Contents

In North Eastern region of India pig rearing is an important livestock farming occupation with cohesive habitation of humans and pigs. A variety of diarrhoeal diseases in these two hosts occur due to pathogenic forms of E. coli harbouring virulence, specific colonisation factors and pathogenicity associated genes. 115 faecal samples were collected from human and pigsin Assam, India out of which 93 samples were positive for E. coli presence resulting in 80.80 percent positivity for isolation. Out of these, 51 were positive for human and 42 were positive for pig. The isolated E. coli confirmed by morphological and biochemical identification. Molecular characterisation studies targeting the virulence genes viz., stx1, stx2, eae for shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) was made by multiplex PCR using a cocktail of type specific primers. The presence of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) among the positive isolates was identified by simplex PCR aiming the eae and bfp genes. Among the 51 human isolates, 20 were EPEC and none contained the bfp gene, signifying as atypical EPEC. However, none of the pig isolates were found to be typable. This baseline study on pathogenic form of E. coli may help in further serogrouping of the organism for diagnostics and pathogenesis implications.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae are the two important pathogens affecting poultry worldwide and responsible for huge economic losses to the poultry industry. Here, we studied the prevalence of M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae in poultry flocks from different geographical regions in India. Prevalence of M. synoviae and M. gallisepticum as 33.0% and 11.65% was observed in samples from live birds of different states and 25.98% and 9.45% of samples were positive for M. synoviae and M. gallisepticum in post mortem examined birds of a single farm. ELISA results showed seroprevalence of 52.1 and 32.6%, respectively of M. synoviae and M. gallisepticum in a total of 635 samples. The PCR and ELISA results revealed an overall higher prevalence of M. synoviae than M. gallisepticum in live birds from different states and in dead birds with Chronic Respiratory Disease and the results shows the urgent need for adoption of better control measures against M. synoviae including vaccination.

The present study was conducted to study the effect of fortified soymilk as milk replacer on growth performance and feeding economics of Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty four Murrah buffalo calves of (5 days age) were randomly distributed to four dietary treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4). T1 was control group in which calves were reared on buffalo milk only. In T2 and T3 groups calves were fed with buffalo milk and soymilk fortified with vitamins and minerals in the ratio 40:60 and 20:80 respectively. Group T4 was same as T3 except that in this group fortified soymilk was again supplemented with enzymes (proteinase + xylanase + pectinase). Fortnightly body weight (kg) and average daily weight gain (g/d) of the calves were found statistically similar among different dietary treatments groups. Overall dry matter intake (g/d) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in calves of control group as compared to other groups. Minimum feed cost per kg weight gain was observed in T4 group. The present study revealed that up to 80% buffalo milk can be replaced by soymilk fortified with vitamins, minerals and enzymes as economical substitute in buffalo calf feeding without any adverse effect on their performance.

This study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical screening and immunomodulatory action of methanolic extract of Andrographis Paniculata in experimental model of immunity as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in broiler chicks. Extracts of plant were obtained by soxhlets extraction in solvent methanol. In this study, a total 60 day old Ven Cobb broiler chicks were used. For cell mediated immunity study, 30 chicks were divided into 3 treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) 10 chicks in each replicates. Similarly, for humoral immunity study, 30 chicks were divided into another 3 treatment groups of 10 chicks in each replicates. Each bird of different groups was individually identified by using leg band. T1 (Control diet), T2 (Standard growth promoter; BMD @ 0.05% in feed), T3 (APE @ 0.4g/L) in drinking water daily for consecutive 42 days. The preliminary phytochemical tests were carried out by using standard methods. Cellular immunity assessed by DNFB skin sensitization test. Whereas, humoral immunity was analyzed by indirect micro haemagglutination test. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phytosterols, diterpenoid, tannin, saponin, flavonoids and phenols. Andrographis paniculta extract in group T3 showed highest antibody titer and significantly higher skin thickness in DNFB skin sensitization test both at 24 hours and 48 hours after sensitization as compared to group T1 and group T2. Phytochemical compounds phenols and flavonoids are known to have beneficial importance in immunomodulation. It can be concluded that the Andrographis paniculata extract posses potent immunomodulatory activity.

Indiscriminate uses of antibiotics have caused microbial resistance and also lead to many side effects. To overcome from such situation plants and animal materials are widely used the treating various ailments having antimicrobial properties. In Ayurveda, goat urine has been used to improve general health of an individual. Therefore, present study was undertaken to study in vitro antibacterial potential of urinary peptides of goat against S. aureus and E. coli. The method employed extraction of urinary peptides from goat urine and subsequently antibacterial activity of extracted urinary peptides was studied by radial diffusion assay technique and microtiter broth dilution method. The results showed good antibacterial activity of goat urinary cationic antimicrobial proteins against test bacterial strains by exhibiting significant zone of inhibition. Thus it can be concluded that cationic urinary peptides of goat possess good inhibitory activities against bacterial strains and can be used to control infectious diseases.

A total of 1419 faecal samples of goats collected and examined for gastrointestinal parasitic infestations for a period of 9 months (August 2015 to April 2016) revealed overall prevalence of 86.11 percent. The common parasitic infections prevalent were coccidian (71.45%), strongyle (28.40%), Moniezia spp. (18.74%) and Strongyloides spp. (0.70%). Highest prevalence of coccidia (81.07%) was observed in Jamunapari goats, while highest strongyle prevalence (30.64%) was observed in Barbari goats. Jakhrana goats showed highest prevalence rate of Moniezia spp. infection. Age-wise, prevalence of coccidian oocysts was highest in >6-12M age group while higher prevalence of strongyles was observed in > 6M age. Moniezia spp. infection, however, was more prevalent in goats of 2-6M age group. Month-wise, prevalence was higher in during September and October. The intensity of coccidian infection in terms of overall least squares means of coccidian oocysts count per gram of faeces (LFOC) was 4.673±.007, while the corresponding least squares means (Transformed value) of eggs per gram of faeces (LFEC) of strongyles and Moniezia spp. were 4.628±.002, 4.625±.003, respectively. Factors like breed, age of animal and collection month significantly influenced (P<0.01) the total coccidian and strongyle intensity (faecal oocysts/ eggs count). Eimeria infection involved was of mixed nature, while nematode infections showed preponderance of Haemonchus spp. The most common Eimeria spp. recorded were E. arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae.

Gastroenteritis caused by helminth is a major hindrance for optimum productivity in small ruminants. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of naturally occurring gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) and intensity of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in Garole sheep of Sundarban Delta of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. Sixty Garole in the age group of three months to one year were selected in two villages of South 24 Parganas district and coprologically screened by Standard technique at monthly interval for a period of one year (from Oct 2012 – September 2013). The prevalence of GIH infection was 82.22%. Highest prevalence (90.83%) as well as intensity of GIN infection (EPG = 521) was observed in monsoon and lowest prevalence (75.83%) and intensity (EPG = 388.75) was recorded in summer. Haemonchus contortus was recorded as the predominant GI nematode species with an overall prevalence of 63.91% and Paramphistome (15.28%) was reported to be the predominant trematode species infecting Garole sheep. The present study indicates that the naturally occurring GI parasites were prevalent in Garole sheep all round the year with the highest prevalence in monsoon. The results of the present study might be exploited for developing lucid and specific control measures against naturally occurring GIH in Garole sheep.

The present study reported the prevalence of lactose fermenting Enterobacteriaceae in Star Tortoises (Geochelone elegans) from three different captive facilities in South India viz., Chennai Snake Park Trust (CSPT), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (SCZG), Mysuru, Karnataka. A total of forty cloacal swabs and forty fresh faecal samples were collected separately from same captive Star Tortoises of different captive facilities and three water samples each from three different captive facilities. The cloacal swabs were used for cultural isolation of lactose fermenting Enterobacteriaceae and fresh faecal samples were used for direct DNA extraction using QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit. The fimC (Type I fimbriae) gene was used for identification of Pathogenic Escherichia coli through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). E. coli (n=11) (27.5%) was the intermittently encountered bacteria, followed by Klebsiella spp. (n=8) (20.00%) and Enterobacter spp. (n=8) (20.00%) isolated from cloacal swabs through culture method. The Enterobacter spp. was more prevalent in water samples, followed by Klebsiella spp. while E. coli was absent in water samples. A total of 21 samples were positive for E. coli, through DNA isolated from fresh faecal samples using QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit. This showed that direct DNA isolation was more convenient than traditional culture method of bacterial confirmation. The E. coli isolates were tested for antimicrobial sensitivity by using Disc Diffusion Method. Antimicrobial resistance pattern as follows, resistance was recorded against cefotaxime (54.54%), azithromycin (45.45%), gentamicin, tetracycline and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (36.36%). No isolate was found resistant against enrofloxacin. The E. coli isolates also showed multiple drug resistance to different group of drugs.

The present study was taken up to enrich the fiber and healthy fatty acid content in chicken nuggets with addition of flaxseed flour. The chicken emulsion is prepared with fortification of flaxseed at different level viz., 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 percent respectively. The products were subjected for proximate analyses, physio-chemical and sensory analysis. The samples were analyzed as raw emulsion batter and cooked chicken nuggets. On analysis of proximate composition of nuggets the moisture retention, fiber, ash and fat content has significantly (p<0.05) increased. The pH and TBARS values represent stability and found to be low in flaxseed fortified chicken nuggets. The sensory acceptability with 2.5 percent addition of flaxseed had higher acceptance compared to others. The present study concludes that 2.5 percent addition of flaxseed has increased the nutritive value of chicken nuggets without much affecting the sensory acceptability of the product and increased level leads to sensory rejection.

One hundred and twenty day old straight run coloured chicken (Chabro) were distributed into four treatments: T1-basal diet, T2-5% of basal diet replaced with Azolla meal on dry matter basis, T3- Basal diet+Raw azolla after 4 weeks, T4- T2+Raw azolla after 4 weeks. Average weekly weight gain of T1, T2 and T3 were significantly higher (P<0.01) than T4 birds at 2nd week. There was no significant difference in the weekly FCR among the treatment groups during the experiment. Humoral immune response to 1% SRBC (log2 titre) and cell mediated immune response to PHA-P was comparatively better in T2 group. Per cent gizzard weight was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 than other groups. There was no significant difference among the treatment groups in the carcass quality traits. It may be concluded that azolla meal can replace poultry feed up to 5% level with higher humoral and cell mediated immune responses.

The present study was conducted on the Murrah buffaloes maintained at Livestock Research Centre of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal. The animals were classified into heifer, primipara and pluripara. For this experiment a total of 50 Murrah buffaloes were followed, out of which 8 were heifers, 12 were primipara and 30 were pluripara. Daytime was considered to be from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm and night from 6.00 pm to 6.00 am. It was confirmed that the mean daily sleeping time of buffaloes during the reference day in heifer, primipara, pluripara and overall of buffaloes was 76.63±1.80, 72.93±2.04, 74.64 ±1.44 and 74.40±1.06 min for heifer, primipara, pluripara and overall buffaloes, respectively. The total sleeping time decreased significantly (p<0.05) one day before estrus by 52.37%, 39.86%, 38.41% and 40.53% for heifer, primipara, pluripara and overall buffaloes, respectively compared to the day of reference. The difference between -1 d and day of estrus was significant (p<0.05) for all group except for heifers. The decrease in total sleeping time on estrus day was by 62.59%, 57.78%, 46.13% and 51.37% for heifer, primipara, pluripara and overall buffaloes, respectively compared to the day of reference. From the above study, it can be concluded that sleeping behaviour around estrus indicated their potential for useful markers in early detection of estrus. The changes in sleeping behavior of individual buffalo can be used for early detection of change of reproductive status as it is significantly affected by estrus and as the change in sleeping behavior.

The study was aimed at examining the discrimination of beta-lactam resistant E. coli isolated from poultry and poultry farm workers in Andhra Pradesh (India). Faecal swabs from different poultry species (n=150) and poultry farm workers (n=15) were analyzed for E. coli and screened for beta-lactam resistance phenotypically, by disc diffusion method and genotypically, by PCR targeting blaCTX-M group-1 and 2 beta-lactamase genes. Beta-lactam resistant E. coli were serotyped based on their ‘O” antigen and then genotyped using (GTG) 5 repetitive sequence based PCR (Rep-PCR). Out of 134 E. coli isolates (122/150 from poultry and 12/15 from farm workers) recovered, 12 isolates were found to be beta-lactam resistant, of which seven carried extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype. All the phenotypically resistant isolates carried multiple beta-lactamase genes. Serological typing of the 12 resistant E. coli revealed nine different serotypes (O2, O49, O60, O63, O83, O101, O120, UT and Rough). Rep-PCR fingerprinting allowed the discrimination of 12 resistant E. coli isolates into 11 Rep-PCR genotypes. The numerical index of discrimination was 0.999. Present findings enabled the observation of genetic diversity between beta-lactam resistant E. coli isolated from healthy poultry and poultry farm workers in Andhra Pradesh (India) based on their Rep-PCR genotype.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and biochemical parameters in colic horses (n=20) with that of healthy control animals (n=10). Further, the measured parameters were also compared between survived and non-survived colic patients. Clinical parameters included were rectal temperature, respiration rate (RR), capillary refill time (CRT) and heart rate (HR). Biochemical parameters estimated at the time of admission were sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Except for rectal temperature, the vital parameters viz. RR (mean 28.8 vs. 17.2 breaths/min; P<0.05), CRT (mean 2.9 vs. 1.4 sec; P<0.001) and HR (mean 64 vs. 30.5 beats per min; P<0.001) were significantly elevated in the colic horses as compared to the control animals. No significant difference was observed in the levels of serum sodium, potassium and chloride between control and colic horses. However, mean calcium concentration was significantly lower (P<0.01) in colic horses (10.7 mg/dL) as compared to control horses (12 mg/dL). The LDH activity was significantly elevated (P<0.05) in colic group (mean 1289 U/L) as compared to control group (mean 649 U/L). A significant association (P<0.05) was found between abnormal LDH levels (>700 U/L) and proportion of horses with colic (70%) as compared to healthy ones (30%). Thirty percent (6/20) horses did not survive in this study and none of the measured parameters differ significantly between survived and non-survived colic horses (P>0.05). In conclusion, colic in equine patients results in elevation of RR, CRT, HR and LDH and decrease in serum calcium.

In an experimental study, five field isolates of Pasteurella multocida recently isolated from natural sporadic cases from cattle were tested for their pathogenicity in mice. 0.2 ml of eighteen hours old broth cultures of each of the test isolates containing approximately 2.4×108 CFU/ml was inoculated into four mice (2 male and 2 female) by intra peritoneal route and two mice (1 male and 1 female) were kept as control and inoculated with Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth. All the mice died within 24 hours of inoculation. The presence of P. multocida in the dead mice was detected by smear examination followed by re-isolation of pure colonies on sheep blood agar (SBA) and was later confirmed by P. multocida specific polymerase chain reaction (PM-PCR). P. multocida was detected in all the dead mice. All the five isolates amplified KMT1gene and gave an amplified product of ~460 bp. Gross pathological changes comprised of mild congestion and haemorrhages in organs like lung, heart, kidneys, liver and spleen. Histopathological changes revealed congestion, haemorrhages along with fibrinous exudation in lung, haemorrhages, vascular congestion and varying degree of degenerative and necrotic changes in heart, sinusoidal congestion and hydropic degeneration in liver and congestion of intertubular capillaries in kidney.

The study was conducted on thirty specimen of bursa of Fabricius from day old to twenty six weeks old Kadaknath birds. Formalin fixed samples were processed by routine paraffin embedding technique and subjected to histological study. The histoarchitectural observation on bursa of Fabricius revealed that, it was composed of four tunics. The bursal mucosa was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium except at crypts it became simple columnar. Bursal epithelium had four types of cells as type-I, type-II, type-III and type-IV. Presence of melanocytes in bursa of Fabricius was unique characteristic feature of present study which was fusiform cell with elongated nuclei in the cytoplasm was generally occurred in all component of bursa of Fabricius. There was complete regression of bursa of Fabricius after 25th week of age.

The present study was conducted on the 36 samples of thyroid gland divided into three groups based on the age of animals and irrespective of sex viz.- Prepubertal (below 1 year), Pubertal (2-3 years) and Senile (above 5 years of age) containing 12 animals in each group. The study was conducted to understand the ultrastructural morphology and some of the changes in the components of the thyroid gland in goat with age. Follicular cells were cuboidal in prepubertal group but were flattened senile group. These cells remarkably showed highly dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum which decreased in frequency with the age. Microvilli were short and sparse on the follicular cells and the number decreased in the older goats. Different sizes of apical vesicles of varying electron density were encountered that included colloid droplets, secretory vesicles and lysosome-like bodies and the appearance of these vesicles changed with age. Para follicular cells were encountered in the basal position between follicular cells in all age groups. Numerous dense cytoplasmic granules were observed and they were not apparently different and hence the general ultrastructural features of the thyroid of adult Bakerwali goat was similar to that of domestic animals.

The meat industry is focused on the development of new products with better nutritional properties and acceptable sensory quality by adopting innovative processing and cooking procedures. In this study, the effects of different cooking treatments (moist cooking, dry cooking and deep fat frying) and incorporation of binders (Rice-Oryza sativa and Ragi-Eleusine coracana) on poultry meat were investigated. The proximate composition, physicochemical and sensory acceptance (Colour, flavour, Texture, juiciness and overall acceptability) of the meat cooked using the different treatments were compared. The study revealed that moisture and fat differ significantly (p<0.05) among the different cooking methods. However no significant (p<0.05) changes observed for protein and ash. The pH of cooked products varies significantly (p<0.05) and pH was found to be lower in deep fat fried products. The cooking yield of deep fat fried product was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the dry and moist cooked products. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in sensory ratings between emulsion based product prepared with different binders and also there was no significant (P>0.05) difference among the different cooking methods. Overall acceptability scores for all the products were more than 6.50 reflecting more than moderate acceptance of all products. The incorporation of rice and ragi as binder increased cooking yield and also gave better sensory ratings. Further, there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in physicochemical quality, proximate composition and sensory rating. Ragi which is known to be rich in iron can be effectively used in place of rice as binder in emulsion based chicken products.

Details of the morphology of omasum in Gaddi sheep were observed by naked eye and by light microscopy. A constant and definite sequence of laminae was found. Omasal papillae on the laminae varied highly in shape, i.e. conical, rounded and finger-like. Different parameters (greater curvature, lesser curvature, weight and volume of the organ) in addition to various gross anatomical features, were studied. Average weight and volume of omasum were recorded as 126.67 gm and 73.67 ml respectively. On an average the convex greater curvature measured 15.17 ± 0.32 cm, while the concave lesser curvature measured 6.45 ± 0.13 cm. Four orders of laminae were present. The average numbers of laminae counted in I, II and III order were 11, 13 and 18 respectively. The total average number of laminae counted in I, II and III orders were 42. The core of the omasal laminae contained central muscular lamina which extended from the inner circular layer of tunica muscularis. In the omasal laminae the circular muscle was flanked on both the sides by lamina muscularis mucosa. The distinguishing feature of the omasal laminae was the presence of lamina muscularis mucosa which is not reported in rumen and reticulum in general. Histochemical reactions were mainly demonstrated in the lamina epithelialis and connective tissue core of the omasal laminae. Greater amounts of acid mucopolysaccharides were present in the omasal laminae when compared to the simple polysaccharides and lipids.

Shrimp cultivation faced serious problems with diseases caused by viruses and bacteria causing severe economic losses. Of the bacterial infections, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, have been frequently associated with fatalities both, in hatcheries and grow out ponds. V. parahaemolyticus is pathogenic to human besides fish and other aquatic lives. For systematic bacteriological examination of aseptically collected all samples were brought to the laboratory in Ice box and they were further processed for isolation, identification and characterization of V. parahaemolyticus isolates on the basis of their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Out of total 150 samples of shrimp 5 (3.33%) isolates of V. parahaemolyticus were obtained which included 3 (4.28%, 3/70) from marine shrimp samples and 2 (2.5%, 2/80) from freshwater shrimp samples. Out of 27 samples of the hand swabs of fish handlers, 2 (7.40 %) were positive for V. parahaemolyticus. However, none of 23 human stool samples was positive for the pathogen. The pathogenicity of 7 isolates of V. parahaemolyticus was tested on Wagatsuma agar contained human red blood cells. Only one V. parahaemolyticus isolate (33.33%, 1/3) cultured from marine shrimp sample was Kanagawa Phenomenon positive, expressing β- haemolysin on Wagatsuma agar. Rest of all the isolates were KP negative. all 7 V. parahaemolyticus isolates amplified the species specific toxR (368 bp) gene. While ruling out pathogenic nature of the isolates by PCR, 1 out of 7 (14.28 %) isolates exhibited amplification of virulent tdh (269 bp) gene. However, not a single V. parahaemolyticus isolate contained trh (500bp) gene.

The present study was carried out on the atlas and axis of six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. Both the atlas and axis were atypical cervical vertebrae. The atlas presented a large rough tuberosity on its dorsal arch, thick ventral arch and less curved wings those were thick and more horizontal plate bones. They terminated into a rough curved ridge laterally and exceeded behind the articular surface caudally. The cranial articular cavities for the occipital condyles were partially divided into dorsal and ventral parts by a non-articular area and were separated by a narrow interval below. The caudal articular surfaces were flattened behind and were continued to the vertebral canal forming an extensive area known as fovea dentis for articulation with the dens of the axis. There were presences of cranio-internal intervertebral foramen and cranio-external alar foramen connected by a short furrow. A deep atlantal fossa was present in the ventral aspect of wing of atlas. The axis was the longest cervical vertebra that presented a spout like odontoid process projected from the body cranially and an intervertebral foramen at the base of the transverse process. The supraspinous process was blade like cranially that increased in height and thickness backwards and terminated abruptly beyond the level of caudal articular surface of the body. The infraspinous process was in the form of a median ridge. The Biometrical observations on different parameters of atlas and axis reflected significance (P<0.05) differences between the sexes of this species.

This experiment was designed to study the effect cooling rate in Hariana bull spermatozoa during cryopreservation. For this purpose, ejaculates were collected from four Hariana bulls using artificial vagina at biweekly interval. The semen sample which possesses more than 70% progressive motility and above 500 million/ml spermatozoa concentration was subsequently subjected to processing for liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour freezing. Semen samples were extended in Tris-egg yolk-glycerol extender and split into 3 parts. These split samples were subjected to cooling from 35oC to 4oC temperature at 2.21°C/min (rapid), 0.48°C/min (moderate) and 0.25°C/min (slow cooling). Each cooled part was than subjected to LN2 vapour freezing in a programmable biological freezer followed by plunging into LN2. Samples were evaluated at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages for per cent live spermatozoa, per cent progressively motile spermatozoa, per cent Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) positive spermatozoa and percent spermatozoa with intact acrosome by Fluorescein isothiocyanate- pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA) method. Maximum damage of cooling was observed in rapid cooling whereas damage found to be minimal in slow cooling protocols.

The study was conducted on 28 foetal hearts of goats of non- descript breed. These were grouped as; Group-I (early prenatal period; ≤50 days of gestation), Group-II (mid prenatal period; between ≥ 51 days to ≤100 days of gestation) and Group III (Late prenatal period; of ≥101 days age till parturition). There were 12 foetii in II and III- group but only four foetii in group-I. The age of goat foetii was estimated by using the standard formula of Hugget and Widas (Singh et al. 1979). The weight and volume of the heart increased continuously from 46th to 148th day of gestation in a colinear fashion, however the maximum gain in weight and volume occurred during the late prenatal period. The percent of heart weight to the body weight goes on reducing with the advancement of age of foetus. During early prenatal period the heart was wider (cardiac shape index 80) while in late prenatal period it was longer (cardiac shape index 65.5) in shape.

Grenada is the southernmost country in the Caribbean sea with an area of 348.5 Km2. The country with low hills, small trees, shrubs and tropical climate is most suitable for growth of rats as well as mites. During fecal examination from 170 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada for identification of gastrointestinal parasites, fur mites belonging to Atopomedilidae and Listrophoridae family were also observed in 18 (10.5%) in fecal samples. This is the first report of presence of fur mites in R. norvegicus from Grenada. It is concluded that rats should be regularly dewormed for enteroparasites.