Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : The most frequent cause of maternal dystocia of female buffalo is uterine torsion.
Reason (R) : The uterus of buffalo contains long uterine ligaments and low number of smooth muscle cells in the broad ligament.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Hint:

To diagnose uterine torsion in a buffalo:
Perform a rectal palpation.
You will feel one of the broad ligaments stretched tightly over the top of the uterus towards the side of the torsion, while the other ligament is pulled downwards.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Uterine torsion is the rotation of the pregnant uterus around its longitudinal axis.
It is a major cause of maternal dystocia in dairy animals, particularly in water buffaloes (*Bubalus bubalis*).
This condition is influenced by anatomical factors related to the suspensory apparatus of the uterus.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the Assertion and the Reason.
Assertion (A) is correct. In dairy buffaloes, uterine torsion is the most common cause of maternal dystocia, accounting for over 50% to 70% of all maternal dystocia cases presented to veterinary clinics.
It typically occurs in late gestation or at the onset of parturition, and most cases involve clockwise (right-sided) post-cervical torsion.
Reason (R) is also correct and provides the anatomical explanation for the Assertion.
The anatomical structure of the suspensory apparatus in buffaloes predisposes them to this condition.
The buffalo uterus is suspended by the broad ligaments (mesometrium).
In buffaloes, these broad ligaments are comparatively longer, looser, and attach more dorsally and caudally compared to cows.
Furthermore, the broad ligaments of buffaloes contain a relatively low amount of smooth muscle fibers and elastic tissue.
This lack of muscular tone and structural support allows the heavily pregnant uterus to rotate more easily when the animal changes posture (such as standing up, lying down, or wallowing).
Therefore, the loose, long uterine ligaments and low smooth muscle content (Reason) directly explain why uterine torsion is the most frequent cause of maternal dystocia in buffaloes (Assertion).
Thus, both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A).