Maqbool Ahmad

Effects of cypermethrin on some clinico-hemato-biochemical and pathological parameters in male dwarf goats (Capra hircus).

This study was carried out on 30 dwarf bucks to determine the effects of cypermethrin (CY) on clinical, hemato-biochemical and histopathological parameters. Animals were divided randomly into five equal groups, and each group was dipped in 0%, 0.1%, 0.4%, 0.8% or 1.6% CY, on days 0 and 15. Animals were monitored for clinical signs. Blood and serum samples were collected on day 0 and then fortnightly till day 75. Severe clinical signs comprising itching, restlessness, salivation, skin scratching and head shaking appeared at high doses (0.8% and 1.6% CY). Erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, total protein, globulin and fibrinogen decreased significantly while total leukocyte counts, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase concentration increased significantly in all the treated groups. In the liver, necrosis of hepatocytes along with cytoplasmic vacuolation and fibroblasts proliferation were observed at a high dose of CY (1.6%). Microscopically kidneys showed congestion of parenchyma and condensation of epithelial cells of tubules along with deposition of casts in tubules. Shrinkage of glomerular capillaries and increased urinary spaces were pronounced in the high-dose group. Lungs exhibited accumulation of fibrinous exudation, thickening of alveolar walls, collapse and broken alveoli in animals treated with a high dose of CY. It was concluded that CY caused dose-dependent effects on all parameters studied. High doses of CY (0.8% and 1.6% solution) affected the parameters on erythrocytes and leukocytes for whole evaluation period, while effects on plasma proteins were transient and on ALT, AST and fibrinogen were transient but lasted a few weeks longer.

Deleterious effects of cypermethrin on semen characteristics and testes of dwarf goats (Capra hircus).

This study was carried out on 30 male dwarf goats to determine the effects of cypermethrin (CY) on semen characteristics and at tissue level in testes. Animals were divided randomly into five equal groups and each group was dipped with 0%, 0.1%, 0.4%, 0.8% or 1.6% CY, on days 0 and 15. The semen was collected at day 0, then fortnightly till 75 days and evaluated for physical characteristics, sperm morphology and concentration. None of the parameters studied showed any statistical difference on days 0 and 15 of sample collection. From day 30, effect of CY on semen characteristics started to appear and was more pronounced from days 45 to 75. Significantly (P<0.01) decreased ejaculatory volume, motility percentage, mass activity, and concentration of spermatozoa were observed in treated groups as compared to control. With the treatment of CY, pH of semen became more alkaline. Semen color changed from creamy (control) to milky white to straw color in treated bucks. Percentage of abnormal spermatozoa (tailless, bent tails, coiled tailed) was much higher in treated animals than in control. Dead spermatozoa increased significantly (P<0.01) in the treatment groups from days 30 to 75 as compared to the control group. All these changes were dose dependent, being less with low CY dose and more even extensive with high CY dose. Slight to moderate improvement in the above parameters was observed at day 75 nearly in all treated groups. Grossly decreased weight of testis and cyanotic epididymides were observed in bucks treated with 1.6% CY. Histopathologically, degenerative changes and loss of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, Sertoli cells, spermatids, and spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules were also dose dependent. It was concluded that CY caused dose-dependent effects on all parameters studied. High doses of CY (0.8% and 1.6% solution) affected the parameters on semen characteristics, though this effect seems to be transient as improvement in these parameters was observed at day 75; however, CY in goats should be used with great care to avoid over-dosage.

Forecasting neonatal lamb mortality on the basis of haematological and enzymological profiles of Thalli ewes at the pre-lambing stage

The study on 86 Thalli ewes revealed that erythrocytic indices did not differ significantly and showed no relationship with parity of the dam and sex of the neonatal lamb at the pre- and post-lambing stages. However, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total leukocytic counts (TLCs) and neutrophils were significantly higher at post-lambing, while lymphocytes were higher (P<0.05) at the pre-lambing stage. Leukocytic indices did not show any trend with the parity of the dam. In dams with live lambs, the neutrophil count was lower (P<0.05), while lymphocytes were significantly higher at the pre-lambing stage, compared to the dams whose lambs died. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) showed non-significant differences at the pre- and post-lambing stages, but alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was higher (P<0.05) at the pre-lambing stage. All the enzymes studied did not show any trend with the parity of the ewe and sex of the neonatal lamb except AP, which was significantly higher at the post-lambing stage in ewes which gave birth to male suckler lambs. The enzymes studied were significantly higher at the pre-lambing stage in dams whose lambs died as compared to the dams with live lambs. It was concluded that in Thalli ewes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, AST, AP and ALT at pre-lambing stage may be used as an indicator of possible neonatal lamb mortality.

Review on arsenic-induced toxicity in male reproductive system and its amelioration.

Arsenic is an environmental toxicant which causes mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic defects. It is used as herbicide, fungicide and rodenticide and results in contamination of air, soil and water. Arsenic is also produced through burning of coal industries. The sludge of factories contaminates the fodder and drinking source of water of human and livestock. Arsenic binds thiol groups in tissue proteins and impairs the function of the proteins. This metal affects the mitochondrial enzymes and interrupts the production of energy. Oxidative stress and the generation of reactive oxygen species could also be a consequence of arsenic exposure. High arsenic level may suppress the sensitivity of gonadotroph cells to GnRH as well as gonadotropin secretion by elevating plasma levels of glucocorticoids. These ultimately lead to the development of gonad toxicity in animals and cause the reduction in sperm number, sperm viability and motility. Massive degeneration of germ cells and alterations in the level of LH, FSH and testosterone are also reported. The objective of this review was to find out the effects of arsenic‐induced toxicity on male reproductive system in animals and its amelioration.

Toxic effects of arsenic on semen and hormonal profile and their amelioration with vitamin E in Teddy goat bucks

The present environmental study has been planned to investigate the toxic effects of arsenic on reproductive functions of Teddy bucks as well as to examine whether these toxic effects are ameliorated by vitamin E. Sixteen adult Teddy bucks were divided randomly into four equal groups A, B, C and D with following treatment: A (control), B (sodium arsenite 5 mg kg−1 BW day−1), C (vit E 200 mg kg−1 BW day−1 + Arsenic 5 mg kg−1 BW day−1) and D (vit E 200 mg kg−1 BW day−1). This treatment was continued for 84 days. Semen quality parameters were evaluated weekly. Male testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and cortisol levels were measured through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after every 2 weeks. The data were subjected to two‐way analysis of variance followed by Duncan test for multiple comparisons. Semen evaluation parameters were reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in arsenic‐treated animals. The serum hormonal profile of testosterone, LH and FSH was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in arsenic group, while the serum level of cortisol was increased. Vitamin E alleviated the toxic effects of arsenic on semen and hormonal parameters. It may be concluded from this study that sodium arsenite causes major toxicity changes in semen and hormonal profile in Teddy goat bucks and vitamin E has ameliorative effects on these toxic changes.

Effects of removal of seminal plasma on the survival rate of buffalo bull spermatozoa

To study the effect of removal of seminal plasma on survivability of spermatozoa at 37°C, three extenders, i.e. lactose-fructose-egg yolk-glycerol (A), sodium citrate-egg yolk (B) and milk-egg yolk-glycerol (C) were used. Analysis of variance for survivability revealed that there was a significant (P < 0.001) difference between treated (seminal plasma removed) and untreated (with seminal plasma) semen samples. Multiple mean comparisons of survivability and absolute index of survivability of extender C were significantly (P < 0.05) different from those of extenders A and B. The maximum survivability and absolute index of survivability were obtained with milk-egg yolk-glycerol extender.

Effect of sub-lethal doses of thiamethoxam (a neonicotinoid) on hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicks

Abstract This project was designed to observe the hemato-biochemical effects of sub-lethal doses of thiamethoxam (TMX) in broiler chicks. A-day old chicks (n = 90) were procured from the local market and maintained under standard housing conditions and divided into five equal groups (18 birds/group). The experimental trial continued for 45 days. Sub-lethal doses of TMX including 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg B.W. to groups A, B, C and D were administered through crop tube, respectively. Group E served as a control. Blood and serum samples were collected from each group on 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, 38th and 45th day of the experiment. The data were analyzed through ANOVA by MSTAT-C. All hematological parameters were determined. Serum samples were analyzed for ALT, AST, total proteins and urea. It was concluded from this study that even sub-lethal doses of TMX have toxic effects on hematology and biochemical parameters.

Protective effects of vitamin E on sodium arsenite-induced toxicity, testicular measurements and histopathological studies of testes in Teddy goat bucks.

The objective of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of arsenic on testicular measurements and histology of adult Teddy goats bucks and to examine whether these toxic effects are scavenged by vitamin E. Twelve adult Teddy goat bucks were divided randomly into three groups, A, B and C. Group A was kept as control, the B was given sodium arsenite 5 mg/kg BW per day, and group C was fed with vitamin E 200 mg/kg BW per day + arsenic 5 mg/kg BW per day. This treatment was continued for 84 days. Analysis of data revealed that the testicular measurements (scrotal circumference, width, length and weight) were significantly reduced in arsenic‐treated animals, whereas there were ameliorating effects of vitamin E on these parameters. The major histopathological changes were present in the form of loss of germinal epithelium, atrophy of Leydig cells and vacuolations. Vitamin E in combination with sodium arsenite increased the active spermatogenesis as well as restoration of germinal epithelium. It can be concluded from the present findings that sodium arsenite causes toxicity in the male reproductive system of Teddy goat bucks with major changes in parenchyma of testes. Supplementation of vitamin E has protective effects on the toxicity of sodium arsenite on the reproductive system of male Teddy goat bucks.

Review on the screening of semen by hypo-osmotic swelling test.

The hypo‐osmotic swelling test (HOST) is widely used as a valuable test for determining sperm quality by evaluating the membrane integrity of spermatozoa of various domestic animals including cattle, horses and swine. The HOST has also been used as an indicator of the fertilising capacity of spermatozoa. This test is based on the swelling ability when functional spermatozoa submitted to hypo‐osmotic solutions. This test is commonly used as an important parameter for the evaluation of semen due to its strong correlation with semen evaluation parameters. The objective of this review was to analyse its significance in semen evaluation, swelling of spermatozoa under various osmolarities and variations in swelling percentage under different seasons.