Goat ovaries were collected from the slaughterhouse and categorized as right, left, corpus luteum (CL)-present and -absent group and evaluated on the basis of weight (g), length (cm), width (cm), number of follicles, follicles aspirated and number and state of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs). Comparatively higher weight [(0.66+/-0.02) vs (0.64+/-0.02) g], length [(1.17+/-0.02) vs (1.11+/-0.02) cm] and width [(0.77+/-0.02) vs (0.74+/-0.02) cm] were found in right ovaries than those of left. On the other hand significantly (P<0.05) higher weight [(0.71+/-0.03) vs (0.64+/-0.01) g] and width [(0.76+/-0.03) vs (0.75+/-0.01) cm] were found in CL-present group than those of CL-absent group of ovaries. The left ovaries contained comparatively higher number of normal COCs [(1.06+/-0.09) per ovary] than right ovaries [(1.03+/-0.10) per ovary] and the similar trend was found in total number of follicles [(4.51+/-0.25) vs (4.30+/-0.23) per ovary] and follicles aspirated [(2.55+/-0.14) vs (2.52+/-0.12) per ovary]. But the total COCs per ovary was almost similar in both ovaries [right and left: (1.85+/-0.12) and (1.85+/-0.11) per ovary, respectively]. Higher number of total COCs [(1.87+/-0.09) vs (1.76+/-0.16) per ovary], total number of follicles [(4.45+/-0.19) vs (4.16+/-0.37) per ovary], follicles aspirated [(2.55+/-0.10) vs (2.48+/-0.21) per ovary] and normal COCs [(1.12+/-0.07) vs (0.76+/-0.14) per ovary] were found in CL-absent group than those of CL-present group of ovaries.

Semen from Black Bengal bucks was collected to establish a cooling protocol (to -196°C) for buck semen preservation, and to study the effect of freezing on sperm motility and morphology. Semen was diluted with diluents (Triladyl & Tris) and cryoprotectants, filled into straws, sealed, cooled (to 5°C) and equilibrated. After dilution, motility ranged from 75.00% to 76.67% and from 73.33% to 80.00% in Triladyl and Tris diluents, respectively. Motility of sperm after cooling to 5°C in Triladyl and Tris diluents ranged from 65.00% to 66.67% and from 63.33% to 70.00%, respectively. After equilibration in straws, the semen was subjected to a freezing protocol in a computer-controlled biofreezer CL-3000 (cooling at 10°C per minute, from 5°C to -80°C) and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility of re-thawed semen varied from 38.33% to 43.33% and from 6.00% to-6.67% in Triladyl and Tris diluents, respectively. Sperm morphology of re-thawed semen was studied and head damage or cryoinjury was found in 2-3% of sperm in Triladyl diluents and 3-6% in Tris diluents. Whether the differences of sperm motility and head damage reflect fertility after artificial insemination is yet unknown and needs to be studied further.Animal Science Journal (2008) 79, 550-553 NS, non-significant; SE, standard error. Figure 1 An example of head damage or cryoinjury of sperm after cryopreservation of semen. 552 S. AFROZ et al.

This study was undertaken to assess the adoption level as well as farmers' attitude towards cultivating Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) developed improved sesame varieties and its technology management as well. Keeping this view in mind, primary data were collected from major three sesame growing areas of Bangladesh namely, Comilla, Jessore, and Faridpur districts. A total of 540 samples, selected using stratified random sampling method, were interviewed using pre-tested and structured questionnaires. Results reveal that the improved sesame seed adoption level is around one fifth of the total sesame cultivation. The adoption of relating technologies regarding input usage and agronomic practices also depicted similar characteristics due to not taking up recommended improved seed package. Analysis also showed that availability of family labor, application of improved seeds and monitoring and supervision of extension personnel's have significant contribution on improved seed adoption levels. Although farmers opined that they would be adopting the improved sesame seeds in the upcoming fostering season in view of expanding yields, profits, labor productivity and efficient cultivation. However, many farmers have articulated their concern about unavailability of improved sesame seeds at the farm levels is a major barrier about adopting improved sesame technology.

No abstract

Mustard is a leading oil crop in Bangladesh. Relevant data and information on the adoption of improved mustard varieties is very scanty and sporadic in Bangladesh. Therefore, an attempt was made to assess the extent of adoption of improved mustard varieties and their management practices at farm level. The study used data from 540 mustard growing farmers under Manikgonj, Rajshahi and Dinajpur districts. Probit regression model along with other descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data. Analysis revealed that the farm level adoption of different production practices were not encouraging as most farmers did not follow the recommendations made by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) for mustard cultivation. The variety adoption scenario was also discouraging since only 40% of the farmers cultivated improved mustard varieties. However, farmers showed positive attitude towards adoption of improved mustard varieties since about 53% of the adopters wanted to increase area under improve mustard cultivation in next growing season considering the high yielding ability, low cultivation cost, high profit, and less labour requirements. Although mustard is considered to be a profitable crop, many farmers showed negative attitude towards its production due to some drawbacks. Non-availability of improved mustard seed was also found to be a barrier to its adoption at farm level.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(3): 363-379, September 2015