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Over the last two decades, the technological advancements in terms of monitoring the meat quality at various steps of the food chain have been seen, i.e., at the slaughter house, processing step, packaging step, transport, storage step, etc. which have been employed for the benefit of consumer health all over the world. The most efficient and rapid technologies that are a tool in measuring the meat quality are spectroscopy, LAMP, e-nose, PCR, etc. which are quite sensitive, specific, and less manpower consuming, thus, gaining more popularity and success. The spectroscopy techniques make use of electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with the atoms of the meat samples leading to the absorption or emission of the light and consequently its spectral images and electric signals. The LAMP is an advanced version of the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR_ providing a rapid, sensitive, specific, and time-saving method of the meat quality assessment. The electronic nose (e-nose) technology is a versatile technique based on chemo-sensors and computation methods. It usually makes use of chemo-sensors such as metal oxide semiconductors, metal oxide semiconductor field-effect, conducting polymers, etc. Although, many technological advancements have been made still PCR is one of the easy-to-use techniques among researchers. The HPLC technique is a rapid and sensitive technique that when coupled with the detectors helps in the detection of the target analyte in the meat sample. In this chapter, we discuss the above technologies in detail with their application in the meat quality and spoilage assessment.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate dietary protease supplementation in broilers fed corn-soybean meal-based diets on performance, apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients and amino acids, ileal digesta viscosity, blood profile, and excreta odor content. A total of 2,000 1-day-old male broilers (Ross 308, 43.34±1.12 g) were allotted randomly to five dietary treatments on the basis of initial body weight (BW). Each treatment had 10 replicate pens with 40 birds per pen. The 4 dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with 0, 3,750, 5,000, and 6,250 PCU/kg feed protease. Experimental diets were fed for 42 days in four phases (Pre Starter: d 0-11; Starter: d 12-21; Grower: d 22-32 and Finisher: d 33-42) in pellet form. During d 1 to 21, d 22-42, and the overall study period (d 0-42), with increasing dietary protease levels from 0 to 6, 250 PCU/kg feed, the BWG was improved (linear, P <0.05), whereas the FCR was decreased (linear, P <0.05). There was a linear (P <0.05), improvement in ATTD of CP and GE and most amino acids (with exception of arginine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine) as dietary protease level increased. Blood profiles including blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were not affected by dietary treatments, similarly,odor emission in excreta of broilers including ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and total mercaptan was not affected with dietary protease. In conclusion, dietary protease supplementation in broilers corn-soybean meal-based diets had beneficial effects on growth performance, and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and amino acids.

Pork meat is considered to be one of the cheapest source of animal protein. The pork from non-descript pigs is considered to be tenderer and juicy. Yet the growth rate in non-descript pigs is low. Pig rearing in the socio-economically weaker section had been highly preferred as it provides insurance against agricultural loses. The present study focuses on to study the relative expression of key genes of growth (ARID5B, COL2A1), muscle organ morphogenesis (MyBPH, PDK4) and protein phosphorylation (PKM2 and POSTN) in Longissimus dorsi muscle of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and non-descript pigs. The qualitative and quantitative differential expression were performed by agarose gel electrophoresis and qRT-PCR. The expression of all genes showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between both the breeds except PKM2 (P>0.05). The gene MyBPH was significantly (P<0.05) upregulated in non-descript while other genes i.e. ARID5B, COL2A1, PDK4 and POSTN were significantly (P<0.05) down-regulated in nondescript pig muscles. With the help of this data we can say that the pork from non-descript pig is tender and juicy due to higher expression of MyBPH in them but the body growth rate is low due to low expression seen in ARID5B, COL2A1, PDK4 and POSTN genes. Therefore the present study can be used as a pioneer data to understand the genetic basis of differences between the meat quality of non-descript and LWY breeds of pig.

Nanomaterial applications are a field which is rapidly growing. Despite the growing use of nickel oxide nanoparticles, there is little knowledge on their toxicological impact. Despite their powerful advantages, many open ended questions about how these nanoparticles can affect the environment and human health. Present study was conducted to know the effects of nanonickel on biochemical parameters in Wistar rat at NOAEL dose for a period of 90 days. Thirty five, six weeks old, Wistar rats of both sexes were divided randomly in two groups viz. group I with 20 rats as control group and group II with 15 rats as treatment group. Group II was orally administered nickel oxide nanoparticles of less than 50 nm diameter in distilled water at NOAEL dose of 5 mg/kg body weight/day and these were gavaged once daily for 90 days. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture from 5 rats from each group at 0 (only from group I), 30th, 60th and 90th DPT and serum was used for biochemical studies. Group I rats revealed no significant change in any biochemical parameter. Group II rats showed a significant increase in serum creatinine, serum aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), significant decrease in total protein and gamma globulin and non significant increase in glucose and globulin values as compared to control group. It can be concluded from the present studies that nanonickel exerted adverse effects on these biochemical parameters in Wistar rats at NOAEL dose administered for a period of 90 days. Our research stated that nickel nano-particles adversely alter rats biochemical profile. Further investigations to address the mechanism are required by what physiological path these nano-nickel display their in vivo toxicity.

A composite biodegradable film was developed using hemp seed protein and carrageenan for food packaging applications. The film was prepared using hemp seed protein, carrageenan and glycerol (plasticizer). Different levels of carrageenan (1.0, 1.4 and 1.8%) and glycerol (10, 15 and 20%) were used to standardise the formulation for the preparation of the basic film. Based on the different physico-mechanical and colour characteristics, 1.4% carrageenan and 15% glycerol were found optimum for development of the basic film with desirable characteristics. Different levels of hemp seed protein (0.75, 1.0 and 1.5%) were incorporated in the basic formulation and the developed composite films were evaluated for different physico-mechanical and colour characteristics. Addition of hemp seed protein increased the thickness (mm) and density (g/ml) whereas decreased the water vapour transmission rate (%). Hemp seed protein also decreased the lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values of the film. Based on the results, 1.5% was found optimum for development of the film with desirable characteristics. The film can be used as a carrier of natural bioactive ingredients for improving storage quality of the food products.

A study was conducted to develop foldscope based methodologies to detect adulteration of rice husk and saw dust in feed ingredients and thiram contamination in cereal grains. Feed ingredients and adulterants were treated with standardized phloroglucinol-hydrochloric acid solution and evaluated based on appearance of pink colour in foldscope images on reaction with lignin. Thiram contaminated or uncontaminated maize and sorghum grains were treated with cuprous iodide based solutions. Pink colour was not observed on treatment with phloroglucinol-hydrochloric acid solution in the foldscope images of soyabean meal, rice bran, de-oiled rice bran and wheat bran while pink colour spots were noticed in groundnut cake, un-decorticated cottonseed cake, decorticated cottonseed cake, sunflower cake, rapeseed meal and red gram chuni. However, both rice husk and saw dust were completely in pink colour without any changes in their cellular structure in foldscope images. Starch granules of maize and sorghum showed white colour while the starch granules of thiram contaminated maize and sorghum were covered with light brown to amber colour on treatment with cuprous iodide in ammonia solution in foldscope images. Rice husk was most frequently found in de-oiled rice bran samples from various dairy farms under field conditions. It is concluded that phloroglucinol-hydrochloric acid solution and cuprous iodide in ammonia solution can be used as reagents to detect adulteration of rice husk and saw dust in feed ingredients and mixed feeds and thiram contamination in cereal grains, respectively on the spot under field conditions using foldscope.

Fat is a significant factor that influences the quality of pork. In carcass, subcutaneous fat accounts for the maximum percentage of fat. Since subcutaneous fat is negatively correlated with the quality of pork as increased level of subcutaneous fat decreases the Intramuscular fat (IMF) content. Thus, reducing the fat percentage has become a major goal. Current study was designed with an objective to investigate the comparative expression analysis of differentially expressed genes (COL2A1, COL9A1, PNPLA3, PDK4 and FASN) in fat tissue of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and non-descript pig breed. Real-time qPCR was utilized for identifying the differential expression of genes. Results from current study revealed a significant lower expression of COL2A1 (p<0.01) and PDK4 (p<0.05) in non-descript pigs, indicating toward poor growth and lesser active metabolic response. However, a higher expression of COL9A1 (p<0.05), PNPLA3 (p<0.05), and FASN (p<0.01) is observed in non-descript pigs indicating high fat development in non-descript pigs. Therefore, current results suggests higher fat deposition in non-descript breed which may be because of lesser active metabolic response. Current study is the first report to differentiate between LWY and non-descript breed on the basis of differential expression of mRNA transcript in fat tissue. Results generated by current study can further be used for targeting other candidate genes for fat development in pigs. Furthermore, genes used in current study can be subjected to use as biomarker for selection, development and promoting lean meat production in non-descript pigs.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical parameters, microbial quality and sensory attributes of ready-to-eat pork with Anishi (Colocasia esculenta [L] Schott), a traditional pork item of Nagalandup to 15 days of refrigerated storage at (4±1oC) that was kept under vacuum packaging. A significant decrease in pH, moisture and crude protein was observed with an increasing storage period. However, no significant difference in overall days mean was observed from 0 to 15 days of storage. A significant (p<0.01) increase in TBARS value and tyrosine value was observed with an increase in the storage period. Microbiological counts increased with the advancement of the storage period. However, throughout the storage period, all microbial counts were within the acceptable limits of pork with Anishi. The product did not show any symptoms of spoilage such as off odour and surface slime on day 15 of storage and was acceptable for sensory quality up to 15 days of refrigerated storage under vacuum packaging. Thus, the present study indicates that vacuum packaging could be used to improve the shelf-life of traditional pork products incorporated with Anishi.

In changing climatic scenario, heat stress has become one of the most important challenges faced by dairy industry today. To maintain appropriate microclimate in animal houses i.e., sufficient air circulation, temperature, humidity, low pollution and low content of gases have been major factor to concern. These factors significantly contribute to the proper development and maintenance of cattle welfare and subsequently livestock-based food security. India ranked fifth in the Global Climate Risk Index, 2019 and extreme heat has potentially deadly effects of climate change, especially for populations living in the tropics. Dairy cattle show heat stress when the temperature humidity index (THI) is higher than 72 (Armstrong, 1994). Their threshold for heat tolerance depends on the genotype as well as production level. Animals on higher production levels tend to be more sensitive to heat stress. Indigenous evolved crossbred cattle like Karan Fries, had higher metabolic heat production, methane, energy loss and physiological responses as compared to zebu cattle. The lower metabolic rate of zebu breeds indicates better adaptability of it to tropical climatic condition in terms of heat and methane production. Among, Indigenous cattle breeds Tharparkar exhibits more tolerance to heat stress then breeds like Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi and crossbreds. Thermoregulatory responses play major role in conferring thermotolerance against heat stress through expression of highly conserved family of proteins known as heat shock proteins (HSPs). Despite these thermoregulatory responses toward heat stress prodigiously muddles Zebu cattle Tharparkar’s productivity as compared to other indigenous and crossbred cattle.

The pork is considered to be highly nutritious food because it provides many essential nutrients. Pork industry is growing every year because of its high demand across worldwide. In India, pigs rearing can be adapted by weaker section of the farmers because of low investment in it. The Longissimus dorsi muscle is selected from the 12th to 13th rib on the back of pigs. Muscle growth is very important for the production of meat therefore Pax7 and MRFs genes such as MyoD, Myf5 and Myf6 are targeted in the current study to analyse the mRNA transcript level in indigenous and Large White Yorkshire breeds of age one week old piglet and adult respectively. These genes are helpful in muscle regeneration and differentiation. MyoD shows significantly higher (P<0.05) in the indigenous pigs whereas other genes Pax7 and other MRFs i.e., Myf5 and Myf6 shows significant higher (P<0.01) in the LWY breed of both age groups. The current study on differential expression of MRFs in one week old piglets and adult pigs of indigenous and LWY breeds served as candidate markers for muscle growth. This current study may be helpful to know the difference in expression profile in adult and piglet to unravel system biology.

The house fly Musca domestica is a cosmopolitan insect associated with vectoring of etiological agents. Pest management strategies for house flies are needed. Chemical control method commonly used against this pest, though effective, has some disadvantages, such as development of insect resistance and bioaccumulation. Presently bioinsecticides, especially those derived from plants have been increasingly evaluated in controlling insect of medical and veterinary importance. In order to search for effective and ecofriendly control agents, the essential oils of Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) were evaluated larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal activity against house flies. The two essential oils were Gas chromatography / mass spectroscopy analysis of two oils showed that Citral (32.9 %), β-Citral (21.03 %), Eucalyptol (13.9%) and Limonene (7.09%) as main components of lemon grass. While Limonene (53.31%), Carvol (7.74%), Cis-carveol (5.54%) were the major constituents of Orange EO. The (LD)50 value for larvicidal activity of lemon grass and orange were 29.58 µl & 33.28 µl respectively. The (LD)50 value for pupicidal activity of the lemon grass was 18.2 µl while orange oil (LD)50 = 48.27 µl . In the adulticidal activity assay to determine the Eos of lemon grass and orange at the concentration of 200 µl took a minimum time of 4.3 ± 0.11 minute to cause 100 per cent fly mortality followed by orange oil is 10.5 ± 0.22 minutes. The result revealed that the essential oils of Lemon grass and orange oil have possessed larvicidal, Pupicidal and adulticide properties against Musca domestica.

A study was carried out to assess the oocysticidal and sporulation inhibition effects of essential oil (Eos) of orange (Citrus sinensis) against oocysts of Eimeria tenella by in vitro assay. Essential oil was extracted from orange peel by hydro-distillation using Clevenger apparatus at 80º C for 1-2 hours. In the in vitro trials, 20, 30, and 40 per cent of working concentration, prepared from essential oil and ethanol mixture (1: 5 ratio stock solutions), were tested against freshly collected oocysts of Eimeria tenella. The results showed that 57.2 ± 0.14, 64.0 ± 0.18 and 42.2 ± 0.25 per cent of the sporulated oocysts and 6.8 ± 0.27, 19.3 ± 0.35 and 36.0 ± 0.33 per cent of unsporulated oocysts were found to have been damaged in the 20, 30 and 40 percent concentration of essential oil respectively. In the positive control group (1% Sodium hypochlorite), 78.0 ± 0.03 and 17.3 ± 0.21 per cent of sporulated and unsporulated oocysts, respectively were found damaged. While 81.31 ± 0.06 and 80.3 ± 0.03 per cent oocysts got sporulated and did not show any damage in the negative control groups (50 % Ethanol and water). The highest sporulation inhibition of 43.7 ± 0.15 per cent was recorded in the 40 per cent group.

Phytogenic feed additives have been used traditionally in medicine preparations and in the preparation of culinary food dishes. However, in recent years it has attracted researchers for their use as feed additives in broilers. This study was organized to access the effect of dietary supplementation of phytogenic mixture containing powder of Allium sativum bulbs, Ocimum sanctum leaves and Nigella sativa seeds in 1:1:1 ratio. For this study, three comparable groups were formed viz. control (non supplementation), T1 (supplementation @0.25%) and T2 (supplementation @0.50%). A total of 48 broiler chicks were randomly distributed in three groups, each group containing 16 chicks of same strain and body weight. The experiment lasted for a period of 28 days. Statistical analysis of data revealed a significant (P<0.001) change in blood lipid profile of three groups. T1 and T2 groups had significantly lower (P<0.001) levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and Non-HDL cholesterols (P = 0.05). However, a non-significant (P>0.05) difference among three groups on blood hematology (Hemoglobin, WBC, RBC, PCV and Platelet count) was observed. Study showed that there was statistically similar (P>0.05) concentrations of blood metabolites (Glucose, Total protein, Albumin, Globulin) and statistically similar (P>0.05) levels of blood enzyme (Bilirubin, serum AST, serum ALT and serum ALP) among three groups. Based on the findings of this study, conclusively, it can be said that dietary supplementation of phytogenic mixture containing powder of Allium sativum bulbs, Ocimum sanctum leaves and Nigella sativa seeds in 1:1:1 ratio may favorably lower the levels of blood lipid without adversely affecting the normal physiology of broilers.

The present investigation aimed to determining the efficacy of four different disinfectants on microbial load collected from the effluent of distinct areas like flaying, evisceration, exsanguination and running tap water of sheep and goat slaughterhouses at different localities in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. The disinfectant effectiveness at various concentrations was tested using the well diffusion method. The test disinfectant contains active compounds like sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, benzalkonium chloride and carbolic acid at different concentrations. The results indicated that the efficacy of disinfectants generally increased by increasing the concentration from lower to higher level. However, some of the disinfectants were ineffective even at their highest recommended concentrations. Sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite at their recommended concentrations of 6 % and 5 % respectively were ineffective and disinfectant solution containing benzalkonium chloride 80 was highest at 2.5 % and also at 0.25 % concentration. This research concluded that the most effective disinfectant was carbolic acid at 10 % concentration among all selected disinfectants and it effectively decreased the microbial load on different areas of slaughter house.

In the present investigation, the mean levels of the haptoglobin concentration was evaluated among 140 dogs affected with hepatobiliary disorders and compared with healthy control group dogs. Haptoglobin values were significantly declined among dogs affected with diffuse hepatic parenchymal disorders with ascites. While, a significant elevation of haptoglobin concentration was observed in focal parenchymal disorders, biliary tract disorders and diffuse hepatic parenchymal disorders without ascites as compared to the healthy control group.

Yoghurt is famous fermented milk product due to the entry of a number of international and national organized dairy players in the market and gradually replaces the other dairy products due to its varieties and health benefits. From the economic analysis of functional yoghurt preparation, it was found that initial capital investment in starting the business of functional yoghurt was ` ten lakh. The proportion of fixed and variable cost was 9 per cent and 91 per cent, respectively. Final cost of production of optimized yoghurt was worked out to be ` 99.52 per kg. Considering the prevailing market price of yoghurt to be ` 120 per kg, a profit of ` 20.48 per kg could be obtained which is a good profit margin for the commercial viability and sustainability of the product. Benefit cost ratio was observed to be 1.21 which is quite higher than one indicating good viability of the investment. The Break Even output was calculated as 31.28 kg of product with a margin of safety of 68.72 per cent which is quite high indicating that the business is secure and less risky. The degree of liking among the respondents shows that nearly 32% described the product as excellent and 39% as very good, while remaining 18% expressed the product as good. 5% of the people neither like or nor dislike the product and 6% of the people dislike the product.

Abdominal ultrasonography is the most commonly used imaging modality for small animals with suspected hepatobiliary diseases. In the present study, 140 cases were subjected to ultrasonographic examination, of which 32 cases were diagnosed as diffuse parenchymal disorders with ascites, 32 as diffuse parenchymal disorders without ascites and 24 as focal parenchymal disorders. Out of 32 cases of diffuse parenchymal disorders with ascites, liver size were normal and reduced with varied echogenic pattern viz., diffuse hyper and mixed echogenecity. The liver margins were rounded and irregular with normal and inapparent portal and hepatic veins. The echo-texture was coarse and hetero genous along with hypoechoic masses. Ascites (peritoneal fluid) represented by anechoic fluid were present in all 32 dogs. Out of 32 dogs of diffuse parenchymal disorders without ascites, liver size were normal and enlarged with diffuse hyper, hypo and mixed echogenecity. The liver margins were sharp and rounded in with normal, dilated and in apparent portal and hepatic veins. The echo texture was coarse and heterogenous with hypo echoic masses. Out of 24 dogs of focal parenchymal disorders, liver size were normal and enlarged with hypo and mixed echogenecity. The liver margins were sharp, rounded and irregular along with normal, dilated and in apparent portal and hepatic veins. The echo texture was coarse and heterogeneous along with hypo and hyper echoic masses were seen. Ascites (peritoneal fluid) represented by anechoic fluid.

Data on 6785 Chokla sheep maintained at Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India and recorded between 1974 and 2020, were collected for present study. Six different animal models used by wombat and BLUPF90 software (Bayesian method) were used to determine (co)variance components and genetic parameters of growth traits with various combinations of direct and maternal effects. Body weight at different age as birth (BW), 3(WW), 6 (6W), 9 (9W), 12 months of age (YW) and Average daily gain and kleiber ratio at different age interval as 0-3 (ADG1/KR1), 3-6 (ADG2/KR2) and 6-12 months (ADG3/KR3) were used to study. The direct heritability estimates increased from birth to twelve months of age. Direct heritability estimates (from the best model as per AIC) for various growth traits ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 except for birth weight (0.17) by animal models. Highly inflated values of additive heritability were obtained in both methods due to negative and high estimate of correlation between additive and maternal effect. In this condition, it is more useful to use the total heritability (h2t) for evaluation of the response for selection based on phenotypic values to prevent the use of biased estimates of additive heritability. The maternal genetic effect (m2) was found to be highest at birth weight by BLUPF90 and at weaning stage by animal model. Bayesian approach was found best as compared to WOMBAT for all traits to study (co)variance components and genetic parameters.

The present experiment was conducted on four hundred thirty two (432) seven day-old Japanese quail chicks for a period of 24 weeks to investigates the effects of supplementation (giloy, ascorbic acid and combination of both) along with different bedding materials (sand, saw dust and wheat straw) on body weight and body weight gain of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Birds were randomly and uniformly distributed in total 12 treatment groups comprising of 36 birds in each group and each group further divided into two replicates comprising 18 birds in each replicate. Highly significant (P<0.01) effect of incorporation of supplements and different bedding material was found on mean body weight and mean body weight gain. The interaction effect of bedding material and supplementation was significant on body weight and body weight gain of earlier age. The highest mean body weight and gain of Japanese quail was found in sand bedding material group. The present studies show that combination of dietary supplements giloy and vitamin- C significantly improves body weight of quail.

A scant literature exists on study of testicular biometry in live bucks in relation to semen quality. This study was aimed to determine the effects of scrotal circumference, testicular length, testicular width, testicular thickness and body weight on semen quality traits in indigenous bucks of Sirohi (n=25), Barbari (n=20) and Black Bengal (n=16) breeds. The scrotal circumference was measured in centimetre using flexible measuring tape, while the testicular length (mm), width (mm) and thickness (mm) were measured with Vernier calliper. Semen ejaculates were collected twice on weekly interval, early in the morning by using artificial vagina. The results of least squares analysis of variance for testicular parameters showed significant differences (p<0.05) among the bucks of all the three breeds. The bucks of Sirohi breed were found to be superior than Barbari and Black Bengal for most of the testicular parameters. Semen volume in Sirohi bucks was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Barbari and Black Bengal bucks. The body weight and testicular parameters were positively correlated with semen volume and negatively correlated with sperm concentration in all the breeds.

The present experiment was conducted to study the effects of different floor space allowances on behavioural activities of post weaned Surti kids. The experimental groups were viz. Control, T1, and T2 groups with floor space allowances of 0.8, 0.7, and 0.6 m2/kid in the covered area while 1.6, 1.4, and 1.2 m2/kid in the open area, each group having 6 animals. The time spent on manger (mins/2 hrs) was significantly higher in T1 (100.22 ± 1.25) followed by T2 (89.44 ± 1.26) and control (77.27 ± 5.76). Time spent on the water trough (sec/2hrs) (53.41 ± 20.45, 42.5 ± 14.01, and 43.58 ± 12.41) and no. of attempts (nos./2 hrs) to manger (30.66 ± 1.41, 30.16 ± 1.07, and 29.5 ± 0.87) and water trough (2.08 ± 0.37, 2.41 ± 0.45 and 2.83 ± 0.54) showed no significant difference among control, T1, and T2 groups, respectively. Time spent (mins/2 hrs) standing outside and inside the shed was significantly higher in the control (10.46 ± 2.85 and 21.54 ± 2.18) than in T1 (2.44 ± 0.64 and 14.76 ± 0.97), and T2 (6.70 ± 1.93 and 20.21 ± 1.96). No difference was seen in lying time (mins/2 hrs) for both inside (7.60 ± 3.38, 1.72 ± 0.91, and 1.04 ± 0.49) and outside (0.94 ± 0.47, 0.13 ± 0.10, and 1.71 ± 1.05) and also in agonistic behaviour (nos./2 hrs) such as chasing (4.66 ± 1.34, 4.08 ± 0.73, and 3.50 ± 0.62) and butting (1.91 ± 0.49, 1.41 ± 0.31, and 2.33 ± 0.61) influenced among control, T1, and T2 groups, respectively while the frontal clash in control (11.08 ± 1.01) and T1 (8.58 ± 1.09) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in T2 (6.91 ± 0.98) group. The study indicates that animals were able to express normal behaviour in different floor space allowance. However, feeding behaviour was better in group of animals with 12.5% less floor space allowances than BIS recommendation.

Campylobacter is one of the important foodborne zoonotic bacterial pathogen that causes enteric disorders in animals, birds as well as in humans. The organism is fastidious in nature, requires microaerophilic environment for its growth and survival. Morphologically, it is gram- negative rods with spiral and gull wing appearance. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is gold standard method for the detection of Campylobacter from clinical and food samples. For performing PCR, extraction of DNA to be used as template is a challenging task due to lysis resistant nature of bacteria. The genomic DNA isolation was attempted from pure cultures of Campylobacter by three methods viz. Snap-chill, Salt-Tris EDTA (STE) and Columns based commercial kit method. The average concentration of extracted DNA was highest in STE method (03 -3500 ng/µl) followed by Kit method (03 -2000 ng/µl) and Snap-chill method (00-20 ng/µl). The absorbance ratio at 260 nm and 280 nm (A260/A280) was high up to 1.90 in STE method followed by up to 1.80 with column-based kit and 1.5 with snap-chill method which reflects the high purity of isolated DNA by STE and kit-based protocol. As per the results STE method and Kit method was comparable to each other but due to high cost of commercial kit, STE method is proposed to be desirable and may be used routinely for extraction of DNA of lysis resistant bacteria. The PCR results also advocate the preference of STE method over kit method while Snap-chill method was not found effective for lysis resistant Campylobacter isolates.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an acquired myocardial disorder of dogs characterized by dilation of chambers, hypokinesis and reduced contractility. Echocardiography is a standard diagnostic test for DCM however its technical expertise as well as the cost of equipment, limits its use under field conditions. This paper focuses on the clinical, hematobiochemical, radiographic and electrocardiographic changes in fifty-two dogs affected with dilated cardiomyopathy. Among the clinical signs recorded, exercise intolerance, lethargy, dyspnea, ascites, and cough were commonly seen followed by edema and syncope. Cardiomegaly is the characteristic finding seen on lateral thoracic radiograph measured as a significant increase in vertebral heart score, along with pulmonary edema and rarely pleural effusions as a sequel to congestive heart failure. Among the hematobiochemical findings, anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis were noticed with non-significant increase of ALP, BUN, and creatinine. In the present study common arrythmias recorded were atrial fibrillation while the common morphological change noticed was ST coving indicative of myocardial hypoxia.

Present study was done to explore the histology of teat in 24 Barbari goats collected from slaughter house Fair Export Pvt. Ltd. situated at Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh which comes under Eastern Plain zone. The teats of Barbari goats were symmetrical in size and conical in shape and comprised of teat canal, Furstenberg rosette and streak canal. Only one sinus, one teat canal and one teat orifice were reported in teat of barbari goat. The streak canal was noticed at the distal section of duct system and it was lined by the epithelium extending from the teat epidermis. In lactating animals, stratified columnar epithelium bordered the teat canal. Close to the tip of teat, cornified layer of squamous epithelium were seen. On the Furstenberg’s rosette, the epithelium lining the streak canal transformed from stratified squamous keratinized to two-cell layered cuboidal epithelium. In lactating teats, the accessory lactiferous glands were fully developed.

Present study was planned to assess in-vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities of cumin and lemon essential oils for future application in food products. In-vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of both essential oils was done against nine strains of gram-negative and gram-positive microbes. It was determined by Zone of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) assays. Results of both oils showed good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The MIC values ranged from 2000 to 15000 ppm for cumin oil, whereas it ranged from 6000 to 15000 ppm for lemon essential oil. The antioxidant and antiradical scavenging activity of the both oils were determined by means of DPPH and ABTS assay. Examined essential oils showed a free radical scavenging activity, ranging from 19.31 to 92.41% of DPPH inhibition and 10.32 to 76.78% for ABTS assay for cumin oil and 8.63 to 66.03% of DPPH inhibition and 8.14 to 63.88% for ABTS assay for lemon essential oil. It was observed that cumin essential oil exhibited better antioxidant capacity in terms of free radical inhibition as compared to lemon essential oil. It can be concluded that both cumin and lemon essential oils possess strong antibacterial as well as antioxidant potential for applications as natural preservatives in meat and other food industries.

This study was conducted to know the existing feeding practices in rural areas of Northern India. A survey was conducted in Jammu district including 152 farmers who had 360 buffaloes in different age group. Data was collected on feeding practices adopted by farmers through common questionnaire and visiting to the farmers. Average daily feed intake mainly wheat bhoosa of each animal was calculated for three consecutive days. Amount of concentrate fed was measured on weekly basis. Survey studies indicated that most of the farmers were feeding wheat straw ad lib to the animals in Jammu district. The feeding status of the animals was much below the ICAR requirement. The concentrate was given only in limited quantity which was not sufficient to satisfy the requirement of the animals in most of the cases. Thus, the milk production and productivity of the animals in general was very poor. Hence, it was concluded that there is urgent need of extension education to the farmers for improving the nutritional status of the animals by scientific feeding and management.