Elucidating the processes and pathways enriched in buffalo sperm proteome in regulating semen quality.

Sperm carries a reservoir of proteins regulating the molecular functions to attain functional competence. Semen samples collected from buffalo bulls were assessed for sperm functional attributes (n = 11) and proteome profiling (n = 6). Sperm proteins were extracted and profiled by employing LC-MS/MS. Overall, the buffalo sperm contained 1365 proteins, of which 458 were common between the groups. The unique proteins were 477 and 430 in good and poor quality semen, respectively. In the whole proteome of buffalo sperm, sexual reproduction with phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein1 (PEBP1), fetuin-B (FETUB) and acrosin (ACR) was the most enriched (p = 8.44E-19) biological process, also with thermogenesis (p = 0.003), oocyte meiosis (p = 0.007) and vascular smooth muscle contraction (p = 0.009) apart from metabolic pathways. In good quality semen, mesenchyme migration (p = 1.24E-07) and morphogenesis (p = 0.001) were abundant biological processes. In good quality semen, the fluid shear stress (p = 0.01) and, in poor quality semen, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation (p = 3.8E-05) pathways were enriched. In good quality semen, 7 proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated and 33 proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated. On validating the abundantly expressed sperm proteins, serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2-like (SPINK2; 2.17-fold) and neddylin (NEDD8; 1.13-fold) were upregulated and YBX2 was downregulated (0.41-fold) in good quality semen as compared with poor quality semen (1-fold). The present findings revealed the importance of sperm proteins in oocyte maturation, fertilization process and early embryonic development. The variations in the proteomic composition can be used as potential markers for the selection of breeding bulls.

Study on evaluation of silage from pineapple (Ananas comosus) fruit residue as livestock feed.

Pineapple is a commercially important fruit crop grown in Asian and African countries. Pineapple fruit residue (PFR) accounts for more than 65% of the processed fruits, and its disposal is a major problem due to its high moisture and sugar content predisposing it to fungal growth and spoilage. Silage technique was adopted to address this problem, and the PFR silage was evaluated for its feeding value. It was observed that on 15th day, the pH of PFR silage was 4.2-4.3 and lactic acid content was 6-8% (DM basis). Combination of 4 parts leafy crown and 1 part peels/pomace was found very ideal to achieve moisture content of 65-70% and produced a good quality silage with minimum fungal count (<3-4 colony forming units) on 15th day of ensiling. Nutritive value in terms of energy and minerals was superior to maize green fodder. Feeding trial in two groups of sheep with 10 numbers in each group fed total mixed ration (TMR) comprising 62% PFR/maize silage and 48% concentrate mixture (DM basis) for 75-day period did not show any adverse effects on nutrient utilization (DM, CP, NDF, ADF), serum biochemical (total protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, SGOT, SGPT), and mineral profile (Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn) and supported a daily growth rate of 140 g. The overall performance was similar to those sheep fed TMR with maize green fodder silage. Feeding PFR silage replacing hybrid napier green fodder in two groups of cows with eight in each group showed an improvement in average daily milk yield by 3.0 lit per cow and fat content by 0.6 U fed PFR silage-based TMR as compared to cows fed hybrid napier green fodder-based TMR. In both studies (sheep or cows), there was no evidence of metabolic or health-related disorders indicating that PFR silage was effectively utilized. Pineapple fruit residue that was hitherto wasted was successfully converted to silage and was found to be a valuable alternative to conventional green fodder. Ensiling of PFR not only improved the economics of feeding but also helped in overcoming the disposal problem.