Browsing by Author "Sreekumaran, T"

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Comparative efficacy of bromocriptine, cabergoline and thyroxine in inducine oestrus in bitches
(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Ajitkumar, G; Sreekumaran, T
Detection of serum relaxin as a diagnostic tool for early pregnancy diagnosis in bitches
(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Deepthi, L; Sreekumaran, T
Effect of different freezing rates on canine spermatozoa
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Geetha, R; Sreekumaran, T
The objective of the study was to find out the effect of different freezing rates on post thaw motility, livability and acrosomal damage of dog spermatozoa. A total of 36 ejaculates of good quality collected from SIX Dachshund dogs by digital manipulation were processed for freezing in Tris citric acid fructose egg yolk diluent containing four per cent glycerol. The processed semen samples were subjected to three different freezing protocols such as 4cm height above the liquid nitrogen level for 10 minutes (Fast freezing), Scm for 15 minutes (Moderate freezing) and 12cm for 20 minutes (Slow freezing). The mean volume of sperm rich fractions was 0.6S±0.03ml. The colour and consistency of sperm rich fractions were thin milky. The mean density of sperm rich fraction was DD(D) and mean pH was 6.63±O.02. The mean concentration of sperm rich fraction was 221±7.36 millions per ml and the average initial motility was found to be 75±O.93 per cent. The mean percentage of live sperm count, sperm abnormalities and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa was Sl.17±O.73, 5.23±O.29 and 2.32±O.25 respectively. Significant (Pabnormalities and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa was found between dogs. The average percentage of motility, live sperm count, sperm abnormalities and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa was 70.41± 1.22, 75.63±O.65, 7.28±0.43 and 5.34±O.31 after dilution, 58.75±1.34, 63.60±O.89, 10.04±O.32 and 10.13±0.41 after chilling and 47.78±1.59, 50.65±1.31, 11.79±O.36 and 16.20±O.57 after equilibration period respectively. There was significant (Preduction in sperm motility and livability and increase in sperm abnormalities and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa after dilution, chilling and equilibration period. Significant (Pwas found between dogs for the above parameters. The percentage of post thaw motility of spermatozoa was significantly (Pwhen compared to moderate (25.83±1.66) and slow (24.44±1.27) freezing rates. There was significantly (Pof live sperms and lower percentage of sperm abnormalities in fast freezing rate than in moderate and slow freezing rates. Eventhough the percentage of acrosomal damage was not statistically ( significant among fast, moderate and slow freezing rates, lower percentage of acrosomal damage was recorded in fast freezing rate. From this study it could be inferred that fast freezing in which the straws were frozen at to 4cm height above the liquid nitrogen level for 10 minutes was superior to moderate (8cm for 15 minutes) and slow (12 cm for 20 minutes) freezing rates.
Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin,gonodotrophin releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha in augmenting conception rate of repeat breeder cattle
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Velayudhakumar, R; Sreekumaran, T
Repeat breeding in cattle especially due to ovulatory disturbances has become a frustrating problem under field conditions. The present study was aimed to formulate an effective and economic therapy for this problem. Hence three therapeutic approaches viz. human chorionic gonadotrophin, Gonadotrophin releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha were undertaken, and its efficacy and economic viability was compared. The material for the study consisted of repeat breeder cross-bred cows and heifers presented at Artificial insemination centre and bull station, attached to the Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur. Occurrence of ovulatory disturbance were studied and white side test was done to exclude those with infection Overall occurrence of anovulation and delayed ovulation were 7.38 and 15.77 per cent.Anovualtion in cows and heifers were 5.21 and 17.82 and delayed ovulation was 14.7 and 8.8 per cent respectively. On study of . characteristics of cervical mucus, clear colour (93 per cent), thick consistency (43.47 per cent) and atypical crystallization (57.97 per cent) were found to be high in repeaters with ovulatory disturbances. Spinnbarkeit value varied significantly (t' = - 4.2779, P < 0.01) where as pH variation was non significant (t' = 2.37, P > 0.05) between normal and repeaters. Changes in the tubular tract such as vulval oedema, hyperaem ia of vaginal mucosa and uterine tonicity were found to be medium and low in most of the repeat breeders. Repeat breeders with ovulatory disturbances were randomly allotted to three groups of twelve each group-A, group B and group C. Intramuscular administration of Human chorionic gonadotrophin (Chorulon, 1500.I.U),GnRH analogue (Buserelin acetate -Receptal, l Ougjand Prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue (Luprostiol - Prosolvin, 3 mg) were done immediately after insemination in group-A ,group B and group C respectively. There was a significant reduction in duration of oestrum in group A (50.17 to 38.08 hours) and group B (50.08 to 36.17 hours) and non significant in group C. Ovulatory response was 33.33, 75.00 and 66.66 per cent respectively in group A, Band C. Conception rate was 25,50,50 and 22.22 per cent respectively in group A, B, C and repeaters given double insemination at 24 hours interval. The cost for treatment per animal in rupees and amount required per conception in rupees was 220, 103,44, and 35 and 880, 206, 88 and 157.5 respectively in group A, B, C and those given double insemination. Hence it is inferred that PGFz alpha treatment immediately after insemination is preferred to treatment with GnRH or hCG or double insemination at 24 hour interval and that administration ofGnRH is found better than hCG in repeat breeding due to ovulatory disturbances in cattle.
Effect of ovum retrieval methods and cumulus-oocyte complex morphology on in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Magnus Paul, K; Sreekumaran, T
Evaluation of blood constituents as diagnostic markers for ethmoid carcinoma in cattle
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1993) Manu Mohan, S; Sreekumaran, T
An investigation was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of blood constituents as tumor markers for carcinoma of ethmoid mucosa in cattle. During the period of two years, twenty nine tumour bearing cattle in various stages of ethmoid carcinoma procured from different parts of Kerala and twelve clinically healthy animals maintained at the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy (controls) were bled and serum samples were collected. Serum calcium, serum phosphorus and serum magnesium levels of tumour animals were compared with that of the control animals. Tumour animals had a mean serum calcium level of 11.78 +0.23 mg percent, mean serum phosphorous level of 6.11+0.10 mg percent and mean serum magnesium level of 2.35 + 0.05 mg percent. In control animals the mean serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels were 10.23 + 0.10 mg percent, 6.66 + 0.09 mg percent and 2.27 + 0.10 mg percentThere was increase in the serum calcium level and reduction in serum phosphorous level in tumour bearing animals was statistically significant. The serum magnesium level did not reveal any statistical significance. The mean serum total sialic acid and mean serum lipid bound sialic acid levels in tumour bearing animals was 95.21 + 0.78 ng/dl and 30.83 + 0.36 ng/dl respectively and in control animals it was 60.67 + 0.87 ng/dl and 11.67 +0.43 ng/dl respectively. Both serum total sialic acid and serum lipid bound sialic acid level in tumour bearing animals was high when compared with that of control animals and the increase was statistically significant. Serum from twenty – nine tumour bearing animals and serum control animals were tested against the prepared tumour antigen using agar gel precipitation test for detecting tumour antibodies. All the twenty nine serum samples from tumour animals showed two distinct precipitin bands, one band close to the serum well and another sharp band closer towards the antigen well. Majority of the control animal serum samples also showed both the preciptin bands although some of the control samples did not show the sharp band nearer to the antigen well. Passive haemagglutination test was conducted using tumour antigen sensitized gluteraldehyde stabilized sheep red blood cells, tumour animal serum control animal serum and proper controls. The highest titre value obtained for serum of tumour animals was 1:256 and the lowest was 1:8. In control animals it was 1: 128 and 1:32 respectively for highest and lowest titre values. Since in the control animals the titre value showed only the difference of one well the comparison of the control and tumour animals titre values indicated that a base line cut off value cannot be obtained to differentiate the tumour infected and control animals. None of the tumour samples processed and inoculated into embryonated eggs revealed the presence of any haemagglutinating agents.
Pathology of bacterial mastitis in bovines
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Nandakumar, S; Sreekumaran, T
The pathology of bacterial mastitis in bovines was studied considering the following aspects such as bacterial isolation; changes in milk, antibiotic sensitivity pattern, haematology, whey protein pattern and histopathological examination of the mammary gland and supramammary Iymphnodes. Two hundred and sixty two samples were found to be subclinically positive based on California Mastitis Test. The organisms isolated from clinical and subclinical cases were Staphylococcus, E. Coli, Gram negative bacilli, mixed infections, Streptococcus, Yeast and Gram positive bacilli in the decreasing order of prevalence. All the major pathogens were sensitive to pefloxacin, gentamycin and chloramphenicol and resistant to penicillin. Leucopenia could be noticed in clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis. Relative neutrophilia could be observed in mastitic animals. Total plasma protein was also increased. There was an increase in T-Iymphocyte count in mastitis affected animals. ~omatic cell count was increased in clinical and subclinical cases, but was not indicative of infection, unless confirmed by bacteriological examination. SOS-PAGE on whey proteins revealed an increase in protein content in mastitic milk as a result of the plasma proteins, cellular proteins, bacterial proteins. There was marked increase in immunoglobulins in mastitic milk, when compared to normal. Histopathology of mammary glands revealed the presence of inflammatory cells in the acini and interstitium of mammary glands as the main lesion. Varying degrees of inflammatory reaction could be noticed in almost all the quarters. Supra mammary lymph nodes revealed distension of subcapsular sinuses, active secondary follicles in the cortex, sinus catarrh and medullary hyperplasia in mastitis affected animals.
Pathology of cardiac disorders In cattle
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Bisi, T V; Sreekumaran, T
The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and pathology of various cardiac disorders in cattle. The data collected from the autopsy records maintained at the Centre of Excellence in Pathology, Mannuthy and hundred and one samples of heart obtained from both the slaughtered cattle and necropsy cases formed the basis of the study. Fifty five per cent hearts showed lesions of varying type. The highest incidence was for sarcocystosis (45 per cent). Vascular lesion~were present in 33.8 per cent cases. Other myocardial lesions encountered were myocardial degeneration, myocarditis and other cardiomyopathies of unknown etiology. Endocardial fibroelastosis and valvular sclerosis were observed in four cases. Valvular and coronary vessel lesions showed correlation with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The incidence of pathological disorders encountered were relatively high. The need and scope for investigation into the pathological disorders of bovine heart were highlightened.
Pathology of experimental hypothyroidism in goats
(Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1979) Sreekumaran, T; Rajan, A
An experimental model of hypothyroid state was induced in kids, using different dose regimes of thiourea with the objective of studying sequence of clinic – pathological changes in different levels of hypothyroidism and its influence on the animal health and growth. Twelve cross – bred clinically healthy kids of the age group between 3 – 4 months were employed for the study. The animals were randomly divided into a control group of four animals and experimental group of eight animals. Experimental hypothyroidism was induced by feeding thiourea at the dose levels of 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g per kg body weight. Haemogram, body weight, plasma proteins, serum cholesterol and PBI values were estimated at periodic intervals. The kids were subjected to detailed autopsy after death/sacrifice. Gross lesions were recorded and detailed histopathological examination of tissues was carried out employing special stains wherever necessary. During the course of observation for a period of three months all the kids dosed with thiourea died at varying intervals except the kids in the lowest dosage group. There was stunting of growth and appreciable reduction in weight of the animals. Weakness, lethargy, depression, reduction in feed intake, sub- cutaneous oedema of varying degree were the important clinical features observed. There was significant increase in blood cholesterol values and plasma protein levels in thiourea dosed kids. A significant reduction in serum PBI was also recorded. There was significant increase in the relative weight of thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands of animals in the experimental group. Gelatinisation of subcutaneous fat and hypertrophy and dilatation of the left ventricle were common findings at autopsy. Histologically the thyroid glands exhibited varying degree of hyperplastic changes and depletion of colloid in the follicles. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of lining epithelium was also observed. Predominant histological change in the pituitary was hyperplasia and hypertrophy of basophil cells and degenerative changes in the acidophils. Hepatic lipidosis was a common observation. Histological lesions in the skin were similar to that reported in human myxoedema. Adrenal glands showed hypertrophy, depletion of fat and focal areas of haemorrhage in the zona fasiculata. In all the hypothyroid kids, varying degrees of degenerative changes were observed in the gonads indicating that in hypothyroidism fertility will be seriously affected.
Pathology of hypothyroidism in pigs
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 1995) Prasanna, K S; Sreekumaran, T
An experimental model of hypothyroid state was induced in piglets, using thiourea with the objectives of studying the sequence of clinico pathological changes and its influence on the animal health and growth. Tweleve Large White Yorkshire male piglets of 2 – 3 months age were selected for the study. The animals were divided into control group of six animals and experimental group of six animals. Experimental hypothyroidism was induced by feeding thiourea daily for a period of three months at the dose level of 50 mg per kg body weight. Haemogram, body weight, plasma proteins, serum cholesterol and serum thyroxine values were estimated at periodic intervals. The piglets were subjected to detailed autopsy after sacrifice. Gross lesions were recorded and detailed histopathological examination of tissues was carried out. During the course of experiment all the experimental animals recorded stunted growth and appreciable reduction in feed intake and alopecia of neck and shoulder regions. There was significant increase in blood cholesterol values and plasma protein level in thiourea fed group. A significant reduction in serum thyroxine level was also recorded. There was significant increase in the relative weight of thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands of experimental animals. Gelatinisation of subcutaneous fat and dilatation of right ventricles were common findings at autopsy. Histologically the thyroid glands exhibited varying degree of hyperplastic changes and depletion of colloid in the follicles. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the lining epithelium was also observed. Predominant histological changes in the pituitary was hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the basophil cells and degranulation of the acidophil cells. Adrenal glands showed diffuse hyperplasia of zonafasiculata and accessory cortical nodule formation. Skin revealed acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and keratinisation of harifollicles. In all the hypothyroid animals testis showed varying degree of tubular degeneration. A random survey study was conducted to assess the thyroid status of pigs from different parts of Kerala using serum thyroxine as the marker. This concluded that most of the animals had the normal range of serum thyroxine levels.
Pathology of selected endocrine glands in testicular disorders in bulls
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Jothish Kumar, B; Sreekumaran, T
Preservation of dog semen in three extenders at refrigeration temperature
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Kadirvel, G; Sreekumaran, T
With the ultimate objective of evolving a suitable diluent for preservation of dog semen at 4°C, semen was collected from six mongrel dogs maintained in kennels at Veterinary college hospital, Mannuthy. A total of 36 ejaculates, six from each dog was collected by digital manipulation and physical and morphological characters were evaluated. Three extenders viz., Egg Yolk Tris (TYT), Egg Yolk citrate glycine glucose (EYCGG) and Goat milk (GM) were used for preservation of semen. Sperm motility, percentage of live sperm, abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal integrity were evaluated at 24 hours interval for five days after preservation at 4°C in the above extenders. Six out of seven dogs showed good response to digital manipulation and ejaculated good quality semen without teaser bitch. The overall mean volume of first, second and third fraction of semen was 0.63 ± 0.07 ml, 1.29 ± 0.08 ml and 4.12 ± 0.23 ml respectively. The colour and consistency of the first and third fraction was clear, watery and second fraction was thickmilkly to thin milkly. The average mass activity of sperm rich fraction of semen was ++(+) and the density was DD. The mean initial sperm motility was 86.67 ± 1.07 per cent. The mean pH of first, second and third fraction of semen was 6.24 ± 0.01, 6.36 ± 0.01 and 6.65 ± 0.02 respectively. The overall mean spermatozoal concentration of second fraction was 416.28 ± 22.56 million per ml and that third fraction was 6.11 ± 1.66 million per ml. The average total sperm output per ejaculate was 527.50 ± 29.46 million. The overall mean live sperm and abnormal sperm was 89.44 ± 0.57 and 7.59 ± 0.45 per cent. The percentage of acrosomal abnormality was 6.63 ± 0.38. The average time taken for reduction of methylene blue by dog semen was 26.40 ± 0.86 minutes. The mean percentage of sperm motility at 0,10,20 and 30 minutes of incubation (46.5°C) was 86.38 ± 1.04, 88.33 ± 1.13, 70.55 ± 1.26 and 53.2 ± 2.17 respectively. There was significant (Pminutes of incubation and sperm motility upto 5 days of preservation under refrigeration temperature. The percentage of sperm motility upto day 5 was significantly higher in Egg Yolk Tris (49.86 per cent) and Egg Yolk citrate Glycine Glucose (48.33 per cent) than in Goat milk (0 per cent). There was significantly higher percentage of live sperms and lower percentage of abnormal sperms and acrosomal damage in EYT and EYCGG than in GM. Eventhough the values are not statistically significant among EYT and EYCGG, EYT was found to have higher percentage of sperm motility and live sperm, lower percentage of abnormal sperms and acrosomal damage when compared to EYCGG. Besides EYT was also found to have better clarity for microscopical examination. Hence it could be inferred that Egg yolk tris is superior to Egg yolk citrate glycine glucose and goat milk for preservation of dog semen at 4°C.
Structural and functional changes in the testis and epididymis of cross bred bulls with impaired fertility
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Sreekumaran, T; Balakrishnan, P P
With the object of suggesting suitable measures in the selection of breeding bulls the structural and functional changes in testis and epididymis of 153 crossbreed males of different crosses viz., Jersey (CBJ), Brown Swiss (CBBS) and Holstein Friesian (CBHF) were investigated during the period from 1993 to 1998. The records maintained at Dhoni farm for the past five years were also screened to assess the incidence of various infertility conditions and the rate of culling. The study was carried out by dividing the males into three age groups viz., birth to 12 months (Group 1), 12 months to 24 months (Group II) and 24 months and above (Group III). Group I-Bull calves Measurement of testis and epididymis showed variation between different crosses. The mean scrotal circumference 19.42 ± 1.03 cm was found varied between different crosses. One case of bilateral cryptorchidism was detected. Among 53 bull calves 6 (11.32 per cent) were culled due to various reproductive disorders. Group II-Growing bulls Although different types of scroti were detected oval shape was predominant. The scrotal circumference was found to be 29.86 ± 0.38 cm. Lack of libido was predominant among growing bulls. The mean ejaculate volume, initial motility, sperm concentration and live sperm count were found to be 2.91 ± 0.16 ml, 49.77 ± 2.12 per cent, 1299.73 ± 56.25 million per ml and 58.76 ± 2.15 per cent respectively. Freezability of semen was highly correlated with volume and initial motility. Unilateral hypoplasia (4.48 per cent) and bilateral partial hypoplasia (8.96 per cent) were the main pathological conditions detected. Testicular degeneration was found to be in the extent of 16.41 per cent. One case of epididymal dysfunction was also detected. The rate of culling among growing bull was 47.58 per cent due to reproductive disorders. Group III-Adult bulls Although different shapes of scrotum were detected, oval shape was predominant. The scrotal circumference was 35.29 ± 0.74 cm. The prefreezing, post-freezing and total rejection were 12.00, 11.20 and 23.20 per cent respectively. The main infertility conditions noted were bilateral partial hypoplasia (5 per cent) and testicular degeneration (15 per cent). Estimation of seminal plasma enzymes revealed that those having 50 per cent and above freezability had lower level of seminal enzymes than those showing less than 50 per cent freezability. The percentage of adult bulls culled due to various reproductive disorders were 22.50 per cent. Thus it could be concluded that screening of bulls for better breeding performance should be started from birth onwards. Measurement of testis and epididymis and scrotal circumference give good indication for future breeding performance. Incidence of cryptorchidism should be guarded. Shape of scrotum has negligible importance. Lack of libido in growing bulls should not be neglected. Incidence of testicular hypoplasia and testicular degeneration needs special attention. Estimation of seminal plasma enzymes is a good indication for the suitability of semen for freezing. Samples of tissues from testis affected with cryptorchidism, hypoplasia and degeneration were subjected to scanning electron microscopy.
Ultrasonographic assessment of superovulatory response in crossbred malabari goats
(Department of Reproduction Gynaecology and Obstertrics, College Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2007) Sandhya Achuthan; Sreekumaran, T
A study was conducted to monitor the ovarian changes ultrasonographically in response to the superovulatory treatment in the crossbred Malabari goats and to compare the sonological findings with the direct visual appraisal of the ovaries. Six does were superovulated with 133mg pFSH after the induction of oestrum using 1.5 mg norgestomet and 10 mg prostaglandin. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed during the various stages of the superovulatory treatment to ascertain the follicular development and dynamics in the responding does. Scanning done on the day of first dose of FSH treatment revealed the dominance of small follicles (10.83 + 1.70). By the day of AI small follicles reduced significantly and the number of medium as well as large follicles reached maximum (8.17 + 0.60 and 6.83 + 0.83 respectively). Ovary appeared distinctly enlarged due to the predominance of medium and large follicles. Ultrasonography was also performed on the previous day of embryo flushing to detect the ovulation rate which gave an indication regarding the probable embryo yield. On day eighth after the onset of oestrus the does were subjected to surgical embryo collection and during this procedure, the superovulatory responses on both the ovaries were noted. Ovulation rate detected by ovarian ultrasonography was significantly lower than that observed on direct visual examination of the ovaries. Out of the six animals selected for this study, three of them showed extensive adhesions in their reproductive tract and they failed to yield any embryo despite the presence of multiple ovulation sites on their ovaries. From the remaining three animals, a total of 22 embryo/ova could be recovered. The percentage of embryo recovery was found to be 50.1 and 82.18 of the recovered embryos were fertilized. The quality of the recovered embryos were assessed based on their morphology and developmental stage. The present study indicated that ovarian ultrasonography helped to detect the follicle numbers as well as dynamics in the superovulated does. However, due to the underestimation of the closely lying CL, the inability to differentiate the prematurely regressing CL from the healthy ones and the presence of reproductive tract adhesions in the animals subjected to repeated embryo collection, the ovulation rate assessed by ultrasonography and that determined by direct visual examination of ovaries differed significantly. The accuracy of this technique can be improved by eliminating animals subjected to repeated embryo collection and by minimizing the stressful situations due to the high frequency of manipulations and ultrasound scanning. The advancements in the ultrasonographic techniques and instruments in addition to the expertise of the technician will contribute for identifying follicular development in both normal cycling and superovulated does, thereby making it an integral part in the routine embryo collection and transfer in goats.