Effect of Parity on Productive Performance and Calving Interval in Water Buffaloes

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the parity on productive performance (lactation length, total milk yield and milk yield by day of calving interval) and calving interval in water buffaloes. For this purpose, records of 663 lactations from 248 buffaloes were evaluated. Total milk yield was 1344.91 liters, lactation length was 291.20 days, calving interval was 453.55 days and milk by day of calving was 2.77 liters. Parity did not significantly affect total milk yield, but had a significant effect on lactation length, calving interval and milk by day of calving interval. First calving buffaloes had a longer lactation, a longer calving interval and in consequence lower productivity than buffaloes with two and three or more calving. Second calving buffaloes had intermediate and significantly different values than buffaloes with three or more calving. Calving interval was positively correlated with total milk yield (r = 0.34983, p <0.0001) and length of lactation (r = 0.67408, p = <0.0001); and negatively with milk by day of calving (r = -0.41263, p<0.0001). In conclusion, parity affected the productive performance and calving interval, with buffaloes of one and two calving being less productive due to a longer calving interval. An increase of milk yield is related with a longer calving interval, therefore, buffaloes of one and two calving, must be provided with optimal management conditions, which allow them to support milk yield and not to compromise the reproductive performance

Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) trapping in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) with artisan traps at el Paraíso, Guerrero, Mexico

Objective: Evaluate three proportions of alcohol in traps with one and three windows and two different colors to capture Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari in the Paradise, Guerrero. Design/methodology/approach: 3 mixtures of ethyl:methyl alcohol was evaluated in different proportions (1:0, 0:1 and 1:1), in addition, traps were used in green and transparent colors, designed with one and three windows. A complete factorial design was used, the distribution of treatments was done in complete blocks at random with four repetitions. The variables evaluated were the number of bits captured, water loss, evaporation of the attractant and percentage of damaged fruits. Evaluations were conducted in March–July 2007. Results: There were differences between the treatments (p <0.05). Mix with 1: 1 was the best treatment, recorded an average catch of 980 trap insects week-1. In water loss the traps with a window were better than those designed with three, they recorded an average loss of 1,129.79 mL. The transparent color in traps is more efficient to prevent water loss, recorded an average loss of 905 mL. Limitations on study/implications: The design and color of the trap do not influence the capture efficiency and evaporation of the attractant. Findings/conclusions: The use of handcrafted traps of transparent color, with a window and with ratio of 1:1 ethyl and methyl alcohol, are very efficient in the trap for the control of H. hampeiObjective: To evaluate three proportions of alcohol in traps with one and three windows and two different colors to capture Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari in Coffea arabica L. plants. Design/methodology/approach: The experiment followed a completely randomized design with a complete factorial arrangement and four replications. From March to July 2007, three mixtures of ethyl: methyl alcohol were evaluated in different proportions (1: 0, 0: 1 and 1: 1). In addition, green and transparent traps were used, designed with a single or three windows. The number of captured coffee berry borers, water loss, attractant evaporation and damaged fruits percentage was evaluated. The data were analyzed through an analysis of variance and a test of means differences (Tukey, p ? 0.05). Results: The mixture of ethyl: methyl alcohol 1: 1 was the best, with an average catch of 980 trapped - insects week-1. The single window of transparent color traps was the most efficient to avoid water loss, with an average loss of 1,129.79 mL and 905 mL respectively. Limitations on study/implications: The design and color of the traps did not influence the capture efficiency and the evaporation of the attractant during the evaluated months. Therefore, it should be further evaluated during other important phenological stages for the crop. Findings/conclusions: Transparent color traps with a window and 1: 1 ethyl: methyl alcohol were efficient for capturing H. hampei and lowering their population

Sperm with damaged and immature chromatin in cryopreserved semen from brahman bulls.

El propósito de este estudio fue cuantificar la presencia de espermatozoides con cromatina dañada e inmadura en el semen criopreservado de toros Brahman. Para ello, frotis de tres eyaculados de cinco toros fueron teñidos con azul de toluidina (AT) y azul de anilina (AN) para evaluar integridad y la inmadurez de la cromatina, respectivamente. Los espermatozoides teñidos con AT fueron considerados espermatozoides con cromatina normal (teñidos de azul claro) o con cromatina dañada (teñidos de azul oscuro o violeta), mientras que los teñidos con AN fueron clasificados como maduros (no teñidos) o inmaduros (teñidos de azul). El porcentaje de espermatozoides con cromatina dañada fue de 7,0 ± 3,71; rango entre 3 y 17,5%. Se observaron efectos del toro y el eyaculado sobre el porcentaje de espermatozoides con cromatina dañada (P<0,05). El porcentaje de espermatozoides con cromatina inmadura fue de 0,9 ± 1,29% (rango de 0 a 2,5%). No se observaron efectos del toro o el eyaculado; no obstante, solo siete de los eyaculados presentaron espermatozoides con cromatina inmadura. No se observó una correlación entre el porcentaje de espermatozoides con cromatina dañada y el de espermatozoides con cromatina inmadura (r = -0,05; P= 0,77). En conclusión, el semen criopreservado de toros Brahman contiene bajos porcentajes de espermatozoides con cromatina dañada y de espermatozoides con cromatina inmadura. Adicionalmente, este estudio demuestra que las tinciones de azul de toluidina y azul de anilina evalúan diferentes características de la cromatina.20 - [email protected] purpose of this study was to quantify the presence of sperm with damaged and immature chromatin in cryopreserved semen from Brahman bulls. In order the achieve that goal, smears of three ejaculates from five Brahman bulls were stained with toluidine blue (AT) and aniline blue (AN) to evaluate integrity and immaturity of chromatin, respectively. Sperm stained with AT were classified as having normal chromatin (stained light blue) or damaged chromatin (stained dark blue or violet); while sperm stained with AN were classified as mature sperm (unstained) or immature sperms (stained blue). Percentage of sperm with damaged chromatin was 7.0 ± 3.71%, with a range from 3 to 17.5%. Bull and ejaculate effects were observed on the percentage of sperm with damaged chromatin (P<0.05). Percentage of immature chromatin was 0.9 ± 1.29% (from 0 to 2.5%). No effects of bull or ejaculate were observed, and only seven ejaculates presented sperm with immature chromatin. No correlation was observed between damaged and immature chromatin (r = -0.05, P=0.77). In conclusion, Brahman bull semen contains low percentages of sperm with damaged and immature chromatin. Additionally, this study demonstrates that toluidine blue and aniline blue stains evaluate different chromatin characteristics

Haematological reference values determination in prepartum and postpartum female buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis) in a production unit at the south of Maracaibo Lake, Venezuela

Con el objetivo de determinar los cambios hematológicos en búfalas mestizas pre y postparto, se realizó un ensayo en una finca comercial ubicada en el municipio Catatumbo, estado Zulia, Venezuela. Se obtuvieron ciento doce muestras de sangre en tubos estériles conteniendo anticoagulante (EDTA). Se determinó el hematocrito (Ht L/L), la concentración de hemoglobina (Hb g/L), el recuento de leucocitos (RGB x 10^9/L) y el diferencial (x10^9/L) y los datos se compararon de acuerdo a la condición fisiológica, edad y número de partos. En el pre y postparto, los valores de Ht, Hb fueron 123,6±15,2; 0,37±0,04 y 119,6±13,5; 0,36±0,04, respectivamente (P>0,05). El RGB fue de 10,93±3,11 y 7,71±0,48, para el pre y el postparto respectivamente (P<0,05); los valores pre y postparto de neutrófilos (N) y eosinófilos (E) fueron 5,39±2,40; 0,71±0,61 y 4,33±0,88; 0,26±0,3, respectivamente (P<0,05) y de linfocitos (L) fueron 4,74±1,70 y 3,12±0,64, respectivamente (P>0,05). En animales de uno y dos partos, los valores de Hb, Ht, RGB, N y E no presentaron diferencias significativas (P>0,05). Mientras que los valores de L difirieron significativamente entre búfalas de uno y dos partos (4.03±1,57, 3,55±1,23, respectivamente, P<0,05). En animales de 3-4 años y en animales de 5-6 años, los valores de Hb, Ht, N, E y L no presentaron diferencias significativas (P>0,05), mientras que el RGB difirió significativamente entre ambos grupos (9,48±2,82 y 8,29±1,95, P<0,05), respectivamente. Este estudio da un aporte al conocimiento de los valores hematológicos de búfalos adultos en especial a los cambios debido a variables fisiológicas como lo son el parto, la edad y el número de partos.119 - 124BimestralWith the aim to determine the hematology values in crossbred buffalo cows during pre and postpartum, a study was carried out in a commercial farm, located in Catatumbo municipality of Zulia state, Venezuela. One-hundred twelve blood simples were obtained in sterile tubes containing anticoagulant (EDTA). Hematocrit (Ht L/L), hemoglobin concentration (Hb g/L), leukocytes (WBCx10^9/L) and the differential (x10^9/L) were measured. The hematology values were compared in accordance with the physiologic condition, age and parity. In the pre and postpartum the values of Ht and Hb were 123.6±15.2; 0.37±0.04 and 119.6±13.5; 0.36±0.04, respectively (P>0.05). WBC values were 10.93±3.11 and 7.71±0.48, to pre and postpartum respectively (P<0.05), values of neutrophils (N) and eosinophils (E) were 5.39±2.40; 0.71±0.61 and 4.33±0.88; 0.26±0.3 respectively (P<0.05), and lymphocytes (L) were 4.74±1.70 and 3.12±0.64 respectively (P>0.05). No significant differences were observed in first-calving and second-calving buffalo cows to values of Hb, Ht, RGB N and E (P>0.05). Values of L were significantly differ between first-calving and second-calving buffalo cows (4.03±1.57 and 3.55±1.23 respectively, P<0.05). In 3-4 year-old animals and in 5-6 year-old, values of Hb, Ht, N, E and L did not differ significantly (P>0.05), while RGB values differs significantly between 3-4 year-old and 5-6 year-old buffalo cows (9.48±2.82 and 8.29±1.95 respectively, P<0.05). This study gives a contribution to the knowledge of the hematology changes experimented by buffalo cows as a consequence to physiologic variables such calving, age and parity

Use of water test to assess the sperm membrane functional integrity in cryopreserved bull semen

[email protected]

Calves born under tropical conditions after direct transfer of cryopreserved in vitro produced embryos

En el presente estudio se comparó el desempeño de 56 novillas doble propósito que resultaron preñadas luego de la transferencia directa de embriones producidos in vitro cultivados en un medio suplementado con suero o en uno químicamente definido. No se observaron diferencias en las tasas de aborto (30,43% vs. 24,24%), distocias (52,17% vs. 51,52%) y parto normal (17,39% vs. 24,24%) entre las novillas que recibieron embriones cultivados en el medio suplementado con suero y las que recibieron embriones cultivados en el medio químicamente definido. El sexo de la cría afectó significativamente el porcentaje de distocias, 83,33% para machos y 50% para hembras, (P < 0,05). El peso al nacimiento de los becerros tampoco se vio afectado (P > 0,05) por la suplementación sérica durante el cultivo (46,86 ± 2,04 kg, para los becerros derivados de los embriones cultivados en el medio suplementado con suero y 46,28 ± 1,42 kg, para los derivados de los embriones cultivados en el medio químicamente definido) ni por el sexo de la cría (machos, 47,20 ± 1,50 kg y hembras, 45,45 ± 1,84 kg). El peso de los becerros que nacieron muertos o que murieron luego del nacimiento fue significativamente (P < 0,05) mayor (51,92 ± 1,76 kg) al de los becerros que sobrevivieron (43,88 ± 1,22 kg). La sobrevivencia perinatal no se vio afectada ni la suplementación sérica durante el cultivo embrionario, ni por el sexo de los becerros o el nacimiento de un parto distócico. En conclusión, la presencia de suero en el medio de cultivo no afectó el desempeño de las novillas doble propósito que resultaron preñadas luego de la transferencia de embriones producidos in vitro. En este estudio se observó la presencia de becerros con el síndrome del recién nacido gigante evidenciado por un alto peso al nacimiento y una alta tasa de abortos y distocias.429 - 436BimestralIn the present study, performance of 56 crossbred dual purpose heifers diagnosed as pregnant after direct transfer of in vitro produced embryos cultured in either media supplemented with serum (n = 23) or in a chemically defined media (n = 33) were compared. No differences were observed in the incidence of abortion (30.34% vs. 24.24%), dystocia (52.17% vs. 51.52%) and normal calving (17.39% vs. 24.24%) in pregnant heifers with embryos produced in either serum supplemented or chemically defined media respectively (P > 0.05). Sex of calves affected significantly the rate of dystocia (males, 83.33% and females, 50%; P < 0.05). The birth weight of calves was not affected (P > 0.05) neither by serum supplementation during in vitro culture (46.86 ± 2.04 kg for calves derived from embryos cultured in the serum supplemented media and 46.28 ± 1.42 kg, for calves derived from embryos cultured in the chemically defined media) nor by sex of calves (males, 47.20 ± 1.50 kg and females, 45.45 ± 1.84 kg). The birth weigh of calves born dead or dying soon after birth was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (51.92 ± 1.76 kg) than that of survivors calves (43.88 ± 1.22 kg). Neither serum supplementation during in vitro culture, sex of calves nor dystocia affected the perinatal survival of calves. In conclusion, the presence of serum during in vitro culture did not affect the reproductive performance of dual purpose pregnant heifers after direct transfer of in vitro produced embryos. Large offspring syndrome (LOS) as observed in this study was evidenced by high birth weigh of calves, high rate of abortions and dystocia

Effect of db-cAMP on embryonic development of bovine oocytes fertilized with sex sorted semen

El objetivo de este estudio fue mejorar la producción de embriones bovinos con semen sexado bajo condiciones químicamente definidas mediante la suplementación del medio de fecundación con db-cAMP. Los complejos ovocitos cumulus (COCs) fueron madurados por 18 horas en TCM-199 suplementado y fueron fecundados con espermatozoides X o Y en presencia de heparina (10 g/ml), db-cAMP (1 µM) o sin tratamiento alguno (control). Los presuntivos cigotos fueron cultivados por 54 horas en g-SOF. Desde las 72 a las 144 horas post-inseminación (hpi) los embriones se cultivaron en c-SOF+NEA y desde 144 a 192 hpi fueron colocados en medio de maduración pero sin hormonas. No se observaron diferencias entre tratamientos para los oocitos fecundados con espermatozoides Y cuando se compararon a los controles. Se observó una mejora significativa (P<0,01) en la proporción de ovocitos que se dividieron cuando fueron fecundados con espermatozoides X tratados con db-cAMP (70,83%) en comparación con los fecundados con espermatozoides Y tratados con db-cAMP (46,37%). El tratamiento con db-cAMP fue capaz de inducir una mayor (P<0,05) tasa de formación de blastocistos (19.29%) en comparación a los tratamientos control (8,47%) y heparina (10,44%). El tratamiento con db-cAMP incrementó (P<0,05) la tasa de embriones de cuatro células alcanzando el estadio de blastocisto cuando los oocitos fueron fecundados con espermatozoides X (30,77%) en comparación a cuando la fecundación se realizó con espermatozoides Y (9,68%) y en comparación a cuando se llevó a cabo con espermatozoides X o Y en presencia de heparina (5,88% y 15,15%, respectivamente) o en el tratamiento control (9,68% y 7,14%, respectivamente). Estos resultados sugieren, que el db-cAMP puede ser un tratamiento efectivo para el semen sexado, a fin de incrementar la producción in vitro de embriones bovinos hembra bajo condiciones químicamente definidas.131 - 135BimestralThe objective of this study was to improve sexed bovine embryo production with sorted sperm in chemically defined conditions by supplementing the IVF medium with db-cAMP. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 18 h in supplemented TCM-199 and fertilized with X- or Y-bearing sperm in the presence of heparin (10 µg/ml), db-cAMP (1 µM) or no treatment (control). Presumptive zygotes were cultured 54 h in g-SOF. From 72 to 144 h post- insemination (hpi) embryos were cultured in c-SOF+NEA and from 144 to 192 hpi embryos were placed in maturation medium without hormones. No significant differences were found among treatments for Y-sperm when compared to controls. A significant (P<0.01) improvement in the proportion of cleaved oocytes was found for X-sperm treated with db-cAMP (70.83%) compared to the Y-sperm inseminated oocytes treated wit db-cAMP (46.37%). Treatment with db-cAMP enabled a better (P<0.05) blastocyst formation rate (19.29%) compared to control (8.47%) and heparin (10.44%). Treatment of db-cAMP significantly increased the rate of blastocysts in X-sperm inseminated oocytes (30.77%) compared to Y-sperm inseminated oocytes treated the same (9.68%) and compared to X- and Y-sperm treated with heparin (5.88% and 15.15%, respectively) and not treated (9.68% and 7.14%, respectively, P<0.05). These results suggest that db-cAMP may prove to be an effective treatment of sorted sperm for in vitro production of female bovine embryos under chemically defined conditions

Comunicación breve: efecto de la administración postmonta de un progestágeno sobre la tasa de preñez en cabras mestizas luego de un celo inducido

Los celos inducidos por progesteronas o progestagenos son de menor fertilidad en comparación con los celos naturales. Sin embargo, la administración postmonta de progesterona ha sido reportada por incrementar el desarrollo embrionario y la tasa de preñez; por lo tanto, el propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la administración postmonta de un progestageno sobre la tasa de preñez en cabras mestizas tropicales luego de un celo inducido con acetato de medroxiprogestrona (MAP) durante el periodo temprano postparto. La inducción del celo se inicio el día 31,3 ± 1,7 postparto mediante la utilización de esponjas intravaginales impregnadas con 60 mg de MAP durante 14 días y al momento del retiro de las esponjas se aplicaron 500 UI de eCG, vía intramuscular. El celo fue detectado cada seis horas a partir de 24 horas de retiradas las esponjas. El servicio se realizó por monta natural con machos enteros. Cinco días luego de la monta las cabras servidas fueron distribuidas de forma aleatoria en dos grupos, el grupo control (n=18), sin tratamiento; y el grupo MAP (n=18), que recibió una esponja con 60 mg de MAP por 14 días. El diágnostico ultrasonográfico de preñez se realizó a los 50 días postmonta. El tratamiento con MAP no afectó la tasa de preñez, con 44,4% (8/18) en el grupo MAP, mientras que en el grupo control fue de 55,5% (10/18), P>0,05. En conclusión, el tratamiento con una esponja impregnadas con 60 mg de MAP entre los 5 días y 19 postmonta no afectó la tasa de preñez luego de un celo inducido durante el periódo postparto temprano en cabras mestizas tropicales.578-581Estrus induced with progesterone or progestagens have low fertility compared to natural estrus. However, post-mating progesterone administration has been reported by increases embryo development and pregnancy rate; therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of post-mating progestagen administration on pregnancy rate after medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) induced estrus in crossbred goats. Estrus induction was started at 31.3 ± 1.7 days post-partum with intravaginal sponges impregnated with 60 mg of MAP during 14 days and at time of sponge removal were applied 500 IU of eCG intramuscular. Estrus was detected every 6 hours from 24 hours onwards after sponge withdrawal. Goats were naturally mated with two entry bucks. Five days post - mating, mated goat were randomly assorted into two groups, control group (n=18), without any treatment, and MAP for group (n=18), receiving a sponge with 60 mg of MAP for fourteen days. Ultrasonographyc diagnosis of pregnancy was performed at day 50 post-mating. MAP treatment, did not affect the pregnancy rate, with 44.4% (8/18) in MAP group, while in control group was 55.5% (10/18), P>0.05. In conclusion, MAP treatment with a sponge impregnated with 60 mg of MAP between days 5 and 19 post-mating did not affect the pregnancy rate after progestagen induced estrus during the early post-partum period in crossbred tropical goats

Effect of eCG dosage on estrus induction in crossbred goats after a short-term medroxiprogesterone treatment

El propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la dosis de gonadotropina coriónica equina (eCG) sobre la inducción del celo en cabras mestizas manejadas bajo condiciones tropicales. Las cabras (n = 32) fueron tratadas con una esponja intravaginal impregnada con 50 mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) durante seis días. Al momento del retiro de las esponjas, las cabras fueron divididas al azar en tres grupos: control (GC, n=11), no recibieron eCG; G250: (n=10) recibieron 250 UI de eCG vía intramuscular y G500: (n=11) recibieron 500 UI de eCG vía intramuscular. La eCG no afectó la tasa de expresión de celo, siendo 81,8% (9/11) para el GC y de 100% para los grupos G250 y G500 (P>0,05). El intervalo al celo fue significativamente más corto en el grupo G500 (32,54 ± 3,00 horas, P<0,05) que en los grupos G250 y GC (40,65 ± 3,27 y 42,20 ± 3,54 horas, respectivamente). La duración del celo no difirió entre los grupos (P>0,05). El porcentaje de cabras repitiendo celo, luego de un ciclo estrual de corta duración, varió según el grupo, siendo de 27,3% (3/11) en el grupo G500 y de 10% (1/10) en el grupo G250; mientras que ninguna cabra del grupo control repitió celo luego de un ciclo estrual corto; no se observaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos (P>0,05). En conclusión, la eCG no es necesaria para inducir el celo en cabras tratadas por seis días con una esponja intravaginal conteniendo MAP, sin embargo, la dosis de 500 UI de eCG fue necesaria para acortar el intervalo al [email protected] aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dosage of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) dose on the estrus induction after a short-term medroxyprogesterone treatment in crossbred goat under tropical conditions. Goats (n = 32) received an intravaginal sponge containing 50 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) for six days, at time of sponge withdrawal goats were divided randomly in three groups: CG, control group (n=11), did not received eCG; the second group (G250, n=10), received 250 IU of eCG intramuscular and the third group (G500, n =11), received 500 IU of eCG IM. Treatment with eCG did not affect the rate of estrus presentation, being 81.8% (9/11) for GC group and 100% for groups G250 (10/10) and G500 (11/11), P>0.05. The interval to estrus was significantly shorter in group G500 (32.54 ± 3.00 hours, P<0.05) than GC and G250 (40.65 ± 3.27 y 42.20 ± 3.54 hours, respectively). Estrus duration was not affected by eCG treatment (P>0.05). A shorter interestrus interval was observed in 27.3% (3/11) of goats in G500 and 10% (1/10) of goats in G250, while no goats in GC had a shorter interestrus interval. In conclusion, eCG is not necessary to induce estrus in goats treated for six days with an intragavinal sponges containing MAP, however the dose of 500 IU was necessary to shortens the interval to the estrus

RCP 24-2.indd

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of sperm with damaged chromatic measure with toluidine blue stain and it´s relationship with motility and viability in criopreserverd semen from Brahman bulls. Three ejaculates from six Brahman bulls were used. Immediately after thawing, sperms were stained with toluidine blue to establish chromatin integrity (sperms with normal chromatin were light blue or green while sperms with damaged chromatin were dark blue or violet). Sperms were also stained with eosin-nigrosin to determine viability (live sperms were unstained while dead sperms were pink). Motility was measured under light microscope. Effects of bull, ejaculate, and the interaction between variables were assessed. The percentage of live sperms was 50.02 ( ± 14.13%). The mean motility was 33.88 (± 12.43%), while the percentage of sperms with damaged chromatin was 4.17 ( ± 2.96%). Viability was positively correlated with motility (r=0.77217, p=0.0002), and negatively correlated with damaged chromatin sperms (r= -0.43104, p=0.0087). Motility percentage was negatively correlated with the percentage of sperms with damaged chromatin (r=-0.48337, p=0.0421). In conclusion, cryopreserved semen of Brahman bulls presented a low level of chromatin damage, and this trait was negatively correlated with sperm motility and viability