<div>Background: Pantja is a dual purpose indigenous goat breed, reared in Tarai region of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. There is a lack of thorough study about the seminal characteristics of this goat breed. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the level of certain biochemical constituents and their relationship with macroscopical and microscopical semen characteristics in Pantja buck. 
 
Methods: A total thirty two ejaculates from four sexually mature Pantja buck were analysed. The ejaculates were evaluated for volume (0.36&plusmn;0.06 ml), mass activity (4.47&plusmn;0.22), concentration (3.54&plusmn;0.13 x 109/ml), individual motility (85.28&plusmn;1.17%), viability (88.28&plusmn;0.78%), morphological abnormalities (4.70&plusmn;0.17%), plasma membrane integrity (86.31&plusmn;0.62%) and acrosome integrity (94.31&plusmn;1.05%) by standard semen evaluation protocol. Seminal plasma ALT (18.10&plusmn;0.45 U/L), AST (124.04&plusmn;0.86 U/L), ALP (49.98&plusmn;0.38 U/L), LDH (216.36&plusmn;1.78 U/L), GSH-Px (10.90&plusmn;0.21 U/ml), MDA (2.14&plusmn;0.05 nmol/ml), albumin (2.29&plusmn;0.03 gm/dl), globulin (2.52&plusmn;0.02 gm/dl), total proteins (4.81&plusmn;0.05 gm/dl), calcium (11.07&plusmn;0.18 mg/dl) and phosphorus (12.34&plusmn;0.20 mg/dl) were determined spectrophotometrically. Two tailed Pearson&rsquo;s correlation was applied to check the relationship among the above attributes. 
 
Result: A significant correlation was observed among the biochemical constituents of seminal plasma and seminal attributes of Pantja bucks. The selected biochemical constituents also showed significant correlation with each other.</div>

Correlation of Certain Biochemical Constituents of Seminal Plasma with Semen Characteristics in Pantja Buck

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the supplementation with palm oil (PO) and chicken fat (CF) on the seminal characteristics, testosterone, glucose and lipid metabolites levels in hair rams. Fats in the diet is the principal source of fatty acids and cholesterol (CHOL) for the steroid hormones synthesis involved in the reproductive processes. Seminal characteristics, levels of testosterone, glucose and lipids metabolites, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and scrotal circumference (SC) were evaluated inhair rams supplemented with 30 g animal-1 d-1 of &nbsp;PO (n=4) or CF (n=4) for 90 d. Apart from semen vitality which was higher in CF group than in PO group, differences between treatments in any other parameter were not found. In hair rams, PO and CF can be integrated interchangeably in the diet without prejudice to the seminal characteristics, testosterone, glucose or lipid metabolites

Seminal characteristics and lipids metabolites in hair rams supplemented with two types of fats 
&nbsp;

Background: Bucks raised for breeding purposes receive no special attention and are raised at random without following the correct selection process. Besides, the fertility of the male bucks is never addressed. Goat breeders have noted a sharp decline in the reproductive efficiency of Ganjam goats, associated with a lengthened kidding interval, fewer successful pregnancies and decreased twining frequency. The measurement of male fertility parameters is crucial for estimating the breeding performance of any species since males contribute 50% of the reproductive efficiency. 
 
Methods: Six Ganjam bucks of age 1.5(B1), 2(B2), 2.5(B3), 3.5(B4), 4(B5) and 4.5(B6) years procured after selection on the basis of their body morphometry and sexual behaviour were maintained under optimum management practice. They were trained for semen collection. For study on effect age on the semen qualities, they were classified into two age groups and ejaculates were collected during two phases. Bucks of age below 3 were considered under Age group I and bucks older than 3 years were assigned Age group II. Twelve ejaculates from each buck were collected, six ejaculates between the month of July to August and six ejaculates during October to November. The total of 72 ejaculates was evaluated for the study of seminal characteristics. Besides, the external body parameters, scrotal parameters and sexual behaviour of the bucks were also recorded before each semen collection. 
 
Result: The bucks of age group II were found to be having significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) body weight, mean body length and average value of chest girth than age group I bucks in the present study. The mean value of scrotal width of the bucks of age group II was significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) as compared to that of age group I. The mean value of abnormalities of the bucks of age group II was significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) than that of age group I. The mean value of acrosome integrity and MBRT of the bucks of age group II was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) to that of age group I.&nbsp; The present study will be helpful in the selection of Ganjam buck at appropriate age for breeding purpose basing on their body parameters, scrotum, seminal characteristics, spermatozoa integrity and sexual behavior.

Effect of Age on the Body Parameters, Scrotum, Seminal Characteristics, Spermatozoa Integrity and Sexual Behavior in Ganjam Buck

Background: Bucks raised for breeding purposes receive no special attention and are raised at random without following the correct selection process. Besides, the basic data on the fertility of the male Ganjam bucks is never addressed. Goat breeders have noted a sharp decline in the reproductive efficiency of Ganjam goats, associated with a lengthened kidding interval, fewer successful pregnancies and decreased twining frequency. The measurement of male fertility parameters is crucial for estimating the breeding performance of any species since males contribute 50% of the reproductive efficiency. 
 
Methods: A total of 120 Ganjam bucks of different age groups reared by the local farmers of Rambha, Khalikote and Chhatrapur areas of Ganjam district were used for the present study. A total of six healthier bucks of age 1.5(B1), 2(B2), 2.5(B3), 3.5(B4), 4(B5) and 4.5(B6) years were procured from the Farmers for the experimental purpose. For study on effect of season on the semen qualities, twelve ejaculates from each buck were collected, six ejaculates between the month of July to August (season 1) and six ejaculates during October to November (Season 2). 
 
Result: The mean value of reaction time, Frequency of Flehmen&rsquo;s Reaction, libido, volume of semen, concentration of sperm and value of MBRT of each of the six bucks were significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) in the season 2.The mean of each of the six bucks did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to pH and live % of sperm.Buck B6 recorded a significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) individual motility of sperm in season 2 than of season 1, whereas buck B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to individual motility of sperm. Buck B5 and B6 recorded a significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) mass activity of sperm in season 2 than of season 1,whereas buck B1, B2, B3 and B4 did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to mass activity of sperm. We are found to be have non-significant difference with that of season 1 with respect to sperm abnormalities of sperm.Buck B2 and B4 recorded a significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) acrosomal integrity in season 2 than season 1, whereas buck B1, B3, B5 and B6 did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to acrosomal integrity of sperm.Buck B5 evaluated a significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) HOST in season 2 than season 1,whereas buck B1, B2, B3, B4 and B6 did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to HOST.

Seasonal Influence on Seminal Characteristics and Sexual Behaviour: A Comparative Study in Ganjam Bucks

Background: Bucks raised for breeding purposes receive no special attention and are raised at random without following the correct selection process. Besides, the fertility of the male bucks is never addressed. Goat breeders have noted a sharp decline in the reproductive efficiency of Ganjam goats, associated with a lengthened kidding interval, fewer successful pregnancies and decreased twining frequency. The measurement of male fertility parameters is crucial for estimating the breeding performance of any species since males contribute 50% of the reproductive efficiency. 
 
Methods: A total of 120 Ganjam bucks of different age groups reared by the local farmers of Rambha, Khalikote and Chhatrapur areas of Ganjam district were used for the present study. A total of six healthier bucks of age 1.5(B1), 2(B2), 2.5(B3), 3.5(B4), 4(B5) and 4.5(B6) years were procured from the Farmers for the experimental purpose. For study on effect of season on the semen qualities, twelve ejaculates from each buck were collected, six ejaculates between the month of July to August (season 1) and six ejaculates during October to November (Season 2). 
 
Result: The scrotal length, scrotal width, scrotal circumference have highly significant positive degree of association with Flehmen&rsquo;s reaction and Libido score and all the parameters exhibited highly significant negative degree of association with reaction time. Moreover, the scrotal length, scrotal width and scrotal circumference had significantly higher positive degree of association with colour, volume of the semen and negative degree of association with MBRT. Further, the sperm concentration revealed a highly significant degree of association with scrotal length, scrotal width, scrotal circumference, livability % and acrosome integrity and a significant degree of association with mass activity. Livability % of the semen samples of the six bucks revealed a highly significant degree of association with scrotal length, scrotal width, scrotal circumference, sperm concentration and acrosome integrity.

Effect of Season on the Scrotum, Seminal Characteristics, Spermatozoa Integrity and Sexual Behavior in Ganjam Buck

<div>Background: Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein with multifunctions and has been identified in the reproductive tract of both males and females. OPN from the seminal plasma (SP) has been closely associated with male fertility in several domestic animals. Different isoforms of OPN has been identified in the SP and sperm membrane in dogs but with unknown functions. The current study investigated the comparison of key canine sperm microscopic parameters and SP markers between dogs exhibiting different fertility potential. 
 
Methods: In this investigation during 2018-2019, 21 dogs coming for breeding soundness examination were selected and divided into fertile (Group I) and hypofertile (Group II). Evaluation included assessment of sperm microscopic characteristics and estimation of OPN, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration in the SP. 
 
Result: The OPN level showed positive correlation with all the sperm evaluated characteristics (p&lt;0.01). Linear regression analysis depicted a significant (p&lt;0.001) influence of OPN on the evaluated sperm characteristics. These findings suggest that OPN in the SP along with the microscopic characteristics of the spermatozoa can be used as a potential fertility marker in discriminating fertile from the hypofertile ones.</div>

<div>Seminal Plasma Osteopontin: A Marker for Potential Fertility in Dogs</div>

<div>Background: Tor putitora is distributed in the entire northeast Himalayan region. The declining population of Tor putitora in natural waters has major concern to its fishery. The knowledge of semen characteristics is helpful in the selection of good quality semen for artificial fertilization thus have a role in fishery development. The current study aimed to determine the physical and biochemical composition of seminal plasma of Tor putitora. 
 
Methods: The semen samples were collected by stripping the ripe male brooders procured from the natural habitat. The sperm motility, sperm density, spermatocrit value and osmolality were determined for physical characteristics of semen. Haemocytometric method was used for sperm density. The seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation for the determination of ionic and organic component of semen through atomic absorption spectrometer. 
 
Result: The semen of T. putitora has shown species-specific features of sperm density (1.712 &plusmn; 0.18 &times; 109 ml-1), spermatocrit (62.96 &plusmn; 2.63 %) and sperm motility duration (48.16 &plusmn; 1.68 s). The Na2+ (102.06 &plusmn; 5.115 mM l-l) and K+ (51.66 &plusmn; 3.205 mM l-l) are predominating ions among the other inorganic constituents (Ca2+: 1.38 &plusmn; 0.304 mg dl-1, Mg2+: 0.86 &plusmn; 0.261 mg l-l, phosphate: 4.00 &plusmn; 1.102 mg dl-1, Cu2+: 0.004 &plusmn; 0.001 mg l-l and Zn2+: 0.062 &plusmn; 0.005 mg l-l) of the seminal plasma. The organic constituents of seminal plasma contained - Glucose: 9.6 &plusmn; 0.678 mg dl-1, Cholesterol: 21.0 &plusmn; 1.049 mg dl-1, Triglycerides: 11.0 &plusmn; 0.316 mg dl-1, Urea: 12.6 &plusmn; 1.7206 mg dl-1 and Uric acid: 0.5 &plusmn; 0.10 mg dl-1. The Osmolality (256.8 &plusmn; 31.940 mOsmol kg-1), pH (7.34 &plusmn; 0.04) and ionic composition of semen seem to be the most important factor responsible for inhibition or activation of sperm motility. A high significant positive relationship (r=0.807, P&lt;0.01) was found between sperm density and spermatocrit suggests the use of regression equation for quick and reliable estimation of sperm concentration in Tor putitora. The study is helpful in the selection of high-quality male spawners and provides baseline information for the development of extenders and dilutants for the preservation of viable semen.</div>

<div>A Study on the Physical and Biochemical Characteristics of Semen of Tor putitora- An Endangered Fish Species in Himalayan Water</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present investigation was carried out to determine the various physical and electrical characteristics of skim milk with respect to density, specific weight and electrical conductivity. These physical characteristics were determined considering three levels of temperatures 25, 30 and 350C at intervals of 0, 1, 2 and 3 h. The highest values for density and specific weight of skim milk were observed as1032.32 kg/m3 and 10.13 kN/m3at 250C respectively and with respect to time it was observed 1030.99 kg/m3 and 10.12 kN/m3 at 3 h respectively. The highest electrical conductivity of skim milk was 5.62mS/cm at 350C and with respect to time it was observed 5.54mS/cm at 3 h. There is not much appreciable effect of variation on physical and electrical characteristics with respect to time, whereas the temperature had shown significant effect(P&lt;0.05) on physical characteristics of skim milk. The data generated in the present investigation can be utilized as guidelines for designing of skim milk based processing systems like evaporated plant and skim milk spray drying plant etc.</div>

Study of physical and electrical characteristics of skim milk

<div style="text-align: justify;">In order to study the effect of moisture on biophysical characteristics of different chickpea cultivars, a factorial experiment was conducted with two factors in a completely randomized block design. Factors included chickpea cultivars (Bionij, Azad and Hashem) and humidity at 4 levels (15%, 20%, 25% and 30%). This study was done with 50 repetitions in Gonbad-e Kavous University in 2013. Measured characteristics were length, width, thickness, geometric diameter, sphericity coefficient, volume and the coefficient of static friction. Results showed that, there are significant differences between the chickpea cultivars at all moisture levels for all studied characteristics. Also significant difference was found between moisture levels in different cultivars among all characteristics (except sphericity coefficient). Mean comparison of traits showed that, the highest amount of geometric diameter, the highest volume and maximum sphericity coefficient in different cultivars related to moisture content of 30%, 20% and 20% respectively. With increasing moisture, all measured parameters increased except sphericity coefficient. In addition Hashem cultivar is strongly influenced by increasing moisture in terms of grain volume and the geometric diameter.</div>

Effect of moisture content on biophysical characteristics of chickpea cultivars

<div>Background: The quality of the frozen thawed semen is one of the most powerful factor affecting the conception rate in a buffaloes. The season may have its effect on post thaw seminal attributes and fertility. Therefore, current study was aimed to investigate the effect of winter and summer seasons on post thaw seminal attributes and conception rate from semen of Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted on four Jaffarabadi breeding bulls, 5-6 years old, to know the post-thaw semen characteristics based on total of 192 semen ejaculates evaluated and cryopreserved over one year period.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The mean percentages of post-thaw motility, live sperm, abnormal sperm, HOST reactive sperm, acrosomal integrity and first AI conception rate for semen cryopreserved during winter were 58.85&plusmn;0.56, 67.06&plusmn;0.77, 8.62&plusmn;0.43, 58.52&plusmn;0.67, 75.22&plusmn;0.27 and 45.75&plusmn;0.21, respectively, whereas, corresponding values for semen cryopreserved during summer were 56.35&plusmn;0.43, 65.62&plusmn;0.76, 9.08&plusmn;0.51, 55.43&plusmn;0.60, 74.29&plusmn;0.22 and 43.50&plusmn;0.11. The semen quality of post thawed samples were observed better during winter compared to summer season for artificial insemination with satisfactory first AI conception rate.</div>