effect of oral administration of pregnant cow's milk on male rat's spermatogenesis

Background: Nowadays, infertility is one of the major problems of human societies

Objectives: To study oral administration of bulk milk and milk of late pregnant cows on spermatogenesis of male rats

Methods: The first group of rats from day 1 of pregnancy until the end of lactation and then their male pups to maturity were treated with late pregnant cow's milk. The second group from day 12 of pregnancy up to 15 days after delivery was treated with late pregnant cow's milk. The third group of rats from day 1 of pregnancy until the end of lactation and then their male pups to maturity were treated with bulk milk. The fourth group from day 12 of pregnancy up to 15 days after delivery was treated with bulk milk. Rats in the control group during the study period were only fed with special food of rats and at the end viability, types of movement [progressive and in-place movement, immobility], number of sperms and also the serum testosterone level were elevated

Results: Administration of both types of milk had no effect on in-place movement and also viability of sperms of experimental groups but they could cause a significant increase in sperm immobility and a significant decrease in number of sperms of experimental groups. Also,the level of serum testosterone of experimental groups was significantly re-duced in comparison with control group [p<0.05]

Conclusions: Overall, it was determined consumption of late pregnant cow's milk and bulk milk when it contains high estrogen can cause changes in some sperm species that are involved in male reproduction

Techniques for augmentation of exogenous DNA uptake by ovine spermatozoa

Sperm mediated gene transfer can be an inexpensive and simple method in animal transgenesis; however its efficiency is poor, mainly due to the spermatozoa's lesser uptake of exogenous DNA. In the present study, the effects of lipofection and other augmentation techniques, such as sperm freezing and spermatozoa treatment with triton X100 and DMSO, on exogenous DNA uptake by sheep spermatozoa and motility of sperms with plasmid uptake were evaluated. In the first experiment, ram sperms were incubated with a complex of rhodamine labeled plasmid [p-EGFP] and Lipofectamine 2000TM. In the second, spermatozoa were treated with Triton X-100TM or DMSO or were frozen without cryoprotectant. The results indicated that there was no significant difference [P<0.05] in the transfection rates and in the uptake intensity of lipofected sperms with 300 and 600 ng of plasmid in comparison with control group, i.e. transfected without lipofectamine. Furthermore, lipofection could not improve sperm motility during true plasmid uptake. Almost all of triton X100 treated and frozen-thawed spermatozoa had absorbed foreign DNA, though all were immotile. In spermatozoa treated with 0.1% DMSO, plasmid absorption rate [69.40%] was significantly higher [P<0.05] than untreated spermatozoa [57.80%], but sperm motility was not significantly different from control group. In conclusion, lipofectamine® 2000 could neither improve transfection rate, nor support motility in transfected sperms. The methods inducing membrane disruption like, freeze-thaw and triton X100 treatment, can be used in ICSI-sperm mediated gene transfer without the need for sperm selection, provided that they cause no damage to sperm nucleus

[Transfection of bovine spermatogonial stem cells in vitro]

Spermatogonial stem cells [SSCs] are the only stem cells in adults that can transfer genetic information to the future generations. Considering the fact that a single SSC gives rise to a vast number of spermatozoa, genetic manipulation of these cells is a potential novel technology with feasible application to various animal species. The aim of this study was to evaluate enhanced green fluorescent protein [EGFP] gene transfection into bovine SSCs via liposome carrier and assess the best incubation day in uptake exogenous gene by SSCs. Transfection efficiency of EGFP gene with lipofectamine 2000 was determined in days following each three day of transfection [day 4, 6 and 8 of the culture] by fluorescent microscope. Results showed that the transfected cells through lipofection increased significantly [P<0.05] in each three days of transfection in comparison with those of the control groups. The transfected SSCs were higher in comparison with those of the free exogenous gene carrier groups [P<0.05]. In comparison with these three days, the rate of infected cells was higher when transfection proceeds at day four. It was concluded that lipofectamine can be used safely for direct loading exogenous DNA to SSCs particularly during the fourth day of culture

Diagnosis and treatment of a functional follicular cyst in a Persian queen cat: a case report

In the present report, diagnosis and treatment of a case with follicular ovarian cysts in a 5-year-old Persian queen cat is described. In response to palpation of spines, the queen cat presented herself in lordosis and danced up and down with her rear legs. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography examination showed 2 cysts in the left ovary of the queen. Serum estrogen assay indicated elevated level of 17 ß-estradiol concentration [105 pg/ ml]. However, progesterone concentration was normal [0.3 ng/ ml]. Accordingly, the queen was diagnosed with functional follicular cysts. The queen was treated with an administration of hCG intra-muscularly. Thirty [30] days after the administration of hCG, an injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG] [50 IU] was given intra-muscularly. Natural mating was done with a fertile Persian tom cat. In conclusion, it seems that treatment of functional follicular cysts can be applied to preserve fertility in cats.

[Transfection of ram spermatozoa with pEGFP carrying human lysozyme gene]

As we all know, sperm has the capacity to take up foreign DNA, therefore, sperm mediated gen transfer can be an inexpensive and simple method in animal transgenesis in various species. However, there is not sufficient evidence of DNA uptake by ovine spermatozoa. The purpose of the present study was to examine the uptake of human lysozyme gene contained plasmid [pEGFP-IRES-hLys] by ovin spermatozoa. In the first experiment, semen was prepared from three ram [each ram two times] by electrical method. After removal of seminal plasma, 1x106 spermatozoa were incubated with rhodamin-labled pEGFP-IRES-hLys in TCM199 for 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes and then observed for motility, uptake percent and uptake intensity by florescent microscopy. Also after 60 minutes incubation sperms were treated by DNaseI to assay adsorption or uptake of pEGFP-IRES-hLys. In the second experiment, washed and unwashed sperms were incubated with rhodamin-labled pEGFP-IRES-hLys in TCM199 for 30 and 60 minutes to evaluate the effect of presence seminal plasma on sperm uptake and motility. The findings showed that increasing incubation time increased number/percentage of spermatozoa carrying exogenous DNA and its intensity. But this different was significant only up to 30 minutes. We found that 60.16% of the cells were bound to DNA after 120 minutes incubation. Incubation with exogenous DNA induced a slightly decrease in sperm total and progressive motility. But no post acrosom uptaked sperm was motile. After treatment with DNaseI, strong florescent emission from post acrosom indicated absorption of pEGFP-IRES-hLys by spermatozoa. Presence of seminal plasma induced a slightly decrease in percent of DNA absorbed spermatozoa and absorption intensity, but did not inhibit completely. Ram spermatozoa showed a high capacity to bind DNA quickly and reach a maximum after 30 min. However, no sperm with real uptake [post acrosomal] was motile. Incubation with lower DNA concentration and/or shorter time may be helpful

[ morphometrical study of testis and histometrical study of seminiferous tubules in Coenzyme Q10 fed ostriches]

Nowadays, Coenzyme Q10 is used in male infertility treatment as an oral or injectable supplement. The main role of coenzyme Q10 is presence in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration process to produce energy in the mitochondrial membrane. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Coenzyme Q10 on morphological characteristics of the testis and histological features of seminiferous tubules in ostrich. 18 male ostriches, 6 months old, from South African breed [struthio camelus australis] were selected and divided into three groups of 6. Group one [control] was fed only by maintenance ration. The second group received 10 mg/kg and the third one, 20mg/kg of Coenzyme Q10 in their food. Coenzyme was given orally and once daily. After two months, the birds were slaughtered and gonadosomatic index [GSI], weight, height and diagonal of testis, diameter of the seminiferous tubules as well as lumen diameter, the height of their epithelium and also the number of spermatogonial cells, primary spermatocyte, Sertoli and Leydig cells were compared in the control and experimental groups. At the beginning and on 30[th] and 60[th] days of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the birds for endocrinology investigations and the plasma was separated for measuring the plasma concentration of testosterone and cholesterol. After feeding ostriches with Coenzyme Q10, weight, height, diagonal and testicular gonadosomatic index increased significantly in the experimental groups compared to control group [p

Effects of mesenchymal stem cells with injectable scaffold on cardiac function in myocardial infarction in Rabbit

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells can transdifferentiate into Cardiomyocyte cells and improve heart function after transplantation. Since biomaterials can improve the cell retention in the site, cell survival and differentiation, heart tissue engineering is now being explored as an applied solution to support cell-based therapies and increase their efficacy for myocardial diseases. Chitosan in combination with Glycerol Phosphate [GP] can produce a thermo sensitive material that in body temperature can form a jellylike material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a combination of autologous undifferentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] and injectable scaffold on cardiac function improvement in rabbits after inducing myocardial infarction. The Left Anterior Descending [LAD] coronary artery was ligated by No. 6-0 poly amide suture material, and autologous MSCs with injectable scaffold were injected into the margins of the infarcted zone at the time of surgery. At 4 weeks after transplantation, the cardiac function and structure was detected using echocardiography. There was no significant difference among the three groups [MI only, MI Scaffold, and MI+Scaffold+MSCs] in the Echocardio-graphic parameters including, heart rate [HR], Ejection Fraction [EF], Fractional Shortening [FS], Left Ventricular Diameter [LVD] and Left Ventricular Parietal Wall Diameter [LVPW]. A combination of autologous undifferentiated bone marrow MSCs and injectable scaffold made of Chitosan+ Glycerol Phosphate in echocardiographic evaluation did not have a positive influence on achieving functional improvement

Isolation of bovine spermatogonial cells and co-culture with prepubertal sertoli cells in the presence of colony stimulating factor-1

Spermatogonial stem cells [SSCs] are infrequent self-renewing cells among the type A spermatogonia within the seminiferous tubules and are the basis of spermatogenesis in mammalian testis. An adequate number of SSCs is a primary requirement for the study of their behavior, regulation, and further biomanipulation. In this paper, we studied the development of the primary co-cultures of type A spermatogonia and prepubertal bovine sertoli cells in the presence of Colony Stimulating Factor 1 [CSF1], a potential contributor in the SSC niche. The effect of different concentrations of CSF1 [0, 10, 50 and 100 ng/mL] on the colonization activity of spermatogonial cells was assessed 4, 7 and 11 days after the beginning of the culture by counting the total number of colonies and measuring their area in each group of the present experiment. Immunofluorescent staining against OCT4 and vimentin led to the confirmation of the nature of both the SSCs and sertoli cells. Results showed that the total number of colonies from day 4 to 11 increased significantly in all groups, independent of CSF1 concentration. In addition, the total number and total area of colonies were higher [not significant] in 10 and 50 ng/mL CSF1 treatments than the control and 100 ng/mL CSF1 groups in all the three evaluations during the experiment. However, this difference was only significant [p<0.05] between the total area of colonies in the control and 10 ng/mLCSF1 groups at day 4 of co-culture. It was concluded that CSF1 can be a suitable growth factor for improving SSCs colonization in vitro, particularly during the first days of culture where accompanying sertoli cells still have not proliferated sufficiently to support the propagating spermatogonial cells

Effect of testosterone on spermatogonial cell colony formation during In vitro co-culture

The complex process of spermatogenesis is regulated by various factors. Studies on spermatogonial stem cells have provided a very important tool to improve herd genetic and different field. 0.2 to 0.3 percent of total cells of seminiferous tubules consist of spermatogonial stem cells. To investigate and biomanipulate these cells, first the proliferation and viability rate of cells should be increased in vitro. In the present study, the in vitro effects of testosterone on spermatogonial cell colony formation were investigated. Sertoli and spermatogonial cells were isolated from 3-5-month-old calves. The identity of the cells was confirmed through analysis of immunocytochemistry. Co-cultured Sertoli and spermatogonial cells were treated with testosterone in different doses of 0.2 micromol L-1, 0.4 micromol L-1 and 0.8 micromol L-1, before colony assay. testosterone did not decrease the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells.Testosterone can be chosen for in vitro colonization of spermatogonial cells with other factors

[Control and eradication program for bovine brucellosis in Iran: an epidemiological survey]

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is widely distributed throughout the developing countries. The status of bovine brucellosis combating program in Iran from beginning to now was reviewed. The information of 59 year combating against bovine brucellosis were obtained from Iran Veterinary Organization. Bovine brucellosis was first recognized in 1944 in Iran and is now endemic. In 1949, a bovine brucellosis combating program was setup which included vaccination of female calves with strain S19/RB51, infection diagnostic testing and slaughtering the infected cattle. Prevalence of brucellosis among industrial and semi-industrial dairy cattle calculated as 0.3%. Controlling and prevention of bovine brucellosis is far more complex than vaccination, testing and slaughtering the infected livestock. A financially well- supported control and eradication program and joint efforts between the farmers and governmental authorities are needed as a mean to prevent the spreading of disease. Without these, even a very good strategy will fail

Pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with HIV/AIDS in Iran

Pulmonary tuberculosis is still the most common form of tuberculosis in HIV infected patients having different presentations according to the degree of immunosuppression. This study appraised the impact of HIV infection on clinical, laboratory and radiological presentations of tuberculosis. The clinical, laboratory and radiological presentations of pulmonary TB in 56 HIV-infected patients were compared with 56 individually sex and age matched HIV-seronegative ones, admitted to Imam Hospital in Tehran [1999-2006] using paired t-test in a case control study. All cases and the controls were male. Fever was found in 83.9% of the HIV positive patients compared to 80% of the HIV negative ones. Cough was the most common clinical finding in the HIV negative group [89.3% vs. 82.1% in HIV positive group]. Among radiological features, cavitary lesions, upper lobe and bilateral pulmonary involvement were observed significantly less often in the HIV-infected group. On the contrary, lymphadenopathy was just present in the HIV positive group in this series of patients [12%] and primary pattern tuberculosis was more common, as well [71% vs. 39%, P= 0.02]. The Tuberculin test was reactive in 29% of the HIV/TB patients. The coexistence of both infections alters the picture of tuberculosis in many aspects and should be taken into account when considering a diagnosis of HIV infection and its potential for TB co-infection, and vice-versa

[Study on extrapelvic urethral glands in distal extremity of penis in Iranian one-humped camel [Camelus dromedarius]]

Accessory genital glands prostate, bulbourethral and pelvic urethral glands are a part of male camel genital system. The aim of the present study was to extend the literature on the urogenitol system in male Camelus dromedarius. Five histological specimens from five camels were collected and fixed in 10% formalin solution. Routine histological procedures were done on penile specimens of distal extremity, sectioned at 6 microns, stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin and studied via light microscope. We have shown that urethral glands present in both pelvic urethra and the wall of distal extremity of penile urethra in the neck of camel's penis. In this respect we found two massive glands of penile urethra. One mass was smaller and located on the lateral aspect of the urethra adjuscent to the corpus cavernosum. It was located on the dorsal surface of the urethra prior to inclination of the urethra to the left side. The other mass was greater and adhered to the ventral surface of the urethra. It was situated on the dorsolateral aspect of the urethra prior to inclination of the urethra to the left side. The round, elliptical and long sections of these massive glands were consist of high cuboidal or columnar cell layer. These cells had a round basic nucleus and white color cytoplasm. These tubular glands may be able to secret serous substances

[ effect of two different periods of CIDR supplementation on the second service conception rate of repear breeder dairy cows]

Repeat breeding [RB] is a syndrome and several factors have been identified as its causes. Luteal insufficiency is a known cause of embryonic mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two periods of P4 therapy on the Second service and also their effects on the First plus the second service conception rates [CR] of repeat breeder dairy cows. Cows included in the study were in their first to filth lactation and had 3 to 6 unsuccessful inseminations within the current lactation. They were inseminated according to the AM/PM rule relative to estrus onset, and randomly assigned into 3 groups: [A] CIDR on day 5 after insemination that was removed on day 9 of the cycle [n=40]; [B] CIDR on days 5 after insemination that was removed on day 19 of the cycle [n=36]; and [C] untreated controls [n=40]. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by rectal palpation about 45 days after Al in cows no observed in estrus. The second service CR and overall CR in groups A, B and C were 61.7, 42.9.21.4 and 82.5, 66.7, 45 percent, respectively. Group A showed higher level compared to the controls [p<0.05]. In conclusion, repeat breeder cows in groups A and B benefited from progesterone supplementation, but significant effects of treatment for improvement of conception rate was seen in short term treatment [4 days treatment]

[Survival and development of mouse 8-cells embryos after vitrification in glycerol-sucrose and ethylen glyco based solutions]

Nowadays gamete and embryo freezing is an appropriate approach for preserving of genetic traits in laboratory animals, rare and endangered species. Frozen cells are suitable replace for actively breeding animals colony. The aim of this study was to preserve laboratory mouse embryo, using vitrification method and comparing effect of two cryoprotectants, glycerol sucrose [GS] and ethylene glycol-ficoll-sucrose [EFS40] on 8-cells and morula stage embryos of the mouse. Following mice superovulation 258[73.5%] out 351 embryos were in 8-cell and moroula stages. 188 morphologically intact embryos were exposed in the GS and EFS40 drops and then each 4 of them transferred to one special micro tube and after ends sealing, finally were cooled up to- 196[degree sign] C with liquid nitrogen vapors and immediately plunged into liquid nitrogen. One to three months later, embryos were thawed, recovered and cultured. The recovery rate of post-thawing embryos from EFS group [90%] was more than percentage of embryos recovered from GS [85%] group. In also survival rate of embryos undergoing further cleavage post-culturing to blastocyte stage, from EFS and GS groups were 53/7% and 19/6% respectively. This difference was significant at p<0.001. However difference between EFS group with fresh embryos, un-frozen embryos, for achieve to blastocytes stage which was 68/6% for second group, wasn't significant [p<0.05], but this item was significant between fresh embryo ang GS groups [p<0.001]. Generally results of our study show that, use of vitrification of 8-cell and morula NMRI mouse strain embryos using EFS as cryoprotectant is a suitable, easy and economical method for preservation of mouse embryos

[Quality assessment of the reporting of cohort studies before STROBE statement]

Observational studies are not often reported in detail and clear enough, so that assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of these studies is not straightforward. To improve the reporting of observational studies, a checklist of items called 'Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology' [STROBE] was developed by some experts in October 2007. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of reporting of observational studies before STROBE statement. We included randomly sixty cohort studies published in six important international journals until October 2007. Then, we used STROBE checklist to assess the strengths and weaknesses of these included studies. On average, more than 81% [95% Cl: 77%-87%] of included studies pointed to 43 items of aim of this study. The most reported [100%] items were "scientific background" and "rationale for the investigation" and the less reported [30%] item was "flow chart". Although, the quality of reported cohort studies' results was acceptable, the type of study, journal and date of publication could influence on the quality of observational studies

[In vitro development of cattle embryo as affected by glucose, serum and EDTA]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different modifications of sequential synthetic oviductal_fluid [SOF] culture system on developmental competence of in vitro matured/fertilized cattle embryos. Bovine oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro and then presumptive zygotes were randomly cultured for up to 9 days in different modifications of SOF culture system to consider the effects of glucose, serum and EDTA on embryo development. All the embryo culture systems were efficient to support bovine embryo development till blastocyst stage. There was no significant difference in the ratios of embryos; however, the ratios of blastocyst and also hatchability of embryos cultured in SOF C [51.3%, 43.0% and 83.8%, respectively] were significantly higher than those of all the other SOF groups. Furthermore, while glucose had a partial improving effect on embryo development, a significant decrease in embryo development beyond the morula stage was observed in embryos cultured in SOF system with initial supplementation of EDTA compared with all the other groups. It was concluded that appropriate modifications of SOF culture systems can result in significantly great in vitro embryo development

[Time effect of oocyte collection from oviducton number and quality of oocyte and its effect on in vitro fertilization in rabbit]

Quality and quantity of ovum are major determinants in invitro fertilization. The aim of the present study was to determine effect of the time of oocyte collection and also distance of HCG injection to oviduct flushing on the quantity, quality and fertilizing ability of rabbit oocyte. Accordingly, sixty two adult female rabbit selected and randomly allocated to seven groups. The rabbits were superovulated with PMSG [50 IU/head] followed by HCG [45 IU/head]. Semen specimens were collected from two adult fertile male bucks using artificial vagina. Results showed, superovulation of 62 does yielded 412 oocytes [average 6. 6 oocyte/rabbit] and mean 7.8 +/- 1.7, 5.3 +/- 2.8, 5.2 +/- 2.7, 7.6 +/- 2.8, 4.3 +/- 2, 7.3 +/- 4 and 18.3 +/- 7.7 oocyte / animal for seven groups respectively. So, when flushing done after 23-30 hours of HCG injection and between hours of 19-24 of day, maximum oocyte were collected and in contrast the oocytes were minimum when flushing performed between hours of 9-14 of day at the same period, mean 18. 3 in contrast 4. 3 oocyte/rabbit respectively, this difference was significant [p<0. 01]. In 7 groups value of grade Aoocyte were 12.9, 8.1, 49.3, 26.2, 60.0, 18.2 and 54.8 percent respectively, so the difference of the first, second and sixth groups with the third, fifth and seventh groups and also forth with seventh group were high significant [p<0. 001]. From 223 oocytes were used for 27 times IVF experiments,%31 [n=69] of them were fertilized, so this value for 7 groups were 38. 5, 15. 6, 37. 6, 11. 0, 32. 0, 42. 0 and 100. 0 percent, respectively, and maximum significant difference was between seventh group with second and forth groups [p<0. 001]. Results of this study proposed that the best time for oocyte collection is hours between 19-24 of day, together with 23-30 hours after HCG injection, which produce maximum number, and fertilizable oocyte in Dutch laboratory rabbit

RNA extraction and leptin receptor mRNA detection in bull ejaculated spermatozoa

Leptin, known as a potential satiety factor, plays an important role in both metabolism and reproduction. The presence of leptin in human seminal plasma and human spermatozoa has been shown; recently, leptin receptors [Ob-R] have been localized in human spermatozoa, thus suggesting a possible action of this hormone even on these cells. Our aim was to detect leptin receptor mRNA in bull ejaculated spermatozoa by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]. Total RNA was isolated from bull ejaculated spermatozoa and purified by different methods. Our results have revealed that sodium dodecylsulphate [SDS] and SDS/citric acid extraction methods are superior to guanidinium isothiocyanate in terms of yield and reproducibility of RNA recovery. The mRNA for Ob-Rb was detected in all samples examined. We conclude that Ob-R mRNA is present in bull spermatozoa where seminal plasma leptin can exert its effects

[Detection of leptin and leptin receptor mRNA expression in the bovine testis]

Leptin, hormonal product of the ob gene, is known to regulate food intake, energy metabolism and reproductive functions in mammals. The mechanism by which leptin affect male reproductive system, in contrast to its well proven effects in female fertility, has been a matter of debate. Expression of leptin and its receptor in some reproductive organs suggest that leptin has both endocrine and paracrine/autocrine effects on reproduction. Various evidences have pointed to a direct role of leptin in the control of rodent testicular function such as steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. So, detection of leptin and leptin receptor mRNA in bovine testis will be the first crucial step to an understanding of its paracrine/autocrine effect on testes in cattle. In the present study, we showed the expression of leptin mRNA as well as its functional receptor [Ob-Rb] mRNA in whole testis of Holstein cattle using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] analysis. To confirm the first results, RT-PCR products were amplified with Nested PCR using inner leptin primer pairs designed on different exons. Based on our results, although we could not determine the exact cell source of leptin in / testis, it suggests that besides its primary actions at the hypothalamic-pituitary level, leptin can also involved in autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms in testicular physiology in cattle

Association between digital disorders and reproduction indices in dairycows:study on farm level

This prospective longitudinal study deals with the associations between digital disorders and reproduction indices in dairy cattle on a farm in the vicinity of Tehran. It was carried out on 225 postparturient Holstein heifers. The evaluation of lameness due to digital disorders on postpartum period of heifers were done and after diagnosis of lameness [based on a 5 points lameness scoring system], the digital lesions and reproduction data of lame cows were recorded in a pre-established questionnaire and comparison with reproduction indices of other healthy heifers were made statistically using Chi Square and Student "t" tests and the relative risk "R.R." for each of indices was calculated and 95% confidence interval was made. Seventy-six cows among 225 cows were diagnosed lame in the period of study [30 months]. Digital dermatitis [28.9%] and Sole ulcer [21.2%] were the most prevalent lesions. All reproduction indices in this study including Projected minimum average days open, Days to first service, Projected minimum calving interval, Days in milk, Services per pregnancy for all cows, Services per pregnancy for pregnant cows, Conception rate at first service and Overall conception rate were found significantly different between lame and control groups [p < 0.0005]. 95% confidence interval for R.R. indicated that in lame cows the relative risk of negative rates of reproduction indices are significantly higher than non lame cows. It was concluded that pain and stress due to digital lesions play a key role in suppressing observable behavioral estrus which follows to negative changes of reproduction indices and other undesired consequences. On the other hand, pain may also suppress feeding and ruminating functions, leading to negative energy and protein balances and a low Body Condition Score [BCS] specifically in postpartum period. Thus, in order to mitigate the undesired effects of lameness on reproductive system and reproduction performance, early diagnosis and treatment of digital lesions is needed to be established