Ovozoa: Journal of Animal Reproduction

Management of dystocia complicated by fetal ascites in a Holstein Friesian cow

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

A five-and-a-half-year-old crossbred Holstein Friesian cow was presented with a history of prolonged second-stage labor. According to the owner, the first water bag had appeared approximately seven hours prior to reporting to the Upazila Veterinary Hospital in Manoharganj, Cumilla, Bangladesh. Upon on-farm examination, a per-vaginal assessment revealed that the fetus was in a posterior presentation, and the fetal abdomen was markedly distended with fluid, giving it a characteristic "pufferfish-like" appearance. Based on clinical findings, a diagnosis of dystocia due to fetal ascites was established. To relieve the obstruction, a guarded fetotomy knife was used to make an incision in the fetal abdominal wall, allowing evacuation of the excessive peritoneal fluid. Following decompression, the non-viable male fetus was successfully delivered via gentle manual traction. The cow was subsequently treated for five days with antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antihistamines. The post-operative recovery was uneventful, and the cow returned to normal physiological status without complications. This case highlights the clinical importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention in managing dystocia associated with fetal ascites in dairy cattle.

Plasma and semen antioxidant responses of West African Dwarf goats to Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract administration

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigated the antioxidant responses in both plasma and semen of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats following the administration of Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract (PNLE). Twelve clinically healthy WAD bucks were randomly assigned into two groups, each receiving 0 mL (control), and 4 mL of PNLE, respectively, over a 21-day period. Blood and semen samples were collected at baseline and post-treatment to evaluate antioxidant markers including catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LP), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). An antioxidant response was observed. In the control group (0 mL PNLE), significant negative correlations between baseline and post-treatment values—particularly B-Cat. vs. SOD (r= -0.973), B-Cat. vs. MDA (r= -0.990), and B-MDA vs. SOD (r= -0.999)—suggested impaired endogenous antioxidant regulation. Conversely, administration of 4 mL PNLE significantly enhanced antioxidant status, with strong positive correlations among key indices, notably catalase vs. GPx (r= 0.960**) and TAC vs. SOD (r= 0.999**), reflecting improved systemic antioxidant synergy. Semen antioxidant profiles also showed better enzymatic coordination and reduced lipid peroxidation, indicating the extract’s potential to alleviate reproductive oxidative stress. Overall, Parquetina nigrescens (P. nigrescens) demonstrated marked antioxidative efficacy, supporting both systemic and reproductive redox balance in WAD goats. P. nigrescens leaf extract enhances seminal antioxidant status in WAD goats, thereby promoting reproductive and systemic health. This study recommends its inclusion as a phytogenic additive in goat production, especially in breeding programs prone to oxidative stress.

Factors associated with repeat breeding in Holstein Friesian cows at the Tani Wilis Village Cooperative Unit, Sendang District, Tulungagung Regency, Indonesia

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to evaluate the association of factors such as nutrition, thermal humidity index (THI), age, and lactation period with the occurrence of repeat breeding of dairy cows. The sample consisted of Holstein Friesian cows aged 1-11 years, with lactation periods ranging from 1 to 7 months, currently in lactation, and experiencing repeat breeding (inseminated three or more times without conception, despite exhibiting normal estrous cycles and intervals). The results showed that feeding practices by farmers did not significantly differ (p >0.05) in relation to the incidence of repeat breeding. THI values recorded in several barns also showed no significant differences (p >0.05), with the cows experiencing light to moderate heat stress. Similarly, the frequency of artificial insemination and the estrous cycle intervals remained within the normal range. The highest incidence of repeat breeding was observed in cows aged 2.5 to 5.5 years, accounting for 78.13%, and during lactation periods of 1-3 months, accounting for 81.26%. It can be concluded that there were no significant differences in the provision of forage and leguminous feed between normal cows and those with repeat breeding, and the crude protein content of forage did not influence its occurrence. Additionally, there was no indirect relationship between THI and repeat breeding. However, the incidence of repeat breeding tended to increase in cows aged 3-4 years, and during the second and third lactation periods.

Morphological assessment and characterization of uterine caruncles in Bengal goats

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to evaluate and characterize the gross, histologic and ultrasonographic features of uterine caruncles in Bengal goats, an indigenous breed in Bangladesh. A total of 40 uteri were collected from sexually mature, pregnant and non-pregnant does obtained from local slaughter houses, preserved and processed in for gross morphological and histological characterization of uterine caruncles. Additionally, transabdominal ultrasonographic characterization of uterine caruncles were performed on randomly selected does at a commercial goat farm. Gross examination revealed multiple dome-shaped caruncles distributed along the endometrial surface, primarily arranged in four longitudinal rows. In both cyclic and non-cyclic goats, the average number of uterine caruncles was higher in the left uterine horn (55.85) compared to the right (54.42), with a consistent average of 4.30 rows observed in both horns. Histological examination of the caruncles revealed dense connective tissue, numerous blood vessels, and abundant uterine glands. The surface epithelium ranged from simple cuboidal to columnar. Morphometric analysis showed that the large caruncles were located in the mid-uterine horns. Transabdominal ultrasonography identified pregnancy in 7 of 20 does (35%) and visualized uterine cotyledons between days 32 and 40 of gestation. Measurement of cotyledons via ultrasound may serve as a reliable indicator of gestational age. These findings provide baseline data that may support reproductive research, enhance breeding management, and contribute to the assessment of reproductive performance and productivity of goats in Bangladesh.

Effects of litter size and piglet sex on gestation length in Landrace pigs

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to investigate the relationship between litter size and piglet sex with gestation length in Landrace pigs. The research was conducted at a farm in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, involving 15 healthy Landrace sows monitored from December 2024 to February 2025. The methodology employed included the collection of primary data through direct observation and secondary data obtained from farm records. The results indicated that the average (±SD) gestation length for Landrace pigs was 113.53 ± 0.64 days, with a variation ranging from 113 to 115 days. Statistical analysis using the Spearman correlation test revealed no significant correlation between litter size and gestation length (p values= 0.115; p >0.05). These findings suggest that physiological adaptations in Landrace pigs maintain a consistent gestation length regardless of litter size. Additionally, factors such as maternal nutrition, environmental conditions, and management practices were identified as potential influencing factors. The study also found no correlation between piglet sex and gestation length, with p-values of 0.89 for male piglets and 0.602 for female piglets. Overall, the results indicate that neither litter size nor piglet sex are primary factors determining the length of gestation in Landrace pigs.

Effects of age of Awassi ewes crossed with Hamdani rams on reproductive and wool characteristics

Dalaf Ali Hussein — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study was conducted in Al-Taji District, north of Baghdad, Iraq, on a privately managed sheep farm specializing in animal breeding. The objective was to evaluate the impact of ewe age on wool characteristics and reproductive performance in hybrid sheep produced by crossing Awassi ewes (n= 70) with Hamdani rams (n= 17). Records from the sires (Hamdani rams, originally from Mosul) and dams (Awassi ewes from Baghdad) were used. Reproductive data were first analyzed, including litter size and sex ratio. The total number of lambs born was 90, comprising 50 males and 40 females, with respective percentages of 55.6% and 44.4%. The Chi-square (χ²) value was 4.50, indicating a significant difference at the p ≤0.05 level. The mean litter size was 1.30 lambs per ewe, which was not statistically significant. Wool characteristics were measured in a subset of 43 ewes, distributed across age groups ranging from 1.5 to 5 years, with 5 animals per group. Significant differences (p ≤0.05) were observed in raw fleece weight, with the highest average (2,234 g) recorded in 3.5-year-old ewes. Clean fleece weight also differed significantly (p ≤0.05), with the highest value (2,060 g) found in 2-year-old ewes. However, no significant differences were recorded for fiber length or fiber diameter.

Sex determination of Bangkok Zebra dove (Geopelia striata) based on wing and tail feather morphometrics at 3 and 6 months of age

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to determine the sex of Bangkok Zebra doves (Geopelia striata) based on external body morphometric measurements. A total of 32 doves were used, consisting of 16 females (8 bird each at 3 and 6 months of age) and 16 males (8 birds each at 3 and 6 months of age). Four morphometric parameters were measured: wing chord, antebrachium (forearm) length, longest primary feather, and longest tail feather. Wing and forearm lengths were measured using digital calipers with a precision of 0.01 mm, while the longest primary and tail feathers were measured using a ruler with 0.05 mm precision. The results showed that the average wing chord, longest primary feather, and longest tail feather lengths were significantly greater (p <0.05) in males compared to females. At six months of age, males also had a significantly longer forearm than females (p <0.05). However, no significant difference (p >0.05) was found in forearm length between sexes at three months of age. It could be concluded that wing and tail feather morphometrics can be used to distinguish between male and female Bangkok Zebra doves at both three and six months of age, except for forearm length at three months.