Czech Journal of Animal Science - In Press
Characterization of testicular perfusion dynamics using digital pulse wave doppler ultrasonography in indigenous cattle reared under coastal tropical climateOriginal Paper
PP Gokuldas, Amiya Ranjan Sahu, Vedika Kudalkar, Mahak Singh, Shirish Dadarao Narnaware, Sanjaykumar Udharwar
Testicular blood flow and hemodynamics play a critical role in maintaining spermatogenesis and thermoregulation in bulls. The assessment of testicular blood flow provides detailed insights into the reproductive function in male animals. This study was aimed to characterize testicular perfusion pattern using Pulse Wave Doppler Ultrasonography in Shweta Kapila breed of indigenous cattle reared in their native habitat in Indian west coast. Healthy Shweta Kapila bulls (n=8) maintained under semi-intensive systems were examined. A digital Pulse Wave Doppler Ultrasound system equipped with a linear array probe was used to assess Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End Diastolic Velocity (EDV), Resistive Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index (PI) along the spermatic cord part of testicular artery (sTA), marginal region (mTA), and intra-testicular branches (iTA) of the testicular artery. Mean PSV ranged from 4.94 to 12.32 m/s, EDV ranged from 3.63 to 5.14 m/s, RI ranged from 0.23 to 0.58 and PI ranged from 0.68 to 1.05 across different arterial segments. Significantly higher mean PSV values (P < 0.05) were recorded in the proximal sTA compared to distal arterial segments. RI demonstrated low within-bull variability and repeatability suggesting its potential as a reliable indicator of testicular perfusion. The stable and low intra-testicular RI values also suggest enhanced vascular adaptation and thermoregulatory efficiency. These findings establish first baseline reference values for testicular perfusion and hemodynamics in native Shweta Kapila cattle. Pulse Wave Doppler ultrasonography provides a reliable, non-invasive and real-time tool for evaluating vascular function and reproductive soundness in indigenous cattle reared under coastal tropical climate.
Drinking Warm Water in a Cold Environment Impairs Growth Performance and Alters the Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Growing CalvesOriginal Paper
Zhanhe Zhang, Xintong Li, Donglin Wu, Ming Xu
This study aimed to investigate the effects of drinking water temperature on growth performance and gastrointestinal microbiota in growing calves. Forty-five weaned male calves were randomly divided into three treatment groups (n = 15 per group). The groups were provided with drinking water at different temperatures: 5–10 °C (FC), 20–25 °C (FM), or 35–40 °C (FW). The experiment lasted for 30 days, during which all calves were housed in individual hutches. Body weight and jugular blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, and 30; body measurements were taken on days 0 and 30. On day 30, rumen fluid and faecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V3–V4 regions. Calves in the FW group showed significantly higher water intake and diarrhoea frequency, along with significantly lower average daily gain (ADG), compared to the other groups. During the first 15 days, ADG was significantly higher in the FM group than in the other two groups. Additionally, the FM group maintained lower faecal scores throughout the experimental period. On day 15, serum total cholesterol was significantly lower in the FW group than in the FC group. Rumen microbial analysis revealed a higher abundance of the potentially pathogenic genus Pseudoscardovia in the FW group compared to the FC group. In a cold winter environment, providing drinking water at 35–40 °C reduced growth performance, elevated faecal scores, and increased the abundance of harmful microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of growing calves.