Use of Radioimmunoassay to Measure Progesterone Levels During Different Reproductive Stages in Female Damascus Goats

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Reproductive Performance and Milk Production of Damascus Goats Fed Acacia Shrubs or Berseem Clover Hay in North Sinai,Egypt

Thirty-three adult Damascus does (29±1.1 kg BW) were fed 0.6 kg per head per day of a concentrate diet plus ad libitum rice straw (Oryza sativa, control, R), or green acacia (Acacia saligna, A) or berseem clover hay (Trifolium alexandrinum, B). All treatment groups had free access to underground saline water containing 3600 ppm TDS. The DM intake was lower (p<0.05) for the R group but did not differ between the other two groups. The DM intake of acacia was 0.64 kg per head per day (1.98% BW) during pregnancy and 0.93 kg per head per day (2.95% BW) during lactation. The drinking water differed (p<0.05) between the three dietary treatments; group B had the highest mean intake and group A had the lowest. The percentage kidding and the litter weight at birth did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the number of kids weaned/doe kidding and the weight of the kids weaned/doe kidding were significantly higher for group B. The mean body weight of the kids at birth and at weaning were significantly lower for group R. The total milk yield over 10 weeks and the milk composition (total solids, fat and protein percentages) were significantly different between the three groups; group B having the highest means and group R the lowest. These results suggest that supplemental feeding is required to enhance the productivity of goats in arid or semi-arid environments and Acacia saligna should not be used fresh in excessive quantities for extended periods.     

提高波尔山羊繁殖效率的意义与方法

波尔山羊为季节性多次发情品种 ,产羔率较低 ,但肉用性能好 ,与国内多个品种杂种对生长速度和肉用性能有良好的杂种优势。为了提高肉羊生产经济效益 ,提高波尔羊繁殖效率具有重要意义。季节、光照和温度以及饲养管理等因素对波尔羊繁殖力有影响。加强选育和饲养管理 ,诱导青年羊发情排卵 ,缩短成年羊产羔间隔 ,提高窝产羔数 ,合理应用胚胎移植技术 ,提高公羊性欲和精液品质及保存效果等 ,均可提高波尔羊的繁殖力。     

波尔、萨能山羊与崇明白山羊杂交对繁殖性能和血清乳酸脱氢酶活性的影响

为了筛选与崇明白山羊杂交的优势组合,选用波尔山羊♂、萨能山羊♂、崇明白山羊♂各两头分别与20头崇明白山羊♀进行交配,研究不同组合对繁殖性能和血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性的影响。试验结果表明:①就繁殖性能而言,波尔山羊、萨能山羊与崇明白山羊杂交后,体现出一定的杂交优势。其中,波尔山羊的杂交效果比萨能山羊的杂交效果明显,每头母羊胎产羔2头,活羔1.71头,产羔率为200%,羔羊的断奶成活率平均为100%,产活羔数、产羔率、羔羊成活率、断奶活羔数均为三组中最高,是生产中较为理想的杂交父本。②三种成年公羊血清LDH活性由小到大的顺序是波尔、萨能、崇明,以崇明白山羊的活力为最高;在后代羔羊中,波尔与崇明杂交一代公羊的LDH活性高于萨能杂交一代公羊,也高于崇明羊自交后代,可辅助判断出波尔与崇明羊的杂交优势高于萨能羊,可能是较优杂交组合。     

Assessment of Progesterone Concentration Using Enzymeimmunoassay, for Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Sheep and Goats

The objective of this study was to determine a value of serum progesterone (P₄) concentration, assessed using an enzymeimmunoassay (EIA), for the early distinction between pregnant and non‐pregnant ewes and goats. Adult, non‐lactating ewes of Chios (n=53), Berrichon (n=30) and Sfakia (n=45) breeds were synchronized during the breeding season with progestagens and gonadotrophins and mated to fertile rams (Experiment I). Adult, lactating goats of Swiss breeds (Alpine and Saanen, n=104) and indigenous Greek breed (n=45) were synchronized during the transitional season with progestagens, PGF₂α and gonadotrophins. Cervical artificial insemination (AI) with fresh semen was applied once, 42–44 h after sponge removal (Experiment II). Jugular blood samples were collected on day 19 after sponge removal (ewes) or on day 21 after AI (goats) and serum P₄ concentration was determined by EIA. Progesterone concentrations ≥1.0, ≥1.5, ≥2.5 and ≥4.0 ng/ml were tested as indicative of pregnancy. Pregnancy diagnosis was verified on birth. In the case of sheep, using a discriminatory level of 2.5 ng/ml, overall accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis was 91.4% and predictive value of negative and positive diagnoses were 98.3 and 85.3%, respectively. In the case of goats, predictive value of negative diagnosis was 95.8 and 94.0% and predictive value of positive diagnosis 71.3 and 71.7%, for 1.5 and 2.5 ng/ml, respectively; overall accuracy was 79.2% using either level. The other discriminatory levels tested did not improve these results. A significant positive correlation was observed between P₄ concentration and the number of lambs or kids born, and further analysis indicated that this relationship is not a simple linear function. Based on the results of this study, P₄ concentrations of 2.5 ng/ml in the case of ewes and 1.5–2.5 ng/ml in the case of goats, determined with EIA, are proposed as discriminatory levels between pregnant and non‐pregnant animals, at an interval of one oestrous cycle after service.     

Growth,Luteal Activity,and Pregnancy Rates of Three Breed Types of Dairy Heifers in a Forage-Based Development Program

Growth, luteal activity, and pregnancy rates were evaluated in 89 dairy heifers raised as contemporaries. Breed types were Holstein (H, n = 35), Jersey × H (JH, n = 30), and Brown Swiss × H (BSH, n = 24); they ranged in age from 129 to 205 d at the beginning of the trial. Heifers grazed pasture and received grain supplementation to ensure 0.9 kg of daily BW gain. Hip height, chest depth, and BW were obtained monthly; BCS was recorded at ca. 14 mo of age. At ca. 12 mo of age, two blood samples for each heifer were collected (10 d apart) by jugular vein puncture for progesterone assay. Heifers were considered cycling if progesterone concentrations were ≥1 ng/mL in either of the two serum samples. Heifers were bred artificially (AI) on a synchronized estrus starting at 14 mo of age, and pregnancy status was determined ultrasonically 60 d after breeding. The BSH and H had similar (P>0.05) weights and hip heights; whereas JH were lighter and shorter (P<0.05). No differences (P>0.05) occurred for depth of chest and mean BCS. Estrus occurrence by 12 mo of age was greater (P<0.05) for JH (90%) than for BSH (75%) and lowest (P<0.05) for H (47%). Pregnancy rates did not differ (BSH = 96%, JH = 87%, H = 77%). These data suggest that genetic effects of crossbreeding influence early growth and cyclicity at 12 mo of age for replacement dairy heifers. Forage-based development of dairy heifers may be a suitable option to concentrate feeding for dairy producers in Arkansas and the Southern Region.     

Growth,Luteal Activity,and Pregnancy Rates of Three Breed Types of Dairy Heifers in a Forage-Based Development Program

Growth, luteal activity, and pregnancy rates were evaluated in 89 dairy heifers raised as contemporaries. Breed types were Holstein (H, n = 35), Jersey x H (JH, n = 30), and Brown Swiss x H (BSH, n = 24); they ranged in age from 129 to 205 d at the beginning of the trial. Heifers grazed pasture and received grain supplementation to ensure 0.9 kg of daily BW gain. Hip height, chest depth, and BW were obtained monthly; BCS was recorded at ca. 14 mo of age. At ca. 12 mo of age, two blood samples for each heifer were collected (10 d apart) by jugular vein puncture for progesterone assay. Heifers were considered cycling if progesterone concentrations were > 1 ng/ mL in either of the two serum samples. Heifers were bred artificially (AI) on a synchronized estrus starting at 14 mo of age, and pregnancy status was determined ultrasonically 60 d after breeding. The BSH and H had similar (P>0.05) weights and hip heights; whereas JH were lighter and shorter (P<0.05). No differences (P>0.05) occurred for depth of chest and mean BCS. Estrus occurrence by 12 mo of age was greater (P<0.05) for JH (90%) than for BSH (75%) and lowest (P<0.05) for H (47%). Pregnancy rates did not differ (BSH = 96%, JH = 87%, H = 77%). These data suggest that genetic effects of crossbreeding influence early growth and cyclicity at 12 mo of age for replacement dairy heifers. Forage-based development of dairy heifers may be a suitable option to concentrate feeding for dairy producers in Arkansas and the Southern Region.     

Husbandry Factors and the Resumption of Luteal Activity in Open and Zero‐Grazed Dairy Cows in Urban and Peri‐Urban Kampala,Uganda

The study investigated the influence of selected husbandry factors on interval to resumption of post‐partum cyclicity among dairy cows in urban and peri‐urban Kampala. A prospective study of 85 day post‐partum period of 59 dairy cows in open (n = 38) and zero grazing (n = 21) systems was conducted on 24 farms. Cows of parity 1–6 were recruited starting 15–30 days post‐partum. Progesterone (P4) content in milk taken at 10–12 day intervals was analysed using ELISA. The cow P4 profiles were classified into ‘normal’ (< 56 days), ‘delayed’ (> 56 days), ‘ceased’ or ‘prolonged’ (if started < 56 days but with abnormal P4 displays) resumption of luteal activity and tested for association with husbandry and cow factors. Of the 59 cows, luteal activity in 81.4% resumed normally and in 18.6%, delayed. Only 23.7% maintained regular luteal activity, while the others had ceased (10.2%), prolonged (37.3%) or unclear luteal activity (20.3%). There were no differences between open and zero‐grazed cows. Milk production was higher (p < 0.05) in zero than open grazing, in urban than peri‐urban and in cows fed on brew waste (p < 0.001) compared with mill products and banana peels. Results suggest that luteal activity resumes normally in a majority of cows, although only a minority experienced continued normal cyclicity once ovulation had occurred, in the two farming systems irrespective of feed supplements or water, and that supplementing with brew waste is beneficial for milk production.     

Differences in Reproductive Performance, Embryo Development, Interferon-tau Secretion by the Conceptus and Luteal Function in Ewe Lambs Synchronized in Oestrus before or after the Spontaneous Onset of Luteal Activity Preceding Puberty

In mid-September, 1 month before the insertion of intravaginal pessaries to induce sexual activity, blood samples were collected every 4 days from 16 ewe lambs aged 7 months, in order to determine the incidence of ovulations by measurement of plasma progesterone concentrations. It has been studied whether the response to a progestagen treatment of ewe lambs apparently close to puberty could be modified by the onset of the ovarian events preceding puberty. The effect of the presence or absence of ovulations prior to progestagen treatment on the potential reproductive performance (fertility, litter size and fecundity), embryo development [embryo quality and interferon-tau (IFNτ) secretion], luteal function (progesterone secretion in vitro ) and endometrial progesterone content was studied in seven ovulating (Ov+) and nine nonovulating ewe lambs (Ov−) on day 14 after mating. The best potential reproductive results were obtained with Ov+ animals, although these differences could not be initially attributed to either different progesterone secretion in vitro or concentration of endometrial progesterone. Irrespective of the experimental groups, secretion of progesterone by luteal tissue from ewe lambs with normal embryos was significantly greater (p<0.05) than that of animals with abnormal embryos or with no embryos. Normal embryos secreted a higher amount of IFN-τ than those embryos classified as abnormal (p<0.07). In conclusion, ewe lambs which exhibit luteal activity before puberty have the highest levels of reproductive performances after a progestagen treatment. Corpora lutea from ewe lambs with normal embryos had higher rates of progesterone secretion in vitro and their embryos had a higher IFN-τ production by the embryos, indicating greater capacity for subsequent development.     

Different Types of Postpartum Luteal Activity Affected by the Exposure of Heat Stress and Subsequent Reproductive Performance in Holstein Lactating Cows

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of heat stress on postpartum (PP) luteal activity and subsequent reproductive performance in lactating cows. Thirty Holstein–Friesian (HF, ≥75%) cows (hot season, n = 15 and cool season, n = 15) were studied over 60 days after calving. The changes of temperature‐humidity index (THI) were monitored within both seasons. Body condition scores (BCS), uterine involution and the ovarian structures were recorded. Plasma samples were obtained three times a week for the analysis of progesterone (P4) and prostaglandin F_2α metabolite (PG metabolite). Subsequent reproductive performance of the cows, calved within the same period was also evaluated. The means of THI for hot and cool seasons varied between 84–87 and 78–83 respectively. A drop of the mean BCS was recorded at 5 weeks PP in the cows during hot season (p < 0.01), however a delay of uterine involution during early PP period in hot season was not clearly seen. The cows with normal PP ovarian cyclicity during hot and cool seasons were 4/15 (26.7%) and 9/15 (60.0%) respectively. A higher percentage of abnormal luteal activity was found in the cows during hot season (p = 0.07) and delayed luteal cyclicity/anovulation was the most pronounced atypical P4 profile. The levels of PG metabolite were not different between groups and the relationship between the levels of PG metabolite and the time of uterine involution was not evident (p > 0.05). The heat detection rates and the pregnancy rates were higher in the cows during cool season (p < 0.05). Additionally, the higher first AI conception rates during cool season were recorded (p = 0.06). In conclusion, heat stress conditions had negative effects on BCS and altered a normal process of ovarian resumption PP, consequently resulted in lower reproductive performance in a tropical dairy herd.     

鄂西北马头山羊繁殖性能分析

湖北省 6个县、市农户饲养的马头山羊繁殖性能调查资料 ,表明马头山羊公、母羔的初情日龄分别为 14 0 4± 16 9和 10 8 4±19 1,母羊发情持续期为 5 8 6h± 15 9h ,发情周期为 19 7d± 1 5d。母羊妊娠 15 0d± 7 4d ,产羔数平均为 (2 14± 0 9)只 ,羔羊成活率平均为 90 8% ,公羔和母羔的初生重分别为 1 61kg± 0 45kg和 1 5 9kg± 0 68kg。妊娠期与胎次无关 ,但随窝产羔数的增加而延长。产羔数以头胎最低 ,第 4胎时达到最高峰 ,然后逐渐降低。羔羊成活率在第 1～ 5胎差异不明显 ,第 6和第 7胎显著降低 ,第 8胎以后又升高。窝产羔数为 1～ 4时 ,羔羊成活率最高 ,产羔数为 5时 ,成活率最低。羔羊初生重与性别有关 ,公羔显著大于母羔。公羔的初生重与胎次有关 ,但与窝产羔数相关关系不明显。头胎母羊所产公羔的初生重最低 ,随胎次的增加 ,初生重有增大的趋势 ,而母羔则没有这种趋势。比较发现马头山羊类似于多胎动物     

Plasma Prolactin during the Luteal Phase and Pregnancy in Non-Parturient and Parturient Blue Fox Vixens

Abstract

Plasma prolactin secretion during the luteal phase and pregnancy was studied in 11 mated but non-parturient and 26 parturient blue fox vixens. Prolactin was measured in blood plasma once or twice a week using a heterologous double-antibody radioimmunoassay. Data for all females were fitted with an animal model. In both groups of females, prolactin concentrations increased slowly during the early post mating period. For the parturient vixens the prolactin values increased further until parturition, whereas there was only a slight increase in the non-parturient vixens. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in prolactin release between the non-parturient and parturient animals from day 36 after mating. A possible role of prolactin may exist in the luteotrophic complex maintaining pregnancy in blue fox vixens, because higher levels of plasma prolactin and progesterone appeared in the parturient vixens compared to the non-parturient during the second half of gestation.     

Plasma Progesterone during the Luteal Phase and Pregnancy in Parturient and Barren Blue Fox Vixens

Abstract

The variation in progesterone secretion during the luteal phase and pregnancy in blue fox vixens was analyzed. Progesterone was measured in blood plasma once or twice a week using radioimmunoassay. The material was allocated into three groups; five mated, but barren, blue fox vixens, six mated vixens with implantation zonès in the uterus, but no cubs at parturition, and 26 normally parturient vixens. The progesterone profiles for the three different groups of females showed a steady increase in progesterone immediately after mating. Maximum values were observed on days 8–12 of pregnancy. Then the progesterone levels decreased gradually until delivery around day 52. The levels of progesterone were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) between non-pregnant and pregnant females from day 22 after mating. The plasma progesterone level seems to be affected by the presence of conceptuses.     

一例黑山羊肝片吸虫病的诊治

2016年7月5日,广东省某黑山羊养殖场(存栏约200只)发生山羊不明原因发病及死亡情况,发病率和死亡率分别约为50%和20%。剖检病死山羊,可见严重腹水、肝脏损伤等病变,其他脏器无明显病变;在肝脏组织及胆囊中发现大量肝片吸虫。结合发病情况和病死羊的剖检特征等,确定该群山羊发病及死亡原因为肝片吸虫感染。按照肝片吸虫病感染治疗原则,采取药物治疗及羊群隔离等综合防控处理措施,1周后回访,除此前严重感染的羊只死亡外,未有新增发病和死亡病例,羊群逐步恢复健康。     

山羊传染性脓疱的初步诊治

羊传染性脓疱(俗称羊口疮)，是由痘病毒科副痘病毒属的羊传染性脓疱病毒(也称羊口疮病毒)所致的山羊、绵羊的接触性传染病，其特征为在病羊的口唇等处粘膜和皮肤形成丘疹、脓疱、溃疡和结痂。2003年我区从外地引进种羊后，各镇相继发生羊传染性脓庖，现将诊治结果小结如下。     

硒对妊娠早期山羊子宫局部细胞因子分泌的调节

为了探索硒对妊娠早期子宫局部细胞因子IL-2、IL-4、TGF-β1及TGF-β2的调节作用,将妊娠山羊分为试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组和对照组。Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组山羊分别以0．3、0．5和0．7mg／kg剂量的硒灌服亚硒酸钠溶液,对照组灌服1mL／kg的蒸馏水,每周1次,连续3周。用ELISA试剂盒检测子宫局部细胞因子IL-2、IL-4、TGF-β1及TGF-β2的动态变化以观察硒对其分泌的调节作用。结果表明：（1）妊娠早期（15～19d）山羊两侧子宫角中IL-2、IL-4、TGF-β1及TGF-β2水平无显著差异。妊娠早期山羊两侧子宫角的子宫液IL-2水平在15～18d呈上升趋势,19d时趋于下降;IL-4水平一直呈上升趋势;TGF-β1水平较高,呈不规律变化;TGF-β2呈现先升高、后趋于平稳的趋势。（2）灌服亚硒酸钠溶液,可以显著降低妊娠16～18d子宫液IL-2的水平（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）;同时可显著升高IL-4的水平（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）,且呈一定的剂量依赖关系。（3）0．5和0．7mg／kg剂量组显著升高妊娠16～18d子宫液TGF-β1水平（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）;同时对妊娠16～17d子宫液TGF-β2水平也有显著的升高作用（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）,但对18d时的TGF-β2影响不显著。试验表明,硒对妊娠早期山羊子宫局部IL-2、IL-4、TGF-β1及TGF-β2的分泌具有一定的调节作用。     

Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Tswana Goats and Sheep Breeds in Botswana: Continuous Traits

The majority of Tswana sheep and goats in Botswana are indigenous. These animals provide income, employment and food security to the resource-poor farmers. Limited characterization of these species has been done, resulting in poor efforts to fully exploit and conserve them. The objective of this study was to phenotyically characterize indigenous sheep and goats countrywide. Measurements were collected from 2783 goats and 1282 sheep kept by traditional farmers, covering nearly all the districts of Botswana. In each district a total of 15 farmers with sheep and goats were selected randomly and records were taken on 4-12 animals per farm, depending on average district flock size. Traits recorded for each animal were body length, body weight, ear length, heart girth, height at withers, hip width, neck length, rump height, shoulder width, tail length (goats only) and horn length. Age (estimated from dentition) and sex of the animals were also recorded and vegetation type was noted. The data were analysed using the general linear model procedure in Statistical Analysis System. Prior to analyses, a main effects model of sex, age and vegetation type was fitted. Later, two types of analyses were done: (i) within a vegetation type fitting sex and age and their interaction, and (ii) within sex fitting age and vegetation type and their interaction. Least-squares means were separated using Student's t-test. Sex, age and vegetation significantly (p<0.05) affected the magnitude of traits. Phenotypic body measurements of castrates were generally higher than in both females and entire males, which were similar. The body measurements of younger animals were less than those of older age groups since the former were still growing compared to the latter. Different vegetation types promoted different body measurements, which should be expected due to differences in nutrient supply from different vegetation types. The indigenous breeds of sheep and goats can be classified as medium-size breeds. The breeds should be conserved since they are well suited to the harsh environment of Botswana where drought and livestock diseases are ever present. Efforts should be undertaken to characterize them genetically and increase their productivity.