Ovais Aarif

Effect of in vitro zinc supplementation on HSPs expression and Interleukin 10 production in heat treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of transition Sahiwal and Karan Fries cows

The changing climatic scenario with apprehended rise in global temperature is likely to affect the livestock adversely vis-à-vis production and reproduction. This has prompted more focus in addressing the unfavorable effects of thermal stress in livestock system. Presuming that the trace element zinc is indispensible for cellular antioxidant system and immune function, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of zinc treatment on heat stress alleviation and immune modulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of indigenous and crossbred transition cows. Twelve cows, six each of Sahiwal and Karan Fries (KF) in their second parity with confirmed pregnancy were selected for the experiment. The blood samples were collected at -21, 0 and +21 days in relation to expected date of calving. The experiment was carried out in vitro after isolating PBMC from whole blood. The 48h cultured PBMC were subjected to assorted levels of exposures viz. 37°C, 42°C to impose heat stress and 42°C+zinc to alleviate heat stress and modulate immunity. The PBMC viability was 86%, 69% and 78%, respectively. The mRNA expression of heat shock proteins (HSP 40, 70 and 90α) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) production varied between the two breeds vis-à-vis days and levels of exposure. The mRNA expression of HSP40 and HSP70 was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Karan Fries than the Sahiwal cows. Both the breeds showed maximum expression of HSP on the day of parturition, more so in KF than Sahiwal. There was a significant (P<0.05) difference in the HSP mRNA expression at different levels of exposure. Zinc treatment to heat stressed PBMC caused a significant (P<0.05) down regulation of HSP. For immune status, anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 in the culture supernatant was accessed. The IL-10 was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Karan Fries (168.18±14.09pg/ml) than the Sahiwal cows (147.24±11.82pg/ml). The IL-10 concentration was highest on the day of calving. Zinc treatment reduced the IL-10 concentration. From the study, it could be concluded that the zinc supplementation in heat stressed PBMC can ameliorate thermal stress and modulate immune response which can act as a model for reducing heat stress during the periparturient period in tropical livestock.

Evaporative cooling in late-gestation Murrah buffaloes potentiates immunity around transition period and overcomes reproductive disorders

The objective of the study was to observe the effect of evaporative cooling during late gestation on immunity around the transition period and the probable outcome on reproductive disorders in Murrah buffaloes. Sixteen pregnant dry Murrah buffaloes at 60 days prepartum were selected and divided into two groups of eight animals each. Group 1 buffaloes remained without the provision of cooling, whereas the second group of buffaloes was managed under fans and mist cooling during the dry period. After parturition, all the animals were managed under evaporative cooling. Dry matter intake was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cooled relative to noncooled animals at -15, 0, and +20 days of parturition. Cortisol and prolactin levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in noncooled relative to cooled animals at -15 and 0 days of parturition. However, prolactin was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cooled animals at +20 days. Messenger RNA expression of prolactin receptor gene (PRL-R) was upregulated and suppressor of cytokine signaling gene 1 (SOCS-1) was downregulated in cooled animals at -20, 0, and +20 days of parturition. Tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 4 levels remained significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cooled animals at -20, 0, and +20 days of parturition. Interleukin 6 was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in cooled animals at -20 and 0 days. Interferon γ levels were significantly higher at -20 and +20 days of parturition in cooled relative to noncooled animals. The reproductive disorders such as retention of placenta, metritis, and endometritis occurred at the rate of 37.25%, 25%, and 12.25% in the noncooled group, whereas only retention of placenta was observed in the cooled (12.5%) group.

Nucleotide Sequence Polymorphism within Exon 8 of Heat Shock Protein (hsp) 90aa1 Gene and its Association with Milk Production Traits in Deoni Cows

A group of proteins known as Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are synthesized during heat stress. HSP genes have been reported to be associated with heat tolerance and production performance in cattle. PCR-SSCP technique and direct sequencing was used to identify novel SNPs in Exon 8 of HSP90AA1 gene in Deoni cows. In Exon 8, three unique SSCP patterns corresponding to TT, GG and TG genotype with frequencies of 0.250, 0.639 and 0.111, respectively were observed. The sequence analysis of Exon 8 revealed T ® G transversion at position 3650 of HSPAA1 gene (GenBank accession number NC-007319 as reference sequence). The observed polymorphism (T ® G) at position 3650 results in substitution of an amino acid from Phenylalanine to Leucine. The cows having TG genotype had significantly higher lactationMilk Yield (Kg) as compared to cows with TT and GG genotypes (P£0.01). There was no difference in Lactation Length (days) in cows with different genotypes.

Comparison of Haematology in Various Physiological States in Sahiwal Cattle

Twenty seven Sahiwal cows were used in the experimentation and were divided into 3 groups (n=9). Animals were divided into three groups as Pregnant dry cows, Non Pregnant Lactating cows and Non Pregnant Dry cows. The highest Hb concentration (10.42 ± 0.42 gm/dl) was recorded in group-1, while the lowest (9.26 ± 0.34 gm/dl) was observed in group-2. The highest and lowest RBCs count and PCV (5.83 ± 0.39 x 106/μl, 32.67 ± 1.36% and 4.57 ± 0.27 x 106/μl and 29.26 ± 1.11%) were recorded in group-3 and group-1 respectively. The highest MCV, MCH and MCHC (65.10 ± 2.27fl, 23.36 ± 1.51pg and 35.58 ± 1.04 gm/dl) were noted in group-1 and the lowest (57.87 ± 2.15 fl, 18.59 ± 1.43pg and 31.76 ± 1.22 gm/dl) were noted in group-3. The highest and lowest ESR (7.58± 1.15 mm/24 hours and 5.12 ± 0.67 mm/24 hours) was recorded in group-1 and group-2 respectively. The highest and lowest WBCs count (8.72 ± 1.32 x 103/μl and 7.61 ± 0.87 x 103/ μl) was observed in group-3 and group 2 respectively. Highest lymphocyte count (65.24 ± 3.00 %) was observed in group-2, while lowest count (64.29 ± 2.91%) was in group-

Genetic polymorphism of melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene in Corriedale sheep of Kashmir, India

The aim of the present work was to explore and characterize the different polymorphic variants of exon II region of MTNR1A gene in 31 Corriedale sheep of Kashmir. Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR for the amplification of the main part of exon II of the ovine MTNR1A gene. PCR products were subjected to restriction enzyme (RE) digestion by MnlI restriction enzyme and depending upon number of sites in the fragment genotypes were classed as MM, Mm and mm genotypes for MnlI RE. Representative samples of all identified alleles were sequenced from forward as well as reverse side. Allelic frequencies were 0.62 and0.38 for allele M and m respectively. The population was observed to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with regard to allele M and m. Results indicated the existence of polymorphism in the exon II of MTNR1A locus in the breed under study. The various mutational positions recorded in the MTNR1A locus were G169T, G328A, G422A, and C607T. The mutation G422A resulted in amino acid change from Valine to Isoleucine while all other mutations were silent.

Electro cardiographic patterns in New Zealand White Rabbits under induced cold stress

A study was conducted on twelve clinically normal and healthy New Zealand White rabbits of both sexes, weighing between 2-3 kg, and aged between 1-3 years to observe electrocardiogram and its changes during cold stress. The heart rate decreasednon significantly with fall in temperature.During cold stress no significant changes were observed in the amplitude and duration of waves from the normal but there was a characteristic appearance of ‘J’ wave at -12°C that was prominent at -15°C.