a b s t r a c t The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of vitamin E (Vit E) and selenium (Se) injection on semen quality, testes measures and some blood parameters of Ossimi rams. Fourteen mature healthy Ossimi rams were randomly divided into two equal groups (7 rams in each). The first group served as control (CG), while 2nd group served as treatment group (TG). Rams of the TG were treated twice weekly with 5 mg sodium selenite and 450 mg Vit E for 1 month. Semen quantity (semen volume, and concentration of the semen ejaculated) and quality (mass motility and percentage of live and dead cells) were recorded twice weekly. Blood samples collection, testes measurements (testis length (TL), breadth (TB); and scrotal circumference (SC)) using measuring tape and caliper were recorded. Sonar examination of the testes (mediastinum testes and tunica albugenia) and all accessory gland measurements were performed every 2 weeks. Semen quality and quantity were significantly affected by treatments: the ejaculate volume, mass activity and sperm concentration increased (p 0.01) in treated rams in comparison with control ones. The percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa were reduced in the treated groups. Also ordinary testes measurements and sonar examination were mostly improved though the differences were not statistically significant. Pen libido test showed reduced reaction time for the first mount in treated rams. Serum testosterone, glutathione peroxidase and other blood parameters were elevated (p 0.05) in treated group in comparison with the control one. The results of this experiment confirm that injections of the combination of Vit E and Se during the breeding season improved semen characteristics and the overall reproductive performance of Ossimi rams.

a b s t r a c t The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of vitamin E (Vit E) and selenium (Se) injection on semen quality, testes measures and some blood parameters of Ossimi rams. Fourteen mature healthy Ossimi rams were randomly divided into two equal groups (7 rams in each). The first group served as control (CG), while 2nd group served as treatment group (TG). Rams of the TG were treated twice weekly with 5 mg sodium selenite and 450 mg Vit E for 1 month. Semen quantity (semen volume, and concentration of the semen ejaculated) and quality (mass motility and percentage of live and dead cells) were recorded twice weekly. Blood samples collection, testes measurements (testis length (TL), breadth (TB); and scrotal circumference (SC)) using measuring tape and caliper were recorded. Sonar examination of the testes (mediastinum testes and tunica albugenia) and all accessory gland measurements were performed every 2 weeks. Semen quality and quantity were significantly affected by treatments: the ejaculate volume, mass activity and sperm concentration increased (p 0.01) in treated rams in comparison with control ones. The percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa were reduced in the treated groups. Also ordinary testes measurements and sonar examination were mostly improved though the differences were not statistically significant. Pen libido test showed reduced reaction time for the first mount in treated rams. Serum testosterone, glutathione peroxidase and other blood parameters were elevated (p 0.05) in treated group in comparison with the control one. The results of this experiment confirm that injections of the combination of Vit E and Se during the breeding season improved semen characteristics and the overall reproductive performance of Ossimi rams.

a b s t r a c t The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of vitamin E (Vit E) and selenium (Se) injection on semen quality, testes measures and some blood parameters of Ossimi rams. Fourteen mature healthy Ossimi rams were randomly divided into two equal groups (7 rams in each). The first group served as control (CG), while 2nd group served as treatment group (TG). Rams of the TG were treated twice weekly with 5 mg sodium selenite and 450 mg Vit E for 1 month. Semen quantity (semen volume, and concentration of the semen ejaculated) and quality (mass motility and percentage of live and dead cells) were recorded twice weekly. Blood samples collection, testes measurements (testis length (TL), breadth (TB); and scrotal circumference (SC)) using measuring tape and caliper were recorded. Sonar examination of the testes (mediastinum testes and tunica albugenia) and all accessory gland measurements were performed every 2 weeks. Semen quality and quantity were significantly affected by treatments: the ejaculate volume, mass activity and sperm concentration increased (p 0.01) in treated rams in comparison with control ones. The percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa were reduced in the treated groups. Also ordinary testes measurements and sonar examination were mostly improved though the differences were not statistically significant. Pen libido test showed reduced reaction time for the first mount in treated rams. Serum testosterone, glutathione peroxidase and other blood parameters were elevated (p 0.05) in treated group in comparison with the control one. The results of this experiment confirm that injections of the combination of Vit E and Se during the breeding season improved semen characteristics and the overall reproductive performance of Ossimi rams.

Abstract The objective of the present experiment is to study the effect of feed intake restriction on the reproductive performance and pregnancy rate in Egyptian buffalo heifers. Thirty anestrus buffalo heifers were randomly divided into two equal groups. The low feed intake (LFI, n015, 50 % restriction) group was fed a diet that consists of 3 kg concentrate, 1 kg wheat straw, and 3 kg fresh alfalfa, while the high feed intake (HFI, n015) group was fed double the amount given to the LFI group for 4 months. All animals were weighed, transrectally examined, and visually checked for the signs of estrus, and blood samples were collected. Heifers in heat were mated with one fertile bull. The number of heifers showing estrus activity was 93.3%in HFI vs. 20%in LFI (P0.01).Ovarian activity started earlier (P00.03) in the HFI than LFI group. The weight at breeding, the diameter of the dominant follicle, number of heifers showing ovulations, number of services per conception, pregnancy rate, and overall mean of progesterone and estrogen concentrations were significantly higher (P0.01) in the HFI than in the LFI group. The level of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, and calcium were significantly higher (P0.05) in the HFI group. Restriction of the daily feed intake to 50 % from NRC recommendations impair reproductive performance in terms of increasing the age at first service and reducing the pregnancy rate in buffalo heifers. In conclusion, feed intake could be effective in improvement of reproductive performance in buffalo heifers and further studies should be done on large scale of buffaloes in this point.

Abstract The objective of the present experiment is to study the effect of feed intake restriction on the reproductive performance and pregnancy rate in Egyptian buffalo heifers. Thirty anestrus buffalo heifers were randomly divided into two equal groups. The low feed intake (LFI, n015, 50 % restriction) group was fed a diet that consists of 3 kg concentrate, 1 kg wheat straw, and 3 kg fresh alfalfa, while the high feed intake (HFI, n015) group was fed double the amount given to the LFI group for 4 months. All animals were weighed, transrectally examined, and visually checked for the signs of estrus, and blood samples were collected. Heifers in heat were mated with one fertile bull. The number of heifers showing estrus activity was 93.3%in HFI vs. 20%in LFI (P0.01).Ovarian activity started earlier (P00.03) in the HFI than LFI group. The weight at breeding, the diameter of the dominant follicle, number of heifers showing ovulations, number of services per conception, pregnancy rate, and overall mean of progesterone and estrogen concentrations were significantly higher (P0.01) in the HFI than in the LFI group. The level of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, and calcium were significantly higher (P0.05) in the HFI group. Restriction of the daily feed intake to 50 % from NRC recommendations impair reproductive performance in terms of increasing the age at first service and reducing the pregnancy rate in buffalo heifers. In conclusion, feed intake could be effective in improvement of reproductive performance in buffalo heifers and further studies should be done on large scale of buffaloes in this point.

This report describes the ultrasonographic differential diagnosis of different types of swellings affecting (28) farm animals. The swellings were, abscess (11), cyst (2), hematoma (2), hernia (9) and urethral diverticulum (4). The swellings varied sonographically according to the type, duration, content and location. Cases suffering the same type of swellings may have some degree of difference in echogenicity according to the period of the swelling. Abscesses appeared as hypo/hyperechoic structures with distinct hyperechoic well-developed capsule. Recent hematomas were anechoic with a well demarcated wall, with increased duration, the hematoma gradually became more echoic and textured. The hernial ring was determined as a discontinuation of the abdominal wall echogenicity and the hernial contents were clearly evaluated via ultrasonography. Recent cysts resembled hematoma in compartmentalization but the location and case history helped the differential diagnosis. Urethral dilatation appeared sonographically as an anechoic to hypoechoic homogenous structure with well demarcated wall and acoustic enhancement. Ultrasonography could be considered a successful, noninvasive, rapid technique for differential diagnosis of different types of swellings in farm animals. It could be easily used under field conditions to screen the lesions before the surgical operations and to fellow up the cases after surgery.

This report describes the ultrasonographic differential diagnosis of different types of swellings affecting (28) farm animals. The swellings were, abscess (11), cyst (2), hematoma (2), hernia (9) and urethral diverticulum (4). The swellings varied sonographically according to the type, duration, content and location. Cases suffering the same type of swellings may have some degree of difference in echogenicity according to the period of the swelling. Abscesses appeared as hypo/hyperechoic structures with distinct hyperechoic well-developed capsule. Recent hematomas were anechoic with a well demarcated wall, with increased duration, the hematoma gradually became more echoic and textured. The hernial ring was determined as a discontinuation of the abdominal wall echogenicity and the hernial contents were clearly evaluated via ultrasonography. Recent cysts resembled hematoma in compartmentalization but the location and case history helped the differential diagnosis. Urethral dilatation appeared sonographically as an anechoic to hypoechoic homogenous structure with well demarcated wall and acoustic enhancement. Ultrasonography could be considered a successful, noninvasive, rapid technique for differential diagnosis of different types of swellings in farm animals. It could be easily used under field conditions to screen the lesions before the surgical operations and to fellow up the cases after surgery.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of unilateral ureteral ligation on blood constituents, renal histopathology and ultrasonography in dogs. A total number of 25 apparently healthy adult mongrel dogs found Assiut City, Egypt, were subjected to study. Animals were divided into five equal groups: the left ureter was ligated for 2, 7, 14 and 21 days in groups, I, II, III and IV, respectively, while group Vrepresented the control group. The animals in groups I, II, III and IV were euthanized on days 2, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. Right and left uretronephrectomies were performed and specimens were taken for the histopathological examination. Results revealed significant increases in total leucocytes and neutrophils counts from day 2 to day 17. There were significant decreases (p0.01) in total red blood cell (RBC) count and packed cell volume (PCV)% at day 14. Creatinine level was significantly increased on days 7 and 17. Histopathological changes were varied from glomerular swelling and congestion to glomerular atrophy. In conclusion, serum creatinine was highest on days 3 and 7, while creatinine clearance was lowest at day 7. The serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was the highest at day 21. Major histopathological changes were observed on day 21. These changes were compatible with the ultrasonographic and biochemical findings.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of unilateral ureteral ligation on blood constituents, renal histopathology and ultrasonography in dogs. A total number of 25 apparently healthy adult mongrel dogs found Assiut City, Egypt, were subjected to study. Animals were divided into five equal groups: the left ureter was ligated for 2, 7, 14 and 21 days in groups, I, II, III and IV, respectively, while group Vrepresented the control group. The animals in groups I, II, III and IV were euthanized on days 2, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. Right and left uretronephrectomies were performed and specimens were taken for the histopathological examination. Results revealed significant increases in total leucocytes and neutrophils counts from day 2 to day 17. There were significant decreases (p0.01) in total red blood cell (RBC) count and packed cell volume (PCV)% at day 14. Creatinine level was significantly increased on days 7 and 17. Histopathological changes were varied from glomerular swelling and congestion to glomerular atrophy. In conclusion, serum creatinine was highest on days 3 and 7, while creatinine clearance was lowest at day 7. The serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was the highest at day 21. Major histopathological changes were observed on day 21. These changes were compatible with the ultrasonographic and biochemical findings.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of unilateral ureteral ligation on blood constituents, renal histopathology and ultrasonography in dogs. A total number of 25 apparently healthy adult mongrel dogs found Assiut City, Egypt, were subjected to study. Animals were divided into five equal groups: the left ureter was ligated for 2, 7, 14 and 21 days in groups, I, II, III and IV, respectively, while group Vrepresented the control group. The animals in groups I, II, III and IV were euthanized on days 2, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. Right and left uretronephrectomies were performed and specimens were taken for the histopathological examination. Results revealed significant increases in total leucocytes and neutrophils counts from day 2 to day 17. There were significant decreases (p0.01) in total red blood cell (RBC) count and packed cell volume (PCV)% at day 14. Creatinine level was significantly increased on days 7 and 17. Histopathological changes were varied from glomerular swelling and congestion to glomerular atrophy. In conclusion, serum creatinine was highest on days 3 and 7, while creatinine clearance was lowest at day 7. The serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was the highest at day 21. Major histopathological changes were observed on day 21. These changes were compatible with the ultrasonographic and biochemical findings.