• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.932-936
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• 2014

Breeding records of 57 Arabian and 66 Thoroughbred mares were analysed to assess their reproductive performance under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan. The Arabian mares showed significantly higher conception rates (p<0.05) in second mated oestrus and foal heat mated oestrus compared to Thoroughbred mares. However, conception rates for first lifetime mated oestrus were similar in both breeds of mares. Age at first mating ($1,301{\pm}40$ vs $1,500{\pm}32$ days) was significantly (p<0.05) less in Arabian compared to Thoroughbred mares. Both breeds of mares showed significantly (p<0.05) higher frequencies of oestrous cycles and conception rates during the winter (October to March) compared to summer (June to August) months. Age of mares affected the conception rates, as mares at ages 3 to 7 and 8 to 12 years of ages had significantly higher conception rates (p<0.05) than those ${\geq}18$ years old in both breeds. This study demonstrates that i) reproductive performance in Arabians is better than Thoroughbred mares under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan, ii) mares remain cyclic throughout the year and iii) conception rates were higher in mares bred during winter compared to summer months.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.451-455
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• 2015

The buffalo is an important livestock resource in several countries of South Asia and the Mediterranean regions. However, reproductive efficiency is compromised due to known problems of biological and management origins, such as lack of animal selection and poor nutrition. Under optimal conditions puberty is attained at 15 to 18 months in river buffalo, 21 to 24 months in swamp buffalo and is influenced by genotype, nutrition, management and climate. However, under field conditions these values deteriorate up to a significant extant. To improve reproductive efficiency, several protocols of oestrus and ovulation synchronization have been adopted from their use in commercial cattle production. These protocols yield encouraging pregnancy rates of (30% to 50%), which are comparable to those achieved in buffaloes bred at natural oestrus. The use of sexed semen in buffalo heifers also showed promising pregnancy rates (50%) when compared with conventional non-sexed semen. Assisted reproductive technologies have been transferred and adapted to buffalo but the efficiency of these technologies are low. However, these latest technologies offer the opportunity to accelerate the genetic gain in the buffalo industry after improving the technology and reducing its cost. Most buffaloes are kept under the small holder farming system in developing countries. Hence, future research should focus on simple, adoptable and impact-oriented approaches which identify the factors determining low fertility and oestrus behaviour in this species. Furthermore, role of kisspeptin needs to be explored in buffalo.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.85-91
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• 1996

Plasma progesterone concentrations were measured by using radjoimmunoassay for early diagnosis of pregnancy in Cheju-native mares. A total of 226 pony mares were examined for pregnancy during breeding and non breeding seasons. Plasma progesterone levels 20~23 days after the onset of oestrus were 4.67+O.67ng /rnl and O.55+O.O4ng /ml for mares becornrning pregnant and not pregnant after the estrus, respectively, and there was a significant differences (p<0.01) between the two groups. Progesterone concentration of pregnant mares gradually increased in 30 days andreached a peak (10.3ng /ml) during the third month of gestation. However, the concentration decresed to the base line (1.llng /rnl) at 7 months and gradually increased again as foaling approached (2.lng /ml). Early diagnosis for pregnancy of Cheju mares by progesterone level at 20~23 days after onset of oestrus was 88% accurate when 4.6ng /ml was used to classify mares as pregnancy and below 1.3ng /rnl was used to determine nonpregnant mares. However, the accuracy of the diagnosis was improved to 96% when a progesterone level of above 2ng /mi was used to classify mares for pregnancy. Diagnosis for pregnancy was 69.6% accurate when mares were classified as pregnancy by horse owners during breeding season. The progesterone levels of pregnant and non-pregnant mares during non-breeding season varied greatly between individual animals, Plasma progesterone levels of pregnant animals ranged from 3.5ng /mi to above 6.2ng /mi whereas similar values were observed in non-pregnant animals. Radioirnrnunoassay technicjues can be applied for the early pregnant diagnosis of Cheju native mares when progesterone levels are measured during the early gestation period (18~23 days after onset of oestrus). However, progesterone concentration of mares in non-breeding season is conisidered unsuitable as a indicator of pregnant diagnosis.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.190-197
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• 2020

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 ㎍ PGF_2α (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.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1435-1439
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• 2011

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of creep feed with different energy densities on litter performance. A total of 30 sows (Landrace${\times}$Yorkshire) and their litters were randomly assigned with 1, 2, or 3+parities into 1 of 3 treatments (10 sows). Dietary treatments were: i) CON (no creep feed), ii) LE (creep feed (DE 4,000 kcal/kg) from 5 d of age until weaning (21 d)), and iii) HE (creep feed (DE 5,000 kcal/kg) from 5 d of age until weaning). Each piglet was weighed at d 5, 10, 15, 21 (weaning), and d 7 postweaning to determine ADG. Creep feeding reduced concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol compared with those in CON group (p<0.05). Creep feeding reduced (p<0.05) the weaning-to-oestrus interval in sows. Piglets in the HE groups evidenced greater ADG (p = 0.024) and ADFI (p = 0.001) post-weaning than those in CON treatments. Creep feeding decreased (p<0.05) the suckling time of piglet in this study. In conclusion, creep feeding increased growth and feed intake of pigs after weaning. It can decrease the oestrus interval of sows. There was no difference between providing a high energy or a low energy creep fed diet to the piglets.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.650-657
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• 2002

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of forage:concentrate ratios and feeding principles on milk yield, milk composition, body weight change, postpartum oestrus and feed cost. A total of 36 crossbred F1 cows (Holstein Friesian${\times}$Local Yellow) in the 8th week of lactation were used. In each experiment, animals were divided into three groups using a randomized block design according to the milk yield of the previous eight weeks. Cows were fed 30, 50 and 70% concentrate in the diet based on DM. In experiment 1 (Fc), cows were given the same amount of DM with constant ratios of forage and concentrate within treatments. In experiment 2 (Fa), cows were given the same constant amounts of concentrate as in experiment 1 and ad libitum forage. The forage consisted of a natural grass mixture based on 5 species of grasses with high nutritive values. There was no difference in total DM intake between treatments within experiments. However, cows fed forage ad libitum had higher DM intakes compared to cows fed constant forage (1.6, 4.5 and 9.5% for cows fed 70, 50 and 30% forage, respectively). Daily milk yield of cows fed forage ad libitum was higher than that of cows fed constant forage:concentrate ratio. Within experiment, milk yield was highest for cows fed 30% DM forage, followed by cows fed 50% and then cows fed 70% forage (11.17, 10.98 and 10.71 for the 30Fc, 50Fc and 70Fc cows; 11.73, 11.16 and 10.81 kg for the 30Fa, 50Fa and 70Fa cows, respectively). Decreased forage ratio in the diets resulted in decreased milk fat content and tended to increase milk protein. Increased concentrate ratio in the diet and feeding forage ad libitum increased body weight gain. The effect of forage:concentrate ratio on postpartum oestrus was not significant. The feed cost per kg milk produced was lowest for the cows fed 70% forage. It is concluded that increased ratio of concentrate resulted in increased body weight gain, milk yield, milk protein, and decreased milk fat. Feeding forage ad libitum increased feed intake, milk yield and body weight gain. The ratio of 50% forage is more suitable for milk production and animal condition, but in terms of feed cost and under the conditions of small dairy farmers, the 70% ad libitum forage feeding is recommended.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 1986

Studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between hormone leveles and nutritional levels for improving performance of Cheju native cattle. In June 1984 a trial was initiated using 8 Cheju native calves after weaning, fed at two su, pp.ementary feeding levels (NRC 100% and 70%). The body weight, breedng performence, change in progesterone level during pregnancy and estrus cycle were evaluated. Mean body weight at 6 months of age was 155kg when fed 100% NRC ration but it was only 137kg when heifers received the 70% NRC ration. At 10, 15 and 20 months of age the body weight was 66, 160 and 115kg, respectively, showing that heifers fed the standard ration gained weight rapidly (P<0.01). Average size of the lefe ovary in the standard group was 2.1${\times}$1.6cm and right ovary was 2.6${\times}$1.8cm. However in the restricted feeding group the ovaries were found to be smaller. Diameter of graffian follicles showed a similar tendency to ovarian size in the two groups. The first oestrus in the standard feeding group a, pp.ared at 14.6 months when body weight was 265kg. Age at first calving was on average 28.9 months at a body weight of 436kg. On the other hand when heifers were fed the restricted ration the first oestrus a, pp.ared at 23.0 months at a body weight of 250kg. Average age at first calving was 38.9 months which was 10 months later than the average in the standard feeding group (P<0.01). In standard feeding group the progesterone level was 2.0ng/ml at two weeks after pregnancy and gradully increased up to 4 weeks and peaked at 18 weeks. This peak (6.4-6.5ng/ml) was maintained up to 24 weeks when progesterone level decreased until it reached 2.1ng/ml at the end of pregnancy. In the restricted group progesterone level up to 16 weeks followed a similar pattern to the standard group but there was a tendency in the restricted group to have lower progesterone levels(P<0.01). The standard and srstricted groups showed similar patterns of progesterone concentration during the oestrus cylce. There were no statistically significant differences in progesterone levels between standard and restricted groups but there was variation between induvidual animals.

• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
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• v.2 no.11
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• pp.795-800
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• 2013

Early detection of oestrus in Korean cows is one of the important issues in maximizing the economic benefit. Although various methods have been proposed, we still need to improve the performance of the oestrus detection system. In this paper, we propose a video surveillance system which can detect unusual behavior of multiple cows including the mounting activity. The unusual behavior detection is to detect the dangerous or abnormal situations of cows in video coming in real time from a surveillance camera promptly and correctly. The prototype system for unusual behavior detection gets an input video from a fixed location camera, and uses the motion vector to represent the motion information of cows in video, and finally selects a SVDD (one of the most well-known types of one-class SVM) as a detector by reinterpreting the unusual behavior into an one class decision problem from the practical points of view. The experimental results with the videos obtained from a farm located in Jinju illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.632-636
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• 2005

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of removal of all ovarian follicles through repeated transvaginal follicle aspiration (TVFA) on the subsequent follicular populations in buffaloes. This information is crucial for determining the optimum time interval between successive aspirations for recovering oocytes from live buffaloes through Transvaginal Oocyte Retrieval (TVOR). The oestrus of cycling buffaloes (n=5) were synchronized by a single PGF injection schedule. All the ovarian follicles were removed once every 7 days for 6 weeks through TVFA, starting from Day 7 of the oestrous cycle (Day 0 = day of oestrus). The number and size of individual ovarian follicles was recorded at Day 3 and Day 5 (Day 0 = day of TVFA) through transrectal ultrasonography. The follicles were classified on the basis of their diameter as small (3-5 mm), medium (6-9 mm) and large ($\geq$10 mm). There was no difference in the number of small and medium follicles, and the number of total follicles between Day 3 and Day 5. However, the number of large follicles was significantly higher (p<0.05) at Day 5 than that at Day 3. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the proportion of small follicles and an increase (p<0.05) in the proportion of large follicles from Day 3 to Day 5, with no change in the proportion of medium follicles. The number of total follicles at Day 3 or Day 5 did not differ during the 6 TVFA sessions. It can be concluded that an interval of 3 days is more suitable than that of 5 days between successive aspirations for recovering oocytes through TVOR in a twice weekly schedule and that repeated removal of follicles through TVFA does not adversely affect the number of total follicles 3 or 5 days after TVFA.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.862-867
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• 1999

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of administration of exogenous progesterone early in gestation on uterine levels of IGF-I mRNA and on embryo survival at day 25 of gestation in the pig. Forty-one prepubertal gilts were induced into oestrus with PG600 and artificially inseminated at their subsequent naturally occurring oestrus. Gilts were then randomly assigned to one of three groups. Gilts in the two treatment groups were injected intramuscularly with 50 mg of progesterone either from day 2 to 14 (N=14) or from day 4 to 14 (N=15) after breeding while those in the control group (N=12) were given corn oil (0.5 ml) from day 2 to 14. Between days 25 and 28 of gestation, gilts were slaughtered and reproductive tracts were recovered. Endometrial tissue (1 g) was collected and analysed for IGF-I mRNA levels using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Progesterone treatment, starting either on day 2 or 4 after breeding, neither significantly increased embryo survival rate by day 25 of gestation nor altered IGF-I mRNA levels in uterine tissue. However, across all samples, the IGF-I mRNA level in the uterus was highly correlated with embryo survival rate (r=0.8193, p<0.01), supporting the involvement of IGF-I in the regulation of porcine embryo development.