Effect of time of eCG administration on the fate of ovarian follicle in Holstein heifers

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG] on ovarian follicles at three stages of development [emergence, dominance and early static phases] during the first follicular wave [FFW] in Holstein heifers. Heifers [n=20] were randomly assigned into four experimental groups [n=5 in each group]. Heifers received eCG [500 IU; Folligon®; Intervet, Holland; i.m] a] on the day of follicle emergence [day of ovulation; group 1], b] on the dominant phase [dominant follicle [DF]: the first day in which follicle was observed at >/= 10 mm; group 2, and c] on the early static phase [group 3] of the FFW. Control group heifers did not receive any treatment. Daily ultrasonography was conducted to monitor ovarian structure throughout estrous cycle. All treatment group heifers, regardless of the stage of follicle development, displayed follicle growth after eCG injection. Administration of eCG, in group 1, hastened DF detection and induced co-dominant follicles; whereas, in groups 2 and 3, it delayed DF regression, and increased cycle length compared to control. In all treatment group heifers, DF was present 84 h after eCG injection. Maximum diameter of corpus luteum was larger in eCG treated groups compared to control [P<0.05]. In conclusion, depending on the time of eCG administration throughout the FFW [emergence, dominant and early static phases], co-dominancy, maintenance of DF, enhancement of follicle and corpus luteum growth and increase in estrous cycle length could be observed in Holstein heifers

case of perosomus elumbis concurrent with visceral abnormalities in a Holstein calf

Perosomus elumbis is an occasional congenital anomaly of cattle, swine, sheep, and dogs with unknown etiology. This congenital abnormality occurs in both sexes. A dead Holstein calf characterized by musculoskeletal and external genitalia abnormalities was referred to the large animal hospital of University of Tehran. Radiographic evaluation and subsequent dissection revealed that the vertebral column was truncated at the level of first lumbar vertebra [L1]. Moreover, L2-L5, sacrum and coccygeal vertebrae were absent. The dorsum of the lumbosacral region contained only soft tissues. Urogenital tract was incomplete, and it contained agenesis of the ovaries, uterine tubes, cervix, and vulva concurrent with unilateral umbilical artery agenesis. Small and large intestine contained blind-ended sacs. No testes, scrotum, and penis were found. The intact ureter was attached to a thin-walled fluid fill sac. The laboratory finding showed that the pH of the fluid was 6 and contained hemoglobin, white blood cells, bacteria, a few red blood cells, oxalate crystalline, and epithelial cells. It was concluded that the collected fluid was urine. This is the first report of perosomus elumbis in a Holstein calf having a lot of visceral abnormalities in Iran

[Evaluation of the effect of Presynch Ovsynch program on reproductive performance of dairy cows with retained fetal membrane]

Retained fetal membrane decreases reproductive performance of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Presynch Ovsynch protocol on reproductive performance of retained fetal membrane cows in Iranian dairy farm. This experiment accomplished on 244 Holstein dairy cows of a commercial dairy herd in Tehran. At least 24 hour after calving, the cows with or without retained fetal membrane were allocated into Presynch-Ovsynch and control groups, randomly. Commencement of injection in Presynch-Ovsynch group was between 23 and 27 days post calving, and cows were inseminated at 60-61 days after calving. In control group, cows were inseminated based on observation of estrus after voluntary waiting period. Data were analyzed using ANOVAand Chi-square. Days of first service were lower in synchronized cows than the control ones [61.5 vs. 105.5; p<0.05]. Days open was lower in Presynch Ovsynch treated cows with history of retained fetal membrane than untreated cows with history of retained fetal membrane [124.2 vs. 169; p=0.007]. Proportion of cows conceived by 200 days in milk was smaller in untreated cows with history of retained fetal membrane compared with cows in other groups [64% vs. 85.3%; p=0.007]. In conclusion, using Presynch-Ovsynch protocol and timed insemination improve fertility and reproductive performance in retained fetal membrane cows through decreasing days open

[Effects of post-milking teat dipping changing on bulk tank milk bacterial status]

Contagious and environmental bacteria are current causes of mastitis and Bulk Tank Bacteria Count [BTBC]. Beside other hygienic procedures related to controlling mastitis, Post-Milking Teat Dipping [PMTD] with a suitable teat antisepsis has a special place and can play an important role in the kind of herd mastitis and decreasing the Total Bacteria Count [TBC]. This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency of short-time changing of PMTD solution on count and kind of milk tank bacteria. This study was conducted in 2 large dairy farms that their current antisepsis was iodophor components in 4 periods around Tehran during March to August 2010. In each 4 periods after the last time that iodophor was used, milk transfer tank sample was collected and 3 tests include Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count [BTSCC], milk quality tests and bacterial isolation were performed. Then, antisepsis was replaced with chlore components for at least 2 weeks. At the end, another milk tank sample was obtained and tests were done again. Sectional changing of iodophor with chlore components in all 4 periods, according to decreasing in TBC, Coliform count, preliminary incubation count, laboratory pasteurized count, Staphylococcus count and Streptococcus count caused increasing the quality of milk and decreasing the mastitis. Changing in post-milking teat dipping has positive effect on quality of raw milk

Isolation of erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae from aborted lambs in Iran: a case report

Ewe abortion and neonatal mortality are serious problems to sheep farmer. The objective of this paper was to report isolation of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae from aborted fetuses in a flock in Tehran, Iran. Abortion occurred in 10% of ewes in the flock. The fetuses were well developed and pinpoint, necrotic-like lesions were recorded on the placental cotyledons, whilst the intercotyledonary areas appeared normal. E. rhusiopathiae was isolated in pure culture and heavy growth were seen in abomasumal fluid, lungs, heart and liver of fetuses and vaginal discharge of the aborted ewes. The grown bacteria were identified using conventional bacteriological technique and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was confirmed. On the basis of the available evidence, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae might be one of the ovine abortion causes in Iran

[Postpartum ovarian activity in primiparous Holstein dairy cows]

Postpartum anestrus is a major problem in primiparous dairy cows. The objective of this study was to investigate postpartum ovarian activity in primiparous Holstein dairy cows. Seven primiparous Holstein dairy cows were monitored for ovarian activity using a combination of ultrasound examination and alteration in progesterone concentrations. Daily blood sampling and ultrasound examination were conducted starting from day 6 until the third ovulation postpartum. First wave dominant follicles [>/= 10 mm in diameter] were detected on day 11.5 +/- 1.48 postpartum. This follicle did not ovulate in any of the experimental cows. Moreover, none of the cows ovulated within 20 days postpartum. There was no difference in the follicular growth rate and the diameter of ovulatory follicles between the first, the second and the third ovulations postpartum [p>0.05]. Interval from calving to the firstpostpartum ovulation was 48.1 +/- 6.89 days. Mean diameter of corpus luteum and progesterone concentrations of the first cycle [18.8 +/- 0.94 mm and 2.0 +/- 0.24 ng/mL] were significantly less than those of the second cycle [24.0 +/- 0.89 mm and 3.6 +/- 0.36 ng/mL; p<0.05]. In conclusion, increased interval from parturition to the first ovulation is not due to the delayed or lack of the first wave dominant follicle formation after parturition; but is due to the regression of this follicle

[Effect of PGF[2] alpha injection on conception rate of insemenated repeat breeder cows during summer warm condition]

It has been demonstrated that heat stress has a detrimental effect on conception rate of dairy cows, via early embryonic death. To reduce heat stress, providing shade, fan, appropriate diet and application of ovulation induction agents [GnRH and hCG] is recommended. Endogen PGF[2]alpha has positive effect on ovulation. Repeat Breader. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of PGF[2] alpha injection on reproductive performance of Repeat Breader [RB] dairy cows in heat stress condition at artificial insemination [AI]. This study was conducted in two large dairy farms in Tehran province during the summer 1386-87. All cows were inseminated [A M -PM] based on heat detection at 12 hours after observed standing heat. Mean temperature and humidity were recorded throughout the study. In this study 150 RB cows were randomly divided into three groups. Group A [n=50] received PGF[2] alpha simultaneously with AI, group B [n=50] received GnRH at the time of AI and group C [n=50] did not receive any treatment and served as control. Based on rectal palpation on 40-50 days of AI, 5 cows of group A, 9 of group B and 10 group C were pregnant. There were not any significant differences among groups [p>0.05]. The results revealed that simultaneous using of PGF[2]alpha or GnRH with AI has no beneficial effects on conception rate in RB cows

[Efficacy of GNRH or CIDR on out of seas on reproductive performance of ewe]

An investigation was under taken to evaluate the out of season reproduction performance of ewe. A flock consisting 119 ewes was synchronized via implementation CIDR over a period of 12 days, following by injection of PMSG [400 IU]. The ewes inseminated and divided to three experimental groups. Group1: Injection of GnRH [5ml] at day 12 post insemination, group 2: Received CIDR for 5 to 15 days post insemination and group 3[control]: ewes did not receive any treatment. Data were analyzed in Chi- Square method by SAS soft were. Fertility in group1, 2 and 3 were 40, 30 and 30.76 percent and fecundity were 65.0, 37.5 and 43.5 percent and twining rate were 62.5, 25.0 and 41.6 percent, respectively. Results reveal that supplementation of progesterone or GnRH would not enhance reproductive performance in the ewe in out of season

Effect of Ramadan on neutrophil's respiratory burst [innate immunity] and circulating immune complex

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on neutrophil's respiratory burst and circulating immune complex [CIC] level. The effects of Ramadan fasting on neutrophil's respiratory burst and CIC was studied in 21 normal young fasting Muslim individuals using standardized chemiluminescence and poly ethylene glycol methods respectively, the results obtained and statistically analysed. It was shown that in 11 cases out of 21 [52%] both of the chemiluminescence [CL] activity and CIC levels measured before and after Ramadan fasting were in normal range in spite of a insignificant decrease or increase in CL activity or CIC level. Therefore, the changes of the immunological parameters were not significant and the levels remained in the range of normal. In four cases out of 21 [24%], the CL activity and CIC levels were higher than normal range measured just before Ramadan, however after month of Ramadan the CL activity and CIC level decreased reaching to the normal level of these parameters. In four cases out of 21 [24%] there were an increase in CL activity and CIC levels after Ramadan fasting. There were no significant changes of CL activity of circulating neutrophils and CIC levels comparing the results obtained before and after Ramadan. More over there was a good correlation between these two immunological parameters measured in the present study

Detection of common bacteria implicated in bovine mastitis in bulk tank milk by polymerase chain reaction

This study was conducted to detect the common bacteria implicated in bovine mastitis in bulk tank milk by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. Forty-four milk samples from bulk tank milk were obtained and submitted to our laboratory. To detect Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis, and Streptococcus parauberis, two sets of universal primers were used. The PCR reaction was set up as described in previous literature. Using universal primers, PCR amplification results demonstrated 28 positive samples [63.6%] of 44. The percentages of positive samples for farms with production rates of < 3, 3-10, and 10 < tones were 48, 85, and 100%, respectively. In the present study, we concluded that using universal primers, a simplex PCR is able to detect common important bacteria implicated in bovine mastitis

Efficacy of using GnRH antagonist as pretreatment on super ovulation in goats

The effect of short term usage of GnRH antagonist as pretreatment on superovulation in goats was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and showed that usage of GnRH antagonist as pretreatment can improve number of recovered embryos [p < 0.05], but there were no statistically difference between treatment group versus control group in term of number of corpura lutea and cystic follicles[p > 0.05]. This study showed that usage of GnRH antagonist can improve superovulatory response in term of embryo recovery in goats

[Survey on pregnancy rate in synchronized dairy cows by selectsynch]

To evaluate pregnancy rate in synchronized dairy herd by Selectsynch procedure and PG. Experimental Study. Three hundred and seventy four dairy cows were randomly allocated to three groups: selectsynch, synchronized with PG and spontaneous heat. All cows were cleaned at day 30 after parturition and allocated to the following groups: synchronization by select synch- insemination [n=139], synchronization by PG- insemination [n=125] and natural heat-insemination [n=110]. Pregnancy was diagnosed at days 42-50 after insemination. Chi-square test. For these methods pregnancy rate were 54 percent, 44.8 percent and 46.4 percent, respectively. Moreover there were not any significant difference among them. Since selectsynch made an acceptable pregnancy, it can be recommended for dairy herds

[IL- 12 gene polymorphism in type I diabetes mellitus]

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by T-cell mediated destruction of pancreatic ?-cells. A variety of environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of the disease. IL-12 is a cytokine secreted by different cells and plays and important role in cell-mediated immune responses and maintenance of cytokine network balance. Genetic polymorphisms in the IL-12 gene were shown to interfere with the transcriptional activity of the IL-12 gene, and this influences the production, secretion or activity of IL-12 growth factor. In this study the polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of the IL12Bgene encoding IL-12 p40 was investigated. In this case control study 75 type 1 diabetic patients who had definitely been diagnosed at least 2 years before sampling and were under Insulin therapy, recruited. A total of 88 healthy controls selected from voluntarily blood donors who had referred to IRAN Blood Transfusion Organization. DNA extracted from whole blood and polymorphism at +1188 nucleotide was assessed by SSP-PCR. Data were analyzed by SPSS, using chi- square test with 95% confidence interval. A statistical significance of AA presence [57%] at the +1188 3'-UTR position of IL-12 B gene in patients was found, after genotyping, compared to the control group[p<0.05]. Interleukin-12 [IL-12] is a key cytokine for the induction of Th1 immune responses. Polymorphism in the 3'-UTR of the IL-12 p40 gene and association with susceptibility to Diabetes type I evaluated. AA genotype was more frequent than AC and the AC more common than CC in diabetic patients. In another word, the A allele of the [A/C] polymorphism at position +1188 in the 3'-UTR found to be preferentially transmitted to people with type I diabetes.These polymorphisms may affect gene transcription of IL-12 p40, causing individual variations in cytokine production. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms, will give us the opportunities to develop new and effective therapeutic approaches

Circulating immune complex during Ramadan

Fasting during Ramadan represent one of the five pillars of the Islamic religion. So it is important to know the effect of this kind of fasting on people's life especially on their health. The purpose of this study was to show the effect of fasting during Ramadan on circulating immune complex [CIC] level and immune system. The CIC levels were measured before and after Ramadan by polyethylenglycole method. The blood samples were examined using quantitation chemiluminesence and circulating immune techniques. The results were analyzed using t-test and calculated coefficient correlation between CIC before and after Ramadan. There was no significant difference between the CIC level before and after Ramadan. According to the results, fasting during Ramadan does not have bad effect on immune system of healthy people

[Survey on efficacy of melatonin implant in the Atabi Rams on improvement of reproductive performance in the anestrus ewes]

Evaluation of using melatonin implant in rams in non-breeding season on improvement of reproductive performance in the ewes. Clinical trial. One hudered and seventy seven Atabi ewes and 8 Atabi rams. This study carried out in the following stages: Stage 1: 177 ewes were complete randomly divided in two groups. Stage 2: Four rams treated with 12 melatonin implant [each rams received three implant contain 54 mg melatonin] and another four rams had not any treatment. Stage 3: After 35 days, four rams which received melatonin [treatment group] introduced into the herd of 91 ewes. Four rams that had not any treatment [control group] introduced into herd of 86 ewes. Then, 60 days later rams were separated from herds and one month later all ewes examined for pregnancy through ultrasonography. Results were analyzed by chi-square test. Fertility, prolificacy and fecundity values in the treatment group [ewes wich mated with melatonin treated rams] and control group [ewes which mated with rams without melatonin treatment] were 87.1%, 103.8%, 91.2% and 88.4%, 102.6%, 90.7%, respectively. Moreover, there were not significant differences between them. We concluded that using melatonin implant in the Atabi rams had not good results on reproductive index in the ewes

Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrarion [MIC] of Extract of Zataria,multiflora, against theclinical isolates of Streptococcus agalactiaeStaphylococcus,aureus and E. coli

To study the effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil on the clinical isolates of Streptococcus,agalactiae, Staphylococcus,aureus and E. coli isolated from milk of cows with mastitis. Discription study. In this study milk samples from cows affected mastitis were collected from a farm near Tehran. Using microbiological, biochemical and serological methods,bacteria were isolated, identified and serotyped. The MIC of Zataria multiflora essential oil against Streptococcus,agalactiae, Staphylococcus,aureus and Escherichia coli, isolated in this study were evaluated. Sterptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were isolated from 6,21 and 5 samplesespectively. All the isolated strains were more resistant to Zataria multiflora essential oil than the standard ones. The MICs of Zataria multiflora on isolated strains of S. aureus and Strep, agalactiae used in this study were 4 and 1.5 timesmore than the corresponding standard strains. According to the results of this study, Zatariamultiflora essential oil had good antibacterial effect on theisolated strains of Streptococcus agalactiae andStaphylococcus aureus

Artificial insemination encountered with haemophilus somnus infection in cattle

During a period of artificial insemination in cattle in several farms around Tehran, Iran, the animals were involved with endometritis and abortion. In order to investigate the cause, bacterial culture was done on 23 samples of artificial prepared semen. Haemophilus sp. was isolated from 20 out of 23 samples and the findings were confirmed through serologic tests. Biochemical tests were also set up to diagnose the strain of the bacteria. These tests revealed the presence of H. somnus in the artificially prepared semen. This species was never before reported in Iran, in genital tract of cattle [male and female] nor H. agni in sheep. Attempts to culture this bacteria from genital tract has not been very successful because of cultural difficulties. This was the first diagnosis of H. somnus in this country and helped the practitioners to be aware of the possible problems in running the artificial insemination procedure from infected semen