Jordanians' willingness to receive heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine boosters.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is the game-changing approach that tops all other strategies to contain the pandemic spread. A growing interest has been raised to heterologous prime-boost and booster COVID-19 vaccination to tackle vaccine shortage and to increase the vaccine's immunogenicity. This study aimed to evaluate the willingness and acceptance of Jordanians to receive heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine boosters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire. Adult Jordanian participants were recruited using several social media platforms. The questionnaire link was randomly posted by researchers on public groups in Jordan. Participant's demographics, medical history, knowledge of mixed and booster COVID-19 vaccination and their willingness to receive them were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: Approximately 50.5% and 49.3% of the respondents stated former knowledge of the mixed and booster COVID-19 vaccination, respectively. Approximately 50% of respondents acknowledged that the side effects could preclude them from taking mixed and booster vaccines, and 45.3% responded that taking a third dose of the vaccine would increase the side effects. The respondents with previous history of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination were more likely to agree on mixed vaccines compared to those not vaccinated (29.5% vs. 6.5%, p <0.0001; 38.0% vs. 24.5%, p=0.0078, respectively). Moreover, both previous history of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccine was an encouraging response for acceptance of mixed and booster vaccines when compared to those who did not receive the vaccines (54.5% vs. 11.3%; p<0.0001, 69.0% vs. 45.5%; p <0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that nearly half of the respondents were familiar with COVID-19 mixed and booster vaccine programs; however, a high percentage still expressed reticence to receive the mixed vaccines. We consider these results to emphasize the importance and need of awareness campaigns that accentuate the safety profile of such updated vaccination programs.

Warfarin adherence and anticoagulation control in atrial fibrillation patients: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to review the literature systematically on warfarin adherence in patients with atrial fibrillation and to assess the anticoagulation control focused on patient clinical outcomes. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac disease defined by abnormal heart rhythm, which significantly impacts a patient's health status, quality of life, and heart output, and thus a greater risk of stroke and hospitalization. Most AF patients should be managed with long-term anticoagulation, either with vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin or new oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Anticoagulants have been a core in treating AF and weighing the consequences of thrombosis with the risk of bleeding. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of warfarin adherence on AF patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted on electronic databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO, Cochrane library, Google, and Google Scholar from January 2011 to April 2021 to determine studies that reported warfarin adherence on patients with atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Out of 1429 titles and abstracts were retrieved, 12 studies fulfilled and met the inclusion criteria. From the included studies, two were carried out in Brazil and one from the following nations: Libya, Jordan, Iran, KSA, Canada, Malaysia, Bahrain, UAE, Singapore, and the USA. The study designs identified were cross-section, retrospective, and prospective studies. Warfarin adherence was influenced by multiple causes, including pharmaceutical services, the number of medications, and warfarin knowledge regarding anticoagulation control. Warfarin adherence illustrates its positive association with TTR and INR as a measure of anticoagulation control. CONCLUSIONS: While the available evidence is limited, this systematic review demonstrated a positive finding of the association between warfarin adherence and anticoagulation control in patients with AF.

Multiple injections of vitamin E and selenium improved the reproductive performance of estrus-synchronized Awassi ewes.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of injecting estrus-synchronized ewes with vitamin E and selenium (Se) on their reproductive performance. Awassi ewes (n = 74) were randomly assigned into one of two groups. Group one (control, n = 36) did not receive vitamin E/Se injections, and group two (vitamin E/Se, n = 38) received 13.6-mg/kg BW of vitamin E plus 0.045-mg/kg BW of Se. Concurrent with estrus-synchronization program, vitamin E/Se injections were given at the time of insertion, withdrawal, and 19 days after withdrawal of intravaginal sponges. At all injection times, serum samples were collected (20 ewes per group) to measure Se contents. Pregnancy rates were evaluated by progesterone assay and by ultrasonography, respectively, at days 19 and 40 after sponge removal. Lambing rate, singles and twins%, sex ratio (M:F), and birth weight were recorded at lambing. Vitamin E/Se injections did not affect (P > 0.25) BW at lambing or BW change of ewes from breeding to lambing. Vitamin E/Se injections tended (P = 0.08) to decrease total pregnancy losses from 44.8 to 24.3%, subsequently, injections positively improved (P < 0.05) pregnancy rates determined by progesterone assay (from 80.6 to 97.4%) and ultrasonography (from 63.9 to 86.8%). Although overall fertility was not affected, vitamin E/Se injections markedly increased the percentage of ewes that lambed after only one service from 64.0 to 93.3%. Singles and twins%, lamb sex ratio, and birth weight of lambs were not affected (P > 0.20) by vitamin E/Se injections. Under conditions of our study, multiple injections of vitamin E/Se improved the reproductive performance of estrus-synchronized ewes.

Effect of thermal manipulation of broilers embryos on the response to heat-induced oxidative stress.

Effects of embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) on mRNA expressional levels and total antioxidant capacity of genes associated with heat-induced oxidative stress (NOX4, GpX2, SOD2, catalase, and AvUCP) in 2 breeds of broiler chicken were investigated. Fertile Cobb and Hubbard eggs (n = 1,200) were divided into 4 treatment groups: Cobb control, Cobb TM, Hubbard control, and Hubbard TM. Control groups were maintained under standard conditions (37.8°C; 56% relative humidity), whereas TM groups were incubated at 39°C and 65% relative humidity for 18 h a day from embryonic days (ED) 10 to 18. On post-hatch day 28, the broilers were subject to acute heat stress (AHS) at 40°C for 7 h. At certain intervals (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 h), 12 chickens from each of the 4 groups were humanely euthanized, and liver samples were immediately isolated. During AHS, in both breeds, the mRNA expression levels of NOX4, GPx2, SOD2, and catalase in TM chickens were significantly lower than in controls, but AvUCP mRNA expression in the TM group was higher. The total antioxidant capacity and activity of superoxidase dismutase and catalase were significantly lower in the TM than in the control group in both breeds. The results of this study suggest that TM has a long-lasting effect on the acquisition of thermotolerance in 2 broiler chicken breeds as indicated by the reduction of system genes associated with heat-induced oxidative stress.

Lumpy Skin Disease in Jordan: Disease Emergence, Clinical Signs, Complications and Preliminary-associated Economic Losses.

The objectives of this study are to report the emergence of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Jordan and associated clinical signs, complications and preliminary economic losses. In mid-April, 2013, two adult dairy cattle developed clinical signs suggestive of LSD and were confirmed as positive by PCR. The two cases were in Bani Kenanah district, Irbid governorate, on the Jordanian border of Israel and Syria. The disease spread rapidly to all the districts of Irbid governorate. During the month following the emergence of the disease, data were collected related to the epidemiology of the disease and the numbers of affected cattle on the premises. Forty-one dairy cattle holdings were surveyed. The morbidity rate ranged from 3% to 100%, (Mean = 35.1%, SD ±28.5%). The mortality rate ranged from 0% to 20%, (Mean = 1.3%, SD ±4.4%). The case fatality rate ranged from 0% to 100%, (Mean = 6.2%, SD ±22%). The overall morbidity rate was 26%, mortality rate 1.9% and case fatality rate 7.5%. Skin nodules, anorexia, decreased milk production and decreased body weight were common clinical signs, while mastitis and myiasis were seen as complications in a few affected animals. Decreased body weight ranged from 0% to 80%, (Mean = 23.1%, SD ±15.7%). Decreased milk production ranged from 0% to 100%, (Mean = 51.5%, SD ±22.2%). Affected cattle were treated mainly with broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The cost of treatment ranged from 0 to 84.3 British Pound/animal, (Mean = 27.9 GBP, SD ±22.5 GBP). LSD continues to spread through the Middle East region and poses a serious threat to the rest of Asia and Europe. International collaboration and communication is warranted to prevent the further spread of the disease to the rest of Asia and Europe.

Molecular and histopathological characterization of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF) outbreak in beef cattle.

An outbreak of suspected malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) was investigated by molecular and histopathological assays. Of the 70 Holstein beef calf herds, 14 were affected by multiple clinical signs suggestive of MCF infection. These beef calves were housed next to sheep flocks. In the complete blood count, the 14 affected calves had severe anaemia with leucopaenia, lymphopaenia and neutropaenia. Upon PCR amplification using a hemi-nested PCR assay for the detection of the Ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2), bovine tissue samples from the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen and ovine blood samples were shown to be positive with the expected PCR bands amplified. Direct sequencing of the hemi-nested PCR product confirmed the identity of the causative virus as OvHV-2. The histopathological findings confirmed the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of MCF. Collective clinical, PCR and histopathological data confirmed the identity of this outbreak to be a sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF).

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) serology in major livestock species in an affected region in Jordan, June to September 2013.

Between June and September 2013, sera from 11 dromedary camels, 150 goats, 126 sheep and 91 cows were collected in Jordan, where the first human Middle-East respiratory syndrome (MERS) cluster appeared in 2012. All sera were tested for MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) specific antibodies by protein microarray with confirmation by virus neutralisation. Neutralising antibodies were found in all camel sera while sera from goats and cattle tested negative. Although six sheep sera reacted with MERS-CoV antigen, neutralising antibodies were not detected.

Effect of acute bull exposure around the time of artificial insemination on serum oxytocin and progesterone concentrations and pregnancy rates in dairy cows.

This study examined the effect of acute bull exposure around the time of artificial insemination (AI) on oxytocin and progesterone concentrations, and pregnancy rates in dairy cows. Ninety six dairy cows, stratified according to parity into primiparous and pluriparous, were divided into three groups; short bull exposure (SBE; 10 min, n = 32), long bull exposure (LBE; 4 h, n = 32) or no bull exposure (NBE; n = 32). On day 45 post-partum, all cows were treated with PGF2α on three occasions 11-14 days apart to synchronize oestrus. They were submitted to fixed time AI 80 h after the third PGF2α injection. Cows in the SBE and LBE groups were artificially inseminated 5 min after the introduction of the bull. From a subset of cows (n = 6 per group; three primiparous and three pluriparous), blood samples were collected once every 5 min starting 15 min before AI until 15 min after AI and analysed for oxytocin concentrations. Additional blood samples were collected for measurements of progesterone (P4) concentrations once daily for 4 days starting on the day of AI and once every 3 days thereafter until day 22. The effects of bull exposure, time, parity, difficulty of AI, and pregnancy on oxytocin and P4 concentrations were analysed using the mixed linear model procedure. Mean oxytocin concentrations or change in oxytocin concentrations after bull exposure or AI were not different among groups. Pregnancy rates for the NBE, SBE and LBE groups were 55.5%, 33.3% and 44.4%, respectively, and were not different among groups. In conclusion, acute bull exposure around the time of AI did not affect oxytocin and progesterone concentrations and did not improve pregnancy rates in dairy cattle under these farms conditions.

Ovarian steroid regulation of endometrial phospholipase A2 isoforms in horses.

Real-time PCR was used to investigate the role of progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) in regulation of endometrial cytosolic, secretory and calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (PLA2G4A, PLA2G2A and PLA2G6, respectively) gene expression. Ovariectomized mares underwent 6 days of E2 pre-treatment followed by 14 days of P4 supplementation. At the start of P4 treatment (Day 1), mares were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive either E2 or vehicle starting on Day 11 and endometrial biopsy collection on either Day 14 when P4 concentrations remained high (>4 ng/ml) or Day 16 when P4 concentrations had declined (0.5-2 ng/ml). Additional biopsies were collected from ovariectomized mares on Day 8, which served as control. Blood samples were collected for P4 determination. PLA2G4A expression was higher (p < 0.05) on Day 14 compared with Day 8. In contrast, PLA2G2A did not change significantly (p < 0.12). PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A gene expression increased (p < 0.05), as P4 concentration dropped, on Day 16. In contrast, PLA2G6 gene expression did not show differences between days. Treatment with oestradiol did not increase PLA2 isoforms expression when compared to treatment with the vehicle. PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with P4 concentrations. In conclusion, P4 withdrawal upregulated PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A gene expression, and this was not affected by E2. PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A but not PLA2G6 gene expression may be involved in controlling prostaglandin F2 alpha synthesis and luteolysis.

Endometrial phospholipase A2 activity during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in mares.

The aim of this study was to determine phospholipase A2 (PLA2) kinetics and activity in the mare's endometrium during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. Phospholipase A2 is responsible for the liberation of arachidonic acid from phospholipids, which is the first limiting step in prostaglandins synthesis. Phospholipase A2 activity was measured using an assay based on the liberation of oleic acid from 1-palmitoyl-2-[(14) C] oleoyl phosphatidylcholine. The enzyme was shown to be calcium dependent, to have an optimum pH of 8 and an apparent Michaelis constant of 127 µM. Enzyme activity was low in the endometrium of early luteal phase tissue but increased significantly (p < 0.001) during the late luteal phase (5.39 ± 0.16; 3.48 ± 0.33, 6.85 ± 0.59, and 9.96 ± 1.23 nmol oleic acid released/mg protein at oestrus, and Days 3, 8 and 14 after ovulation, respectively). The mean PLA2 activity in endometrial tissue from pregnant mares (4.23 ± 0.74) was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than from cyclic animals during late dioestrus (9.96 ± 1.23). The results indicate that PLA2 activity in equine endometrium changes with the stage of the oestrous cycle and thus may be influenced by systemic hormone concentrations. The inhibitory effects of conceptus products on secretion of prostaglandin during early pregnancy were associated with a competitive inhibitor that decreased endometrial PLA2 activity.

Characterization of male reproductive anatomy of the endangered Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx).

Reproductive tracts of four male Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) from Shaumari Nature Reserve in Jordan were examined to characterize their reproductive anatomy. Animals were allocated into two groups based on their age: Group 1 (n = 2, males were 12 and 14 mo old) and Group 2 (n = 2, males were 7 and 9 yrs old). Observations regarding the morphology, position and orientation of different reproductive organs were made. The external and internal genital organs of male oryx were similar to other domestic ruminant species with minor differences.

Pathological, immunological and molecular diagnosis of rabies in clinically suspected animals of different species using four detection techniques in Jordan.

A total of 29 brain tissue samples (BTS) were examined for rabies infection by different diagnostic techniques. None of the examined brain tissues were presented as a whole intact brain. Twenty-seven brain tissue samples from various animal species - dog (13 cases), cat (one case), fox (one case), pig (one case), cow (three cases), sheep (two cases), goat (one case), camel (one case), horse (one case) and donkey (three cases) - were provided by the Vaccine and Sera Department/Al-Bashir Central Hospital in Amman/Jordan from July 2009 up to May 2010. All these samples were frozen at -20°C, for a period of time and then fixed in 10% formalin after being tested for rabies virus by fluorescence antibody test (FAT). The results showed that 21 (77.77%) of 27 BTS were positive for rabies by FAT. Seventeen samples (58.62%) of 29 were positive by histopathology, 2 (6.90%) were positive by histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and of those which were fixed for 24h only, and 21 (72.42%) were positive using RT-PCR assay. Five of 29 BTS had no pathological lesions, 17 had Negri bodies and the remaining had non-suppurative encephalitis and necrosis. Thirteen BTS that were diagnosed positive by FAT were also positive by RT-PCR and histopathology, but negative by IHC. Four BTS that were positive by FAT were negative by histopathology, IHC and RT-PCR. Also, 3 BTS (cases 19, 22, and 25) that were negative by FAT were positive by RT-PCR and negative by IHC. One of these was negative, while two were positive by histopathology. Therefore, definitive diagnosis of rabies under these conditions in Jordan needs one or more other diagnostic tests in addition to FAT. Also, freezing and prolonged formalin fixation of BTS is not suitable for the detection of rabies virus antigen using IHC.

Ovine and Caprine Brucellosis (Brucella melitensis) in Aborted Animals in Jordanian Sheep and Goat Flocks.

Two hundred and fifty five biological samples were collected from 188 animals (81 sheep and 107 goats) during the lambing season from September 2009 to April 2010 from the Mafraq region of Jordan. Sampled animals belonged to 93 sheep and goat flocks that had abortion cases in the region. One hundred and seven (41.9%) biological samples were positive for the omp2 primers that were able to identify all Brucella species in the collected samples which were obtained from 86 aborted animals (86/188 = 45.7%). Using the B. melitensis insertion sequence 711 (IS711) primers on the 107 omp2 positive samples, only 61 confirmed to be positive for B. melitensis. These positive samples were obtained from 28 sheep and 33 goats. The prevalence rate of B. melitensis was 27.1% (51/188) among aborted animals. For differentiation between vaccine strain and field strain infection, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method using PstI endonuclease enzyme was used. Vaccination with Rev-1 in the last year (OR = 2.92, CI: 1.1-7.7) and grazing at common pasture (OR = 2.78, CI: 1.05-7.36) were statistically significant (P ≤ .05) risk factors positively associated with the occurrence of brucellosis in sheep and goat flocks.

Applying variations of the Ovsynch protocol at the middle of the estrus cycle on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows during summer and winter.

Two modifications of the Ovsynch protocol, GnRH+TAI after PGF(2 alpha) 48 h (CO-48) or 72 h (CO-72), were compared with the original protocol (OVS: GnRH-7 d-PGF(2 alpha)-2 d-GnRH-16 h-TAI) to study their effects on reproductive performance in 785 lactating dairy cows (Holstein Friesian, Bos Taurus). Results showed that more cows (P<0.001) returned to estrus within a week after TAI with CO-48 treatment compared with that in OVS and CO-72 treatments. Pregnancy rates were greater (P<0.001) for the CO-72 cows than those for both OVS and CO-48 treatments and for primiparous cows compared with multiparous cows. Moreover, pregnancy rates were lower in summer compared with those in winter. Pregnancy losses for cows in both CO-48 and CO-72 were greater (P<0.05) than that for cows in OVS treatment. Pregnancy losses were greater in summer (P<0.001) than in winter and for multiparous cows (P<0.001) than for primiparous cows. In conclusion, primiparous and winter-bred cows had greater pregnancy rates and fewer pregnancy losses than those of multiparous cows and summer-bred cows, respectively. Because of the presence of significant treatment, parity, and season interactions, TAI with ovulation synchronization protocols should be tailored according to the season and parity. CO-72 is recommended for primiparous cows but not for multiparous cows, and CO-48 is not recommended for synchronization. Furthermore, cows that exhibited estrus at any time were inseminated to improve pregnancy rates in ovulation synchronization protocols.

The effect of estrus synchronization treatments on somatic cell count of transitional-anestrus Awassi ewes' milk.

Fifty-three transitional-anestrus Awassi ewes, randomly assigned to three groups: fluorogestone acetate (FGA, n = 18), FGA-Prostaglandin (FGA-PGF, n = 18) and control (n = 17), were used to examine the effect of estrus synchronization protocols and steroid hormones concentrations on milk somatic cell count (SCC). Intravaginal FGA sponge was inserted for 13 days and 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was administered for ewes of FGA and FGA-PGF groups at the time of sponge removal (day 0). In addition, 10 mg was administered to ewes of FGA-PGF group on day 0. Blood and milk samples were collected from all ewes on days -13, -6, 0, 1, 2, 7 and 14. Estradiol had significant positive correlation with the SCC during the periods of sponge insertion (P = 0.015, r = 0.235) and within two days (P = 0.063 r = 0.23) after sponge removal with no correlation with SCC of both udder halves during the luteal phase. Progesterone concentrations, on the other hand, had a significant positive correlation (P < 0.001; r = 0.420) with the SCC of both udder halves during the luteal phase of the experiment, but not during the periods of sponge insertion and expected estrus. SCC returned under the influence of endogenous progesterone on days 7 and 14 to pre-synchronization values. In conclusion, sheep milk SCC is affected significantly with induction of estrus and steroid hormones concentrations. However, peak SCC recorded during estrus was far below the upper limit of the current standard for normal milk. With the current standards for SCC of 1,000,000/ml as legal limit for abnormal milk control programs in sheep, estrus synchronization programs and the estrus status should not be considered when bulk-tank milk SCC is being investigated, but should be considered during the process of setting new standards.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in dairy herds in Jordan.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and to identify risk factors associated with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in 62 non-vaccinated dairy herds (671 cows) in Jordan between January and June 2007. Information regarding herd management was recorded through a personal interview with farmers. Antibodies against BVDV were detected using an indirect ELISA test. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors for BVDV seropositivity. The true prevalence of antibodies against BVDV in individual cows and cattle herds was 31.6% and 80.7%, respectively. The seroprevalence of BVDV in medium and large size herds was significantly higher than that in smaller herds. There was no significant difference in BVD seroprevalence between different age groups. Random-effects logistic regression model revealed two major factors associated with seropositivity to BVDV; exchange of visits between adjacent farm workers and not isolating newly purchased animals before addition to the herd. The seroprevalence of BVDV in cows located in the northern Jordanian governorates was significantly higher than that in other studied governorates. Results of this study indicated that BVDV is highly prevalent in Jordan and BVDV infection could be controlled by livestock-trade control, and applying strict biosecurity measures in the dairy farms.

Surgical removal of a looped and knotted epidural catheter in a postpartum patient--a case report.

We report a case of unsuccessful removal of an epidural catheter in a postpartum patient following a labour epidural analgesia, which ultimately required surgical intervention and fenestration ligamentum flavum to remove the epidural catheter. A 26 year old, requested an epidural analgesia for her labour pain. The epidural catheter was inserted under aseptic technique, and she was comfortable throughout her labour and had a normal vaginal delivery 4 hours later. One hour later, the acute pain nurse tried to remove the epidural catheter and encountered difficulty, she reported this to the resident on call, who also tried and found it unusually difficult to remove. A senior consultant was involved where he found a high resistance, several methods had been tried unsuccessfully. Surgical removal was the option, patient and partner were informed and consented, a neurosurgeon was consulted. Through a small incision (1 inch) a fenestration of ligamentum flavum was performed and a knotted and looped epidural catheter was removed. Patient was discharged next day, and in the follow up and subsequent visits patient remained well with no other complaints.

The effect of estrus synchronization treatment on somatic cell count of transitional-anestrus local-Damascus cross breed goats' milk.

An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of estrus synchronization protocols and steroid hormones concentrations on somatic cell count (SCC) of transitional-anestrus local-Damascus cross goats' milk. Fifty-six goats (2-4-year old) were randomly assigned to three groups: fluorogestone acetate (FGA, n = 19), FGA-Prostaglandin (FGA-PGF, n = 19) and control (n = 18) groups. Intravaginal sponge containing 40 mg FGA was inserted for 13 days and an injection of 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was administered for goats of FGA and FGA-PGF groups at the time of sponge removal (day 0). In addition, goats of FGA-PGF group were injected with 10 mg dinoprost tromethamine (PGF2alpha) on day 0. Five fertile local-Damascus cross bucks were turned-in with all goats on day 0. Blood and milk samples were collected from all goats on days -13 (beginning of experiment), -6, 0, 1, 2, 7, 13 and 20 (end of the experiment). Four-year old and second-parity goats had significantly higher (p < 0.05) SCC of both udder halves than 2- and 3-year old and first-parity goats, respectively. There was a significant effect (p < 0.05) for treatment and number of kids born in the last kidding season on SCC of both udder halves. Neither estradiol nor progesterone concentrations were correlated with SCC in goats in this experiment. The SCC of both udder halves and left udder halves in goats of the control and FGA groups, respectively, increased significantly (p < 0.05) after sponge removal and buck introduction when compared with day 0, with no differences in the FGA-PGF group. This increase in SCC of the control and FGA groups coincided with peak estrus behavior. However, SCC was far below the upper limit of the current standard for normal milk. In conclusion, induction of estrus with progestagen based programs and buck introduction may cause temporary significant increase in SCC. However, the SCC values during this period of temporary increase were still in the range of acceptable values for normal milk. With the current standards for SCC of 1,000,000/ml as legal limit for abnormal milk control programs in goats, estrus synchronization programs and the estrus status should not be considered when bulk-tank milk SCC is being investigated.

A new strategy for superior reproductive performance of ewes bred out-of-season utilizing progestagen supplement prior to withdrawal of intravaginal pessaries.

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of progestagen supplement 24h prior to intravaginal pessary withdrawal on reproductive performance of seasonal anestrous ewes. Ewes in each experiment were allocated to treatment and control and all were induced to estrus using either intravaginal MAP (Exp. 1; n=24) or CIDR-G (Exp. 2; n=28) pessaries for 12 days. Half of the ewes in each experiment were supplemented 24h before withdrawal of pessaries with either 10mg oral MAP tablets (Exp. 1) or 25mg i.m. progesterone (P(4)) administration (Exp. 2; P(4)-supplement-treated group). Fertile rams were allowed with the ewes at sponge removal (Day 0, 0h) and estrus was monitored at 6-h intervals for 3 days. Blood samples were collected for measurements of P(4) (Exp. 1 and Exp. 2) and LH (Exp. 2). In both experiments, the percent of ewes in estrus was greater (P<0.05) and intervals to estrus were longer (P<0.05) in progestagen-supplement-treated than control ewes. In Exp. 2, the occurrence and magnitude of LH surges were greater (P<0.01) and intervals to onset of LH surge were longer (P<0.01) in P(4)-supplement-treated than control ewes. In Exp. 2, P(4) supplement elevated P(4) levels from 1.8+/-0.1ng/mL on Day -1 to 4.2+/-0.3 on Day 0 (P<0.001). Following pessaries removal, P(4) concentrations fell to basal values on Day 1 in both groups and remained low until Day 5. Then, P(4) concentrations increased and remained elevated through Day 19 in all (100%) progestagen-supplement-treated in Exp. 1 (12/12) and Exp. 2 (14/14) and in only 5/12 (41.7%) and 6/14 (42.9%) control ewes, respectively. These ewes were confirmed pregnant by ultrasonography and lambed on Day 149.2+/-0.2 following Day 0. In conclusion, progestagen supplement 24h prior to removal of pessary can be used successfully to improve reproductive performance of ewes bred out-of-season.