AP26101621 «Multifaceted Investigation of the effects of chitosan on follicle and uterine artery vascularization, pregnancy rates, some important hormones, bacterial populations and biomarkers in “Akbas” cattle inseminated with frozen semen»

The relevance of this study is that postpartum uterine diseases in cows remain a common cause of fertility and income losses, while the demand for antibiotic-free solutions is growing; chitosan is viewed as a promising biopolymer with antimicrobial and mucoadhesive properties, but its effectiveness in the early postpartum period in beef cows is insufficiently studied. The proposed research addresses this gap by testing intrauterine administration of chitosan on days 1-10 after calving and simultaneously assessing key elements of pathogenesis and prognosis: populations of E. coli and Trueperella pyogenes, systemic inflammatory biomarkers (LPS, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin), vascular and follicular parameters by color Doppler ultrasonography, the hormonal profile at estrus, and the ultimate pregnancy outcome after artificial insemination (AI). The integrated design links microbiological, biochemical, and physiological effects to practical reproductive outcomes and is expected to yield an applicable model for preventing metritis and improving AI success under farm conditions in Kazakhstan.

This project investigates the effects of chitosan—a biomaterial with biological, antioxidant, antibacterial, and restorative properties—on pregnancy rates following artificial insemination using Beefmaster cattle semen. Enhancing fertility and livestock profitability by reducing metritis, a major cause of postpartum infertility, is essential. With rising antibiotic resistance posing risks to animal and public health, alternative methods for preventing and treating uterine infections are needed. The project will take a multidisciplinary approach, integrating veterinary obstetrics, gynecology, reproduction, artificial insemination, microbiology, and biochemistry to study these effects comprehensively.

Intrauterine infusion of chitosan in postpartum beef cattle is thought to have a protective effect by reducing the risk of uterine infection and to increase pregnancy rates after artificial insemination with frozen sperm. A new model that has a protective effect on postpartum uterine infections that cause significant fertility losses in cattle will be developed. At least two publications can be produced in journals within the scope of SCI expanded and Scopus at the end of the project. With a forward-looking perspective, some effective genetic contributions can be obtained from the hybrid calves born at the end of the project. Important relations and collaborations can be developed with Turkey in terms of scientific and educational issues. The experience and knowledge of young researchers and the group working on the project will be further investigated. Intrauterine infusion of chitosan in postpartum beef cattle is thought to have a protective effect by reducing the risk of uterine infection and to increase pregnancy rates after artificial insemination with frozen sperm. Thus, significant contributions to the livestock economy can be made by preventing reproductive fertility losses in livestock. Important genetic contributions can be obtained from the hybrid calves born at the end of the project. Significant contributions to the livestock economy can be made by preventing reproductive fertility losses in livestock. In addition, scientific, technical and educational infrastructure of the place and institution where the study is conducted will be improved. In addition, the artificial insemination results obtained from this study will show that crossbreeding with a new meat breed can be achieved. On the other hand, a second project on the development and productivity characteristics of these crossbreeds will be opened. It will be possible to obtain sperm and embryos from the nucleus herd that will consist of crossbreeds. The experience and knowledge of the institution and the scientific staff working in the institution will be improved in reproductive biotechnology