Cardiac‐gated,phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography is a reliable and reproducible technique for quantifying blood flow in canine major cranial abdominal vessels

Blood flow changes in cranial abdominal vessels are important contributing factors for canine hepatic disease. This prospective, experimental, pilot study aimed to evaluate cardiac‐gated, phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PCMRA) as a method for characterizing blood flow in canine major cranial abdominal vessels. Eleven, healthy, adult beagle dogs were sampled. Cardiac‐gated, phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography of the cranial abdomen was performed in each dog and blood flow was independently measured in each of the major cranial abdominal vessels by three observers, with two observers recording blood flow values once and one observer recording blood flow values three times. Each dog then underwent ultrasonographic examination of the liver with fine needle aspirations and biopsies submitted to cytologic and histologic examination. The mean absolute stroke volume and velocity were respectively 9.6 ± 1.9 ml and –11.1 ± 1.1 cm/s for the cranial abdominal aorta, 2.1 ± 0.6 ml and –6.6 ± 1.9 cm/s for the celiac artery, and 2.3 ± 1.0 ml and –7.9 ± 3.1 cm/s for the cranial mesenteric artery. The mean absolute stroke volume and velocity were respectively 6.7 ± 1.3 ml and 3.9 ± 0.9 cm/s for the caudal vena cava and 2.6 ± 0.9 ml and 3.2 ± 1.2 cm/s for the portal vein. Intraobserver reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). Interobserver reproducibility was also excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.89–0.99). Results of liver ultrasonography, cytology, and histopathology were unremarkable. Findings indicated that cardiac‐gated, phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography is a feasible technique for quantifying blood blow in canine major cranial abdominal vessels. Blood flow values from this sample of healthy beagles can be used as background for future studies on canine hepatic disease.     

Changes in testicular size,echotexture, and arterial blood flow associated with the attainment of puberty in Dorper rams raised in a subtropical climate

There is a paucity of information on the relationships of testicular morphology, echotextural attributes, and blood flow dynamics with pubertal development of rams raised in a subtropical climate. Forty‐five Dorper rams (24 rams aged 8–11 months and 21 rams aged 12–24 months) were examined using a portable ultrasound scanner connected to a 7.5‐MHz transducer. Computer‐assisted analyses of testicular ultrasonograms utilized commercially available Image ProPlus^® analytical software. Spectral Doppler scans of testicular arteries were performed immediately after scrotal (B‐mode) ultrasonography to determine peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI = [PSV?EDV]/PSV), and pulsatility index (PI = [SPV–EDV]/mean velocity) of the blood vessels. The length of the testes (9.7 ± 0.3 compared with 9.0 ± 0.2 cm) and scrotal circumference (33.3 ± 0.5 compared with 31.8 ± 0.4 cm) were greater (p < 0.05) but testicular depth (4.5 ± 0.1  compared with 4.9 ± 0.08 cm) was less (p < 0.05) in sexually mature compared with peripubertal rams. [Corrections added on 9 Jan 2019 after initial online publication: The testicular size values in the sentence were corrected.] There were no differences (p > 0.05) between the two age groups of Dorper rams in blood flow indices of testicular arteries. Mean numerical pixel values (100.5 ± 4.1 compared with 89.2 ± 4.8) and pixel heterogeneity (25.6 ± 0.6 compared with 23.6 ± 0.5) of testicular parenchyma were greater (p < 0.05) in peripubertal than in postpubertal rams. Semen volume was negatively correlated with PI of testicular arteries (r = ?0.57, p = 0.04). In summary, the attainment of sexual maturity in the rams of the present study was associated with significant changes in testicular length and depth, scrotal circumference, and parenchymal echogenicity/hetrogeneity but not in testicular volume and blood perfusion rates. Testicular artery PI can be used to predict the volume of ejaculate in rams.     

Comparison of Intrauterine Antibiotics versus Ozone Medical Use in Sheep with Retained Placenta and Following Obstetric Assistance

This study outlines a new approach to reproductive tract treatment using ozone foam spray for certain ovine obstetrical problems, such as retained foetal membranes and possible uterine infections following obstetric assistance (OA), in comparison with classical antibiotics treatments. The study was conducted on 256 ewes from 11 sheep farms in north‐western Croatia. A total of 139 ewes were diagnosed with dystocia (DT) and 49 with retention of placenta (RP). Ewes with RP were treated either with ozone foam spray (Riger spray G; Novagen^®) applied into the body of the uterus for 2–3 s (first or RPO group; n = 24) or with two foaming, intrauterine tablets of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (Geomycin^® F) (second or RPA group; n = 25). The third and fourth groups consisted of ewes that received OA for dystocia (including ringwomb, foetal oversize and assistance of abnormal position and posture). The third group (DTO; n = 70) was treated with ozone foam spray, while ewes in fourth group (DTA; n = 69) were treated with antibiotics. The ewes in the control group (CTL) with physiological puerperium were randomly selected (n = 70) from all herds. Transrectal ultrasonography (transversal diameter of uterine horns) was used for the control of uterus regression on days 2 and 25 after parturition. There was a difference in transversal uterine horn diameter in the RP groups, that is RPO and RPA (5.40 ± 0.53 cm vs. 5.43 ± 0.40 cm), ewes with dystocia, that is DTO and DTA (5.37 ± 0.49 cm vs. 5.54 ± 0.60 cm) and ewes from the CTL group (4.98 ± 0.35 cm) one day after parturition. Average transversal uterine diameter of all groups at day 25 post‐partum was 1.80 ± 0.15 cm. The intrauterine ozone treatment in ewes with RP and after manual obstetrics attained similar results to spontaneously delivered ewes (CTL group), showed as the physiological regression of the uterus with a similar transversal diameter without the presence of lochia in the uterine lumen, indicating that this could be a novel potential alternative therapy.     

Anatomical and Histological Organization of the Testes of the Inseminating Catfish Trachelyopterus striatulus (Steindachner, 1877) (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae)

The testicular morphology, spermatogenesis and occurrence of sperm in the ovarian lumen of Trachelyopterus striatulus were studied using anatomical, histological and biometric techniques. A total of 50 catfish (T. striatulus) were captured, measuring 14.9 ± 2.5 cm of standard length, body weight was 81.2 ± 34.5 g and their testes weighed 16.9 ± 6.1 g. The testes of T. striatulus are paired organs, showing two distinct regions: cranial, which shows a compact medial part and with fringes ventrally, and caudal region, which is formed of the seminal vesicle with fringes laterally and two saculiform expansions. The testes presented a length of 35.2 ± 6.9 mm, and the fringes showed a cranial length of 12.1 ± 3.8 mm and caudal length of 6.4 ± 2.6 mm. Histologically, the cranial fringes are spermatogenic and showed cells with significantly different nuclear diameters, ranging from 8.2 ± 1.5 μm (primary spermatogonia) to 1.88 ± 0.3 μm (spermatid). The seminal vesicles and saculiform expansions showed tubules with a simple prismatic secretory epithelium containing spermatozoa and secretion into the lumen. The caudal fringes are exclusively for secretory flow, consisting of tubules with a simple cuboidal epithelium. The common spermatic duct showed a simple cuboidal epithelium and contained spermatozoa with secretion into the lumen. The secretion of the caudal region is acidophilic, with neutral glycoproteins and sialomucin. T. striatulus ovaries showed free spermatozoa or were organized in spermatozeugmata into the ovarian lumen and between the ovuligers lamellae.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF DIAPHRAGMATIC RUPTURE IN A HORSE

Real–time ultrasonography was used to confirm diaphragmatic rupture in a horse that developed pleural effusion following a traumatic event. Pleural effusion, a cranially displaced crus, and a cranially positioned sacculated loop of bowel were seen radiographically. The presence of gas–filled intestine cranial and dorsal to the diaphragm was detected by ultrasound imaging. The use of ultrasound and radiography in the diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture is discussed.     

Correlation of testicular artery Doppler velocimetry with kinetics and morphologic characteristics of epididymal sperm in dogs

Sperm quality can be affected by a reduction in testicular blood flow, which can be measured by Doppler ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to correlate the Doppler velocimetry of the testicular artery with kinetics of the epididymal spermatozoa in dogs. Twenty-two dogs (44 testicles) were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography in five regions of the testicular artery before orchiectomy. Spermatozoa were recovered by the epididymal tail compression technique and analysed for kinetics on a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA system). Morphology (modified Karras) and sperm membrane integrity were analysed by eosin–nigrosine staining. Data were analysed by Pearson's correlation test (p < .01). The mean total motility was 69.0% ± 17.7, progressive motility was 43.7% ± 14.7, average path velocity (VAP) was 127.0 µm/s ± 20.7, curvilinear velocity (VCL) was 221.0 µm/s ± 31.1, and sperm velocity index (SVI) was 389.9 ± 56.1. There were positive correlations between the peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the proximal supratesticular region with the SVI (r = .529), VCL (r = .555) and VAP (r = .473), and a negative correlation with the percentage of slow spermatozoa (r = −.463). The results suggest that the testicular artery blood flow velocity can positively affect the speed of spermatozoa movement. For the first time, we have correlated sperm kinetics with the Doppler evaluation of the testicular artery in dogs.     

Transabdominal Ultrasonography for Pregnancy Diagnosis and Estimation of Gestational Age in Dromedary Camels

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of transabdominal ultrasonography as a method for pregnancy diagnosis and establish some foetal biometrics guidelines of pregnancy staging. Transabdominal ultrasonography was performed weekly on six pregnant camels from the 4th to the 19th week and at 2‐week intervals from the 20th to the 52nd week of gestation. Six areas were selected for examination: caudal abdominal (CAA), inside the thigh, above the base of the udder; middle abdominal (MIA), from the base of the udder to the umbilicus; and cranial abdominal (CRA), from the umbilicus to the xiphoid cartilage. Several foetal parameters including orbital diameter (ORD), biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal diameter (ABD), chest depth (CHD) and ruminal diameter (RUD) were measured using standardized scan plans. The relationships between the gestational age and the foetal parameters were evaluated. From the 6th to the 12th week, the conceptus was always observed through the left CAA approach. Between the 13th and 27th week, the foetus was entirely visualized by the MIA examination. From the 28th to the 52nd week, the conceptus was mainly detected through the left CRA approach. The foetal parameters were measured frequently during mid‐ and late gestation. All regression and correlation coefficients were highly significant (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, transabdominal ultrasonography was shown to be a reliable technique for pregnancy diagnosis and estimation of gestational age in dromedary camels.     

Testicular shape,scrotal skin thickness and testicular artery blood flow changes in bulls of different ages

The aim of this study was to compare the biometric testicular characteristics, skin thickness and haemodynamics of the testicular artery of 12- and 24-month-old bulls using Doppler ultrasonography, the study was conducted using 48 indicus-taurus animals. The scrotal circumference (SC) and biometry characteristics of the bulls were measured to calculate the testicular volume. Doppler ultrasonography was used to obtain the haemodynamic values of the testicular artery. The skin thickness and volume were lower (p<.01) in the younger bulls (12 months:4.68 ± 0.68 mm; 168.76 ± 47.96 cm³) versus 24 months (5.05 ± 0.89; 499.73 ± 129.24 cm³) animals (p<.01). During diastole, mean velocity was lower in the 12 months (7.98 ± 3.83) than in the 24 months (11.37 ± 4.15) animals (p <.05). The 12-month-old animals had higher pulsatility and resistivity indices (0.49 ± 0.02; 0.51 ± 0.20) compared to the 24-month-old animals (0.32 ± 0.16; 0.40 ± 0.15) (p < .05). The final testicular end velocity was lower in animals with long/moderate-shaped (L/M) (7.31 ± 2.91) than in those moderate/oval-shaped (M/O) (11.48 ± 3.88) testicles (p < .05). Animals with L/M testes presented higher pulsatility values and resistivity indices (0.51 ± 0.05; 0.55 ± 0.04) compared to animals with M/O shape (0.29 ± 0.20; 0.36 ± 0.15). We showed that the blood flow of the supra testicular artery between the two evaluated ages differed, and that 24-month-old bulls presented better thermoregulation capacity. Animals with a long/moderate testicular format presented a greater vascular resistance, which was imposed on the blood flow due to the anatomical differences in the testicular artery, resulting in lower velocity, and indicating better heat dissipation in this format.     

Doppler and Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography of Testicles in Adult Domestic Felines

The objective was to characterize the vascular patterns of testicular blood flow of adult cats, measuring the systolic velocity (SV), diastolic velocity (DV), resistance index (RI), gate time (wash‐in) peak enhancement and output time (wash‐out) of the contrast and addition of tissue fill characteristics. Forty‐five adult cats were selected, and the echotexture, echogenicity, size, contours and margins of testicles were assessed via ultrasound. By Doppler were evaluated the blood flow and determined of vascular index in testicular artery (SV, DV and RI) and via contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography determine the time for phases: wash‐in, wash‐out and peak enhancement. Sonographic findings presented normal. Testicular artery was observed in the spermatic cord with tortuous patter and showed monophasic‐patterned waves and low vascular resistance and with systolic peak evident. Values of indices vascular were as follows: SV = 6.73 cm/s, DV = 2.8 cm/s and RI = 0.54 for left testicles; and SV = 6.23 cm/s, DV = 2.77 cm/s and RI = 0.53 for right testicles. Contrast filled the subcapsular vascular structures and after a few seconds, a homogeneous moderate enhancement of the parenchyma, with parenchymal vessels still distinguishable and after the peak phase, a rapid homogeneous decrease in echogenicity. Values of time for contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography were as follows: wash‐in = 8.78 s, peak enhancement = 21.62 s and wash‐out = 75.36 for left testicles; and wash‐in = 10.76 s, peak enhancement = 21.50 s and wash‐out = 81.81 for right testicles. Doppler and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography of the testicles in healthy adult cats was easily implemented and may provide baseline data for this organ to allow the use of these techniques as a diagnostic tool for evaluating testicular abnormalities in sick cats.     

TRANSRECTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE LEFT ADRENAL GLAND IN HEALTHY HORSES

Little information is available on medical imaging of the adrenal glands in horses. We investigated the feasibility of transrectal ultrasonography to characterize the normal equine adrenal gland. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed in 25 healthy horses using a 7.5 MHz linear array probe at a displayed depth of 8 cm. Transrectal ultrasonography of the right adrenal gland was not feasible. For the left adrenal gland, the left kidney, the abdominal aorta, the left renal artery, the left renal vein, and the cranial mesenteric artery were used as landmarks. The size of the left adrenal gland was variable, but it generally appeared as a long, flat structure with a hyperechoic medulla surrounded by a hypoechoic cortex. The most cranial part of the gland could not be delineated appropriately in 11 horses (44%). The mean (±SD) thickness of the gland and medulla was 0.66±0.15 cm (n=25) and 0.28±0.09 cm (n=25) near the caudal pole, 0.87±0.25 cm (n=14) and 0.40±0.18 cm (n=12) near the cranial pole, and 0.89±0.18 cm (n=25) and 0.36±0.13 cm (n=25) in the middle of the gland, respectively. The mean (±SD) length of the entire adrenal gland and of the medulla was 6.22±0.77 cm (n=14) and 5.45±0.71 cm (n=6), respectively. Transrectal ultrasonography allowed adequate visualization of the left adrenal gland in horses.     

Evaluation of haemodynamic changes of uterine arteries using Doppler ultrasonography during different stages of pregnancy in Bos indicus cows

The objectives of the study were to evaluate haemodynamic changes and their relationships among ipsilateral (IPS) and contralateral (CONT) uterine arteries (UA) during different stages of pregnancy in Bos indicus cows. Multiparous pregnant cows (n = 40) having a gestation length 30.47 ± 0.54 (mean ± SD) days were randomly enrolled and subjected to Doppler ultrasonography sequentially at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th months of gestation. Blood flow indices including diameter of UA (mm), blood flow volume (BFVo, ml/min), blood flow velocity (BFVe, cm/s), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV, cm/s), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were recorded. Data were analysed with mixed models using the PROC MIXED procedures, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated using the PROC CORR statement in SAS. The final statistical models included the fixed effects of side of UA, gestation month and the interaction between side of UA and gestation month. Results revealed that the mean diameter of the UA (12.13 ± 0.22 vs. 10.09 ± 0.22), BFVo (1236.33 ± 0.55 vs. 770.41 ± 0.55), BFVe (17.18 ± 0.42 vs. 15.58 ± 0.42) and TAMV (17.11 ± 0.44 vs. 15.77 ± 0.44) was higher (p < .05) in IPS as compared to CONT side of the UA in cows. However, PI and RI did not differ between IPS and CON arteries of uterus in cows. A very high and positive correlation (r = .89; p < .05) existed between the diameter of UA and BFVo starting from 1st to 8th months of gestation in IPS as well as CONT sides of UA. Moreover, TAMV was highly and positively correlated (r = .91; p < .05) with BFVe throughout the gestation. In conclusion, these haemodynamic changes in the UA could be used as a valuable validity tool to differentiate the compromised pregnancy in Bos indicus cows.     

Colour Doppler Ultrasonography as a Tool to Assess Luteal Function in Santa Inês Ewes

The aim of this study was to evaluate luteal dynamics in the Santa Inês ewes using colour Doppler (CD) ultrasonography. Oestrus was synchronized in nulliparous females (n = 18), and subsequently, they were only teased (n = 6) or teased and mated (n = 12). Blood samples were collected daily for plasma progesterone (P₄) concentrations. Ultrasonographic images of corpora lutea (CL) in CD mode were obtained for further analysis in its largest diameter. The CD mode allowed an early sequential monitoring of CL that was visualized by the first time 0.77 ± 0.62 days after ovulation, with luteal area 29.68 ± 13.21 mm². During the luteogenesis, a progressive increase was observed, followed by a plateau of luteal area, vascularization area and plasma concentrations of P₄ reaching maximum values in D11 (124.0 ± 38.0 mm², 52.78 ± 24.08 mm² and 11.23 ± 4.89 ng/ml, respectively). In the luteolysis, the plasma concentrations of P₄ decreased sharply, whereas luteal and vascularization area gradually. The vascularization area was positively correlated with plasma concentrations of P₄ during the luteogenesis (r = 0.22) and luteolysis (r = 0.48). The luteal dynamics of Santa Inês ewes showed patterns similar to those observed in other sheep breeds studied. The CD ultrasonography has the potential to be used as a tool to assess luteal function in sheep.     

Power and Pulsed Doppler Evaluation of Prostatic Artery Blood Flow in Normal and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia–Affected Dogs

This study was carried out with the objectives to test the differences in the haemodynamic characteristics of the prostatic artery in normal and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)–affected dogs using Doppler ultrasonography. In sixteen male German shepherd dogs, prostatic volume was detected and prostatic biopsy was performed. The prostatic artery blood flow parameters determined were as follows: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), Resistive Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index. The power Doppler mode was used for colour flow mapping of the prostatic artery. In PW mode at marginal locations, the waveforms recorded showed a continuous pattern typical of the high‐resistance vessels, while in subcapsular locations, the waveforms recorded were continuous characteristic of the low‐resistance vessel. Peak systolic velocity and EDV in both locations were significantly higher in BPH group (p < 0.001) than normal group (p < 0.05). Pixel number in BPH group in both locations was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the normal group. This study shows that Doppler ultrasonography represents a valid and non‐invasive method for the characterization of the blood flow in the prostatic artery in dogs affected with BPH. Moreover, statistically significant differences of blood flow velocities in prostatic artery in normal and BPH‐affected dogs were detected. The RI was not able to differentiate normal dogs from dogs affected by BPH and therefore is not a parameter usable for diagnostic purposes, while Power Doppler could represent an additional diagnostic tool.     

Morphological assessment of cat kidneys using computed tomography

There are numerous publications about feline renal imaging information; however, none have established reference values for kidney size using computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to determine renal size and shape as well as the morphology of renal‐related structures in clinically normal cats (Felis catus) that underwent CT. Twenty‐seven healthy cats underwent pre‐ and post‐iodinated contrast‐enhanced CT. Most cat (59%) kidneys were located at the same level. The average pre‐contrast dimensions of the left kidney included a width of 2.46 ± 0.28 cm, a length of 3.52 ± 0.44 cm and a height 2.19 ± 0.31 cm, whereas those of the right kidneys were 2.45 ± 0.27 cm, 3.54 ± 0.46 cm and 2.05 ± 0.23 cm, respectively. After contrast enhancement, kidneys were slightly enlarged though not significantly. Additionally, renal length (LK or RK) was compared with second lumbar vertebra (L2) length and abdominal aorta diameter (AO). AO was significantly larger in male cats whereas L2 length appeared longer in male cats, but was not statistically different from the female cats. The LK/L2 and RK/L2 ratios were 2.29 ± 0.23 and 2.36 ± 0.20, respectively, and the LK/AO and RK/AO were 11.72 ± 1.37 and 12.05 ± 1.47, respectively. Renal vessels were examined. The renal vein was obviously larger than the renal artery, and paired renal veins were observed periodically. This study provides CT information about the feline kidney, which may help to establish reference values and information regarding renal structure prior to surgery in practice.     

Correlation of testicular ultrasonography,testicular biometry,serum testosterone levels and seminal attributes in pre and post-pubertal age for breeding soundness evaluation in Osmanabadi bucks

The present research work entitled “Correlation of testicular ultrasonography, testicular biometry, serum testosterone levels and seminal attributes in pre- and post-pubertal age for breeding soundness evaluation in Osmanabadi bucks” was undertaken in 18 healthy Osmanabadi bucks from the Instructional Livestock Farm Complex, Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai, Maharashtra. The body weight (kg), scrotal circumference (cm) and testicular biometry (cm) of post-weaning 18 Osmanabadi male kids was recorded every 15 days from weaning, i.e., 120?±?10 days along with serum testosterone (ng/ml) by radioimmunoassay method at monthly intervals for the next 6 months. Semen was collected six times on the seventh month onward during post-pubertal age at 15-day interval from 18 bucks. The semen was evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic tests. The body weight increased from 14.45?±?0.67 to 19.57?±?0.70 kg from four to nine and a half months of age. The average daily body weight gain was 31.27 g. Maximum body weight gain was 01.19?±?0.16 kg from 5 to 6 followed by 01.15?±?0.16 kg from 4 to 5 months of age. The scrotal circumference increased from 17.22?±?0.56 to 19.03?±?0.55 cm from four to nine and a half months of age with maximum increased between 4 and 5 followed by 6 and 7 months of age. The testicular length, width and thickness of right and left testicles were recorded by ultrasonography method. There was increase in mean right and left testicular length, width and thickness from 5.25?±?0.19 to 5.84?±?0.18 and 5.49?±?0.21 to 6.16?±?0.20; 2.99?±?0.12 to 3.32?±?0.12 and 3.10?±?0.13 to 3.44?±?0.12 and 2.97?±?0.12 to 3.16?±?0.12 and 3.06?±?0.12 to 3.31?±?0.11 cm, respectively by ultrasonography, between four to nine and a half months of age. Testicular length, width and thickness gain was at maximum in 5 to 6 months of age. Left testicular length was more than the right testis. Before puberty, there was sudden gain in body weight, testicular length and width. However, scrotal circumference showed significant increase after puberty. Body weight had highest correlation with ultrasonographic left testicular thickness (r?=?1) followed by scrotal circumference, ultrasonographic right and left testicular width, left testicular length, right testicular length and thickness and least by right testicular thickness (r?=?0.95). The semen was thin to thick in consistency and average semen density was 3.10?±?0.05. Average semen volume was 0.81?±?0.02 ml, mass activity, initial motility, live and dead sperm count, abnormal sperm count and sperm concentration were 3.45?±?0.13, 76.16?±?1.16 and 75.16?±?1.28% and 24.84?±?1.28, 12.30?±?0.50% and 2631.04?±?45.74 million/ml, respectively in 18 bucks in six collection at 15 days. There was significant rise in semen volume, mass activity, initial motility and concentration at 8.5 months and live count, density at 9 months of age which indicates the age of sexual maturity is 8.5 to 9 months in Osmanabadi bucks. The body weight had highest positive correlation with mass activity (r?=?98) followed by initial motility, live sperm count and total sperm concentration, semen volume (r?=?76). The scrotal circumference had highest positive correlation with initial motility (r?=?98) followed by live sperm count, total sperm count, mass activity, semen volume (r?=?86). On the other hand, body weight and scrotal circumference were negatively correlated with abnormal and dead sperm count. The mean testosterone concentration increased from 0.02?±?0.004 to 5.75?±?0.80 ng/ml between four and half to nine and half months of age, respectively. There was significant rise (p?<?0.01) up to 1.38?±?0.28 ng/ ml at 6.5 months, i.e., age of puberty and up to 5.75?±?0.80 ng/ml at 9.5 months, i.e., age of sexual maturity. Testosterone had highest positive correlation with testicular length followed by testicular width, length, body weight and scrotal circumference, mass activity, live sperm count, initial motility, while it had highest negative correlation with dead and abnormal sperm count. From the present research work, it was concluded that the scrotal circumference, testicular length, width and thickness increased with increasing body weight. Before puberty, there was sudden gain in body weight, testicular length and width. However, scrotal circumference increased significantly at post-pubertal age. So testicular length, body weight, testicular width in pre pubertal age and scrotal circumference post-pubertal age can be used as indicator for selection of Osmanabadi bucks for breeding purpose. On the other hand, the semen parameters should consider only after 8.5 to 9 months of age for selection of Osmanabadi bucks for breeding.

     

Effect of Embryonic and Maternal Genotype on Embryo and Foetal Survival in Rabbit

The aim of this work was to study the influence of embryonic and maternal genotype of two lines of rabbits selected by growth rate (line R) and litter size at weaning (line A) on prenatal survival. Embryos were recovered at 48 h of gestation from R and A donors (39 and 35 does, respectively) and reciprocally transferred to the oviducts of recipient does to the R (n = 15) and A (n = 14) lines. Each recipient doe received six embryos from line R into one oviduct and six embryos from line A into the other. Recipient does were examined by laparoscopy to determine implantation rate on day 14 and slaughtered on day 25 of gestation to determine the number of live foetuses and the weight of foetuses and placentas. No differences were found between lines in fertilization rate and stage of embryo development at 48 h post‐insemination. Implantation rate was affected by both the embryonic and maternal genotype. While embryos from donor line A had the highest implantation rate (0.78 ± 0.032 vs 0.65 ± 0.036 for line R), recipient line R had a better implantation rate (0.78 ± 0.033 vs 0.64 ± 0.036 for line A). Foetal survival was affected by the embryonic genotype. Embryos from donor line A had a higher foetal survival rate than embryos from donor line R (0.65 ± 0.036 vs 0.53 ± 0.038, respectively) but lower foetal and placenta weights. In conclusion, while embryonic genotype influenced both implantation and foetal survival rate, R embryos had the lowest rates, maternal genotype affected the implantation rate and R recipients may show a greater uterine receptivity during implantation period. Moreover, it must be observed that foetal and placenta weights were significantly affected by embryonic genotype and heavier for R line.     

Reversed patent ductus arteriosus and multiple congenital malformations in an 8‐day‐old Arabo‐Friesian foal

An 8‐day‐old Arabo‐Friesian filly was presented with signs of severe dyspnoea, tachypnoea, coughing and cyanotic mucous membranes. On auscultation, a bilateral grade V/VI continuous heart murmur and heart rate of 155 beats/min (sinus tachycardia) were detected. Lung ultrasonography revealed pronounced comet tail artefacts indicating lung oedema. Echocardiography showed right ventricular hypertrophy, a 1.2 cm muscular ventricular septal defect with a left‐to‐right shunt, a stenotic bicuspid pulmonary valve and severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity indicated a right ventricular systolic pressure of 119 mmHg. The pulmonary artery was severely dilated and a 1 cm diameter patent ductus arteriosus was found. Colour flow Doppler showed systolic ductal flow reversal with right‐to‐left shunting through the ductus. Arterial partial oxygen pressure and saturation were lower in the metatarsal artery (25 mmHg, saturation 52.6%) than in the carotid artery (31 mmHg, saturation 64.3%). Due to the poor prognosis, the foal was subjected to euthanasia and necropsy confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. Patent ductus arteriosus is a rare condition and occurs most frequently in combination with tetralogy and pentalogy of Fallot. A genetic basis for congenital cardiac disease, especially for ventricular septal defects, in Arabians and for aortic rupture and aorto‐pulmonary fistulation in Friesians has been reported. Whether cross‐breeding leads to an increased prevalence is unknown. This is the first case report with echocardiographic visualisation of reversed ductal flow in a neonatal Arabo‐Friesian foal.     

Systolic time intervals assessed by 2-D echocardiography and spectral Doppler in the horse

In the present study, the ‘acoustic windows’ for the measurement of the left ventricular systolic time intervals is studied by means of 2‐D echocardiography and cardiac Doppler ultrasonography, and the normal values in the horse (n = 112) are determined. The left ventricular isovolumetric contraction time, the pre‐ejection period (PEP), as well as the left ventricular ejection time (LVET) have been measured, and the values of the left ventricular total electromechanical systole (LVTES) and the PEP‐to‐LVET ratio have been calculated. It has been established that the most suitable window for the measurement of the aforementioned indices in 2‐D echocardiography is the right parasternal window in a view in short axis at the level of the cardiac base to measure the aortogram. In Doppler ultrasonography, the preferred window is the left parasternal using the five chambers apical view. The following values have been acquired: PEP = 0.071 ± 0.01 s; LVET = 0.532 ± 0.097 s; LVTES = 0.6 ± 0.1 s and PEP‐to‐LVET = 0.138 ± 0.025 measured by 2‐D echocardiography and PEP = 0.068 ± 0.009 s; LVET = 0.527 ± 0.076 s; LVTES = 0.598 ± 0.098 s and PEP‐to‐LVET = 0.131 ± 0.01 measured by Doppler ultrasonography.     

“Subnutrition effects during pregnancy and lactation on mitosis,apoptosis and androgen receptor expression in the rat testis”

In order to study the effect of undernutrition during gestation on the testicular development in rats and its impact on mitosis, apoptosis and the relative abundance of androgen receptor expression, twenty primiparous 3‐month‐old Sprague–Dawley (Rattus norvegicus) rats, weighing 246 ± 4.0 grams when the experiment began, were mated by the same male. Control group (CG), n = 10, fed ad libitum with water and rat chow and restricted group (RG, n = 10) fed throughout pregnancy and until birth with 40% of the ad libitum maternal daily feed intake. Litters from both groups suckled for 25 days, RG with 14 pups/litter and CG with 8 pups/litter. After weaning, all animals had access to ad libitum food and water. Testicular samples were taken from male pups at 2, 25 and 100 days of age. Immunohistochemistry was used to evidence androgen receptor (AR) expression in apoptotic (caspase 3‐positive) and proliferating (PCNA‐positive) cells. Three hundred nuclei of sustentacular (or Sertoli: SC), interstitial (or Leydig: LC), myoid (MC) cells as well as gonocytes (GC) were evaluated. Neither LC nor GC showed any differences between groups. However, SC androgen receptor (AR) positivity index in neonatal animals was lower in RG (1.27 ± 0.22 vs. 1.65 ± 0.17**). MC showed lower AR positivity index at 2 (2.69 ± 0.046 vs. 2.8 ± 0.055**) and 25 (1.34 ± 0.097 vs. 1.56 ± 0.1***) days of life; at 100 days of life, there was a greater number of apoptotic MC in the RG (8.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.95 ± 1.1***). Thus, the present experiment demonstrates that the population dynamics of MC are affected by foetal programming due to undernutrition.