sul1) and resistance gene of tetracycline (tetB) (in broiler), were detected in significantly higher than other tested genes (p < 0.001). When examining the pair -wise correlations, a significant phenotype -phenotype correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline with doxycycline. Similarly, a significant phenotype -genotype correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between chloramphenicol and the tetB, and colistin with blaTEMand resistance gene of quinolone (qnrA). Conclusion: In this study, the current state of APEC AMR in commercial chickens is revealed for the first time in Nepal. We deciphered the complex nature of AMR in APEC populations. This information of molecular surveillance is useful to combat AMR in APEC and to contribute to manage APEC associated diseases and develop policies and guidelines to enhance the commercial chicken production.

Reproductive pattern in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) is affected by photoperiodicity, heat stress and availability of feed supply.The objectives of this study were to understand the seasonality pattern of breeding and calving in buffaloes in subtropical regions of southern Nepal and to characterize the ovarian cyclicity status during the months of long day length.Data regarding seasonality pattern of breeding and calving of Murrah cross bred buffaloes (n=400) from two locations of subtropical region were collected.In a subset of buffaloes (n=104), the ovarian cyclicity status during late spring (May to June) was determined through transrectal ultrasonography and measurement of blood progesterone concentration using ELISA.Seasonal breeding and calving patterns were similar at two locations.The highest proportions of buffaloes were bred during autumn (40.8%), followed by winter (29.5%), summer (19.8%) and spring (10%).While comparing the month-wise patterns, the highest and the lowest proportions of breeding were in November and April, respectively.Likewise, the highest proportions of buffaloes calved in autumn (41.3%), followed by summer (26.8%), winter (20.8%) and spring (12.8%); the highest and lowest proportions of calving were in September and May, respectively.During the low breeding season, 53% buffaloes were non-cyclic (true anestrous) as indicated by inactive ovaries and below basal level (<1ng/ml) plasma progesterone concentration.In conclusion, there was a clear seasonality pattern of reproduction in buffaloes in subtropical regions of southern Nepal with the autumn being the good and the spring being the low breeding as well as calving seasons; and 53% of buffaloes during low breeding season were in true anestrous condition.

A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release) in Ovsynch protocol for the treatment of anestrus in buffaloes during low breeding season (April to June).Buffaloes in Group T1 (Ovsynch, n=25) received GnRH on a random day (d0), PGF 2α on d7, GnRH on d9, followed by fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) at 16-20 hours after second GnRH.Buffaloes in Group T2 (CIDR-synch, n=30) were treated as in group T1 except that a CIDR containing 1.9 gm progesterone was inserted into the vagina on d0 and removed on d7.Ovarian cyclicity status during CIDR insertion and the presence of corpus luteum (CL) on 8-9 day after FTAI were determined using transrectal ultrasonography.Estrus expression rate (96.7% vs 68%; P=0.008) and ovulation rate (93.3% vs 76%; P=0.10) were higher in CIDR-synch than in Ovsynch group.Although pregnancy rate from FTAI did not differ between CIDR-synch (33.3%) and Ovsynch group (16%), overall pregnancy rate obtained from FTAI plus natural breeding within one month after FTAI was higher (P=0.04) in CIDR-synch (46.7%) than in Ovsynch group (20%).Pregnancy outcome from FTAI in both treatment groups was not affected by the ovarian cyclicity status at the initiation of the protocol.In conclusion, incorporation of CIDR into Ovsynch protocol improved the reproductive performance of anestrous buffaloes during low breeding season.

We report on the results of the first search for the production of axion-like particles (ALPs) via Primakoff production on nuclear targets, γA→aA, in the “SRC-CT” experiment using the GlueX detector at Jefferson Lab. This search uses an integrated luminosity of 100 pb⋅−1nucleon on a 12C target with a real photon beam of energies 6

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The poultry sector worldwide faces low productivity and struggles for the control of enteric disorders such as necrotic enteritis (NE), despite its demand. The experiments were carried out on Cobb-500 broilers to assess the effects of various levels of synbiotic (recommended level, 25

A new electron scattering experiment (E12-21-003) to verify and understand the nature of hidden sector particles, with particular emphasis on the so-called X17 particle, has been approved at Jefferson Lab. The search for these particles is motivated by new hidden sector models introduced to account for a variety of experimental and observational puzzles: excess in e^+e^- pairs observed in multiple nuclear transitions, the 4.2σ disagreement between experiments and the standard model prediction for the muon anomalous magnetic moment, and the small-scale structure puzzle in cosmological simulations. The aforementioned X17 particle has been hypothesized to account for the excess in e^+e^- pairs observed from the ^8Be M1, ^4He M0, and, most recently, ^12C E1 nuclear transitions to their ground states observed by the ATOMKI group. This experiment will use a high resolution electromagnetic calorimeter to search for or set new limits on the production rate of the X17 and other hidden sector particles in the 3 - 60 MeV mass range via their e^+e^- decay (or γγ decay with limited tracking). In these models, the 1 - 100 MeV mass range is particularly well-motivated and the lower part of this range still remains unexplored. Our proposed direct detection experiment will use a magnetic-spectrometer-free setup (the PRad apparatus) to detect all three final state particles in the visible decay of a hidden sector particle for an effective control of the background and will cover the proposed mass range in a single setting. The use of the well-demonstrated PRad setup allows for an essentially ready-to-run and uniquely cost-effective search for hidden sector particles in the 3 - 60 MeV mass range with a sensitivity of 8.9×10^-8 - 5.8×10^-9 to ϵ^2, the square of the kinetic mixing interaction constant between hidden and visible sectors.

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Nepal contributes 57% of the total milk and 36% of the total meat production in the country. The productive efficiency of Nepalese buffaloes is quite low, due mainly to subfertility and infertility. Delayed puberty and prolonged inter-calving intervals, attributed mainly by anestrus due to silent cyclicity and ovarian acyclicity, are the major forms of infertility in Nepalese buffaloes. Moreover, buffaloes in Nepal show a distinct seasonal breeding pattern, with July to December as the active breeding season, and with April to June and January to March as the low and transitional breeding seasons, respectively. Endoparasitic infection and poor nutritional status, which are more severe during the low season, are found to be the major factors causing anestrus and compromising its treatment response in buffaloes. Various hormonal protocols for timed artificial insemination (TAI) have been attempted, with a varying pregnancy outcome. Recently, an integrated technique including anthelmintic treatment, nutritional supplementation and hormone-based fertility management programs for TAI has been developed and implemented successfully. A wider adoption of this technique as a package of practices could be key to improving the reproductive efficiency of buffaloes in Nepal.