Contents

Present study was focused on the genetic variability in Prolactin and Pituitary specific transcription factor-1 genes using Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and nucleotide sequencing techniques. DNA was isolated from 100 Murrah buffaloes maintained at directorate of livestock farms, GADVASU Ludhiana. A 294 bp fragment of PRL and 451 bp fragment of Pit-1 gene was amplified and digested using RsaI and HinfI restriction enzymes. The genotypes were then sequenced using sanger di-deoxy chain termination method and were compared with related species. Both RsaI and HinfI locus showed only one genotype. The amplicons of both genes exhibited absence of polymorphism with respect to restriction enzymes used and accordingly, the allelic frequency was found to be unity. The monomorphic pattern of the amplicon of these genes with respect to different enzymes indicated the concernedness of these genes. Percent diversity and divergence matrix analysis revealed that both genes are in close cluster with swamp buffalo and bos species as compared to other species included in the sequence comparison. The result suggested that the allele has been fixed in the herd and need to inclusion of the Murrah buffalo from other population in the herd to introduce desired genetic variability to enhance the milk production. Sequence comparison of PRL and Pit-1 genes of Murrah buffaloes with other species is little divergent.

The present experiment was designed to identify the biofilm forming Salmonella organism from cloacal swab, dry faeces, feed and water of layers in tribal area of Hoshangabad district, in rainy, winter and summer seasons. A total of 181 samples consisting of cloacal swab (109), dry faeces (18), feed (18), water (18) and egg shell (18) were collected in buffered peptone water in all the three seasons. For isolation, selective enrichment was performed in rappaport vassiliadis broth followed by streaking in macConkey, brilliant green agar, xylose lysine deoxycholate media. Phenotypically they were identified by motility followed by Grams staining and biochemical tests like oxidase, catalase, indole, methyl red, Voges Proskauer, triple sugar iron agar and urease. Further they were confirmed by latex agglutination test. Phenotypically identified 17 presumptive Salmonella isolates were subjected to genotypic characterization using 16S rRNA, invA gene, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium gene and Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum-Pullorum by PCR. All the isolates were positive (100%) for 16S rRNA and invA gene, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium gene were found to be 64.70%, while 35.29% isolates remain unidentified. Phenotypically and genotipically confirmed Salmonella isolates were subjected to biofilm formation. The percentagewise isolation of Salmonella organism from cloacal swabs were 14.63%, 5.26% and 10.00% in rainy, winter and summer season, respectively. While in rainy season from dry faeces, water samples and egg samples were 33.33%. The overall incidence of salmonellosis in layers from tribal area of Hoshangabad district was 9.39% (17/181) and all of them were biofilm producers.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of probiotic supplementation on nutrient digestibility, growth performance and enteric methane emissions in Deccani ram lambs. In vitro studies were conducted to select the best combination of probiotics based on in vitro dry matter digestibilities (IVDMD) and mean methane emissions for inclusion in in vivo studies. Increased in -vitro dry matter digestibilities and reduced total gas and methane emissions were observed with T4 probiotics (S. cerevisiae47@300 × 106 CFU /gm+ S. boulardii@50 × 106 CFU/gm + L. acidophilus@45 × 106 CFU + P. freudenreichii@50 × 106 CFU/gm). During second phase, 12 Deccani ram lambs of uniform body weight (16.5±0.64 kg with 130.11±3.00 days of age) were randomly allotted to 2 treatments in a completely randomized design. The nutrient digestibilities (P<0.05) increased with probiotic supplementation. The increase in nutrient digestibilities was reflected by higher live weight(P<0.05) and average daily weight gain (P<0.05). Feed efficiency of the animals improved as the feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg gain) (P<0.01), decreased. Higher (P < 0.05) Nitrogen, Ca and P balance was observed with probiotic supplementation. Mean enteric methane emissions (l/day) were significantly (P<0.01) lower in Group II (10.05± 0.39) than Group I (11.59± 0.70) and the reduction is 21.9 percent as compared to control group. It may be concluded that supplementation of probiotic increased nutrient digestibilities, growth performance and decreased enteric methane emissions, suggesting that the energy loss for ruminants in the form of methane emissions can be reduced efficiently.

As per revised estimate nearly 20,583 people die of rabies every year in India, contributing to one third of the global rabies burden. Community based surveys with respect to Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) are important both for human deaths due to rabies and for the effective control of disease in animals. The present cross-sectional survey was carried to investigate level of community knowledge as well as attitudes and perception about rabies in and around Jammu, North India. A total of 200 respondents in the age group of 18 to 29 (55%) years were interviewed using pre-tested and structured questionnaires. Location wise origin of the respondents was 130 (65%) from urban and 70 (35%) from rural areas and sex-wise 157 (76%) males and 48 (24%) were females. Dog owners and being urban respondents had good knowledge level and attitude towards rabies compared to non-dog owners and rural dwellers. Surveyed population with 77.8 and 77 percent had heard of rabies and believed it to be fatal respectively. Urban respondents (98.9 %) believed rabies to be fatal and was transmitted by dogs or other species, 94 percent believed that owned dog must receive rabies vaccine, 89 to 94 percent believed reporting to hospitals or higher authorities regarding dog bite and outbreak of rabies in a community whereas 78 percent believed in killing stray dog if rabies was suspected. Good practices prevailed in respondents that owned dogs. The knowledge, attitude and practices with respect to prevention and treatment of rabies were not found adequate amongst the rural population. Thus, community based health education becomes essential in these areas to create awareness regarding rabies.

The virulence gene profile of twelve (12) Salmonella isolates obtained from faecal samples of animal origin, including livestock, primates and emu, was determined. All Salmonella isolates were identified by biochemical tests. Genus specific PCR further confirmed the Salmonella isolates revealing the expected bands of 496 bp. All isolates on serotyping were found to be Salmonella Typhimurium with antigenic structure 4,2:i:1,2. These Salmonella isolates were screened for different virulence-associated genes by PCR-based procedures. All the isolates were positive for ssaQ, hilA, prgH and fljB genes. The mgtC gene was present in varying frequencies in isolates from different animal species with an overall frequency of 75%. By conventional PCR, it was demonstrated that the four genes, as indicators for salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs), were present in all strains, independently of the host species and outcome of infection.

An experiment was conducted on 110, day old commercial poultry broiler birds which were divided into 5 groups (1 control and 4 treatments) within 2 replicates having 11 chicks in each replicate. Four levels of Azolla were included in the diet i.e. 2.5 percent Azolla, 2.5 percent Azolla with carbohydrase and phytase enzymes, 5.0 percent Azolla and 5.0 percent Azolla with carbohydrase and phytase enzymes served as components of treatment T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, where as T0 served as standard control diet. These dietary treatments were arranged in complete randomized block design and analyzed for the carcass, physico-chemical and sensory quality of meat. Results revealed that the overall acceptability of cooked meat was significantly higher (P<0.05) in broilers offered Azolla meal at 5 percent substitution. The breast meat yield and cooking yield value was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Azolla fed groups. There was significantly (P<0.05) higher gizzard weight in treatment T1 and treatment T2 offered 2.5 percent Azolla substituted feed as compared to the control T0. The results may be attributed to improved digestibility of nutrients because of better gizzard functioning owing to increased thickness and increased gastro-duodenal reflexes facilitating the contact between nutrients and digestive enzymes. Based on the findings it can be concluded that dried Azolla meal can be safely administered as unconventional feed ingredient in commercial poultry broiler feed up to 5 per cent level without affecting the organoleptic parameters.

The study was aimed to investigate the histopathological changes due to interaction of Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) and diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) and its potential zoonotic risk after being consumed accidently. A total of seventy two adult Wistar rats were taken (N=72) and divided into four groups of 18 rats each viz; group I (healthy control), group II (diabetic control), group III (VLM infected healthy rats) and group IV (VLM infected diabetic rats). Experimental rats exhibited haemorrhages in the liver, lungs and brain on 10, 20 and 30 days post infection (dpi). The accumulation of mononuclear cells in the hepatic parenchyma was observed on 10 dpi. Thrombosis was seen in some blood vessels at 20 dpi. Fibrous connective tissue proliferation in triad areas around the biliary tubules were seen at 30 dpi as compared to control group. Massive hyperplasia of the bronchiolar lymphoid tissue, bronchiolar epithelial and sub-mucosal smooth muscle hyperplasia were seen on 20 and 30 dpi. The brain of rat with diabetes and without diabetes showed the degenerative changes on 10, 20 and 30 dpi.

Livestock farming is the most proficient occupation in India and women play a very significant role in livestock farming practices in the country. A study was conducted on 160 women dairy farmers of 4 border districts namely Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Taran-Taran and Ferozepur of Punjab to ascertain their knowledge level about various practices related to dairy farming. A pretested structured questionnaire comprising questions on management, nutrition, breeding, health etc. was developed and same was filled during the personal interview with women farmers. Data so collected was analyzed descriptively to draw inference. The data revealed that majority (68.75%) of women has medium knowledge level on various recommended dairy farming practices, 13.75 has low and only 17.5% has high (17.50%) knowledge level. Further this knowledge was significantly (P<0.01) correlated with the number of labor employed, milk production, herd size, and education level. Study concluded that there is an emerged need to educate women on scientific dairy farming practices.

The histochemical studies were conducted on the stomach of 36 healthy and normal goat embryos/foeti of either sex in different stages of gestation. The embryo/ foeti were grouped into group I (0-50 days), II (51-100) and III (101-till term). In foetal rumen intense reaction for polysaccharides (PAS) and bound lipids was exhibited by basement membrane, cells of basal zone and stratum corneum followed by smooth muscle cells, blood vessels, nerve elements and connective tissue cells. Acid mucopolysaccharides reaction was most pronounced in epithelial cells of superficial zone. Basement membrane showed strong activity for PAS and bound lipid. Smooth muscle cells and blood vessels exhibited weak reaction for alkaline phosphatase enzyme. Intense Feulgen reaction for DNA was revealed by nuclei of the cells of basal zone followed by smooth muscle cells, blood vessels, nerve elements and connective tissue cells.

Canine pyoderma is one of the most common causes of dermatitis with worldwide occurrence in small animal practice. The condition is diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations, isolation and identification of causative organisms by bacteriological cultural examination. A study on 130 clinical cases of canine pyoderma was conducted at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), Veterinary College, Anand during July, 2016 to April, 2017. In the study undertaken, bacteriological culture examination of 116 pus swabs resulted in the recovery of 165 bacterial isolates. Exudate/pus samples were collected and subjected to bacteriological cultural isolation, identification and subsequently in vitro antibiotic sensitivity testing. On culture, staphylococci were the most predominantly isolated organisms. Amongst staphylococci, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (49.69%, n=82), a coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS), was the most predominantly isolated organism, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.18%, n=30). Moreover, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3.03%, n=5) and S. saprophyticus (0.60%, n=1) were also recovered. The methicillin-resistant staphylococci accounted for 40.07% of the total isolates. Gram negative organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.15%, n=25), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.12%, n=20) and Escherichia coli (0.60%, n=1); and a lone isolate of Streptococcus spp. (0.60%) were also isolated majorly in the form of mixed infections. When subjected to in vitro antibiotic sensitivity testing the isolates showed highest sensitivity to linezolid followed by enrofloxacin, cephadroxil, clindamycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid whereas resistance was exhibited against erythromycin, methicillin and oxacillin.

The present investigation was aimed to elucidate the surface ultrastructure of uterine horn, body and cervix of buffalo during follicular and luteal phase of estrous cycle. The present study was conducted on uterus of buffaloes during follicular and luteal phase of estrous cycle. The tissue samples fixed in Karnovsky’s fixative and processed for viewing under scanning electron microscope. The luminal surface of uterus was folded into broad ridges and folds. The luminal surface was lined with ciliated and non-ciliated cells. Ciliated cells had many kinocilia during the follicular phase. The non-ciliated cells dominated both during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle. The non-ciliated cells were of two types viz: secretory and non-secretory type. The surface of the cervix was highly folded with ridges and deep crypts. A scanning electron microscopic examination of the cervix revealed exposed ridges composed of cell apices that alternate with deep folds or crypts. The exposed ridges consisted of the external apical membranes of the columnar epithelial cells that form the cervical lining. Ciliated cell surrounded by several non-ciliated cells from the posterior region of the cervix. The cells surrounding the ciliated cell were covered with much shorter projections or microvilli that characterize secretory cells. Ciliated cells terminated with a group of cilia that emerged from the apical cell membrane of the epithelial cells and projected towards the lumen of the cervix.

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis and a significant cause of reproductive losses in animals. In view of the considerable problems related to direct diagnosis of brucellosis in animals, the present study envisaged the appraisal of seroepidemiology of brucellosis in sheep and goats by detection of brucella specific antibodies, comparison of two serological tests, viz., i-ELISA (Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and RBPT expand for detection of Brucella-specific antibodies. Out of 1012 sheep and goat sera screened, 88 (8.70%) and 75 (7.41%) were detected positive by RBPT and i-ELISA, respectively. Species-wise seroprevalence was detected 12.26% and 10.97% in sheep and 5.67% and 4.39% in goats by RBPT and i-ELISA, respectively. During present investigation, RBPT detected more number of samples positive for brucella antibodies. However, compared to i-ELISA, overall sensitivity and specificity of RBPT were 80.00% and 97.01%, respectively. Species-wise sensitivity of RBPT found was 82.35% in sheep and 75.00% in goat, whereas specificity was 96.38% in sheep and 96.41% in goats.

The present study was conducted in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra to identify and prioritize the benefits and constraints of mobile phone use as an ICT tool by dairy entrepreneurs. For this study, 120 dairy entrepreneurs were selected from six villages of three blocks namely Karveer, Kagal, Hath-kanangle who had at least two milch animal and also having 3-4 years of dairy experience at the time of investigation. The data was analysed with the help of Garret Ranking Technique. The study revealed that “use of mobile phone leads to easy access to veterinary expert” was the most important benefit followed by “mobile phone reduces time and distance barrier” as a second most important factor that determine the high use of android and non-android mobile phone or use of ICT by dairy entrepreneurs’. The reason for high use of mobile phone by dairy entrepreneurs was timely reliable information, easy access to marketing information, easy contact with customers, promote interpersonal relationship, update knowledge, and increase dairy efficiency. The result of study revealed that “high cost of mobile phone and internet services” was the most important perceived constraint followed by “low network connectivity as second most important factor that determine the low use of mobile phone or low use of ICT by dairy entrepreneurs. The reason for low use of mobile phone by dairy entrepreneurs was language barrier, lack of knowledge and confidence, unavailability and shortage electricity, complex technology.

To assess the satisfaction level of dairy farmers’ regarding the milk procurement system of milkfed, a study was conducted in Amritsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana districts of Punjab, India. A total of 225 member dairy farmers of milkfed i.e. 75 from each Amritsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana districts were selected for the study. Data was collected with the help of questionnaire comprising of different type of questions regarding the milk procurement system of milkfed. The results revealed that only 3.11% farmers from three districts attained the facility of uplifting of milk at their doorstep while 96.89% farmers poured milk to the societies on their own vehicles. Further, 84.44% farmers responded that Verka procured full quantity of milk produced by them. A trend has been observed that there is a well-established milk collection system of milkfed, 75.11% farmers responded that milkfed provides subsidy for installation of BMC and 96.44% farmers revealed that expenditure to run BMC is also provided by Verka. 95% farmers received their payment for the milk at every tenth day. 99.11% farmers believed that price of milk is lowered in winters. Although , there is lowering in pricing of milk during winter season, still 61.33% farmers of the three districts were satisfied with the pricing pattern of milkfed.

The present study was envisaged to investigate in-vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacy of lemongrass, cinnamon and clove essential oils for their potential application in meat products. Antimicrobial potential was measured by using zone inhibition assay and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against foodborne pathogens including Gram positive and Gram negative whereas, antioxidant assay was done using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. MIC values of lemongrass oil ranged from 500-3000 ppm and was found more effective against Gram positive than Gram negative organisms whereas cinnamon as well as clove oil were effective against both the classes of organisms. ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity of all the three different oils were measured at five different concentrations and as per MIC values, the DPPH values were ranging from 38.05- 48.45% whereas ABTS values ranged from 25.17-45.66% for three oils under investigation. It is concluded that these essential oils possess potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and can be used as a natural alternative for preservation in meat industry.

In the present study, the effects of cefuroxime sodium and meloxicam administration on biochemical parameters were studied in barbari goats. In this study, cefuroxime sodium was administered @ 20 mg.kg-1 by intramuscular route and Meloxicam was administered @ 0.5 mg.kg-1, intramuscularly. The result of this study indicated that multiple intramuscular doses of cefuroxime sodium along with meloxicam did alter some of the biochemical parameters in barbari goats. In the present study, significant changes (P<0.05) were observed in biochemical parameters like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. However, in creatine phosphokinase, no statistically significant changes were observed.

The present study was conducted to record the histology and histochemistry of adrenal medulla in Adult Bakerwali goat. Two distinct zones were observed in adrenal medulla i.e. the outer zone and inner zone. In both zones of the adrenal medulla, two types of cells were observed i.e. the light cells and dark cells. These cells exhibited a strong reaction with Gomori stain(chromaffin cells) whereas the chromaffin granules stained red and pink with the same stain. The adrenal gagmedulla showed mild reaction to carbohydrate and lipid whereas moderate reaction for cholesterol. Sympathetic ganglions were also observed in the adrenal medulla.

The present study was undertaken to elaborate histomorphological status of different segments of small intestine of eight apparently healthy Hampshire piglets, irrespective of sex. They were divided into two age groups of 0 day and 7 days, consisting of four animals in each group. After sacrifice at the respective age the different segments of the small intestine were studied for histomorphological structures. The small intestinal wall is composed of four layers viz. tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica musculosa and tunica serosa from inside to outside. The shape, size, length and width of the villi present at the mucosal surface varied in different regions of the small intestine. The Peyer’s patches were composed of four distinct compartments, viz., follicle/lymphatic nodules, a zone of small lymphocytes, an internodular region and the dome area. The Brunner’s glands were present in the tunica sub mucosa layer of duodenum. The collagen fibres were prominent in the basement membrane of the lining epithelium and connective tissue covering the lymphoid nodule. The reticular fibres were recorded in the basement membrane of the lining epithelium, periphery of the intestinal glands and lymphoid nodules. The elastic fibres were found in negligible amount in the different segments of the small intestine except at the inner side of the blood vessels. The nerve fibres were seen mostly in the dome and interfollicular area.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) carry six universal stress protein (usp) genes: A, C, D, E, F and G, and the expression of these genes are triggered by various environmental stresses. The uspA gene is important for survival of E. coli during cellular growth, adhesion and motility. The present study was conducted to characterize three pathogenic E. coli strains isolated from the cases of diarrhoea, pneumonia and mastitis in goats. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify 884 bp open reading frame (ORF) of the uspA gene from the E. coli strains. The uspA amplicons of the three E. coli strains were sequenced, and compared with the published sequences in NCBI GenBank, and their phylogenetic relationships were analysed. The diarrheic strain showed significant variation in the nucleotide composition as compared to pneumonia and mastitis associated strains. In the ORF of uspA gene, silent mutations were noticed in the nucleotide sequence positions 27, 33, 207 and 316, which were not reflected phenotypically. Among the peptides, ‘KHILIAVDLS’ could be a putative candidate for use as epitope in diagnostics. Further, comprehensive studies on sequence analysis of the uspA gene will help us to understand the distribution, variability, and phylogenetic relationships of different pathogenic E. coli isolated from different disease conditions in goats.

The objective of the experiment was to study the changes in different characteristics of cervical mucus of Murrah buffaloes in relation to occurrence of estrus. The Murrah buffaloes maintained at Livestock Research Centre (LRC), ICAR-NDRI, Karnal were classified into three groups viz. heifers, primipara and pluripara. Cervical mucus was collected on the day of estrus prior to the artificial insemination by aspiration from the mid cervix using blue sterile sheath and Universal artificial insemination gun through recto-vaginal method. Immediately after collection, mucus sample was taken to the laboratory various physical and chemical parameters were assessed. From the present study it can be concluded that the changes in cervical mucus characteristics can be used for prediction of estrus time and subsequently time of artificial insemination. Murrah buffaloes exhibited higher proportion (70%) of copious discharge, 86 % buffaloes had clean appearance and 68% of buffaloes showed moderate consistency of cervical mucus. The spinnbarkeit value of cervical mucus of 46% of estruses were in 8-16 cm and 58% showed the typical fern pattern predominantly with primary, secondary and tertiary venation. pH of cervical mucus were within 7.5-8.0 and conductivity in a range of 13.50-15.00 mS/cm.

The study was conceptualised in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra to ascertain the attitude, perception, perceived attributes and adoption period of the dairy entrepreneurs towards use of mobile phone as an ICT tool. For this study, 120 dairy entrepreneurs were selected randomly as respondents. Majority of dairy entrepreneurs’ have favourable attitude towards use of mobile phone, perceived attribute and high adoption period. Regarding relative advantage of mobile phone, 100 per cent of dairy entrepreneurs agreed that use of mobile phone was economical and time saving, 89.17 per cent of dairy entrepreneurs were using radio on mobile phone for news and information related to animal husbandry and allied sectors. 36.67 per cent of dairy entrepreneurs had more than 9 years of adoption period for mobile phone. None of the dairy entrepreneurs were non-adopter of mobile phone. Majority (81.67%) of dairy entrepreneurs found mobile call facility as timely information media sources. 41.67 per cent of dairy entrepreneurs found WhatsApp group as more reliable and easy source of information related to livestock and dairying.

Total of 300 cross breed cattle were screened for T. anuulata infection on the basis of blood smear and lymph node biopsy examination, of which 68 animals were found to be positive indicating 22.66 percent prevalence of T. annulata. at different villages of Indore district. Out of 68 positive cases, 21 animals died due to clinical T. annulata infections indicating a mortality rate of 30.88 percent. The mortality rate was higher in calves (both male and female) 59.25 percent. The remaining 47 animals (69.12 percent) recovered owing to the treatment. The mortality in heifers less than 3 years was found to be 20.00 percent and mortality in adult female cows more than 3 years was 7.69 percent. In the adult cow, out of 26 positive cases, 10 cows were under physiological stress condition of lactation. Among the samples collected the highest prevalence was observed at private dairy farm of Asravad village (33.33%) and lowest at Silotiya village (18.7%).

In the present study, genetic characterization of local buffalo population, a native to north temperate region of India in Jammu and Kashmir, was carried out for the purpose of breed characterization and assessing existing intra-population genetic diversity. A total 50 blood samples procured at random from genetically unrelated animals of two sexes and different age groups were collected from different locations in the breeding tract of these buffaloes. The multi-locus genotype data were generated using 15 FAO recommended buffalo specific microsatellite markers, which gave amplification and various parameters were estimated through PopGene software (1.3.1). A total of 103 distinct alleles were observed with mean observed and effective number of alleles as 6.8667±0.29 and 5.5683±0.2 respectively across all 15 studied loci. The maximum (9) alleles were contributed by loci (CSM013 and CSM061) and the least (5) by (ILSTS030). The mean Observed and Expected Heterozygosities across all loci were 0.6840±0.01 and 0.8250±0.007 respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.7227 (CSM038) to 0.8357 (CSM013) with mean PIC of 0.7913±0.008. The Nei’s genetic distance measures varied from 0.7606 (CSM038) to 0.8528 (CSM013 and BRN) with mean genetic distance of 0.8167±0.007. The mean Shannon’s index value ranged from 1.5220 (ILSTS030) to 2.0320 (CSM013) with mean of (1.7894±0.03). Microsatellite analysis thus revealed high level of polymorphism across studied microsatellite markers and informativeness of the markers for genetic diversity analysis studies which can be utilized to plan future association studies to exploit the uniqueness and adaptability of indigenous buffalo population.

Light plays an important role in birds’ life hence efforts were made to evaluate the performance of broiler chicken in the open-sided house under light emitting diodes (LEDs) and incandescent bulb lighting programme. For this purpose 240 straight run commercial Vencobb® broiler chicks were procured and distributed in four different light treatment groups i.e. Tw; white (650nm), Tg; green (565nm) and Tb; blue (430nm) light LED bulbs (3 Watt each) and incandescent light bulbs (60 Watt each) as control (Tc) in 12 pens (4×3 factorial design). At the day time open-sided house were open from 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM and rest of the time sides of house were covered with black coloured tarpaulin sheet. Pens were light proof to avoid light interference during dark hours. The results demonstrated that broilers’ performance viz. average body weight, average weekly body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and energy efficiency ratio (EER) was numerically higher in LED light treatment groups as compared to incandescent light group. Under different light treatments, no significant (p<0.05) difference was found on carcass yields (different prime cuts) such as dressing percentage, drumstick, breast, and neck but back and wing weight were significantly (p<0.05) different in Tc as compared to Tb and Tw. Carcass quality such as pH, WHC, shear force and instrumental colour were statistically non-significant (p<0.05) among different light treatment groups. Therefore, the LED bulbs evaluated in the study could be a better alternative source of light than incandescent light bulbs without affecting broiler performance and carcass characteristics.