Estrus synchronization in sheep with synthetic progestagens.

Sixteen female sheep of Degua breed were assigned to receive either the full dose of norgestomet ear implant and injectable solution containing norgestomet and estradiol valerate (n = 8) or half the dose (n = 8). The ear implants were removed in both groups on day 12. All ewes received an intramuscular administration of 500 IU PMSG at implant withdrawal. Synchronized ewes were individually hand mated twice at 48 and 60 hours after implant removal. One ewe in each group however refused mating on both occasions. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by bimanual external palpation 90 to 100 days post mating. The conception rates (3/7, 42.85%) and (5/7, 71.42%) were recorded in the two treatment groups, respectively. All eight ewes lambed between 145 to 153 days post mating. In group I ewes carried only singletons (prolificity rate 1.0) whereas in group II two ewes delivered twins, producing 7 lambs with prolificity rate of 1.4 (N.S). From this preliminary investigation it appears that the lower dose of norgestomet ear implants offers better option for estrus synchronization accompanied by higher fertility.

Studies on antepartum prolapse of the vagina in buffalo--plasma trace element concentrations.

Plasma micro-element concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and manganese were studied in 25 buffaloes at varying stages of gestation, between 7 months to term and with varying degrees of vaginal prolapse. A similar number of animals, normally pregnant at identical stages and with no previous history of antepartum vaginal prolapse, was used for control purposes. Plasma iron and manganese concentrations in affected animals were similar to values in normal pregnant animals at all stages. However, plasma copper levels were slightly but not significantly lower in affected animals at all stages, whereas plasma zinc concentrations were significantly low in affected animals from 9 months to term. Possible interactions are discussed between plasma copper and zinc levels, on the one hand, and hormones, like oestrogens and cortisol, on the other.

XY gonadal dysgenesis in a heifer.

The anatomical and histological features of the genital tract of a six-year-old Haryana heifer, which had failed to show oestrus, are described. The heifer had a 60 XY karyotype in the leucocyte culture. The external genital organs were absent and a small opening at the ventral perineal border acted as the external urogenital opening. The ovaries were completely hypoplastic and a uterus didelphys opened into a single cervix. No male sex organs or their rudiment were observed.