Draft genome sequencing of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains isolated from cow milk

We sequenced the genomes of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains MBBL4 and MBBL6, isolated from raw milk samples of healthy cows. The draft genomes of the MBBL4 and MBBL6 were 1,896,831 bp and 1,849,397 bp, respectively, and were fragmented into 58 and 42 contigs, with coverages of 118.2× and 128.7×, respectively.

Unveiling distinct genetic features in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from mammary tissue and gut of mastitis induced mice

Escherichia coli is one of the major pathogens causing mastitis in lactating mammals. We hypothesized that E. coli from the gut and mammary glands may have similar genomic characteristics in the causation of mastitis. To test this hypothesis, we used whole genome sequencing to analyze two multidrug resistant E. coli strains isolated from mammary tissue (G2M6U) and fecal sample (G6M1F) of experimentally induced mastitis mice. Both strains showed resistance to multiple (>7) antibiotics such as oxacillin, aztreonam, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, gentamicin, cefoxitin, ampicillin, tetracycline, azithromycin and nitrofurantoin. The genome of E. coli G2M6U had 59 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and 159 virulence factor genes (VFGs), while the E. coli G6M1F genome possessed 77 ARGs and 178 VFGs. Both strains were found to be genetically related to many E. coli strains causing mastitis and enteric diseases originating from different hosts and regions. The G6M1F had several unique ARGs (e.g., QnrS1, sul2, tetA, tetR, emrK, blaTEM-1/105, and aph(6)-Id, aph(3″)-Ib) conferring resistance to certain antibiotics, whereas G2M6U had a unique heat-stable enterotoxin gene (astA) and 7192 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Furthermore, there were 43 and 111 unique genes identified in G2M6U and G6M1F genomes, respectively. These results indicate distinct differences in the genomic characteristics of E. coli strain G2M6U and G6M1F that might have important implications in the pathophysiology of mammalian mastitis, and treatment strategies for mastitis in dairy animals.

Genomic features and pathophysiological impact of a multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus warneri variant in murine mastitis

Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) represent a major etiological agent in dairy animal mastitis, yet their role and impact remain insufficiently studied. This study aimed to elucidate the genomic characteristics of a newly identified multidrug-resistant NAS strain, specifically Staphylococcus warneri G1M1F, isolated from murine feces in an experimental mastitis model. Surprisingly, NAS species accounted for 54.35 % of murine mastitis cases, with S. warneri being the most prevalent at 40.0 %. S. warneri G1M1F exhibited resistance to 10 major antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing established a genetic connection between G1M1F and S. warneri strains isolated previously from various sources including mastitis milk in dairy animals, human feces and blood across diverse geographical regions. Genomic analysis of S. warneri G1M1F unveiled 34 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), 30 virulence factor genes (VFGs), and 278 metabolic features. A significant portion of identified ARGs (64 %) conferred resistance through antibiotic efflux pumps, while VFGs primarily related to bacterial adherence and biofilm formation. Inoculation with G1M1F in mice resulted in pronounced inflammatory lesions in mammary and colon tissues, indicating pathogenic potential. Our findings highlight distinctive genomic traits in S. warneri G1M1F, signifying the emergence of a novel multidrug-resistant NAS variant. These insights contribute to understanding NAS-related mastitis pathophysiology and inform strategies for effective treatment in dairy animals.

Draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae fecal isolate from a cow with clinical mastitis

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most important mastitis-causing pathogens. The multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strain MNH_G2C5F was isolated from the feces of a cow with clinical mastitis. The MNH_G2C5F strain had a genome size of 5,381,832 bp (85.0× coverage) and typed as sequence type 273 (ST273).

Whole-Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Mice with Mastitis

We sequenced the genomes of Escherichia coli isolates G2M6U and G6M1F, two multidrug-resistant strains that were isolated from mammary tissue and fecal samples, respectively, from mice with induced mastitis. The complete genomes of G2M6U and G6M1F consist of chromosomes of 4.4 Mbp and 4.6 Mbp, respectively.

Whole-Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae MNH_G2C5, Isolated from Bovine Clinical Mastitis Milk

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common and important mastitis-causing bacteria, and strain MNH_G2C5 was isolated from the milk of a cow suffering from clinical mastitis in a dairy farm of the Gazipur district of Bangladesh. The MNH_G2C5 genome was estimated to be 4,589,728 bp, with 65.5% genome coverage.

Whole-Genome Sequence of the Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus warneri Strain G1M1F, Isolated from Mice with Mastitis

We sequenced the genome of Staphylococcus warneri G1M1F, a multidrug-resistant strain isolated from fecal samples of mice with induced mastitis. The complete genome of G1M1F consists of one chromosome of 2,504,515 bp and two plasmid replicons of 28,679 and 8,615 bp; it comprises 32.7% GC content, with 60× genome coverage.

Spirulina ameliorates arsenic induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), has numerous health benefits including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities, works against heavy metal toxicity, and is often used as a food supplement in human, animals, birds and fishes. This study aimed to evaluate the protective ability of the dietary spirulina against the toxic effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs) on male reproductive parameters in rats. Seventy-two mature Long-Evans male rats, dividing into six groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) (12 rats/group) were included in this study. The T3, T4 and T5 group rats were treated with three consecutive doses (1.0 g, 1.5 g and 2.0 g/kg feed) of spirulina in feed along with 3.0 mg NaAsO₂/kg body weight (BW) in drinking water (DW) daily for 90 days. Each rat of group T1 received NaAsO₂ (3.0 mg/kg BW) in DW, and those of T2 group were fed with spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) daily for 90 days. The rats of group T0 served as the control with normal feed and water. Total arsenic (tAs) contents, reproductive parameters (testicular weight, sperm motility and morphology), and histological changes in the testicles were evaluated in these rats. Arsenic dosing significantly (p=0.003, Kruskal-Wallis test) increased the tAs contents in the testicles, decreased testes weight, sperm morphology and motility compared to the controls. The effect of arsenic dosing was also evidenced by the histological changes like decreased germinal layers in the seminiferous tubules of the treated rats. Moreover, dietary spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) supplementation significantly (p=0.011, Kruskal-Wallis test) lowered tAs contents in testicles and increases testes weights, sperm motility and morphology. Therefore, spirulina can be used as an effective dietary supplement to ameliorate the adverse effects of arsenic induced reproductive toxicities. However, further study is required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of reduction of arsenic induced reproductive toxicity by spirulina.

Economic benefit in repeat breeder cows using intrauterine infusion of penicillin and estrus synchronization followed by timed artificial insemination

Objective:

Until recently, management of repeat breeding in cattle remains a major problem to dairy farmers. This study was carried out to improve the fertility in cows, those did not conceive after three or more consecutive services.

Materials and methods:

Twenty-three repeat breeding cows were selected from the Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (CCBS & DF), Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data of another 23 repeat breeding cows that conceived after four or more services were collected from the same farm as controls. The repeat breeders were synchronized for estrus with two injections of PGF_2α 11 days apart and timed AI (TAI) was performed.

Results:

Seventeen of 23 cows had uterine infections. Intrauterine infusion of penicillin daily for three successive days from the following day of the first PGF_2α injection resulted in 94.1% (16/17) recovery. Of 23 treated cows, four with estrus synchronization and TAI, and one with only AI after hormone treatment were detected pregnant by per rectal examination of the genital tract. By this pregnancy, the treated cows have advanced average of 131.6 days calving interval and days open, and thereby saved neat US $3,045.3 in comparison to control cows. Control group cows incurred losses of US $15,134.0 compared with average days open of the treated pregnant cows.

Conclusion:

Intrauterine infusion of penicillin can successfully recover the uterine infections, and estrus synchronization followed by TAI resulted in pregnancy in a proportion of repeat breeder cows with economic benefit that had a uterine infection.

Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus strains in bovine mastitis milk in Bangladesh

Staphylococcus aureus is a common causative agent of bovine mastitis in dairy herds worldwide. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of mastitis in cows through screening tests and molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus strains. Out of 175 randomly screened cows, mastitis was detected in 50 cows by California Mastitis Test (CMT), and from those mastitic cows, 200 quarter milk samples were collected for subsequent culture and PCR based identification. The herd, cow and quarter level prevalence of mastitis was 73.3, 28.6 and 29.5% respectively, and subclinical mastitis (SCM) was the predominant type in all cases. According to bacteriology the overall prevalence of herd, cow and quarter level Staphylococcus aureus mastitis was 72.7, 74.0 and 62.0%, respectively, and the pathogen was mostly associated with clinical mastitis (CM). Cows breed, parity, daily milk yield, regular teat dipping, and dry cow therapy were significantly associated (P < 0.05) risk factors for mastitis onset. This study identifies 145 Staphylococcus aureus isolates which varied greatly with the categories of mastitis (higher in CM), udder quarter location (highest in right rear quarters), and to a lesser extent in the study areas (P < 0.05). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 79.3% Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, 49.0% to two or more antimicrobials, and clinical isolates showed more resistance to all tested antibiotics. The highest resistance rate was found to oxytetracyclin, and no resistance to ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Seven enterotoxin gene profile were detected in the tested isolates, and mecA was found in 20.0% isolates indicating the emergence and spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The isolates were carrying genes in combination, and were found higher in SCM cases. In this study, plasmids (>23 kb to 2.9 kb) were detected in 70.3% strains, and 54.9% plasmid bearing strains were multiple drug resistant (MDR). Thus, the high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis is an important concern for diary industry of Bangladesh since the strains of this pathogen is becoming more resistant to commercially available antimicrobials, and this is an alarming concern for both animal and public health.

Effect of administration of vitamin E, selenium and antimicrobial therapy on incidence of mastitis, productive and reproductive performances in dairy cows

Administration of vitamin, mineral and antimicrobials at the end of lactation plays potential role in preventing mastitis in dairy cows. A total of 255 cows dividing into five groups (A = 50, B = 50, C = 50, D = 50 and E = 55) at their late gestation period were selected to explore the effect of vitamin E, selenium and antimicrobial therapy on mastitis incidence, their productive and reproductive performances. Each cow of group A received α-tocopherol + sodium selenite orally daily for last 30 days before calving, while each cow of group B, C and D was treated with α-tocopherol + sodium selenite intramuscular injection, procaine penicillin + neomycin sulfate, and dicloxacillin sodium intramammary infusions at Day 30-20 before calving, respectively. Group E cows served as untreated control. California mastitis test (CMT) revealed that 70.0%, 76.0%, 84.0% and 100.0% cows in group A, B, C and D, respectively were free from new intramammary infections (IMIs) during early lactation period. The bacteriological results showed highest IMIs rates (76.3%) in group E and lowest IMIs (2.0%) in group D (P < 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most predominant udder pathogens in all groups except group D (only CNS). The mean IMIs incidence (20.5%) was significantly lower in treated cows (P < 0.001). The treated cows had higher cure rates (81.9%) than control cows (23.1%) and overall efficacy of treatments on cure rates was 71.8% for all mastitis pathogens (P < 0.0001). The productive and reproductive performances of the treated cows at postpartum and early lactation period remained always higher than their non-treated counterparts (P < 0.001). A number of cow and herd related factors were identified to be significantly associated with mastitis (P < 0.001). The results concluded that antimicrobial therapy had more beneficial effect in preventing mastitis over vitamin-mineral administration and intramammary infusion with dicloxacillin sodium remained as the best effective preventive strategies for mastitis in dairy cows.

A survey of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) farming in selected areas of Bangladesh

Aim:

To investigate the status, problems and prospects of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) farming in selected areas of Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted in 14 districts of Bangladesh, viz., Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Netrakona, Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Satkhira, Kushtia, Bogra, Naogaon, Comilla, and Sylhet during the period from July 2011 to June 2012. A total of 52 quail farmers were interviewed for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions were also carried out with unsuccessful farmers and those want to start quail farming. Workers of quail farms, quail feeds and medicine suppliers, quail eggs and meat sellers were also interviewed regarding the issue.

Results:

Out of 52 farms, 86.5% were operated by male, 67.3% farmers did not receive any training and 92.3% farmers had no earlier experience of quail farming although 58.0% farmers primary occupation was quail farming. Most of the farms (63.4%) were mixed in type having ≤5000 birds of two or three varieties. About 80.7% farms were operated separately round the year with no other poultry and 83.0% farmers wanted to expand their farming. The average pullet weight 145.0±0.12, 110.0±0.07, 120.0±0.22, and 128.0±0.17 g; age at the first lay 46.0±0.04, 42.0±0.31, 42.0±0.09, and 45.2±0.05 days; rearing period 15.0±0.01, 12.0±0.14, 15.0±0.32, and 15.2±0.18 months; culling period 15.5±0.14, 13.0±0.06, 15.0±0.03, and 15.4±0.26 months were for layer, parent stock, hatchery, and mixed farms, respectively. Most of the layer farms had an average egg production of ≤5000/day and net profit BDT 0.75/egg. However, an average number of birds, hatchability and net profit per day-old-chick were ≤5000, 76.8% and BDT 2.75, respectively, in the hatchery. Broiler quails were sold at 30 days with mean weight of 110.8 g and net profit BDT 9.02/bird. The major constraints of quail farming were higher feed price, outbreak of endemic diseases, lack of proper knowledge, farmers training, proper market access, difficulties of parent stock collection, inadequate biosecurity practices, and limited access to veterinary care. Thus, a proper training on quail farming, bio-security management, and government subsidy on feeds could make quail farming sustainable in Bangladesh.

Conclusions:

The study concludes that Japanese quail farming has enormous potentiality and could be an alternative to chicken farming particularly in providing gainful employment, supplementary income and as a valuable source of meat and egg, quail farming should be encouraged and promoted in Bangladesh.

Different screening tests and milk somatic cell count for the prevalence of subclinical bovine mastitis in Bangladesh

Identification of cows with subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an important tool for sustainable dairying and implementing effective mastitis control strategies. A total of 892 quarters milk samples from 228 lactating cows were screened by California mastitis test (CMT), White side test (WST), Surf field mastitis test (SFMT), and somatic cell count (SCC) to study the prevalence of bovine SCM in some selected areas of Bangladesh. Out of 228 cows, 148 (64.9%), 138 (60.5%), 132 (57.9%), and 164 (71.9%) were found positive for SCM by CMT, WST, SFMT, and SCC, respectively. The prevalence of bovine SCM was diagnosed 45.7, 40.2, 36.6, and 29.6% in Chittagong, Sirajgonj, Mymensingh, and Gazipur districts, respectively, based on a combination of all tests. The overall quarter-wise prevalence of SCM was 45.7, 43.5, 41.2, and 55.0% for CMT, WST, SFMT, and SCC. Single quarters and left front quarters were more prone to SCM (P < 0.05). Friesian crossbred cows (56.4%), BCS 2.0-2.5 (55.4%), and parity 4-6 (52.4%), the late lactation stage (5-8 months; 64.7%) and high yielding cows (16-20 L/day; 65.3%) were more susceptible to SCM (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of the CMT, WST, SFMT, and SCC was 65.8, 57.9, 51.0, and 82.5%; specificity 76.2, 72.4, 69.5, and 89.4%; percentage accuracy 70.0, 64.8, 59.9, and 85.2%; positive predictive value 75.2, 69.8, 64.9, and 92.7%, respectively. The categories of CMT reactions were strongly correlated with SCC (P < 0.05). Kappa value of SCC was higher than that of other tests (SCC>CMT>WST>SFMT). Thus, CMT was concluded to be the most accurate (r = 0.782) field diagnostic test after laboratory test like SCC (r = 0.924). However, the use of any single test may not be reliable in diagnosing SCM, while the result of CMT supported by SCC might be used effectively to pinpoint diagnosis of SCM in dairy animals than alone.

Transgenic chicken, mice, cattle, and pig embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer into pig oocytes

This study explored the possibility of producing transgenic cloned embryos by interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) of cattle, mice, and chicken donor cells into enucleated pig oocytes. Enhanced green florescent protein (EGFP)-expressing donor cells were used for the nuclear transfer. Results showed that the occurrence of first cleavage did not differ significantly when pig, cattle, mice, or chicken cells were used as donor nuclei (p>0.05). However, the rate of blastocyst formation was significantly higher in pig (14.9±2.1%; p<0.05) SCNT embryos than in cattle (6.3±2.5%), mice (4.2±1.4%), or chicken (5.1±2.4%) iSCNT embryos. The iSCNT embryos also contained a significantly less number of cells per blastocyst than those of SCNT pig embryos (p<0.05). All (100%) iSCNT embryos expressed the EGFP gene, as evidenced by the green florescence under ultraviolet (UV) illumination. Microinjection of purified mitochondria from cattle somatic cells into pig oocytes did not have any adverse effect on their postfertilization in vitro development and embryo quality (p>0.05). Moreover, NCSU23 medium, which was designed for in vitro culture of pig embryos, was able to support the in vitro development of cattle, mice, and chicken iSCNT embryos up to the blastocyst stage. Taken together, these data suggest that enucleated pig oocytes may be used as a universal cytoplast for production of transgenic cattle, mice, and chicken embryos by iSCNT. Furthermore, xenogenic transfer of mitochondria to the recipient cytoplast may not be the cause for poor embryonic development of cattle-pig iSCNT embryos.

Factors affecting the first service conception rate of cows in smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh

The successful outcome of an insemination is a combination of both male and female fertility-linked factors. We investigated the first service conception rate of cows at artificial insemination (AI) in the smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh. Frozen straws were prepared from ejaculates of Bos indicus (n = 7) and Bos indicus × Bos taurus (n = 7) AI bulls. Fertility was determined from 6101 first services in cows that were performed by 18 technicians in four regions between April 2004 and March 2005. Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation between 60 and 90 days post-insemination. The Asian version of Artificial Insemination Database Application (AIDA ASIA) was used for bulls-, cows- and AI-related data recording, and later retrieved for analysis. The mean ± SD number of inseminations performed from individual bulls and their conception rates were 436.0 ± 21.6 and 50.7 ± 1.9%, respectively. Logistic regression demonstrated body condition scores (BCS), heat detection signs, months of AI and their interactions had greatest effects (odds ratios: 1.24-16.65, p < 0.04-0.001) on first service conception rate in cows. Fertility differed (p < 0.02-0.001) between the regions, previous calving months, months of AI, BCS, parity and heat detection signs of cows. Inseminations based on mounting activity (n = 2352), genital discharge (n = 3263) and restlessness and/or other signs (n = 486) yielded a conception rate of 53.6%, 48.8% and 50.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Conception rate between technicians ranged between 43.4% and 58.6% (p < 0.05). The days interval from calving to first service (overall mean ± SD = 153.4 ± 80.6) had relationship (p < 0.001) with BCS, months of previous calving and parity of the cows. Fertility at AI in smallholder farms can be improved by training farmers on nutrition and reproductive management of the cows.

Possible involvement of Class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase in meiotic progression of porcine oocytes beyond germinal vesicle stage

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3Ks) play pivotal roles in meiotic progression of oocytes from metaphase I to metaphase II stage. Using a Class III-specific inhibitor of PI3K, 3-methyladenine (3MA), this study shows that Class III PI3K may be essential for meiotic progression of porcine oocytes beyond germinal vesicle (GV) stage. Treatment of immature porcine oocytes with 3MA for 22-42 h arrested them at the GV stage, irrespective of the presence or absence of cumulus cells. Furthermore, a significantly high proportion (60.9 ± 13.8%) of 3MA-treated oocytes acquired a nucleolus completely surrounded by a rim of highly condensed chromatin (GV-II stage). The GV-arresting effect of 3MA was, however, completely reversible upon their further culture in the absence of 3MA for 22 h. When cumulus-oophorus-complexes (COCs), arrested at the GV stage for 22 h by 3MA, were further cultured for 22 h in the absence of 3MA, 96.1 ± 1.5% of oocytes reached the MII stage at 42 h of IVM and did not differ from non-treated control oocytes with respect to their ability to fertilize, cleave and form blastocyst (P > 0.05) upon in vitro fertilization (IVF) or parthenogenetic activation (PA). These data suggest that 3MA efficiently blocks and synchronizes the meiotic progression of porcine oocytes at the GV stage without affecting their ooplasmic maturation in terms of post-fertilization/activation in vitro embryonic development. Our data also provide indirect evidence for the likely participation of Class III PI3K in meiotic maturation of porcine oocyte beyond the GV stage.

Increasing histone acetylation of cloned embryos, but not donor cells, by sodium butyrate improves their in vitro development in pigs

Previous studies have demonstrated that increased histone acetylation in donor cells or cloned embryos, by applying a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) such as trichostatin A (TSA), significantly enhances their developmental competence. However, its effect may vary with the type of HDACi and the target species, with some research showing nonsignificant or detrimental effects of TSA on in vitro and in vivo development of embryos. In this study, we show that sodium salt of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid produced naturally in the body by bacterial degradation of dietary fibers in the colon and rectum, increases histone acetylation in pig fibroblast and embryos at a concentration of 1.0 and 5.0 mM, respectively. However, treatment of donor cells with NaBu did not affect the rate of blastocyst formation or embryo quality in terms of histone acetylation and total nuclei per blastocyst (p > 0.05). On the contrary, treatment of cloned pig embryos with NaBu for 4 h significantly enhanced (p < 0.01) the rate of blastocyst formation (18.3 +/- 2.1 vs. 11.2 +/- 3.0%), although the total nuclei number per blastocyst did not differ. More importantly, blastocysts generated from NaBu-treated cloned embryos had increased levels of histone acetylation that was comparable to those of in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos (36.7 +/- 3.6 vs. 45.9 +/- 2.5). In conclusion, our data suggest that histone hyperacetylation by NaBu treatment of cloned embryos, but not donor cell, enhances their in vitro development up to blastocyst stage.

Crossbred bull selection for bigger scrotum and shorter age at puberty with potentials for better quality semen

Shortening age at puberty of crossbred breeding bull is an important issue in the tropics. This study aimed at selecting crossbred bulls at earliest possible age with bigger scrotum and potential for donating quality semen. One hundred and 31 pre-joining crossbred bulls of Central Artificial Insemination Laboratory, Saver, Dhaka were examined. The bulls being trained by seeing semen collection from mature bulls were allowed ejaculation into the artificial vagina at homosexual mount during a 20 min time at three occasions, every three months. Eighty one of 131 bulls produced at least one ejaculate during the study and their mean +/- SD age and scrotal circumference (SC) were 20.3 +/- 4.7 months and 28.2 +/-2.7 cm, respectively. Bulls' body weight, body condition score (BCS) and SC influenced the attainment of their puberty (p < 0.05). Bull's body weight had positive effects on scrotal circumference and ejaculate volume (p < 0.05). Scrotal circumference positively influenced the percentages of normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Scrotal skin-fold thickness negatively influenced the proportion of spermatozoa with normal head (p < 0.05). Based on age at first ejaculate and SC, 29.6% bulls (n = 24) were selected by cluster analysis. Selected bulls had mean +/- SD age 17.9 +/- 2.2 months, body weight 287.3 +/-48.6 kg, SC 30.5 +/- 1.5 cm, ejaculate volume 3.4 +/- 1.3 ml, sperm motility 50.8 +/- 17.2%, total spermatozoa per ejaculate 2541.9 +/- 1699.2 million and normal spermatozoa 81.5 +/-14.5%. The selected pubertal bull group was different from the unselected pubertal bulls at MANOVA (p < 0.0001). About 30% of pubertal crossbred bulls can be selected with shorter age and larger scrotum at puberty under conditions prevailed in Bangladesh.