This study aimed to determine the effect of L-carnitine on the growth and subsequent nuclear maturation of buffalo small growing oocytes (92–108 µm in diameter) in vitro. Oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) were dissected from early antral follicles of slaughtered buffaloes and cultured in in vitro growth (IVG) medium with the supplementation of different concentrations (0, 1.25, 1.875 or 2.5 mM) of L-carnitine for 6 days. The results revealed that L-carnitine increased the diameter of buffalo oocytes in vitro. The degeneration rate was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in 2.5 mM of L-carnitine-treated oocytes (10%) than others (55%, 45% and 32.5% in 0, 1.25 and 1.875 mM of L-carnitine-supplemented groups, respectively). The OGCs showed antrum-like structures significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the 2.5 mM of L-carnitine group (74.0%) than the 0- and 1.25-mM groups (34.6% and 38.1%, respectively). Furthermore, in vitro grown oocytes were placed in in vitro maturation (IVM) medium for 24 h to examine meiotic competence of in vitro grown oocytes with L-carnitine. The L-carnitine (1.875 and 2.5 mM) treated oocytes showed a higher rate of nuclear maturation up to the metaphase II (MII) stage and a lower rate of degeneration. In conclusion, L-carnitine enhances the growth, prevents degeneration, promotes the formation of antrum-like structures and supports nuclear maturation of buffalo oocytes in vitro.

The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of different levels of dietary protein during late pregnancy on the performance of Black Bengal does and their kids. Twelve does were divided into three groups, with four in each, and three diets, i.e., high protein (18% CP), medium protein (14% CP), and low protein (10% CP) were supplied for 50 days, commencing from 100 days post-coitum to parturition. During the first 100 days of pregnancy, uniform rations with similar ingredients were provided to fulfill the nutrient requirements depending on the live weight of does. All three diets were isocaloric (10.0 MJ/kg DM). Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA, and the significance of the difference among means was determined by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The main effects of diet and sex, as well as their interaction, were analyzed by two-way ANOVA by using the GLM procedure. The relative expression values of qPCR were calculated by using the 2^−ΔΔCt analysis method. Live weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high-protein-fed dams than other groups during the experimental period. The milk yield of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high-protein-fed goats than in the low-protein group. The lactation length of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high- and medium-protein-fed does than in the low-protein-fed does. The duration of post-partum anestrus of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the low-protein-fed dams than in the high-protein group. The birth weight of kids tended to be higher in the high-protein group but did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. In male kids, weaning weight, final weight, live weight gain, and average daily gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in female kids. Weaning weight was higher (p < 0.05) in kids of the high-protein-fed does than the low-protein group. Final weight and live weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of the high-protein-fed does than in the low-protein-fed group. On the other hand, average daily gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of the high- and medium-protein-fed does than the low-protein group. The average body length and wither height of kids at the 32nd week was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than those of the low-protein-fed group. The average heart girth of kids at the 32nd week was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than the medium- and low-protein groups. The survival rate of kids was higher in the medium- and high-protein-fed does than in low-protein group. Hot carcass weight and ether extract content of meat were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high-protein group than in the other groups. The dressing percentage was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the kids of high-protein-fed does than low-protein-fed goats. The expression of the H-FABP gene was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than those of the medium- and low-protein groups. In conclusion, maternal dietary protein levels positively influences the production performance of Black Bengal does and their kids.

Endocrine system hormones regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction. These hormones often function at low concentrations, making them especially susceptible to disruption via endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can mimic, block, or disturb normal hormone signaling. Among these EDCs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of special concern for human health because they are persistent and bioaccumulate. In this review, we focus on effects of PCBs and PFAS on female reproduction, with emphasis on steroidogenesis, ovarian function, fertility, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. We describe the chemical properties and exposure routes of PCBs and PFAS, and how these features explain their long half-lives and ability to transfer to the female reproductive system and fetus. Evidence suggests that both PCBs and PFAS can reduce follicle numbers, disturb oocyte quality, and increase oxidative stress and apoptosis. Human and animal data also link PCB and PFAS exposure with altered ART outcomes. Together, the literature indicates that persistent exposure to PCBs and PFAS poses a significant and long-lasting risk to female reproductive health.

This study investigated the effect of dietary energy and protein concentrations in creep feed on growth, carcass characteristics and growth-related gene expression in Black Bengal kids. The diets containing 3 different levels of metabolizable energy i.e., low (8.67 MJ/Kg DM), medium (10.4 MJ/Kg DM) and high (11.73 MJ/Kg DM) and 3 levels of crude protein, i.e., low (14%), medium (18%) and high (22%) were randomly assigned to one-month-old Black Bengal kids (n=225). They were offered 9 dietary treatments for 3 months in 9 pens separating from their mother at day time. At six months of age, 15 kids per treatment were sacrificed to study the carcass parameters and gene expression. Total RNA was extracted from the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, and cDNA was synthesized. The expression profile of myostatin (MSTN) and heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) genes were then analyzed using qPCR. The results showed that the growth, carcass weight and dressing percentage of kids were higher (P<0.05) in high energy and medium protein treatment group than others. The protein and fat contents were higher (P<0.05) in meat from high energy and medium protein treatment group than others. The relative mRNA expression of the MSTN gene was lower (P<0.05) in high energy and medium protein treatment group than others. Expression of H-FABP gene was higher (P<0.05) in the high energy and medium protein treatment group than others. Thus, dietary energy and protein contents in creep feed positively influence growth performance, carcass characteristics, and growth-related gene expression in Black Bengal kids.

Objective: This study was intended to investigate the impact of dietary protein levels on growth, carcass traits and blood parameters in Black Bengal male goats. Methods: Twelve healthy, castrated, 4 months old post-weaned male Black Bengal goat kids were allocated randomly for four isocaloric diets with 10, 14, 18 and 22% crude protein (CP) levels for 150 days. Results: The results showed that 14% and 18% CP consumed kids had greater body weights than those who fed 10% and 22% CP diets. Average total live weight and daily gain were higher (p<0.05) in 18% CP fed goats than 10% and 22% CP. The carcass weight in goat fed diets with 18% and 14% CP were higher (p<0.05) than others. The weights of the skin in 14% and 18% CP fed group were higher (p<0.05) than other groups. The width of the skin was higher (p<0.05) in 18% CP consumed goats than 10% CP group. The ether extract content was higher (p<0.05) in muscle of 18% CP consumed kids than the 10% CP group. The total erythrocyte count was higher (p<0.05) in 18% and 22% CP groups than 10% CP group. Conclusion: In summary, a higher level of dietary CP (18%) improved growth rate, body parameters, meat composition and blood parameters of Black Bengal male kids.

Objective: This study was intended to investigate the impact of dietary protein levels on growth, carcass traits and blood parameters in Black Bengal male goats. Methods: Twelve healthy, castrated, 4 months old post-weaned male Black Bengal goat kids were allocated randomly for four isocaloric diets with 10, 14, 18 and 22% crude protein (CP) levels for 150 days. Results: The results showed that 14% and 18% CP consumed kids had greater body weights than those who fed 10% and 22% CP diets. Average total live weight and daily gain were higher (p<0.05) in 18% CP fed goats than 10% and 22% CP. The carcass weight in goat fed diets with 18% and 14% CP were higher (p<0.05) than others. The weights of the skin in 14% and 18% CP fed group were higher (p<0.05) than other groups. The width of the skin was higher (p<0.05) in 18% CP consumed goats than 10% CP group. The ether extract content was higher (p<0.05) in muscle of 18% CP consumed kids than the 10% CP group. The total erythrocyte count was higher (p<0.05) in 18% and 22% CP groups than 10% CP group. Conclusion: In summary, a higher level of dietary CP (18%) improved growth rate, body parameters, meat composition and blood parameters of Black Bengal male kids.