Effects of number of frozen-thawed ram sperm and number of inseminations on fertility in synchronized ewes under field condition

Pankaj Kumar Jha,Md. Golam Shahi Alam,Md. Abdullah Al Mansur,Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukder,Nazmun Naher,A K M Anisur Rahman,David C. Hall,Farida Yeasmin Bari 사단법인 한국동물생명공학회 2020 한국동물생명공학회지 Vol.35 No.2

The effects of the number of frozen-thawed ram sperm per single and double intra-cervical artificial insemination (AI) on fertility in ewes were studied. A total of 89 non-pregnant ewes were synchronized for oestrus with two doses of 100 μg PGF2α (Cloprostenol) 9 days apart. The ewes were randomly assigned to one of four groups; D200 (n = 23; double AI with 200 × 106 sperm), S200 (n = 24; single AI with 200 × 106 sperm), D100 (n = 24; double AI with 100 × 106 sperm) and S100 (n = 18; single AI with 100 × 106 sperm). Ewes were inseminated within 12 to 18 h for single AI and, within 10 to 12 h and 16 to 18 h for double AI after the onset of oestrus. The onset of oestrus ranged from 28 to 76 h (54.33 ± 1.28 h). The high percentage (29.2%) of ewes showed oestrus between 51 to 60 h. The non-return rates were highest in group D200 (56.5%) and differed significantly (p < 0.05) from group S100 (11.1%). No ewes were pregnant in group S100, and the pregnancy rates among the remaining groups did not differ. The mean gestation period was 152.8 ± 0.5 days and no difference was observed among the groups. The lambing and multiple birth rates were 100% in group D200. The single and twin lambing was highest in group D100 (33.3%) and group D200 (83.3%), respectively. Only one triplet lambing and the highest lambing size (2.2 ± 0.2) was recorded in group D200. In conclusion, double AI with 200 × 106 sperm showed comparatively most practical for achieving high pregnancy rates and lambing performances in Bangladeshi ewes under field conditions.

Improvement of Preservation Quality of Chilled Bull Semen using α-Tocopherol as an Antioxidant

Pankaj Kumar Jha,Ashit Kumar Paul,M. Bozlur Rahman,M. Tanjim,Farida Yeasmin Bari,M. Golam shahi Alam 韓國受精卵移植學會 2013 한국동물생명공학회지 Vol.28 No.1

Alpha-tocopherol as an antioxidant acts in preservation of chilled semen by preserving cell membrane damage from lipid peroxidation. Optimum concentrations of α-tocopherol in egg yolk-citrate (EYC) extender need to be studied in crossbred bull’s semen. Different concentrations of α-tocopherol viz. 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6mg per ml of extender were used. Semen was collected once a week from four bulls used to regular collection, aged 4 to 7 years, weighing 320 to 450 kg, and with body condition score 4 to 4.5 and scrotal circumference 23 to 32 cm. Semen was evaluated routinely and sperm morphology was viewed under light microscope at x1,000 magnification after fixing with buffered formal saline. Over 90% had normal head, acrosome, mid-piece and tail. Semen was diluted with egg-yolk-citrate extender to produce 15x106 spermatozoa/ml and 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg/ml α-tocopherol were added. The semens amples were kept at 8℃. Sperm motility and viability were examined daily up to 5 days under light microscopy at x200 magnification. Sperm viability was acceptable (≥40%) up to the 4th day with all concentrations of α-tocopherol and up to the 5th day with 2 mg/ml α-tocopherol. Sperm motility was acceptable (≥40%) up to the 3rd day irrespective of α-tocopherol concentration, and up to the 4th day with 2 mg/ml α-tocopherol. It is suggested that the lifespan of chilled semen may be extended up to 4 days by adding 2mg/ml α-tocopherol.

Effects of number of frozen-thawed ram sperm and number of inseminations on fertility in synchronized ewes under field condition

Pankaj Kumar Jha,Md. Golam Shahi Alam,Md. Abdullah Al Mansur,Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukder,Nazmun Naher,A. K. M. Anisur Rahman,David C. Hall,Farida Yeasmin Bari 한국동물생명공학회(구 한국동물번식학회) 2020 Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Vol.35 No.2

The effects of the number of frozen-thawed ram sperm per single and double intra-cervical artificial insemination (AI) on fertility in ewes were studied. A total of 89 non-pregnant ewes were synchronized for oestrus with two doses of 100 μg PGF2α (Cloprostenol) 9 days apart. The ewes were randomly assigned to one of four groups; D200 (n = 23; double AI with 200 × 106 sperm), S200 (n = 24; single AI with 200 × 106 sperm), D100 (n = 24; double AI with 100 × 106 sperm) and S100 (n = 18; single AI with 100 × 106 sperm). Ewes were inseminated within 12 to 18 h for single AI and, within 10 to 12 h and 16 to 18 h for double AI after the onset of oestrus. The onset of oestrus ranged from 28 to 76 h (54.33 ± 1.28 h). The high percentage (29.2%) of ewes showed oestrus between 51 to 60 h. The non-return rates were highest in group D200 (56.5%) and differed significantly (p < 0.05) from group S100 (11.1%). No ewes were pregnant in group S100, and the pregnancy rates among the remaining groups did not differ. The mean gestation period was 152.8 ± 0.5 days and no difference was observed among the groups. The lambing and multiple birth rates were 100% in group D200. The single and twin lambing was highest in group D100 (33.3%) and group D200 (83.3%), respectively. Only one triplet lambing and the highest lambing size (2.2 ± 0.2) was recorded in group D200. In conclusion, double AI with 200 × 106 sperm showed comparatively most practical for achieving high pregnancy rates and lambing performances in Bangladeshi ewes under field conditions.

Seminal Attributes and Semen Cryo-banking of Nepalese Indigenous Achhami (Bos indicus) Bull under Ex-situ Conservation

Pankaj Kumar Jha,Saroj Sapkota,Neena Amatya Gorkhali,Bhoj Raj Pokharel,Ajeet Kumar Jha,Shishir Bhandari,Bhola Shankar Shrestha 한국동물생명공학회(구 한국동물번식학회) 2019 Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Vol.34 No.4

The study was conducted to evaluate the seminal attributes and cryo-banking of Achhami (Bos indicus) bull semen. Of two Achhami bulls, 8 ejaculates from each bull were evaluated for seminal attributes. For semen freezing and cryo-banking, 4 ejaculates (having ≥2 mL semen volume, ≥75% of sperm motility and ≥1,000 × 106 cells/mL of sperm concentration) from each bull were used. Semen samples were diluted in egg-yolk-tris-citrate extender using a two-step dilution protocol, and were frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour in a styrofoam box. The mean semen volume, colour, sperm mass activity, motility, viability, concentration, abnormal acrosome, midpiece and tail and, abnormal head of two Achhami bulls were 4.4 ± 0.5 mL vs. 2.5 ± 0.2 mL, 2.5 ± 0.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.1, 3.5 ± 0.1 vs. 3.5 ± 0.1, 77.0 ± 1.1% vs. 78.3 ± 1.3%, 94.4 ± 0.5% vs. 91.0 ± 0.6%, 1137.7 ± 73.7 × 106 cells/mL vs. 1060.0 ± 44.3 × 106 cells/mL, 10.2 ± 0.5% vs. 10.3 ± 0.5% and 6.7 ± 0.5% vs. 8.2 ± 0.3%, respectively. The post-thawed sperm motility and viability were 53.0 ± 2.0% vs. 50.0 ± 0.0% and 80.2 ± 0.4% vs. 73.2 ± 0.7%, while evaluating by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, the percentage of the progressive motility, fast motility, slow motility, local motility and immotile sperm were 75%, 68%, 7.4%, 16.6% and 8.6%, respectively. A total number of 620 doses semen straw were cryo-banked. Due to the acceptable post-thawed sperm motility and viability recorded, cryopreservation of Achhami semen is hereby recommended so as to preserve the Achhami breed. For further validation, the fertility will be observed from the produced frozen semen.

Seminal Attributes and Semen Cryo-banking of Nepalese Indigenous Achhami (Bos indicus) Bull under Ex-situ Conservation

Pankaj Kumar Jha,Saroj Sapkota,Neena Amatya Gorkhali,Bhoj Raj Pokharel,Ajeet Kumar Jha,Shishir Bhandari,Bhola Shankar Shrestha 사단법인 한국동물생명공학회 2019 한국동물생명공학회지 Vol.34 No.4

The study was conducted to evaluate the seminal attributes and cryo-banking of Achhami (Bos indicus) bull semen. Of two Achhami bulls, 8 ejaculates from each bull were evaluated for seminal attributes. For semen freezing and cryo-banking, 4 ejaculates (having ≥2 mL semen volume, ≥75% of sperm motility and ≥1,000 × 106 cells/mL of sperm concentration) from each bull were used. Semen samples were diluted in egg-yolk-tris-citrate extender using a two-step dilution protocol, and were frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour in a styrofoam box. The mean semen volume, colour, sperm mass activity, motility, viability, concentration, abnormal acrosome, midpiece and tail and, abnormal head of two Achhami bulls were 4.4 ± 0.5 mL vs. 2.5 ± 0.2 mL, 2.5 ± 0.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.1, 3.5 ± 0.1 vs. 3.5 ± 0.1, 77.0 ± 1.1% vs. 78.3 ± 1.3%, 94.4 ± 0.5% vs. 91.0 ± 0.6%, 1137.7 ± 73.7 × 106 cells/mL vs. 1060.0 ± 44.3 × 106 cells/mL, 10.2 ± 0.5% vs. 10.3 ± 0.5% and 6.7 ± 0.5% vs. 8.2 ± 0.3%, respectively. The post-thawed sperm motility and viability were 53.0 ± 2.0% vs. 50.0 ± 0.0% and 80.2 ± 0.4% vs. 73.2 ± 0.7%, while evaluating by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, the percentage of the progressive motility, fast motility, slow motility, local motility and immotile sperm were 75%, 68%, 7.4%, 16.6% and 8.6%, respectively. A total number of 620 doses semen straw were cryo-banked. Due to the acceptable post-thawed sperm motility and viability recorded, cryopreservation of Achhami semen is hereby recommended so as to preserve the Achhami breed. For further validation, the fertility will be observed from the produced frozen semen.

Improvement of Preservation Quality of Chilled Bull Semen Using ${\alpha}$-tocopherol as an Antioxidant

Jha, Pankaj Kumar,Paul, Ashit Kumar,Rahman, M. Bozlur,Tanjim, M.,Bari, Farida Yeasmin,Alam, M. Golam Shahi The Korean Society of Embryo Transfer 2013 한국동물생명공학회지 Vol.28 No.1

Alpha-tocopherol as an antioxidant acts in preservation of chilled semen by preserving cell membrane damage from lipid peroxidation. Optimum concentrations of ${\alpha}$-tocopherol in egg yolk-citrate (EYC) extender need to be studied in crossbred bull's semen. Different concentrations of ${\alpha}$-tocopherol viz. 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6mg per ml of extender were used. Semen was collected once a week from four bulls used to regular collection, aged 4 to 7 years, weighing 320 to 450 kg, and with body condition score 4 to 4.5 and scrotal circumference 23 to 32 cm. Semen was evaluated routinely and sperm morphology was viewed under light microscope at ${\times}1,000$ magnification after fixing with buffered formal saline. Over 90% had normal head, acrosome, mid-piece and tail. Semen was diluted with egg-yolk-citrate extender to produce $15{\times}10^6$ spermatozoa/ml and 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg/ml ${\alpha}$-tocopherol were added. The semens amples were kept at $8^{\circ}C$. Sperm motility and viability were examined daily up to 5 days under light microscopy at ${\times}200$ magnification. Sperm viability was acceptable (${\geq}40%$) up to the $4^{th}$ day with all concentrations of ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and up to the $5^{th}$ day with 2 mg/ml ${\alpha}$-tocopherol. Sperm motility was acceptable (${\geq}40%$) up to the $3^{rd}$ day irrespective of ${\alpha}$-tocopherol concentration, and up to the $4^{th}$ day with 2 mg/ml ${\alpha}$-tocopherol. It is suggested that the lifespan of chilled semen may be extended up to 4 days by adding 2mg/ml ${\alpha}$-tocopherol.

Reproductive Performance of Crossbred and Indigenous (Desi) Dairy Cows under Rural Context at Sirajgonj District of Bangladesh

Ashit Kumar Paul,Abdullah-Al-Maruf,Pankaj Kumar Jha,M. Golam Shahi Alam 韓國受精卵移植學會 2013 한국동물생명공학회지 Vol.28 No.4

This study was conducted among 120 different breed cows at selected areas of Sirajgonj district from March to July 2010 to compare the reproductive performance of crossbred and Desi cows at farmer’s level. The results showed that the average daily milk yield of Desi, Shahiwal x Desi, Friesian x Desi and Jersey x Desi cows was 2.3 ± 0.2, 4.9 ± 0.9, 6.0 ± 1.0 and 5.7 ± 0.9 liters, respectively. The milk yield of crossbred cows (5.5 ± 0.6 liters/day) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than Desi cows (2.3 ± 0.2 liters/day). The average age at puberty of Shahiwal x Desi, Friesian x Desi and Jersey x Desi was significantly (p<0.01) lower than that of Desi breed. The crossbred cows had significantly (p<0.01) lower pubertal age (20.4 ± 1.2) than Desi (25.9 ± 1.1). The age at first calving in Desi cows was significantly (p<0.01) higher (37.6 ± 1.1 months) than crossbred cows (31.2 ± 1.3 months). The average gestation length of Desi, Shahiwal x Desi, Friesian x Desi and Jersey x Desi was 289.9 ± 1.4, 285.0 ± 0.0, 285.0 ± 4.2 and 282.1 ± 2.4 days, respectively. It is suggested that the overall reproductive performance of Friesian x Desi, Jersey x Desi and Shahiwal x Desi cows were better than that of Desi cow.

Population structure and regeneration of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. in Salyan, Nepal

Phuyal Nirmala,Jha Pramod Kumar,Raturi Pankaj Prasad,Rajbhandary Sangeeta 한국생태학회 2022 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.46 No.2

Background: Zanthoxylum armatum is one of the 30 prioritized medicinal plants for economic development of Nepal with a high trade value. Understanding the ecology of individual species is important for conservation and cultivation purposes. However, relation of ecological factors on the distribution and populations of Z. armatum in Nepal remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, an attempt has been made to study the population structure, distribution, and regeneration potentiality of Z. armatum. Vegetation sampling was conducted at six different localities of Salyan district along the elevation range of 1,000 m to 2,000 m. Results: Altogether 50 plant species belonging to 44 genera under 34 families were found to be associated with Z. armatum. Significantly higher species richness was found at Rim (1,400–1,700 m) and Chhatreshwori (1,800–2,000 m) and lower at Kupinde (1,600– 1,800 m). The highest population density of Z. armatum was at Kupinde (1,600–1,800 m) with a total of 1,100 individuals/ha. and the lowest at Chhatreshwori (1,800–2,000 m) with 740 individuals/ha. Based on the A/F value (Whitford index), it can be said that Z. armatum has random distribution in the study area. The plants were categorized into seedlings, saplings and adults based on plant height and the status of natural regeneration category determined. The regeneration potentiality of Z. armatum in the study area was fair with the average seedlings and saplings densities of 150 and 100 individuals/ha. Respectively. A Shannon–Weinner index mean value of 2.8 was obtained suggesting high species diversity in the study area. Conclusions: The natural distribution and regeneration of Z. armatum is being affected in the recent years due to anthropogenic disturbances. Increasing market demand and unsustainable harvesting procedures are posing serious threat to Z. armatum. Thus, effective conservation and management initiatives are most important for conserving the natural population of Z. armatum in the study area.

Population structure and regeneration of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. in Salyan, Nepal

Phuyal, Nirmala,Jha, Pramod Kumar,Raturi, Pankaj Prasad,Rajbhandary, Sangeeta The Ecological Society of Korea 2022 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.46 No.3

Background: Zanthoxylum armatum is one of the 30 prioritized medicinal plants for economic development of Nepal with a high trade value. Understanding the ecology of individual species is important for conservation and cultivation purposes. However, relation of ecological factors on the distribution and populations of Z. armatum in Nepal remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, an attempt has been made to study the population structure, distribution, and regeneration potentiality of Z. armatum. Vegetation sampling was conducted at six different localities of Salyan district along the elevation range of 1,000 m to 2,000 m. Results: Altogether 50 plant species belonging to 44 genera under 34 families were found to be associated with Z. armatum. Significantly higher species richness was found at Rim (1,400-1,700 m) and Chhatreshwori (1,800-2,000 m) and lower at Kupinde (1,600-1,800 m). The highest population density of Z. armatum was at Kupinde (1,600-1,800 m) with a total of 1,100 individuals/ha. and the lowest at Chhatreshwori (1,800-2,000 m) with 740 individuals/ha. Based on the A/F value (Whitford index), it can be said that Z. armatum has random distribution in the study area. The plants were categorized into seedlings, saplings and adults based on plant height and the status of natural regeneration category determined. The regeneration potentiality of Z. armatum in the study area was fair with the average seedlings and saplings densities of 150 and 100 individuals/ha. Respectively. A Shannon-Weinner index mean value of 2.8 was obtained suggesting high species diversity in the study area. Conclusions: The natural distribution and regeneration of Z. armatum is being affected in the recent years due to anthropogenic disturbances. Increasing market demand and unsustainable harvesting procedures are posing serious threat to Z. armatum. Thus, effective conservation and management initiatives are most important for conserving the natural population of Z. armatum in the study area.

Population structure and regeneration of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. in Salyan, Nepal

Phuyal, Nirmala,Jha, Pramod Kumar,Raturi, Pankaj Prasad,Rajbhandary, Sangeeta The Ecological Society of Korea 2022 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.46 No.2

Background: Zanthoxylum armatum is one of the 30 prioritized medicinal plants for economic development of Nepal with a high trade value. Understanding the ecology of individual species is important for conservation and cultivation purposes. However, relation of ecological factors on the distribution and populations of Z. armatum in Nepal remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, an attempt has been made to study the population structure, distribution, and regeneration potentiality of Z. armatum. Vegetation sampling was conducted at six different localities of Salyan district along the elevation range of 1,000 m to 2,000 m. Results: Altogether 50 plant species belonging to 44 genera under 34 families were found to be associated with Z. armatum. Significantly higher species richness was found at Rim (1,400-1,700 m) and Chhatreshwori (1,800-2,000 m) and lower at Kupinde (1,600-1,800 m). The highest population density of Z. armatum was at Kupinde (1,600-1,800 m) with a total of 1,100 individuals/ha. and the lowest at Chhatreshwori (1,800-2,000 m) with 740 individuals/ha. Based on the A/F value (Whitford index), it can be said that Z. armatum has random distribution in the study area. The plants were categorized into seedlings, saplings and adults based on plant height and the status of natural regeneration category determined. The regeneration potentiality of Z. armatum in the study area was fair with the average seedlings and saplings densities of 150 and 100 individuals/ha. Respectively. A Shannon-Weinner index mean value of 2.8 was obtained suggesting high species diversity in the study area. Conclusions: The natural distribution and regeneration of Z. armatum is being affected in the recent years due to anthropogenic disturbances. Increasing market demand and unsustainable harvesting procedures are posing serious threat to Z. armatum. Thus, effective conservation and management initiatives are most important for conserving the natural population of Z. armatum in the study area.