Viability of cattle sperm under different storage conditions in Cameroon

A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, under different storage conditions. The semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls using artificial vaginas. The semen was extended and stored in a 3-by-4 factorial design (storage system × ice change). The storage media were ice boxes, buckets, and refrigerator. The ice in these media was either replaced daily, on the first and third day, first day only, or no ice at all after the semen collection. Results showed an overwhelming evidence of the effect of storage medium and ice change on sperm viability (P < 0.0001). Individual motility before processing was highest in the refrigerator with averages of 44.5%, 39.5% in ice boxes, and 10% in buckets during the 8-day experiment. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in progressive motility after processing in the refrigerator (34%) and in ice boxes (33%) but significantly higher (P < 0.01) to the 10% obtained in buckets. It was shown that spermatozoa in the ice box retained 45% individual motility up to the sixth day after semen was collected on the condition that the ice was changed on the third day. Progressive motility after processing in the ice box was 40% up to the sixth day with the ice changed on the third day while the spermatozoa were well preserved up to the fourth day in the same medium if the ice put on the first day was not changed. This study shows that, if farmers plan to inseminate cows within the first day after semen collection, they can use buckets with ice for the transportation of the extended semen ampoules from the artificial insemination center. Otherwise, the semen needs to be kept in ice boxes and the ice changed on the third day after collection and this semen could be used within a week.     

Validation of a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit for use on serum of cattle in Cameroon

A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle at Bambui, Cameroon. Progesterone ELISA Kits (EH-511) were obtained from Clinpro International. Forty-one cows were selected, of which 19 were pregnant and 22 within 14 days post partum. Blood samples were analysed and progesterone levels were deduced from a curve obtained from standard absorbance values (A ₄₅₀). Results show that 95.5% of postpartum cows had progesterone levels below 1 ng/ml, with the highest level being 0.75 ng/ml. The mean level was 0.5 ± 0.26 ng/ml. The cows in the ‘pregnant group’ had progesterone levels ranging from 3.5 to 17.5 ng/ml. This kit can be used for measuring progesterone levels in cattle. Levels of 1 ng/ml for two consecutive samples or one sample at or above 3 ng/ml are an indication of the presence of corpus luteum, while cows below 1 ng/ml will be in anoestrus.     

Prevalence of Brucella abortus antibodies in serum of Holstein cattle in Cameroon

Holstein cattle of a small scale dairy production systems were screened for Brucella abortus antibodies in 21 villages in Cameroon by ELISA. Results show a general seroprevalence of 8.4% in Holstein cattle. Of the 192 cows tested, 14 were infected giving a within-sex seroprevalence of 7.3% while 6/74 bulls were infected with a seroprevalence of 8%. There was no evidence (P=0.11) of differences in seroprevalence between age groups although animals above one year and below three years accounted for nearly half of the infected animals. 64% of infected animals were found in three locations (P=0.015): Kutaba (32%), Bamendankwe (16%) and Finge (16%). A specific control programme should be organized at these locations. Measures should be taken to ensure the eradication of the disease within the population and sound control measures adopted to avoid a further spread of the disease to larger cattle populations. Infected animals should be slaughtered systematically. All farmers should be advised to boil milk before consumption. Vaccination against Brucella abortus should be instituted and use of artificial insemination propagated. In order to ensure a productive and healthy population of Holstein cows within the dairy production scheme, regular Brucella testing should be instituted.     

Effect of pre-partum feed supplementation on post-partum ovarian activity,milk production and calf growth of small holder dairy Cattle in Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Seventy-two cows were selected for an on-farm study on the effect of feed supplementation before calving on milk production, ovarian activity and calf growth...     

Effect of cow parity and synchronization method with PGF2α on conception rates of Bos indicus cows in Cameroon

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two synchronization methods with prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) on heifers and multiparous cows. Fourty-three Bos indicus cows (white and Red Fulani) were divided into four groups in a two-by-two factorial structure, parity x method of synchronization. The synchronization methods consisted of a two-dose regime which involved injection of animals on day 0 with PGF2α (Lutalyse) at 5 ml per cow intramuscularly. On day 11, the injection was repeated at the same dosage. On day 14 (72 h after the second injection), a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) was done. On day 15 (96 h after the second injection), a second insemination was done. The one-and-a-half-dose regime consisted of an injection similar to the first treatment mentioned above on day 0. Thereafter, cows were observed for heat, and anyone showing heat was inseminated. A second dose was given on day 11 to all animals not having shown any heat. A fixed-time AI was done on days 14 and 15. Blood samples were collected on the day 0 of insemination for each cow while day 11 and day 21 after insemination. Progesterone was analysed by means of standard ELISA progesterone kits to determine its profiles after insemination. Results show no evidence of the effect of treatments on conception rates (P?>?0.05). Similarly, heifers and multiparous cows had similar conception rates (P?>?0.05). Between 3 weeks and 3 months of pregnancy, there was a loss of embryos of 28 % in heifers and 20 % in multiparous cows, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (P?>?0.05). It recommended that farmers do not synchronize animals with poor body condition score (BCS). They should also monitor weight gains of heifers, remove them from the herd when they have been mixed with young growing bulls and put them in a breeding herd. The two-dose regime is better to be used in areas where the inseminator cannot easily be available.