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JAR - Volume 7 - Issue 5

[<<< GO BACK ][ VOLUME 7 - ISSUE 5 ]

Title: Contents
Abstract :

Contents

Title: Amelioration of Thermal Stress using Modified Roof in Dairy Animals under Tropics: A Review
Abstract :

Roof is an integral part of housing systems, which protects animals from solar radiation and rain water. During summer months, heat stress affects animal production adversely. Housing design and shade material play an important role in the microclimate modification and reduction of radiant heat load inside the shed. The most commonly used roofing materials include asbestos sheets, thatch, clay tiles, reinforced cement concrete, galvanized iron sheets, plastic sheets etc., which possess some merits as well as drawbacks. Ideal roof material should have high reflectivity, low conductivity, low under-surface emissivity besides being light, strong, durable, waterproof, good looking, free from tendency to condense moisture inside and economical. Since, animal houses are permanent structure in large organized dairy farms which cannot be changed frequently. Thus, it is worth giving to modify existing roof rather changing the whole structure, which can be achieved by roof modifications such as thermal insulation, polythene shade cloth or Agro-net, mud plastering, thatched asbestos roof, green roofs, roof paints, evaporative roof cooling, solar panels, etc. Effectiveness of roof may further be improved by using techniques of adjustment of roof height, eave length and angle of eave in years to come. A holistic approach which includes animal nutrition as well as animal genetics in addition to shelter management would be more promising in amelioration of heat stress of dairy animals in tropics.

Title: Genetic Polymorphism Study in Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) Gene and their Association with Milk Production Traits in Indian Cattle Breeds
Abstract :

The aim of the current study was to investigate the status of Prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene polymorphism using PCR-RFLP assay and their association with milk production traits in Sahiwal (n=53) and Hariana (n=50) cattle. Two region of PRLR gene consisting of exon 10 and exon 9 revealed 168 and 582 bp products, respectively. PRLR/SmlI assay resulted in three types of genotypes, namely, GG (168 bp), TT (123 and 45 bp) and heterozygous GT (168, 123 and 45 bp) genotypes with frequencies 27.18, 6.60 and 67.90%, respectively. The allelic frequency of G and T alleles were 0.607 and 0.393, respectively. The DraIII/PCR-RFLP assay revealed three types of genotypes, namely, AA (582 bp), GG (399 and 183 bp) and heterozygous AG (582, 399 and 183 bp) genotypes with frequencies 17.0, 16.0 and 67.0 %, respectively. The allelic frequency of A and G alleles were 0.505 and 0.495, respectively. Chi square analysis revealed that screened cattle population was found in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for both the SNP. Association studies of PRLR/SmlI genotypes had significant difference for total milk yield (TMY) and milk yield in 300 days (MY300) among three genotypes. The GG genotype showed higher milk yield value than TT and GT animals in first lactation. PRLR/DraIII genotypes had no association with any production traits in first and second lactation. Therefore, the present study demonstrating that G allele of PRLR/SmlI gene could be used as a strong marker for improvement in milk production performance in milch cattle.

Title: Effect of Ascorbic Acid on mRNA Expression of HSP70 Gene in WLH Egg Type Growers During Heat Stress
Abstract :

Meteorological factors such as high ambient temperature and high relative humidity exert adverse effects on poultry production. Heat stress results in poor growth performance, feed efficiency, egg production and higher mortality. The aim of the experiment was to explore and quantify the relative mRNA expression of HSP70 gene in relation to ascorbic acid supplementation in White Leghorn (WLH) egg type growers exposed to heat stress. A total of 96 WLH egg type growers of 10 weeks age, were randomly divided and maintained in controlled comfort (26±1.0°C) condition and heat stressed (40±5.0°C) conditions. Each group was divided into four subgroups with twelve birds each in two replicates for homogeneity of experimental design. G1 was designated to control group whereas, G2, G3 and G4 group was supplemented with 100, 200 and 300 mg ascorbic acid (AA) respectively. Relative expression analysis of HSP70 in liver tissue was done on day 42nd of the experiment using RT-PCR technique. The mRNA expression in egg type grower birds was significantly (p<0.01) down-regulated in all the treatment groups as compared to control group in both comfort and heat stressed condition. In comfort condition, maximum down-regulation (0.32 fold) was found in G3 group followed by G4 group (0.43 fold) as compared to control group. Similarly, in heat stressed condition, maximum down-regulation (0.31 fold) was found in G3 group, followed by G4 group (0.56 fold) in comparison to control group. The present investigation reveals that supplementation of ascorbic acid on the expression patterns of HSP70 gene provide an indication that AA may be useful in combating rigors of heat stress in chickens.

Title: Effect of Supplementation of Area Specific Mineral Mixture on Serum Mineral Status of Cattle in Different Agro-climatic Zones of Chhattisgarh State
Abstract :

In the present study effect of feeding area specific mineral mixture on the serum mineral status of cattle in different agro climatic zones (plateau, plain and hills) of Chhattisgarh state was studied. The soil and fodder mineral status of different zones were analyzed. Macro minerals were below desired level in soil of hill region followed by plateau and plain whereas Mg level in soils of different zones were well above the critical level. Soil Fe, Mo concentration was above whereas Mn, Co, Zn concentration was deficient in all the three zones. Cu level was normal in hill region whereas, it was lower in Plateau and Plain. Fodder concentration of Cu, Zn exhibited direct relationship with soil mineral status whereas no direct association was observed for Ca and p concentration. In each zone fifteen cattle were selected and divided into three groups for different dietary treatments like negative control- no mineral supplementation; control – commercial mineral mixture supplementation @ 80 gm/day and treatment- area specific mineral mixture @ 80 gm/day. No significant relationship between fodder and serum mineral status could be established, indicative of unsuitability of fodder mineral status in assessing the mineral status. Serum concentration of specific minerals at different zones revealed no significant difference in response to commercial and area specific mineral mixture supplementation. Supplementation of area specific mineral mixture was not essential for agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh.

Title: Comparison of Three Immunological Assays to Detect Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) Antibodies in Buffaloes
Abstract :

The present study involved in analysis of 81 sera samples collected from Murrah (34), Surti (20) and non-descript buffaloes (27) with history of respiratory and reproductive disorders for IBR antibodies by indirect Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Virus neutralization test (VNT) and Passive haemagglutination assay (PHA). The immunological assays viz., indirect ELISA, VNT and PHA revealed that 50.62%, 43.21 % and 27.16 % of IBR positivity respectively. The overall positivity irrespective of serological test was found to be 54.32 %. The sensitivity, specificity of PHA and VNT in comparison with ELISA were 46.34 %, 70.73 % and 85.00 %, 92.50 % respectively. Moderate agreement between ELISA and VNT (kappa = 0.56) and fair agreement between ELISA and PHA (kappa =0.38) were found for the detection of IBR antibodies. Significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between indirect ELISA and PHA in the detection of BHV-1 antibodies. VNT and PHA were found to be useful as the quantitative tests to estimate antibody level in buffalo whereas ELISA could be performed for herd screening programme.

Title: Determination of Prevalence and In-vitro Pathogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes in Sheep and Goats Reared by Nomads of Jammu Region of J&K
Abstract :

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence and the in-vitro pathogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes in sheep and goats reared by nomads of Jammu region of J&K, in addition to biochemical characterization of isolates. A total of 125 samples comprising of sheep and goat faecal samples and their rectal swabs were collected. Isolation of Listeria species involved the enrichment of the samples followed by plating on selective culture media and identification of the organism. Out of 125 samples collected, 32 (25.6%) samples were found positive for Listeria species. Out of these 13 (10.4%) were identified as L. monocytogenes and 19 (15.2%) were the other Listeria species. All the biochemically confirmed Listeria monocytogenes (n=13) isolates were hemolytic and CAMP positive but out of 13 Listeria monocytogenes isolates only 10 isolates were positive for PI-PLC assay. Antibiotic sensitivity test revealed sensitivity towards Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Livofloxacin (100%), Enrofloxacin (76.92%) and Erythromycin (69.23). From this study we can conclude that sheep and goats of nomads harbour the Listeria species in their gastrointestinal tract. Under such conditions there is every apprehension that the handlers associated with such animals can contract listeriosis, which inturn may lead to an outbreak. So, the need of an hour is to impart the education of proper hygienic practices in public in general and the animal handlers in particular.

Title: Clinico-haematological Profile and Therapeutic Management of Acute Babesiosis in Sheep and Goats
Abstract :

Small ruminants were presented for treatment with the complaint of anorexia, general weakness and lethargy. The common clinical signs included emaciation, suspended rumination, tachycardia, anaemic mucous membranes and prolonged capillary refill time (CRT). Babesia ovis and B. motasi were identified on microscopic examination of the peripheral blood smears. Severe anaemia was confirmed on haematological evaluation. The animals were given diminazene aceturate, oxytetracycline dihydrate, hematinic, rumenotoric and dextrose-electrolyte. Fresh blood transfusion was additionally performed in two animals. Out of six, five animals survived and one died on second day of treatment. Occurrence of severe acute babesiosis in sheep and goats of Kashmir was thus reported for the first time. Standard treatment protocol showed encouraging results for this disease. However, animals in terminal stage with extremely low PCV may not survive even after blood transfusion. Veterinarians need to be watchful of the vector borne diseases that may now spread beyond the known areas due to global warming and climate change.

Title: In Vitro Nutrient Digestibility and Methane Production Potential of Concentrate Mixtures containing Graded Levels of Phalaris minor Seeds
Abstract :

The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of incorporation of graded levels of Phalaris minor seeds (a weed in wheat fields) in the concentrate mixture on nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation pattern. Maize grain based conventional concentrate mixture was prepared and maize grains in the concentrate mixture were replaced by P. minor seeds at graded levels of 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The nutritional worth of various concentrate mixtures formulated was assessed by in vitro gas production technique. It was observed that net gas production and methane production was depressed (P<0.05), when maize grains in the concentrate mixture were completely replaced by P. minor seeds. Similar trend was observed in the in vitro digestibility of nutrients. However, there was no adverse effect of replacing maize grains with P. minor seeds up to 75% in the concentrate mixture on in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility. Hence, it was concluded that P. minor seeds could be considered as promising energy supplement for livestock and can replace conventional cereal grains viz., maize upto 75 % in the concentrate mixture without any adverse effect on nutrient digestibility.

Title: Hepatotoxic Effect of Bisphenol A in Rats, an Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study
Abstract :

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the common environmental endocrine disruptors with estrogenic properties and is the building block of carbonate plastic and a component of resin coatings. The present experiment was designed to make a systematic study of experimentally induced BPA toxicity in both male and female Wistar albino rats at 500 and 250 mg / Kg b.wt. to groups II, V and III, VI respectively by mixing in sunflower oil for 12 weeks. In the present study significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels like catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were observed in liver of all BPA treated rats when compared to corresponding controls. Histopathologically, the liver revealed binucleated cells, hyper chromatic nuclei, karyomegaly, extensive bile duct proliferation with dysplasia and proliferation of endothelial cells in BPA treated groups in dose dependent manner. Histochemically more intense alkaline phosphatase reaction was noticed in hepatocytes around central vein, Immunohistochemically increased expression of VEGF was observed in hepatocytes around central vein, Ultra structurally, hepatocytes of BPA treated groups revealed decreased mitochondria with degeneration, fragmented endoplasmic reticulum and clumping of nuclear chromatin.

Title: Influence of Mastitis Type on Reproductive Performance of Karan Fries Cows During Early Lactation
Abstract :

The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of mastitis type (clinical and subclinical) on reproductive performance of crossbred cows. 50 pregnant Karan Fries (KF) cows were screened from NDRI cattle yard. Based on milk somatic cell count (SCC) and modified Californian Mastitis Test (mCMT) cows were grouped in to three groups [Healthy, Sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) occurring within 1 week of calving and SCM occurring between 7th to 8th week of calving]. Five of the selected SCM cows showed systemic signs of clinical mastitis (CM) in their later life, so formed a separate group. Blood samples were collected from these cows from day calving at weekly interval till +90th days post-calving for plasma progesterone profiling. The animals were kept under observation to find out number of days to first artificial infection (AI), inter estrus interval, services per conception, day’s open and calving interval. All these parameters were unaffected in cows with SCM occurring at any time during early lactation. Cows with CM after first AI had increased services per conception, increased days open and prolonged calving interval. In brief, this study shows SCM had a less pronounced effect on reproductive performances of KF cows than CM. Therefore, reduction of CM incidence during early lactation can improve the reproductive performance of crossbred cows and ultimately give economic benefit to the cattle owner.

Title: Outbreaks of Anaplasmosis in Dairy Cattle in Punjab, India
Abstract :

Two severe outbreaks of bovine anapalsmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale were recorded in two districts (Ferozepur and Patiala) of Punjab state in the year 2016. Mortality of animals was recorded in two dairy cattle herd comprising of a total of 260 animals in Ferozepur (n=218) and Patiala (n=42) districts. There was history of purchase of animals at one farm. Out of 260 cattle at risk, 40 were critically ill and 9 died of disease with morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate of 15.38 %, 3.46 % and 22.50 % respectively. Fifteen blood samples were collected from diseased (n=11) and healthy animals (n=4) for haematological analysis, parasitological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based diagnosis. Clinical signs in infected animals included high temperature, icterus, anemia, anorexia and decreased milk production. Necropsy findings revealed splenomegaly and severe jaundice. Mild tick infestation was observed at both the farms. Ticks collected from both the outbreaks were identified as Rhipicephaus (Boophilus) microplus. Thin blood smears from infected animals were found positive for Anaplama marginale organisms & disease was further confirmed by molecular approach (PCR). Affected animals were successfully treated with tetracycline, haematinics and antipyretics. PCR was found to be more sensitive in detecting the disease especially in latent infections. Animal owners were advised to follow quarantine measures before mixing new animals in a herd and strategic acaricidal treatment for effective tick control.

Title: Effect of Shed Designing on Physiological Responses and Semen Quality of Crossbred Bulls during Various Seasons
Abstract :

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of shed designing on microclimatic variables, physiological responses and semen quality parameters of breeding bulls during different seasons. Thirty-one adult Frieswal (Holstein Friesian and Sahiwal cross) breeding bulls were distributed into four groups i.e. in traditional sheds (TG) having open area in north (TGN – 8 bulls) and south directions (TGS – 8 bulls) and in modified sheds (MG) having open area in east (MGE – 8 bulls) and west directions (MGW – 7 bulls). The sides of bull pens in traditional (east-west oriented) and modified sheds (north-south oriented) were covered and open, respectively. Biweekly semen ejaculates were evaluated for volume, sperm concentration and initial sperm motility. Significantly (P<0.05) lower THI (temperature humidity index) value in the afternoon period was observed in MG than in TG during hot and humid season. The bulls of TG had significantly higher (P<0.05) rectal temperature than those kept in MG during hot and humid season. Heart rate did not show any pattern in bulls during different seasons. Respiration rate (RR) in the bulls of all sheds were higher (P<0.05) during hot-dry and hot-humid seasons than in the other seasons, however, shed design had no effect on RR of bulls during different seasons. Significantly (P<0.05) higher initial motility was observed in bulls of MG than in the TG except during comfortable season. In conclusion, the modified sheds were comparatively better than traditional sheds as far as THI, physiological responses and initial progressive motility in breeding bulls are concerned.

Title: Study on Host Predisposing Factors and Diagnostic Tests for Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2) Infection in Dogs
Abstract :

In the present study, a total 61 faecal samples from dogs, showing symptom of Canine Parvovirus infection, were collected from in and around Navsari district. The samples were screened for CPV by different diagnostic methods viz. Immuno Chromatographic Assay (ICA), Haemagglutination (HA) test, Enzyme linked immuno sorbant assay (ELISA) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Isolation of CPV by culture of virus on Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. Out of five assays tested, PCR was found to be the most sensitive (62.29%) in detecting CPV followed by HA test (50.82%), virus isolation (50.00%), ICA (37.70%) and sandwich ELISA (31.14%). Considering PCR as most sensitive test, overall prevalence rate was found as 62.29%. Along with samples clinical history of animals was collected to determine the host predisposing factors. Majority of dogs affected were in the age group of 0-3 months (47.37%), then 3-6 months (39.47 %) and were males (24/38; 63.16%). Breed wise study revealed that desi/local breeds (26.32 %) were more susceptible followed by Labrador retriever (18.42%) and German shepherd (15.79%). Non-vaccinated dogs (71.05 %) were more victimized to CPV infection than the vaccinated dogs. Season wise incidence showed that cases were almost exclusively occurred in winter (97.37%) followed by monsoon (2.63%).

Title: Effect of Black Pepper and Jaggery Supplementation with or without Feed Restriction on Broilers Performance
Abstract :

A study was conducted to study the effects of black pepper and jaggery supplementation with or without feed restrictions on growth performance of broilers. In this growth study, 480 chicks were distributed randomly into 8 treatments having total 60 birds per treatment (4 replicates × 15 chicks in each replicate). (T1- Control group fed ad-libitum as per ICAR specification T2- T1 with feed restriction (8-10 hrs) T3- T1 with 0.5 % black pepper supplementation T4- T1 with 0.5 % black pepper supplementation with feed restriction (8-10 hrs) T5-T1 with 1% jaggery supplementation T6- T1 with 1% jaggery supplementation with feed restriction (8-10 hrs) T7- T1 with 0.5% black pepper and 1% jaggery supplementation T8 - T1 with 0.5% black pepper and 1% jaggery supplementation with feed restriction (8-10 hrs). Due to feed restriction significant decrease in average body weight gain was observed at 2nd week of age but lower feed intake was observed during 2nd and 4th week. Black pepper supplementation decreased the average body weight gain at 2nd week of age and feed intake at 2nd and 3rd week of age but there was no significant difference in FCR. No Significant difference in average body weight gain and average feed intake was observed except during 5th week of age at which both average body weight gain and average feed intake reduced but no significant difference in FCR observed due to jaggery supplementation. So, it was concluded that significant reduction in average feed intake and average body weight gain was observed due to feed restriction.

Title: Dairy Animal Welfare during Transportation in Punjab: A KAP Study
Abstract :

A KAP ( Knowledge, Attitude and Perception) study on dairy farmers of Punjab was conducted to have the idea of their knowledge on animal welfare practice during transportation. A total of 200 dairy farmers across the state were randomly selected for the said study. Dairy farmers were asked to answer the 27 questions comprising of open ended question and multiple choice questions, fill in the blanks. The animal welfare indicators like physical injury, bruising, fracture, bleeding, broken tail, behavior of animal, feeding, drinking, vocalization, urination and defecation during loading and unloading of dairy animal was observed. Beside these, method of loading/unloading the animal, vehicle design, attitude of handler, stocking density, type of bedding, side railing and accompanying person was observed. The study revealed majority of dairy farmers (72%) have low knowledge level of animal welfare issue during transport. The same percentage (71%) of farmers has poor to average adherence to animal welfare practice during transport. It was concluded that the animal welfare issues are compromised during transportation of animals in Punjab by dairy farmers. Extensive and consistent campaign is recommended for apprising the dairy farmers about animal welfare issues.

Title: Comparative Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Group A Rotavirus in Cow Calves of Punjab, India
Abstract :

Group A rotavirus has been recognized as the major etiological agent of diarrhoea in calves, which leads to heavy economic loss to dairy farmers. The present study was done to estimate the prevalence along with genotypic characterization of group A rotavirus circulating in dairy herds of Punjab. A total of 198 faecal samples of cow calves were analyzed from April 2012 to March 2013 in Ludhiana and Bathinda districts of Punjab by ELISA, RNA-PAGE and RT-PCR. G and P genotyping was done by RT-PCR using genotype-specific primer sets targeting VP4 and VP7 genes. RNA PAGE, RT-PCR and ELISA showed a positive prevalence rate of 6.56%, 7.57% and 9.59%. RT-PCR showed perfect agreement with other two diagnostic techniques by Diagnostic Test Agreement. Eight RT- PCR positive samples were further screened by nested multiplex PCR using G and P-genotype specific primers for genotypic characterization. Out of these, two samples exhibited G6 types and rest were untypable. In P typing, four samples showed P[11] type. G6P [11] was the main combination in the present study. This study suggests that the RT PCR is the highly suitable technique for the detection of group A rotavirus. Further investigation is required to find out the untypable strain by designing suitable primers.

Title: Fish Catch Composition and Biodiversity Indices at Harike Wetland- A Ramsar Site in India
Abstract :

The present study was carried out to evaluate the fish biodiversity and catch composition in Harike Wetland, Punjab. Total 37 fish species were recorded from Harike wetland and these belong to 14 families and 25 genera. Maximum number of species (16) recorded under family Cyprinidae followed by Bagridae (4 species) and Siluridae (3 species). Maximum number of species was recorded in May and minimum in July. Dendrogram from Bray – Curtis similarity matrix revealed close association among family Bagridae, Siluridae Channidae Notopteridae and family Cyprinidae dominated the catch composition and established as the controlling factor of the overall fish catch composition in the Harike wetland. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) ordination of the fish family revealed family Cyprinidae contributed the maximum variability. Shannon’s index revealed light polluted nature of Harike wetland during pre-monsoon whereas, during the monsoon moderate polluted nature of Harike wetland has been observed. Pielou’s evenness index revealed moderate evenness of the abundance of the fish population in Harike wetland. Margalef Richness Index revealed richness in fish biodiversity of this wetland. It can be concluded that despite of different natural and anthropogenic disturbances the wetland is still supporting a good number of fish species which is to be conserved.

Title: Effect of Dietary and Litter Amendment on Litter Quality and Broiler Performance during Rainy Season
Abstract :

The study was conducted to determine the effect of low protein diet supplemented with enzyme protease along with litter amendment with sodium bisulphate to assess the effect on litter quality and broiler performance during rainy season. 240 day old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups, having 3 replicates of 20 chicks each. Control group (Tc) had no dietary and litter amendments and the other three included, litter amendment with sodium bisulphate (Ts), dietary amendment with low protein supplemented with protease enzyme (Tp) and both dietary and litter amendment (Tsp). Production parameters performance assessed by body weight, feed efficiency and survivability and litter parameters like litter pH, litter moisture, litter microbial count and litter nitrogen were studied. The result shows a significant (p<0.05) higher average body weight in Ts group (1633g) followed by Tsp group (1581g) than by Tp group (1535) in comparison to control (Tc) group (1515g) during 42 days of study. Best FCR was observed in Ts diet fed group. The survivability was more in all the treatments groups compared to control group. The overall hygiene and growth of broiler chick was better in Ts and Tsp group as compared to Tp and Tc group. It was concluded that that treatment with low protein diet along with protease enzyme supplementation recorded marginally equal body weight and FCR compared to control group however, litter amendment with sodium bisulphate shown significant improvement on the growth rate in the litter amended groups as compared to control group.

Title: Comparative Therapeutic Efficacy of Different Drugs Against Caprine Contagious Agalactia
Abstract :

The present work was undertaken with the aim to compare the therapeutic efficacy of different drugs against contagious agalactia in lactating goats. A total of 24 lactating goats having clinical mastitis and positive for Mycoplasma agalactiae were placed randomly into four groups i.e. T1 – T4, each group comprised of six mastitic goats and subjected to different therapeutic regimens. Six clinically healthy goats were kept as healthy control. Mycoplasma agalactiae was detected and confirmed as causative agent of contagious agalactia by using polymerase chain reactions which showed a specific 176 bp bands obtained from the DNA amplification of Mycoplasma agalactiae using primers ma-mp 1F and ma-mp 1R. The response of therapeutic study was evaluated on the basis of clinical score card, clinical parameters and polymerase chain reactions on day 0 pretreatment and on days 7 and 14 post treatment. At the time of sampling, the clinical signs in sick animals were of clinical mastitis i.e. swelling of udder, abnormal milk secretion, pain on palpation of the udder and raised clinical parameters. The response of therapeutic study revealed significant improvement in temperature, pulse and respiration in all the treatment groups. On the basis of score card and polymerase chain reactions results on days 7 and 14 post-treatment, goats of the group T4 that was subjected to the treatment with combination of tylosin, tocopherol and sodium selenite showed earliest recovery.

Title: Perception of Member Dairy Farmers about Animal Health Care Services and Input Facilities Provided By Milkfed
Abstract :

The present study was conducted to evaluate the response of dairy farmers about the timely availability of technical and extension services provided by milkfed in Amritsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana districts of Punjab. For the study, response of total 225 dairy farmers (75 each from Amritsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana districts) was analyzed regarding the provision of input services provided by milkfed. Data was collected with the help of well-designed questionnaire comprising of different type of questions regarding the technical and extension services. The results of the study indicated that overall 93.78% dairy farmers from Amritsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana districts responded in agreement that milkfed provide them technical services along-with different kind of products and medicines at the subsidized rates. Apart from the routine services provided by milkfed, 30.22% and 32.89% member farmers responded that milkfed also provide them green fodder seeds and bonus at the end of the year. It has been reported in the current study that dairy farmers from Bathinda and Ludhiana districts are very much satisfied with the facilities provided to them by milkfed whereas dairy farmers from Amritsar district seemed to be unsatisfied with the facilities provided by Milkfed. The results of study suggest that milkfed has to develop extensive extension system especially in Amritsar district to promote latest farming practices among its members farmers.

Title: Quality Characteristics of Functional Spent Hen Meat Nuggets Incorporated with Amla (Emblica officinalis) Fruit Juice Powder
Abstract :

The present study was conducted to develop functional fibre enriched spent hen meat nuggets (SMN) with incorporation of amla fruit juice powder. Four different products with amla fruit juice powder with the replacement of lean meat viz. 0% (Control), 0.5% (T1), 1.0% (T2) and 1.5% (T3) were prepared and optimum level of amla fruit juice powder was selected on the basis of physico-chemical, proximate analysis, instrumental texture and color profile, and sensory analysis. The pH decreased whereas water activity (aw) and moisture content followed an increasing trend with the increase in the level of incorporation of amla fruit juice powder in the SMN. The cooking yield and emulsion stability significantly (P<0.05) increased with the incorporation of amla fruit juice powder. The fat percentage was comparable in T1 and T2 and was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T3. Protein content decreased whereas crude fiber and ash increased with the increase in level of incorporation of amla fruit juice powder. Color profile did not vary significantly (P<0.05) among the different treatments with the incorporation of amla fruit juice powder. Hardness, chewiness and gumminess significantly decreased whereas springiness, resilience showed an increase with in treatments and control. The overall acceptability in treated products was higher than control. Sensory panelists awarded highest overall acceptability scores to T2. Results concluded that functional fibre enriched spent hen meat nuggets can be successfully manufactured with the incorporation of 1.0% amla fruit juice powder.

Title: Anti-nociceptive Efficacy of Carprofen and Meloxicam in Ovario-hysterectomized Dogs
Abstract :

Anti-nociceptive efficacy of carprofen and meloxicam was evaluated in twelve female dogs brought for elective ovario-hysterectomy randomly assigned to Group A and Group B. In Group A Carprofen was administered @ 4 mg/kg i.v, whereas in Group B, Meloxicam was administered @ 0.2 mg/ kg i.v, immediately after completion of surgery. Pain scores decreased significantly following analgesia with carprofen and meloxicam. Carprofen was found to be better analgesic than meloxicam in terms of its effect in reducing the behavioural pain responses post-operatively.

Title: Evaluation of Myocardial Damage in Dogs with Heat Stroke
Abstract :
Twenty cases of heat stroke in dogs, observed during hot/hot humid months, were investigated for myocardial damage, if any, employing electrocardiography and estimation of cardiac troponin-I. Heat stroke in dogs was clinically characterized by sudden onset of hyperthermia (temperature > 107.0 °F) during hot/hot humid months, impaired consciousness, severe panting and associated symptoms. Their haemogram reflected thrombocytopenia and increased levels of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocytes and total leucocytes. Electrocardiographic abnormalities such as sinus tachycardia (heart rate 240 to 320 beats per minutes), ventricular premature complexes (8-10 per minute), ventricular tachycardia (ventricular rate 180-220), ventricular fibrillations, and 3rd degree heart block associated with increased level of cardiac troponin- I (mean 3.34±1.11 ng/ml) suggested myocardial damage in the dogs with heat stroke.
Title: NEWS
Abstract :

NEWS