bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating the Impact of Climate Change on Maize Productivity in Trans-gangetic Plains using Info Crop Model
Authors: Kaur Baljeet , Singh Som Pal , Kingra P.K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Climate change is a nonpareil threat to the food security of hundred millions of people who depends on agriculture for their livelihood. A change in climate affects agricultural production as climate and agriculture are intensely interrelated global processes. Global warming is one of such changes which is projected to have significant impacts on environment affecting agriculture. Agriculture is the mainstay economy in trans-gangetic plains of India and maize is the third most important crop after wheat and rice. Heat stress in maize cause several changes viz. morphological, anatomical and physiological and biochemical changes. Methods: In this study during 2014-2018, impact of climate change on maize yield in future scenarios was simulated using the InfoCrop model. Average maize yield from 2001-15 was collected for Punjab, Haryana and Delhi to calibrate and validate the model. Future climatic data set from 2020 to 2050 was used in the study to analyse the trends in climatic parameters. Result: Analysis of future data revealed increasing trends in maximum temperature and minimum temperature. Rainfall would likely follow the erratic behaviour in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Increase in temperature was predicted to have negative impact on maize yield under future climatic scenario.
Study of Blood Cells and Serum Proteins of Three Different Varieties of Fowls
Authors: Roy Suprava , Rao Y. Vasudeva
Published: December 2020

Background: In the present study attempts have been made to study the blood cells and serum proteins comparatively among three different varieties of fowls, namely Turkey, RIR and Kadaknath. Total RBC and WBC count and serum protein analysis were performed. Methods: The total RBC and WBC were counted with the help of Neubauer’s Haemocytometer. The serum proteins were separated and analysed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Result: The results showed that, among all the fowl varieties tested, the RBC counts were ranged from 3.01 to 4.46 millions/mm3 and the WBC counts were ranged from 18.26 to 21.78 thousands/mm3. The serum protein analysis revealed that some proteins are present in specific species and specific sex. Hence, these proteins may be counted as markers to determine the species and sex of the species.
Study of Associated Fungal Pathogens on Seeds of Eruca sativa Mill., (Gargeer)
Authors: Sujata M.P.
Published: December 2020

The aim of the present study is to identification and classification of different associated fungi from the seeds of Eruca sativa. Total 10 species of fungal pathogens belonging to 7 genera are isolated from the Saudi (Ss) and Indian seeds of Eruca sativa. Saudi seeds affected by the fungal pathogens namely, A. niger, A. flavus, A fumigates, Mucor spp., Pencillium spp., while Indian seeds affected by Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigates, Aspergillus terreus, Pencillium spp., Mucor spp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Humicola insolens, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum. However, many of the soil borne or seed borne associated fungal pathogens spread the diseases in plants as well as in human beings. So the present study reveals that, the proper identification of fungal pathogens and their symptoms are easily recognized. Then the prevention care could be taken during the agriculture and high yield produced before the spread of symptoms and diseases.
An Analysis on Area Production and Productivity of Banana in Assam
Authors: Hazarika Manashi , Sarma Ranjit , Phukon Kaushik K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Banana (Musa Paradisicia) is considered as one of the most important fruit crop across the globe. India is the largest producer of banana in the world with an output of 29 million tons per year on average. Assam, a state in the north eastern region of India, is one of the major banana producing state in the country. Banana is an important horticulture crop grown in Assam with some significant socio cultural importance. The production of banana in Assam accounts for 2.4 per cent of its total production in the country. Methods: The paper is an attempt to study the rate of growth and instability of area, production and productivity of banana cultivation in Assam and to compute the relative contribution of area, productivity and their interaction to the change in production of banana in the state. The study is based on secondary data for the period of 2003-04 to 2017-18. Compound annual growth rates are computed for estimating the growth trends of area, production and productivity of banana in Assam whereas Cuddy-Della Valle index of instability is used to estimate the instability. Result: The results of this study revealed positive growth in area, production and productivity of banana with low instability in the state. The productivity effect has been found marginally greater than the area effect on production of banana in the state during the reference period.
Weeds and their Management under Changing Climate: A Review
Authors: Mary Jeena
Published: December 2020

World is now facing a greater menace of climate change and this has a long term impact on agriculture system. Weeds are one of the major factors that hold back the crops from attaining potential yield. The changing climate can have an effect on weed diversity, establishment and management. The response of weeds to altering climate mainly leans on the physiological characteristics of the weed and how productively it can respond to the immediate climatic condition. Due to high plasticity of weeds, management of these unwanted plants become difficult. This has significant repercussions on weed control practices, especially herbicide performance and effectiveness. Therefore, an integrated approach of weed management is adopted to reduce the impact of climate change on crop-weed interaction.
Various Systemic Effects of MK-467, A Peripherally Acting α2-adrenoceptor Antagonist in Different Animal Species: An Overview
Authors: . Akash , Hoque M. , . Amarpal
Published: December 2020

Most commonly used α2-adrenoceptor agonist shows adverse cardiovascular effects during anaesthesia. They mainly depress the cardiovascular system by provoking vasoconstriction followed by bradycardia. Although α2-adrenoceptor antagonist like atipamezole can reverse these effects along with that they also reverse the sedation and nociception. Concomitant administration of peripherally acting α2-adrenoceptor antagonist MK-467 can reverse the adverse cardiovascular effect of α2-adrenoceptor agonists without affecting the sedation and nociception. MK-467 has been successfully used in different animals like dogs, cats, sheep, horses along with different α2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs. This review aims to summarize the effects of MK-467 on sedation, cardiopulmonary system, the minimum alveolar concentration of different inhalant anaesthetics, plasma drug concentration, plasma glucose and insulin in different animals.
Determination of Vitamin D and D-Dimer Levels in Dogs with Ehrlichia canis Infection
Authors: Atikyilmaz Gozde , Cingi C. Cagri
Published: December 2020

Background: Ehrlichiosis is a ricketsial disease transmitted by ticks and characterized by reticuloendothelial hyperplasia, fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. In this study, it was aimed to determine the blood vitamin D and D-dimer levels in dogs with Ehrlichiosis. Methods: The material of this study consisted of 33 dogs of different breeds, ages and both sexes during the period of 2018-2019. In 33 dogs with and without thrombocytopenia with clinical findings, definitive diagnosis and differential diagnosis were made with clinical examination and laboratory tests. All patients were evaluated for Ehrlichiosis with rapid Snap 4DX test kit. In addition, the diagnosis of the disease was made by PCR analysis. Blood D-Dimer levels were determined in control and study groups. Result: D-Dimer levels were significantly higher in the study groups when compared with the control group. Further, when blood D-vitamin levels of control and study groups were compared, it was found that blood D-vitamin levels were significantly lower in dogs with Ehrlichiosis. In conclusion, in this study, D-dimer levels were significantly increased in dogs with ehlichiosis and can be an adjunct biomarker with other clinical, hematologic and laboratory tests. In addition, serum vitamin D levels were found to be low in both active and acute infected patients in dogs previously exposed to the causative agent, which is closely related to the immune system of vitamin D and serum low vitamin D levels may pave the way for the development of ehrlichiosis disease.
Validation of Stable Housekeeping Genes for Quantitative Real Time PCR in Golden Syrian Hamster
Authors: Miao Jin-xin , Wang Jian-yao , Robl Nick , Guo Hao-ran , Song Shao-he , Peng Ying , Wang Ya-chao , Huang Sheng-nan , Li Xiu-min
Published: December 2020

Background: Golden Syrian hamster (GSH) have many advantages as animal models in preclinical research, but their application is currently limited by the lack of standardized techniques for analyzing gene expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a sensitive method for analyzing gene expression, but its reliability depends upon the selection of stable reference (“housekeeping”) genes for proper normalization. The current study was aimed to RT-qPCR for investigated to determine the stability housekeeping gene in golden Syrian hamster. Methods: During the period of June 2019 to October 2019, the expression stability of eight commonly-used housekeeping genes (glyceraldehyde-3phosphate dehydrogenase, Gapdh; b-actin, Actb; hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase 1, Hprt1; ribosomal protein L13a, Rpl13a; ribosomal protein S18, Rps18; Beta-2-microglobulin, B2m; Tubulin beta class I, Tubb; Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta, Ywhaz) were investigated in lung, liver, spleen and pancreatic tissue of golden Syrian hamsters using BestKeeper, geNorm, NormFinder software, comparative delta Ct method and RefFinder. Result: It was found that the stability of gene expression varied among tissue where in Actb was the most stably expressed housekeeping gene for lung tissue, Hprt1 for liver, Rpl13a for spleen and Tubb for pancreatic tissue. In contrast, the least stable housekeeping gene in both liver and spleen was Gapdh, Rps18 in pancreas and Ywhaz in lung tissue. These data provide a critical evaluation of housekeeping genes in GSH tissues that can be used as a guide for selection of the appropriate genes in future studies.
Effect of ESR, FSHB and PRLR Genes on Sperm Traits of Landrace and Yorkshire Boars in the Tropical Environmental Conditions of Vietnam
Authors: Luc Do Duc , Bo Ha Xuan , Thinh Nguyen Hoang , Thanh Nguyen Chi , Manh Tran Xuan , Hung Nguyen Van , Tuoi Phan Thi , Ton Vu Dinh , Frederic Farnir
Published: December 2020

Background: Fertility traits in pigs made a restricted progress through traditional selection. Applying marker assisted selection could improve these traits. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of candidate genes Estrogen Receptor (ESR), Follicle Stimulating Hormone Beta (FSHB) and Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) on sperm quality traits of Landrace and Yorkshire boars under tropical conditions in Northern Vietnam. Methods: A total of 6306 ejaculates from 140 boars (92 Landrace and 48 Yorkshire) were collected to estimate sperm ejaculate volume (VOL), spermatozoon motility (MO), sperm concentration (CO) and total number of spermatozoon in ejaculate (NT). Ear tissue samples were collected for genotype identification of SNP present in ESR, FSHB and PRLR genes using PCR-RFLP technique. A mixed model was used to test the effect of different genetic and non-genetic factors on the sperm quality traits. Result: The genotype frequencies of ESR, FSHB and PRLR were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for each breed. Age of boars and month of the year had significant effect on all the sperm quality traits (P less than 0.01) while effect of breed was found to be non-significant on all the sperm quality trait. FSHB gene significantly (P less than 0.05) affected VOL, MO and CO. Boars with BB genotype showed positive effect on VOL but negative effect on MO and CO in comparison with AA genotype boars. ESR gene showed only effect on VOL while PRLR affected only MO. Boars with AA and AB genotypes of ESR gene had a significantly higher VOL than those with BB genotype (P less than 0.05). For PRLR gen, AB genotype was associated with higher MO than AA genotype (P less than 0.05). These results suggest a possibility of using the existing polymorphisms in ESR, FSHB and PRLR genes to improve some sperm traits of Landrace and Yorkshire boars.
Genetic Diversity Identification and Haplotype Distribution of Myostatin Gene in Goats
Authors: Liu Cheng-Li , Na Ri-Su , Ni Wei-Wei , E Guang-Xin , Han Yan-Guo , Zeng Yan , Wang Xiao , Cheng Shu-Zhu , Yang Bai-Gao , Duan Xing-Hai , Guo Ze-Hui , Huang Yong-Fu
Published: December 2020

Background: Myostatin (MSTN) is a highly conserved protein that acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. MSTN gene is closely associated with multiple biological functions and its mutations are directly linked to muscle development in different species. Loss of MSTN functionality causes the phenotype to appear in the form of ‘double musculature’, among others in cattle, sheep and house mice. Methods: The mixed DNA pool of Boer and Dazu black goats to sequence MSTN coding and noncoding regions. Snapshot typing technology was used to analyse three goat production types, namely, Boer (meat goats), Nubian (breast and meat dual-use goat), Dazu black (local breeds) and Youzhou black goats (local breeds). Polymorphic loci in MSTN were used from four goat populations to construct haplotypes and calculate haplotype frequency distribution through NETWORK and MEGA to construct a phylogenetic tree and visualize phylogenetic relationship. Result: From these populations, 18 haplotypes were constructed using 20 polymorphic loci. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a significant difference in the haplotype distribution of MSTN in different goat production types. The 18 haplotypes were divided into two clusters. The haplotypes carried by the Boer goat belonged to Cluster I and those carried by the Nubian goat and two local goat breeds belonged to both clusters. Chinese local goats and complex production goats carried more haplotypes of MSTN and had a richer genetic diversity than other production types did. Moreover, local and complex production goats had high-frequency haplotypes of the MSTN of meat goats and had high potential for breeding.
A Study on the Fatty Acid Enrichment of Artemia franciscana for the Healthy Rearing of Penaeus vannamei Post-larvae
Authors: Felix S. , Menaga M. , Sundari C. Mohana , Charulatha M. , Neelakandan P.
Published: December 2020

Background: The study aimed to investigate the growth performance of Penaeus vannamei PL through the supplementation of fatty acid enriched Artemia franciscana. Methods: The animals were stocked at 3000PL/m3 in triplicates. The experimental diet (100nauplii/PL/day) fed initially for 7days include Artemia franciscana (unenriched) as control and Fatty acid (0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3 %) enriched nauplii as treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) and later switched to commercial diet for 18 days. Result: No significant difference in water quality parameters between the experimental groups was observed. Highest weight gain percentage and survival was found in T3. Fatty acid profile of Artemia franciscana and shrimp at day 7 and 25 were analysed. Higher W-6 fatty acid accumulation was found in shrimp on day 7. Histological analysis of muscles, hepatopancreas and intestine showed different fatty acids levels reflected structural changes in epithelial cells. The current study revealed that Artemia franciscana enriched with 2% fatty acid emulsion can be used as an optimum level to improve the zootechnical performance of P. Vannamei.
Prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Microorganisms from Mastitis Milk and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern
Authors: Sekhri Isha , Chandra Mudit , Kaur Gurpreet , Narang Deepti , Gupta D.K. , Arora A.K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Mastitis is a multi-etiological disease. It leads to physical, chemical and bacteriological changes in milk and pathological changes in glandular tissues. In the present study, prevalence of mastitis causing organisms with special reference to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its antibiotic resistance pattern was studied as Pseudomonas spp. is an important organism in harbouring and transmission of antibiotic resistance in environment. Methods: One hundred and one milk samples from mastitic cattle and buffaloes from farms in and around Ludhiana and mastitis cases presented in veterinary clinical complex, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, India were collected from August 2018 till April 2019. All the samples were processed for isolation of bacteria using different media viz., BHI, EMB, MLA, Cetrimide Agar, BP Agar, Edward’s medium and Blood Agar. After the isolation, all the organisms were subjected to cultural, morphological, biochemical tests and PCR for confirmation. All these isolates (except Bacillus spp. and Serratia marcescens) were screened for their antimicrobial resistance against 15 commonly used antibiotics viz., chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline, amoxycillin, co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, cephalexin, ofloxacin, sparfloxacin, gatifloxacin, teicoplanin, azithromycin, vancomycin and doxycycline. Result: Out of a total of 101 samples, 86 samples yielded bacterial growth. Out of these 86 samples, 76 (88.37%) samples had a single bacterial growth whereas rest 10 (11.63%) samples had more than one bacterial growth. It was observed after the organisms were subjected to cultural, morphological, biochemical tests and PCR that, a total of 33 (34.02%) Staphylococcus aureus, 24 (24.74%) Escherichia coli, 16 (16.49%) Klebsiella pneumoniae, 5 (5.15%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2 (2.06%) Streptococcus agalactiae, 12 (12.37%) Bacillus spp. and Serratia marcescens 5 (5.15%) were isolated. It was observed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance against most of the antibiotics and was sensitive only for ofloxacin (80%) and gentamicin (40%).
Histomorphological and Histochemical Studies on Proventriculus in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)
Authors: Saran Devendra , Meshram Balwant
Published: December 2020

Background: The proventriculus, component of digestive system of bird secretes hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen which helps the churning of food material that takes place in ventriculus. Pepsinogen produces pepsin and it smashes the peptide bonds of amino acid of food material. Methods: The twelve proventriculus samples of Guinea fowl birds were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and Bouin’s fluid for histological procedure while chilled acetone and chilled ethanol were used as the fixatives for histochemical studies. The fresh unfixed samples were used on cryostat for studies of succinic dehydrogenase enzyme. Result: Histomorphologically the proventriculus of Guinea fowl was observed as the typical tubular component with four tunics from inside to outside as tunica mucosa, tunica sub mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. The submucosal layer comprised with proventricular submucosal gland (PVSMG) which was encapsulated by elastic fibers. Tunica muscularis was inner longitudinal and outer circular layer, while the tunica serosa was observed with surrounding adipose tissue as the connective tissue constituent to endow the access of nutritional supply in the form of blood vessels. The luminal surface of proventricular submucosal glands has shown the significant activity of glycogen while intercalated, intralobular and interlobular ducts have exhibited the weak activity towards the same. The glandular cell rod of PVSMG, serosal layer and adjoining connective tissue with blood vessels has exhibited very weak activity of alkaline phosphatase. Mucosal folds and lumen of PVSMG has shown the weak activity of acidic phosphatase but the serosal limiting membrane has shown very weak activity. The succinic dehydrogenase activity was seen in the connective tissue septa of submucosal glandular cellular rods and the intense activity was observed at tunica muscularis.
Molecular Typing of Indian Mycoplasma synoviae Isolates
Authors: Rajkumar Susitha , Reddy Maddula Ramkoti , Somvanshi Ramesh
Published: December 2020

Background: Mycoplasma synoviae is an economically significant pathogen in poultry with reported increased prevalence and virulence in recent years. The pathogen causes subclinical upper respiratory tract infection, air sacculitis and infectious synovitis. Methods: This study aimed to characterize the field isolates of M. synoviae, from healthy and diseased birds of 13 poultry flocks of five states of India by DNA sequence analysis of the conserved 52 region of variable lipoprotein and haemagglutinin (vlhA) gene. Result: Phylogenetic analysis revealed 7 sequence types. Single sequence type was found in three major states for commercial poultry production, which could be due to interstate transport of birds or chicks.Typing based on nucleotide insertion/deletion in the proline-rich repeat (PRR) region and the nucleotide polymorphisms of the RIII region of the 52 region of the vlhA identified field isolates as Type C (n=8), E (n=6) and L (n=5). Subtypes identified were C1 (n=3) and C3 (n=1) and others were novel. Most of the isolates were from birds having respiratory lesions or symptoms. Synovitis cases were very rare and the isolate from synovitis was found to be of subtype C3. Further, the presence of multiple types (C1, E and L) was found in one farm even though most of the farms were affected by only single type. Molecular typing of Indian M. synoviae isolateswas conducted for the first time to map the diversity among different Indian isolates from different regions and from different clinical conditions.
Nonlinear Prediction Models for Estimation of Pre-weaning Body Weight of Pigs using Morphometric Traits
Authors: Banik Santanu , Naskar Soumen , Barman Keshab , Das Pranab Jyoti , Kumar Sunil , Rajkhowa Swaraj
Published: December 2020

Background: In the present study, a set of non-linear prediction equation was developed using records of body measurement traits, namely heart girth, punch girth, height at shoulder, height at back, height at fore leg, height at back leg and body length of pigs. Repeated measurement of traits at birth, 15 d, 30 d and weaning (42 d) of 394 piglets were used. Methods: The regression of body weight on body measurement traits showed non-linear relationship based on equation, Y = aXb. Correlation of heart girth with body weight (r2 = 0.968 for male and 0.969 for females; P less than 0.01) was highest among the traits studied. Result: Heart girth was found to be most suited among the traits to predict body weight in an exponential equation, Y = 0.00058 H2.49 and Y = 0.00061 H2.47 for male and females, respectively, explaining 96 percent of variation.
Effect of Sex on the Body Weights of Pure Breed Sahiwal Calf under the High Humid Conditions of Assam
Authors: Baruah Upasana , Kaushik Purabi , Das G.C. , Kalita D. , Amonge T.K. , Borah M. , Akhtar F. , Kalita K.B.
Published: December 2020

Background: Sahiwal is an outstanding milch breed of cattle originated from the Sahiwal area, Montgomery district of Punjab in Pakistan. Performance evaluation of this breed in the high humid condition of north-east India is very much limited. Assam Agricultural University is maintaining a pure herd of Sahiwal cattle in the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara since August 2017 to conserve, propagate and bring about genetic improvement of this breed. Methods: The study was carried out in Sahiwal cattle farm, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati by utilizing 25 numbers of Sahiwal calves. Least squares analysis of variance technique (1975) was undertaken to analyze the body weights of calves at monthly intervals up to six months of age. Result: Overall mean for body weights of calves were found as 26.96 ± 0.27 kg, 32.03 ± 0.47 kg, 37.03 ± 0.62 kg, 42.91 ± 0.76 kg, 48.45 ± 0.77 kg, 55.22 ± 0.77 kg, and 62.08 ± 0.88 kg at the day of birth, 1st month, 2nd month, 3rd month, 4th month, 5th month and 6th month respectively. Analysis of variance revealed that the bodyweight of male calves was significantly heavier than that of the female calves ( less than 0.05).
Effect of Inclusion of Different Levels of Duckweed (Lemna minor) on the Performance of Broiler Chicken
Authors: Zaffer B. , Sheikh I.U. , Banday M.T. , Adil S. , Ahmed H.A. , Khan A.S. , Nissa S.S. , Mirza U.
Published: December 2020

Background: Duckweed is a monocotyledon species of the family Lemnaceae. It is a small floating aquatic plant that grows very well on stagnant ponds and is commonly found throughout tropical countries in natural ponds, lakes and flooded rice fields. Duckweed has high crude protein content and a well-balanced amino acid profile and is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Duckweed at different levels was utilized in the diet of broiler chicken to study their performance. Methods: One hundred and fifty day old broiler chicks of one week old were distributed randomly into five treatment groups viz T1: (Control), T2: 5% Duckweed without enzyme, T3: 5% Duckweed with enzyme, T4:10% Duckweed without enzyme and T5 :10% Duckweed with enzyme having 30 chicks in each groups with three replicates of 10 chicks each. Result: The Duckweed contains 20.33% crude protein, 3.10% ether extract, 18.06% crude fibre, 2.80% calcium, 1.10% phosphorous and 1660.77 ME (Kcal/ Kg). Significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weight was recorded in T1 (1889.67±13.28g) and T3 (1878.65±2.02g) groups followed by T2 (1831.67±3.51g), T5 (1798.31±1.76 g) and T4 (1728.63±2.60 g) groups, respectively. The average daily body weight gain was ranged between 37.87 to 41.66 g. The cumulative feed consumption was recorded to be highest in T1 (3050.13±14.01) and lowest in T4 (2943.17±8.54g) group. The Cumulative FCR was significantly (P≤0.05) better (1.74±0.01) in T1 and T3 groups in comparison to T2 (1.78±0.01), T4 (1.85± 0.01) and T5 (1.78± 0.04) groups. Total 3.3% mortality was recorded in all treatment groups except T3 group in which there was no mortality during entire experimental period.
Effect of Feeding Solid Multi-Nutrient Blocks on Feed Intake, Nutrient Utilization and Haemato-Biochemical Profile of Crossbred Calves
Authors: Sankar V. , Singh Putan , Patil A.K. , Verma A.K. , Das Asit
Published: December 2020

Background: Supplementation of urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) showed promising results in improving the nutrient utilization and the productivity of animals. This offers several advantages such as easy transport, storage and handling and reduced risks of poisoning as compared with other approaches, such as giving a small amount of urea in drinking water, sprinkling of urea solution on fibrous feeds before feeding, or urea-ammonization of crop residues. These advantages of solid multi-nutrient blocks (SMB) opened up new vista to enhance productivity in terms of increased milk and meat production and higher reproductive efficiency in ruminant animal species. Keeping the above facts in view, this study was undertaken to determine the effect of feeding solid multinutrient blocks on feed intake, nutrient utilization and haemato-biochemical profile of crossbred calves Methods: In this study twenty four crossbred male calves of about 14-17 months of age were divided into four groups of six animals in each group. All animals were supplied wheat straw ad lib. In addition, animals in all groups were fed a concentrate mixture to meet out their nutrient requirement. Additionally, 30 % of concentrate mixture (on CP basis) was replaced by solid multi-nutrient blocks (SMB-I), SMB-II and SMB-III in groups T1, T2 and T3, respectively. After 60 days of feeding a metabolism trial of 6 days was conducted to assess the nutrient utilization of animals. Blood samples were collected at 0, 75, 150 day of experimental feeding to determine hematological parameters, enzymes, biochemical parameters and serum mineral concentration. Result: The intake and digestibility of DM, OM, EE, NDF and ADF were comparable among 4 groups. The CP intake was significantly higher in SMB supplemented groups as compared to control but there was no significant difference in CP digestibility among 4 groups. All the animals in four groups were on positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. Haematobiochemical parameters like Hb, PCV, glucose, total protein, globulin, A:G, SGOT and SGPT showed non-significant differences (p greater than 0.05) among the groups, however, periodical serum concentrations of albumin, urea and creatinine was higher in crossbred calves at 75 and 150 days of experiment in comparison to 0 day. On basis of present results, it may be concluded that supplementation of SMB can replace 30% crude protein of concentrate mixture without any adverse effect on feed intake, digestibility, nutrient utilization and blood biochemical profile of crossbred calves.
Leptin Supplementation Stimulates Synergism with Growth Factors and Hormones to Express Its Receptor in Cultured Preantral Follicles of Sheep
Authors: Pragna K. Sravani , Chakravarthi V. Praveen , Pathipati Deepa , Naik B. Rambabu , Reddy L.S.S. Varaprasad , Kumari B. Punya , Kumar A.V.N. Siva
Published: December 2020

Background: Leptin receptor is a transmembrane receptor that regulates reproduction at molecular level.Since for action of any hormone on target cell and to have local action on any tissue, expression of its own receptor is necessary and also it is not known whether such improvement in ovarian follicular development by Leptin is mediated through presence of its homologous receptors in the sheep ovaries. Therefore this study aimed on expression of Leptin receptor mRNA in cultured ovarian follicles of sheep by RT PCR. Methods: Leptin receptor mRNA expression in sheep was studied using qRT-PCR from: (i) In vivo grown preantral, early antral, antral, large antral follicles and cumulus oocyte complexes obtained from large antral follicles subjected to 24h of in vitro maturation and (ii) PFs’ exposed to three different culture media for 3min, two, four or six days and subsequently matured in vitro for 24h. Result: Leptin receptor was observed at all stages ovarian follicles in both cumulus cells and oocytes. Leptin supplementation along with other growth factors and hormones stimulated the expression of its receptor mRNA which is parallel to in vivo stages which could suggest synergistic action of growth factors and hormones with Leptin.
Chemotherapeutic Effects of Docetaxel and Gene Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor During Regression of Mammary Tumours in Canines
Authors: Upadhyay Prachi , Jadon N.S. , Pandey Priyanka , Bhatt Jyotsana , Sandhu Ramanpreet Singh , Bodh Deepti , Kandpal Manjul , Kaushal Sara
Published: December 2020

Background: In this study the chemotherapeutic effects of docetaxel and gene expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) during regression of mammary tumour in canines were evaluated. Methods: Sixteen dogs suffering from canine mammary tumour were randomly divided into two groups viz. I and II and subjected to Docetaxel @ 30mg/m2 weekly, four consecutive cycles, (Group I) and surgical excision of tumour followed by chemotherapy with Docetaxel @ 30mg/m2 weekly, four consecutive cycles, (Group II). The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by clinical, radiological, ultrasonography, haemato-biochemical and histopathological evaluation including gene expression profiling of EGFR using Real-time PCR analysis. Result: On the basis of the above parameters studied it was concluded that combination of surgery and chemotherapy using docetaxel is an effective treatment for the regression of mammary tumour and can be used safely by the field veterinarian. Real-time PCR analysis also revealed down-regulation of EGFR gene in group II.
Serological and Nucleocapsid Gene Based Molecular Characterization of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) Isolated from Dogs of Southern Gujarat, India
Authors: Desai Dhruv , Kalyani Irshadullakhan , Solanki Jayesh , Patel Dharmesh , Makwana Pushpa , Sharma Kishan , Vala Jignesh , Muglikar Dushyant
Published: December 2020

Background: The present study was undertaken to diagnose and characterize canine distemper virus (CDV) isolated from dogs of southern Gujarat, India. CDV is lethal disease of canines and felines. Total of 40 different samples were collected from 18 suspected stray dogs having different clinical signs which were processed for diagnosis and characterization of CDV. Methods: All samples were processed by employing different methods like, Immunochromatography based lateral flow test (LFA), IgG based indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA), one step RT-PCR, nested one step RT-PCR and virus isolation in MDCK cell line. Restriction endonuclease (RE) analysis was used to characterize CDV Nucleocapsid (N) gene. Conclusion: Only 04 samples (02 nasal and 02 ocular swabs) of 02 dogs found positive for LFA, while 14 serum samples out of 17 samples of 18 dogs found positive for IgG antibody. As all dogs were unvaccinated, serum samples found positive in IgG based ELISA considered for confirmative positive for CDV infection. Whereas 13 samples of 10 dogs found positive for one step RT-PCR and nested one step RT-PCR. In RE digestion, characteristic two bands were found. All representative CDV positive samples of 10 dogs showed characteristic cytopathic effect in MDCK cell line. On age group wise percent positivity was found 71.42 % (05/07) in 0 - ≤6 months, while 77.77% (07/09) in 6- ≤12 months of age group, whereas, both samples were found positive in 12 months and above group. Overall 77.77% (14/18) dogs found positive for CDV infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on study of CDV infection in dogs from Gujarat state, India.
Comparative Analysis of Biochemical Constituents between Ovarian Follicular Fluid and Serum in Ganjam Goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Maharathi S.P. , Dalai N. , Mishra S.R. , Mohapatra S. , Mahapatra A.P.K. , Kundu A.K. , Behera P.C. , Sardar K.K. , Dash S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Follicular fluid is in part exudates of serum and is also partially composed of locally produced substances, which are related to the metabolic activity of the follicular cells. The knowledge of the biochemical composition of follicular fluid can provide useful information about the requirements, growth and maturation of oocyte and which may be used as a provisional guide for formulating suitable culture media for in vitro cell culture and maturation in a particular species. Methods: Follicular fluid were aspirated from small follicles ( less than 3 mm; SF), medium follicles (3-5 mm; MF) and large follicles ( greater than 5 mm; LF). Blood samples were also collected for extraction of serum. Follicular fluid and serum samples were analyzed for biochemical constituents. Conclusion: It can be concluded that some biochemical constituents of follicular fluid such as glucose, cholesterol, total protein and globulin were higher in large follicles compared to small follicles. Moreover, serum levels of most of biochemical constituents were higher than their levels in different sizes of follicular fluid. This present investigation of comparative analysis of biochemical constituents between serum and ovarian follicles in Ganjam goat of Odisha will provide clues to researchers who work on reproductive physiology in different breeds of goat.
Morphological Studies on the Skull Bones of Indian Mithun (Bos frontalis)
Authors: Choudhary O.P. , . Priyanka , Kalita P.C. , Dalga S. , Kalita A. , Doley P.J. , . Keneisenuo
Published: December 2020

Background: There is scanty information on the skull morphology of Indian mithun. Therefore, the present study has been designed to provide information on the morphology of the skull of Indian mithun. Method: The study was conducted on the skull bones of twelve (n=12) adult Indian mithun of either sex (n=6, male and n=6, female). The head region samples of naturally died mithun were collected from different parts of the Mizoram and Nagaland states of India from April, 2019 to March, 2020. Result: The skull of mithun was roughly triangular in shape from the dorsal side. The cranial and facial bones were the major components of the skull, with a total of thirty-two bones. There were three single and four paired cranial bones with a total of eleven bones. There was one single and the rest were paired facial bones with a total of twenty-one bones. The cranial bones were occipital, parietal, interparietal, sphenoid, ethmoid, frontal and temporal. The facial bones were maxilla, premaxilla (incisive), palatine, pterygoid, nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic (malar), vomer, turbinate, mandible and hyoid. The present morphological studies on the skull of mithun can be useful to the wildlife professionals and zoo veterinarians for the determination of sex of this animal and differentiation from other domestic and wild animals for solving veterolegal cases.
Effect of Moisture Conservation Practices and Zinc Fertilization on Nutrient Status and Quality of Pearlmillet Pennisetum glaucum (L.) under Rainfed Condition
Authors: Yadav Saroj Kumari , Dudwal B.L. , Yadav Vijay Laxmi , . Sarita , Yadav K.C. , Yadav J.K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Pearlmillet growing areas in country are mostly confined to coarse texture soil suffering from the problem of poor moisture retention capacity, low soil fertility and zinc deficiency. The main problem of rainfed area is uncertainty and uneven distribution of rainfall and loss of water through runoff which lead to low and unstable productivity due to moisture stress at critical stage of crop growth. At present, widespread and acute deficiency of zinc is another serious problem in arid and semi-arid region. Hence, the current study aim to find out suitable moisture conservation practices and zinc fertilization to mitigate the water stress and zinc deficiency under rainfed condition. Methods: A study on “Effect of moisture conservation practices and zinc fertilization on nutrient status and quality of pearlmillet” was conducted at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan) during kharif, 2017. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 20 treatments and replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of five moisture conservation practices i.e. control, dust mulch, pusa hydrogel, stover mulch and pusa hydrogel + stover mulch and four zinc fertilization practices i.e. control, 2 kg Zn/ha, 4 kg Zn/ha and 6 kg Zn/ha. Result: The perusal of data clearly indicated that among moisture conservation practices, stover mulch proved significantly superior to control, dust mulch, pusa hydrogel with respect to higher in N, P, K and Zn content, their total uptake and protein content in pearlmillet but it was at par with pusa hydrogel + stover mulch. Under zinc fertilization treatments direct application of 6.0 and 4.0 kg Zn/ha being at par with each other and recorded significantly higher in nutrient content, protein content and total uptake of N, Zn and K over control.
Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency in [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Variety Phule Phandari (PP) and VCM-8
Authors: Savant K.D.
Published: December 2020

Background: Mutation breeding is one of the cheapest and surest method of plant breeding. In mutation breeding program effectiveness and efficiency of mutagens could be helpful to realize the spectrum of desirable mutations in the treated populations. The effectiveness and efficiency of two mutagens EMS and gamma rays were studied in two varieties of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.]. Methods: In the present investigation, the seeds of two varieties of cowpea, phulepandhari and VCM-8 were treated with gamma rays and EMS to obtain the spectrum and frequency of chlorophyll mutations in M2 generation. Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency were calculated using frequency of chlorophyll mutations. Result: The individual treatment of EMS was found to be more efficient than gamma rays to induce chlorophyll mutants. A progressive increase in mutation frequency of chlorophyll mutations was observed with increasing doses. Four different types of chlorophyll mutants, such as, chlorina albina, xantha and viridis were induced with effect of mutagens. The highest frequency of chlorophyll mutations was reported in the gamma rays. There was a dose dependent increase in the spectrum and frequency of chlorophyll mutations. The lower dosages of gamma rays and EMS were proved to be most effective and efficient. Among two mutagens used EMS was much more effective than gamma rays in both the varieties viz. variety phulepandhari and VCM-8.
Optimizing Seed Rates and Effects of Direct and Indirect Selection Indices in Sugarcane Crop
Authors: Khaliq Abdul , Ahmad Naeem , Ahmad Hafiz Basheer , Younus Muhammad , sher Rashad ul , saeed Shazia , Hussain Iqtidar
Published: December 2020

Background: Under current scenario of High cost of Production of Sugarcane crop, it is need of time to decide specific seed rate for individual varieties. Sugarcane seed contributes to 10-20% of cost of production and farmers invests about Rs. 20000/- per acre on planting material. The costs of seed can be curtailed by optimizing seed rate. Similarly, seed rate varies with different varieties. In this view, a field experiment was carried out to optimize the seed rate of promising sugarcane clones. Methods: A field experiment was carried using randomized complete block design with factorial arrangements having three replications at Sugarcane Research Institute, Faisalabad during 2016-17 and 2017-18. Result: The results revealed that maximum cane diameter was recorded for S2008-AUS-133 at seed rate of 25000 and 50000 triple budded setts/ha. However; maximum number of canes/ha were recorded for S2008-AUS-133 at seed rate of 75000 setts/ha followed by HSF-240 at 75000 setts/ha. Maximum cane yield was noted for HSF-240 at seed rate of 75000 followed by S2008-AUS-133 at seed rate of 50000 and lowest can yield was recorded in S2003-US-127 at seed rate of 25000 triple budded setts/ha. Genotypic and phenotypic variances were higher for plant height (381.63, 133.91 cm) and cane yield (406.50, 330.65 kg/plot).Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variances were moderate for number of tillers (11.6%, 15.44%) and higher for cane yield (20.24%, 22.44%). It means that variability in 4 genotypes for cane yield was higher. Thus variety S2008-AUS-133 showed better performance at seed rate 75000 while during selection, number of tillers and height should be considered for further breeding program.
Influence of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Fiji
Authors: Sachan H.K. , Krishna Deeksha , Prasad A.
Published: December 2020

Background: Maize is used both as green cobs and for grains and it is in increasing demand throughout Fiji. Maize productivity is low and could be attributed primarily to climate, low soil fertility and inappropriate agronomic practices. Methods: The experiment was laid out on maize variety Nirala in a randomized block design with three replications and six treatments comprising NPK, poultry manure and its combinations. Parameters on plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, grain yield were recorded and collected data was analyzed statistically applying the analysis of variance technique. Result: Results reveled that among the all combinations, 100% NPK (300 kg/ha) along with PM @ 10 t ha-1 recorded higher plant height (204.00 cm), number of leaves per plant (12.87), maximum production efficiency (20.93 Kg/day/ha) and significantly superior (2511 kg/ha) grain yield and was most effective for improving growth and yield of maize.
Yield Analysis of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) with Mustard (Brassaca juncea) Intercropping System as Influenced by Weed Management Practices
Authors: Rajput R.L. , Kushwaha B.B.
Published: December 2020

Background: Intercropping is the more profitable cropping system in Agriculture for marginal hold farmers. In this system risk cover in abiotic stress and farmers have gain one crop mostly who are using herbicide to control weeds. Crops raise fast and with controlled weeds. Scientific approach of intercropping increases the productivity per unit area and per unit time under a situation where two crops are grown in a certain row proportion. The selection of compatible crops is one of the important considerations, in deciding economically viable and feasible intercropping system. Chickpea with mustard is a prominent intercropping system in Indian subcontinent. The majority of the farmers adopt this system under recourse constraint conditions. Since Chickpea is a poor competitor for weeds because of its slow growth and limited leaf area development at early stages of crops growth and establishment. Methods: An experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture Farm Gwalior during Rabi season of 2011-12 and 2012-13. The experiment was laid out in Split-Plot Design with three replications. Eighteen treatment combinations comprising three intercropping systems, viz, chickpea (sole), mustard (sole) and chickpea with mustard were taken as main plot treatments and six weed management practices viz, weedy-check, weed free, fluchloralin@ 1.0kg/ha pre-plant incorporation (PPI), pendimethalin @ 1 kg/ha as pre-emergene, (PE), Isoproturon 0.75 kg/ha as post emergence (POE) and quizalofop -ethyl @50 ml/ha (PoE) as sub plot treatments. The recommended dose of fertilizer in chickpea 18 kg/ha of nitrogen and 46 kg/ha of P2O5 were applied with equal distribution to both the crops through 100 kg /ha diammonium phosphate as basal application at the time of sowing in rows below the seed. A seed rate of 70 kg and 5 kg/ha for chickpea and mustard was used in their sole crops respectively. Result: Chickpea with mustard intercropping system proved to be the most promising system which obtained more net returns and benefit: cost ratio. So for realizing higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio, chickpea with mustard may be recommended to farmers who are interested in taking both the crops instead of their pure stands as it proved to be economically better and feasible in generating more monetary benefits by spending fewer amounts for their better lively hood security as well as land use efficiency.