In vitro Development of Buffalo Oocytes in Media-containing Fluids from Different Size Class Follicles

Studies were conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of fluid from different sized class [small (SFF, < 3 mm), medium (MFF, 3-8 mm) and large (LFF, > 8 mm)] of normal and cystic (CFF) ovarian follicles in oocyte culture media on oocyte maturation rate and embryo development in vitro and to test the efficacy of follicular fluid (FF) from different size classes as a whole oocyte maturation medium. Results suggested that FF were capable of developing buffalo oocytes to embryonic stage in vitro although its efficacy was lower than that of serum. Regardless of high maturation rates after in vitro maturation (IVM) in media containing FF or IVM in whole FF, low blastocyst rates were obtained after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and culture of embryos. Follicular fluid from small follicles had significantly (p < 0.05) higher potential of developing buffalo oocytes to embryonic stage in vitro than that from medium and large follicles. Cystic FF was not capable of supporting development of buffalo oocytes in vitro.     

Screening and optimization of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees for total andrographolide content,yield and its components

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (Acanthaceae), commonly known as Kalmegh is used both in Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicines for a number of ailments related to digestion, hepatoprotection, hypoglycemic, and as anti-bacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, vermicidal and antiacene. Ten accessions of A. paniculata from different sources were screened to assess the yield and its components besides andrographolides on three harvesting dates viz. 70, 100, 130 days after plantation corresponding to calendar months of September, October and November. The results revealed its successful growth in the subtropical region of Jammu, with last week of October ideal for obtaining maximum dry herbage (931.3 kg/ha) and total andrographolide yield (61.83 kg/ha), respectively. On the basis of leaf/stem ratio the relative estimates of total andrographolide is higher in October (46%) than September (15%) or November (39%). Accession Acc.1 and Acc.9 have been identified as the best sources for obtaining higher drug yield.     

The pathogenicity and pathogenesis of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (F38) in the caprine mammary gland

The right mammary gland of 12 lactating goats was inoculated intracisternally with 1 ml of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mcc) containing 10>⁶ colony-forming units (CFU), while their left mammary halves received 1 ml of sterile PPLO broth only. Two goats served as uninfected controls. The clinical mastitis that developed in the infected mammary halves within 24 h was initially acute but became increasingly chronic by the end of the experiment at 24 days post inoculation (DPI). The disease was characterized by atrophy of the infected mammary halves, leading to marked agalactia and an increase in somatic cell counts, with a preponderance of neutrophils initially and lymphocytes later. The Mycoplasma was re-isolated from infected mammary secretions up to 16 DPI but not from blood. Histopathology revealed that the mastitis was acute and purulent initially, followed by infiltration of lymphonuclear cells and fibroplasia in the lymphomononuclear cells and fibroplasia in the interacinar tissue, and later by massive fibrosis. Immunohistology demonstrated the presence of Mycoplasma-like bodies localized mainly on the surface of acinar/duct epithelial cells. The studies showed that Mcc was highly pathogenic in the caprine mammary gland.     

Preliminary observations on the pharmacokinetics of CDRI compound 81/470 in calves

Veterinary Research Communications -     

Quantitative structure-activity relationships study of fungicidal O,O-diaryl S-ethyl phosphorothioates

The relationship between the structures of a series of O, O-diaryl S-ethyl phosphorothioates and their activity against five fungi has been analysed using physico-chemical parameters of the molecules such as hydrophobic R_M and electronic σ by means of multiple regression analysis. Both the hydrophobic and the electronic effects were found to have a significant contribution in determining the fungicidal activity of this series of compounds against all the test fungi.     

Preincubation storage of turkey eggs: Impact on rate of early embryonic development

1. The effect of cooling and storage on preincubation development of turkey embryos was examined.

2. Fresh laid eggs were stored at 15°C for 3, 7, or 14 d (group 1) or held initially at room temperature (21°C) for 6 to 9 h and subsequently stored at 15°C for 3, 7, or 14 d (group 2).

3. Most embryos in eggs from both groups progressed developmentally to Stage‐8, just prior to onset of hypoblast formation. There were no significant differences in embryo development either within or between groups.

4. It is concluded that under the conditions of this study, egg cooling and storage augment development of the embryo, albeit only slightly.     

Ameliorative effects of boron on serum profile in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fed high fluoride ration

An experiment was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of boron on the serum profile of buffalo calves fed a high fluoride ration. Twelve male Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves of 6–8 months age, divided into three groups of four calves in each, were fed basal diets and supplemented with sodium fluoride (NaF, 60 ppm) alone or in combination with borax (Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O, 140 ppm) for 90 days. Boron (B) was added in the ration as borax to make @140 ppm boron (elemental B) on DM basis in treatment II. Dietary F caused a significant (p < 0.05) depressing effect on serum Ca and Zn on day 90 which was improved with B supplementation. However, serum Fe and Cu did not show any significant change on F or F+B supplementation. The serum ALP and phosphorus level were increased significantly (p < 0.05) on F feeding but declined significantly (p < 0.05) when B was fed. The findings suggested beneficial effect of boron on serum minerals and ALP in buffalo calves fed high fluoride ration.     

Passive transfer of Theileria equi antibodies to neonate foals of immune tolerant mares

Equine babesiosis, a tick transmitted haemoprotozoan disease caused by Theileria equi is globally distributed and responsible for heavy economic losses to the equine husbandry. Equids reared in endemic areas usually pick up infection at an early age and become immune tolerant throughout their life span. We studied the level of passively transferred antibodies in neonate foals born from pre-immuned mares. Latently T. equi infected pre-immuned pony and donkey mares (three each) were selected and T. equi antibody titres in neonates was monitored till 90 days post foaling (DPF) by applying Dot-ELISA on sequentially collected serum samples from foals and their dams. A very high antibody titre was observed in pre-immuned pony and donkey mares. The maximum antibody of 1:60 to 1:80 was observed in pony's and donkey's foal on 2–16 and 2–10 DPF, respectively and thereafter it declined to less than 1:20 on 63–77 and 56–63 DPF. Simultaneously parasite carrying status in neonate foals and their dam was also monitored by applying PCR on blood samples. We could demonstrate PCR amplification in dam's blood samples while no amplification was recorded in neonate's blood samples. This study indicated that new-born foals were born naïve and passively transferred immunity was transitory which wanes after 63–77 DPF.