Early Pregnancy Detection of Iraqi Riverine Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Using the BioPRYN Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for PSPB and the Progesterone Assay

This study was undertaken to detect pregnancy in Iraqi riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using three different methods (rectal palpation, plasma progesterone concentration and detection of the presence of pregnancy‐specific protein B (PSPB) with the BioPRYN^® enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The aim of the study was to identify the most sensitive, early and accurate method for detecting pregnancy. Twenty‐two female riverine buffalo that were 6.0 ± 0.93 years old were used. Four blood samples per buffalo were taken via jugular venipuncture at days 22–24, 32–34, 42–44 and 58–61 post‐mating (PM) to measure the progesterone concentration (ng/ml) and to detect the presence of plasma PSPB. The rectal palpation method was employed to evaluate all buffalo on days 42–44 and 58–61 PM. The BioPRYN^® test differed (p < 0.01) from the other tests with earlier accuracy for detecting pregnant and non‐pregnant buffalo. Eighty‐eight percent of pregnant and 76.9% of non‐pregnant buffalo were distinguished early (days 22–24 PM) using BioPRYN^® and plasma PSPB‐ELISA level (2.09 ± 0.12 ng/ml) in relation to 66.7% and 53.9% detected using the progesterone assay at similar days (4.30 ± 0.40 ng/ml). In conclusion, these results described, for the first time, the early and accurate pregnancy detection of water riverine buffalo using BioPRYN^® technology and provided the plasma levels of PSPB using an ELISA test. These findings will improve the reproductive and productive efficiency of Iraqi riverine buffalo by adapting the recent management and reproductive strategies in Iraq and in the world.     

Variance components,correlation and path analyses in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L., Walp)

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology - Cowpea as a low-input crop has a potential to significantly ameliorate poor nutrition and food insecurity in sub-Sahara Africa if problem of poor seed...     

Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus as a Dietary Supplement on Nonspecific Immune Response and Disease Resistance in Juvenile Common carp,Cyprinos carpio

Effects of diet fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus at 0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% on nonspecific immune response and disease resistant common carp juvenile infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophilla were examined. Immune response parameters(the total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine and immunoglobulin), percentage mortality and relative protection level were determined on day 1 and days 14, 28, 42 and 56. Fish fed Lactobacilus acidophilus fortified diet significantly improved nonspecific immune parameters especially group treated with 0.4% inclusion with lower mortality rate indicating a better relative protection level against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophilla.