Changes in serum progesterone and blood biochemistry following induction of oestrus in buffaloes

The effect of norgestomet ear implant plus PMSG used for induction of estrus in non-cycling buffalos on serum progesterone and blood biochemistry was investigated. Eighteen Egyptian buffalos were divided into two groups. Group 1 [control] included 10 buffalo-cows with cyclic ovaries, they received no treatment. Group 2 [treated] included 8 buffalo-cows suffering from ovarian inactivity, received norgestomet ear implant for 9 days plus 1000 IU PMSG on day 9 of implantation. Blood samples were collected for assaying progesterone, total proteins, albumin, globulin, Ca, P, Mg, copper, zinc, glucose and cholesterol during estrus phase and day 7 postestrus in both groups. The analysis of data indicated that treatment with norgestomet + PMSG significantly [P <0.01] increased Ca, Mg and cholesterol during estrus and total proteins, albumin, Ca, Mg and cholesterol significantly [P <0.01] increased during diestrus, whereas, inorganic phosphorus and zinc were significantly [P <0.05] decreased, while copper and glucose significantly [P <0.01] decreased during estrus than that of control. In addition, during diestrus serum progesterone, copper and glucose were significantly [P <0.01] decreased by treatment. In conclusion, reduced fertility following norgestomet treatment may be associated with decreased inorganic phosphorus, zinc, glucose with higher Ca, Mg and cholesterol during estrus and low progesterone, copper and glucose with higher total protein, albumin, Ca, Mg and cholesterol during diestrus phase

Effect of eCG and GnRH on induction of ovarian activity and conception rate in post-partum ewes

Eighteen lactating Baladi ewes were divided into four groups. Group 1 [five ewes] received progesterone releasing intravaginal sponge containing 60 mg medroxy progesterone acetate [MAP]. Group 2 [five ewes] received a home made progesterone releasing intravaginal sponge containing 500 mg progesterone. Group 3 [four ewes] as in group 1 plus 750 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG] at sponge withdrawal. Group 4 [four ewes] was treated as in group 3 plus 100 mug GnRH analogue during estrus. In all groups, sponge remained in place for 12 days. Blood samples were collected before treatment, during estrus and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post estrus. Progesterone levels were determined using RIA. The analysis of data showed that 60, 0, 100 and 100% of ewes in the 4 groups responded to the treatment after 72.00 +/- 0.00, 54.00 +/- 12.00 and 40.50 +/- 9.00 hr for groups 1, 3 and 4, respectively. Duration of estrus averaged 21.60 +/- 5.37, 16.50 +/- 5.74 and 15.00 +/- 6.00 hours for groups 1, 3 and 4, respectively. One ewe had conceived in groups 1, 3 and 4. Progesterone levels were higher in the responding than in non responding animals, and in pregnant than in non-pregnant ewes. In conclusion, treatment with 500 mg natural progesterone failed to induce estrus in postpartum ewes, while, eCG increase the incidence of estrus and neither GnRH nor eCG could improve ewe fertility during postpartum period

Effect of some feed additives on growth rate of hubbard chickens

The present investigation dealt with the possibility of adding some food additives, as dried cabbage leaves, dried onion and dried garlic, to poultry ration to study their effect on growth rate and feed efficiency in Hubbard chickens. Results are tabulated in graphs for each of the three food additives