P.G.Anil Pushpakumara

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Prof. P.G. Anil Pushpakumara

BVSc (Peradeniya),PhD (London),FSLCVS
Senior Professor
Address:

Department of Farm Animal Production & Health,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science,
University of Peradeniya,
Peradeniya,20400

Contact:

Phone:+94 81 239 5924(office)
Email:anilp@vet.pdn.ac.lk
pganil@pdn.ac.lk
pganilp@gmail.com

  • Award of International Visiting Academic, Institute of Veterinary and Animal Biomedical Sciences (IVBAS), College of Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand, 2016-2017.
  • Professional Excellence Award Presented by Association of Indian Zoo & Wildlife Veterinarians (AIZWV) for outstanding contribution in the field of wildlife conservation/health management, 19-20 November 2015, NASA Complex, New Delhi. India
  • Award for the best paper in Animal Health at 66th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA. June 2014
  • Award for the best paper in reproduction and breeding at the 66th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA. 2014
  • Award for the best paper in reproduction and breeding at the 65th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA. 2013
  • Award for the best paper in clinical communication at the 64th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA. 2012
  • Award for the best paper in reproduction and breeding at the 64th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA. 2012
  • Commonwealth Fellowship 2012. Awarded by Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan in the United Kingdom
  • Award for the best paper in reproduction and breeding at the 63rd Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA. 2011
  • Dr. & Mrs. AR Mohamad award for the best presentation at the Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA 2009
  • Award for the best presentation at the 58th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA 2006.
  • Hector C. Perera Award for outstanding clinical communication at the 47th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA. February 1995
  • Hector C. Perera award for outstanding clinical communication at the 44th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLVA 1992.
  • Conduct lectures, and practical and clinical training for semesters 5, 6, 7 and 8 veterinary undergraduates in farm animal medicine
  • Conduct lectures, and practical and clinical training for semester 7 and 8 veterinary undergraduates in farm and companion animal reproduction
  • Teach postgraduate students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
  • Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics
  • Nutrition - Reproduction interaction
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Coordinator FAO Cattle and Buffalo Improvement project (2010-2011).
  • Euro-Asia Link Project (2006 – 2009) on ‘Managing the health and reproduction of elephant populations in Asia’. A project funded by the EU, with collaboration in the UK (Royal Veterinary College and Institute of Zoology), Netherlands (Utrecht University), Thailand (Universities of Kasetsart and Chiang-Mai) and Sri Lanka (University of Peradeniya).
  • British Council Project (2010 – 2011) to develop research and training programmes on ‘Elephant health and reproduction’, with the above collaborators in the UK, Thailand and Sri Lanka, and also in the USA (Smithsonian Institute).
  • Principle scientific investigator of the project funded by IAEA; Integrated Approach for Improving Peri-Urban Dairy System (Agreement No 11813)
  • Chief investigator of the project funded by CARP; “Nutritional Regulation of Ovulation, in vitro Fertilization and Fetal Growth in Crossbred Goats” (Grant No. CARP/12/500/373).

    • Collaborative Scientists of the following projects;

  • Collaborative investigator for the project “Production of densified total mixed ration blocks (DTMRB) for feeding dairy cattle” (RG/AF 2013/41/V), Rs. 1.2 million.
  • Collaborative investigator for the project “Detection and determination the prevalence of enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) in large upcountry commercial dairy farms of Sri Lanka” (RG/2014/44 V), Rs: 500,000.00
  • B for the project “Cross-sectional survey to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in Sri Lanka” (RG/AF 2013/41/V), Rs: 350,000.00
  • Chief investigator for the project “Liver function and metabolic profiling in high producing dairy cows in upcountry large commercial dairy farms. (RG/AF 2013/51/V) Rs. 200,000.00
  • Managing the health and reproduction of elephant populations in Asia. EU-Asia Link Project/123738/C/ACT/Multi)
  • Research study to predict ovulation, from behavioral and physiological changes in Sri Lankan elephant –Elephants maximums maximums (Grant No.RG/2006/EB03)
  • Characterization and conservation of domestic farm animal species in Sri Lanka through the application of assisted reproductive technology
  • An application of treatment protocol for infertility management in cattle (Grant No. CARP/12/658/496)
  • Studies on infertility problem in Srilankan dairy cattle (Grant No. CARP/12/506/378)
  • Integrated approach for improving livestock production using indigenous resources and conserving environment (RAS/00/504, IAEA)
  • Occurrence of 1/29 Robertsonian translocation in breeding Bulls in Sri Lanka (CARP/12/692/520)
  • Perera, W.P.P.S.I., Pushpakumara, P.G.A., Alexander, P.A.B.D. and Perera, G.D.R.K., 2026. Effect of exogenous GnRH, semen volume, and artificial insemination technique on reproductive performance of Saanen goats in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, 55(1).
  • Kumara, P., Devinda, R., Keshan, J., Eranga, D. S., Anil, P., & Basil, A. 2025. Response to GnRH Administration at Artificial Insemination in Crossbred Temperate Dairy Cattle Super-ovulated for Embryo Transfer Program under a Tropical Environment. Vietnam Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 8(2), 2452–2463. https://doi.org/10.31817/vjas.2025.8.2.02
  • Karunaratne, N., de Silva, S., Herath, M., Lianage, R., Weththasinghe, P, Jayawardana, B., de Seram, E., Pushpakumara, A., and Flavel, M., 2025. Effects of supplementing a polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract through drinking water on egg production and quality of laying hens. Plos one, 20(2), p.e0317292.
  • De Silva, L.P., Wijayawardhane, N., Kalupahana, R.S., Kottawatta, K.S., Pushpakumara, P.G., and Riley, C.B., 2025. Antimicrobial Prescribing Practices Among Sri Lankan Veterinarians for Common Medical Conditions in Companion Animals. Animals (2076-2615), 15(1).
  • Perera, G.D.R.K., Pushpakumara, P.G.A. and Alexander, P.A.B.D., 2024. Validation of Hand Grading Technique of Corpora Lutea in Embryo Recipient Cows: Accuracy in Hand Grading of Corpora Lutea in Cows. Journal of Tropical Life Science, 14(2), pp.285-294.
  • Kumara SN, Parkinson TJ, Laven RA, Waghorn GC, Pushpakumara A, Donaghy DJ. 2022. A Nutritional Investigation of Major Feed Types and Feed Rations Used in Medium-Scale Dairy Production Systems in Sri Lanka. Animals.; 12(18):2391. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182391
  • Senaarachchi, R., Hasanjana, M.G.Y., De Seram, H.E.L., Nizanantha, K., Pushpakumara, P.G.A. and Karunaratne, N.D., 2022. Effect of dietary inclusion of a sugarcane extract on growth performance of broiler chickens. Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 69(2).
  • Ekanayake, S., Kumara, YHPSN., Laven, L., Mueller, K., Pushpakumara, PGA. and Laven, R., 2021. The relationship between locomotion score and reproductive performance on an up-country large-scale commercial dairy farm in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 68(1-2).
  • Abeygunawardana, WW., Pushpakumara, PGA., Wasana, HMS., Rathnakumara, WMTD and Alexander, B., 2021. An evaluation of semen quality of donor bulls in the Central Artificial Insemination Station (CAIS), Kundasale, Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 32(4), pp.426-433.
  • Jayathilake, WMNK., Thananjayan, K., Alexander, PABD., de Silva, LNA. and Pushpakumara, PGA., 2020. Phenotypic characterization of captive ponies in Delft Island, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 67(1-2).
  • Pathirana IN, Rajapaksa C, Kawate N, Wimalarathne A, Fonseka L, Weerakoon PN, Hannan MA, Alexander B, Pushpakumara A, Ariyaratne S, Tamada H. (2018) Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist degarelix on musth and serum testosterone concentrations in Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus). J Zoo Wildl Med.;49:779-783
  • Marei, Waleed, Khalil, Wael, Pushpakumara, Anil, A. El-Harairy, Mostafa M.A, Abo El-Atta, Ahmed, Wathes, D Claire and Fouladi-Nashta, Ali. (2018). Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence offspring sex ratio in cows. International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine. 6. 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.01.006.
  • Pushpakumara PGA, Rajapakse RC, Perera BM, Brown JL. (2016) Reproductive performance of the largest captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) population in Sri Lanka. Animal Reproduction Science. 174; 93-99
  • Perera GDRK, Pushpakumara PGA Silva LNA de and Basil Alexander (2013) Preliminary study on freezing (vitrification) of in vivo derived embryos and their transfer in goats in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal 60(1A); 13-17
  • K.K. Sarath, A. Pushpakumara and B. Alexander (2013) The effect of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG) and GnRH injection on weaning to oestrus interval and litter size of artificially inseminated sows. Tropical Agricultural Research 24 (3): 270 - 278
  • Umanga Gunasekara, Anil Pushpakumara and LNA de Silva (2013) Endotoxaemia in horses in Sri Lanka- Case Report Vetscan 7 (2) 73-80; www.vetscan.co.in
  • VJ, Cheng Z, Pushpakumara PGA, Beaver DE, Wathes DC (2004) Relationships between the plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I in dairy cows and their fertility and milk yield. Veterinary Record 155 583-588.
  • Pushpakumara PGA, Gardner NH, Reynolds CK, Beever DE, Wathes DC (2003) Relationships between transition period diet, metabolic parameters and fertility in lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 60 1165-85.
  • Pushpakumara, PGA, Robinson, RS, Demmers, KJ, Mann, GE, Sinclair, KD, Webb, R and Wathes, DC (2002) Expression of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in the bovine oviduct during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. Reproduction 123 859-868.
  • Robinson, RS, Pushpakumara PGA, Cheng, Z, Peters, AR, and Abayasekara, DRE and Wathes, DC (2002) Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on ovarian and uterine function in lactating cow. Reproduction 124 119-131.
  • Cheng, Z, Robinson, RS, Pushpakumara, PGA, Mansbridge RJ and Wathes, DC (2001) Effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on uterine prostaglandin synthesis in the cow. Journal of Endocrinology 171 463-473.
  • Wathes, DC, Beever, DE, Cheng, Z, Pushpakumara, PGA and Taylor, VJ (2001). Life-time organisation and management of reproduction in the dairy cow. British Society for Animal Science, Occasional Publication (Eds,Wathes CM, Frost AR, Gordon F and Wood JD) No 28; 59-69.
  • Pushpakumara, PGA, Gardner, NH, Reynolds, CK, Wathes, DC and Beever, DE (2000) Metabolic characteristics associated with normal and abnormal progesterone profiles during the post partum period of dairy. BSAS Occasional Publication (Ed, Diskin MG) No 26; 331-334
  • Wathes, DC, Robinson, RS, Pushpakumara, PGA, Cheng, Z. and Abayasekara, DRE (1998). Nutritional effects on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Cattle Practice Vol. 6, Part 4: 371-377.
  • Pushpakumara Anil, Kalaichelvan Nizanantha, Sagara Nelum Kumara and Rathnakumara Devinda (2016) Pregnancy rate in dairy cows inseminated with sexed semen after synchronisation with different protocols selected by transrectal ultrasonography of the ovary. In: 18th International Congress in Animal Reproduction (ICAR), 26-30 June, Tours, France.
  • Rajapakse, RC, Pushpakumara, PGA and Perera BMAO (2015) Reproductive performance of a semi-captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) population at the elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka. In: International Symposium on Ecology and Health Management of Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), 19-20 November 2015, NASC Complex, New Delhi, India.
  • Pushpakumara, PGA, Rajapakse, RC and Perera, BMAO (2015) Sero-prevalnce of tuberculosis in semi-captive elephant population in Sri Lanka In: International Symposium on Ecology and Health Management of Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), 19-20 November 2015, NASC Complex, New Delhi, India.
  • Kumara, YHPSN, Salgadu, MA, Nishananthan, K, Weerasekara, DK, Magana‐Arachchi, DN, Pushpakumara, PGA, De Silva, LNA, Alexander, PABD, Jinadasa RN and Amarasinghe AAAWK (2014) Detection of bovine tuberculosis in Sri Lanka using molecular techniques In: One Health International Conference 5-6 September 2014, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Amarasinghe, AAAWK, Kumara, YHSPN, Nizanantha, K, Pushpakumara, PGA, Alexander, PABD, De Silva LNA, and Kuźmak, J (2014) Detection of bovine tuberculosis and enzootic bovine leukosis in dairy herds in Sri Lanka In: One Health International Conference 5-6 September 2014, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Rajapaksa RC, Dissanayaka IPGHU,. Somgird C, Thitaram, C Sirimalaisuwan A, Pushpakumara PGA, Colenbrande B, Brown J, Perera BMAO and Stout TAE (2010) Efficacy of GnRH vaccination for suppressing musth and aggressive behaviour in male Asian elephants. In: Symposium on Health and Reproduction in Asian Elephant, 31 May to 2 June, Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Amarasinghe AAAWK, Alexander PABD Pushpakaumara, PG, Jayasekara NK, Perera BMAO, Wajjwalku W, Dejchaisri S, C. Thitaram, B. Colenbrander, Stout TAE and Lenstra JA (2010). Genetic diversity among wild elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) in Sri Lanka, based on mitochondrial control region analysis In: Symposium on Health and Reproduction in Asian Elephant, 31 May to 2 June, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
  • Perera, BMAO, Pushpakumara, PGA. & Stout, TAE (2010) Elephant reproduction: Anatomy, physiology and endocrinology. Unit 1 of the On-line Internet-based Distance Learning Training Course on Breeding and Health Management of the Asian Elephant. Conducted from 26 April to 10 May 2010 under the EU Asia-Link Project “Managing the Health and Reproduction of Elephant Populations in Asia”. (http://www.euasiaelephant.com/)
  • Silva, P, Dematewewa, CMB, Goonawardena, A, Chandrasiri, and, Pushpakumara A (2009) Production systems and characteristics of indigenous small ruminants in Sri Lanka. In: FAO/IAEA International Symposium on Sustainable Improvement of Animal Production and Health 8-11 June 2009, Vienna, Austria.
  • Perera GDRK, Pushpakumara A De Silva LNA, Perera BMAO and Alexander B (2009) Establishment of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) technology for goats in Sri Lanka. In: FAO/IAEA International Symposium on Sustainable Improvement of Animal Production and Health, 8-11 June 2009, Vienna, Austria
  • Pushpakumara, PGA, Gardner, NH, Reynolds, CK, Wathes, DC and Beever, DE. The effect of transition period nutrition on subsequent fertility in the dairy cows (1999). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility Abstract Series 23 92.
  • Pushpakumara, PGA, Robinson, RS, Dawuda, PM, Demmers, KJ, Mann, GE, Sinclair, KD, Webb, R and Wathes, DC Regulation of the insulin-like growth factor system in bovine oviduct. In Early Regulation of Mammalian Development, British Society of Animal Science International Symposium, Aberdeen, Scotland p 27.
  • Pushpakumara, PGA., Robinson, RS, Demmers, KJ, Mann, GE, Sinclair, KD, Webb, R and Wathes, DC. Expression of IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) –1, -3 and –5 mRNAs in bovine oviduct (2000). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility Abstract Series 26 p15.
  • Pushpakumara PGA, Udawatta SP, Nizanantha K, and Kumara YHSPN (2015) Pregnancy rates in dairy cattle after different fixed-time artificial insemination protocols based on selection by trans-rectal ultrasonography In: Proceedings of the 67th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 17, 19th June 2015, Kandy, Sri Lanka
  • P.G.A. Pushpakumara, AAAWK. Amarasinghe, K. Nizanantha, YHPSN. Kumara, LN A de Silva, KCAS. Somarathna,, Marzena Rola and Jacek Kuźmak (2014) Detection of enzootic bovine leukosis in large, upcountry dairy farms of Sri lanka. In: Proceedings of the 66th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 11, 20th June 2014, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • YHPSN. Kumara MA Salgadu, DK Weerasekara, K. Nizanantha, KKUS Ranasingha, P.G.A. Pushpakumara, LN A de Silva, DN Magana-Arachchi, RN Jinadasa, PABD Alexander and AAAWK. Amarasinghe, (2014) A case of bovine tuberculosis in a buffalo herd in Sri Lanka. In: Proceedings of the 66th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 6, 20th June 2014, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • YHPSN. Kumara KUE Perera, K. Nizanantha, KKUS Ranasingha, NBGIUS Ranasingha, WMTD Rathnayake, GSP de S Gunawardena, P.G.A. Pushpakumara, LN A de Silva and AAAWK. Amarasinghe (2014) Caprine aural squamous cell carcinoma- A case report. In: Proceedings of the 66th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 8, 20th June 2014, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • R.C. Rajapaksha, P.G.A. Pushpakumara and B.M.A.O. Perera (2014) Preliminary Study on Sero-Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Elephants at Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage In: Proceedings of the 66th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 13, 20th June 2014, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • WW Abeygunawardana, WD Abeywansa, PABD Alexander and PGA Pushpakumara (2013) Semen quality and fertility of donor bulls at the central artificial insemination sation, Sri Lanka. In: Proceedings of the 65th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 21, 14th June 2014, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • YHPSN Kumara, AMP Abeysingha, MPK Sanjeewa and PGA Pushpakumara (2013) Relationship between lameness score and productive and reproductive parameters in a milking herd of an upcountry dairy farm. In: Proceedings of the 65th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 28, 14th June 2014, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • WASM Premaratne, K Nizanantha, WUC Gunasekara, AMP Abeysinghe, AAAWK Amarasinghe, PGA Pushpakumara, LNA de Silva and PABD Alexander. (2014) Uterine torsion in cattle and buffaloes: A case studies . In: Proceedings of the 65th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 4, 14th June 2014, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • Sarath KK, Basil Alexander, BMAO Perera and Pushpakumara PGA (2012) Effect of exogenous GnRH injection at the time of artificial insemination of sows. In: Proceedings of the 64th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 15, 11th May 2012, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • AMP Abeysinghe, GDRK Perera, MPK Sanjeewa, PGA Pushpakumara, LNA de Silva, DRTG Rathnayake, and B Alexander (2012) Effect of oestrous synchronization method on conception rate of gaots. In: Proceedings of the 64th Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association page 28, 7th April 2011, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • PGA Pushpakumara, AND Chandrasiri and BMAO Perera (2012) Use of nuclear technique for animal Production. In: Nuclear Technology for Agriculture-Way Forward. Atomic Energy Authority and Deapartment of Agriculture pp 18-21, 26-27 April 2012, PGRC, Gannoruwa, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Subasingha, D.H.A., Perera, B.M.A.O. & Pushpakumara, P.G.A. (2009) Lanka water buffalo: Its importance to dairy industry. In: Livestock for Rural Development and Poverty Reduction: Sri Lankan Experience. Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI), Colombo. pp. 139-185.
  • H. Abeygunawardena, I.S Abeygunawardena and PGA Pushpakumara (2007) Improving the performance of artificial insemination services through application of radioimmunoassay and computerized data management programmes Improving the Reproductive Management of Dairy Cattle Subjected to Artificial Insemination. Publication prepared under the framework of an RCA project with the technical support of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA- TECDOC-1533 pp 113-124: