Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

10-15

Authors: Muhammed Asif, Asha S. Vijay, Maheshwari, Syed Fyzullah, Usha Rani, Swathi R, Damodara Gowda KM

Objective: To investigate the association between age and semen parameters among male partners of subfertile couples. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the semen of 1 523 infertile men aged 26 to 50 years. Data were extracted from GarbhaGudi IVF Centre database from January 2019 to September 2020. The basic semen parameters were interpreted according to the WHO manual 2021, 6th edition. Semen parameters in different age groups were compared. Results: Total and progressive motile sperms were significantly higher in the age group of 26-30 years compared to other age groups (P<0.05). Normal sperm count was significantly higher in the age group of 26-30 years compared to the age groups of 41-45 years and >46 years (P=0.001). However, sperm head defects, neck and midpiece defects, tail defects, and cytoplasmic droplets showed statistically insignificant difference in all the age groups (P>0.05). Semen viscosity showed no statistical difference in all the age groups compared to the reference age group of 26 to 30 years. Conclusions: Higher age can lead to a significant decrease in normal sperms and motility in subfertile men. Hence, male partner age should be considered as one of the major determining factors for reproductive outcomes.

23-34

Authors: Sunita Shailajan, Sasikumar Menon, Swati Singh,Yugandhara Patil

Objective: To investigate the potential activity of novel herbal combination and novel herbal formulation (syrup) in female Sprague Dawley rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Forty-two rats were randomly divided into seven groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 received 0.5% carboxy methylcellulose orally for 37 days and served as the normal control group. Group 2 was orally administered with letrozole of 1 mg/kg for 21 days and served as the PCOS induction group without treatment. Group 3 to 7 were administered with letrozole of 1 mg/kg for 21 days orally to induce PCOS, and then respectively received clomiphene citrate at 1 mg/kg, 100 and 200 mg/kg of novel herbal combination, 200 mg/kg of novel herbal formulation (syrup), and 400 mg/kg of marketed formulation of Pushyanuga churna, once daily for 15 days. Effects of the novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation were evaluated on the hormonal profile, the levels of antioxidants, the lipid profile and on the ovarian morphology, using letrozole-induced PCOS model in rats. Results: Letrozole caused alterations in hormonal levels and lipid levels similar to PCOS and ovarian histology showed presence of ovarian cysts confirming the induction of PCOS in rats. On treatment with the novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation in PCOS-induced rats, the altered hormonal and lipid profiles showed significant recovery to normal levels. Ovarian histology confirmed the restoration of folliculogenesis in the PCOS-induced rats. The treatment with the syrup formulation of novel herbal combination was found to be more effective than novel herbal combination and showed better recovery in various parameters evaluated. The results of the study, however, suggested that treatment with novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation provided minimal protection against oxidative stress caused due to the induction of PCOS. Conclusions: The integrated approach for management of PCOS is to counterbalance the limitations associated with modern therapy. Both the novel herbal combination and the syrup formulation of novel herbal combination show efficacy in the management of PCOS in rats and restore folliculogenesis in the ovary. The syrup formulation of novel herbal combination is most effective in the management of PCOS and shows potential to be developed as an adjuvant therapeutic agent.

42-48

Authors: Efigênia B. Cordeiro, Bianca R. Silva, Laís R. F. M. Paulino, Pedro A. A. Barroso, Laryssa G. Barrozo, Miguel F. de Lima Neto, José R. V. Silva

Objective: To investigate the effects of different concentrations of N-acetylcysteine on follicular growth and morphology, as well as on viability, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and meiotic progression of oocytes from in vitro cultured bovine early antral follicles. Methods: Isolated early antral follicles (about 500 μm) were cultured in TCM-199 + alone or supplemented with 1.0, 5.0 or 25.0 mM N-acetylcysteine at 38.5℃ with 5% CO2 for 8 days. Follicle diameters were evaluated at day 0, 4 and 8 of culture. At the end of culture, the levels of ROS, chromatin configuration and viability (calcein-AM and ethidium homodimer-1 staining) were investigated in the cumulus-oocyte complexes. Comparisons of follicle diameters between treatments were performed. Data on percentages of morphologically normal follicles, growth rates and chromatin configuration in different treatments were compared. Results: An increase in follicular diameters after culture in all treatments was observed, except for follicles cultured with 25.0 mM N-acetylcysteine. Fluorescence microscopy showed that oocytes cultured in all treatments were stained positively with calcein- AM, and that 5.0 mM N-acetylcysteine reduced fluorescence for ethidium homodimer-1. Intracellular levels of ROS in oocytes from follicles cultured with 1.0 mM N-acetylcysteine showed a significant reduction compared to other treatments. The presence of N-acetylcysteine in culture medium did not influence the rates of oocyte at the germinal vesicle stage. Conclusions: N-acetylcysteine at concentrations of 1.0 and 5.0 mM reduces ROS levels and staining for ethidium homodimer-1 in in vitro cultured follicles, respectively, while 25.0 mM N-acetylcysteine decreases follicular growth and the percentages of continuously growing follicles.

256-265

Authors: Nguyen Sa Viet Le, Minh Tam Le, Thanh Ngoc Cao

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of inositol and metformin on the clinical characteristics, and endocrine and metabolic profiles of infertile polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women from Vietnam. Methods: From June 2018 to August 2022, a randomized trial was undertaken at the Hue Center for Endocrinology and Reproduction on infertile women aged 18 to 40 years with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The clinical, endocrine, and metabolic features of these individuals were assessed before and after 3 months of treatment with 2 g of inositol or 1700 mg of metformin per day. Natural pregnancy rates, adverse effects, and tolerance of inositol were recorded. Results: The study included 171 infertile PCOS women who were eligible to participate and took part in the baseline assessment, of whom 132 women participated in data analysis after 3 months. After metformin treatment, 42.1% of women with oligomenorrhea experienced regular menstruation. Metformin significantly lowered body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and testosterone levels, but had no effect on other clinical characteristics, endocrine profiles, or metabolic profiles. 29.2% Of women reported experiencing side effects. 21% Of them attained pregnancy, which resulted in 17.1% of live births. In the inositol group, the rate of regular cycle increased by 18.2% and the total testosterone concentration significantly decreased. In overweight/obese women with PCOS, inositol significantly decreased weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences (P<0.05). 100% Of women tolerated inositol and continued treatment. 18.9% Of them became pregnant, leading to 17% of live births. Conclusions: Metformin and inositol can improve weight and waist circumference in overweight/obese infertile women with PCOS. Metformin is associated with a higher rate of regular menstruation, whereas inositol is associated with a lower rate of adverse effects. The spontaneous conception, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates between two groups are comparable.

273-280

Authors: R. Kumar Pramod, Deepthi Varughese, A. Javed Jameel, Bhisma Narayan Panda, Soma Goswami, Abhijit Mitra

Objective: To assess the effect of cryopreservation on stemness and proliferation potential of sheep spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in vitro. Methods: Sheep testicular cells were isolated and putative SSCs were enriched by the laminin-based differential plating method. Putative SSCs were co-cultured with the Sertoli cell feeder prepared by the Datura Stramonium Agglutinin (DSA-lectin)-based method. The cultured putative SSCs were cryopreserved in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium-10% fetal bovine serum mixture (DMEM- 10% FBS) media containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) alone or 10% DMSO plus 200 mM trehalose. Cryopreserved putative SSCs were evaluated for their proliferation potential using in vitro culture and stemness by immunocytochemistry. Finally, the transfection ability of cryopreserved putative SSCs was analyzed. Results: We isolated 91% viable testicular cells from sheep testes. The majority of the laminin enriched cells expressed the SSC related marker, ITGA6. Co-culture of sheep putative SSCs with Sertoli cell feeder resulted in the generation of stable colonies, and the expression of SSC marker was maintained after several passages. A significantly higher number of viable putative SSCs was recovered from SSCs cryopreserved in media containing 10% DMSO and 200 mM trehalose compared to 10% DMSO alone (P<0.01). Cryopreserved putative SSCs formed colonies and showed SSC marker expression similar to the non-cryopreserved putative SSCs. The appearance of green fluorescent colonies over the Sertoli cell feeder indicated that cryopreserved sheep SSCs were successfully transfected. Conclusions: Cryopreserved putative SSCs can retain their stemness, colony forming ability, and transfection efficiency in vitro. Our research may help in the effective preservation of germplasm and the generation of transgenic ovine species.

288-298

Authors: P. Perumal, Jai Sunder, A. K. De, D. Bhattacharya, A. K. Nahak, R. Vikram, E. B. Chakurkar

Objective: To measure seasonal effects on semen quality profiles, seminal biochemical and oxidative stress attributes in fresh and liquid stored semen in monsoon and dry seasons. Methods: A total of 10 Teressa bucks (3-4 years) were selected from breeding farm, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Semen samples (n=25 per season) were collected through artificial vagina method and preserved at refrigerated temperature (5 ℃ ) for 48 h using Tris citrate glucose based extender. We detected semen quality parameters [volume, mass activity, pH, sperm concentration, total motility, viability, total sperm abnormality, and plasma membrane, acrosomal and nuclear integrities], biochemical profiles [aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and total cholesterol], and oxidative stress markers [total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] during monsoon and dry seasons. Results: Semen quality parameters significantly differed between seasons (P<0.05) and among storage periods (P<0.05). Volume, pH, mass activity, motility, viability, acrosomal, plasma membrane and nuclear integrities, and TAC were significantly higher (P<0.05). Sperm concentration, sperm abnormalities, MDA, AST, ALT and total cholesterol were significantly lower in fresh semen of monsoon than dry season (P<0.05). Motility, viability, acrosomal, plasma membrane and nuclear integrities, and TAC were significantly decreased (P<0.05) while sperm abnormality, AST, ALT, total cholesterol and MDA were significantly increased as liquid semen storage period advanced (P<0.05). Conclusions: Monsoon season has higher beneficial effects on semen quality profiles and liquid stored semen remained usable for upto 48 h. Good quality ejaculates with higher TAC and lower MDA can be cryopreserved and will be used for artificial insemination.

253-260

Authors: Mitasha Singh, Shipra Saini, Pooja Goyal, Ekta Gupta, Shweta Goswami

Objective: To identify the prevalence, determinants of reproductive tract infection, and healthcare seeking behavior among ever married women of reproductive age residing in an urban slum of Faridabad, Haryana, North India. Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among ever married women aged between 15 and 49 years insured under employees state insurance scheme and residing in an urban slum of Faridabad. Simple random sampling technique was used to interview 149 eligible women using a predesigned structured questionnaire. Study variables included sociodemographic profile, family planning methods, menstrual absorbent usage, and symptoms of reproductive tract infection. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of reproductive tract infection. Results: Of the women, 46.3% had at least one reproductive tract infection or sexually transmitted infection symptom and 28.9% among them sought treatment for the symptom. Vaginal discharge, itching (14.1%) and lower abdominal pain (30.2%) were the major symptoms reported. Non-usage of condoms as contraceptive was significantly associated with a higher rate of symptoms (50.4% vs. 20.0%). Abortion had a significantly high odds of having reproductive tract infection symptoms (aOR 3.71, 95% CI 1.59-8.62; P<0.01). Less frequent change in absorbent during menstruation was also reported to have a higher rate of symptoms. The majority of those who took treatment sought it from government or employees state insurance dispensary. 2% also went to faith healers. Conclusions: Nearly half of the study population have reproductive tract infection symptom. Abortions and non-usage of condom increase the risk of reproductive tract infection. Menstrual hygiene and condom usage are the significant interventions, which may reduce the prevalence of these symptoms.

269-275

Authors: Sedighe Valipour, Fatemeh Estebsari, Maliheh Nasiri, Parvaneh Vasli

Objective: To determine the predictive role of stress, self-efficacy, and perceived social support on readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants. Methods: The present cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 mothers of preterm infants admitted to hospitals affiliated to Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2019. Participants were selected by a convenience sampling method and based on inclusion criteria. Data collection tools included the demographic questionnaire of mothers and infants, parent perceptions of their child's hospital discharge, parental stressor scale: neonatal intensive care unit, perceived maternal parenting, and multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression at the significance level of 0.05. Results: Infant behavior and appearance, situational belief, and family support achieved the highest mean score from parents' stress, self-efficacy, and perceived social support dimensions, respectively. There was a significant relationship between stress, self-efficacy, and perceived social support with readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants (P<0.001). The score of mothers' readiness for discharge decreased by 0.07 per 1-point increase in stress score, and the score of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants rose by 0.35 and 0.43, respectively, for a unit increase in the scores of self-efficacy and perceived social support. Conclusions: Stress, self-efficacy, and perceived social support can be considered as predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants. It is suggested that nurses in neonatal intensive care units provide a better platform for the readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants by reducing stressors and increasing maternal self-efficacy and social support.

285-291

Authors: Jibanjyoti Nayak, Anil Kumar Nahak, Purna Chandra Mishra, Dillip Kumar Karna, Chinmoy Mishra, Perumal Ponraj

Objective: To assess the effect of exogenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in libido, scrotal and testicular biometrics, endocrinological and heamatological profiles of Ganjam goat buck during winter and pre-monsoon seasons. Methods: Forty eight healty Ganjam goat bucks of 3-4 years old were equally divided into the control and treatment groups. The control group received distilled water as placebo, while the treatment group received GnRH injection (4 µg Buserelin acetate/mL) once a week for four months. Body weight, scrotal circumference and testicular parameters (testicular volume, testicular weight and testis index), endocrinological profiles [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone], sex behavioural profiles (libido score, mating ability score, and sex behavioural score) and heamatological profiles (red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, and packed cell volume) were estimated. Results: The libido, scrotal and testicular biometrics, and endocrinological profiles significantly differed between the control and GnRH-treated bucks within and between the seasons within the two groups (P<0.05). Body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular weight, testis index, FSH, LH, testosterone, libido score, mating ability score, sex behavioural score, red blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were significantly higher in the GnRH-treated bucks compared to the control bucks in pre-monsoon and winter seasons (P<0.05). Body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular weight, testis index, FSH, LH, testosterone, libido score, mating ability score, sex behavioural score, red blood cell counts (in treatment), and haemoglobin were significantly higher in pre-monsoon compared to winter season in the experimental groups (P<0.05). The white blood cell counts neither differed between seasons nor between the two groups. Conclusions: Exogenous GnRH supplementation and pre- monsoon season have higher beneficial effects in improvement of endocrinological profiles with cascading beneficial effects on scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular weight, and sex behavioural profiles, which in turn will improve the sperm production and its cryo-survivability and fertility rate in Ganjam goat.

208-216

Authors: Mohammed M. Laqqan, Maged M. Yassin

Objective: To speculate which of the following parameters: antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH) and age can be used as a predictor of ovarian response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist stimulation multiple-dose protocol in women under 45 years, and to determine the cutoff value of these parameters and their correlations for predicting low and high ovarian response. Methods: This prospective study included 462 women with the mean age of (29.3±6.5) years. All women were subjected to the GnRH antagonist stimulation multiple-dose protocol. On the second day of the menstrual cycle, ultrasonography was conducted to determine AFC in both ovaries. Peripheral blood samples were collected to evaluate the level of estradiol, FSH, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and AMH. The women were divided into three groups: low response (AHH<1 ng/mL, n=173), normal response (AMH=1.0-3.5 ng/mL, n=175), and high response (AMH >3.5 ng/mL, n=114). Results: A significant decrease was found in the age and FSH level in the high response group compared to other groups (P<0.001). Conversely, a significant increase was shown in AMH, estradiol on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) day, AFC, mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes, and embryos transferred in the high response group compared to the other two groups (P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that AFC and AMH had the highest accuracy, followed by basal FSH level and age in the prediction of low ovarian reserves (P<0.001) with cutoff values of ≤4.50 and ≤0.95 for AFC and AMH, respectively. Moreover, the ROC analysis showed that AFC had the highest accuracy, followed by AMH level and age in the prediction of high ovarian reserves with a cutoff value of ≥14.50, ≥3.63, and ≤27.50 years, respectively (P<0.01). A significant decrease was observed in women's age, estradiol level, and oocyte fertilization rate in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (P<0.001). Additionally, significant negative correlations were found between the AFC, the number of mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes, embryos transferred, and the age of pregnant women (P<0.001). Conclusions: AFC and AMH predict low and high ovarian response to GnRH antagonist stimulation multiple-dose protocol in women under 45 years.

223-230

Authors: Mohamed G. Hedia, Amr S. El-Shalofy

Objective: To investigate the effects of a single oxytocin injection on plasma steroid concentrations, testicular blood flow measures (resistive and pulsatility indexes), and testicular echogenicity in Baladi goats. Methods: Twelve Baladi goat bucks were randomly allocated into 2 groups and received an intravenous injection of either 0.7 IU/kg oxytocin or normal saline 0.9%. Venous blood samples were collected, and testicular blood flow Doppler parameters (i.e., peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, time average maximum velocity, resistive index, and pulsatility index) were assessed for supratesticular arteries in the left and right testes immediately before (0), and at 5, 30, 60, and 120 min after injection. Results: Plasma concentrations of testosterone significantly decreased in the oxytocin group at 60 min post-treatment compared to the control group, whereas plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β were not affected (P>0.05). Both resistive index and pulsatility index declined in the oxytocin group at 60 min post- treatment compared to the control group (P<0.05). Testicular pixel intensity increased at 30 min post-treatment in the oxytocin group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Oxytocin treatment significantly increases testicular blood flow and decreases plasma testosterone concentrations in male Baladi goats.

236-242

Authors: Avijit Kumar Modak, Md Nuronnabi Islam, Asma Khatun, Md Hasanur Alam, Ireen Akter, AKM Ahsan Kabir, Md Abul Hashem, Mohammad Moniruzzaman

Objective: To investigate the effect of L-carnitine on in vitro maturation and subsequent in vitro embryo production of buffalo oocytes. Methods: Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from ovaries of slaughtered buffaloes. COCs were classified into good and fair qualities based on morphological observation of numbers and integrity of cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte. Both categories of COCs were placed in in vitro maturation medium with supplementation of different concentrations (0, 0.250, 0.375 or 0.500 mg/mL) of L-carnitine. Oocytes from both qualities were in vitro fertilized and in vitro cultured for 7 days, to examine the developmental competence. Results: Supplementation of L-carnitine to in vitro maturation medium increased the cumulus cell expansion rate of COCs to grade A, and reduced the cumulus cell expansion of COCs to grade B and grade C in both good and fair quality oocytes. Similarly, L-carnitine induced the in vitro meiotic progression of buffalo oocytes to metaphase 栻 in both good and fair quality oocytes. Additionally, L-carnitine reduced the rate of oocyte degeneration in both good and fair quality oocytes. L-carnitine increased the rate of cleaved formation at day 2 and blastocyst formation at day 7 during in vitro culture in both qualities of oocytes. Moreover, a higher rate of blastocyst production was observed in L-carnitine-treated fair quality oocytes, which was higher than the results in the untreated good quality oocytes. Conclusions: L-carnitine enhances meiotic maturation and subsequent embryo development from both good and fair quality buffalo oocytes.

155-157

Authors: Md. Anwer Hossain

Though the global population has been growing for hundreds of years at a rate that increased or decreased with unprecedented booms or busts and consecutive rebounds, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to population alarmism that might put individual or couples’ rights and choices at stake. This paper draws on historical as well as contemporary shreds of evidence and argues that whether the countries of the world face a COVID-19-induced short-term baby boom or baby bust, the solution lies in prioritizing the reproductive health and rights of all people, and thereby, calls for a global recognition that there is no effective alternative other than upholding the rights and the choices of individuals in shifting fertility rates as per the need of each country.

165-174

Authors: Farida Fitriana, Phoebe Pallotti

Objective: To investigate effect of iron supplementation on the risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in non-anaemic pregnant women. Methods: A literature search was conducted using three categories of terms with its synonyms or related words: "iron", "supplement", “hypertensive disorders in pregnancy” through MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and manual search of references was used in seven potential resources. The inclusion criteria were randomized control trials (RCTs), published in English, full-text available, having healthy pregnant women without anaemia for study participants, and having hypertensive disorders in pregnancy at the end of pregnancy as the outcome. The risk of bias assessment tool was used for quality appraisal. Meta-analysis was conducted by calculating the fixed and random effects of the odds ratio (OR) for iron supplementation among non-anaemic pregnant women compared with the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The range of the study’s estimation accuracy was reflected by a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that iron supplementation possibly had no effect on the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.07; P=0.30), gestational hypertension (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.69-2.73; P=0.36) as well as on the development of preeclampsia (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.71-2.97; P=0.31). Conclusions: Iron supplementation has no effect on the incidence of hypertension in non-anaemic pregnant women. In general, there is a lack of evidence for the association between iron supplementation and the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy among non-anaemic pregnant women, and further studies are needed.

183-192

Authors: Perumal Ponraj, Jai Sunder, Arun Kumar De, Rafeeque Rahman Alyethodi, Purna Chandra Mishra, Sneha Bhowmick, Debasis Bhattacharya

Objective: To measure the seasonal effect on endocrinological profiles and sex behavioural profiles during rainy and dry summer seasons in male Andaman local goat in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Methods: Ten adult male Andaman local goats were selected from the goat breeding farm, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Endocrinological profiles such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cortisol and prolactin were analysed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Sex behavioural profiles such as libido score, mating ability score and sex behavioural score were measured during rainy and dry summer seasons in male Andaman local goat. Results: Endocrinological profiles as well as sex behavioural profiles differed significantly between rainy season and dry summer season (P<0.05). The levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, TSH, T3, and T4 were significantly higher in rainy season than in dry summer season whereas cortisol and prolactin were significantly higher in dry summer season than in rainy season (P<0.05). The ratio of T3:T4 was significantly higher in rainy season than in dry summer season. Similarly, libido score, mating ability score and sex behavioural score were significantly higher in rainy season than in dry summer season (P<0.05). Conclusions: Rainy season has significantly higher beneficial effects than summer season on reproduction and artificial breeding programmes in semi-intensive management of goat under the tropical humid island ecosystem in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.