Backyard poultry has been recognized as an effective tool for poverty alleviation especially in the rural areas. Since time immemorial backyard poultry farming has played an important role to meet the domestic as well as socio-cultural needs of the rural people. The present study was conducted in three purposively selected districts. Two blocks were selected out of which 50 respondents were randomly selected. Total 300 respondents were selected for the research study. Various socio-personal (age, family type, educational qualification) were the important factors which have contributed to the rearing of the backyard poultry by the poultry farmers. It was found that majority (52.33%) of the respondents were from middle age group followed by (33.00) young age group. So far family type is concerned it was found that majority (61.67%) of the respondents were from joint family. Further about (37.33%) of the respondents were educated up to high school level followed by (21.67%) up to primary school level, (19.67%) up to middle school level. These study help us to explore the rearing and societal adoption pattern of the backyard poultry farming which will help us to find the area and how we could put more emphasis for the successful practicing of backyard poultry farming.

The frequent use of modern medicines for animal husbandry practices has reduced the usage of Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) but still, they are often used first to treat various animal diseases. The objective of this research work was to level awareness and adoption level of selected Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) among Tharu tribes in terms of reducing the production cost vis-à-vis increasing the overall production of their livestock. The investigation was carried out in the Tharuhat area of the West Champaran district, to explore the therapeutic uses of plants by local inhabitants. Information was gathered from traditional healers and livestock owners of Tharu Tribes, by using participant observation, open-ended conversations, and semi-structured questionnaires. Plants used as ethnoveterinary medicines were collected and identified by farmers of the study area (i.e., Tharuhat area) who had well knowledge about the use of indigenous practices in different areas of livestock rearing i.e., Breeding, Feeding, and Health care and its awareness. Documentation of traditional knowledge-related ethnoveterinary information and identification of potential species for prioritization of conservation through sustainable animal health care management is essential for the benefit of future generations. The present study contributed to the documentation of an inventory of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants, which might provide a better informative database for future scientific validation studies for the sake of animal health.

The present study was carried out to compare the proteomic profiles of spermatogenic cells of crossbred and zebu cattle in an effort to understand the possible reasons for a higher incidence of sub-fertility in crossbred bulls. The spermatogenic cells collected from the testes of pre-pubertal (6 mo) and adult (24 mo) crossbred and zebu males through fine needle aspiration were proliferated in vitro, and proteomic profiling was done using a shotgun proteomics approach. The age- and species-specific variations in the expression level of proteins were identified in spermatogenic cells. The number of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) identified in pre-pubertal zebu and crossbred was 546, while 579 DEPs were identified between adult zebu and crossbred bulls. Out of these, 194 DEPS were common to these groups and 40 DEPs displayed a fold change ≥2. However, only 20 proteins exhibited similar expression variation trends (upregulated or downregulated) among pre-pubertal as well as adult zebu and crossbred bulls. Out of these 20 DEPs, 13 proteins were upregulated, and 7 proteins were downregulated in spermatogenic cells of zebu compared to crossbred bulls. Among the upregulated proteins were RPLP2, PAXIP1, calumenin, prosaposin, GTF2F1, TMP2, ubiquitin conjugation factor E4A, COL1A2, vimentin, protein FAM13A, peripherin, GFPT2, and GRP78. Seven proteins that were downregulated in zebu bulls compared to crossbred included APOA1, G patch domain-containing protein 1, NAD P transhydrogenase mitochondrial, glutamyl aminopeptidase, synaptojanin 1 fragment, Arf GAP with SH3 domain ANK repeat and PH domain-containing protein 1, and protein transport protein sec16B. It was inferred that the proteins associated with sperm function and fertilization processes, such as calumenin, prosaposin, vimentin, GRP78, and APOA1 could be studied further to understand the precise cause of subfertility in crossbred bulls.

With the advent of artificial insemination in cow and buffalo, the need of fertile bulls with good quality semen doses get much more importance now a days. Bull fertility depends upon various factors such as genetics, environment, season and nutrtion. Among these nutrition plays significant role to maximize the potential of bull fertility. Balanced nutrition during pre-weaning and post-weaning stages of male calves has a significant impact on testicular steriodogenesis and gonadotropins releasing hormone which ultimately determine the bull fertility. Hence, level of different nutritional requirement in bull at various stages and their effect on puberty, sexual maturity and fertility need to be elucidated.

Age-related changes in peripheral anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentrations and transcriptional abundance of AMH gene in testicular tissue were studied in crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Tharparkar) and Zebu (Tharparkar) males. In both the breeds, basal AMH concentrations were estimated using ELISA method in blood plasma obtained from six males each at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months age. After blood collection at respective ages, all the males were castrated and expression and immunolocalization of AMH was performed in the testicular tissue. The concentration of AMH in blood plasma was found to be highest at 1 month of age in both crossbred and Zebu males, which subsequently decreased with advancing age. Significantly (P < 0.05) lower concentration of AMH was observed in crossbred as compared with Zebu males at 24 months of age. In line with peripheral AMH concentrations, the expression of AMH gene was also higher (P < 0.05) at 1 month of age, which thereafter declined significantly with advancement of age in crossbred males. Furthermore, the expression of AMH gene differed significantly between Zebu and crossbred males at all the age groups studied. Immunolocalization of AMH in testicular tissue also revealed a stronger expression at 1 month age, which gradually decreased till 24 months of age. The true Sertoli cell count was significantly higher in Zebu compared with crossbred males at all age groups studied except at 6 months age. The relationship between Sertoli cell count and circulating AMH concentrations was negative and significant (r = -0.81; P = 0.004). In conclusion, expression of AMH gene in testicular tissue and peripheral blood concentrations of AMH were higher in young compared with adults in both crossbred and Zebu males; however, the transcriptional abundance and circulating levels of AMH were higher in Zebu compared with crossbred males. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In artificial insemination, poor quality of semen unsuitable for cryopreservation and susceptibility of spermatozoa to cryodamage in crossbred bulls have been a matter of concern. Present study was designed to identify the testicular cytology indices that might be used to predict the semen quality and cryotolerance of spermatozoa in bulls. Based on the ejaculate rejection rate and sperm cryotolerance, bulls (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar crossbred) were classified into either good (producing good quality semen with spermatozoa having good cryotolerance; n = 4) or poor (producing poor quality semen with spermatozoa having poor cryotolerance; n = 4). Testicular cytology was studied in all the 8 bulls using fine needle aspiration technique. Testicular cytology of good bulls and poor bulls differed significantly. The proportion of Sertoli cells was significantly higher in good bulls (25.3 ± 1.6) compared to poor bulls (11.0 ± 0.8). The Sertoli cell index was 46.1 ± 5.0 in good bulls while it was only 13.8 ± 1.3 in poor bulls. The cut off values, as determined using Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis, indicate that the bulls having testicular cytogram comprising of < 15.5% Sertoli cells, < 24.3 Sertoli cell index and > 4.0 spermatogenic cells to Sertoli cell ratio might be a poor bull in terms of semen quality and cryotolerance of spermatozoa. The proportion of Sertoli cells in the testicular cytology had positive (P < 0.05) relationship with semen quality and cryotolerance of spermatozoa.

The present study assessed sperm functional characteristics in the frozen-thawed semen of buffalo bulls and estimated their relationship with field fertility. Frozen semen samples from three different freezing operations each from nine Murrah buffalo bulls were used for the assessment of different sperm functions related to fertilizing potential. Bulls were classified into high (n = 2), medium (n = 5), and low (n = 2) fertile based on adjusted field fertility. The sperm functions estimated included membrane integrity using carboxyfluorescein diacetate-propidium iodide, acrosome reaction status using fluorescein isothiocyanate peanut agglutinine, status of apoptosis using Annexin-V, protamine deficiency using Chromomycin A(3), membrane stability using Merocyanine 540 and lipid peroxidation status using 4, 4-difluoro-4-bora-3a, 4a-diaza-s-indacene. The relationship between the proportion of live acrosome-intact spermatozoa and fertility was positive and significant (r = -0.59; P = 0.001). The proportion of moribund spermatozoa showed a significantly negative correlation with fertility (r = -0.50; P = 0.008). Similarly, the relationship of spermatozoa with unstable membrane (r = -0.51; P = 0.007), necrotic (r = -0.42; P = 0.028), early necrotic (r = -0.42; P = 0.031), and apoptotic spermatozoa (r = -0.39; P = 0.046) with bull fertility was negative and significant. The correlation between the protamine-deficient spermatozoa and fertility was negative, but not significant. Among different combinations of tests, live acrosome-intact spermatozoa and lipid peroxidation status of spermatozoa revealed high positive correlation with buffalo bull fertility (adjusted R-2 = 0.73, C[p] = 0.80). These preliminary findings may help in developing tools for assessing fertility of buffalo bulls, once validated in more animals. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thirty-six ejaculates (3 ejaculates / bull) of pure and crossbred Jersey bulls were used to compare sperm attributes of frozen thawed semen. The seminal attributes viz. semen volume, sperm concentration, post thaw motility and acrosome integrity were similar (pu003e0.05) between the breeds, whereas, the percentage of live sperm during post thaw period were higher (p 0.05) between pure and crossbred Jersey bulls, however, the proportion of detached / free head, bent mid piece, free tail and highly coiled tail was higher (p 0.05), HOST positive sperm (pu003e0.05) and acrosomal integrity (pu003c0.05). In brief, based upon the sperm attributes in frozen thawed semen, it can be concluded that semen quality of pure and crossbred Jersey bulls was almost similar.

ions and Article history: Age-related changes in peripheral anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentrat

Collectively, the findings of the present study revealed that the concentrations of both FSH and LH were highest at 18 months of age in crossbred males, while in indigenous males, the FSH and LH concentrations were highest at 18 and 24 month of age, respectively. Higher concentrations of testosterone were observed at 18 months of age in crossbred males and at 24 months of age in indigenous males. These findings may explain the endocrinological support for comparatively late sexual maturity in indigenous males.

The present study was undertaken to identify the differences in sperm kinematics between buffalo bulls with different fertility ratings. Murrah buffalo bulls (n=9) that were routinely used for breeding purpose under progeny testing programme were utilized for the study. Bull fertility was determined based on in vivo fertility trials and the conception rates (CR) were adjusted for different non-genetic parameters. Based on the adjusted CR, bulls were classified into high, medium and low fertile group. Frozen semen samples of these bulls were obtained and sperm kinematic parameters were assessed using a computer assisted sperm analyzer. The kinematic parameters analyzed included the curvilinear velocity (VCL), the linear velocity (VSL), the average path velocity (VAP), the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), the linearity (LIN), the straightness coefficient (STR) and the beat cross frequency (BCF). In high fertile bulls, the proportion of motile spermatozoa was higher (p<0.001) than the medium and low fertile bulls. The VAP and VCL of sperm motion were significantly higher (P<0.05) in high fertile bulls compared to either medium or low fertile bulls. The VSL was significantly lower in low fertile bulls (P<0.005) compared to either high or medium fertile bulls. Spermatozoa from high fertile bulls had significantly higher (P<0.05) BCF, STR, ALH and LIN compared to either medium or low fertile bulls. Buffalo bull fertility was significantly and positively correlated with sperm motility, VAP, VSL, VCL and ALH.

Subfertility is one of the most common problems observed among Taurine × Indicine crossbred bulls in tropical countries; however, the etiology remain unknown in most of the cases. In present study, we compared the proteomic profile of spermatozoa from crossbred bulls (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) against their purebred parent lines (Holstein Friesian [Taurine] and Tharparkar [Indicine]) to find out alteration in expressions of proteins, if any. The proteomic profiles of freshly ejaculated spermatozoa from these breeds were compared by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, and differentially expressed proteins were identified through mass spectrometry. It was observed that compared to Holstein Friesian, nine proteins were underexpressed and eight proteins were overexpressed (P < 0.05) in the spermatozoa of crossbred bulls. Similarly, four proteins were overexpressed and four proteins were underexpressed (P < 0.05) in the spermatozoa of crossbred bulls compared to Tharparkar bulls. In concurrent three breed comparison, 14 proteins were found to be differentially expressed (P < 0.05) between these breeds. From the findings of the study, it is apparent that the expression levels of several functionally significant proteins are either upregulated or downregulated in spermatozoa of crossbred bulls, which might be related to high incidence of subfertility in these bulls.

AIM:The present study compared the testicular cytology and histology between crossbred (Holstein-Friesian [HF] × Tharparkar) and purebred (HF and Tharparkar) bulls to find out differences if any. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Four peripubertal bulls from each breed were utilized for the study. Through percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy, Sertoli and spermatogenic cells were extracted, and morphometry was studied. For histological studies, testicular tissues obtained through unilateral castration were utilized. Sertoli cells specific GATA4 antibody was used to study the population of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubule through immunofluorescence. RESULTS:The testicular weight, volume, and scrotal circumference differed significantly among the breeds. The diameter and area of the seminiferous tubule was high in HF, followed by Karan Fries (KF), and Tharparkar bulls. However, the degree of compactness, based on qualitative evaluation, was high in Tharparkar followed by KF and HF bulls. The intensity of Leydig cells was higher in Tharparkar bulls followed by KF and HF. The proportion of Sertoli cells was higher (p<0.05) in HF and Tharparkar bulls compared to KF bulls. CONCLUSION:It may be concluded that variations exist in testicular components of the breeds studied and the proportion of Sertoli cells in relation to spermatogenic cells was significantly lower in crossbred bulls compared to purebred bulls.

The study evaluated and compared the sperm abnormalities in frozen–thawed semen namely head, mid piece and tail in pure and crossbred Jersey bulls in 36 ejaculates (3 ejaculates from each bull). The mean abnormalities of head, mid piece and tail between pure and crossbred Jersey bulls were 5.08 ±0.23 Vs.5.77±0.34; 5.94±0.32 Vs.5.23±0.37 and 6.66±0.55 Vs. 6.00±0.53, respectively which did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The incidence of asymmetric head, detached/free head, bent mid piece, free tail and highly coiled tail was higher in crossbred Jersey bulls and differ significantly (p 0.05) between the breeds. The percentage of sperm viability and acrosome intactness was significantly (p<0.01) higher in pure Jersey compared to crossbred Jersey bulls. On the basis of overall parameters, the quality of semen of pure Jersey bulls was good.

The present study analyzed the relationship between testicular biometry and initial semen quality in Karan Fries (KF) crossbred bulls. Data on semen production traits of KF bulls (n=32) spread over a period of 3 years were analyzed to find out the ejaculate rejection rate (ERR). The scrotal circumference (SC), testicular length (TL) and testicular width (TW) were measured once in a month and 16 ejaculates were collected from bulls (n=24). The relationship between different testicular measurements and the ejaculate quality was studied. To study if the testicular biometry parameters differ between good and poor semen producing bulls, based on the semen evaluation, the bulls were ranked into good and poor. Our study revealed that ERR in KF bulls varied from 23.02 to 100%, with the average of 52.46%. The SC was significantly negatively correlated (–0.459) with ERR. Between good and poor bulls, there was no difference in SC, TL and TW, however, testicular mass (TM) and testicular volume (TV) differed significantly. From the results of the study, it may be inferred that that SC had a positive relationship with initial semen quality, but combination of SC, TL, TW, TV and TM may yield superior results for the selection of crossbred bulls.

India is the foremost milk producing nation of the world, and homes the largest domesticated bovine population. But the average productivity of indigenous/non-descript animals is far below than that of Taurine cattle. Crossbreeding of low producing indigenous and nondescript cattle with high producing exotic breeds like Holstein Friesian and Jersey is followed as the breeding policy of the country for the last four decades, to meet the everincreasing demand for milk and milk products. Artificial insemination (AI) with frozen semen from superior bulls is the major tool behind the success of crossbreeding, which is witnessed by the increase in crossbred cattle population from 8.8 million in 1982 to 39.73 million in 2012. Female cross bred cattle are growing at the rate of almost 10 per cent per annum; the rate of growth would have been much higher had the AI service in India been of better quality.

Present study analyzed the changes in peripheral blood testosterone concentrations and testicular cytogram in relation to age and semen quality in crossbred males. Three different age groups of crossbred males viz. bull calves (6 months, n = 5), young bulls (15 months, n = 5) and adult bulls (4 to 6 years, n = 8) were utilized for the study. Testicular fine needle aspiration cytology technique was used to quantify testicular cytology and their indices. Peripheral blood testosterone concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Semen samples collected from adult bulls were microscopically evaluated for quality parameters. Mean peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in bull calves, young bulls and adult bulls were 2.28±0.09 ng/mL, 1.42±0.22 ng/mL and 5.66±1.08 ng/mL respectively, and that in adult bulls were significantly different (p<0.01) from young bulls and bull calves. There was no significant difference between the proportion of different testicular cells in bull calves and young bulls. Between young and adult bulls, significant differences (p<0.01) were observed in the proportion of spermatocytes, spermatozoa, and sperm: Sertoli cell ratio. The proportions of Sertoli cells showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between the three age groups. The number of primary spermatocytes had a positive correlation with peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in bull calves (r = 0.719, p<0.01). Number of Sertoli cells per 100 germ cells was negatively correlated with blood testosterone concentration in young bulls (r = -0.713, p<0.01). Among different semen parameters in adult bulls, ejaculate volume (r = 0.790, p<0.05) had positive relationship, and sperm motility had significant negative correlation (r = -0.711, p<0.05) with testosterone concentrations. The number of Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell index had a positive correlation with various semen quality parameters (p<0.001). Results of the present study conclude that number of Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell index are good indicators of semen quality, but peripheral blood testosterone concentrations may not have a direct relationship with various seminal attributes in crossbred bulls.

Testicular fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely being used in humans to evaluate the functional testicular mechanism, but its application is very limited in animals especially breeding bulls. This preliminary study was conducted to assess the effect of testicular fine needle aspiration (FNA) technique on testicular biometry and seminal characteristics in Karan Fries crossbred bulls. Eight bulls within the age range of 4–6 years were utilized for study. Before and after fine needle aspiration, testicular parameters were measured and seminal quality was assessed as per standard protocols. There was no significant difference observed in scrotal circumference and testicular length before and after the treatment. The testicular width was 6.59±0.32 and 7.08±0.27 during pre- and post- aspiration, while the corresponding values for testicular mass were 355.77±39.20 and 427±28.75, respectively. There was no significant changes observed in ejaculate volume, mass activity and individual motility in bulls during pre-FNA and post-FNA period. Similarly, the percentage of live spermatozoa, membrane intact spermatozoa and acrosome intact spermatozoa did not differ significantly between pre-FNA and post-FNA period. These results indicated that testicular fine needle aspiration technique can be used as a routine diagnostic method to detect sub-fertility and infertility in crossbred bulls without affecting their reproductive health.