• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.495-498
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• 1995

Records taken on 372 young beef bulls tested at the Ellerslie Bull Test Station, Alberta, Canada from November 1981 to April 1987 were analyzed to quantify the effects of age of dam, on-test age, on-test liveweight and herd of origin of bull on feed efficiency (feed/gain, kg/kg) in the test period (n = 231) and ultrasonic measurement of bakcfat thickness (mm) at the end of the test (n = 372). The reduction in $R^2$ due to each influencing factor (i.e. the variation accounted for by the factor) was used to indicate the importance of the influencing factor. Age of dam and on-test age of bull were not important factors on feed/gain and ultrasonic backfat thickness, as they accounted for less than 0.5% of the variation in feed/gain and ultrasonic backfat thickness, respectively (p > 0.1). On-test liveweight had some influence on feed/gain and ultrasonic backfat thickness, accounting for 3.5% (p < 0.01) and 0.4% (p < 0.05) of the total variation, respectively. The regression coefficients of feed/gain and ultrasonic backfat thickness on on-test liveweight were 0.016 (kg/kg)/kg and .013 mm/kg, respectively, both being significant (p < 0.05), indicating that lighter bulls entering the test were generally more efficient in feed utilization in the test period and had less backfat at the end of the test than heavier entering bulls. Herd of origin of bull accounted for a substantial amount of the total variation (> 16%) in feed/gain and ultrasonic backfat thickness (p = 0.08), indicating that a prolonged aqjustment period was needed to reduce the influence of herd of origin when assessing aggregate genetic merit of beef bulls for growth rate, feed efficiency and lean meat production using a central station performance testing program.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.13.1-13.5
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• 2015

As an alternative to radioimmunoassay a simple and highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was developed and validated for androstenedione quantification in plasma of Karan Fries bulls using second antibody coating technique. The wells of the microtitreplate were coated with affinity-purified goat immunoglobulin (antirabbit IgG) that binds the hormone specific antibody. The EIA was performed to analyze androstenedione directly in $40{\mu}l$ of bull plasma. The androstenedione standards ranged from 0.20 to 200 pg/$40{\mu}l$/well and the sensitivity of the assay was 5 pg/ml plasma. Serially diluted bull plasma containing high endogenous androstenedione showed good parallelism with bovine androstenedione standard curve. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were found to be 8 and 9%, respectively. Peripheral plasma androstenedione concentrations determined in young and adult bull samples ranged between 104-990 pg/ml and 184-2040 pg/ml, respectively.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.873-879
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• 2010

We investigated the effect of various concentrations of taurine during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on the embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage of bovine oocytes fertilized with three different Japanese Black bulls (Bull A, B and C). In vitro matured oocytes were fertilized with various concentrations of taurine (0, 1, 10, 50 and 100 mM) in the presence of 2.5 or 5.0 mM caffeine plus $25{\mu}g$/ml heparin (CH) for 6 hr or $100{\mu}g$/ml heparin (H) for $24{\pm}2$ h. After IVF, the cleavage rates from the 2 to 16 cell stage determined at 3 days and the development rates up to the blastocyst stage determined at 7-8 days from the onset of IVF were assessed. Although the cleavage rates for the taurine concentration groups were not significantly increased in any of the three bulls in the CH groups, the development rates up to the blastocyst stage of the 50 mM taurine group of Bulls A and B, and of the 1 to 50 mM groups of Bull C were increased (p<0.05) compared to those of the control (0 mM taurine) groups. On the other hand, none of the bulls in the H groups showed any significant increase either in the cleavage rates or blastocyst formation rates in any taurine concentrations groups compared with those of the control groups. These results indicate that the addition of 50 mM taurine to a fertilization medium containing caffeine and heparin may stimulate embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage when fertilized with different bull semen.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1411-1420
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• 2020

Objective: The aim of study was to investigate the effects of season and single layer centrifugation (SLC) before cryopreservation on post-thaw bull sperm quality in Thailand. Methods: Semen was collected from 6 bulls (Bos indicus) in summer, rainy season and winter 2014 through 2016. Semen characteristics, sperm morphology, sperm kinematics, viability, chromatin structure and mitochondrial membrane were evaluated. Meteorological data were available from the local meteorological station; Results: Season had an effect on semen characteristics in the raw ejaculate, with higher proportions of normal spermatozoa and lower abnormalities in winter than in the other two seasons. Sperm kinematics, viability, DNA fragmentation index, and mitochondrial membrane potential were not different between seasons. Sperm samples selected by SLC had greater normal morphology and a lower proportion with bent tails than controls and higher values of progressive motility (PRO), beat cross frequency, linearity, straightness, wobble (WOB), and lower values of slow motility, velocity average path (VAP), velocity curved line, and amplitude of lateral head displacement than controls. In addition, SLC-selection had a favorable effect on PRO, VAP, and WOB that differed among seasons. Conclusion: Our results suggested that these bulls were well adapted to their location, with season having an effect on sperm morphology. Moreover, SLC could be used prior to cryopreservation, regardless of season, to enhance normal morphology and kinematics of bull sperm samples without adversely affecting other parameters of sperm quality. However, there was considerable variation among bulls in DNA fragmentation index, mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm viability. In addition, SLC had a positive effect on sperm morphology and sperm kinematics, which could be expected to influence fertility.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.1821-1830
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• 2023

Objective: This study investigated the effect of adding seminal plasma to frozen-thawed semen on the quality of sperm and pregnancy following insemination in dromedary camels. Methods: In experiment 1, the frozen-thawed semen from 9 collections (3 bulls) was further diluted with either the base extender or homologous seminal plasma (HSP). In the second experiment, a pooled sample of frozen-thawed semen was diluted with either seminal plasma from another three bulls. Live percentage, total and progressive motility, functional and acrosome integrity, and sperm kinematics were evaluated at 15, 60, and 120 minutes post-thawing and compared to the non-treated control. In experiment 3, frozen semen was used to inseminate camels in the following experimental groups: 1-Single insemination with double dose undiluted frozen semen (n = 9); 2-Re-insemination in 6 hours with undiluted semen (n = 13); 3-Single insemination with HSP treated sperm (n = 14). Results: Frozen-thawed sperm diluted in HSP or the non-homologous seminal plasma from Bull C indicated an improvement in all parameters after 1 hour post-thawing incubation (p<0.05). The proportion of total and progressively motile sperm did not drop significantly at 60 minutes post-thawing when diluted with the seminal plasma of Bull C (p>0.05). Double insemination with nontreated sperm and single insemination with HSP-treated sperm resulted in similar pregnancy rates (15.3% vs 21.4%, p>0.05). None of the camels conceived with double-dose single insemination of nontreated sperm. Conclusion: Seminal plasma improves sperm longevity and motility after thawing in dromedary camel with a significant between-bull variation in effect. Low post-thaw sperm longevity might be the cause behind the low pregnancy rates in frozen semen insemination of dromedary camels.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.463-467
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• 2006

Genetic profiles of Iranian Holstein young bulls at the national artificial insemination station were determined on the basis of individual genotypes at 13 ISAG's recommended microsatellites, the most useful markers of choice for parentage identification. In the present study a total of 119 individuals were genotyped at 13 microsatellite loci and for possible parent-offspring combinations. A high level of genetic variation was evident within the investigated individuals as assessed from various genetic diversity measures. The mean number of observed alleles per microsatellite marker was 9.15 and the number of effective alleles as usual was less than the observed values (4.03). The average observed and expected heterozygosity values were 0.612 and 0.898, respectively. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value (0.694) further reflected a high level of genetic variability. The average exclusion of probability (PE) of the 13 markers was 0.520, ranging from 0.389 to 0.788. The combined exclusion of probability was 0.999, when 13 microsatellite loci were used for analysis in the individual identification system. Inbreeding was calculated as the difference between observed and expected heterozygosity. Observed homozygosity was less than expected which reflects inbreeding of -3.7% indicating that there are genetic differences between bull-sires and bull-dams used to produce young bulls. The results obtained from this study demonstrate that the microsatellite DNA markers used in the present DNA typing are useful and sufficient for individual identification and parentage verification without accurate pedigree information.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.281-288
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• 1983

Heparinization is an essential step in extracorporeal circulation for open heart surgery. But wide individual variation to heparin effect sometimes makes it difficult to anticoagulate safely or neutralize appropriately. Because the conventional set protocol of heparinization did not consider this individual variation, a new method of control of heparinization was proposed by Dr. Brian Bull in 1974. We compared the group in which a conventional set protocol was used [Control group] with the other in which a new protocol modified from that of Bull was used [ACT group], on the aspects of the dosages of heparin and protamine administered and postoperative bleeding. Our conventional protocol [Control group] consisted of: 1. Initial heparin was given at dose of 350U/Kg into the right atrium prior to bypass. 2. Additional heparin was given every hour during E.C.C., as much as a half of the Initial dose. 3. 600U of heparin was mixed into every 100ml. of priming solution. 4. The protamine dose was calculated by totalling the units of heparin given to the patient and giving 1 .8mg. of protamine per 100 units of heparin. ACT protocol [ACT group] consisted of: 1. Initial heparinization was same as that of conventional protocol. 2. ACT`s were checked before [A point] and 10 minutes after initial heparinization [B point]. With these 2 points, a dose response curve was drawn. 3. Heparin for the priming solution was same as in control group. 4. Every 30 minutes during E.C.C., ACT`s were checked with Hemochron [International Technidyne Corp.]. ACT between 450 and 600 seconds was regarded as safety zone. If ACT checked at a time was below 450 seconds, heparin dose was calculated on the dose-response curve to lengthen ACT to 480 seconds and was given into the oxygenator. 5. About 10 minutes before the term of E.C.C., ACT was checked to estimate the blood heparin level at the time. Then, protamine dose was calculated at dose of 1.Stag per 100 units of heparin. The calculated dose of protamine was mixed into 50 to lO0ml of 5% Dextrose Water and dripped intravenously during the period of 15 minutes. Compared these two groups mentioned above, results were obtained as follows: 1. Mean value of normal ACT checked with Hemochron on 30 preoperative patients was 124 seconds [range 95-145 sec.]. 2. Doses of heparin and protamine given to the patient were decreased in ACT group as much as 32.2% and 62.2% respectively. 3. Postoperative bleeding and transfusion were also decreased in ACT group in 60.5% and 67.1% respectively. 4. Our modified dose-response curve did not cause any problems in the control of heparinization. 5. Initial heparinization [Heparin 350U/Kg] was sufficient for the most patients until 60 minutes under extracorporeal circulation. 6. We used 1.5mg of protamine to neutralize 100 units of heparin. But smaller dose of protamine may be sufficient for appropriate neutralization.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.1599-1603
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• 2003

The physical feature, physiological character and behavior studies were conducted with fifteen newly collected gayals in Bandarban hill tract area of Bangladesh. Their morphology is different from domestic cattle. The range of pulse rate, body temperature and respiration rate were 47 to 75 per minute, 37.78 to $38.88^{\circ}C$ and 20 to 40 per minute, respectively. These physiological values vary with different age group and seasonal variation. In hematological feature, the average findings were RBC $7.01{\pm}0.52$ million/cu.mm, WBC $14.3{\pm}3.69$ thousand/cu.mm, hemoglobin concentration $9.81{\pm}2.25gm%$, PCV $35.86{\pm}3.68%$. In differential WBC count neutrophils $28.23{\pm}1.75%$, lymphocytes $62{\pm}2.05%$, monocytes $4.4{\pm}1.34%$, eosinophils $5{\pm}2.49%$ and basophils $0.4{\pm}0.51%$. In behavior study, the animal shows browsing nature on hill slopes. They are watchful in new environment, become excited and nervous with strangers. Heated female gayals response for mating with domestic bull.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.449-454
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• 1992

Eight healthy Holstein bulls, 4-6 years old were used to study the effect of season of the year on the incidence of the morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. Semen was collected twice a week by A. V. over one-year period. The percentage of total abnormal spermatozoa was $14.1{\pm}0.5$. Ejaculates collected during hot summer season had significantly higher incidence of abnormal spermatozoa than those collected during winter time. Warm spring had moderate semen abnormality. In addition to its effect on the total number of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, season affected significantly the primary as well as the secondary types of abnormalities. The differences between incidence of primary and secondary types of abnormalities were not significant for all seasons and seasons pooled together. The ratio between the total forms of abnormality in the head, mid-piece and tail of spermatozoa was as 1:1.5:1. Head and mid-piece had defected more during summer compared with both winter and spring. There was no variation in tail abnormalities due to season. The significant effect of season on head was observed by large, pyriform, free and detached heads, while that on mid-piece was by swollen, coiled mid-pieces and protoplasmic droplets.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1247-1255
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• 2016

Heparin binding proteins (HBPs) are produced by accessory glands. These are secreted into the seminal fluid, bind to the spermatozoa at the time of ejaculation, favour capacitation, acrosome reaction, and alter the immune system response toward the sperm. The present study was conducted with an objective to assess the effect of purified seminal plasma-HBPs (SP-HBPs) on cross bred cattle bull sperm attributes during two phases of cryopreservation: Pre freezing and freezing-thawing. SP-HBPs were purified from pooled seminal plasma by heparin affinity chromatography. Three doses of SP-HBPs i.e. 10, 20, $40{\mu}g/mLs$ semen were standardized to find out the optimum dose and $20{\mu}g/mLs$ was found to be an optimum dose. Semen as such and treated with SP-HBPs was diluted with sodium citrate-egg yolk diluter and cryopreserved as per the standard protocol. Sperm parameters i.e. motility, viability, Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acrosome damage, in vitro capacitation and lipid peroxidation were evaluated in SP-HBP treated and untreated (control) semen at both phases of cryopreservation. A considerable variation in percent sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity (HOST), acrosome damage, acrosome reaction and lipid peroxidation was observed at both phases among the bulls irrespective of the treatment. Incubation of neat semen with $20{\mu}g/mL$ SP-HBP before processing for cryopreservation enhanced the average motility, viability, membrane integrity by 7.2%, 1.5%, 7.9%, and 5.6%, 6.6%, 7.4% in pre-frozen and frozen-thawed semen in comparison to control. There was also an average increase of 4.1%/3.9% in in vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction in SP-HBPs-treated frozen-thawed semen as compared to control. However, binding of SP-HBPs to the sperm declined acrosome damage and lipid peroxidation by 1.3%/4.1% and 22.1/$32.7{\mu}M$/$10^9$ spermatozoa in SP-HBP treated pre-frozen/frozen-thawed semen as compared to control, respectively. Significant (p<0.05) effects were observed only in motility, HOST and in vitro acrosome reaction. It can be concluded that treatment of neat semen with SP-HBPs before cryopreservation minimized the cryoinjury by decreasing the generation of reactive oxygen species.