In the present study, fecal samples from 445 stray dogs, collected during July 2008 to December 2012 were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. Fecal samples were collected throughout the six parishes of the country, under the national rabies control program. Fecal samples were examined for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites by flotation technique. Out of 445 dogs 394 (88.5 %) (95% Confidence interval (CI) 84.54% to 91.46%) dogs were found infected with one or more species of gastrointestinal parasites. The results revealed the presence of at least one parasite egg of 73 % Ancylostoma spp., 15.7 % Trichuris vulpis, 3.8% Toxocara canis, 1.4% Coccidia spp. and 1.1% Strongyloides spp. The prevalence of the GI parasites according to stray dog age groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05, χ2). There was no significant difference between male and female dogs (p>0.05, χ2). Analyzing the prevalence of GI parasites in various age groups the results showed that dogs under 12 weeks of age had a higher prevalence than juveniles (12-24 weeks) and adults (over 24 weeks). The presence of zoonotic parasites in stray dogs in Grenada, poses possible risks of contamination of the environment which may have public health implications

The study aims to evaluate the effects of a commercial probiotics and prebiotic combination on performance indices and haematological parameters of guinea fowls. A total of forty (n=40) day-old pearl guinea fowls raised to 12-week-old were used for the study. The fowls were wing-banded, weighed individually and randomly allocated into two groups of 20 fowls each, with each having two replicates. Experimental fowls were fed grower diet supplemented with 0.5 g of probiotics and prebiotic combination per kg feed for 8 weeks, while the control fowls were fed a grower diet that was not supplemented. Feed consumption and water intake were recorded daily, chest circumference, body weight, percentage weigh gain and feed conversion ratio were measured weekly, while blood samples were collected in the last week of the experiment to evaluate the haematological parameters. All birds were kept under similar environmental, managerial and hygienic conditions. The results revealed that experimental fowls had significantly (P < 0.05) higher feed consumption, water intake, total protein, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb), but lower total leucocyte count (TLC) compared with control. No significant difference was observed in other haematological parameters and performance indices between the two groups. In conclusion, 0.5 g/kg diet of prebiotics and probiotic combination improved erythropoiesis and nutritional status of guinea fowls; however, the results of performance indices suggest that this dose may not be optimum, thus necessitating the need for more research using other dosages.

The experiment was conducted in Dehana District to identify the adaptable and high yielding oat accession (s). Data on dry matter yield (kg × m-2), dry matter (percentage), grain yield (kg × m-2), plant height (centimeter) and fresh weight (kg × m-2) were taken for the accessions of oat used (579-D-27, CI-8237, CI-8235, DZF- 00551 and 6710). A significance difference (p<0.05) was observed in the parameters of dry matter yield, grain yield and fresh weight but the other parameters did not show significant differences. The mean dry matter yield of CI-8237 (0.735 kg × m-2) was significantly higher than 579-D-27 (0.562 kg × m-2), 6710 (0.533 kg × m-2) and CI-8235 (0.506 kg × m-2) varieties. The mean fresh weight yield of CI-8237 (2.446 kg × m-2) was significantly higher than 6710 (1.819 kg × m-2) and CI-8235 (1.774 kg × m-2). The mean grain yield of DZ-00551 (0.283 kg × m-2) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than all the other varieties. At the end of the experiment a field day was prepared and all the participants of field day (100%) prefer the variety CI-8237 for its biomass yield. Hence, it can be concluded that the oat variety CI-8237 should be recommended to farmers of Dehana District and of similar climatic conditions in order to enhance livestock feed production.

Total 45 E. coli isolates were recovered from faecal samples of 77 diarrhoeic and 85 healthy animals and birds, 51 milk samples and 48 diarrhoeic human stool samples. Multiplex PCR based molecular characterization targeting the virulence genes (stx1, stx2, eae and bfpA) could reveal presence of 24 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and 21 as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). Among the STEC 19 isolates belonged to 13 different serogroups while four were untypable and one rough. Majority of STEC isolates carried stx2 gene. Out of 21 EPEC isolates, 15 were serogrouped into 9 different serogroups and 6 were either untypable or rough. All the four EPEC isolates of milk origin belonged to serogroup O2. Only two isolates from dierrhoeic buffaloes were found to be typical

A cross-sectional study was carried out in selected districts of South Wollo zone of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia during the period between April 2013 and December, 2013 to identify the major factors associated with external injuries in equines. Moreover, 180 randomly selected farmers were interviewed to collect relevant data on equine management and welfare issues. 586 working equines (346 donkeys and 240 mules) were examined clinically for screening injuries on body parts. Among the equines, 95.9% donkeys and 80.8% mules were used as pack animals. 63%, 27% and 9.8% of donkeys and 35%, 56.7% and 8.3% of mules were in thin, medium and good body condition score, respectively. The study revealed 66.6% overall prevalence of external injuries. The incidence of external injury in these animals was independent of age and species. Injuries caused by improper harness (saddle) design and overload were more common in both donkeys and mules. Injuries were most common in the back (31.8%), brisket region (12.3%), flank (10.8%) and tail base (6.2%). Out of a total of 108 interviewed farmers, 13.8% did not provide any treatment to their equines and 33.4% used their equine continuously regardless of the presence and severity of injures. In general, improper harnessing, overloading and ill-fitted saddle design were the major causes of external injuries in working equines of the area. The study disclosed higher prevalence of external injuries and absence of proper management of working donkeys and mules in south Wollo zone. Thus, a comprehensive equine health and welfare promotion program should be taken without any delay to alleviate the existing problems in the near future.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the modulatory role of L-ascorbic acid against oxidative stress in bifenthrin intoxicated rats. Rats were divided into four groups with six rats in each group. Group I animals received corn oil and served as control while as group II animals were orally treated with bifenthrin @ 5.8mg/Kg/day. In group III, vitamin C was orally administered @ 60mg/Kg/day where as group IV received both vitamin C and bifenthrin @ 60mg/Kg/day and 5.8mg/Kg/day respectively. After 30th day of treatment, blood samples were taken and analysed for oxidative stress parameters. Significant (P<0.05) increase in MDA levels was observed in bifenthrin treated animals as compared to control and vitamin C treated animals. Blood glutathione level decreased significantly (P<0.05) in bifenthrin intoxicated animals as compared to control. Similarly, the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., SOD, GSH-Px, GST and CAT decreased significantly (P<0.05) in bifenthrin treated rats as compared control. Ameliorative group receiving both bifenthrin and L-ascorbic acid significantly restored the normal values of various oxidative stress parameters except GST

Present study was aimed to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of F. racemosa on MCF7 human breast cancer cell line. Effect of ethanolic extracts of tender fruits of F. racemosa on MCF7 human breast cancer cell lines by Sulphorodamine B (SRB) assay was carried out. Three observations viz. LC50, TGI, GI 50 were recorded. The absorbance was recorded on an Elisa plate reader at a wavelength of 540 nm with 690 nm. F. racemosa showed LC50, TGI and GI50 activity at ≥ 80 μg/ ml concentration. Thus, it can be concluded that F. racemosa fruit extract hassome cytotoxic and anticancer activity (in vitro)at ≥ 80 μg/ ml concentration of plant extract on MCF7 human breast cancer cell line.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is an important Mycoplasma species, causes chronic respiratory disease in poultry. Present study was conducted with the aim of detection of anti Mycoplasma gallisepticum antibodies in different age group of chicken by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Chicken serum samples were collected from different areas and unorganized farm of district Rewa (Madhya Pradesh). A solid phase blocking ELISA test was performed in serum samples using SVANOVIR MG-Ab, Sweden kit. Around 98 serum samples of different age group of chicken were collected. Chicken were divided into four different age groups viz. group I (6-24 Wks), II (25-42 Wks), III (43-60 Wks) and IV (61-77 Wks), each group further divided into three subgroups according to age. Age wise study of Mycoplasma gallisepticum antibody detection revealed that age group I (6-24 wk age), II (25-42 Wk age), III (43-60 Wks) and IV(61-77 wk) were showing 30%, 20.83%, 20.83% and 12.50% seroconversion respectively. Study revealed that age group 6-24wks showing maximum antibody titer and age group 61-77 wks showing minimum antibody titer. Age subgroup 6-12 wks showing maximum 40% antibody titer. In overall study, Out of 98 samples tested 21.40% samples were positive by ELISA test. ELISA is used as a highly specific test for the detection of anti MG antibodies in chicken serum.

This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2013 and March 2014 to determine the prevalence of lungworms in sheep in two districts of South Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Alongside the financial losses encountered due to lungworm infection in sheep during retrospective study in Dessie municipal Abattoir was also assessed. A total of 477 fecal samples collected from sheep were examined using modified Baerman technique. Out of which 218 were found to be positive (45.71%). The lungworm species were Muellerius capillaris 212(23.48%), Dictyocaulus filaria 39(8.18%), Protostrongylus rufescens 28(5.87%) and mixed infection 39(8.18%) either with two or three species. The prevalence of lungworm infection was significantly different between sexes (χ2=32.2, P= 0.000), age groups (χ2=72.561, p=0.000) and body conditions (χ2=113.66, p=0.000). Prevalence was significantly higher in female sheep (57.94%), sheep of above 3years of age (69.01%) and poor body condition (89.62%) than males, sheep of less than 3years of age (<1 year, 1-3years) and medium/good body conditions, respectively. Moreover, sheep showing respiratory clinical syndromes, kept under extensive management system and sampled during wet season showed statistically significant variation (p<0.05) when compared with those sheep without respiratory syndrome, kept under semi-intensive management system and sampled in dry season, respectively. The mean annual financial losses by organ condemnation and carcass weight reduction due to lungworm infection in sheep slaughtered at Dessie municipal abattoir were estimate to be 7445549.6 ETB, equivalent to 402462.1USD.

The present study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Bovine respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) in cattle and buffaloes from different agroclimatic zones (viz. Submountain undulating, Undulating Plain, Central Plain, Western Plain and Western) in Punjab, north India by using commercially available competitive ELISA technique. A total of 187 serum sample(s) of 40 dairy herds of different age groups were collected and screened for the presence of BRSV antibodies. The overall seroprevalence recorded for BRSV in bovines was 47.05%. Seroprevalences of BRSV in cows and buffaloes was found to be 45.12% (37/82) and 48.57% (51/105), respectively. Animal in large herds and older animals (above 4 years) had the highest seropositivity and the findings were statistically significant on chi-square analysis (p<0.05) which indicated that older animals and large herds are important risk factors for increased seropositivity to BRSV. No significant variation was observed in the haematological values of BRSV sero-positive and sero-negative animals. The present study puts on records of high seroprevalence of BRSV infection in bovines of Punjab, north India and the results indicate that exposure to this agent is common within study areas

The reports of prevalence of Arcobacter butzleri in mutton, chevon and cara beef are very rare in India. The foods of animal origin included in the present study are mutton, chevon and cara beef in addition to chicken meat and milk. A total of 154 samples viz. 23 for mutton, 20 for chevon and 10 for carabeef were collected from retail meat shops, Bareilly, U.P, India; 70 samples of chicken meat were collected from CARI, IVRI, Bareilly India and 30 milk samples were collected from various milk suppliers, vendors and dairy farms, Bareilly, India. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based screening was employed in this study to determine the prevalence of Arcobacter butzleri in the collected samples. PCR assays used in the present study were standardized as per the protocol of Houf et al. (2000). The optimised PCR assay gave an amplification product of 401 bp size in 18 samples out of 154 and it was specific only for Arcobacter butzleri and not for other related bacterial DNA’s tested like that of Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Arcobacter skirrow, C. jejuni, C. coli, Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli. While 12 of chicken meat, 03 mutton, 01 chevon, 01 carabeef, 01 milk samples were positive by PCR giving the respective prevalence of 17.14%, 13.04%, 5%, 10% and 3.22%. The overall prevalence of Arcobacter butzleri in the screened samples was found to be 11.69%.

Myostatin (MSTN) is one of the most important growth regulatory genes that resulted in higher growth of skeletal muscles in livestock species. So the study was undertaken to identify the polymorphism of myostatin (MSTN) gene as a genetic marker for growth traits in Madras Red, Mecheri and Nilagiri sheep breeds of Tamil Nadu. The blood samples were collected from unrelated animals of Madras Red (n = 127), Mecheri (n = 101) and Nilagiri (103) breeds of sheep from different agroclimatic regions of Tamil Nadu. Part of 5’UTR, exon 1 and part of intron 1 (797 bp) of MSTN gene was amplified with suitable primers. The amplified products were digested with the Msp I and Hae III restriction enzymes. But both the PCR-RFLP results of Msp I and Hae III was found to be monomorphic in all the three breeds of sheep indicating that the MSTN gene is highly conserved and of use in evolutionary studies

A survey was conducted to ascertain the distribution and virulence of Aeromonas spp. (species) in carabeef and mutton samples in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, India. Conventional method using Aeromonas isolation medium and Ampicillin Dextrin agar, PCR targeting 16S rRNA were used to identify Aeromonas spp. in meat samples. Conventional cultural method revealed 28% and 40% positives in mutton and carabeef, respectively whereas PCR assay detected 32% (mutton) and 44% (carabeef) positives suggesting that PCR has a better sensitivity than the cultural method. PCR positives were examined for the presence of toxin genes. Both aerolysin (37.5% in mutton and carabeef) and thermostablecytotonic enterotoxin (36.3%)

In the present study forty cattle were divided into four groups of ten cattle in each. Group I and II served as healthy and diseased control, respectively. Group III was treated with Moringa oleifera fruit powder and group IV was treated with standard chemical antidote i.e. calcium and boron. Blood, urine and faeces were collected from the animals of all the groups on day 0, 30 and 60 of the experiment for estimation of fluoride and haemato-biochemical parameters to evaluate the efficacy of Moringa oleifera fruit powder. Fluoride affected cattle revealed significantly higher level of fluoride in serum as compared to normal cattle at different observation periods of the experiment. Significant reduction in fluoride concentration in serum was recorded in group III and group IV animals from day 30 onwards. Altered haemato-biochemical parameters were restored after the supplementation of Moringa oleifera fruit powder in fluorotic cows. It is concluded that, dried fruit powder of Moringa oleifera had ameliorative potential against industrial fluorosis in cattle and can be used as a fluoride alleviator for control of fluorosis

A study was conducted on 120 guinea fowls to see the effect of garlic powder and chromium picolinate supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics and immunological parameters of guinea fowls. The birds were randomly divided into four treatment groups, having three replications consisting of ten birds each. The birds in the control group (T1) were not given any supplement, whereas, in treatments, birds were supplemented with garlic powder @ 1 % of basal diet (T2), chromium picolinate @ 1500 ppb in drinking water (T3) and chromium picolinate @ 1000 ppb in drinking water plus garlic powder @ 0.5 % of basal diet (T4) respectively. Results of trial indicated that both garlic and chromium picolinate supplementation improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (P<0.05) of Guinea fowls. Feed intake of birds was also found reduced (P<0.05) in all treatment groups in comparison to control. At the end of twelve week of age, the carcass traits-eviscerated weight with and without giblet and organ weights did not differ significantly between treatment groups. The abdominal fat expressed as percentage of live weight was significantly lower (P<0.05) in all treatment groups as compared to control group. Immune response as revealed by delayed type of hypersensitivity (measurement of skin thickness) and serum immunoglobulin were improved in all the three supplemented groups. Thus it can be concluded that both chromium and garlic supplementation can improve growth performance and immunity and thus can be used as growth promoters in poultry.

The incidence and prevalence of bacterial pathogens affecting zoo animals is increasing due to consumption of contaminated water containing the various persistent bacterial pathogens with increased antimicrobial resistance. The consumption of this antimicrobial resistance water causes transmission of several water borne bacterial diseases. Hence to save the lives of wild animals and to protect the ecological balance of our environment, a critical routine systemic analysis of supplied water with good monitoring practice and development of a database for routine screening of the water for captive animals is very much essential. So, the experiment was conducted to assess the microbial load in the form of CFU/ml and the identification of antibiotic resistant bacteria by antibiotic resistance test (ABST) in the supplied water from the enclosure pools at Nandankanan Zoo, Odisha. It was found that several bacterial isolates like E. coli, Pseudomonas spp, Salmonella and Corynebacterium spp are exclusively present in this contaminated water based on the cultural, morphological and biochemical characterization. Under antibiotic sensitivity test (ABST), tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim was found resistant for E.coli in all the collected samples of wild animal species including birds and reptiles. Cephalothin and Sulfisoxazole were moderately resistance to E. coli in case of birds whereas Gentamycin and Neomycin were moderately resistance to the sample collected from Lions enclosure.

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) is associated with a various respiratory and genital clinical manifestations in cattle. It belongs to alphaherpesvirinae family with double stranded DNA genome of 140 kb size. As other herpesviruses, BHV-1 also transcribes viral proteins into three kinetic classes namely immediate early (IE), early (E) and late (L). Transcription of these genes is dependent on several important regulatory motifs like OCT-1 (Ocatmer Binding Proteins), C/EBPα (CAATT enhancer binding protein alpha), TATA box and DPE (Downstream promoter elements). Most of these motifs have been studied in IE genes and very little literature is available for Early and Late genes in BHV-1. Hence the present study is undertaken to computationally identify similar motifs in early and late promoters of BHV-1. Computational analysis of promoters has shown that majority of its promoters uses Downstream Processing Elements (DPE) for the transcription of its genes. The genes which are known to express their proteins in high amount has TATA box along with DPE at the optimum position from the transcription start site (TSS). This study provides an overview of the regulatory motifs important for gene regulation and transcription studies

The present research work was undertaken to study the puerperal hematological changes in Beetal at different stages of parity in Jammu region, J&K. Thirty six adult Beetal goats were categorized into 3 parity groups viz. group-A (1-3 parity), group-B (4-6 parity) and group-C (7-8 parity). Blood samples were collected 3 and 1 week before and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks after kidding. The hemoglobin, PCV and plasma iron was analyzed from the collected blood samples. Analysis of haematological parameters viz. Hb and PCV revealed significant decline during the 1 week before and 1 (p<0.001) and 4 (p<0.005) weeks after kidding compared with 16 weeks after kidding. Prevalence rate of anaemia in goats having Hb level <8 g/dl and PCV level <22 per cent was highest 1 week after followed by 1 week before and 4 weeks after kidding. Low plasma iron levels were observed during peri-partum period. No significant difference in levels of Hb and PCV among various parity groups was observed. Physiological conditions- late pregnancy and early lactation are accompanied with marked decrease in Hb and PCV levels

A study was conducted to find out the differences in carcass traits among the Cobb-400, Vanraja, Aseel and Kadaknath Breeds of chicken. Cobb-400 showed significantly (P<0.05) higher live weight and dressing percentage than indigenous breeds (Vanrja, Aseel and Kadaknath) at the age of six week. Hot carcass weight as well as cold carcass weight were significantly (P<0.05) higher in comparison to studied indigenous breeds. The same pattern was reported for meat bone ratio and meat yield. Among all indigenous breeds Aseel showed highest live weight, dressing percentage, hot and cold carcass weight as well as meat bone ratio and meat yield. However, these values were comparable between Vanraja and Kadaknath breeds. The carcass traits values overall had lower values than most of the studied reports which might be due to lower slaughter age of indigenous breed used in present study. So the need is to upgrade the growth status of indigenous chicken breeds to meet out the daunting demand of meat of these breeds.

In the present study 20 cases of uterine torsion in cows presented to the TVCC of the department were evaluated for type, direction and degree of torsion as well as for liver and kidney function tests to determine prognosis. Of the total, 65% cases were of pre-cervical type and 35% post-cervical. In 75% cases direction of torsion was to the right side than to the left (25%). Forty per cent cases were of 180-360° than 90-180° (25%) and few were of ≤90° (20%) and >360° (15%). Ninety five per cent cases were reported at full term pregnancy. Out of all 65% cases could be delivered per-vaginum while 35% needed laparohysterotomy. The values of plasma GOT/AST at the time of presentation of case, 1-hr and 24-hr following delivery and in control group on delivery were 150.68 ± 3.03, 119.46 ± 1.27, 89.33 ± 1.23 and 69.96 ± 1.00 U/L, respectively. The corresponding values of plasma GPT/ALT were 112.90 ± 3.95, 85.18 ± 0.96, 62.44 ± 1.72 and 39.35 ± 1.20 U/L. The values of plasma bilirubin for the corresponding stages/groups were 1.68 ± 0.07, 1.13 ± 0.03, 0.75 ± 0.03 and 0.34 ± 0.02 mg/dl, respectively. The value of plasma creatinine at the time of presentation, and 1-hr and 24-hr following delivery and in control group were 2.03 ± 0.06, 1.51 ± 0.04, 0.80 ± 0.02 and 0.40 ± 0.02 mg/dl, while the values of BUN were 56.61 ± 1.44, 35.71 ± 0.37, 29.04 ± 0.27 and 17.56 ± 0.70 mg/dl, respectively.

A total of 18 weaned Barbari kids were randomly assigned to three different groups, with six animals in each group. Composition of the rations was as follows; T1 (Control); Basal ration (DCP-18%, TDN-70%), T2; Basal ration + probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, 6×109 cfu/g) @ 2g/animal/day, T3; Basal ration + probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 4 × 109 cfu/g) @ 2g/animal/day. The effect of feeding two types of probiotics to Barbari kids revealed significant difference (P<0.05) on body weight of kids fed with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (T3 group) as compared to Lactobacillus acidophilus fed (T2 group) and control group (T1). The average daily body weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T3 group followed by T2 and control group. The body measurements were non-significantly higher in T2 and T3 group as compared to control group (T1). Feed efficiency ratio of group T3 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) 0.13±0.00 was higher than the group T2 (Lactobacillus acidophilus) 0.09±0.00 followed by T1 (basal ration) 0.05±0.00. Average daily body weight gain in Barbari kids was more in T3 group as compared to T2 group. No significant effect on dry matter intake was observed across the groups. Higher digestibility coefficient for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract were observed in T3 group as compared to T2 and control group. It can be concluded that probiotic supplementation improves daily body weight gain in Barbari kids.

Meat obtained from Munjal and Harnali breeds of sheep were used for preparation of patties and were analyzed for quality attribues. The breed effect on the product quality was analyzed to produce a detail picture in reference to the parameters like physicochemical, textural, sensory characteristics. It was found that Munjal and Harnali breeds have no significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on physico-chemical and functional properties of patties. The color parameter indicated that L* and a* values have no significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference but b* values have significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference. However the Texture Profile Analysis and sensory panel scores indicated a lower quality attributes for the products prepared from the Harnali breed in comparison to Munjal. Hardness, gumminess, chewiness, firmness and toughness of patties have significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference. The microbial count indicated more than 6 log cfu/gm after 20 days of storage indicating a shelf life of less than 20 day in refrigerated storage.

This experiment was undertaken to know the phenotypic characteristics of indigenous goat. The study was conducted to investigate morphometric characters of goat in four different blocks Charkhari, Jaitpur, Panwari and Kabrai of Mahoba. Characteristics of body weight, body length, heart girth, wither height, fore leg length; hind leg length, head length, ear length, ear width, horn length etc were collected from mature goat. The results indicate that the average litter size, birth weight, weaning weight and body weight gain were comparatively higher in goat of Jaitpur than those of other three blocks. The average numbers of service/conception, post partum heat period (days), age at first heat (days), age at first kidding (days), kidding interval (days), gestation length were 1.45, 49.96, 347.11, 538.03, 358.92, 150.82 respectively in Jaitpur block flock which were comparatively better than the other three blocks. The average litter size, birth weight male, female (kg), weaning weight (kg), body weight gain (g), milk yield (kg) and lactation length in Jaitpur block flock were 1.65, 1.40, 1.16, 6.31, 52.09, 100.38 and 155.96 consequently. The average milk composition of fat, protein, lactose, SNF and mineral were 5.5, 3.9, 5.7, 10.9 and 0.7, respectively in all block. The overall performance of the goat of Jaitpur block flock were comparatively better than the others which may be due to the result of selective breeding, improve feeding, housing, health management etc.

The present study was designed to examine the estrus induction response and fertility performance in delayed pubertal heifers treated with two medicinal plants Aegle marmelos in combination with Murraya koenigii. A total of 11 heifers were treated with the plants leaf powder for 9 days per orally after determining the dose by the extrapolation from effective dose of 50% ethanolic extract in rats (1000 mg/ kg b. wt.) with optimum ovarian response. Extrapolated extract dose was subsequently converted to powder dose based on per cent yield. Six heifers were kept as untreated control. Six out of 11 (54.1%) heifers in treatment group and 1 out of 6 (16.7%) in control group exhibited standing estrus. All these estrus heifers were inseminated and confirmed as pregnant and calved in due course. Though the proportion of heifers that showed estrus, became pregnant and calved in the end, did not achieve statistical significance (P>0.05) between the groups, nevertheless, the number and proportion of such heifers was higher in the treatment group than that of control. In conclusion, the present study indicates that Aegle marmelos in combination with Murraya koenigii have the potential to induce estrus in delayed pubertal heifers with appreciable fertility performance.

The economic analysis of small broiler units was carried out in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir state of India. The majority of broiler farms were existed in and around Jammu city of Jammu district. The cost and returns were calculated by categorizing broiler farms into three sizes; less than 500 birds, 501-1000 birds and more than 1000 birds. The data were collected from 60 broiler producers, 20 from each category during the year 2013-2014. The cost of production, mortality rates and returns from broiler production were estimated in different categories of broiler farms under study. The cost of chicks constituted the highest item of variable cost in all categories of farms i.e. 40.47% which was followed by cost of feed (37.19%), cost of medicine, vaccination and veterinary fee (11.78%), cost of labour (5.49%), miscellaneous cost (2.71%), cost of flooring material (1.35%), cost of electricity (0.74%) and cost of fumigation (0.27%). The overall gross income in all the broiler farms was ` 12705.08, whereas net income was Rs. 4139.72. The overall benefit-cost ratio was 1.48. The analysis of benefit-cost ratio for 100 chicks signifies that large broiler farms were more profitable than the small farms due to the optimum utilization of both fixed and variable inputs involved in the broiler production. The ratios of Marginal Value Product (MVP) to Marginal Factor Cost (MFC) were positive and more than unity for chicks, human labour and vaccine, drugs and veterinary fee i.e. 1.4768, 1.3934 and 5.3531 respectively, indicating the under-utilization of these resources, whereas for feeds, the ratio although came positive but it was less than unity i.e. 0.5779, indicating that the resource was over-utilized.

Present investigation was conducted to assess the serum biochemical profiles along with nutritional status of cattle under field conditions. The animals were grouped in to four categories depending on the land holding capacity of the farmers viz. landless, marginal, small and large. The nutritional status of the animals was assessed by measurement of body weight (BW) and body condition scores (BCS) and supplemented with blood biochemical profiling. The BW and BCS in pooled population were 316.63 ± 1.339 and 3.86 ± 0.037 respectively. BCS of cattle differed significantly (P<0.05) among all groups. The BW of cattle in landless category differed significantly (P<0.05) to all other categories. The values for blood glucose, total protein, albumin, A/G ratio and cholesterol were within normal range, whereas, serum Ca and P were below normal. The values of blood glucose, total protein, albumin, A/G ratio and Calcium showed no significant difference among all groups. The serum cholesterol of large category differed significantly (P<0.05) with landless and small category. The serum calcium of large category differed significantly (P<0.05) with landless and marginal category. It is concluded that cattle of this area are deficit in calcium and phosphorus though the nutritional requirements are being met.

The metacarpus of Indian Blackbuck comprised of two metacarpal bones. The large metacarpal bone consisted of fused III and IV metacarpals. The shaft of the metacarpus presented two surfaces and two borders. The dorsal surface was smooth and semi-cylindrical in outline. The palmar surface was flat in outline and it presented a deep longitudinal groove which possessed similar foramina. These foramina communicated with the similar foramina on the palmar surface through transverse canals. The proximal extremity presented two slightly concave facets, separated by a median ridge in front and a shallow groove behind. The distal extremity was divided by a dorso-palmar cleft into two condyles. The small metacarpals (splint bones) were cord like bones inblackbuck. The metacarpal II was present on palmo-medial aspect and metacarpal V was present on palmo-lateral aspect of the large metacarpal.

Maedi-Visna virus (MVV) in sheep and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis virus (CAEV) in goats, two genetically related diseases caused by small ruminant lenti viruses (SRLVs). These viruses are reported to pose serious economic threats in industrialized countries. The present study reports the epidemiological presence of antibodies by using ELISA test against these viruses in small ruminants in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. The seropositivity was recorded as 4.28% against MVV and 4.5% against CAEV with an overall seropositivity of 4.32%.

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Croatian editorial Board Members from Croatia Visited India to attend 44th DIC, Karnal

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Founder Editor-in-Chief Invited as Speaker for the 44th DIC, NDRI, Karnal

This study evaluates the nutrients digestibility and energy metabolism of crossbred cattle and buffaloes fed different ratio of concentrate and roughage based ration. 12 adult animals were used of three groups of cattle and buffalo, the following: cattle (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) (n=6) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) (n=6). Three groups of animals, each consisting two crossbred cattle, and two buffalo were fed experimental diets and used in 3×3 switchover design. A metabolism trial was conducted with six crossbred cattle and six buffaloes fed with different ratio of concentrate and roughage. There was non-significant difference in nutrient digestibilities between cattle and buffaloes. Respiration calorimetric studies revealed that heat production was significantly (P<0.01) lower in buffaloes however, methane emission and net energy utilization was significantly (P<0.05) higher in buffaloes than cattle. It was concluded that under higher plane of nutrition and higher concentrate: roughage ratio there is significant reduction in methane emission compared to lower plane of nutrition in both species. However, efficiency of energy utilization was significantly lower in crossbred cattle than buffaloes.