2.1 ǀ Experimental design and collection of samples
All procedures and samples used in the present study were approved by
the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC; proposal no.
AGB/PG-1/14-15). For molecular characterization and expression profile
of the cpOAS1 gene, freshly slaughtered uteri were collected from the
local slaughterhouse, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh immediately after
exsanguination. Collected uteri were divided into two groups i.e.
pregnant (n=12) and non-pregnant (n=6). Pregnant uteri were further
classified into two subgroups, early pregnant (n=6, 16 to 24 d) and late
pregnant (n=6, 25 to 40 d). Based on crown-rump length measurement, the
number of days of pregnancy was determined26. These
samples were processed as per the method described
earlier27.