A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2014 to April 2015 to determine prevalence of wound and associated risk factors in working donkeys in and around Merawi district, Amhara region, Ethiopia. A total of 384 randomly selected donkeys were physically examined for any external body injury/wound. Simultaneously, donkey owners were interviewed with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to extrapolate information regarding possible risk factors associated with wound occurrence. The overall prevalence of wound was 38.3%. The occurrence of wound varied significantly among donkeys with different age categories (χ2 = 43.027, p < 0.05) and with different body score conditions (47.5%, χ2 = 53.8, OR = 34.89, CI = 8.4-144.6). However the occurrence of wounds didn’t vary significantly among sex of the animals, type of pack saddle used and type of load carried (p > 0.05). In terms of working nature, donkeys working for more than 10kms per single trip showed

higher prevalence of wound (50.0%, χ2 = 9.39, p < 0.05) than those usually working for nearer distances (<10kms). There was a signifi- cant difference in the severity of wound among affected donkeys carrying different loads (χ2 = 26.71, p < 0.05).Questionnaire survey among the 384 respondents showed only 51% of the respondents usually seek for veterinary help for wound management. Generally, the study has clearly indicated wound as a prevailing welfare problem of working donkeys in and around Merawi district. Hence, implementing a comprehensive donkey health and welfare improvement program should be a priority for concerned stakeholder.

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015 in and around Bahir Dar town to determine the prevalence of Coccidia infection in calves and to identify associated risk factors. Fecal samples were collected from a total of 384 randomly selected calves with the age of under 2 years. Collected fecal samples were examined for the presence of Eimeria oocyst by fl otation technique. Out of 384 calves, 73 (19.01%) were found to be positive for Eimeria oocyst. Analysis of potential risk factors has revealed that; there was statistically signifi cant difference (P< 0.05) in the prevalence of coccidia infection to different age groups of animals, fecal consistency, origin, body condition, hygienic status and management system. However, the difference was not statistically signifi cant (P>0.05) between coccidia infection with sex and breed of calves. In conclusion, the present fi nding has demonstrated that calf coccidia are one of the most important pathogens in calves in the study area. Therefore, further epidemiological investigations are required to determine the Eimeria species composition and different agro ecological risk factor on the occurrence of the disease.

Study was conducted to standardize the acidity level of hurdle treated chicken croquettes (treated with humectants in combination

of 0.5% carrageenan + 5% texturized soya protein) using lactic acid. Three different treated meat batters having pH 6.0 (T1), 5.6 (T2), 5.2 (T3) along with control (C) were prepared using chicken meat along with other ingredients in required quantity. The products were examined for different physico-chemical quality, texture & colour profi les and sensory quality. It was revealed that water activity was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T3 than in T2, T1 and control. Product pH, emulsion stability and cooking yield was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T3 as compare to other treatments and control. The colour profile showed a significantly lower L value and lower a* value in T3 as compare to C, T1 and T2.,while the texture profile exhibited a significantly (P<0.05) lower value for hardness, springiness, stringiness, chewiness, gumminess and resilience and cohesiveness in the T3 product as compared to other batches. The evaluation of sensory attributes showed a significantly higher score for flavour, juiciness and overall acceptability in respect of T2. Hence it was concluded that meat batter having pH 5.6 was the preferred pH for the preparation of chicken meat croquettes.

Study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Seabuckthorn leaf extract (SLE) supplementation on biochemical parameters in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups namely CON (negative control), SCO (Seabuckthorn control), DCO (Diabetic control), and DSL (Diabetic seabuckthorn treatment group). Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intra peritoneal injection of STZ @ 50 mg/kg body weight in DCO and DSL group of rats. SLE was administered orally @ 100mg/kg body weight for 40 days to SCO and DSL groups. CON served as the negative control. Blood samples were collected from experimental animals on zero, 20th, and 40th days of trial to study various biochemical parameters. Significantly (P<0.01) lower levels of total serum protein, and hepatic glycogen and significantly (P<0.01) higher serum glucose, total cholesterol, urea and creatinine levels were observed in DCO group in comparison to CON group. However, in SLE treated diabetic rats (DSL group) significant (P<0.01) improvement was observed in all the above parameters. It may be concluded that SLE exerts ameliorative effect over Diabetes mellitus induced biochemical alterations in Wistar rats.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Guar meal, an unconventional feed on growth performance, behavioural traits, faecal consistency in kids (3 months old) with an average body weight of 9.46 ± 0.15 Kg divided into three equal groups (D1, D2 and D3) following completely randomized design. Experimental diets were formulated by replacing ground nut cake (GNC) from the control (D1) group, with guar meal at 50 (D2) and 100% (D3) level in the concentrate mixture. Dietary replacement of GNC with unconventional protein source (GM) either at 50 or 100% had no negative influence on dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio. ADG was signifi cantly (P<0.01) higher in D2 group but comparable to that of D1 group. No signifi cant difference was observed in behavioural aspects in kids fed on three different rations. The percentage of time spent on eating was recorded highest in all the groups. Faecal consistency score was significantly (P<0.05) higher in kids fed D3 ration compared to those fed D1 and D2. Guar meal based diets were found to be more economic than conventional type. 

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation on oestrus response in the goat following synchronization with prostaglandin analogue. Parous cycling goats (n=17/group) were fed a concentrate diet supplemented with either fi sh oil (FO) or palm oil (PO). The FO provided n-3 EPA and DHA @ 156 mg kg-1 body weight while

PO was given @ 0.6 ml kg-1 body weight to make the diet isocaloric. Oestrus was synchronized using two dose of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) at 11 days apart, with fi rst PG on day 25 of oil supplementation. Goats were observed for oestrus twice a day using a vasectomized teaser buck following second injection of PGF2α. The number and diameter of preovulatory follicle (POF) on

the day of oestrus was studied using transrectal ultrasonography. The mean interval from PGF2α administration to the onset of oestrus was significantly (χ2 df1=7.003, P=0.008) longer in FO than PO supplemented goats (48.71±3.78 vs 37.41±1.75 h). The proportion of goats showed oestrus within 48 h was 94.11% in the PO group (16/17), while it was 58.82% in the FO group (10/17). However, the oestrus duration was not affected by the FO supplementation. The number of POF was higher in the FO group than the PO (2.23±0.14 vs. 1.82±0.15; P=0.054); however the diameter of POF did not differ among the group (6.90±0.10 vs. 6.77±0.14; P>0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of goats with n-3 PUFA rich FO delayed the onset of PGF2α induced oestrus and increased the POF number on the day of oestrus.

The purpose of this study was to describe and suggest normal surface electrocardiographic values of the unanaesthetized indigenous domestic cat (Felis catus), reared commonly as a household pet throughout India. Twenty cats, aged between 1-4

years, averaging 2.2 kg body weight (ranging from 1.1 – 3.1 kg) were chosen randomly for the study. Recordings were made using standard limb leads (I, II and III) and augmented limb leads (aVR, aVL and aVF) in right lateral recumbency with a single-channel electrocardiograph. The heart rate, normal ECG waves, complexes and intervals were recorded during the study. A sinus rhythm was observed in all animals selected and studied. No ectopic complexes or arrhythmias, nor any abnormalities in electrocardiographic patterns were recorded. Estimated mean heart rate in the cat was 233.4 ± 2.34 beats per minute. The P-R interval and Q-T interval observed in the cat occupied approximately 31 and 69% respectively, of the total electrical cycle.

The results of the present study give a fair approximation of the normal ECG values described earlier for the cat. The observed

results would be helpful as a guideline to the clinician for perceiving the abnormal electrographic parameters in the domestic cat when diagnosing specifi c cardiac abnormalities during their clinical presentations.

The present study was carried out to make a comparative evaluation of a commercial competitive ELISA kit with respect to gold standard micro-serum neutralization test (mSNT) for detection of antibodies to Bovine herpes virus -1. The relative sensitivity and specificity of cELISA were found to be 96.67% and 95.29%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were observed to be 78.38 and 95.29%, respectively. The exhibited kappa value was 0.95. From this study, it is evident that cELISA is very simple, rapid with high specifi city and sensitivity in detecting BHV-1 antibodies and can prove to be a quick and effective tool in diagnosis of the disease in fi eld conditions where mSNT cannot be carried out due to its inherent requirement of highly specialized laboratories with cell culture facilities and expert personnel.

Buffalo contributes 12.8 per cent of world milk supply. In India, buffalo accounts for 33 per cent of the milk producing animals and 45 per cent of overall milk production of the country. Optimum fertility of buffaloes is the key to economically successful dairy farming. Postpartum uterine infections have negative impact on reproductive performance leading to drastic reduction in farm return. Endometritis being one of the major postpartum disorder causing heavy losses to dairy industry. Postpartum sub-clinical endometritis is defi ned as an endometrial infl ammation occurring 21 days or more after parturition without any clinical signs whereas clinical endometritis is indicated by the presence of purulent/mucopurulent discharge. Routine methods for diagnosing endometritis involve uterine biopsy, lavage and swab but these techniques causes irritation and distortion of cells. Endometrial cytology by cytobrush technique is most effi cient and early diagnostic technique when used along with microbial assay for diagnosis of sub-clinical endometritis. Following diagnostic accuracy, one has to use appropriate therapy for management of this condition. An effective treatment is one which eliminates load of pathogenic bacteria and enhances uterine defense and repair mechanisms, and thereby halts and reverses the infl ammatory changes that impair fertility. The treatment of endometritis should not be limited to clinical or bacteriological cure but also be economical and should improve the fertility. A wide variety of therapies for endometritis have been used with variable success proving the treatment of this condition to be

still challenging.

Seventy graded Murrah parous buffaloes presented for the first postpartum AI maintained under village system of rearing free from apparent pathological abnormalities of the reproductive tract were selected to study the effect of body condition score (BCS) and size of the preovulatory follicle on conception rate. After evaluating Body condition score (BCS) by visual examination and estrus intensity based on the scorecard, Preovulatory follicle (POF) sizes were measured ultrasonographically and grouped as small preovulatory follicle (SPOF), medium preovulatory follicle (MPOF) and large preovulatory follicle (LPOF). The mean values of BCS, intensity of estrus and serum progesterone at AI and on day 10 post AI were estimated and the relation to conception rate was analyzed. Positive correlation was observed with the body condition of the buffaloes at the time of AI to POF size and intensity of estrus. The mean values of BCS in pregnant and non pregnant buffaloes did not differ

significantly and it has a nonsignificant (P>0.05) negative correlation with pregnancy status, however proper nutrition during

breeding season is necessary for acceptable reproduction. It was concluded from the present study that physiological maturity of the follicle rather than its diameter influenced the fertility in graded Murrah buffaloes under field conditions.

The current study was carried out to determine the sero-prevalence and molecular detection of Brucella species in persons involved in pork production in Punjab state of India. The sample size was selected using survey toolbox and a total of 123 blood samples were collected from pig farmers and slaughter house workers. The serum samples were tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Standard Tube Agglutination test (STAT) and indirect ELISA. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood samples using B4 and B5 primers was carried out on all sero-positive and 20 randomly selected sero-negative samples. The Bruce ladder Multiplex PCR technique was further used for confi rming the species of Brucella positive samples. The results observed that 1 (0.81%) and 4 (3.25%) subjects were positive in RBPT/STAT and ELISA, respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction confirmed the presence Brucella species in blood of one of the sero-positive samples and Bruce ladder multiplex PCR confi rmed the species to be B. abortus. Chi-square test was applied on the results to determine the signifi cant difference among various groups. A significant difference was found in the prevalence rates in different districts in Punjab. The results indicate that B. abortus is circulating in the persons involved in pork production in Punjab state of India. The preventive and control measures need to be enforced to prevent the occupational exposure of brucellosis to pig producers in Punjab (India).

Present study results indicated that out of 105 dairy farmers visited, it was observed that all most all of the farmers practice stall feeding and offer feeds twice in a day, to advanced pregnant crossbred cows. The majority of farmers (56 %) were offered mixture of straws (wheat straw+ gram straw) and some of them used masoor/soybean straw as dry roughage. It was observed that 33 % farmers offered mixture of local grasses + maize fodder + MP Chari followed by maize + local grass (26 %) as green roughage. Twenty six percent farmers were not feeding any greens. Available concentrate feeds are wheat bran, cotton seed cake and concentrate mixture. Majority of farmers (84 %) offered wheat bran+ cotton seed cake as concentrate. Only 10% farmers were supplementing mineral mixture and 29 % supplementing salt. Prevalence of overall reproductive disorders was 15.8%. Among different disorders, incidence of retained placenta, vaginal prolapse and uterine prolapse were 9%, 4.2% and 2.6%, respectively. Prevalence of metabolic disorders and mastitis were 6.8 and 14 %, respectively in total population. Among metabolic disorders, incidence of haemoglobinuria was 2.5%, milk fever was 2.7% and downers cow syndrome was observed in 1.6% cows. The prevalence of mastitis (14%) was higher than other problems in crossbred cows. These results indicates that under existing feeding pattern inadequacy of various nutrients in the ration of advanced pregnant crossbred cows could be probable of various reproductive and metabolic disorders prevalent in this area.

The present was aimed to study the effect of varying levels of niacin supplementation (0, 200, 400 and 600ppm, respectively) on medium urea based total mixed ration (TMR) replacing 20% of total crude protein (CP) of ration with different non-protein nitrogen (NPN) sources by in vitro gas production technique. All the rations were iso-nitrogeneous in nature. On the basis of higher partition factor, TD%, OMD%, microbial mass production and efficiency of microbial mass production. Supplementation of niacin in low urea based TMR did not have any significant effect on microbial mass production and its efficiency. The in vitro pH and NH3 concentration was signifi cantly reduced (p<0.05) at 600 ppm level of niacin supplementation. The TVFA concentration was signifi cantly comparable in control and urea based TMR and lowest in uromol based TMR. Niacin supplementation produced significantly higher (p<0.05) TVFA at 400 ppm level and lowest at 600 ppm in TMR. It can be concluded that slow release urea seems to be better option than urea and uromol as NPN supplement in the diets of ruminants

when medium (20% of total CP) urea based TMR is to be prepared.

The present investigation was designed to study certain morphological characteristics of epididymal washings/plasma during winter and summer season in the bucks. The study was undertaken with the view to fi nd out the effect of different season on

the epididymal physiology of bucks. The epididymis was collected from sixteen apparently healthy bucks, immediately after their slaughter. In the laboratory, separation and washings of caput, corpus and cauda epididymis were carried out separately. The spermatozoa of the cauda epididymis showed higher (P < 0.05) mass motility as compared to corpus epididymis in winter as compared to summer season and caput epididymis in which they were non-motile in both the seasons. The result of present study showed high (P < 0.01) concentration of spermatozoa in different part of epididymis during winter as compared to summer season. During winter season, spermatozoa concentration in the cauda was signifi cantly higher (P < 0.01) as compared to corpus and caput. During summer, live per cent values of spermatozoa were signifi cantly lower (P < 0.01) in caput, corpus and cauda epididymis as compared to winter value of caput, corpus and cauda epididymis. Most of the spermatozoa from the caput epididymis showed the higher cytoplasmic droplet at their neck portion. However, the spermatozoa of the corpus and cauda epididymis revealed a non-signifi cant reduction in the cytoplasmic droplet at the neck portion. All the above parameters indicate that summer stress severely affect epididymal physiology and semen quality of buck.

A total of 24 ejaculates were obtained from 3 Mizo local boars (Zovawk), were used by split sample technique for evaluating the effect of four glycerol levels on quality of semen extended with Lactose egg yolk glycerol (LEYG) extender at equilibration and after freezing. The sperm motility at equilibration and after freezing was significantly higher (P<0.01) for 3 percent glycerol levels, than for 2 and 4 percent glycerol levels. The live sperm at equilibration and after freezing was significantly higher (P<0.01) for 3 percent glycerol levels than for 2 and 4 percent glycerol levels, and for 2 percent than for 3 percent glycerol level. The Hypo-Osmotic Sperm Swelling Test (HOSST) reacted spermatozoa at equilibration and after freezing was significantly (P<0.01) higher for 3 percent glycerol levels, than for 2 and 4 percent glycerol levels, and for 2 percent than for 3 percent glycerol level. The acrosomal integrity at equilibration and after freezing was significantly (P<0.01) higher for 3 percent glycerol levels, than for 2 and 4 percent glycerol levels, and for 2 percent than for 3 percent glycerol level. In conclusion, preservation of boar semen in LEYG extender using 3 percent glycerol found to be superior

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eugenol treatment and modifi ed atmospheres (50 % N2 + 50 % CO2) packaging (MAP) on the storage stability of chicken noodles stored at 35 ± 2°C for 90 days. A total four treatments were assigned (i) control aerobic (C-AP), (ii) eugenol treated aerobic (ET-AP), (iii) control MAP (C-MAP), and (iv) eugenol and MAP treated (ET-MAP). All samples were evaluated for changes in pH, water activity (aw), antioxidant activity, Lovibond tintometer colour (L, a*, b*), texture profi les, sensory attributes, lipid stability and microbial quality. ET-MAP packaging were significantly (p<0.05) infl uenced oxidative stability of noodle samples. ET-AP and ET-MAP treated samples shown to had higher (p>0.05 antioxidant activity. The standard plate count (SPC) of noodle samples was higher for both aerobic and MAP controls. ET-MAP samples were exhibited greater antioxidant activity and sensory scores but lower SPC and water activity than other samples.

The investigation was undertaken to study some blood biochemical parameters and cortisol levels during different stages in different lactations in Toggenberg goats. These included control group, consisting of dry goats and group I, II, III and IV containing goats in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th lactation period. The total protein concentration showed an increasing trend from early to late lactation stages. There was an increasing levels of albumin in group I, II and IV and globulin in group II and III. Lowest total protein concentration was observed in third lactation (group III). Albumin and globulin ratio was higher in early lactation in group III (third lactation); whereas, in group II and IV, highest ratio was observed during mid lactation. Glucose concentration showed a defi nite increasing trend from early to late lactation stages in different lactations. Signifi cantly lower (P<0.05) glucose levels were found in early as well as mid lactations as compared to late stage in all the four groups. Increasing trend of urea concentration was observed from early to late stage of lactation in all the lactating groups. The Total protein, globulin, glucose and urea levels were found higher in lactating goats as compared to dry animals. The cortisol level showed a decreasing trend from early to late stage of lactation, Again, the cortisol levels of lactating goats were signifi cantly higher (P<0.05) than that of dry goats. Among different stages of lactation, early and mid stages are more stressful when compared to late stage.

Twelve apparently healthy 3-4 year old animals from cold arid deserts of Ladakh region, with equal representation of male and female were bled in the jugular vein after observing strict aseptic measures. Three samples from each animal were collected at an interval of 15 days and values averaged. Normal physiological levels of haemato-biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers were recorded. Many of the hematological parameters did differ between sexes. Total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count and haemoglobin was signifi cantly (P < 0.05) higher (10.32 × 106, 9.03 × 103 and 11.25 g/dl) in males as compared to females (9.04 × 106, 7.75 × 103 and 10.10 g/dl) respectively. Similarly plasma albumin (3.53 g/dl) and creatinine (1.28 mg/dl) was signifi cantly (P < 0.05) higher and cholesterol (77.66 mg/dl) signifi cantly (P < 0.01) lower in males as compared to females (3.23 g/dl, 1.03 mg/dl and 113.83 mg/dl) respectively. Antioxidant power determined by FRAP did not reveal any significant difference between sexes, however, TBARS differed significantly (P < 0.01) between the sexes with higher value (3.84 ± 0.15 nM/L) in males than females (2.88 ± 0.22 nM/L). Various other plasma analytes including liver enzymes did not vary significantly between the sexes. Present study recognized the course of various blood constituents between the sexes of Karakul sheep which was not available in literature and thus can prove potentially valuable diagnostic tool in the health care and clinical interpretation of laboratory data in these animals.

A total of 1474 and 1935 production and reproduction records of crossbred cattle and Murrah buffaloes from the year 1992 to 2012 were utilized in the present study to investigate breeding effi ciency (BE) at Gadvasu Dairy farm. Breeding effi ciency was calculated using Wilcox (1957) and Tomar (1965) methods and then Least squares of Harvey (1990) model was used to study the effects of various non-genetic factors (period, season) on breeding effi ciency. Average breeding efficiency of Crossbred Cattle was 82.31 ± 0.97% ranging from 75% to 85% by Wilcox method and 98.14 ± 1.09% ranging from 95% to 99% by Tomar method. Breeding efficiency of Buffaloes was 78.03 ± 1.01% ranging from 69% to 84% by Wilcox method (1957) and 78.39 ± 0.39% ranging from 74% to 80% by Tomar method under the present management and production conditions. The little differences in two methods may be attributed to different methods of calculation as well as large variation in the no. of calvings, calving interval and age at fi rst calving across 20 years. Hence it may further be concluded that the two methods were equally useful in the calculation of reproductive effi ciency in dairy animals.

This experiment was conducted to fi nd out the effect of different fl oor space allowance on the growth performance of Osmanabadi kids. Eighteen Osmanabadi kids between the age group of 3-4 months and body weight of 7-8 kg were randomly selected irrespective of sex. The selected kids were divided and kept into three different groups with different fl oor space comprising of 6 kids in each group. GroupT0 (0.8m2 fl oor space/kid), Group T1 (0.7m2/kid) and Group T2 (0.6m2/kid). The feeding and other management practices for all the three groups were similar. The body weight of kids at 3 and 6 months of age was 6.75, 6.86, 6.82 and 12.69, 12.44, 11.98 kg respectively in Group T0, T1 and T2. The average daily gain and average weekly gain in body weight were 70.77 ± 1.62, 66.05 ± 1.80, 61.50 ± 3.95 gm/day and 495.39 ± 11.39, 465.26 ± 11.00, 430.00 ± 14.64 gm/wk in Group T0, T1 and T2 respectively. There was signifi cant effect of fl oor space on average daily gain (P<0.01), average weekly gain (P<0.01) and also on average monthly gain (P<0.05) of Osmanabadi kids. It was concluded that provision of floor space is positively correlated with the growth performance of kids.

Twelve genitalia of apparently healthy, non pregnant adult Bakerwali goat were collected from local slaughter houses immediately after sacrifice. Sections were stained with different staining methods. The oviduct of Bakerwali goat was lined with pseudostratifi ed columnar ciliated epithelium in infundibulum and ampulla whereas pseudostratifi ed columnar nonciliated epithelium in isthmus. The thickness of tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis of oviduct increases towards the isthmus and was significantly higher in luteal phase of estrus cycle whereas height of epithelium was significantly higher in luteal phase but decreased towards the layer of muscles in the terminal part of isthmus. The height of lining epithelium was significantly higher in luteal phase than follicular phase in all three segments of oviduct. In the luteal phase, apical blebs with PAS positive material ere seen above lining epithelium. The cytoplasm of glandular and lining epithelium showed strong reaction with Alcian blue

and mild reactivity for bound lipids with Sudan Black B. Tunica muscularis showed moderate reaction for Alcian blue showing

presence of acidic mucopolysaccharides and mild reaction for bound lipids with Sudan Black B.

The present work was carried out to evaluate different quantitation techniques when Newcastle disease virus was intended to use as an oncolytic agent. The R2B Mukteshwar strain of NDV was procured as lyophilized vaccine. Then application were carried out like haemagglutination test, tissue culture infective dose-50 (TCID50), plaque forming unit (PFU) calculation and real time PCR to enumerate the number of viruses. The HA titre was obtained as 1:128 across the dilutions. While TCID50 and PFU counts were obtained as 1×108.16/ ml and 4.2×107 PFU/ ml, respectively. Based upon comparison with standard NDV RNA, Real-time PCR also revealed the number of virus 108/ ml. HA was found consistent but indirect; contrastingly TCID50 suffered with subjectivity of interpretation. PFU counts were found within a range and lease possibility of interpretation error than TCID50. Though real time was found automated, highly specific and sensitive assay but handling of RNA and cost were limiting factors. 

The study on canine pyometra was conducted to assess the alteration in clinico-haemato-biochemical status before and after

ovariohysterectomy. Signalment and history recording of six bitches was followed by clinical examination, ultrasonography and blood sampling. Most common clinical signs were vulvar discharge, inappetance, polydipsia, polyuria, vomition and paresis. At presentation, uterine diameters ranged from 1.3 to 5.0 cm along with leukocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Levels of BUN, creatinine, and ALP were elevated. Five out of six bitches had plasma P4 concentration above basal (> 1.0 ng/ml) level. The mean haemato-biochemical parameters returned to normal by day ten post-surgery. The progesterone concentration decreased to basal by 10th day. The changes in haemato-biochemical profi le were related to the degree of improvement of the clinical conditions of the bitches. Out of the six bitches, one bitch died on 21st post-operative day while another recovered gradually after initial episodes of severe vomition for a week post-operation.

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of free choice salt and mineral licks on dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition, blood biochemical parameters and micromineral profi le in crossbred cows. Twenty four lactating Holstein Friesian crossbred cows were randomly distributed in 3 groups of 8 animals each based on milk yield. The cows in control group were fed basal ration to meet their nutrient requirements while tradition universal multi blocks and tradition fertility blocks/licks provided by Akzo Nobel were supplemented free choice in multi and fertility groups, respectively in addition to basal diet. The duration of the study was 120 days. The mean dry matter (DM) intake was similar in all the groups. The free choice multi and fertility licks increased the milk yield by 2 kg per cow per day as compared to control group where as multi lick also improved the milk fat and protein content. The control group had a lower persistency of milk yield during the experimental period as compared to multi and fertility groups. Supplementation of free choice multi and fertility licks did not affect levels of blood biochemical profile and monitored plasma micromineral content of crossbred cows.

In present study chicken, fi llets were coated with sodium alginate, calcium chloride, citric acid and cinnamon oil coating solution by three methods viz., spraying, brushing and dipping and shelf-life of coated meat were observed. Effi ciency of coating material and suitability among three methods of application were determined through shelf-life studies of coated meat under refrigeration conditions. Based on the results of physico-chemical, sensory and microbial characteristics, spraying method had lower Tyrosine Value, Thiobarbituric Acid number, Standard Plate count, Drip loss and higher sensory scores compared to other methods of application. Extract Release Volume and Water Holding Capacity decreased signifi cantly with storage period in all the samples. However, spraying had comparatively higher water holding capacity and lower Warner Blatzer Shear Force Value than control and other methods of application. Hunter color values did not differ signifi cantly with storage and between treatments. Chicken breast sprayed with coating solution extended the shelf life of chicken breast upto 5 days compared to 3 days for control.

A survey was conducted during April, 2014 to December, 2015 and data were collected from randomly selected 50 buffalo farm owners through personal interview with the help of pre-tested structured schedule from peri-urban areas of Surat city of Gujarat. The present study revealed that majority of respondents (86%) followed stall feeding system. The 82% respondents did not cultivated green fodder crops and 62 & 90% respondents fed green non-leguminous and shedha grass to their milking buffaloes, respectively. Majority of respondents fed homemade plus compound cattle feed as concentrate to their milking buffaloes, based on milk production, mainly during milking. The 62% respondents fed concentrate to their animals after soaking in water while, 38% respondents fed concentrates as such. Majority of respondents practiced to feed green/dry fodders as such to their buffaloes. Majority of respondents did not fed concentrates to their young calves while, 54% respondents fed concentrates to their heifers. Only 42% respondents provided mineral supplements to their buffaloes. All the respondents detected heat in their animals by observing the symptom of bellowing and mucus discharge (84%) and bred their buffaloes by artificial insemination (52%) between 12-18 hours after heat detection (84%). The 12% respondents bred their buffaloes after 2 to 3 months of calvinand 64% respondents followed the pregnancy diagnosis but only 38% did it either from Livestock Inspectors or Artificial Insemination workers during three months of pregnancy. Majority of respondents followed treatment of anoestrous/repeaters in their buffaloes.

One hundred and twenty, one week old, Cobb 400 broiler chickens were randomly distributed into three dietary treatments having four replicates each with ten birds. The birds of the control group (T1) were fed a basal diet (23.16% CP 1-3 weeks & 19.68% CP 3-6 weeks) while the other two groups were offered the treatment diets (T2& T3) replacing 4.50% or 5.50%, of the dry matter of the basal diet with dry Azolla pinnata powder on dry matter basis, respectively. Feeding azolla meal did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the weekly body weight gain of the birds during the experimental period. Total immunoglobulins and mercaptoethanol sensitive (IgM) antibody titer (log 2) values in response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the birds fed T3 diet compared to the other two dietary treatments at 6 weeks of age. Cell mediated immune response i.e. in vivo cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity response to lectin phytohaemagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA-P) determined as foot web index was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the T3 birds compared to the other two dietary treatments. Dressing percentage was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 compared to the other two treatment groups.

However, there was no significant difference among the treatment groups in the other carcass traits. Thus, it may be inferred that replacement of basal diet with dry Azolla pinnata meal on dry matter basis did not adversely affect the growth and carcass characteristics. Moreover, Azolla pinnata possesses promising immunomodulatory potential in commercial broilers.

The present study was conducted in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir state during 2014-15 to know socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the dairy farmers and their relationship with entrepreneurial behaviour. The present investigation included 120 benefi ciaries from Bishnah, R.S. Pura, Arnia and Suchetgarh blocks of Jammu district. Results revealed that majority (68.40%) of dairy farmers had medium level entrepreneurial behaviour followed by 18.30 per cent having high level of entrepreneurial behaviour. Out of twelve, eight variables namely viz., education, land holding, innovativeness extension contact, annual income, experience of dairying, economic motivation and information seeking had positive and signifi cant relationship but only age was negatively signifi cant correlated with their entrepreneurial behaviour.

Bromadiolone is an anticoagulant, recommended as 0.005% bait for controlling rodent pests. Present study was conducted to investigate the toxicity potential of sublethal doses of bromadiolone (0.001% bait) along with blood clotting response in house rat, Rattus rattus. Mature and healthy rats of both sexes were divided into three groups. Rats of group I were fed on bait containing 0.001% bromadiolone for 24 hours. In group II, male rats were fed on 0.001% bromadiolone bait @ 2.1g/100g b.wt and female rats @ 3.7 g/100g b.wt. (equivalent to LD50 of recommended bait of bromadiolone (0.005%) for male and female rats). In group III, male rats were fed on 0.001% bromadiolone bait @ 4.2g/100g b. wt. and female rats @ 7.4 g/100g b.wt. (equivalent to double the LD50 of 0.005% bromadiolone bait for male and female rats). Data was analysed using Student’s t-test.Complete mortality was observed in rats of group I and group III within 2-8 days and 4-14 days, respectively. Rats of group I had ingested 13.5-14.3 g/100g b.wt. of bait in 24 hours. However, only 20-30% mortality was observed in rats of group II within 7-12 days. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood clotting response parameters i.e. PT (Prothrombin Time), R (Prothrombin Ratio) and INR (International Normalized Ratio) was recorded in both male and female rats after 48 hours of treatment. The study suggests the use of 0.001% bromadiolone bait for control of R. rattus.

Kadaknath is well known for having black flesh, aphrodisiac properties, adaptability to hot climate and resistant to certain diseases. Although this breed has many unique characteristics, it has been neglected because of its poor production potential. In recent trends, the higher use of single activity enzymes like xylanase in commercial poultry feed for improving their performance

can also improve performance in Kadaknath breed. Efforts for attaining higher body weight in short duration is still a subject of research for this breed. An experiment of ninety days was conducted with total one hundred Kadaknath chicks which were randomly divided into two equal groups with five replicates and each replicate consisted of 10 chicks. Experimental control diet (T0) is based on BIS (2007) for broilers and treatment diet T1 was supplemented with 0.1 kg/ton xylanase enzyme with reducing dietary ME and CP. The cost of experimental diets was worked out after considering the cost of ingredients and cost of enzyme supplementation. The average body weight, feed consumption, FCR and EI were not significantly (P>0.05) different in both treatments. Dry matter and crude fibre digestibility were observed significantly (P>0.05) higher in T1. There was no effect of treatment on carcass traits. The profit per bird was recorded higher in xylanase enzyme supplemented group. In the above study, it was concluded that the growth performance was improved in xylanase enzyme supplemented group in comparison to control group. Supplementation of xylanase enzyme was more profitable in rearing of Kadaknath birds. 

Follistatin play vital role in biological processes which includes cell proliferation, differentiation, and skeletal muscle growth. The present study was carried out to study polymorphism of exon4 of follistatin gene and its association with body weight in PD-1, a broiler line of chicken. A product of 225 bp of exon-4 was amplified and structural variability was studied using polymerase chain reaction, single strand confi rmation polymorphism and sequencing method. This study revealed that the FSTN gene was monomoprphic at exon4. Growth data was also analyzed, the growth performance of male and female differed

significantly at six week of age.

Hair can be easily collected, stored and have several characteristics suggesting that it may be useful biopsy materials. The mineral contents of the primary hair give an overview of the mineral levels in the body’s tissues and the changes that occur over time. In the present study correlation coeffi cients of three micro minerals viz. (Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn)) in primary hair-plasma of Pomeranian (n=10) and Labrador (n=10) dogs were evaluated. It has been observed that correlation coefficients of Cu and Zn in primary hair-plasma of Pomeranian and Labrador dogs were signifi cant at 5% and 1% level whereas nonsignificant (p<0.05) in both the breed of dogs for Fe.

The present study was conducted to ascertain the seroprevalence of bluetongue in cattle and buffalo population in Punjab, India. Total 92 serum samples were collected from female bovines belonging to 3 different agroclimatic zones of Punjab and subjected to cELISA test for the detection of anti-bluetongue antibodies. The overall apparent seroprevalence of bluetongue was 8.7%, while true serological prevalence was calculated 7.8%. There is no clinical report on bluetongue in small and large ruminants in Punjab. Though, a very high seroprevalence (53.0%) was reported in sheep (58.6%) and goat (50.6%) population of the state in a previous study. The prevalent serotypes of BTV circulating in this region are needed to identify in further study.

Mastitis, caused by multifactorial etiopathological factors, is one of the costliest disease of dairy animals across the globe. The study was conducted for a period of more than 1 year i.e. from February 2015 to February 2016. For the epidemiological study 550 lactating cattle were screened by modified California mastitis test (MCMT). Clinical examination of animals and their udder/milk and phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus spp. was carried out. The overall occurrence of Staphylococcal SCM was reported to be 16.36% (90/550) animal wise and 6.07% (127/2092) quarter wise as identifi ed on the basis of colony morphology, characteristic colour changes on Mannitol salt agar, positive catalase test, haemolysis pattern on blood agar and DNase activity on DNase agar. Thirty one isolates were found coagulase positive as revealed by coagulase test and 96 were found to be coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS). The occurrence was highest in right hind quarter (8.77%), in age group

of 5-7 years (23.77%). in 5th parity (25.64%) and in early lactation (31.64%) period. Occurrence was also reported higher in monsoon and post monsoon.

Records on reproductive traits of pigs pertaining to 541 crossbreds, comprising 308 half-bred inter se (½ Hampshire  ½ Local) and 233 graded inter se (¾ Hampshire  ¼ Local), maintained at ICAR Mega Seed Project (MSP) and All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on pigs, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara for the period from 2002 to 2013 constituted the materials for the present investigation. The heritability estimates were obtained by paternal halfsib correlation method using sire component of variance. The heritability estimates of age at sexual maturity, age at first conception, age at first farrowing, litter size at birth and litter size at weaning, litter weight at birth and litter weight at weaning were 0.150 ± 0.301, 0.274 ± 0.318, 0.361 ± 0.329, 0.224 ± 0.238, 0.122 ± 0.297, 0.270±0.247, 0.001±0.278 and 0.891±0.383, respectively in half-bred inter se pigs and 0.671 ± 0.445, 0.830 ± 0.468, 0.848 ± 0.471, 0.371 ± 0.185, 0.367 ± 0.388, 0.134 ± 0.268, 0.148 ± 0.502 and 0.617 ± 0.522 in graded inter se pigs, respectively.