Anoestrus was found to be the major cause of infertility in cows and buffaloes. The most common cause of anoestrus was smooth ovaries due to nutritional deficiency.
To overcome the problem of summer anestrous different regimens of Crestar in postpartum anestrus buffaloes were evaluated and observed that with 1.5 and 2 ear implants estrus response (100%) and conception rates(40%) were higher than those animals treated with single ear implants.
Administration of progesterone at the dose rate of 500 mg subcutaneous with 1000 or 1500 I.U of ECG injected seven days later proved to be very effective in inducing fertile estrus in anestrus buffaloes.
Controlled internal drug release device (CIDR) alongwith 500 I.U. of ECG for induction of cyclicity in non-cycling Murrah heifers and buffaloes during breeding and non-breeding season was found to be very effective as the estrus response was 100% during both seasons with overall conception rate of 70%. CIDR was also found to be quite effective for induction of cyclicity in Sahiwal cows.
Ovsynch protocol (GnRH-PGF2 alpha GnRH) successfully reduced calving to conception interval in 60-70% of post-partum buffaloes.
Estrus was also induced in lactational and anestrus mares using CIDR alongwith PGF2 alpha and with or without hCG. An estrus response of about 87% was observed in treated mares , however the conception rate at the induced estrous was very low.
Luprostiol at the lower dose rate of 7.5 mg i.m. in double dose schedule administered 10 days apart, was found to be as effective as the normal recommended doze of 15 mg. for induction and synchronizing of estrus in subfertile cows.
Low plasma calcium levels and elevated estrogen levels were associated with antepartum prolapse of vagina in buffaloes. Administration of calcium in the initial stages appeared useful in prevention of its reoccurrence. Among the various methods of treatment in clinical cases, modified Buhner’s technique gave best results.
Incidence of uterine torsion was found to be 40% of the dystocia cases in buffaloes.
Technique of caesarean section in buffaloes has been standardized
Fertility, fecundity and prolificacy was significantly higher during breeding seasons in ewes when estrous was induced and synchronized with synthetic progestogen impregnated intra vaginal sponges.
Pregnancy rates of 50 to 70 percent were obtained thereby enhancing reproductive and productive potential of infertile ewes treated with either ear implants or vaginal sponges along with an injection of 500 I.U. of PMSG post-device removal.
Synchronization and superovulatory response was achieved by synchromate-B, FSH(E) and GnRH regimen in ewes during breeding and non-breeding season. Average recovery and transferable class of embryo was slightly higher during the breeding season.
Histologically, complete uterine involution in goats was evident by 26th day post-kidding. Follicular development accompanied by estrus was recorded by day 5 post-kidding.
A single intraepididymal injection of 4.5% chlorhexidine gluconate resulted into fibrous tissue proliferation and blockage in cauda epididymides resulting into permanent sterility in dogs.
Ultrasonography was used in Sahiwal cows to diagnose pregnancy and monitor fetal development. Diagnosis of pregnancy was possible with ultrasonography on day 22 after mating, but fetal heart beat was noticed on day 29 and this seems to be the period when earliest pregnancy can be diagnosed in cattle. Ultrasonographic studies on fetal development has also been carried out in sheep, goat bitches and mares.
Department has a well established Ultrasonographic unit for imparting trainings, conducting research and clinical service.
The department has developed facilities and teaching material for providing training to the field Veterinarians.
Polymorphism of MTNR1A gene was significantly associated with seasonal reproduction in Murrah buffaloes and melatonin in the follicular fluid acts as a potent antioxidant and protects oocytes from free radical induced DNA damage.
Melatonin treatment followed by Ovsynch protocol in summer anestrous Murrah heifers resulted in higher reproductive efficiency than the heifers treated with Ovsynch only.
The incidence of late embryonic mortality observed at cattle farm of LUVAS was 3.77 % (2/53).
Semen dilution upto 2 million spermatozoa per insemination doses significantly (p<0.05) increased mitochondrial superoxide production, whereas, low density lipoprotein extender minimized the superoxide production by mitochondria better than OptiXcell and egg yolk extender. Further, conception rate was not affected upto 12 million spermatozoa per insemination dose but 2 million spermatozoa per insemination dose resulted in significant reduction in conception rate in low density lipoprotein extender, OptiXcell and egg yolk extender.
The estrus synchronization protocol consisting of AVIKESIL-S plus eCG 200IU resulted in better estrus synchronization rate with shorter interval to onset of estrus, highest overall pregnancy rate with more prolificacy and fecundity than G-P-G protocol both during breeding and non-breeding season in cross-bred ewes.
Modified Co-synch protocol following progesterone supplementation during non-breeding season results in better estrus induction and acceptable conception rate in anestrous buffaloes under field conditions.
There is stress on the heart as all major heart parameters were affected from mid pregnancy onwards and the effects continued till 3 weeks post kidding. Blood cortisol increases with advancement of pregnancy and decreases after kidding.
