<div>Background: Fertility traits in pigs made a restricted progress through traditional selection. Applying marker assisted selection could improve these traits. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of candidate genes Estrogen Receptor (ESR), Follicle Stimulating Hormone Beta (FSHB) and Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) on sperm quality traits of Landrace and Yorkshire boars under tropical conditions in Northern Vietnam. 
 
Methods: A total of 6306 ejaculates from 140 boars (92 Landrace and 48 Yorkshire) were collected to estimate sperm ejaculate volume (VOL), spermatozoon motility (MO), sperm concentration (CO) and total number of spermatozoon in ejaculate (NT). Ear tissue samples were collected for genotype identification of SNP present in ESR, FSHB and PRLR genes using PCR-RFLP technique. A mixed model was used to test the effect of different genetic and non-genetic factors on the sperm quality traits. 
 
Result: The genotype frequencies of ESR, FSHB and PRLR were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for each breed. Age of boars and month of the year had significant effect on all the sperm quality traits (P&lt;0.01) while effect of breed was found to be non-significant on all the sperm quality trait. FSHB gene significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected VOL, MO and CO. Boars with BB genotype showed positive effect on VOL but negative effect on MO and CO in comparison with AA genotype boars. ESR gene showed only effect on VOL while PRLR affected only MO. Boars with AA and AB genotypes of ESR gene had a significantly higher VOL than those with BB genotype (P&lt;0.05). For PRLR gen, AB genotype was associated with higher MO than AA genotype (P&lt;0.05). These results suggest a possibility of using the existing polymorphisms in ESR, FSHB and PRLR genes to improve some sperm traits of Landrace and Yorkshire boars.</div>

<div>Effect of ESR, FSHB and PRLR Genes on Sperm Traits of Landrace and Yorkshire Boars in the Tropical Environmental Conditions of Vietnam</div>

<div>Background: Pig is recognized as an advantageous non-rodent animal model within a large number of biomedical research areas and of xenotransplantation of animal organs into humans. People prefer taking goat milk during dengue fever like conditions for recovery from low blood constituents, particularly the blood platelets, without any scientific proof.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Haemoglobin, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and blood platelets count were studied in 2.5 months old 18 experimentally induced hypovolemic Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets at CVASc., GBPUAT, Pantnagar after feeding them milk of Pantja goats and black Badri cows over a period of 30 days during Oct.&ndash;Nov. 2019 and May-June 2020. Hypovolemia in piglets was achieved by withdrawing their 15% of total estimated blood volume (@ 7.5% in each time on day 1st and 3rd of experiment), followed by providing them with milk, which was double the amount of blood withdrawn, for 30 days. Control group (T1) piglets (6 no.) were maintained on basal diet, whereas group T2 and T3 piglets were given milk of Pantja goats and black Badri cows, respectively. Blood samples for testing were collected on 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th and 30th day. 
 
Result: Average normal blood picture of weaned LWY piglets for haemoglobin (g/dl), ESR (mm/hr) and platelets count (105 cells/ mm3) was 11.36 &plusmn; 0.20, 10.00&plusmn; 2.01, 3.1767 &plusmn; 0.2577, respectively. For haemoglobin and ESR, the values on testing days and the overall values for group T1, T2 and T3 piglets did not show any significant variation. However, the pooled values for haemoglobin were significantly different (P&lt;0.01) on various testing days, being higher on day 1st and 30th than on 3rd, 7th and 15th day, implying that normal haemoglobin level was regained on 30th day of hypovolemia. The pooled values for ESR were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) on various testing days, being higher on day 1st and 3rd only, which may be due to simultaneous increase in total erythrocyte counts. Overall mean platelets count (x105&nbsp;cells/ mm3) for LWY piglets was 3.2570&plusmn; 0.0890 and their values in group T1, T2 and T3 piglets were 3.0983&plusmn;0.1675, 3.0820&plusmn;0.1490 and 3.5907&plusmn;0.1885, respectively, being significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) for black Badri cow milk fed group piglets. This may imply usefulness of black Badri cow milk over Pantja goat milk in improving blood platelets count in human, considering pig a good animal model for human within a large number of biomedical researches.</div>

<div>Haematological Traits of Induced Hypovolemic Large White Yorkshire Piglets as Affected by Feeding them Milk of Pantja Goats and Black Badri Cows</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Present study was carried out to investigate the alterations in the haematological profile of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. communis) against acute toxicity of organophosphorous compounds, dimethoate and chlorpyrifos. The fish were divided into 5 different experimental groups for range finding tests on the basis of which the doses for definitive tests were selected. The acute bioassay toxicity tests were carried out in triplicates for 96 hours with a control group run parallel to the experiment. Data obtained was analyzed as per Finney&rsquo;s probit to determine LC50 values. The mean lethal concentration was found 1.1ppm and 3.8ppb respectively for dimethoate and chlorpyrifos. The samples investigated for various haematological parameters such as haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cell (TEC) and White blood cell (TLC &amp; DLC) counts the heamatocrit (Ht) level, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). Packed cell volume (PCV) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) showed a negative impact of pesticide treated fishes when compared with control. Hb, TEC and Ht were found lower while as ESR and TLC were recorded higher than the control specimens. MCV and MCH showed statistically insignificant differences when compared with control. In DLC, monocyte lymphocyte, neutrophil and basophils were found increased while as eosinophil count was found unaffected than the normal. Studies suggested that the pesticides are potential toxicants for common carps among which chlorpyrifos was found to elicit profound changes intense than dimethoate.</div>

Toxicological evaluation and effects of oganophosphate compounds on hematological profile of juvenile common carps (Cyprinus carpio var. Communis)

<div>Phytochemicals present in the plants are divided into primary (Alcohol Amino acids, nucleotides. etc) and secondary metabolites (Alkaloids, Saponins etc.). Carotenoids (reduces reactive oxygen species formation, decreases apoptotic cells, restoration of actin capping expression proteins etc.), Phenolics (inhibits extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling pathway), Isoflavones (inhibits tyrosine kinase pathway) and alkaloids (downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha messengers) are the major phytochemicals, having the potential effects towards ovarian function. Likewise, bioactive compounds are the chemicals that can interact with certain components of live tissue to exert their various effects (antioxidant, antineoplastic, receptor inhibition, gene expression etc.) respective to female fertility. Similarly, bioactive compounds: Kaempferol [phosphatidylinositol -3- kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway], Quercetin (controlling the release of 17&beta;-estradiol etc.), Myricetin (PI3K/Akt and MAPK signalling pathway), Galngin (inhibition of angiogenesis via decreasing the VEGF and p-Akt) and Resveratrol (regulation of Foxo3a and SIRT1 genes etc.) shows its effects by targeting different molecules and/or pathways at the ovarian microenvironment. However, Genistein (binding to estrogen receptors: ESR&alpha; and ESR&beta; etc.) and Diadzein (disrupting the endocrines etc.) emphatically interfere with the ovarian functions. Besides this, molecular effects exerted by these phyto-bioactive compounds on the in vivo and/or in vitro ovarian culture systems entirely depend on their dosage: Kaempferol @10 &mu;M increased the primordial follicle activation, Quercetin @4 &micro;M improved the quality of oocytes whereas @8 &micro;M reduced the quality), Resveratrol @ 2 &micro;M increased the blastocyst formation, Myricetin @ 100 mg/kg/day feeding in rats induced estrogenic activity, Genistein, feeding in female mice @ 500 and 1000 ppm increased the gestation time and Diazdein causes the inhibition of 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase at 40 &micro;M doses. The assessment was done via the systemic collection of literature from sources such as news papers, conference papers, journals, theory and dissertation articles, electronic databases, manuals, encyclopedia and annual reviews, as well as e-books and reporting. As a result, the preceding discussion focuses on the key phyto-bioactive compounds and their molecular targets in female fertility. This will aid in the successful and secure application of plant bioactive compounds in the field of female reproductive health.</div>

<div>Molecular Targets of Phyto-bioactive Compounds in Female Reproductive System of Mammals: A Review</div>

<div>Background: The anthelmintic activity of Butea frondosa seed extract as an alternative to the synthetic anthelmintic against GIPs in goats was undertaken by studying EPG, body weight and hemato-biochemical parameters in the infested goats.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Goats (n=18) found positive for parasitic infection by screening at Goat Research Station (GRS), AAU, Byrnihat were selected for the study. Two doses of ethanolic extract of Butea frondosa seed @ 100 mg/kg (Group A, n=6), @ 200 mg/kg (Group B, n=6) and Fentasplus @ 5 mg/kg body weight p. o. (Group C, n= 6) were given on 0th day and 14th day. Faecal and blood samples were collected at weekly intervals for a period of 42 days. 
&nbsp; 
Result: A significant decrease in the EPG count was noticed on 14th day post treatment. A significant increase in body weight and Hb, PCV, TEC, total serum protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, phosphorus and significant decrease in ESR, TLC, neutrophil, eosinophil count, AST, ALT and ALP were noticed post treatment. On the basis of reduction in EPG count and improvement in body weight and haemato-biochemical parameters, it is concluded that the ethanolic extracts of Butea frondosa seed @ 200 mg/kg body weight showed better result as anthelmintic in this study.&nbsp;</div>

Evaluation of in vivo Anthelmintic Efficacy of Ethanolic Extract of Butea frondosa Seed against GI Parasites in Goats

<div>Background: Successful medical management of a serious form of Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia-Pyometra (CEH-P) in a white tiger, with a combination of mifepristone, misoprostol, cloprostenol, cabergoline and enrofloxacin is discussed. 
 
Methods: A 14-year-old white tiger (Panthera tigris) belonging to the Zoological Garden, Thiruvanathapuram showed symptoms of gradual discomfort, dyspepsia and polydipsia for two weeks. There were no signs of oestrus for the previous two months and a serosanguinous vaginal discharge was also noticed. On ultrasonographic examination, uterine sacculations filled with fluid could be found which was suggestive of pyometra. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, increased level of serum progesterone, anaemia, high ESR, persistent hyperproteinaemia and hyperglobulinaemia were evident on haematological examination. Considering the risks associated with performing OHE in large felids, medical management was planned. A combination of mifepristone, misoprostol, cloprostenol, cabergoline, enrofloxacin and supportive therapy were given along with strict and close monitoring by different experts on site or by utilizing telemedicine communication technologies. Periodic hematological examination, serum biochemistry, progesterone estimation and ultrasonographic evaluation were done to evaluate the progress of treatment. The progesterone values during the period of study ranged from 45.6 ng/ml at the commencement of treatment to a basal level of 0.73 ng/ml towards the end of treatment.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The animal had an uneventful clinical recovery. Considering the risks associated with performing OHE in large felids, medical management can be considered as a valuable option in treating CEH-Pyometra in wild felids. This being the first report of successful medical treatment of CEH-P in a large captive felid with a combination of antiprogestins, prolactin antagonists, prostaglandins and antibiotics, it is suggested that due consideration of such a treatment regimen is of great importance in large felids.</div>

A Novel Protocol for Medical Management of Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia-Pyometra in White Tiger

<div style="text-align: justify;">The effect of sorbitol supplementation on physiological, hemato-biochemical and milk production parameters was studied for a period of 12 weeks during winter on 12 crossbred dairy cattle, aged 4-5 years, average body weight 420-500 Kg and producing 10-15 kg of milk/day. The animals were randomly divided into two groups (T1 and T2) of six each. The T1 group served as control and T2 group was supplemented with sorbitol @100gm/animal/day. During the experiment, the minimum temperature, maximum temperature, wind velocity, Wind Chill Temperature (WCT) and Relative Humidity (RH) ranged from 8.00&plusmn;0.44 to 15.29&plusmn;0.42oC; 20.43&plusmn;0.87 to 25.00&plusmn;0.49oC, 2.42&plusmn;0.37 to 4.48&plusmn;0.77 km/hr, 5.67&plusmn;0.51 to 13.68&plusmn;0.62oC and 79.14&plusmn;2.40 to 88.43&plusmn;1.78%, respectively. Dietary supplementation of sorbitol significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the rectal temperature (oC) of T2 (36.12&plusmn;0.04, 38.03&plusmn;0.11) over T1 (35.86&plusmn;0.04, 37.73&plusmn;0.12) both at 6:00 hrs and 14:00 hrs. Glucose level (mg/dl) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (69.60&plusmn;0.38) than T1 (68.07&plusmn;0.20). Significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher milk yield (Kg) was recorded in T2 (9.60&plusmn;0.28) than T1 (8.31&plusmn;0.27). The respiration rate, pulse rate, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD),dry matter intake (DMI),water intake (WI), rumination number (R.No) did not differ significantly between T1 and T2. Thus it is concluded that, dietary supplementation of sorbitol to crossbred dairy cattle during winter has beneficial effect on increasing the rectal temperature, blood glucose level and milk production.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of Dietary Sorbitol Supplementation on Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cattle during Winter Season in Jammu</div>