• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제5권3호
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• pp.419-426
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• 1992

After the virtual eradication of cattle during World War II, Papua New Guinea herds were rebuilt with Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus cattle from Australia. These, and Red Sindhi and Sahiwal, imported in 1952, were considered unsuitable breeds. In 1954, Department of Agriculture, Stock and Fisheries imported three Brahman bulls and three heifers from Texas and in 1960 began importations of Afrikaner from Queensland. In Central Province, Brahmans were crossed with Angus and at Erap (Morobe) the hottest place in Papua New Guinea, Shorthorns were crossed with Afrikaners. In 1965, Brahman and Brahman-cross were sent to Erap. Records of breeding and growth rates were collected for use in upgrading in cattle of the basis of performance, not pedigree. The data are not ideal for genetic analysis, since no control groups were maintained. Birth weights (BWT), weaning weights (WWT) and calving intervals (CI) were analysed for the period 1969-1978. After exclusion of unsatisfactory data, 2,514 calf records were used, including both breeds from 1969 to 1973, but only Brahman-cross subsequently. Breed mean BWT ranged only from 30.6 to 33.8 kg. As Brahman content increased, BWT decreased and WWT increased; within a genotype, there was a negative maternal effect of high Brahman content on BWT and a positive effect on WWT which ranged from 138 to 174 kg. Afrikaner calves had heavier BWT but lighter WWT. As expected, bulls were heaviest, heifers lightest and mature cows bore and reared heavier calves. Calving interval (405 days, equivalent to 90% calving) was unaffected by breed but 4-year old cows averaged 423 days. Breed differences in BWT and WWT are consistent with the body of literature on performance of Brahmans and Afrikaners. Since cattle tick are not present and internal parasites are insignificant at Erap, the superiority of Brahmans indicates that they were better at utilizing the mediocre quality grazing of the Markham Valley or were more heat tolerant. Performance selection over ten years resulted in the virtual elimination of Afrikaners, with the final genotype approximately 9/16 Brahman, 3/8 Shorthorn and 1/16 Afrikaner.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제17권7호
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• pp.947-953
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• 2004

The present research was designed to evaluate the effects of pre and post-partum energy level and feeding pattern on the performance of crossbred dairy cows and their calves under farm conditions. A total of 16 crossbred dairy cows were divided into two equal groups on the basis of their body weight and milk production. One group was given 30% less and the another was given 30% more energy than MAFF's (1984) recommendation. After calving all cows were given same ad.libitum diet to assess the effects of feeding during pregnancy on their performance. It was observed that just before calving cows on low energy group gained less (p<0.05) weight than that of the cows on high energy group (12.9$\pm$11.71 vs. 42.25$\pm$12.74 kg/cow. Birth weight of calves of low energy group was lower (p<0.05) than that of the calves of high energy group (17.87$\pm$1.78 vs. 20.73$\pm$2.24 kg/calf). Cows that were on low pre-calving dietary energy level produced less milk during lactation than the cows of high energy pre-calving group (3.45$\pm$0.75 vs. 4.27$\pm$0.79 lit./cow). No significant difference was noticed on calf growth rate and reproductive parameters of cow. Energy level that was 30 % less than MAFF's (1984) recommendation was found to be very low and not suitable for our crossbred cows during their last three months of pregnancy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.96-101
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• 2005

There were two trials involved in the experiment. Trial 1: the trial was conducted on two Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) pig farms. One was located in the north of Taiwan and the other was located in the south. Both farms had wet pad and forced ventilation (WPFV) and conventional open design (COD) boar and sow houses. There were 12 Duroc boars, age ranging from 12-24 months. Half of them (6 boars) were raised in a WPFV pig house, and the other half were kept in a COD house. Semen was collected at 5-day intervals from May $1^{st}$ to the end of October. Sixteen sows (2-8 parity) were served by artificial insemination each week from the beginning of May to the end of Oct. These sows were checked for heat from 18 days to 25 days after insemination. Trial 2: there were four MPFV boar houses involved in the test. Two houses were located in the north of Taiwan, and the other two houses were located in the south. The test was conducted from January 2000 to December 2001. The total number of serviced sows by MPFV-housed boars was 35,105 head and for COD-housed boars 103,065 head. The results showed that the total semen volume, density of sperm, total sperm per ejaculate, sperm motility and morphological abnormality were significantly better (p<0.01) for boar raised in WPFV house than for COD houses. Average sperm motility in June and July was lower than for the other months. Morphological abnormality was higher during May, June and July. Although the results did not reach a significant level, the average value showed that the total volume of boar semen was higher in the north than for the south. The total semen volume production of boar raised in WPFV was higher than for boars raised in COD house, reaching a significant level only in summer. Boars kept in WPFV house had higher total sperm number than boars kept in COD house, reaching a significant level in spring (p<0.05), summer (p<0.01), and fall (p<0.05) but not in winter (p>0.05). Boars raised in WPFV house had significantly higher sperm motility than boars in COD house during spring (p<0.001), summer (p<0.001), fall (p<0.01) and winter (p<0.05). The average farrowing rate and piglets born alive were higher for boars in WPFV house than for boars in COD house, but neither reached a significant level (p>0.05). The present experiment shows that WPFV house can improve the reproduction performance of boars.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.1-6
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• 2004

The 490 and 380 performance records of Karan Fries and Karan Swiss cows developed through crossbreeding followed by inter-se mating were evaluated for production, reproduction performance and disposal rate. Duration of study (1982-92) was grouped into five periods (1982-83; 1984-85; 1986-87; 1988-89; 1990-92) and each year was divided into four seasons (Winter: Dec.-Jan.; Spring: Feb.-March; Summer: April-June; Rainy: July-Sept.; Autumn: Oct.-Nov). Data were also classified according to sire and level of inbreeding. The least squares means of FLY (first lactation yield -305 days), FLL (first lactation length), FSP (first service period), FDP (first dry period), FCI (first calving interval ), MY/FLL (milk yield per day of first lactation length), MY/FCI (milk yield per day of first calving interval), EBV (expected breeding value) and EBE (expected breeding efficiency) were $3,173{\pm}82$ kg, $34611{\pm}$days, $143{\pm}11$ days, $75{\pm}6$ days, $423{\pm}11$ days, $10.6{\pm}0.2$ kg, $8.9{\pm}0.2$ kg, $3,380{\pm}26$ kg, and $88.2{\pm}1.3$% respectively in Karan Fries. Corresponding estimates in Karan Swiss cows were $2,616{\pm}82$ kg, $328{\pm}8$ days, $148{\pm}12$ days, $103{\pm}9$ days, $435{\pm}13$ days, $8.9{\pm}0.2$ kg, $7.2{\pm}0.3$ kg, $2,924{\pm38}$ kg and $86.0{\pm}3.8$% respectively. The effect of sire was significant on FLY, MY/FLL, MY/FCI and EBV in both the herd (p<0.01). The 10 and 15% sires showed superiority (FLY) over herd average of 11 and 7% in Karan Fries and 32 and 21% in Karan Swiss cattle respectively. Inbreeding has adversely and significantly (p<0.05) affected the FLY, MY/FLL, MY/FCI and survivability of Karan Fries females; FDP and disposal through culling of Karan Swiss heifers. The Karan Fries heifers with inbreeding above 12.5% performed 16% lower FLY to herd average. The effect of season of calving was significant on FLL, FSP and FCI (p<0.05) in Karan Fries. Summer calvers ($361{\pm}12$) were have higher lactation length and autumn calvers ($329{\pm}14$) had minimum. Period of calving significantly influenced the FSP, FCI, MY/FLL and MY/FCI in Karan Fries and FLY, MY/FLL and MY/FCI in Karan Swiss. Production efficiency traits in Karan Fries herd witnessed higher yield in the last two periods whereas, Karan Swiss heifers showed fluctuating performance. The findings suggested judicious use of available genetic variability, keeping of inbreeding under safer level and managemental interventions for the consistent improvement of both herds.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.151-157
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• 2023

Background: The potential impact of aqueous extracts from Psidium guajava leaves on the reproductive system of female rabbits was evaluated. Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits, aged five to six months were utilized. Rabbits were divided into four groups and were randomly assigned to receive one of the following oral doses of the guava leaf extracts: 0 (control group), 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg of body weight. After a treatment period of 30 days, blood was collected via jugular venipunture and the serum was extracted for the assessment of serum biochemical traits levels. The females were bred and monitored throughout their pregnancy to ascertain reproductive outcomes. Results: The results indicated that the guava leaf extract significantly increased the body weight of the rabbits during both pre- and post-pregnancy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The litter size at three weeks post-birth, prolificity rate, FSH, LH, and protein levels were notably higher (p < 0.05) at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight. The viability rate three weeks post-birth increased with escalating extract doses, and the highest values were observed at doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg of body weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that, the aqueous extract of guava leaves appears to stimulate the production of FSH, LH and enhance body weight, prolificity, and pregnancy outcomes in mammals. As such, it is suggested that a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight could be beneficial in improving the reproductive performance of female.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.215-224
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• 2023

Background: Reproductive management practices play crucial roles to maximize the reproductive performance of cows, and thus contribute to farm profitability. We aimed to assess the reproductive management of cows currently practiced in the dairy farms in an urban farming system. Methods: A total of 62 dairy farms were randomly selected considering all size of farms such as small (1-5 cattle), medium (6-20 cattle) and large farms (> 20 cattle) from selected areas of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The reproductive management-related parameters viz. estrus detection, breeding method, pregnancy diagnosis, dry cow and parturition management, vaccination and treatment of reproductive problems etc. were obtained in a pre-defined questionnaire during the farm visit. Results: The visual observation method was only used (100.0%; 62/62) for estrus detection irrespective of size of the farms; while farmers observed cows for estrus 4-5 times a day, but only for 20-60 seconds each time. Regardless of farm size, 89.0% (55/62) farms used artificial insemination (AI) for breeding the cows. Intriguingly, all farms (100.0%) routinely checked the cows for pregnancy at 35-40 days post-breeding using rectal palpation technique by registered veterinarian. However, only 6.5% (4/62) farms practiced dry cow management. Notably, all farms (100.0%) provided nutritional supplements (Vit D, Ca and P) during late gestation. However, proper hygiene and cleanliness during parturition was not practiced in 77.4% (48/62) farms; even though 96.7% (60/62) farms treated cows by registered veterinarian for parturition-related problems. Conclusions: While farmers used AI service for breeding and timely check their cows for pregnancy; however, they need to increase observation time (30 minutes/ observation, twice in a day: early morning and early night) for estrus detection, consider dry cow management and ensure hygienic parturition for maximizing production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.61-67
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• 1999

Data from 22837 lambings of Lohi and Kajli ewes from 1962 through 1994 were used to analyse productive and reproductive traits and wool production, Overall litter size at birth averaged 1.33 being 1.45 for Lohi and 1.21 for Kajli ewes. The corresponding values at weaning were 1.23, 1.32 and 1.14, respectively. Litter size was consistently lowest for one year old, with a substantial increase at two, three and four years of ewe age and marginal increase thereafter, Ewes lambing in spring weaned 0.08 more lambs per parturition than ewes lambed in Autumn (p<0,01). Lamb birth weights were affected by ewe breed (p<0.01) and increased with ewe age. Overall lamb weaning weight (120 d) of 17993 lambs was 20.3 kg. Weaning weight was affected by breed, sire, year of birth, sex, rearing rank and weaning age (p<0.01). The highest mean weaning weight was 21.9 kg for Lohi lambs followed by Kajli lambs (18.8 kg), Lambs from Kajli ewes were 9% heavier at birth but 14% lighter at weaning. Twin born lambs were 18% lighter at birth and 13% at weaning than single born lambs. Male lambs were 3% heavier at birth and 4.5% heavier at weaning than female lambs. Overall annual mean wool production was 2,64 kg, Kajli ewes were heavier at breeding than Lohi ewes (i.e. 46.2 vs 44.8 kg). Lohi ewes being 3% less body weight produced 38% more wool and 18% more litter weaning weight than Kajli ewes, When average weight of lamb weaned per ewe weaning lambs was adjusted for ewe average metabolic body size, Lohi ewes were most efficient (i.e. arbitrary assigned value of 100) compared to Kajli ewes achieving only 83% of Lohi level.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제13권7호
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• pp.1026-1034
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• 2000

As described here, most recently developed methods for improving reproduction performance of domesticated animals such as cattle, swine and chicken have been considered to be also usable for restoring some sorts of endangered and/or extinct wild animals in the very near future. Especially, the techniques for in vitro storage of gametes obtained from dead animals shortly after the death, probably 24 h following the sacrifice are also available for obtaining some of experimental specimens. In case of the endangered animals, nobody will be allowed to use any tissues from the living animals, therefore, e.g., the use of skin tissues from these bodies is another possibility of restoring the living animals. Regarding the use of skin tissues, the most highly usable tools must be the cloning techniques for reviving rare cells from the living body. Most possible techniques for cloning cells is nuclear transfer from rare species to highly relative species, and this is the case of germ cells, e.g., primordial germ cells (PGCs) of avian species. One of the possibilities is the nuclear transfer of Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) to the PGCs of chicken, resulting in the PGCs with transferred nucleus from the ibis. In mammalian species, the same procedure as in the case of birds would be successful, e.g., the removed nucleus from Giant Pandas will be transferred to the cell, such as somatic cells or germ cells from black bears or lesser pandas, leading to the production of transnucleared cells in the body of female black bears. These two cases are most promising techniques for reviving endangered animals in the world, particularly in Asian countries, mainly in China. As a conclusion, possible production of cloned animals carrying transnucleared cells from endangered animals, such as Giant Pandas and Crested Ibis, may be reproduced gradually in the near future. Scientists are, therefore, required to convert the paradigm from domestic animals to wild animals, including endangered and/or extinct animals on the earth.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.19-25
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• 2006

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol level, total antioxidant level and reproductive performance in Murrah buffaloes was studied during periparturient period. Twenty-four advance pregnant buffaloes were randomly divided into four equal groups as $T_1$, $T_2$, $T_3$ and $T_4$ and were supplemented with 0, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 IU of ${\alpha}$-tocopheryl acetate (Merck) from 60 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum and 0, 500, 750 and 1,000 IU from 30 to 60 days postpartum, respectively. Blood samples were collected at -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, 0, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of parturition and were analyzed for plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and total antioxidant activity (TAA). The intake of DM, CP and TDN did not vary among different groups. Plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and TAA around parturition (-7 to 15 day) in $T_3$ and $T_4$ were significantly higher than the control group. There was 17% reduction in retention of fetal membranes (RFM) and metritis in $T_4$ than control. The post partum estrus interval averaged 58.00, 55.33, 51.83 and 43.00 days in $T_1$, $T_2$, $T_3$ and $T_4$ respectively. There was significant reduction in days open in both $T_3$ and $T_4$ in comparison to $T_1$ group (127,130 Vs.146). All the vitamin E supplemented groups showed reduction in days open than their previous lactation performance. Supplementation of vitamin E at $1,500IU\;d^{-1}$ from 60 day prepartum to 30 day post partum to buffaloes exhibited beneficial effect on plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol level and TAA around parturition and continuation of its supplementation at $1,000IU\;d^{-1}$ from 30 to 60 days of lactation improved post partum reproductive performance of buffaloes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제15권10호
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• pp.1453-1457
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• 2002

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of 4 feeding systems on growth, feed intake, eating behavior, lactation performance, gestation period, post-partum heat period, conception rate and parasitic infestation of Black Bengal goat. Twenty four does of approximately 1 year of age were randomly selected for 4 treatment (feeding systems) groups having 6 replications in each. Treatments were stall feeding ($T_1$), tethering ($T_2$), restricted grazing ($T_3$) and grazing ($T_4$). $T_1$ group was housed continuously and adequate amounts of natural grass were supplied for ad libitum feeding. $T_2$ group was tethered for grazing natural grass from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. being moved at one hour intervals. Goats of $T_3$ group were allowed grazing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. $T_4$ group was grazed from 8 a. m. to 4 p.m. Concentrate supplement was given at the rate of 150 g per day per goat for all of the treatment groups. Duration of experiment was 219 days. Daily live weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher in case of stall fed goats than that of others. DM intake also significantly (p<0.05) differed among the treatment groups and was 3.40 3.95, 3.76 and 4.05 per cent of their live weight for stall feeding, tethering, restricted grazing and grazing groups, respectively. Rate of rumination was significantly (p<0.05) higher in case of tethering group of goats than that of others. Birth weight of kids, milk yield, lactation period and post-partum heat period were significantly higher in case of stall fed goats than others. Tethering group showed significantly (p<0.05) higher litter size than others. Infestation rate of Fasciola was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the grazing group. In conclusion, it may be stated that among these feeding groups overall performance of stall fed goats was more satisfactory, and that the tethering group showed better performance than the others.