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Clinical analysis of reproductive failure among female buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) under village management in Andhra Pradesh
THERIOGENOLOCY
CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF REPRODUCTIVE FAILURE AMONG FEMALE BUFFALOES (BUBALUS BUBALIS) UNDER VILLAGE MANAGEMENT IN ANDHRA PRADESH A.V. Narasimha Rao and 0. Sreemannarayana Assistant Directors Directorate of Animal Husbandry Hyderabad 500 001, Andhra Pradesh India Received for Publication: Accepted:
April 13, 1982 July 13, 1982
ABSTRACT Analysis of the clinical data of 20, 439 infertile graded Murrah female buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of small and marginal farmers in Andhra Pradesh, examined over a period of two years, revealed that 2.50, 73.77 and 23.73 percent of the animals had reproductive disorders which were of anatomical, functional and non-specific infectious nature, respectively. Highest frequencies were of infantile tracts, ovarian quiescence and endometritis in each group, which together constituted 79.13 percent, The average gross incidence of various conditions encountered in order of frequency was: ovarian quiescence (56.36%), endometritis (20.68%), silent ovulations (5.3%), anovular heats (4.35%), sub-oestrus (3.48%), luteal persistency (3.37%), genital infantilism (2.09%), vaginitis (0.99%), salpingitis (0.98%), cystic ovarian degeneration (0.91%), bursal adhesions (0.75%), cervicitis (0.3%), hypoplasia of the ovaries and tracts (0.24%), paraovarian cysts (0.15%) and hydrosalpinx (0.03%). The incidence of quiescent ovaries followed seasonal trend with significant differences between seasons of the year both in heifers and cows. Between herds and between years, no marked difference in the incidence of different reproductive disorders was observed. It was estimated that 2.93 percent of the animals had disorders which rendered them unfit for breeding and, hence, sterile. Freemartinism was recorded in four cases. The comparative clinical features of freemartinism and cystic ovarian dgeneration in buffalo cows were described. The factors predisposing for higher incidence of endometritis in the species were also discussed. INTRODUCTION The riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an important domestic animal in India, contributing more than 60 percent of the total milk produced in the country. Paradoxically, dairying with buffaloes in the country remains an uneconomic proposition because it is beset with many challenging problems of which reproductive problems are preeminent. The reproductive behaviour of the buffalo is enigmatic since it is not only a seasonal breeder but also an irregular and shy breeder with a low reproductive efficiency.
OCTOBER
1982 VOL. 18 NO. 4
403
THERIOGENOLOGY
In the present paper, we have summarized the clinical results of reproductive failure among buffalo heifers and cows maintained under village management in Andhra Pradesh, India. NATERIALS
AND METHODS
The clinical records of 20,439 graded Murrah female buffaloes examined for various causes of reproductive failure at the Institute of Animal Reproduction, Mandapeta, and at the fertility camps held in village units of 10 Intensive Cattle Development Blocks in Andhra Pradesh extending over a periodoftwo years between 1977 and 1979 were utilized Detailed history relating to age, physical condition, in the study. breeding and calving dates, regularity of oestrus cycles, abortions, dystokia and retained after births were recorded. Rectal examination was carried out to palpate cervix, body of uterus, uterine cornua, fallopian tubes, ovarian bursa and ovaries as detailed by Zemjanis (1). Vaginal inspection was made with vaginal speculum for the presence and nature of discharge. Examinations of two to three times or more were repeated for animals with functional infertility in the follow-up program. The animals included 7,713 heifers over four years of age and 12,726 calved animals both dry and lactating between para one and five and were kept under diverse nutritional and managemental regimens. The climatic conditions remained more or less similar. The classification of different reproductive described by Kodagali (2), Rao and Kesava Murthy Suryanarayana Murthy (4).
disorders was made (3), and Rao and
Errors, if any, in clinical differentiation of different at the time of examination,were assumed as random. RESULTS
as
conditions
AND DISCUSSION
Clinical analysis of reproductive failure: The results analysis of reproductive failure among 20,439 buffaloes Table 1.
of the clinical are summarized in
Of the total infertile animals examined, 511 (2.5%), 15,078 (73.77%) and 4,850 (23.73%) had causes which were anatomical, functional and non-specific infectious in nature, respectively. The respective distribution among heifers was 487 (6.31%), 6,775 (87.84%) and 451 (5.85%), while it was 24 (0.19%), 8,303 (65.24%) and 4,399 (34.57%) among cows. The gross average incidence of different conditions in order of frequency was: ovarian quiescence (true anoestrus) (56.36%), endometritis (20.68%), silent ovulations (5.3%), anovular heats (4.35%), suboestrus (3.48%), luteal persistency (3.37%), genital infantilism (2.09%), vaginitis (0.99%), salpingitis (0.98%), cystic ovaries ( 0.91%), bursal (0.3%), hypoplasia of ovaries and tracts adhesions (0.75%), cervicitis (0.24%), paraovarian cysts (0.15%), hydrosalpinx (0.03%) and freemartinism (0.02%).
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THERIOGENOLOGY
Table 1.
Clinical analysis of reproductive failure in 7,713 buffalo heifers and 12,726 buffalo cows in Andhra Pradesh.
Incidence CONDITION
Heifers NO.
[.
COWS %
ANATOMICAL CAUSES:
487
6.31
1) 2) 3) 4)
427 4 6 50
5.53 0.05 0.08 0.65
6775
Genital infantilism Freemartinism Paraovarian cysts Hypoplasia of ovaries and tracts
[I. FUNCTIONAL CAUSES: 1) Quiescent ovaries a) pubertal b) post-service c) post-partum 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
[II.
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
Sub-oestrus Silent ovulations Anovular heats Luteal persistency Cystic ovaries follicular luteal INFECTIOUS w: (Non-specific) Vaginitis Cervicitis Endometritis Hydrosalpinx Salpingitis Bursal adhesions
Total number of infertile
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1982 VOL. 18 NO. 4
NO. 24
Total % 0.19
NO.
%
511
2.50
427 4 30 50
2.09 0.02 0.15 0.24
24
0.19
87.84
8303
65.24
15078
73.77
6099 5584 515
79.07 72.39 6.68
5420 1803 3617
42.59 14.17 28.42
11519 5584 2318 3617
56.36 27.32 11.34 17.70
104 215 258 99
1.35 2.79 3.35 1.28
608 868 631 590
4.78 6.82 4.96 4.63
712 1083 889 689
3.48 5.30 4.35 3.37
161 25
1.26 0.20
161 25
0.79 0.12
451
5.85
4399
34.57
4850
23.73
22 13 403
0.29 0.17 5.22
11 2
0.14 0.03
180 49 3824 6 189 151
1.41 0.38 30.05 0.05 1.49 1.19
202 62 4227 6 200 153
0.94 0.30 20.68 0.03 0.98 0.75
7713
100.00
12726
100.00
20439
100.00
405
rHERlOGENOLOGY
Ovarian quiescence and endometritis were with a combined incidence of 77.04 percent.
themost prevalent
conditions
Of the anatomical causes, g enital infantilism alone Anatomical causes: accounted for Z.O9%ofthe total cases. Hypoplasia of ovaries and tracts was seen in 0.24 percent, while freemartinism was recorded in four animals aged between 4 to 6 years. Clinically, the freemartins had normal external genitalia and a vestigeal clitoris, whereas the other mullerian duct derivatives, namely, the cervix, uterine cornua and the ovaries, were all ill developed and imperceptible to palpation in all cases. Normal development of posterior vagina was detected by Fincher test (5). In comparison to cattle freemartins, the buffalo freemartins differed in that the prominent clitoris and the large tuft of vulva1 hairs were absent. Furthermore, the high degree of modification characterized by depression of mullerian duct derivatives and stimulation of wolfian duct system to the extent of development of male accessory glands commonly observed in cattle was not seen and only reduction of mullerian duct derivatives was evident. Between the age groups, the incidence of anatomical ficantly higher (~(0.01) in heifers.
defects was signi-
In earlier studies, incidence as high as 10.08% and 12.91% of anatomica' causes were reported in infertile Jafferbadi (2), Murrah and graded Murrah buffalo cows (3), respectively. The first case of freemartin in buffalo species was recorded by Rae and Kesava Murthy (3). Goswami and Nair (6) recorded an average twinning rate of 0.0578% in Indian buffaloes. Since the frequency with which freemartinism appears is directly dependent upon the prevalence of heterosexual twinning in the population, a rather low incidence was seen in buffaloes. Of the fertility disorders of ovarian origin, ovarian Functional causes: quiescence was the most predominent condition, constituting 56.36% of the total cases. The distribution of the condition was 29.84% among heifers and 26.52% among parous animals. Of these, 11.34% were manifest in animals which had unsuccessful service 60 days prior to the time of examination. Obviously, a sizeable number of these animals represent early embryonic A further 17.7% represented ovarian quiescence in post-partum mortalities. cows. The seasonal distribution of frequency of quiescent ovaries, the most common disorder, for buffalo heifers and cows is shown in Table 2. In both heifers and cows, significant (p( 0.01) variation was observed in the prevalence of quiescent ovaries between seasons of the year. The frequency was higher in Sumner followed by in autumn and a decline in winter and in spring. The results were consistent with the seasonality of breeding buffaloes. Silent ovulations and sub-oestrus were seen in 5.3% and 3.48%, whereas 4.35% were anovular heats and 3.37% had luteal persistency. Luteal cysts and follicular cysts were observed in 0.79 and 0.12% of
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1982 VOL. 18 NO. 4
post-partum
post-service
Quiescent ovaries
Buffalo cows:
post-service
pubertal
Quiescent ovaries
Buffalo heifers:
CONDITION
Table 2.
No. 5420 % No.1803 % No. 3617 %
No. 6099 % No. 5584 % No. 515 %
TOTAL
684 12.62 344 19.08 340 9.40
1030 16.89 901 16.13 129 25.05
2328 42.95 859 47.64 1469 40.61
2559 41.96 2290 41.01 269 52.23
1624 29.96 437 24.24 1187 32.82
1917 31.43 1842 32.99 75 14.56
784 14.47 163 9.04 621 17.17
593 9.72 551 9.87 42 8.16
PLO.01
p< 0.01
p< 0.01
p(O.01
p< 0.01
pL 0.01
Seasons Summer Autumn Winter Spring x2 - test (Feb-Apr) (May-Jul)(Aug-Ott) (Nov-Jan)
Distribution of frequency of quiescent ovaries in buffalo heifers and buffalo cows in relation to seasons of the year.
THERIOGENOLOGY
the buffalo cows, respectively. The typical signs of nymphomania and excessive sexual desire manifest in cattle were not seen in buffalo cows with follicular cysts. Furthermore, it was very characteristic of buffaloes that the clinical changes associated with follicular cystic degeneration in cattle, such as sinking of ligaments, flabby vulva and development of sterility hump, were absent. Probably, the rate of secretion of oestrogen in the cystic follicles of buffaloes was not high enough to produce clinical symptoms typical of cattle. The incidence of functional disorders was significantly higher (p (0.01) in heifers. Regarding condition, however, the incidence of sub-oestrus, silent ovulations, anovular heats and luteal persistency significantly less (p( 0.01) among heifers. was The results in~this study are .in close agreement with those of Kodagali (2), who reported functional infertility in 76.3% of the Jafferbadi village buffalo cows and the estimate of 59.5% of sub-active ovaries (7) in a country-wide survey. In contrast to these, true anoestrus in 30.5% of the stock was seen in organised farms (8). However, lower incidence (54.8%) of functional infertility was reported (3) in village herds where above average nutritional and managemental conditions prevailed. The incidence in their study was higher regarding post-service anoestrus (21.46%), silent ovulations (6.55%), luteal persistency (5.13%) and luteal cysts (1.05%). They also reported significant season to season variation in the incidence of quiescent ovaries. In abattoir studies, (9) recorded higher incidence of luteal persistency (8.24%), luteal cysts (4.41%), follicular cysts (3.2%) and paraovarian cysts (2.47'%) of 3,684 genitalia examined and teratoma (2.16%) and cystic condition of ovaries (1.62%) of 185 specimens (10). Infectious causes: Among the various conditions of non-specific infectious origin, endomctritis alone constituted 87.3%, while other conditions occurred at a low frequency, namely, vaginitis (0.99%), salpingitis (0.98%), bursal adhesions (0.75%), cervicitis (0.30%) and hydrosalpinx (0.03%). The prevalence of infectious in buffalo cows than in heifers.
causes
was
significantly
higher
(p( 0.01)
It has been observed that sub-functioning ovaries and metritis were the most common causes of reduced fertility in buffaloes (11). Incidence of 32.28% infectious infertility and 30.2% endometritis was reported (12) in village herds of buffaloes in Andhra Pradesh. Estimates of 27% (ll), 26% (13), and 20% (10) of endometritis were obtained in abattoir specimens. Further, very high estimates were reported forafflictions of tubular genitalia in abattoir specimens, namely, bursal adhesions (29.07%), cervicitis (10.52%), hydrosalpinx (4.69%), salpingitis (0.91%), out of 1,020 genitalia (11); cervicitis (9.9%) (14); abnormalities of ovarian bursa (15.46%) and fallopian tubes (4.11%) of 3,684 specimens (9); pathological conditions of bursa, ovary and salpinx (32.6%) of the 972 genital
408
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1982 VOL. 18 NO. 4
THERIOGENOLOGY
specimens (15); bursitis (4.54%) and abnormalities of salpinx (4.13%) in Egyptian buffaloes (16). These estimates, however, were not truly representative of the normal distribution since they relate to slaughtered animals usually condemned for reasons of sterility and senility. Further, these maladies are not easily paLpable clinically unless they are well pronounced. Nevertheless, it is unequivocal that the average incidence of endometritis is comparatively high in buffalo species. It was opined that the anatomical peculiarity in buffalo cows in which the vulva1 lips arc not closely opposed to each other,leaving a gaping vulva1 cleft through which vulval hairs emerge,is a predisposing factor for endometritis (4). This, coupled with buffaloes' habit of wallowing in muddy ponds and semisolid buffalo dung was probably conducive for bacterial infections, resulting in high incidence of endometritis and lower fertility. They concluded that matting of vulva1 hairs in buffalo cows was diagnostically vaLuable in detecting cases of endometritis. The results in the present study show preponderance of functionaL infertility and that two clinical entities,namely, ovarian quiescence and endometritis, constitute major causes of reproductive failure among buffaloes under field conditions. There is preliminary evidence (17, 18) of low serum gonadotropin Levels in buffaloes as compared to those reported for cows subject to seasonal variations. The inherently suboptimal functioning of hypothalamo-hypophysio-gonadalaxis and consequent low circulating hormones might be responsible for higher incidence of true anoestrus in buffaloes. Further, ascending non-specific bacterial infections accentuated by the anatomical peculiarity and the unclean habits of buffalo cows might be the contributing factors for higher prevalence of endometritis in this species. Comparatively, silent ovulations were m*re common than in cows. The occurrence of freemartinism was low presumably due to low rate of hetero-sexual twinning in the species. The incidence of cystic ovarian degeneration was also low and the clinical manifestations associated with this condition in cattle were absent. The overall incidence of more serious disorders leading to sterility was estimated as 2.93% (freemartinism- 0.02%, hypoplasia of ovaries and tracts - 0.24X, cystic follicular degeneration - 0.91%, salpingitis 0.98%, hydrosalpinx - 0.03% and bursal adhesions - 0.75%). Further, there was no marked difference in the percentage incidence of different disorders between years and between locations of the buffalo herds.
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THERIOGENOLOGY
REFERENCES 1.
R. Diagnostic and TherapeuticTechniques in Animal Reproduction. The Williams and Wilkins Co, Baltimore (1962).
Zemjanis,
2. Kodagali, S.B. A note on reproductivedisorders of farm animals in Saurastra. Indian J. Vet. Sci. and bnim. Husb. -38: 286-288 (1968). 3.
Rao, A.V.N. and Kesava Mrthy, A. Studies on reproductivedisorders in buffalo cows of Andhra Pradesh. I. Incidence of anatomical and physiologicalcauses. Indian Vet. J. 48: 1007-1014 (1971).
4.
Rao, A.V.N. and Nurthy, T.S.N. Studies on certain aspects of endometritis (non-specific)in buffaloes under field conditions. I. A clinical approach. Indian Vet. J. 54: LOLO-LO12 (1977).
5. Fincher, N.G. Infertilityin female animals. Veterinary Obstetrics and Genital Diseases. Published by Roberts, S.J., Ithaca, New York (1971). 6. Goswami, S.B. and Nair, A.P. A comparative study of secondary sex ratio, twinning and multiple births in Indian water buffaloes and other farm animals. Indian J. Dairy Sci. 2: 50-56 (1968). 7.
Bhattacharya,P., Luktuke, S.N., Rao, A.S.P., and De, S.K. Preliminary survey on fertility and infertilityin ,fndia. Annual report of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (1953).
8, Chauhan, F.S., and Singh, M. Anoestrus in buffaloes. 1st All India sym. Anim. Reprod., Ludhiana, India (1977). 9. Sharma, O.P., Bhalla, R.C., and Soni, B.K. Studies on some aspects of ovarian abnormalitiesas a cause of infertility in buffalo cow. Indian Vet. J. 44: 504-508 (1967). 10.
Folding, J.B. and Lall, H.K. Some genital abnormalitiesof the Indian cow and buffalo with reference to anatomical differences in their reproductiveorgans. Indian J.Vet. Sci. 2s: 178-182 (1945).
11. Bhattacharya,P., Luktuke, S.N., Rao, A.S.P. and De, S.K. Incidence of infertilityunder various causal groups in buffalo cows in India. Curr. Sci. 23: 335-336 (1954). 12‘ Rao, A.V.N. and Kesava Elurthy,A. Studies on reproductivedisorders in buffalo cows of Andhra Pradesh. II. Incidence due to infectious causes. Indian Vet. J. 48: 1135-1141 (1971). 13. Bhandari, R.Ef.,Velhankar, D.P., and Sane, C.R. Preliminarystudies on affections of cervix in Murrah buffaloes with regard to histopathological alterations in cervicitis. Indian J. Vet. Sci. 2: 368-373 (1968). 14, Plalik,P.S., Senegar, O.P.S., and Singh, S.N. Structure and abnormalities of the female genitalia in Indian buffalo. Agra. Uni. 3. Res. Sci. 2: 271-312 (1960).
410
OCTOBER 1982 VOL. 18 NO. 4
THERIOGENOLOGY
15.
Abdulla Khan, C.K., and Salam, A. Pathological conditions of ovary, salpinx and bursa in buffaloes. Indian Vet. J. 44: 572-576 (1967).
16.
El Sawaf, S.A., and Fouad, K.A. Morphology of normal and diseased buffalo genital tract as an aid to clinical diagnosis. Vet. Med. J. Giza. lo: 155-182 (1965).
17.
Janakiraman, K., Desai, M.C., Amin, D.R., Sheth, A.R., Moodbidri, S.B., and Wadekar, K.B. Serum gonadotropin levels in buffaloes in relation to phases of oestros cycle and breeding periods. Indian J. Anim. Sci. 50: 601-606 (1980).
18.
Razdan, M.N., Kaker, M.L., and Galhotra, M.M. Serum FSH levels during estrus and a 4 - week period following mating in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology 11: 175-181 (1982).
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411
CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF REPRODUCTIVE FAILURE AMONG FEMALE BUFFALOES (BUBALUS BUBALIS) UNDER VILLAGE MANAGEMENT IN ANDHRA PRADESH A.V. Narasimha Rao and 0. Sreemannarayana Assistant Directors Directorate of Animal Husbandry Hyderabad 500 001, Andhra Pradesh India Received for Publication: Accepted:
April 13, 1982 July 13, 1982
ABSTRACT Analysis of the clinical data of 20, 439 infertile graded Murrah female buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of small and marginal farmers in Andhra Pradesh, examined over a period of two years, revealed that 2.50, 73.77 and 23.73 percent of the animals had reproductive disorders which were of anatomical, functional and non-specific infectious nature, respectively. Highest frequencies were of infantile tracts, ovarian quiescence and endometritis in each group, which together constituted 79.13 percent, The average gross incidence of various conditions encountered in order of frequency was: ovarian quiescence (56.36%), endometritis (20.68%), silent ovulations (5.3%), anovular heats (4.35%), sub-oestrus (3.48%), luteal persistency (3.37%), genital infantilism (2.09%), vaginitis (0.99%), salpingitis (0.98%), cystic ovarian degeneration (0.91%), bursal adhesions (0.75%), cervicitis (0.3%), hypoplasia of the ovaries and tracts (0.24%), paraovarian cysts (0.15%) and hydrosalpinx (0.03%). The incidence of quiescent ovaries followed seasonal trend with significant differences between seasons of the year both in heifers and cows. Between herds and between years, no marked difference in the incidence of different reproductive disorders was observed. It was estimated that 2.93 percent of the animals had disorders which rendered them unfit for breeding and, hence, sterile. Freemartinism was recorded in four cases. The comparative clinical features of freemartinism and cystic ovarian dgeneration in buffalo cows were described. The factors predisposing for higher incidence of endometritis in the species were also discussed. INTRODUCTION The riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an important domestic animal in India, contributing more than 60 percent of the total milk produced in the country. Paradoxically, dairying with buffaloes in the country remains an uneconomic proposition because it is beset with many challenging problems of which reproductive problems are preeminent. The reproductive behaviour of the buffalo is enigmatic since it is not only a seasonal breeder but also an irregular and shy breeder with a low reproductive efficiency.
OCTOBER
1982 VOL. 18 NO. 4
403
THERIOGENOLOGY
In the present paper, we have summarized the clinical results of reproductive failure among buffalo heifers and cows maintained under village management in Andhra Pradesh, India. NATERIALS
AND METHODS
The clinical records of 20,439 graded Murrah female buffaloes examined for various causes of reproductive failure at the Institute of Animal Reproduction, Mandapeta, and at the fertility camps held in village units of 10 Intensive Cattle Development Blocks in Andhra Pradesh extending over a periodoftwo years between 1977 and 1979 were utilized Detailed history relating to age, physical condition, in the study. breeding and calving dates, regularity of oestrus cycles, abortions, dystokia and retained after births were recorded. Rectal examination was carried out to palpate cervix, body of uterus, uterine cornua, fallopian tubes, ovarian bursa and ovaries as detailed by Zemjanis (1). Vaginal inspection was made with vaginal speculum for the presence and nature of discharge. Examinations of two to three times or more were repeated for animals with functional infertility in the follow-up program. The animals included 7,713 heifers over four years of age and 12,726 calved animals both dry and lactating between para one and five and were kept under diverse nutritional and managemental regimens. The climatic conditions remained more or less similar. The classification of different reproductive described by Kodagali (2), Rao and Kesava Murthy Suryanarayana Murthy (4).
disorders was made (3), and Rao and
Errors, if any, in clinical differentiation of different at the time of examination,were assumed as random. RESULTS
as
conditions
AND DISCUSSION
Clinical analysis of reproductive failure: The results analysis of reproductive failure among 20,439 buffaloes Table 1.
of the clinical are summarized in
Of the total infertile animals examined, 511 (2.5%), 15,078 (73.77%) and 4,850 (23.73%) had causes which were anatomical, functional and non-specific infectious in nature, respectively. The respective distribution among heifers was 487 (6.31%), 6,775 (87.84%) and 451 (5.85%), while it was 24 (0.19%), 8,303 (65.24%) and 4,399 (34.57%) among cows. The gross average incidence of different conditions in order of frequency was: ovarian quiescence (true anoestrus) (56.36%), endometritis (20.68%), silent ovulations (5.3%), anovular heats (4.35%), suboestrus (3.48%), luteal persistency (3.37%), genital infantilism (2.09%), vaginitis (0.99%), salpingitis (0.98%), cystic ovaries ( 0.91%), bursal (0.3%), hypoplasia of ovaries and tracts adhesions (0.75%), cervicitis (0.24%), paraovarian cysts (0.15%), hydrosalpinx (0.03%) and freemartinism (0.02%).
404
OCTOBER
1982 VOL. 18 NO. 4
THERIOGENOLOGY
Table 1.
Clinical analysis of reproductive failure in 7,713 buffalo heifers and 12,726 buffalo cows in Andhra Pradesh.
Incidence CONDITION
Heifers NO.
[.
COWS %
ANATOMICAL CAUSES:
487
6.31
1) 2) 3) 4)
427 4 6 50
5.53 0.05 0.08 0.65
6775
Genital infantilism Freemartinism Paraovarian cysts Hypoplasia of ovaries and tracts
[I. FUNCTIONAL CAUSES: 1) Quiescent ovaries a) pubertal b) post-service c) post-partum 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
[II.
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
Sub-oestrus Silent ovulations Anovular heats Luteal persistency Cystic ovaries follicular luteal INFECTIOUS w: (Non-specific) Vaginitis Cervicitis Endometritis Hydrosalpinx Salpingitis Bursal adhesions
Total number of infertile
OCTOBER
1982 VOL. 18 NO. 4
NO. 24
Total % 0.19
NO.
%
511
2.50
427 4 30 50
2.09 0.02 0.15 0.24
24
0.19
87.84
8303
65.24
15078
73.77
6099 5584 515
79.07 72.39 6.68
5420 1803 3617
42.59 14.17 28.42
11519 5584 2318 3617
56.36 27.32 11.34 17.70
104 215 258 99
1.35 2.79 3.35 1.28
608 868 631 590
4.78 6.82 4.96 4.63
712 1083 889 689
3.48 5.30 4.35 3.37
161 25
1.26 0.20
161 25
0.79 0.12
451
5.85
4399
34.57
4850
23.73
22 13 403
0.29 0.17 5.22
11 2
0.14 0.03
180 49 3824 6 189 151
1.41 0.38 30.05 0.05 1.49 1.19
202 62 4227 6 200 153
0.94 0.30 20.68 0.03 0.98 0.75
7713
100.00
12726
100.00
20439
100.00
405
rHERlOGENOLOGY
Ovarian quiescence and endometritis were with a combined incidence of 77.04 percent.
themost prevalent
conditions
Of the anatomical causes, g enital infantilism alone Anatomical causes: accounted for Z.O9%ofthe total cases. Hypoplasia of ovaries and tracts was seen in 0.24 percent, while freemartinism was recorded in four animals aged between 4 to 6 years. Clinically, the freemartins had normal external genitalia and a vestigeal clitoris, whereas the other mullerian duct derivatives, namely, the cervix, uterine cornua and the ovaries, were all ill developed and imperceptible to palpation in all cases. Normal development of posterior vagina was detected by Fincher test (5). In comparison to cattle freemartins, the buffalo freemartins differed in that the prominent clitoris and the large tuft of vulva1 hairs were absent. Furthermore, the high degree of modification characterized by depression of mullerian duct derivatives and stimulation of wolfian duct system to the extent of development of male accessory glands commonly observed in cattle was not seen and only reduction of mullerian duct derivatives was evident. Between the age groups, the incidence of anatomical ficantly higher (~(0.01) in heifers.
defects was signi-
In earlier studies, incidence as high as 10.08% and 12.91% of anatomica' causes were reported in infertile Jafferbadi (2), Murrah and graded Murrah buffalo cows (3), respectively. The first case of freemartin in buffalo species was recorded by Rae and Kesava Murthy (3). Goswami and Nair (6) recorded an average twinning rate of 0.0578% in Indian buffaloes. Since the frequency with which freemartinism appears is directly dependent upon the prevalence of heterosexual twinning in the population, a rather low incidence was seen in buffaloes. Of the fertility disorders of ovarian origin, ovarian Functional causes: quiescence was the most predominent condition, constituting 56.36% of the total cases. The distribution of the condition was 29.84% among heifers and 26.52% among parous animals. Of these, 11.34% were manifest in animals which had unsuccessful service 60 days prior to the time of examination. Obviously, a sizeable number of these animals represent early embryonic A further 17.7% represented ovarian quiescence in post-partum mortalities. cows. The seasonal distribution of frequency of quiescent ovaries, the most common disorder, for buffalo heifers and cows is shown in Table 2. In both heifers and cows, significant (p( 0.01) variation was observed in the prevalence of quiescent ovaries between seasons of the year. The frequency was higher in Sumner followed by in autumn and a decline in winter and in spring. The results were consistent with the seasonality of breeding buffaloes. Silent ovulations and sub-oestrus were seen in 5.3% and 3.48%, whereas 4.35% were anovular heats and 3.37% had luteal persistency. Luteal cysts and follicular cysts were observed in 0.79 and 0.12% of
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post-partum
post-service
Quiescent ovaries
Buffalo cows:
post-service
pubertal
Quiescent ovaries
Buffalo heifers:
CONDITION
Table 2.
No. 5420 % No.1803 % No. 3617 %
No. 6099 % No. 5584 % No. 515 %
TOTAL
684 12.62 344 19.08 340 9.40
1030 16.89 901 16.13 129 25.05
2328 42.95 859 47.64 1469 40.61
2559 41.96 2290 41.01 269 52.23
1624 29.96 437 24.24 1187 32.82
1917 31.43 1842 32.99 75 14.56
784 14.47 163 9.04 621 17.17
593 9.72 551 9.87 42 8.16
PLO.01
p< 0.01
p< 0.01
p(O.01
p< 0.01
pL 0.01
Seasons Summer Autumn Winter Spring x2 - test (Feb-Apr) (May-Jul)(Aug-Ott) (Nov-Jan)
Distribution of frequency of quiescent ovaries in buffalo heifers and buffalo cows in relation to seasons of the year.
THERIOGENOLOGY
the buffalo cows, respectively. The typical signs of nymphomania and excessive sexual desire manifest in cattle were not seen in buffalo cows with follicular cysts. Furthermore, it was very characteristic of buffaloes that the clinical changes associated with follicular cystic degeneration in cattle, such as sinking of ligaments, flabby vulva and development of sterility hump, were absent. Probably, the rate of secretion of oestrogen in the cystic follicles of buffaloes was not high enough to produce clinical symptoms typical of cattle. The incidence of functional disorders was significantly higher (p (0.01) in heifers. Regarding condition, however, the incidence of sub-oestrus, silent ovulations, anovular heats and luteal persistency significantly less (p( 0.01) among heifers. was The results in~this study are .in close agreement with those of Kodagali (2), who reported functional infertility in 76.3% of the Jafferbadi village buffalo cows and the estimate of 59.5% of sub-active ovaries (7) in a country-wide survey. In contrast to these, true anoestrus in 30.5% of the stock was seen in organised farms (8). However, lower incidence (54.8%) of functional infertility was reported (3) in village herds where above average nutritional and managemental conditions prevailed. The incidence in their study was higher regarding post-service anoestrus (21.46%), silent ovulations (6.55%), luteal persistency (5.13%) and luteal cysts (1.05%). They also reported significant season to season variation in the incidence of quiescent ovaries. In abattoir studies, (9) recorded higher incidence of luteal persistency (8.24%), luteal cysts (4.41%), follicular cysts (3.2%) and paraovarian cysts (2.47'%) of 3,684 genitalia examined and teratoma (2.16%) and cystic condition of ovaries (1.62%) of 185 specimens (10). Infectious causes: Among the various conditions of non-specific infectious origin, endomctritis alone constituted 87.3%, while other conditions occurred at a low frequency, namely, vaginitis (0.99%), salpingitis (0.98%), bursal adhesions (0.75%), cervicitis (0.30%) and hydrosalpinx (0.03%). The prevalence of infectious in buffalo cows than in heifers.
causes
was
significantly
higher
(p( 0.01)
It has been observed that sub-functioning ovaries and metritis were the most common causes of reduced fertility in buffaloes (11). Incidence of 32.28% infectious infertility and 30.2% endometritis was reported (12) in village herds of buffaloes in Andhra Pradesh. Estimates of 27% (ll), 26% (13), and 20% (10) of endometritis were obtained in abattoir specimens. Further, very high estimates were reported forafflictions of tubular genitalia in abattoir specimens, namely, bursal adhesions (29.07%), cervicitis (10.52%), hydrosalpinx (4.69%), salpingitis (0.91%), out of 1,020 genitalia (11); cervicitis (9.9%) (14); abnormalities of ovarian bursa (15.46%) and fallopian tubes (4.11%) of 3,684 specimens (9); pathological conditions of bursa, ovary and salpinx (32.6%) of the 972 genital
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THERIOGENOLOGY
specimens (15); bursitis (4.54%) and abnormalities of salpinx (4.13%) in Egyptian buffaloes (16). These estimates, however, were not truly representative of the normal distribution since they relate to slaughtered animals usually condemned for reasons of sterility and senility. Further, these maladies are not easily paLpable clinically unless they are well pronounced. Nevertheless, it is unequivocal that the average incidence of endometritis is comparatively high in buffalo species. It was opined that the anatomical peculiarity in buffalo cows in which the vulva1 lips arc not closely opposed to each other,leaving a gaping vulva1 cleft through which vulval hairs emerge,is a predisposing factor for endometritis (4). This, coupled with buffaloes' habit of wallowing in muddy ponds and semisolid buffalo dung was probably conducive for bacterial infections, resulting in high incidence of endometritis and lower fertility. They concluded that matting of vulva1 hairs in buffalo cows was diagnostically vaLuable in detecting cases of endometritis. The results in the present study show preponderance of functionaL infertility and that two clinical entities,namely, ovarian quiescence and endometritis, constitute major causes of reproductive failure among buffaloes under field conditions. There is preliminary evidence (17, 18) of low serum gonadotropin Levels in buffaloes as compared to those reported for cows subject to seasonal variations. The inherently suboptimal functioning of hypothalamo-hypophysio-gonadalaxis and consequent low circulating hormones might be responsible for higher incidence of true anoestrus in buffaloes. Further, ascending non-specific bacterial infections accentuated by the anatomical peculiarity and the unclean habits of buffalo cows might be the contributing factors for higher prevalence of endometritis in this species. Comparatively, silent ovulations were m*re common than in cows. The occurrence of freemartinism was low presumably due to low rate of hetero-sexual twinning in the species. The incidence of cystic ovarian degeneration was also low and the clinical manifestations associated with this condition in cattle were absent. The overall incidence of more serious disorders leading to sterility was estimated as 2.93% (freemartinism- 0.02%, hypoplasia of ovaries and tracts - 0.24X, cystic follicular degeneration - 0.91%, salpingitis 0.98%, hydrosalpinx - 0.03% and bursal adhesions - 0.75%). Further, there was no marked difference in the percentage incidence of different disorders between years and between locations of the buffalo herds.
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THERIOGENOLOGY
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Janakiraman, K., Desai, M.C., Amin, D.R., Sheth, A.R., Moodbidri, S.B., and Wadekar, K.B. Serum gonadotropin levels in buffaloes in relation to phases of oestros cycle and breeding periods. Indian J. Anim. Sci. 50: 601-606 (1980).
18.
Razdan, M.N., Kaker, M.L., and Galhotra, M.M. Serum FSH levels during estrus and a 4 - week period following mating in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology 11: 175-181 (1982).
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