The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ultrasound and aqueous extract of oil palm fronds (OPF) powder on the quality attributes of ultrasonic-assisted marinated (UAM) goat meat. The OPF extraction was carried out at powder to solvent (filtered water) of 1:7.5 w/v ratio and ultrasound application (37-kHz frequency, 150 W power at 40°C temperature for 20 min). The goat meat marination was done by applying ultrasonic treatment (280 W power, 37 kHz frequency, 30 min below 10°C) and adding 1.0% OPF extract viz., Control (marinade without extract and no ultrasonication), T1 (marinade with 1.0% OPF extract, no ultrasonication), T2 (marinade with ultrasonication), and T3 (marinade with 1.0% OPF extract and ultrasonication). The samples were analysed on day 0 (immediately after 30 min) and were stored under refrigeration and evaluated for various quality parameters on 1 and 3 days. The ultrasonic and extract incorporation resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in marinade pick-up and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in shear force value. Ultrasonic application (T2 and T3 samples) resulted in a higher cooking loss as compared to control and T1 on day 0 but the cooking loss of all treated samples was comparable on day 3 of refrigerated storage. The ultrasound and extract incorporation improved the appearance, flavour, and tenderness of the goat meat. Thus, the ultrasonic application for 30 min with 1.0% OPF extract in the marinade improved the quality attributes of marinated goat meat.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNA molecules, which participate in major cellular processes including metabolism, cell signalling and mechanisms associated with immunity. They have been reported to play an immense role in the regulation of gene expression through their effect on translational repression and gene silencing mechanisms. Recent studies reported the involvement of miRNA, miR-451 in various immune related and cell signalling pathways in many species. As an attempt to understand the regulatory role of miR-451 in immune responses, the present study was undertaken to analyse the differential expression of bta-miR-451 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of crossbred and Vechur cattle after challenging the cells with bacterial endotoxin; llipopolysaccharide (LPS) which acts as the strong stimulators of innate immunity. Significant up regulation was noticed in the expression of bta-miR-451 in LPS stimulated PBMCs of Vechur cattle compared to that of crossbred cattle. Pathway analysis as well as protein- protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of the predicted targets of bta-miRNA-451 also revealed significant association of the miRNA on various immune related mechanisms. As native cattle breeds are supposed to be having high disease resistance, heat tolerance and general adaptability compared to the existing crossbred cattle population, the findings of the present study may contribute in understanding the regulatory role of miRNAs in conferring immunological sturdiness to Vechur cattle, one of the indigenous cattle breed of Kerala.

Marek’s disease (MD) is an infectious malignant-cell lymphoma proliferative disease caused by Marek’s disease virus (MDV). As MD has a significant impact on the poultry industry, numerous molecular diagnostic techniques have been developed for the detection of MDV. Recently, polymerase spiral reaction (PSR) has been emerging as a molecular technique to diagnose infection with high sensitivity and specificity. In this study, a PSR diagnostic was standardized for the detection of MDV infection. For PSR standardization purposes, the highly conserved glycoprotein E (gE) gene of MDV-1 was cloned into pJET1.2 plasmid and the recombinant plasmid was used as a template for standardization of PSR. Evaluation of the sensitivity of PSR indicated that it can detect up to one target molecule. The PSR and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) have similar sensitivity batter than PCR-based sensitivity for detection of MDV-1. While evaluation of the specificity indicated PSR, RT-PCR, and PCR-based diagnostics have similar specificity for MDV-1 diagnosis.

The present study was undertaken to assess the genetic parameters for first lactation production traits in crossbred cattle. Data on 529 crossbred cattle spread over a span of 30 years (1990-2019) were collected from pedigree sheets of organised herd maintained at dairy farm of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. Various production traits studied were 305 days milk yield (305DMY), total milk yield (TMY), lactation length (LL), peak yield (PY) and days to attain peak yield (DAPY). Heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations were estimated using least-squares analysis. Heritability estimates obtained were low to medium (0.04±0.02 to 0.30±0.09). The phenotypic and genetic correlations between TMY with LL were 0.72±0.08 and 0.77±0.37, 305DMY with LL were 0.42±0.12 and 0.30±0.95, LL with PY were 0.16±0.45 and 0.14±0.00, LL with DAPY were 0.09±0.77 and 0.10±0.05, 305DMY with TMY were 0.79±0.66 and 0.76±0.46, PY with TMY were 0.41±0.17 and 0.25±0.28, TMY with DAPY were 0.14±0.67 and 0.10±0.58, 305DMY with PY were 0.70±0.26 and 0.74±0.29, 305DMY with DAPY were 0.14±0.15 and 0.07±0.23 and DAPY with PY were 0.13±0.08 and 0.15±0.61. Positive and high genetic correlation between TMY with LL, 305DMY with TMY and 305DMY with PY suggested that tandem selection can improve both the traits simultaneously. Positive and high phenotypic as well as genetic correlation of 305DMY with other traits advocated that selection for 305DMY would be beneficial for enhancing the production in crossbred animals.

The present study aimed to determine the effects beetroot juice (Beta vulgaris) on performance and Blood-biochemical parameters of Kadaknath birds raised under farm conditions. Present investigation was carried out on Kadaknath chickens aged 6 weeks at poultry unit of Livestock farm complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Navania, Udaipur (Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences) India. There were three treatment groups, each of which had four replicates and ten chicks. Beetroot juice was added to the birds’ drinking water daily in quantities of 0 ml (T1) served as control, 15 ml (T2), and 25 ml (T3) for a period of six weeks. Each treatment group had an impact on body weights, weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency that was statistically significant (p <0.05). At six weeks of age, the treatment group T3 had the highest body weight, highest weight gain, and the best FCR. Treatment effects on packed cell volume (PVC), hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cells (RBC) were significant (p <0.05) with T3 having the highest values of 41.33%, 11.05 g/dL and 3.72 × 106 uL respectively. There was no difference seen on lymphocytes and red blood cells in the present study. Serum biochemical markers significantly (p <0.05) varied; T3 birds had the lowest levels for triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose. The results of this study showed that adding 25 ml of beet juice (Beta vulgaris) to drinking water will enhance growth performance, PCV, and Hb and also reduces glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride level of Kadaknath birds.

Cluster of Differentiation 14 (CD14) gene has been considered as an important candidate gene for its association with various disease resistance or susceptibility in several livestock species. For better understanding of the molecular mechanism of CD14, the present study aims to conduct a detailed in silico analysis of this protein in Karan Fries (KF) cattle in terms of its physicochemical properties, three dimensional (3D) structure predictions, interacting partners and phylogenetic relationship with other orthologs. Major part of this protein is alpha helix and random coil, making it suitable for interaction with other proteins. The 3D protein structures were predicted using Modeller 10.3 and Swiss Model and validated by Ramachandran plot. Protein-protein interaction suggested that the protein may act as a cell surface receptor and play a crucial role in regulating innate immune response along with 10 potential interaction partners. Sequence based phylogenetic tree analysis showed the KF CD14 gene has close evolutional relationship with that of Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle. The structural characterization and the predicted 3-D model of this protein will not only help in providing comprehensive idea on its molecular mechanism of action but also act as a base for further understanding its other functional potential.

The current study was conducted to determine prevalence of sub clinical mastitis (SCM) in indigenous goats in semi-arid zone of Northern Hemisphere of India. A total of 430 milk samples from 217 lactating indigenous goats (4 blind teats) of different breed suspected for SCM were collected and screened for SCM by California Mastitis Test. The overall prevalence of SCM was reported to be 23.04 % (50 out of 217). Highest prevalence was reported in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan (33.34%) followed by Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh (31.25%) and lowest in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (16.21%). Considering the individual udder halves, right quarter was found to be more prone to SCM than left quarter. Jakhrana breed of goat possessed highest prevalence followed by Jamnapari, Sirohi, Barbari, Beetal and Black Bengal breed. The prevalence showed an increasing trend as age of goat increases as well as parity / lactation. Similarly, more prevalence was observed in late lactation than mid and early lactation. The season wise incidence of SCM revealed highest in winter than summer season. This suggests endemicity of SCM in lactating goats in this region. Hence, early preventive measures should be taken to control of SCM to reduce further economic loss.

This study was planned to ascertain the effect of inclusion of urea, biological inoculant, fiber degrading enzymes and molasses on chemical composition, in vitro utilization and degradability of paddy straw silage. Urea was used @0%, 1% and 2%. Molasses (M) was added @0%, 3% and 6%. Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB) @ 2.4x106 cfu/g and enzymes (no addition, xylanase or cocktail) @ 50 g/100 kg paddy straw were included in some treatments and excluded in others. The DM, ADL, NDICP and ADICP were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) and NDF, hemicellulose and cellulose showed a significant decline (p<0.05) with the inclusion of urea @1% and molasses@6%. Lactobacillus inclusion caused a significant decline in NDF, ADF and silica (p<0.05). Evaluation of in vitro utilization showed significantly higher (p<0.05) NGP, ml, OMD, mg, OMD,% , DMD, % , MCP,% and ME, MJ/kg DM with urea@1%, molasses@6% and with the inclusion of Lactobacillus plantarum and cocktail enzyme.

Indian Standard (3916-1966) for pig housing, recommends a range of 0.9- 1.8 m2 floor area under covered and open space from weaning to finisher stage. Present study assessed whether, IS recommended open area is advantageous to improve welfare and growth performance of fattener pigs during summer season. A total of 20 piglets (10 castrated male and 10 females) at 3 months of age with average body weight 18.94 ± 1.04 Kg were randomly assigned to two housing treatments groups namely Tc; with lower limits of IS recommended covered floor space of 0.9 m2 per pig and To; with higher limit of IS recommended floor area of 1.8 m2 per pig, in which half, 0.9 m2 was under covered space and remaining half 0.9 m2 open space. Results revealed that provision of additional floor area of 0.9 m2 in open space did not improve growth performance and welfare of pigs during summer season. Therefore, IS recommended open space in pig housing is not necessary and can be removed to improve space, labour and overall economic efficiency of pig production.

The present study was conducted to assess the chemical composition and in vitro nutritional worth of total mixed rations (with R:C ratio of 50:50) containing graded levels of Tinospora cordifolia stem powder. T. cordifolia was added to the total mixed ration (TMR) at the levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% (on DM basis) to formulate six TMRs designated as TMR1, TMR2, TMR 3, TMR 4, TMR 5 and TMR 6, respectively. No significant difference was observed in net gas production, truly degraded substrate, partitioning factor, OM digestibility, NDF digestibility, microbial mass production, efficiency of microbial mass production, short chain fatty acids and metabolizable energy among the total mixed rations tested. The ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N, mg/dl) was higher (P<0.05) in TMR 1 (26.50) and lower (P<0.05) in TMR 6 (20.60) than other TMRs evaluated. The in vitro methane production was significantly (P<0.05) lower in TMR 3 containing 2% T. cordifolia on DM basis than control TMR (TMR 1). Thus, T. cordifolia stem powder incorporated at the rate of 2% of DM in the diet of ruminants has the potential to reduce methane production.

An exploration was launched to access the heat ambience associated alterations in water-deficit markers in sheep from western Rajasthan. Appraisal of environmental elements was carried out on the basis of recording of heat load index during intervening, dry-hot, humid-hot and cold Environmental periods (EPs) from Sri Ganganagar and Churu districts of Rajasthan. The mean values among EPs varied significantly (p<0.05) for minimum, maximum and average Temperature Humidity Index (THI). During humid-hot EP, the % variation in the values of plasma bicarbonate, urine bicarbonate, Fractional Excretion of Bicarbonate ions (FEBicarb), plasma anion gap and urine anion gap were found to be maximum (+32.73%, +112.78%, +168.75%,-45.74% and +23.17), respectively. On the basis of study it was concluded that the humid hot was the most effective season among all ambiences. The female sheep were affected more than male sheep. Along with that it was also observed that 15- 19 months age group was affected the most among all 4 age groups.

Dermatophilosis is an acute or chronic exudative dermatitis caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. Dermatophilus congolensis is a pleomorphic, Gram-positive actinomycete that infects animals and humans. Frequently, there is a misdiagnosis of this infection because of the high similarity of this organism with other members of the family Actinomycetaceae. The present study was carried out to isolate and identify the causative agent from a cattle herd clinically suspected for dermatophilosis associated with lower leg dermatitis in the Puducherry region (Southern India), their predisposing factors and treatment. The microscopic examination of skin impression smears from the infected animals did not reveal the characteristic appearance of Dermatophilus congolensis. Microscopic examination of the isolated bacteria revealed Gram-positive bacteria with filamentous structures and was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S rRNA of Dermatophilus congolensis. This study supports the PCR technique as a preferable technique to the conventional microscopy and culture techniques for the confirmation of D. congolensis infection during epidemiological surveys. The contact of skin with sewage channels in grazing areas and the wetting of skin by rain may be the predisposing factors for transmission by direct contact with clinically infected animals. Based on the antibiogram, the isolates were sensitive to antibiotics such as Gentamicin, Penicillin, Amikacin, Enrofloxacin and Chloramphenicol. The animals with dermatophilosis were treated with fortified procaine penicillin and streptomycin intramuscularly along with supportive drugs and topical dressing with 1% povidone-iodine for successive five days, which resulted in a fast and complete recovery. 

The present study was conducted in Durg district of Chhattisgarh to assess the consumption, processing pattern and hygienic outlook of consumers through contact survey studies. The objectives were achieved through a designed questionnaire (28 questions) on various categories of preference and processing patterns viz. likeness of type of meat, cooking and processing methods, hygienic practices etc. The district was divided in three zones and 200 respondents from each zone were selected purposively to constitute a total sample size of 600 respondents for the study and two indices based on questions were constructed. Analysis of data revealed that in general, consumers had shown higher preference to poultry meat than sheep/ goat meat, pork or other meat irrespective of zone of sampling. It could be depicted from the study that most of the consumers preferred fresh meat over packed meats. It was found there was significant variation (p<0.05) of responses based on zone of sampling between three zones. The findings indicate majority of respondents were unaware of Food Safety and Standard Act of India (FSSAI) in meat production and Indian Government policies for meat products and transport. 96.1% respondents were unaware of slaughter of animal by humane slaughter method. The microbial load from fresh meat differed significantly amongst zones. It can be concluded from the study that for the success of meat processing sector, consumers need to be aware, educated about processing pattern and value addition in meat products.

In the present investigation, a total of 12 equines with large colon impaction, and 6 healthy animals’ ages 3 to 12 years, were selected for study. The Impaction colic cases were divided into two treatment groups, T1 and T2, and healthy control group (Hc). The indigenous preparation comprised the seed of Terminalia chebula, was sun-dried and grinded to a fine powder, and was administered @ 10 gm/30 kg body weight orally once daily for three days in T2 groups. Both therapeutic groups T1 and T2 were given the following standard treatment, RL and DNS @ 20 ml/ kg b.wt., Ceftriaxone 10 mg/kg b.wt., Flunixin meglumine 1.1 mg/kg b.wt., Ascorbic acid @ 20ml OD IV, Vitamin B-complex @10 ml OD IM, Antihistamines @ 10 ml OD IM for three days along with 2 litres of enteral liquid paraffin via a nasogastric tube. The therapeutic efficacy of the above therapeutic regimens was evaluated based on clinical recovery in terms of the time of defecation (hrs.) after treatment and improvement in the altered values of the clinical score, hemato-biochemical alterations, and electrolyte values towards normalcy (at par to the values in healthy control equines) on day 3rd after treatment. The blood sample was collected on the day of occurrence of Impaction on day 0 (pre-treatment) and day 3rd (post-treatment). Large colon impaction cases had significantly lower levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and ionized calcium than the healthy animal group, whereas serum glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, alanine ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, GGT, TNF-α, and procalcitonin, found significantly in higher levels. Therapeutic regimen adopted in the treatment of large colon impaction cases under treatment groups T2 in which Terminalia chebula powder (act as prokinetic) was given found to be most efficacious as evident by the improvement in clinical score in terms of the reduced colic sign, hemato-biochemical alteration and improvement in defecation time and gastrointestinal motility. 

ALP, LDH and protein production are important hepatic functional markers. Hepatocytes proliferation is positively correlated with ALP activity, and synthesis of liver-specific proteins. Hepatocytes release LDH in distress. Current study investigated ALP and LDH activities and total protein concentration in fetal and adult sheep liver tissues and their cultured hepatocytes, as well as the day-wise variations in the ALP activity and total protein concentration in their culture media during their proliferation. Liver tissues were processed by homogenization, and ultrasonication. Processed liver tissues were then subjected to ultracentrifugation. Supernatant was analyzed for ALP activity, LDH activity, and total protein concentration. Hepatocytes were cultured for one week. Their proliferation was characterized by analyzing these parameters in the culture medium on different days. ALP activity was higher in fetal liver tissues. LDH and total protein concentration was higher in adult liver tissues. These parameters increased after culture and were significantly higher in cultured hepatocytes. Day-wise analysis of the culture medium showed that ALP activity reached the maximum values earlier for fetal hepatocytes than that of adult. LDH activity was absent in culture medium, but total protein concentration reached maximum values on seventh day in both the cultures. Present work concluded that the ALP activity increases in the hepatocytes during the cell cuture. Moreover, it is a good marker to investigate hepatocytes proliferation, and fetal hepatocytes have a higher proliferation potential than adult hepatocytes.

The study was conducted to explore the possibilities of utilization of potato puree in the preparation of chicken meatballs. The potato puree was incorporated at various levels as 0%, 10% and 20% by replacing lean meat in the formulation. Meatball samples were cooked in a pre-heated 180°C electric oven. Crude protein, fat, ash and energy content of the chicken meatballs showed significantly (p < .05) decreasing trend with increasing levels of potato puree. There was a significant increase in the moisture content, cooking yield and water holding capacity in treated products than control and recorded highest for T2. Sensory attributes showed comparatively higher scores in potato puree incorporated chicken meatballs. The results conclude that potatopuree can be used in chicken meatballs at 10 percent level to enhance the palatability and to reduce the cost of formulation.

A feeding trial of 120 days followed by digestibility trial was undertaken on 16 dairy Gir cows divided in four groups with various levels of hydroponics maize fodder. Highly significant (P<0.01) effect of feeding hydroponics maize fodder was observed on intake of dry matter and digestible crude protein intake, percentage digestible crude protein, percentage total digestible nutrient nutritive ratio and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude Protein, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract whereas, the effect of treatment on digestibility of digestible organic matter intake was observed to be significant (P<0.05). It was concluded that hydroponics fodder has beneficial effect on nutrient utilization efficiency in Gir cows and it can replace the 75% of crude protein of concentrate mixture.

The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare four different balanced anaesthetic protocols in clinical cases of dogs undergoing various surgical procedures. In subgroup X1 and X2, glycopyrrolate was administerd followed by xylazine and pentazocine at different doses. In subgroup D1 and D2 diazepam and fentanyl citrate were administered intravenously after 15 minutes of glycopyrrolate administration. After 15 minutes of preanesthetic administration in all groups anaesthesia was induced with propofol was and maintained with isoflurane. The jaw tone was abolished earlier in subgroup X1 in comparison to other subgroups. Abolition of pedal, palpebral, corneal reflexes happened earlier in D2 subgroup in comparison to X1, X2 and D1. Induction dose of propofol was lower in xylazine group than the diazepam group viz. 3.65 ± 0.60 mg/kg in subgroup X1, 4.00 ± 0.30 in subgroup X2 and 6.08±2.03 in subgroup D1, 4.53±0.48 in subgroup D2. Glycopyrrolate caused tachycardia in all subgroup. Alpha2-agonists did not cause bradycardia and diazepam did not alter heart rate and respiratory rate, whereas propofol caused tachycardia and depression in respiratory rate and SPO. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased after the administration of glycopyrrolate, xylazine and pentazocine in subgroup X1 while it slightly decreased in rest of the subgroups. It was concluded that Preanaesthetic combination of glycopyrrolate (0.005 mg/kg)-xylazine (0.5 mg/kg)-pentazocine (2 mg/kg) was found best among four combinations.

The phenotypic resistance pattern of staphylococci isolates from bovine mastitis was studied. The phenotypic resistance percentages obtained for the antibiotics tetracycline (17.90 %), sulpha- trimethoprim (15.40 %), ceftriaxone- tazobactum (14.19%), gentamicin and amoxycillin- clavulanate (11.11 %) each, enrofloxacin (10.49%) and cefoperazone (8.64 %) was assessed to identify multi-drug resistance (MDR) in the isolates. The MDR bacterial isolates were identified as Staphylococcus spp (12.34%). Seven MDR coagulase positive isolates and 13 coagulase negative isolates were selected for the multi-drug resistance profiling. The MAR index was also calculated for each isolate. The highest MAR index was noticed for the isolate which showed resistance against all the antibiotics studied. The occurrence of multi-drug resistance in mastitis pathogens results in recurrent mastitis in dairy cattle and to the related economic losses for the livestock owners along with serious implications in public health.

India ranks first in buffalo population and ranks top in buffalo meat export. Buffalo meat is lean with less fat, contains crucial amino acids, good functional properties and blends well with other ingredients. Since meat is a perishable product it can be converted into shelf stable product by drying, which is the simplest and oldest preservation technique. The present study was aimed to standardise the drying techniques in hot air and hot air- microwave combination drying. Round portion of buffalo carcass was subjected to drying techniques such as hot air and hot air-microwave combination drying and subjected to different packaging systems viz T1- Aerobically packed hot air dried buffalo meat, T2- vacuum packaged hot air dried buffalo meat, T3- aerobically packed hot air – microwave combination dried buffalo meat and T4-vacuum packaged hot air- microwave combination dried buffalo meat. Treatments were stored at ambient temperature and their proximate principles and sensory attributes were assessed. Moisture content was significantly higher for T1 and T2 and no significant difference was observed in protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate and calorific values of treatments. Sensory attributes did not differ significantly between treatments and were acceptable upto 90 days storage. Combination drying technique can be adopted as an efficient fast method of drying in small and large scale production of dried meat products.