Oestrus synchronisation in Red Sokoto does treated with prostaglandin F2α and progesterone pessaries

Comparative oestrus synchronisation was carried out in 52 Red Sokoto does with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness and tightness of synchrony of prostaglandin F2- alpha (PGF2α) and progesterone pessaries for clinical application. Does were randomly divided into PGF2α treated (n = 18), progesterone pessaries treated (n = 18) and control (n = 16) groups. A double injection protocol of PGF2α, 12-days apart, and progesterone pessaries inserted for 12-days were used to synchronise oestrus, with no treatment to the Control group. Six sexually active bucks were used as heat detectors. Intensive and non-intensive oestrus detections were employed using visual observation and apronisation. Standing to be mounted was used as the main sign of oestrus. Oestrus response rate was 88.9 %, 33.3 % and 37.5 % for PGF2α, progesterone pessaries and Control groups respectively. Tightness of oestrus synchrony for PGF2α was within four days, while that of progesterone pessaries was within three days. Progesterone pessaries retention rate was 94.4 %. It was concluded that PGF2α double injection, 12-days apart, synchronised oestrus in Red Sokoto doe was more effective with a tighter synchrony and recommended for clinical use than progesterone pessaries inserted for 12-days.Keywords: Oestrus, Progesterone, Prostaglandin F2-alpha, Red Sokoto doe, Synchronisatio

Progesterone profile of red Sokoto does treated with prostaglandin F2-alpha and progesterone sponges for clinical application

Progesterone profiles of Red Sokoto does were evaluated for clinical application. Fiftyone Red Sokoto goats does were assigned into three groups: (a) prostaglandin F2-alpha (n = 17), and given double injection of prostaglandin F2-alpha at 12-days interval; (b) progesterone sponges (n = 17), and administered progesterone sponges, inserted for 12-days; and (c) control (n = 17), no treatment. Blood samples were collected from all groups from day 0 to 6, day 9, day 12 to 15, day 19, and day 21 to 23 for progesterone profile. Group A had four profiles: 1) does in luteal phase at first and second injections; 2) does in luteal phase at first injection but insensitive at second; 3) does in follicular phase at first injection but luteal phase at second; 4) does, insensitive at first and second injections. Group B profile were: 1) does in luteal phase at sponge insertion; 2) does in luteal phase with decreased progesterone concentration; 3) does in follicular phase at sponge insertion; 4) does with insensitive corpus luteum at sponge insertion. It was concluded that progesterone profile assisted in describing exhibitions and nonexhibitions of behavioural oestrus in Red Sokoto does

Some Aspects of Reproductive Performance of Red Sokoto Goat Does Post Synchronization with Prostaglandin F2-Alpha And Progesterone Sponges

A study on reproduction of 52 Red Sokoto Goat (RSG) does was conducted to evaluate some aspects of their reproductive performance for clinical application and as an update. Does were randomly divided into 18, 18 and 16 as prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF2α),  progesterone sponges (P4S) and control groups respectively. Double injection protocol of PGF2α, 12-days apart, and P4S inserted for 12-days were used to synchronize oestrus, while the control group received no treatment. Thirteen bucks were used, seven as breeders and six as heat detectors. Oestrus detection employed visual observation and apronisation. Standing to be mounted was the cardinal  sign of oestrus. Breeding was by hand-mating and at detected oestrus. Results indicated heterosexual and homosexual mounting, thin stringy clear mucous discharge and standing-to-be-mounted as signs of oestrus. Oestrus response rate was 100 %, 94.4 % and 75.0 %  for PGF2α, P4S and Control respectively; P4S retention rate was 94%. Effect of synchronization agent on on-set of oestrus was 15.86 + 0.73 h (PGF2α), 15.08 + 0.84 h (P4S) and 17.73 + 0.85 h (Control), while parity on on-set of oestrus was 12.12 + 1.87 h (first), 17.77 + 0.77  h (second) and 18.79 + 1.95 h (third). Effect of synchronization agent on duration of oestrus was 44.76 + 2.13 h, 45.78 + 2.46 h and 42.40 + 2.50 h for PGF2Α P4S and Control respectively, while parity on duration of oestrus was 42.26 + 5.48 h (first), 45.02 + 2.27 h (second) and 45.67 + 5.73 h (third). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for oestrus on-set and duration. Overall pregnancy and  conception rates were 65.4 % and 72.3 % respectively, kidding rate was 76.5 %, abortion rate was 23.5 % and late embryonic mortality rate was 26.5 %. Mean gestation were 146.29 + 1.59 and 146.63 + 1.64 for single and twin births respectively. Age, parity and body condition score of dam had significant effect on litter size (P < 0.05). It was concluded that some aspects of the reproductive  performance of the RSG does studied following oestrus synchronization with PGF2α and P4S had clinical application, good and acceptable. Key Words: Reproductive, Red Sokoto, Does, Prostaglandin F2-alpha and Progesterone

Early Pregnancy Diagnosis using Trans-Abdominal Ultrasonography in West African Dwarf Goats

The purpose of this study was to determine the earliest time pregnancy could be detected and the accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis in the West African Dwarf goat using trans-abdominal B-mode real-time ultrasonography. Seventeen does of varying parities (allotted to 2 groups; group 1 = 12 and group 2 = 5) and a buck of proven fertility were used for this study. The group 1 does were hand-mated following synchronized estrus while does in group 2 were left in the company of the intact fertile buck. Trans-abdominal scanning using an ultrasound machine equipped with a transducer of multiple frequency (5.0 to 8.0 MHz) was carried out every day in the group 1 does starting from Day 15 (Day of estrus/ breeding = day 0 of gestation) to Day 40 and, thereafter, every other day to Day 60 of gestation. Ultrasound scan of the group 2 does was undertaken randomly until confirmed pregnant. Acoustic coupling gel, Wavelength® was liberally applied on the animal skin area to be scanned. Sonograms were printed using UP 897MD thermal printer on Sony ultrasound paper; UPP110S. The earliest sonographic evidence of pregnancy was the imaging of circumscribed anechoic fluid in the uterus (EV) on Day 18.8 ± 0.29 and the embryo on Day 20.2 ± 0.24. Heartbeat was detected in the embryos on Day 23.8 ± 0.91, embryo cephalization and development of limb buds on Day 31.4± 0.88, and the appearance of placentomes on Day 34.4 ± 0.42 of gestation. Fifteen (ten from group 1 and all 5 from group 2) does (88.24%) were diagnosed pregnant by ultrasonography. All pregnant does subsequently kidded. The kids were born alive with no apparent morphological abnormalities. The computed average gestation length using the group 1 does was 144± 0.12 days.Key words: Pregnancy detection, accuracy, ultrasound, WAD goat

Fractional extracts of Azadirachta indica leaf affect spermiogram, testosterone profile, and testis histology of rabbit bucks

The effect of fractions from a crude extract of Azadirachta indica leaves on spermatogenesis, testicular histology and testosterone concentration of New Zealand White rabbits were evaluated in this study. Twenty-five matured male New Zealand White rabbits were used for this study and were randomly assigned to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E). Group A served as the control and was administered distilled water (0.5ml); while groups B, C, D and E served as the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol treated groups, respectively at the same dosage of 300 mg/kg. Semen samples were collected using an artificial vagina weekly for twelve weeks and were evaluated for volume, colour, motility, concentration, percentage live-dead ratio and morphological abnormalities. A blood sample (2ml) was also collected from each buck through venipuncture of the ear vein three times at regular intervals for the determination of testosterone concentration. Two bucks from each group were humanely sacrificed at the end of the experiment for testicular histology. Significantly lower (p<0.05) sperm motility, higher dead sperm cells, sperm abnormalities, degenerative changes, depletion and vacuolation of spermatogenic cell layers were observed in treatment group C at the end of the experiment. The present study has shown that the chloroform fraction of methanolic crude Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves extract is detrimental to sperm cells and testicular histology

Effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish,Clarias gariepinus extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage

Cellgevity® is a supplement reported to comprise mostly D-Ribose and L-Cysteine enriched glutathione, known to be an effective antioxidant that improves spermatozoa quality. However, its effect on milt characteristics has not been reported. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage. Pooled milt sample from three fishes was divided into three groups (T1, T2 and T3). The milt was extended in sodium citrate, and each group in triplicate was supplemented with Cellgevity® at 0 mg (T1), 125 mg (T2) and 250 mg (T3). The spermatozoa motility, concentration, viability and morphology were evaluated on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of chilled storage. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. Mean ± SD spermatozoa motility was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in T2 and T3 than T1 before and during the first 3-days storage period. Mean ± (SD) spermatozoa concentration was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in T2 and T3 than T1 before and throughout the 5-days storage period. Mean ± SD live spermatozoa were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in T3 than T1 at day 2 of the storage. Mean ± SD total abnormal spermatozoa did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the groups before and throughout the 5-days storage period. It was concluded that although supplementation of Cellgevity® at 125 mg and 250 mg in milt of catfish, extended in sodium citrate in chilled storage maintained the sperm cells alive and motile up to four days of the storage. However, it did not improve the milt quality. Hence, it should not be supplemented in sodium citrate extended milt of catfish, Clarias gariepinus in chilled storage

Predictors of suboptimal CD4 response among women achieving virologic suppression in a randomized antiretroviral treatment trial, Africa

Background: A subset of HIV-1 infected patients starting highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) experience suboptimal CD4 response (SCR) despite virologic suppression. We studied the rate of and risk factors for SCR among women starting HAART in the ACTG A5208 study conducted in 7 African countries. 741 HAART-naive women with screening CD4 count <200 cells/μL were randomized to start HAART with Tenofovir/Emtricitabine plus either Nevirapine or Lopinavir/Ritonavir. Methods: This analysis includes the 625 women who remained on-study through 48 weeks without experiencing protocol-defined virologic failure. We defined SCR as < 100 CD4 cells/μL increase from baseline and absolute CD4 cell count < 350 cells/μL, both at 48 weeks after HAART initiation. Results: The baseline characteristics for the 625 women prior to HAART initiation were: median age 33 years, screening CD4 count 134 cells/μL, and HIV-1 RNA 5.1 log10 copies/mL; 184 (29%) were WHO Stage 3 or 4. Seventy one (11%) of these 625 women experienced SCR. Baseline factors independently associated with increased odds of SCR included older age, lower HIV-1 RNA, positive Hepatitis B surface antigen, and site location. At 96 weeks, only 6% of the SCR group had CD4 ≥ 350 cells/μL compared with 67% in the non SCR group. Conclusion: After starting HAART, 11% of women with virologic suppression through 48 weeks experienced SCR. These patients were also less likely to achieve CD4 ≥ 350 cells/μL by 96 weeks. The underlying causes and long term clinical implications of SCR deserve further investigation. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT0008950

Nef-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses Contribute to HIV-1 Immune Control

Recent studies in the SIV-macaque model of HIV infection suggest that Nef-specific CD8+ T-cell responses may mediate highly effective immune control of viraemia. In HIV infection Nef recognition dominates in acute infection, but in large cohort studies of chronically infected subjects, breadth of T cell responses to Nef has not been correlated with significant viraemic control. Improved disease outcomes have instead been associated with targeting Gag and, in some cases, Pol. However analyses of the breadth of Nef-specific T cell responses have been confounded by the extreme immunogenicity and multiple epitope overlap within the central regions of Nef, making discrimination of distinct responses impossible via IFN-gamma ELISPOT assays. Thus an alternative approach to assess Nef as an immune target is needed. Here, we show in a cohort of >700 individuals with chronic C-clade infection that >50% of HLA-B-selected polymorphisms within Nef are associated with a predicted fitness cost to the virus, and that HLA-B alleles that successfully drive selection within Nef are those linked with lower viral loads. Furthermore, the specific CD8+ T cell epitopes that are restricted by protective HLA Class I alleles correspond substantially to effective SIV-specific epitopes in Nef. Distinguishing such individual HIV-specific responses within Nef requires specific peptide-MHC I tetramers. Overall, these data suggest that CD8+ T cell targeting of certain specific Nef epitopes contributes to HIV suppression. These data suggest that a re-evaluation of the potential use of Nef in HIV T-cell vaccine candidates would be justified

Apes and Agriculture

Non-human great apes – chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans – are threatened by agricultural expansion, particularly from rice, cacao, cassava, maize, and oil palm cultivation. Agriculture replaces and fragments great ape habitats, bringing them closer to humans and often resulting in conflict. Though the impact of agriculture on great apes is well-recognized, there is still a need for a more nuanced understanding of specific contexts and associated negative impacts on habitats and populations. Here we review these contexts and their implications for great apes. We estimate that within their African and South-East Asian ranges, there are about 100 people for each great ape. Given that most apes live outside strictly protected areas and the growing human population and increasing demand for resources in these landscapes, it will be challenging to balance the needs of both humans and great apes. Further habitat loss is expected, particularly in Africa, where compromises must be sought to re-direct agricultural expansion driven by subsistence farmers with small fields (generally <0.64 ha) away from remaining great ape habitats. To promote coexistence between humans and great apes, new approaches and financial models need to be implemented at local scales. Overall, optimized land use planning and effective implementation, along with strategic investments in agriculture and wildlife conservation, can improve the synergies between conservation and food production. Effective governance and conservation financing are crucial for optimal outcomes in both conservation and food security. Enforcing forest conservation laws, engaging in trade policy discussions, and integrating policies on trade, food security, improved agricultural techniques, and sustainable food systems are vital to prevent further decline in great ape populations. Saving great apes requires a thorough consideration of specific agricultural contexts

Effects of monosodium-L-glutamate administration on serum levels of reproductive hormones and cholesterol, epididymal sperm reserves and testicular histomorphology of male albino rats

This study investigated the effects of administration of monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) on serum gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinising hormone (LH), testosterone and total cholesterol (TC), cauda epididymal sperm reserves (CESR) and testicular histomorphology of adult male albino rats. Eighty-four rats, randomly assigned to 7 groups of 12 rats each, were used for the study. Varying low doses (0.25, 0.50 or 1.00 g/kg body weight) of MSG were administered orally or subcutaneously at 48-h intervals for six weeks. Serum GnRH, LH, testosterone and TC, and CESR were evaluated on days 14, 28 and 42 of MSG administration. Testicular histomorphology was evaluated on day 42. The results showed that the mean serum GnRH, LH and testosterone levels, and the CESR of all the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the untreated control on days 14, 28 and 42 of MSG administration. The mean serum TC levels of all the treated groups were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the control group on days 14 and 28. No lesions were observed on sections of the testes. It was concluded that MSG administration for 14, 28 and 42 days led to significantly lower serum levels of GnRH, LH, testosterone and TC, and significantly lower CESR