Abd Haron | UPM - Universiti Putra Malaysia (original) (raw)

Papers by Abd Haron

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oestrus synchronization with PGF2α, and CID... more The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oestrus synchronization with PGF2α, and CIDR on the ovarian antral follicle population and plasma IGF-1 concentration in goats. Daily transrectal ultrasonographic examination was conducted in 24 regularly cycling goats that were divided equally into 3 groups and oestrus synchronized with PGF2α, (group A), CIDR (group B) and unsynchronized group (C). The mean number of follicles and IGF-1 concentration was significantly higher in the synchronized and subsequent natural oestrous cycles of group A and B when compared to group C. The total number of 3mm diameter follicles were significatly higher in groups A and B compared with the control group C while the follicles that were 6mm and larger were not significantly different (p>0.05). There was a significant low positive correlation (r = 0.14, N = 234) between IGF-1 concentration and the number of 3mm follicles and between plasma IGF-I concentration and number of follicles (r = 0.1...

Based on previous studies for vitrification of oocytes, it has been shown that short term exposur... more Based on previous studies for vitrification of oocytes, it has been shown that short term exposure to DMSO during vitrification could improve the maturation rate and cause not spontaneous parthenogenesis (Isachenko et al., 2006). In addition, it was reported that DMSO in freezing media caused disassembly of microfilaments and chromosomal abnormalities in mouse oocytes (Vincent et al., 1990). On the other hand, DMSO is categorized as a potent glass former and its existence in vitrification solution seems necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro viability of immature bovine oocytes vitrified by short or long time exposure to DMSO. Materials and Methods: Cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) with homogenous ooplasm were recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries and used in this study. The vitrification protocol was adapted from Kuwayama et al (2005) with minor modifications. Briefly, oocytes were washed twice in holding solution (HS, Hepes-buffered TCM medium supplemented with 20% fetal calf serum, FCS) and kept there for about 15 min. Group of four COCs were incubated in the first vitrification solution (VS1; 7.5% DMSO and 7.5% EG in HS) for 12 min. Equilibration in VS1 was performed in three steps of increasing concentration. First (F) and second (S) steps contained 1/3 and 2/3 of VS1 diluted in HS, and the third (T) step contained only pure VS1. Based on removal of DMSO from each step, five treatment groups were designed: (G1) control, (G2) VS1, (G3) F w/o DMSO, (G4) F+S w/o DMSO, and (G5) F+S+T w/o DMSO. For G3, G4 and G5, similar concentration of EG was added to replace DMSO in VS1. All treatment groups were equilibrated into the second vitrification solution (VS2; 15% DMSO, 15% EG and 0.5M sucrose in HS) for a further 60 sec. Two experiments were performed: (a) cytotoxicity after only exposure, and (b) in vitro viability after vitrification processes. In cytotoxicity test, immature oocytes were directly transferred to the warming solution (WS). In vitrification experiment, oocytes were instantly loaded on a Cryotop device and submerged into liquid nitrogen (LN2) for storage. The time of exposure from VS2 to LN2 was not longer than 90 s. Vitrified samples were maintained in LN2 for at least 10 days. Immediately after removing the Cryotop from LN2, thin strip of Cryotop was submerged in 3 ml HS plus 1M sucrose (WS; 39°C) and smoothly tried to detach oocytes from Cryotop device. Immature oocytes were left in WS for one minute and then transferred to HS plus 0.5M and 0.15M sucrose solution for 3 and 5 min, respectively. Finally, the immature oocytes were washed twice in HS for 5 min each and processed for in vitro maturation. Significant differences among treatments used in the experiment were revealed by one-way analysis of variance and followed by Duncan's multiple range test for mean comparisons (P < 0.05) using SAS software (ver. 9.1).

Questionnaire. (DOCX 59 kb)

Microbial pathogenesis, Jan 28, 2018

Orf disease is known to be enzootic among small ruminants in Asia, Africa, and some other parts o... more Orf disease is known to be enzootic among small ruminants in Asia, Africa, and some other parts of the world. The disease caused by orf virus is highly contagious among small ruminant species. Unfortunately, it has been neglected for decades because of the general belief that it only causes a self-limiting disease. On the other hand, in the past it has been reported to cause huge cumulative financial losses in livestock farming. Orf disease is characterized by localized proliferative and persistent skin nodule lesions that can be classified into three forms: generalized, labial and mammary or genitals. It can manifest as benign or malignant types. The later type of orf can remain persistent, often fatal and usually causes a serious outbreak among small ruminant population. Morbidity and mortality rates of orf are higher especially in newly infected kids and lambs. Application of antibiotics together with antipyretic and/or analgesic is highly recommended as a supportive disease mana...

The aim of the present study was to differentiate the ultrastructure as features of secretory cel... more The aim of the present study was to differentiate the ultrastructure as features of secretory cells within the ampulla region of the sheep oviduct during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle. Fourteen ewes were slaughtered either at the peak of follicular or luteal phase for sample collection. Ampulla were taken and processed accordingly for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Blood samples were taken every alternate day for hormonal profiles analysis using RIA. During follicular phase, the population of the secretory cells was lower as compared to the luteal phase, while the number of ciliated cells was higher. The secretory cells were rounded, turgid with intact microvilli but during luteal phase the surfaces were broken and some secretions were oozing out. From TEM, at follicular phase, the secretory cells have blunt processes at the apex with intact microvilli, but during luteal phase, the cytoplasmic protrusion increased in volume. Numerous secretory granules were identified and obser ed in both phases but they were of different sizes and electron density. In conclusion, the present observations revealed marked cyclic changes and differences of the secretory cells during these two phases of estrous cycle. During follicular phase, the secretory cells were at the preparatory stage while they were actively secreting during luteal phase.

Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances

International Journal of Livestock Research, 2014

Bloat commonly occurs during raining season in Malaysia as the legumes plants grow well during th... more Bloat commonly occurs during raining season in Malaysia as the legumes plants grow well during this season. A 4-year-old Friesian Holstein cow weighing 400 kg was presented to the Ambulatory Unit of the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia with primary bloat and concurrent rectal prolapse, most probably a sequel to the bloat. Several means were attempted to treat the cow but were not feasible. Moreover, attempt to reposition the anus back were initiated yet the outcome was not very successful, partly due to the huge mass and the bloat was not able to be resolved after the administration of a debloating agent (the "D-bloat") as well as 3 liters of common cooking oil to resolve the bloating problem. Nevertheless, the treatments were not successful and in the end the owner decided to cull the cow.

IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 2012

Caseous lymphadenitis has been globally a prevalent disease among farmed small ruminants for over... more Caseous lymphadenitis has been globally a prevalent disease among farmed small ruminants for over a century. As its chronic disease, sex hormone profiles and cellular changes of reproductive organs in infections associated with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisis and its exotoxin phospholipase D have been very few or absent. This study was conducted to acquire a better way of understanding the reproductive pathophysiology response of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisis and its exotoxin in mouse model. In this study, 64 healthy mice, 2-3 weeks of old, were divided equally into 3 groups, where the first group of mice were interperitoneally inoculated with 1.0 ml of sterile phosphate buffer solution (PBS), pH 7, the second group of mice were interperitoneally inoculated with 1.0 ml of 10 9 colony forming unit (CFU) of live C. pseudotuberculosis and the third group of mice were interperitoneally inoculated with 1.0 ml of single dose of exotoxin (PLD) extracted from C. pseudotuberculosis. Following infection, clinical signs were observed and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for sex hormone analysis. For microscopic examinations, the mice were euthanized using cervical dislocation approach and the reproductive organs were collected. The results revealed that there was no significant differences (p<0.05) in the concentration of estrogen and progesterone levels between whole cell and exotoxin groups. Concentration of progesterone in PLD treated group (15.37 ± 2.32 pg/ml) was lower than control group (17.61 ± 2.91pg/ml). The concentration of testosterone in C. pseudotuberculosis (2.98 ± 3.70 pg/ml) was significantly (p<0.05) different from both control group (16.58 ± 3.67 pg/ml) and PLD (11.84 ± 3.19 pg/ml). Microscopically, cellular changes were observed in organs included ovaries, uterus, testicles and epididymis. In C. pseudotuberculosis infected group, infiltration of polymorph nuclear leukocytes with congestion, degeneration and necrosis were documented in almost all investigated parameters. For exotoxin PLD infected group, the observed cellular changes included severe hemorrhage, thrombus formation, degeneration, vacuolation and necrosis. Therefore, the results of this study indicated that there were significant differences in sex hormones and cellular changes of reproductive organs associated with infection Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisis and its exotoxin phospholipase D (PLD).

Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2010

Animal Reproduction Science, 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a lipidsolub... more The aim of this study was to determine the effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a lipidsoluble anti-oxidant added in different concentrations to the Tris egg yolk extenders on semen cytological parameters pre freezing and post thawing (motility, morphology, viability, acrosome integrity and membrane integrity) of Boer goat spermatozoa. A total of 40 ejaculates from four Boer goat bucks were collected using an artificial vagina. Ten replicates of the ejaculates were diluted with a Tris egg yolk based extender which contained various concentrations (0.5mM, 1.0mM, 2.0mM and 3.0mM) of butylated hydroxytoluene while one sample was processed without supplementation of antioxidant and served as control. The diluted semen was cooled at 4°C and loaded into the straw and then stored in liquid nitrogen. It was evident that supplementation of BHT produces positive effect in terms of motility, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity in comparison with the control group in cooled and frozen Boer goat semen. Results showed significant differences in motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and viability of cooled and frozen Boer goat spermatozoa at different concentrations. Motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and viability was significantly higher in all treated groups than the control group (P<0.05) while there was no significant differences (P>0.05) in morphology trait between all group in cooled semen. However, improvement (P<0.05) was observed only in terms of the membrane integrity and acrosome integrity compared to the control and other treated groups in frozen semen. In conclusion, BHT can be used in cryopreservation of Boer goat semen in order to reduce the oxidative stress on spermatozoa.

The aim of this study was to assess three different cytological endometrial sampling methods used... more The aim of this study was to assess three different cytological endometrial sampling methods used to estimate polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) under high power field (HPF) microscopy and to determine subclinical endometritis in postpartum beef cows. Forty beef cows aged 3-7 years were sampled at week three and four after calving by endometrial cytology methods. The endometrial cytology samples methods used included; cotton swab (CS), cytobrush (CB) technique, and low volume flush (LVF), respectively. The mean PMN counts at the third week was higher (p<0.0001) (12.2 cells HPF-1 than on the fourth week (4 cells HPF-1). The average PMN counts using CB alone was significantly higher (11.3 cells HPF-1) than CS (7 cells HPF-1) and LVF ( 6 cells HPF-1) methods. Smears from CB had more endometrial cells (58.55 cells HPF-1) at HPF, which was significantly higher (p<0.0001) than CS and LVF methods. Both CB and CS methods yielded more intact cells (62.4 % and 61.9 %) (p <0.0001) tha...

Veterinary world, 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplementation on the ut... more This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplementation on the uteri of rats based on analyses of the morphological and histomorphometric changes, and expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (REGF) genes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and steroid receptors. Twenty-four: Sprague Dawley rats were equally distributed into the following four groups: G1 (control), G2, G3, and G4 represented the groups treated with EBN at graded concentrations of 0, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day for 8 weeks, respectively. During the experimental period, the BW of each rat was recorded weekly. At the proestrus stage of estrous cycle, blood samples were collected from the hearts of anesthetized rats that were later sacrificed. The uteri were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The EBN-treated groups showed an increase in the weights and lengths of uteri as com...

The Batagur affinis or the southern river terrapin is one of the rarest chelonians in the world, ... more The Batagur affinis or the southern river terrapin is one of the rarest chelonians in the world, found in the rivers of Malaysia. Over years the population of this species has decreased dramatically. Currently there are no data on the reproductive parameters and performance, to include semen collection and evaluation method, for these species. Therefore, this study documented the first-ever semen collection and evaluation in the freshwater turtle, the Batagur affinis. This study was conducted in December 2010 on 15 male river terrapins. Before electroejaculation, the Batagur affinis were sedated with Ketamine (5 mg/kg) IM and then restrained on a wooden stool. An electrical rectal probe was inserted into the cloaca and stimulated with 1-4 volts electrical stimuli in 5-6 cycles followed by manual stimulation. Semen samples were collected immediately after electrical stimuli and/or after manual stimulation. The results of semen evaluation showed that the average semen volume was 3.3 mL (range 0.85-7.45 mL). The seminal fluid was watery, clear, viscous and slimy to touch. An average sperm motility of 4% (range 0-24%) and average concentration of 2.3 million/mL were observed. The sperms had slightly curved narrow heads and the live sperm percentage was 59%. This study forms the basis for the development of a protocol for semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination in chelonians. The method should contribute to preservation of one of the world's most critically endangered chelonians.

This experiment was designed to compare the estrus response and pregnancy rate of cows first sync... more This experiment was designed to compare the estrus response and pregnancy rate of cows first synchronized using CIDR with cows that were resynchronized after failing to display estrus. Estrus response and pregnancy rate were also compared between cows resynchronized with either CIDR or prostaglandin F2• (PGF2•). Initially, 140 Brangus cows were synchronized with CIDR. About 30 days after Artificial Insemination (AI), cows were checked for pregnancy using ultrasound and those that remain open were divided into two groups and resynchronized with either CIDR or two injections of PGF2• at 11 days interval. All cows were observed visually for estrus response for a period of 2 h at 12 h interval, starting immediately after CIDR removal or after the second injection of PGF2•. Cows were in estrus when they mounted if at least 3 times during the period of observation. Following removal of CIDR and second injection of PGF2•, cows were inseminated 60 and 70 h later, respectively. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in estrus response and pregnancy rate between cows initial synchronization and resynchronization with CIDR protocol. Although, statistically not significant there was relatively higher percentage of estrus response (81.6 vs. 70%) and pregnancy rate (30.6 vs. 28.0%) in cows resynchronized with CIDR than cows resynchronized with PGF2•.

Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012

The aim of this study was to compare the estrus response and pregnancy rate between the indigenou... more The aim of this study was to compare the estrus response and pregnancy rate between the indigenous beef cows of Malaysia; Kedah-Kelantan (KK) and the exotic beef cows; Brangus (BR) following progesterone and prostaglandin-based estrus synchronization treatments. A total of 40 KK and 30 BR open cows were selected and each breed group was randomly divided equally into two. Cows in KK1 and BR1 were treated with estradiol benzoate (Cidirol, 1 mg, im) each at the time CIDR® was inserted (Day 0). Cloprostenol (Estrumate, 250 μg,im) was administered at the time of CIDR® removal on Day 9 while 1 mg of Estradiol Benzoate (EB) was injected on Day 10. On the other hand, KK2 and BR2 cows received intramuscular injections of 500 and 250 ug of cloprostenol, on Day 0 and 11, respectively. All cows were then observed for estrus signs and scanned per rectum for ovulation followed by AI upon detection of estrus. Pregnancy status was diagnosed 45 days after AI. Both treatments were effective in inducing observable estrus in all groups with synchrony of ovulation resulting in CL development and pregnancy. In the progesterone4)ased treatment groups, 84.2% of KK1 and 78.8% of BR1 responded. In the prostaglandingsed treatment groups, KK2 responded with the highest proportion (80.0%) compared with BR2 (50.0%). However, there was no significant difference in rate of ovulation (84.2 vs. 64.3%; 70.0 vs. 42.9%) and pregnancy (31.6 vs. 14.3%; 45.0 vs. 21.4%) among all the four experimental groups. The interval to ovulation from the last treatment time varied significantly among all the treatment groups with a higher variation observed in BR, ranging from 48 h when treated with CIDR to 84 h after treatment with PGF2α. These variations could be explained by the difference in ovarian status at the time of treatment. In conclusion, the result of this data showed KK cows had a better rate of ovulation and pregnancy than BR cows in both treatments though not statistically significant. It can therefore be gathered that KK and BR responded effectively to estrus synchronization and produce acceptable pregnancy rates by both progesterone and prostaglandn-based protocols for breeding and genetic improvement.