To analyse the effect of sexed semen on different breeds used in artificial insemination following study was conducted using sexed semen from seven different breeds for artificial insemination in females. All bulls used for sexing by ABS India were genomically tested for Holstein and Jersey breeds. A total of 3034 inseminations with Sexcel were performed with 2589 inseminations in dairy cows and 445 in buffaloes. The conception rate of sexed semen using confirmative pregnancy diagnosis (using peri rectal examination) at 90 days post insemination both in cows and buffaloes was recorded. Sex of the calf was recorded after the birth in each case. The results of conception rate (CR) and pregnancy rate evaluation in different breeds were recorded. The results revealed the average conception rate of Sexcel semen is 49.1% (ranging from 45.1 to 55.3%) in cows and 42.7 % in buffaloes. These figures show a cumulative picture wherein sexed semen was used in animals of different parities (Both primiparous and pluriparous). The current study provides ample insights into the conception rate using sexed semen under various agro climatic conditions in different breeds. The study showed that sexed semen gives good conception in animals of one to three parities provided they are reproductively clean and possess good fertility.

Cryptococcus spp. is a pathogenic fungus which is an increasingly important cause of infection, particularly in the immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis of cryptococcosis in animals can be carried out by isolation of the fungus but this requires several days to detect and identify the organism. Detection of cryptococcal antigen by latex agglutination test and enzyme immunoassay in serum is a rapid and easy method for diagnosis of cryptococcosis. In the present study, a total of 142 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy (n=89) and diseased dogs (n=53) for diagnosis of cryptococcosis. Latex agglutination test and enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) were carried out for the detection of cryptococcal antigen in serum. Of the 142 serum samples tested, six samples tested positive by Latex agglutination test while one sample tested positive by EIA. The sample which was positive by EIA was also positive by Latex agglutination test. The serum samples of dogs that tested positive for cryptococcal antigen were obtained from dogs suffering from symptoms like bloody faeces and vomit, emesis, chronic ear infection and discharge. Based on our findings, we conclude that the latex agglutination test in combination with the enzyme immunoassay can be used for the diagnosis of Cryptococcosis in dogs.

Functional spent hen meat nuggets (SMN) both unwrapped and wrapped in bioactive biodegradable films were evaluated for their storage stability at refrigeration temperature (4 ±1ºC) under different packaging conditions. Standardized zein films formulated with 5% zein proteins and 7% glycerol and incorporated with 5% coliphages having concentration of 1010 pfu/ml were utilized in this study. Different treatments such as T1 (product packaged in aerobic conditions), T2 (product packaged in modified atmospheric packaging [MAP] conditions), T3 (product packaged in vacuum), T4 (product wrapped in developed films and packaged in aerobic conditions), T5 (product wrapped in developed films and packaged in MAP conditions), T6 (product wrapped in developed films and packaged in vacuum conditions) were evaluated at weekly interval for 5 weeks for their physico-chemical, sensory and microbiological parameters. Results depicted that T5 (product wrapped in developed films and packaged in MAP conditions) had comparatively lower value for TBARS, Free fatty acids, peroxide value and standard plate count than other treatments. Psychrophiles, yeast and mold, E.coli, coliforms were completely absent in the T5 throughout the storage period. All vacuum and MAP packaged products had better sensory attributes throughout storage than aerobic packaged products. It was thus concluded that developed SMN can be successfully stored for 35 days in bioactive biodegradable wrap under MAP conditions at 4±1oC.

The study was undertaken in Rajasthan with the objective to examine the input-output relationships and assess the resource use efficiency in milk production. The study covered 60 dairy households. The results of Cobb-Douglas production function revealed that concentrate had positive and significant influence on returns from buffalo, crossbred cow and local cow milk. Green fodder and labour were also significantly influenced the returns from buffalo, crossbred and local cow. The results of resource use efficiency and marginal value productivity of inputs indicated that inputs were not optimally utilized by dairy households. The green fodder, dry fodder, concentrate and labour in buffalo, concentrate and labour crossbred cow milk production and green fodder in local cow milk production were found to be over utilized in study area resulting higher per litre cost of milk production on these species.

Ultrasonography is a method of choice for imaging visceral organs in animals. The aim of the study was to determine the ultrasonographic characteristics of the thyroid gland in healthy dogs and to correlate the relationships of thyroid gland size and volume with body weight. A total of 24 apparently healthy dogs of different breeds were grouped into four groups (each with 6 animals) based on their body weight viz., less than 7 Kgs, 7-15 kgs, 15-30 kgs and more than 30 kgs. Each thyroid lobe was ultrasonographically observed in both transverse and longitudinal planes. The maximal length, width and height of each lobe and thyroid volume were measured. The data were analyzed statistically. In all the groups, thyroid lobes were round to oval in transverse images and fusiform or elliptical in longitudinal images with the smooth capsule. The parenchyma of the thyroid lobes had a homogenous echogenic pattern. There was no significant difference observed between the mean height, length, width and volume of both the lobes of the thyroid gland with body weight among the four groups at 5% level of significance (p< 0.05).

A total of 12 adult buffaloes were presented for the necropsy over the period of 6 months at the Department of Veterinary Pathology, CGKV, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh. Prevalence of Gigantocotyle spp. parasite infection was found to be 16.67% (2/12). Significant number of parasites was found in the bile duct and ductules of the infected liver along with the necrotic debris caused by parasite. Other gross lesions observed were included hepatitis, haemorrhages and fibrosis of the liver. Black color hard nodules at the site of mucosal attachment of parasites were noticed. Microscopic changes observed were included bile duct hyperplasia, haemorrhages, moderate fibrosis and granulomatous nodule characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells.

The study was conducted to determine the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Andographis paniculata (APE) in albino rats. Acute oral LD50 of APE in female rats was more than 2000 mg/kg. The antipyretic activity was studied by inducing pyrexia with Brewer’s yeast. A total number of thirty albino rats (200 g) were used for the study of anti-pyretic activity they were divided into five groups of six rats in each group. Group I served as control Normal saline and Group II were given brewer’s yeast alone (20 ml/kg), Group III was administered standard drug Aspirin @ 100 mg /kg body wt. while groups IV and V were treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Andrographis paniculata extract respectively. Pyrexia was induced by subcutaneously injecting 20% w/v brewer’s suspension in below the nape of the neck of the animals. The anti-inflammatory activity of APE was assessed by measuring the reduction in carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. A twenty four albino rats (200 g) were used for the study of anti-inflammatory activity. Four groups were divided with six rats in each group. Group I served as control Normal saline solution and Group II was administered standard drug phenylbutazone @ 100 mg/kg While, groups III and IV were treated with 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of APE respectively. APE (@ 400 mg/kg had significant antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity against reduced brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema in rats suggesting potent antipyretic effect of APE. From these results it may be concluded that crude methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata have significant antipyretic activity and anti-inflammatory activity that might be due to combined effect of active constituents present in plant extract this strongly support the ethno pharmacological use of the plant for the management of fever and inflammation.

The study was conducted to determine the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Andographis paniculata (APE) in albino rats. Acute oral LD50 of APE in female rats was more than 2000 mg/kg. The antipyretic activity was studied by inducing pyrexia with Brewer’s yeast. A total number of thirty albino rats (200 g) were used for the study of anti-pyretic activity they were divided into five groups of six rats in each group. Group I served as control Normal saline and Group II were given brewer’s yeast alone (20 ml/kg), Group III was administered standard drug Aspirin @ 100 mg /kg body wt. while groups IV and V were treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Andrographis paniculata extract respectively. Pyrexia was induced by subcutaneously injecting 20% w/v brewer’s suspension in below the nape of the neck of the animals. The anti-inflammatory activity of APE was assessed by measuring the reduction in carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. A twenty four albino rats (200 g) were used for the study of anti-inflammatory activity. Four groups were divided with six rats in each group. Group I served as control Normal saline solution and Group II was administered standard drug phenylbutazone @ 100 mg/kg While, groups III and IV were treated with 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of APE respectively. APE (@ 400 mg/kg had significant antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity against reduced brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema in rats suggesting potent antipyretic effect of APE. From these results it may be concluded that crude methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata have significant antipyretic activity and anti-inflammatory activity that might be due to combined effect of active constituents present in plant extract this strongly support the ethno pharmacological use of the plant for the management of fever and inflammation.

Present work was conducted to determine the total aerobic plate count of raw chicken meat samples, isolation of the Listeria spp. and determining their pathogenicity along with antibiotic susceptibility pattern. The 100 raw chicken meat samples, collected from different retail outlets in and around Durg district of Chhattisgarh, revealed mean APC of 23.67×105 cfu/g (6.374 log10 cfu/g). Cultural examination of raw chicken meat samples showed an overall 37% prevalence of Listeria spp., comprising of L. monocytogenes (16%), L. grayi (11%), L. welshimeri (5%), L. ivanovii (3%) and L. innocua (2%). All the Listeria isolates exhibited a typical β-heamolysis with narrow zone on sheep blood agar and enhancement of hemolytic zone in CAMP test. The haemolytic Listerial isolates developed kerato conjunctivitis in Anton’s test and stunting as well as hemorrhages in liver and heart along with conspicuous thickening of CAM in chicken embryos. Results of antibiotic susceptibility testing of all Listerial isolates further revealed that most of isolates were multidrug resistance to antibiotics. The present work revealed that the raw chicken meat may act as an important source of Listeria for human being. The presence of multiple drug resistance among Listeria spp. isolates provides a evidence of the emergence of multi drug resistant Listeria strains, pointing to an increase in the potential threat to human health.

Present study was conducted using purposive sampling technique to identify prevailing marketing practices and consumer preference for pork in Bareilly city. The study revealed that majority of retailers come under middle age group and belong to lower socio-economic strata. Facilities of chiller, deep freezer, disinfectant and packaging and labeling were not available at any retail shops. Majority of respondent sold 30-35kg pork/day with higher frequency of selling at morning within 4-5 hrs of slaughter. Problems faced by retailers were poor financial conditions and lack of marketing chain. Pork retailers required training and aids related to pork business from government. Majority of consumers at Bareilly city belongs to the lower socio-economic strata. Majority of individuals purchased pork at least 1-2 times per week, most of them purchased at morning time. Most of consumer preferred ham cut, purchased meat from road side stalls immediately after slaughter for preparing dishes from pork and preferred stewing. Finally, it can be concluded that pork was sold through unorganized sector, both consumers and retailers were not aware about quality and safety of pork and meager value chain exist for pork business at Bareilly city.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of DPE andprobiotics on performance of commercial broiler chicks. Three DPE levels (without DPE, with DPE 5% and DPE 10% supplementation) as well as Two probiotic levels (without and with P supplementation)were considered for the study. The experiment consisted of two replicates for DPE groups. The performance of broiler was evaluated in terms of growth and feed efficiency at 6th week of age. Data were analyzed on survivor and equal number of bird’s per subclass basis. Analysis of variance revealed that the difference between replicates were not significant for the different traits under study as such all subsequent analysis was performed. Inclusion of DPE and probioticsin diet had significant effect. Group of chicks fed with diet DPE were significantly heavier than those fed with diet without DPE at second week body weight. It indicates that the DPE supplementation had weighty effect on early growth of chicks. The Overall feed efficiency also showed the similar trend as was obtained for weekly feed efficiency. The analysis indicated that the inclusion of DPEand probiotics in the diet significantly affected the weekly feed conversion efficiency. Inclusion of probiotics and DPE revealed significant effects on body weight. Chicks showed higher body weight with diet having DPE and probiotics.

The present study was conducted to develop chicken meat powder (CMP) incorporated ready-to-eat shelf stable fried chicken snacks and evaluate the effect of rosemary leaves extract (RE) incorporation on physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory properties in developed product during ambient storage up to 60 days. Two different groups were made; control (without RE) and second group with RE treated (3% level). In physico-chemical properties, results showed that RE incorporation had highly significant (p<0.01) effect on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), free fatty acid (FFA) and tyrosine value. Similarly in microbiological parameter RE treated product had significantly (p<0.05) lower total plate count (TPC), Staphylococcus count (SC) and significantly (p<0.01) lower yeast and mold count than control. RE incorporation had highly significant effect (p<0.01) on sensory score (texture, flavour and overall acceptability except appearance) of the product during storage period. Therefore, it is concluded that RE incorporation into fried chicken snacks improved physico-chemical (TBARs, free fatty acid content and Tyrosine value), microbiological (Total plate count, Staphylococcus count and yeast and mold count) and sensory parameter (flavor, texture and overall acceptability) of the chicken snacks during 60 days storage.

The present study was conducted to compare the performance of broiler reared under two different light sources and three different light colours. For this purpose, 120, two-week-old IBL-80 (Indian Broiler Ludhiana-80) broiler chicks were randomly distributed in four different treatment groups viz. TLEDB-G (first 2 wks, blue LED then switched to green LED for the next 2 wks), TLEDG-B (first 2 wks, green LED then switch to blue LED for the next 2 wks), TLEDW (White LED) and TCFL (CFL light; Control) with 3 replications and 10 birds in each experimental unit was applied. The effects of different lights on performance (BW, BWG and FCR), carcass traits and its economic impact on broiler chickens were investigated in the present study. The results show that performance and carcass traits of broiler birds of blue-green and green blue LED light group was at par to that of CFL group whereas benefit cost ratio of birds of TLEDB-G (1.13) was found highest among different treatment groups. Therefore, use of a combination of monochromatic Blue-Green or Green-Blue LED light could be a better alternative source of light than CFL light in terms of birds’ performance, economics and energy saving.

The present investigation was carried out in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. Total of 100 sera samples from azotemic dogs were subjected to Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) using Leptospira culture in Leptospira lab, Department of Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly (U.P.) All the sera samples were tested against L. interrogans: Serovars icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona, canicola, autumnalis, grippotyphosa and javanica. Out of 100 sera samples, 20 (20%) were found positive (+) for different serovars of Leptospira interogans and 3 (3%) were doubtful (±) at an antibody titre ≥1:100. The serovars identified were L. autumnalis (17/100), L. icterohaemorrhagiae (8/100), L. gryppotyphosa (4/100), L. canicola (2/100), L. javanica (2/100) and L. Pomona (1/100). The highest prevalence of Leptospira was observed for serovars L. autumnalis (17%), followed by L. icterohaemorrhagiae (8%) and least for L. pomona (1%).

Bovine theileriosis, a tick borne haemoprotozoan disease, caused by, Theileria annulata and Theileria orientalis and responsible for heavy economical losses in dairy industry. Diagnosis of theileriosis is mainly based on clinical signs and conventional techniques. Polymerase chain reaction using whole blood is a modern method of diagnosis of theileriosis as it can detect infection even in low parasitemia but only concern is that its very time consuming and chances of loss of DNA is more. Hence, to overcome this, the present study reports the diagnosis of T. annulata and T. orientalis by comparing Whole blood PCR and FTA card PCR whereas a comparison between blood smear examination, whole blood PCR and FTA card PCR was done to determine the sensitivity of the techniques. The study was conducted on 50 blood samples of cattle having typical clinical signs and blood smear after staining with Giemsa’s stain were examined for presence of Theileria spp. in R.B.C. The primer sequences were used as per Kolte et al and Kakati et al. The assay employs primers specific for the gene encoding the 30-kDa major merozoite surface antigen of T. annulata and Major merozoite surface protein gene of T. orientalis. Out of total 50 blood samples, 16 were positive for Theileria sp. by blood smear examination, 19 were positive for T. annulata by Whole blood PCR and FTA card PCR whereas for T. orientalis, 26 were positive by whole blood and 27 samples by FTA card PCR. So the diagnosis of theileriosis by using FTA card PCR is found to be sensitive and less time consuming method as compared to Whole blood PCR.

Present study was conducted on twelve apparently healthy goats free from cardiothoracic diseases. The animals were divided into two groups each containing 6 animals to evaluate various the cardiothoracic parameters. Mean ± SE values of body weight and age were measured 11.83 ± 0.70 (range 10 - 15) kg, 3.75 ± 0.31 (range 3 - 5) month and 25.67 ± 1.73 (range 16-30) kg, 8.58 ± 0.95 (range 6.5 - 12) month in animals of the group-I and II, respectively. In thoracic radiographic examination, routinely used in cases which cardiac evaluation is indicated, quantitative assessment of the heart is a useful role to be used in combination with subjective analysis. The purpose of this study was to establish the standard values (range) for radiographic parameters of the heart and thorax. Cardiophrenic contact (cm), Cardiac inclination angle (degree), Tracheal angle (degree), Tracheal diameter (cm), Cardiac height/thoracic height, Cardiac width/thoracic height, Cardiac width / T3-T5, Cardiac height / R3-R5, Cardiac width / R3-R5, Cardiophrenic contact /cardiac height, Cardiac height + cardiac width/R3-R5, cardiac height + cardiac width /thoracic height and Tracheal diameter/T4, except cardiosternal contact (No. of sternabae), cardiac height/T3-T5, and cardiac height + cardiac width /T3-T5, were found to be non-significantly different between animals of the group-I and group-II. The standardized values of cardiothoracic parameters and their correlation with age and weight would be helpful to diagnose various cardio-thoracic illnesses in goats.

The occurrence of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei in Penaeus vannamei samples were collected from Maharashtra and Gujarat farms. In the present study, shrimp samples from various shrimp ponds from two districts of Maharashtra and two districts of Gujarat were collected over a period of one year (February 2016 to April 2017). A total of 4513 shrimp samples were assessed for the presence of EHP by molecular characterization. Out of shrimp samples analysed, 31.2% samples were positive for EHP. The screening of EHP was done by single step and nested PCR targeting spore wall protein gene (SWP) of EHP resulting in product size of 514 bp and 148 bp for EHP respectively.

The present study was conducted to study consumption pattern, awareness and hygienic practices adopted for meat and its products in different zones of Ludhiana city through contact survey method. A bilingual (Punjabi and English) questionnaire/interview schedule comprising questions related to meat consumption, processing pattern, awareness of consumers regarding type of meat and hygiene was designed. A total sample size of 800 respondents (256 females + 544 males) was taken for the survey by dividing Ludhiana city into four hypothetical zones, namely; Zone I, II, III and IV by using a random sampling method. The effect of zone of sampling revealed that people from Zone I preferred cold processing while those from zones II, III and IV preferred hot processing of meat. People from the entire four zones were not aware of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) in meat industry. Irrespective of the zones, the people were not aware of the government policies for meat production and export in India. The respondents from zone I were comparatively adopting hygienic practices in meat processing than all other zones. It could be concluded that consumers are still not aware about meat processing and hygienic considerations and there is a dire need to educate them about different food laws.

This present study was conducted on the trachea and lungs of adult Pashmina, Bakerwali and non-descript goats to compare the biometrical features of these organs among these breeds. For this, a total of 10 samples from each goat breed were collected. The mean length of the trachea in adult Pashmina, Bakerwali and non-descript goats were recorded as 19.70±0.55 cm, 27.35±0.43 cm and 27.24±1.02 cm, respectively. It was found that the length of the trachea was significantly shorter in case of Pashmina goat as compared to the other two breeds. Also, the width of the middle segment of the trachea was found to be significantly lesser in Pashmina goat. Similarly, the mean weight of the two lungs and their length at various levels in regard to different lobes showed variations among these three breeds and were significant for some biometrical parameters.

Present experiment was conducted on sixty Murrah buffalo divided into three groups : pregnant, lactating and involution stage/Dry stage. No distinct lobulation was observed during nonlactating early pregnant stage. The ratio between maximum diameter of lobule in nonlactating mid and late pregnant stage was 4:5. Mammary lobules were oval to polygonal in shape. In lactating stage the approximate ratio between maximum diameter of lobule in colostrum stage and three months of lactation were 2:1. The number of alveoli were maximum during colostrum phase and reduced from colostrum stage to ten months of lactation. Highly significant statistical difference in the diameter of lobules and number of alveoli was noticed during different stages of lactation from colostrum to ten month. The number of alveoli was minimum during nonlactating nonpregnant stage from one to two month.