Thirty-four lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to four groups for treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG, 1000 iu) at insemination day 0 (n = 8) or 7 (n = 9) or 14 days (n = 9) after insemination or with no hCG treatment (control, n = 8). Ultrasound imaging of the ovaries and plasma progesterone measurements were carried out to determine follicular dynamics and corpus luteum growth and function. Rates of formation of accessory corpora lutea were higher among cows treated on days 0 (three cows), 7 (seven cows) or 14 (four cows) than in the controls (one cow). Total corpus luteum diameter was greater (P less than 0.01) among hCG-treated cows than in controls 7-42 days after insemination. Concentrations of progesterone in plasma were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in cows treated with hCG on days 7 or 14 than in those treated on day 0 or in controls, at days 18, 35 or 42 after insemination. Seven of the cows treated on day 7 became pregnant, whereas four, four and three cows treated on days 0 or 14 and control cows became pregnant, respectively. The results suggest that hCG treatment at 7 days after insemination could be used to produce accessory corpora lutea, raise plasma progesterone concentration and hence reduce the incidence of early embryonic mortality in cattle.

No abstract

No abstract

Background and Aim: Pig production remains crucial to the livelihood of farmers in Zambia. However, low production continues to undermine efforts to reduce animal protein deficit; hence, the need emerges to improve production through biotechnology. To contribute to the prediction of their acceptance, this study assessed the attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnologies by exploring the socio-demographic characteristics of farmers. Materials and Methods: The study conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey that employed a mixed-methods design with a qualitative-quantitative methodological triangulation. Quantitative data were obtained from 622 respondents using a questionnaire, whereas seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to obtain qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results: The majority (65.1%) of the respondents were low-income earners who mainly (64.8%) attained primary education. In addition, pig farming was dominated by middle-aged (43.7%) and elderly (40.7%) individuals. Moreover, most of the respondents owned (51.3% and 78.0%) more than 2 acres and six pigs, respectively. Furthermore, the respondents expressed a positive attitude (3.84±0.42) toward reproductive biotechnology application. However, despite supportive opinions (4.17±0.54) and favorable behavioral intentions (4.09±0.51), their feelings were generally neutral (3.10±0.89). In addition, the study observed various contrasting attitudes across socio-demographic factors. The respondents mainly preferred artificial insemination (AI; 66.2%). The results of the FGDs supported the survey findings. Nevertheless, the lack of information, knowledge and practical exposure, absence of peer influence, perceived beliefs and risks, poverty situations, and gender issues were pinpointed as the identified barriers to the biotechnology acceptance of the participants. Conclusion: The respondents generally supported reproductive biotechnology application and its contribution to improved production. However, further promotion of the favorable attitudes of the farmers will be required. In this case, interventions sensitive to their socio-demographic characteristics, perceived barriers, and identified contributing factors to favorable attitudes will be crucial. In addition, despite the overwhelming preference for AI, efforts to promote AI-supporting reproductive technologies are required because they contribute to AI success rate.

No abstract