One of the major achievements in medicine was in 1928 when the first antibiotic penicillin was discovered by Alexander Flemming. They were touted as ‘Miracle drug’ and brought great promise of a future without infectious disease. And now we face the threat of superbugs or nightmare bacteria threatening to render our future bleak. Each year, Anti Micorbial Resistance (AMR) kills more than 700,000 people globally. A ‘superbug’ is a bacterium capable of causing uncontrollable infections, a microbe which can’t be eradicated, and a germ which can kill when normally it shouldn’t. These are no less than “nightmare bacteria” that have a potential to threaten people in every nook and corner of the world catastrophically. Widespread use of antibiotics without good stewardship has eventually led to emergence of multiple drug resistance against almost all of our life saving antimicrobial drugs including the last resort wonder drug colistin. Thus, if we still do not face this problem head on and make some strict decisions, we may be looking at a post antibiotic era marked with minor wounds becoming life threatening and people dying from simple infections.

The administration of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials to broiler chicken without an adequate withdrawal time may lead to violative concentrations of residues in edible tissues destined for human consumption. To ensure food safety and human health, withdrawal period of enrofloxacin antimicrobial administration, before slaughter need to be studied based on maximum residue limit values in the target tissues. Hence, the present study has been undertaken to evaluate the withdrawal period and depletion of enrofloxacin and its primary metabolite ciprofloxacin residues in broiler chicken in accordance with MRLs set by various regulatory agencies. Group I (6 birds) was kept as untreated control received non medicated water, and Groups II, III, IV, V and VI each 6 birds were administered with enrofloxacin at recommended therapeutic dose 10 mg per Kg body weight, through drinking water for five consecutive days from 43rd to 47th day of age. The plasma and edible tissues viz., liver, kidney, muscle (breast & thigh) and skin were collected and subjected to liquid-liquid extraction followed by enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin quantification by a validated HPTLC-Fluorescent densitometry assay. Enrofloxacin was well distributed from plasma into tissues and the metabolic conversion of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin was observed in all the tissue samples; however the ciprofloxacin concentrations were always lower than that of the parent drug enrofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin was found to be rapidly depleted from the chickens’ body compared to that of enrofloxacin. The withdrawal period for enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin residues in broiler chicken was found to be 5 days and 9 days as per European Union and Japan MRLs respectively.

Study was conducted to evaluate clinical effect of hybrid locked plating for management of transverse and short oblique diaphyseal fracture of tibia and radius-ulna in 12 dogs. Based on demographic data, clinical and radiographic evaluation, preoperative planning was done. Stable fixation was achieved with locking plates (2.7 or 3.5 mm) in hybrid locking manner. Stance, gait, pain and lameness were scored and evaluated at regular intervals which showed improvement over time. Complete weight bearing was observed in all cases with no observable lameness on 10th postoperative week. Primary bone healing was initiated on 6th postoperative week in 83.3% of cases and complete cortical continuity was noticed on 10th week post-surgery. Seroma, wound dehiscence and screw loosening were some of the minor complications observed and outward limb rotation was observed due to anatomical mal-alignment. Functional recovery was good in 83.3% of the cases. Technique of hybrid locked plating provided effective inter-fragmentary compression and achieved complete radiographic primary union with very good functional outcome when applied on transverse and short oblique diaphyseal fracture of tibia and radius-ulna in dogs.

The study was conducted in dogs with comminuted diaphyseal fractures of femur. The dogs were stabilized with titanium IILN of diameter 5 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm were used. The length of nails used 140 mm, 160 mm and 180 mm. Good implant stability and remarkable improvement with normal limb function except bolt loosening and bolt breakage two dogs. All dogs showed

weight bearing of the affected limb while walking from 3rd day in 3 dogs, 10th day in 2 dogs, 15th day in 2 dogs, 30th day in one dog post-operatively. The mean lameness grades pre-operatively and on 1st day, 15th day, 30th day, 60th day and 90th day post- operatively were found to be 5.00±0.00, 3.25±0.16, 2.50±0.26, 1.50±0.26,1.12±0.12 and 1.00±0.00, respectively. The

mean age of the group to bear the complete weight were seen on 11.75±3.26 days. The radiographs on the 15th post-operative day revealed proper apposition and alignment, on 30th day showed evidence of callus formation, on 60th day, 6 dogs the fracture line disappeared showing clear restitution of cortico-medullary cavity and in two dogs, bridging callus formation. On 90th, day cortico-medullary distinction at the fracture site. Based on the results, it is concluded Titanium IILN was successful in the treatment of comminuted diaphyseal femur fractures in dogs with lower rate of failure and fewer complications and offered early return of limb function, with good fracture stability till the completion of the bone healing in all dogs when compared to stainless steel IILN.

A survey of feeding practices among dairy animals of Indore District of Madhya Pradesh (MP) was conducted in all four tehsil of Indore District. Along with collection of common concentrate feeds being used in the area was done to assess their quality. It was indicated that majority of farmers were feeding wheat straw as roughage and cotton seed cake (CSC), wheat bran (WB) and compounded feeds as concentrate without supply of greens. Collection of 30 samples was done randomly for each feed from farmers, market dealers and feed manufactures and analyzed for proximate principals, acid insoluble ash (AIA), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). The samples of CSC, WB and compounded feeds having nutritive value below their required specifications (BIS) especially in case of unbranded samples, while the branded once were almost within their expectations except the amount of total ash and crude fiber (CF), which remained higher then recommended. The unbranded samples of these feeds were usually lower in protein and high in CF and especially the compounded feeds were very high in total ash and AIA remains indicative of adulterations. Hence, BIS have to tack strict initiatives to control the quality of concentrate feeds and among them complete feed requires special attention to be paid.

The investigation was carried out under the Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-22. Forty eight piglets of Hampshire pig of three weaning age groups from six sows, considering an average litter size of 8 were selected for the experiment. Two groups (Group I and II) werem split weaned at 28th and 35th days of age where 50 per cent of higher body weight piglets of the litter were separated and rest 50 per cent were kept with mother up to 56 days of conventional weaning. Another litter was weaned as conventional weaning age, 56 days (Group III). After weaning, the piglets were reared up to 75 days for studying of post weaning effect. The average body weight gain and total body weight was found to be higher in Group II and was found significantly higher followed by Group III and Group I while, the corresponding results was also observed in respect to the average daily, total and final body weight gain. In regards to the average total feed consumption, feed consumption by per piglet, feed consumption by per piglet per day and total feed consumed till end of the experiment period was more or less equal; the feed conversion efficiency was found to be comparatively higher in Group II than Group I and III.

The objective of the present study was to assess the economic impact of gastrointestinal helminth infections on milk production in naturally infected swamp buffaloes of Guwahati, Assam, India. Selected animals were divided into three groups (I, II and III) having 10 animals in each group. Animals of group I (Amphistome sp.+ Strongyle sp.+ Trichuris sp.) and group II (Strongyle sp.) are infected treated groups whereas group III (Amphistome sp. + Strongyle sp.) was untreated control group. The animals of group I and group II was treated with Neozide plus bolus @ 10 mg/kg b.wt. and Minthal bolus @ 7.5 mg/kg b.wt., respectively. The egg per gram of feces (EPG) and milk production (litres) were recorded pre-treatment and post-treatment (1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks). Post-treatment EPG (Mean±SE) in animals of group I and group II was reduced to zero which was maintained up to 4th weeks. Post-treatment milk yield in animals of group I during 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks were 0.83±0.16, 0.88 ±0.15, 0.92±0.16 and 0.96±0.17 litres, respectively while in group II post-treatment milk yield in animals during 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks were 0.93±0.11, 0.95±0.11, 0.97±0.10 and 1.00±0.10, respectively. An increase of 24.67% and 25% milk production was recorded

over a period of 4 weeks in animals of group I and group II, respectively. However, in group III (control), milk production was reduced significant (P<0.05) by 38.46% over a period of 4 weeks.

Brucellosis is a reproductive disease of livestock that is of immense economic importance. It predominates in most developing countries like India. The disease mainly causes infertility, delayed heat, disrupted lactation, and abortion, decrease of wool, meat and milk production which is of zoonotic value to humans. Brucellosis is transmitted to human through direct or indirect contact with infected animal and material or through the ingestion of animal byproducts. Sheep are natural reservoir of brucella and mainly infected by Brucella melitensis. Sheep mainly reared for wool, meat and occasionally for milk. Sheep skin and manure are also significant earning sources for farmers. The present study was carried out to know the age and sex wise sero-prevalence of brucellosis in sheep in and around Jaipur. A total number of 360 sera samples were collected from different locations of Jaipur from sheep and were tested by serological methods viz. Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT) and Indirect Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (i-ELISA). The prevalence was 3.33%, 6.67% and 10.00% by RBPT, STAT, and i-ELISA respectively in more than 3 years of age group of sheep. In less than 3 years age group the prevalence were 1.33%, 6.33% and 6.67% using RBPT, STAT & i-ELISA respectively. The study revealed 6.25% prevalence both by RBPT and STAT & 9.37% by i.ELISA in male population. In female population the study revealed 0.67%, 6.41 % and 6.75% by RBPT, STAT and i-ELISA respectively.

The present study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of area specific mineral mixture supplementation and deworming on the productive, reproductive performance and economics of lactating buffalo. Demonstration was conducted on 200 buffaloes of nearly at the same lactation stage, milk yield and parity selected from three Blocks- namely Kotputli, Viratnagar and Jamuaragarh, District- Jaipur, Rajasthan. Buffaloes were divided in two group; 100 buffaloes were kept in each group viz. control (T1) and demonstrated Group (T2). Two buffaloes of each farmer were selected to maintain similarity in feeding and management practice. Demonstrated Group (T2) was fed with area specific mineral mixture @ 50 gm/buffalo/day till 100 days of early lactation period and 1 ivermectin (80 mg) bolus , whereas the control group (T1) was not supplemented. The data were recorded by the farmers daily in the morning and evening and by the researcher at monthly interval. Analysis of data revealed that supplementation of area specific mineral mixture and ivermectin bolus increased the milk yield by 1.57 litres/ day (17.15%) in demonstrated group. Similarly, reproductive performance traits such as onset of first estrum after calving, No. of AI required for conception and Service period were also recorded at the same interval between these groups. The B:C ratio of area specific mineral mixture supplementation and ivermectin bolus was observed 1:14.7 under farmer management practices. These findings may suggest that supplementation of area specific mineral mixture and deworming with ivermectin enhanced the productive and reproductive performance for getting higher return and sustainable profit from buffalo farming.

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of Area specific mineral mixture (ASMM) and Vitamin AD3E supplementation on milk production and composition of dairy cattle’s in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. A total of thirty lactating dairy cattle (n=30) were divided into three groups (10 milch cows/group) viz., control, Treatment 1 and Treatment 2. Animals from control group were not supplemented any vitamin or minerals, animals from treatment group T1 were fed Vitamin AD3E only @5 grams/animal/day, while animal from T2 group were fed with Vitamin AD3E @5 grams/animal/day and area specific mineral mixture @ 100 grams/animal/day for a period of 100 days. Basal diet was same for all treatments. Milk yield of these animals were recorded by their owners and these values were averaged for 0-100 day’s interval. Milk components such as milk fat and milk solids not fat (SNF) were also evaluated from milk samples collected daily and economy of the each treatment calculated. Area specific mineral mixture along with Vitamin AD3E supplemented animals showed significant increase in milk yield, Fat% and SNF% as compared to only Vitamin supplemented and Control group of animals. Also benefit cost ratio of milk production was also found significantly higher (p<0.05) in ASMM and Vitamin supplemented dairy animals as compared to only Vitamin supplemented and control group.

Non conventional feed resources are gaining importance in livestock feeding for reducing gap between demand and supply of feeds. DDGS is an agro industrial by product and it is obtained during ethanol production. It is most economic protein feed (crude protein 43.11%) for livestock feeding and it can be used as replacement of traditional protein feeds like groundnut meal and soybean meal. In current study, a feeding trial followed by metabolism trial of seven days was conducted on twenty 3-4 months old male Magra lambs at the sheep farm of ARC-CSWRI, Bikaner under “Network Project on Sheep Improvement of Magra Sheep” during period of May to July of year 2019 following randomized block design while dividing them into four groups of 5 lambs in each (T1-T4). In metabolism trial animals were harnessed with faecal bags and urine collection devices and samples of feed stuffs and their residues were collected individually for all the animals for chemical analysis. The faecal and urine samples for 24 hours were collected for analysis. The results revealed significant (P<0.05) effect of incorporation of DDGS on dry matter and crude protein digestibility, whereas the digestibility of OM, EE, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF and HC found to be non-significant among various treatment groups.

Acetabular articular cartilage was not differentiated in prenatal group. Acetabular AC in post natal groups was well differentiated and continuous on anterio-lateral and caudo-lateral aspects i.e., towards ilium and ischium respectively, whereas at medial part i.e., towards pubis it was separated on either side. Mean AC thickness of acetabulum at three points showed slight variation. Overall average width of acetabular AC increased with age viz., 23.85 mm to 28.95 mm in Gr- IV, whereas the dimensions of acetabulum like the diameter and depth revealed a steady increase with advancing age. In Gr-I they were 0.35 cm and 0.4 cm which increased up to 5.38 cm and 4.11 cm in Gr – IV respectively. Irregular erosions towards centre of acetabulum were seen on AC surface in aged specimens of groups III and IV.

A retrospective data were analyzed to investigate the incidence of various reproductive disorders of indigenous mares (n=150) at various animal fairs and organized private stud farms of Punjab during the period of last five years (2013 to 2017). A common questionnaire was prepared to generate information regarding various fertility parameters for breeding practices, %

barren mares, % maiden mares and pregnancy losses during different stages of gestation. The reproductive parameters (estrus/mareyear, estrus/foaling, mating/mareyear, mating/estrus, mating/foaling) were calculated for 750 mare year, using SPSS software (version 16.00). The comparison of data was done using Hosmer and Lemesaw test, Logistic Regression and One-way ANOVA. Amongst 2,949 oestrous cycles in five years, 2,296 (77.86%) were spontaneous whereas 653 (22.14%) were induced with exogenous hormones. Out of 2296 spontaneous estruses, 426 (18.55%) were foal heats. The overall Mean values of estrus/mare year, estrus/foaling, mating/mare year, mating/estrus, mating/foaling were 3.93, 1.94, 1.78, 1.63 and 1.72, respectively. There was non-significant (P≥0.05) difference observed for these reproductive parameters during five years of period. The percentage of barren mares increased significantly (P< 0.05) whereas, the percent foaling mares decreased significantly (P<0.05) during last five years. An early stage of gestation (17-35 days) was more prone (3.47%) for the pregnancy losses followed by the stage at 30-60 days of gestation (2.27 %). Pregnancy losses during these stages were significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to later stage of gestation.

A total of 3150 progenies covering nine generations (S1 to S9) at AICRP, Hyderabad were considered for the study. The heritability estimates in both the strains for AFE, egg weight, egg production at 28, 40, 64 weeks and body weights at different ages studied. The heritability value for AFE was found to be 0.07 ± 0.10 in IWD and -0.04 ± 0.07 in IWF strains. The heritability for EP 64 was 0.050 ± 0.10 in IWD and in IWF 0.04 ± 0.07. The heritability values for body weight at 64 weeks were 0.02 ± 0.07 in IWF and 0.112 ± 0.078 in IWD. The results of the study suggested that the heritability of egg weight varied widely among the strains but it was low to moderate indicates the additive genes as well as favorable environment facilitate the improvement in the trait.

The present study was attempted to comprehend the small ruminant marketing system in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The primary data survey was conducted in three clusters viz., Manai, Binjvadia and Balrava of Jodhpur district during 2018-19. The study has covered 60 sheep and goat keeping households with 20 respondents from each clusters of Farmer FIRST programme. A structured questionnaire which had earlier to face the validity to collect the data from the sample respondents. The results of study revealed that majority of respondents (65%) sold their animals when they needed cash for domestic use followed by due to scarcity of feeds and fodder (15%) were the main reason to sell their animals. The marketing of sheep and goats completely unorganized and in the hands of large number of livestock traders and hardly attracted any interest of government. Important

marketing channels were petty traders, village collectors and relatives and friends. Farmers were facing the problems of animal marketing. Even in absence of any governmental support for marketing system, they were ready to organize and innovate own inability farmers continuing with the present system of sheep and goat marketing, none of farmer satisfied with the prevailing marketing system of animals. Establishing cooperative societies for marketing of animals in the breeding tract would ensure timely and adequate supply of inputs and channelize the marketing process.

Study was carried out on 500 straight run chicks of Kadaknath breed of fowl, under intensive system of housing up to 5 months of age. The average daily feed consumption, body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly up to 8 week of age and thereafter at monthly interval up to 5 months of age. The average weight of day old chicks was 28.55 ± 0.5 g. The mean weekly feed consumption recorded from 1-8 week of age was 21.29 ± 0.11, 46.43 ± 0.71, 82.60 ± 0.9, 104.38 ± 2.09, 115.45 ± 2.66, 150.51 ± 1.17 and 163.63 ± 2.99 and 244.52 ± 2.62 g, respectively. The overall mean weekly body weight gain from 1-8 week of age was 7.54 ± 0.10, 16.84 ± 0.44, 32.23 ± 1.87, 42.42 ± 3.23, 50.91 ± 1.22, 72.30 ± 3.36, 70.59 ± 4.24 and 86.34 ± 5.65 g, respectively. The corresponding values obtained for FCR were 2.82 ± 0.35, 2.75 ± 0.09, 2.56 ± 0.05, 2.46 ± 0.05, 2.26 ± 0.03, 2.09 ± 0.08, 2.32 ± 0.13 and 2.84 ± 0.12. The weekly body weight gain linearly increased up to eight week. The mean monthly feed consumption during 3rd, 4th, and 5th month of age was 1682.09 ± 38.59, 1739.05 ± 11.84 and 1622.83 ± 7.14 g, respectively. The overall mean weight gain recorded at 3rd, 4th, and 5th month of age was 260.52 ± 7.49, 174.58 ± 7.50 and 131.41 ± 18.84 g, respectively. The corresponding values for FCR were 6.46 ± 0.06, 9.97 ± 0.37 and 12.56 ± 1.98, respectively. The dressing percentage, giblet yield, breast muscle, thigh muscle, abdominal fat and weight of organs (spleen, thymus and bursa) were 70.43 ± 1.79, 5.35 ± 0.02, 19.41 ± 0.13, 14.91 ± 0.25, 1.59 and 0.88 ± 0.04 per cent, respectively of live weight at 5 months of age. An overall mortality of 25.2 % was recorded during entire period of experiment with a maximum of 11.40% during first week.

The study was carried out with an objective of studying in-vitro nutrient digestibility and quality evaluation of dog foods incorporated with 15% rice gluten and 2.5% maize fibre and its comparison with commercially available dog food for its nutritional worth and physical quality parameters. After standardization of diets, raw diets were subjected to different processing techniques viz. boiling and extrusion. Boiling of feed reduced the ether extract content of diets. The in-vitro analysis of dog feed involved two incubation phases: first, gastric digestion simulation at 39ºC for 2h in HCl solution in presence of pepsin and gastric lipase enzyme; second, small intestine digestion simulation at 39ºC for 4h using bile salts and pancreatin in phosphate buffer solution. Statistical analysis revealed that boiling of diet reduced the in-vitro digestibility of ether extract. Among different processing techniques, in-vitro digestibility was best in-case of extruded diets. In-vitro digestibility of CP had nonsignificant difference among different processing techniques; however CPD of boiled dog feed with 15% RG used dog feed was comparable with extruded and raw diet. Comparative evaluation of best preformed extruded feeds with commercial diets revealed that all diets had equal nutritional digestibility of various nutrients. pH, FFA, PV and aflatoxin content of feeds were within permissible limits. It was concluded that RG and MF can be included in dog diet at 15 and 2.5% level respectively showing equal digestibility of feed.

Reproductive and productive performance in buffaloes is greatly affected by post partum anestrus condition. So, the purpose of the present study was designed to determine alteration in blood biochemical and hormonal profile in post-partum anestrous Murrah buffaloes. 10 animals of same age were selected from a local farm at Tanuku, Andra Pradesh, India. Gyneco-clinical examination was done to confirm the condition of anestrum post calving. The anestrum animals had serum cholesterol, total protein and estrogen within the normal range but towards the lower side. However, the progesterone and triglycerides levels are significantly lower than the normal reference values. This indicated that anoestrum is characterized by reduced cholesterol, total protein, triglycerides and progesterone. In conclusion the findings of the present study might help us for better understanding of some aspects related to post partum anestrus buffaloes and thereby improve reproductive management.

The growth curve parameters of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) help in developing breeding strategies by modifying the management practices and can be useful in pre-selection of the birds as it provides prediction of future growth at any age. The study was conducted on fortnightly body weights of 681 black and 565 white plumage Japanese Quails. Four growth curve models viz. Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy, Richard’s and Logistic functions were fitted to the body weights for estimation of the curve parameters and identification of the best function based on root mean squares error (RMSE) values. The parameter estimates viz. asymptotic (mature) weight, scaling parameter, maturing rate and shape parameter were ranging from 189.34-217.20, 0.92-15.86, 0.35-0.68 and 0.55-0.73, respectively. The RMSE values were 3.12, 4.50, 1.77 and 2.21 g for overall data; 3.48, 4.62, 2.14 and 2.28 g for male quails; 3.58, 5.00, 2.48 and 2.97 g for female ones; 3.83, 4.88, 3.03 and 3.27 g for black quails; and 3.08, 4.63, 2.65 and 1.87 g for white quails; respectively using these functions. Richards function was the best fit for overall, male, female and black categories of observations whereas Logistic function had the better fit for white quails than Richards function.

The present study was conducted on buffalo foetuses (n=19) ranging from 7.4 (62 days) to 108 cm (317 days) curved crown rump length (CVRL) to elucidate distribution of various histochemical moieties. The foetuses were divided into three groups based on CVRL. The content of neutral mucopolysaccharides was weak to moderate in Group I in parenchyma. The basement membrane of follicles was Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) positive with colloid material in few follicles indicating the beginning of appearance of colloid containing neutral mucopolysaccharides. The developing capsule in Group I showed positive reaction for acid mucopolysaccharides. The follicular epithelium showed mixed reaction for mucopolysaccharides. In Group 2 connective tissue strands in the interfollicular space were positive for acid mucopolysaccharides. Intrafollicular colloid showed differential moderate to strong reaction for positive for neutral mucopolysaccharides and resorption vacuoles appeared at this stage. In Group III colloid was intensely PAS positive whereas follicular epithelium showed mixed reaction for mucopolysaccharides. The capsule was intensely positive for acid mucopolysaccharides. The lipid content was weak in all the groups, Protein content showed a progressive increase with increase in gestational age. Immunohistochemical studies on angiogenesis revealed progressive increase in number and size of blood vessels along with gestational age. The distribution of various histochemical moieties and angiogenesis reflected the physiological and development requirements during prenatal development.

The study was aimed to explore the role of auto antibodies against thyroperoxidase (TPO) as a causative factor of primary hypothyroidism in dogs. Dogs presented at Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, Indian Veterinary Research Institute during 2016-17, were screened for hypothyroidism on the basis of clinical signs like lethargy, thickening of skin, bilateral symmetrical alopecia and obesity. Serum and blood samples were collected for biochemical parameters, thyroid profile, TPO concentration and complete blood count. Twenty (20) dogs found positive for hypothyroidism during the study period. Adult dogs aged more than 5 years were commonly affected. Male and female dogs were equally susceptible to hypothyroidism and there was no sexual susceptibility. Clinical pathology revealed significant reduction in FT4 level, altered protein, cholesterol and lipid metabolism in affected dogs. Thyroperoxidase ELISA study showed negligible role of auto-antibodies against TPO as a causative factor of primary hypothyroidism in dogs. All the affected dogs were treated with L-thyroxine (Eltroxin)® @ 20 – 40 mcg/kg bid for life long period along with other symptomatic therapy.

The present study was carried out with an objective to evaluate antimicrobial resistant pathogenic E. coli from selected broiler production systems in and around Parbhani city. A total of 216 samples comprising 36 various contamination sources from each farm were collected from six broiler units. The initial isolation of E. coli was done on EMB and MacConkey agar. On morphological and biochemical tests, 105(48.61%) isolates were preliminary confirmed as E. coli. Out of 105 preliminary confirmed isolates, randomly selected 55 isolates were further confirmed as E. coli by PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene and phenotypically marked as pathogenic by Congo Red Binding Assay. Out of 55 confirmed isolates, 20 randomly selected isolates were tested against commonly used 15 antimicrobials. antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed higher resistance against Erythromycin (100%), Cephalothin (95%), Tetracycline (90%), Nalidixic acid (90%) Ceftazidime (85%), Cefotaxime (85%), Amikacin (80%), Gentamicin (75%), Amoxiclav (75%), Ciprofloxacin (70%), Enrofloxacin (70%), Levofloxacin (60%) and sensitivity observed against ampicillin/Sulbactam (85%), Amoxicillin/sulbactam (75%) and Chloramphenicol (50%). The average multiple antimicrobial resistance index of 20 isolates was 0.7. These 20 isolates subjected to genotypic antimicrobial resistance by PCR and found that 85 and 80% isolates expressed tet A and blaTEM genes which indicates resistance against Tetracycline and β-lactam antimicrobials. The study concludes that higher occurrence of multiple antimicrobial resistant E. coli with genotypic characteristics in broiler farms may pose high risk to human and animal health, therefore regional surveillance on use of antimicrobials and studies on antimicrobial resistant bacteria in broiler needs to be conducted regularly.

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of supplementation of graded levels of Tinospora cordifolia with or without ascorbic acid on the growth performance of broilers. A total of 360 one-d-old broiler chicks were assigned randomly to ten dietary groups (T1-T10) in a 5×2 factorial arrangement, with three replicates of 12 chicks. The 42-day feeding trial involved feeding of a basal diet supplemented with graded levels of Tinospora cordifolia with or without ascorbic acid. The average ambient temperature during the study period was 31oC. Chronic heat stress in present study showed significant negative effect on feed conversion ratio (FCR) in control group as compared to various treatment groups. Significant effect of Tinospora cordifolia or ascorbic acid alone and their various combinations was observed on overall feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). It was concluded that supplementation of Tinospora cordifolia at 0.25% level with ascorbic acid @ 0.025% is quite effective and could be viable proposition for lucrative broiler farming for meat production.

Two unorganized goat farms from dry semi-arid zone of Haryana were surveyed to assess the status of anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes using faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). A total of 120 goats, 60 each from Sighwal village, Jind (SVJ) and Andhli village, Kaithal (AVK) with at least 150 egg per gram (EPG) of faeces were selected. Goats were divided into four groups of 15 animals each in SVJ (G1, G2, G3 and G4) and AVK (B1, B2, B3 and B4) farms. Group G1 and B1 were treated with fenbendazole (@ 10 mg/kg b.wt. orally), group G2 and B2 were treated with closantel (@ 20 mg/kg b.wt. orally), group G3 and B3 were treated with ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg, subcutaneous injection) and group G4 and B4 served as untreated control. Faecal samples were collected on zero and 14th day after treatment from all groups and egg counts were done by Modified Mc Master technique. Per cent reduction in faecal egg counts by fenbendazole, closantel and ivermectin in SVJ was 63.01, 86.01 and 72.60 and in AVK was 57.31, 80.48 and 78.04, respectively. The post-treatment coproculture of both SVJ and AVK farms showed only Haemonchus contortus larvae. Thus, the present study indicates the presence of resistance against fenbendazole, closantel and ivermectin i.e. multiple anthelmintic resistance in unorganized goat farms from semi-arid zone of Haryana.

The present work was planned to access the effect of dietary micronutrient supplementation to the transition crossbred cows affecting the performance of newborn calves. Twenty healthy advanced pregnant crossbred cows (average body weight 408.25 ±12.93 kg) reared under similar conditions were selected randomly and divided into two equal groups. Control cows fed

on the existing ration while the treatment cows additionally fed with antioxidant micronutrients (trace minerals Cu and Zn with vitamin A and E) as per the recommendations. Experimental feeding was started about two months pre-partum till two months post-partum. The influence of dietary micro-nutrients supplementation in transition crossbred cows was judged by measuring birth weight, fortnightly body weight, and some haemato-biochemical parameters of their calves. The mean birth weight (kgs) of calves was higher (P=0.06) in the treatment group (34.15±0.88) as compared to the control group values (32.08±1.55). Bodyweight at the termination of the experimental feeding though remained statistically comparable between the two groups but high in treatment (53.25±1.67 kg) than in the control (49.75 ±1.61 kg) group. The hematological parameters i.e. Hb (g/dl) was 9.53±0.53 and 11.03±0.70; total leukocytes count (×103 mm-3) 9.64±0.35 and 9.01±0.55 and percentages of neutrophil 34.67±1.94 and 29.33±1.67, lymphocyte 63.50±2.0 and 68.83±1.89, monocyte remained 2.00±0.68 and 1.67±0.33% in un-supplemented and supplemented group, respectively without any significant difference between two groups. It may be

concluded that supplementation of antioxidant micro-nutrients in the transition dairy cow’s ration was unable to influence the growth and hemato-biochemical parameters in their calves.

A comparative study on physical growth and blood parameter was investigated between Kadaknath and Chabro chickens. A total of 100 day old chicks, 50 of Kadaknath and 50 of Chabro birds were used in the study. Chabro as coloured birds gained significantly higher (P < 0.001) body weight comparison to Kadaknath as 861 ± 4.36 and 338 ± 3.99 respectively. The haemoglobin concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Kadaknath (12.36 ± 0.09) than Chabro (9.6 ± 0.36). Cholesterol content in Chabro (101.26 ± 1.93) was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than Kadaknath (101.26 ± 1.93). It was concluded that although weight gain was higher in Chabro birds but quality of meat of Kadaknath was much higher than Chabro and fetch higher price to farmers keeping scenario of market preferences.

The present research work was carried out in Jabalpur, Mandla, Dindori and Seoni districts of Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh and total of 1121 animal were used for phenotypic characterization, where adult male, adult female, male calf and female calf was 184, 817, 40 and 80 in numbers, respectively. The cattle population of Mahakaushal region had mostly white and grey skin and coat colour; muzzle and eyelid colour was black. Tail switch, hooves and horn colour was mostly black. Horn orientation was towards upward and forward with straight orientation. Ear position was horizontal. Forehead was flat and triangular. Hump, dewlap and udder was small in size with round shape teats. Animals were mostly of ferocious nature and had alert temperament. Phenotypic characterization findings of the present study revealed that the non-descript cattle population of Mahakaushal region is a unique descriptive breed of Madhya Pradesh and can be registered as new breed of cattle. These findings will be used for conservation and designing breeding strategy for genetic improvement.