Nasrin Sultana Juyena

Seminal plasma: an essential attribute to spermatozoa.

The biochemical composition of seminal plasma (SP) is very complex and variable among species. Advances in reproductive technologies reveal SP as a nutritive-protective medium for sperm cells suspended in it, and some SP components are very important for sperm metabolism, as well as sperm function, survival, and transport in the female reproductive tract. Biochemistry of SP is a relatively modern but rapidly expanding field of research, particularly concerning the biological significance of the various biochemical constituents of SP. However, identification of active factors in SP and mechanisms by which they act are not sufficiently understood in different species. Especially in camelids, the origin, composition, and function of the viscous component of SP remain a mystery, and only some biochemical and morphological characteristics of SP have been described. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of physiological and biochemical properties of SP in ruminants and camelids.

Testicular cytology of alpaca: Comparison between impressed and smeared slides

Testicular fine needle aspiration (TFNA) has proven to be a simple and minimally invasive procedure, which allows assessments of cytological parameters of seminiferous epithelium/tubules more accurately in a short time. Though this technique does not cause negative effects on sperm quality or any damage to testicular tissue, its use is very limited in male animal infertility diagnostics. Report on the use of this technique in South American Camelids (SAC) is very limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TFNA for identification of different testicular cells and cell indices, and their correlation with that of impression cytology. A total of 98 slides were prepared from testes of six adult alpaca males, collected immediately after slaughter. Aspiration samples were performed by inserting a fine butterfly needle (21 G) connected to a 50 ml syringe into a testicle and multiple plane aspirations were carried out to obtain the materials destined to the smear. Three different imprints on slides were taken from each testicle. All slides were air-dried, stained with modified May--Grünwald--Giemsa (MGG) stain and then examined under light microscope with 1000× magnifications. Spermatogenic cells such as, spermatogonia (Sg), primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, early spermatids (ab), late spermatids (cd) and spermatozoa, and Sertoli cells were counted. The spermatozoa percentage was expressed as spermatic index (SI) and the number of Sertoli cells, counted apart, was expressed as sertoli cell index (SEI). There was not any significant difference between the spermatogenic cell parameters obtained from the two types of slides, but SEI were significantly different in two types of smears. The results of the study provide support for the use of TFNA as a useful minimally invasive modality to identify different spermatogenetic cell classes in alpaca. Moreover, the possibility to standardize this method might provide a greater impulse to the clinical diagnostics of SAC male infertility.

Alpaca semen quality in relation to different diets

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biochemical composition of seminal plasma, along with semen quality, of alpacas maintained on different diets (hay; hay+pasture grazing; pasture grazing+sheep concentrate; pasture grazing+horse concentrate; Periods 1-4, respectively). Alpacas (n=5) were fed the four different diets for a period of 6 weeks each. During the period of feeding of each diet, semen was collected using an artificial vagina to determine its volume, viscosity, sperm concentration and sperm motility. Moreover, testicular volume and body condition score were evaluated. Seminal plasma was analysed biochemically to measure total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol, γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase levels. Protein profiles were investigated using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. There was high variability in semen parameters between different males maintained on the same diet. Semen volume increased significantly (P<0.05) when alpacas were fed diets containing commercial sheep and horse concentrates. In contrast, sperm concentration and motility decreased significantly (P<0.05) from Period 1 to Period 4. Dietary changes had no effect on viscosity. Significant reductions were seen in triglyceride and cholesterol content, as well as γ-glutamyl transferase, ALT and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, from Period 1 to Period 4. Regardless of experimental period, a wide variation was seen in seminal plasma enzyme concentrations between alpacas, whereas diet had no effect on glucose and total protein concentrations in the seminal plasma. Eight protein bands, with molecular weights ranging from 200 to 14kDa, were considered in electrophoresis gel after image analysis. Proteins fractions of the 14-kDa (total protein express in mddL(-1) with a molecular weight of 14-kDa, TP8) and 21-kDa (total protein express in mddL(-1) with a molecular weight of 21-kDa, TP7) bands were not present in all samples of alpaca seminal plasma. There were no significant changes in the concentration of any protein fractions during the four periods. Moreover, the protein fraction of the 60-kDa (total protein express in mddL(-1) with a molecular weight of 60-kDa, TP3) band was the most prevalent in all periods. These results demonstrate that there are marked changes in semen quality, as well as some parameters related to the composition of alpaca seminal plasma, that are dependent on diet, which may indicate the need for specific diet formulation to improve reproductive performance. We hypothesise that, in alpacas, the mechanisms underlying the changes in some reproductive traits in response to feeding regimens could be related to changes in the endocrine-gonadal system.

Ultrasound guided testicular fine needle aspiration in buck (Capra hircus)—An animal model

Objective: To establish ultrasound guided testicular fine needle aspiration (TFNA) as well as to assess the effectiveness of uni-directional (UD) and multi-directional (MD) TFNA in buck according to testicular cells, echotexture and gross changes of testicle, age of buck was considered. Methods: A total of 120 samples were collected with both directions (UD, n=60) and (MD, n=60) suction from testis of 10 apparently healthy bucks. All slides were stained with May-Grünwald-Giemsa and examined under light microscope with 1 000 × magnifications to count spermatogenic cells, spermatozoa and sertoli cells. The percentage of spermatozoa and sertoli cells were expressed as spermatic index and sertoli cell index. Results: Results revealed no difference in the presence of various spermatogenic and sertoli cells in cell cluster of slides made either unidirectional TFNA or multidirectional TFNA. Early spermatids were the most numerous, followed by late spermatids, primary spermatocytes, spermatogonia. Sertoli cell index was higher in TFNA smears of young bucks prepared 7-13 mo of age and spermatic index was higher in adult bucks 14-24 mo of age. No echogenic change was observed in the echotexture of testisafter TFNA. Conclusions: It seems that TFNA has no serious ill effect on the buck testis when uni-direction aspiration is performed. Moreover, the possibility to standardize this method might provide a greater impulse to the clinical diagnostics of male animal infertility.

Effect of Genotype on Reproductive and Productive Performances of Dairy Cows under Rural Context in Bangladesh

Influence of genotypes (breed) on reproductive and productive attributes has been assessed in the local (L), Local x Friesian (LF) and Local x Friesian A— Friesian (LFF) dairy cows (n=76) raised in randomly selected smallholder dairy farms in Barisal, Bangladesh. With regard to reproductive attributes, significant (p

Use of Wire Suture for the Management of Fractures in Calves

Various reduction and fixation techniques have been introduced for the treatment of different types of fractures. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate two methods of fracture treatments in calves having complete fractures due to automobile accident. In addition, a retrospective study was done to observe the occurrence of fractures in calves. Calves presented with the history of automobile accident and clinical signs suggestive of fractures were subjected to detailed physical, orthopaedic and radiographic examination to confirm fractures. For treatment 20 fractures case were included, where 8 cases were treated with closed reduction with external fixation using bamboo splints and plaster of paris. Whereas, open reduction with internal fixation using stainless steel orthopaedic wires and modified thomas splints were used to treat 12 fractures in long bones of calves aged 8 days to 5 months.All calves treated with open reduction and internal fixation showed good weight bearing in the immediate post-operative period. The fixators applied to different bones were well-tolerated, and the animals could lie down, stand and walk freely with the fixator without any problems after 60 days. Post operative radiography confirmed that bone fragments were well maintained until healing occurred and radiograph showed negligible callus and a radioluscent line (less remarkeble radiolucent area) at 60 days. There was no periosteal reaction around the wire suture at the fracture site. So, wire suture provided good alignment and stabilization of fracture fragments, rapid union of fracture resulting in early functional usage of limb. In contrast, two calves cured among 8 calves treated with closed reduction and external fixation, this study resulted that prognosis was not favorable in calves The results of this study exemplify the successful use of wire sutures in the treatment of complete fractures of the long bones in calves.

Evaluation of semen for breeding soundness of four different breeds of bull used for artificial insemination

The investigation was aimed to evaluate the bulls for breeding soundness by assessing their fresh semen. The study was performed in District AI center, Mymensingh and AI center,BAU, Mymensingh. Four different bulls of cross breed (Holstein-Friesian × Zebu, Sahiwal × Zebu, Sindhi × Zebu and Red Chittagong Bull) were examined physically with a special emphasis to the palpation of the scrotum and testicles and rectal palpation of the pelvic genitalia were carried out once every two weeks. The sexual behavior particularly the libido was observed at service. A total of 107 ejaculates were collected and evaluated with respect to ejaculate volume, mass activity, sperm motility, concentration of sperm, pH, percentages of live and dead spermatozoa from 1 May to 31 October, 2013. The bulls used in this study were regarded as clinically normal. During the study, mean value of semen ejaculate volume, sperm motility, mass activity, sperm concentration, percentage of live and dead sperm and pH were 5.81± 0.16ml, 66.64± 0.50%, 3.59± 0.05, 1115.97± 16.08 million/mm 3 , 77.62 ± 0.63 %, 15% to 45%,6.48± 0.01 respectively. The mean fertility rate (65.37± 0.31%) of the bulls was also recorded. The mean values of semen ejaculate volume, sperm motility, mass activity, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm and dead sperm, pH and fertility varied significantly (p<0.01) among breeds. Significantly (P<0.01) the highest volume per ejaculation, sperm concentration, mass activity were found in Holstein cross and lowest in Red Chittagong breeds of bulls. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest live spermatozoa percentage, pH, fertility rate were found in Holstein - Friesian × Zebu and lowest in Red Chittagong breeds of bulls. It was concluded that the Holstein - Friesian × Zebu crossbred bull produced better quality semen in comparison to other breed. So, it can be suggested that, Holstein - Friesian × Zebu crossbred bull could be suitable as breeding bull to be used for AI.