Provision of good semen quality is necessary throughout the year for sustainable dairy development. The aim of rearing crossbred cattle is to enhance the productivity. However, heat stress, which is common to tropical countries, influences their productivity. The semen quality of crossbred bulls declines under heat stress. The thermoregulatory mechanism of testes is affected under higher ambient temperature, which in turn enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS attack causes lipid peroxidation of sperm membrane, which results in reduced sperm motility. The spermatogenesis process and testosterone production are affected under heat stress. The quality of semen is affected significantly under stressful conditions, which affects the growth of dairy sector. Poor semen quality contributes to the failure of artificial insemination and conception. Some of the sperm defect cannot be evaluated through routine examination, viz., the genetic/or molecular defects. The management of bulls under summer stress is necessary for production of good quality semen. This review aims to focus on examination of semen quality based on physical, biochemical and heat shock protein expression under tropical climatic conditions

The aim of this investigation is to determine changes in concentrations of biochemical and metabolic hormones in the blood of Pramenka sheep. The study included 117 sheep of Pramenka breed monitored during three different periods (July, August, September) from Livno and Travnik (Vlašic) areas. The following biochemical parameters were determined in sheep blood samples: glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were performed by spectrometric analyzer (Kodak Ektachem, analyzer DT 60 II, DTSC Modul and DTE Modul). In sheep blood serum determined the following hormones by ELISA values: triiodothyronine, thyroxine, cortisol, and insulin. Hormonal status of test animals was relatively stable during periods of sampling, but significant differences have been confirmed based on locality, with the exception of cortisol. The lack of statistical significance of differences for cortisol between areas of Livno and Travnik can be due to stress caused by collecting blood samples which have equally increased cortisol levels and “concealed” all other factors that affect its level in the serum. High concentrations of thyroid hormones, particularly in sheep from the locality of Livno, can be a sign of decreased appetite, which is one of the earliest disorders in conditions of heat stress. In both areas, high insulinemia was determined as well, possibly as a result of feeding which significantly changed the hormonal regulation of metabolism in lactation process and led towards stimulation of the endocrine pancreas.

The Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) is used for the differentiation of classical virulent (cv), virulent (v) and very virulent (vv) strains of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) isolates collected from recent outbreaks in southern region of India. In the present study, five different isolates (BGE15, EDE14, RPM14, MDI14 and THI14) of IBDV strains were subjected for genotyping along with vaccine (Georgia, intermediate strain) by performing RT-PCR for amplification of a 743 bp from the hypervariable region of VP2 gene followed by restriction enzyme digestion with seven different enzymes (HhaI, SacI, SspI, StyI, BspMI, StuI and TaqI) for the differentiation of classical, virulent and very virulent strains of IBDV. The RT-PCR product obtained from all the five isolates were not cleaved by SspI and SacI enzyme and thus revealed the absence of restriction enzyme (RE) site for SspI and SacI enzyme, respectively. The HhaI enzyme cleaved vaccine and field isolates with similar restriction profiling pattern. The StuI enzyme did not digest vaccine strain whereas field isolates were cleaved by this enzyme. The BspM1 was not able to differentiate the field isolates from vaccine strain. TaqI enzyme cleaved both vaccine and field isolates of IBDV with different profile pattern. The StyI enzyme showed single RE site on vaccine strain and other field isolates with similar RE pattern. Thus, from the present study, it may be concluded that all the isolates belonged to vvIBDV and they do not have site for SspI marker.

Brucellosis is a disease of domestic animals with serious zoonotic implications in humans, causing huge economic losses to the livestock industry. The present study was conducted to find the prevalence of brucellosis in Akshayakalpa organic dairy farms. Seventeen pooled milk samples from different herds contributing to the farm were collected and subjected to milk ring test (MRT), among these seven samples were found to be positive. Individual animal milk samples were collected from the positive herds and subjected to MRT again. Further, serum samples of all MRT positive animals were screened by Rose bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA. Prevalence rate of brucellosis was found to be 11.08%, 20.40% and 38.77% by MRT, RBPT and indirect ELISA, respectively. Farmers were educated about the risk of disease and it’s public health significance and all the affected animals were isolated. By the consent of farmers the management of the farm culled all the ten infected animals which were positive by all the above tests and financial compensation was provided to the affected farmers. Since then, the farm has adapted regular screening of new animals before introducing it to the herd and all the animals contributing to farms are free from brucellosis. In conclusion, MRT, RBPT and indirect ELISA in combination can be used for diagnosis of brucellosis and test and slaughter policy is the best method of choice to control the infection if the sizes of the positive reactors are less.

The quality of litter is a single major factor in deciding the emission of various harmful gases especially ammonia. Therefore a study was conducted to determine the effect of low protein diet supplemented with protease enzyme and litter amended with sodium bisulphate on carcass parameters, serum biochemical, respiratory tract lesions and immune status of birds during winter season. The experiment was conducted for six week on 240, day old broiler chicks which were randomly distributed into four treatment groups. One bearing control group (Tc) had no dietary and litter amendments and the other three included, litter amendment with sodium bisulphate (Ts), dietary amendment with low protein supplemented with protease enzyme (Tp) and both dietary and litter amendment (Tsp), each having 60 birds in three replications of 20 number. Blood sample for serum biochemical parameters were collected at 3rd and 6th week of age and at the end of experiment, four birds from each treatment were randomly slaughtered for carcass trait measurement and respiratory tract lesions. The results revealed a higher dressing and breast percentage in Ts group as compared to other treatment groups. Total protein level was also significantly higher in Ts and control group. The histopathology revealed that the gross as well as microscopic lesions revealed a better health status of chicks in the treatment groups Ts and Tsp than those in control and Tp group. The immune status was also better in the litter treated groups. Thus it can be concluded that the treatment of litter with sodium bisulphate had significant influence on carcass, serum biochemical, respiratory and foot pad lesions and immune status of birds.

The study was carried out to determine the effect of different levels of citrus waste (Kinnow sp.) as replacement of whole ration on intestinal morphology in broilers. The experiment consisted of 256 meat type birds. The day old birds were distributed into 8 groups and each group was replicated four times. Eight dietary treatments included Control (T1), positive control (T5) and Citrus waste was supplemented at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 percent level in diet T2 to diet T4 and citrus waste with cocktail of enzymes was added from diet T6 to diet T8 during starter (0-14 days), grower (15-21 days) and finisher (22-42 days of age) phases. The birds of equal body weight were slaughtered on 42nd day. After thorough examination sections of duodenum were collected and processed. Images were taken to measure villi height and crypt depth. Study showed that the inclusion of citrus waste up to 5% level improved (P<0.05) duodenal morphology with higher villi length and crypt depth. More number of polymorphonuclear cells was observed at places in mucosa suggesting better immunomodulatory effect due to inclusion of citrus waste in the diet. However, supplementation of enzyme (100 g/q) didn’t showed any significant (P<0.05) difference between the groups. It can be concluded that supplementation of citrus waste decreased the villi height and crypt depth at higher citrus waste inclusion level.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of monensin supplementation in reducing faecal nitrogen excretion in non pregnant non lactating Murrah buffaloes and its effect on blood metabolites. The nitrogen released by the livestock in faecal matter contributes to the nitrous oxide (N2O) content of environment, which is a potent green house gas. Fourteen dry Murrah buffaloes were randomly divided into two groups of seven animals each on the basis of body weight (597.62 kg). Both groups were fed as per ICAR, (2013) feeding standard without and with monensin supplementation (350 mg/head/day) in control and treatment group, respectively for sixty days. The daily nitrogen intake, urinary and total nitrogen out go and nitrogen balance (g/d) were not (P > 0.05) affected by monensin supplementation. However, faecal nitrogen excretion (g/d) decreased (P<0.05) and blood plasma glucose (mg/dl) concentration increased (P<0.05) in treatment group as compared to control. The concentration of blood non-estrified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein (TP) and albumin were not affected (P>0.05) by monensin supplementation. In conclusion, dietary monensin supplementation to non pregnant non lactating Murrah Buffaloes increased blood glucose concentration and reduced faecal nitrogen excretion which will reduce the contribution of buffaloes to nitrous oxide emissions and its negative impact on environment.

Virulence of field isolates of Avipoxviruses was assayed by pathogenicity test performed in 5 weeks old unvaccinated chickens. Viruses as dry scab were collected from naturally pox infected chickens, turkeys and pigeon and propagated in CAM of embryonated chickens upto various passages. In two separate trials 1 and 2, the chickens were infected with 5th and 20th passage CAM suspension, respectively by feather follicle method. All chicken groups in both trials (except control group) developed primary lesions as ‘take’ reaction from 48 to 72 hr PI and there after further progressive development of primary lesion did not differ among field isolates. In trial 1, secondary stage began with recovery from primary lesions at feather follicle, spread of infection to comb and wattles with development of secondary pox lesions and finally recovery from disease was observed after 15 days in FPV and TPV infected chickens, but not in PPV infected chickens. In trial 2, secondary pox lesions were not observed in any of the chickens, indicating that 20 passage virus induced ‘take’ at site without further spread of infection. All the recovered birds and controlled birds were challenged with the virulent FPV. The result has indicated 100% survival of birds except in control birds. Precipitating antibodies was confirmed in all birds group except control group using AGID and CIE test.

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of vitamin E supplementation to Tris-egg yolk diluent on post-thaw semen quality and oxidative parameters of buffalo bulls. Semen samples (eighteen ejaculates) were diluted in Tris-yolk egg medium without antioxidant (control group) and with vitamin E in different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/ml) and cryopreserved. After thawing, samples were subjected to selective semen parameters. Based on post-thaw selected sperm parameters, the concentration of 1.0 mg/ml vitamin E seemed to be most effective. Therefore, thirty ejaculates from same bulls were further collected, divided into two fractions [control and vitamin E supplemented (1.0 mg/ml)] and evaluated for semen characteristics and oxidative stress in post-thaw semen. The results revealed that progressive motility (29.0 ± 2.2 vs 24.1 ± 1.7%), sperm viability (63.2 ± 2.5 vs 56.7 ± 1.9%) and plasma membrane integrity (36.1 ± 2.2 vs 28.9 ± 1.4%) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in extender supplemented with vitamin E than in control. Regarding sperm kinematics, addition of vitamin E to extender significantly increased (P<0.05) VCL, VSL and STR when compared to control. Lipid peroxidation, as manifested by MDA production was significantly lower (P<0.05) in vitamin E supplemented than in control semen (187.0 ± 19.8 vs 245.5 ± 25.9 MDA μmole/109 spermatozoa). It is, therefore, concluded that addition of vitamin E to extender prior to cryopreservation of buffalo bull semen protected sperm membrane against oxidative damage and improved the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.

A study was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of kanamycin, enrofloxacin, moxifloxacin and cefoperazone to treat pneumonia in buffaloes. During study period, a total of 28 buffaloes brought to VCC, LUVAS, Hisar with the history of fever, anorexia, nasal discharge, coughing and dyspnoea. Clinical examination revealed abnormal lung sounds during auscultation. All the buffaloes diagnosed with pneumonia were randomly divided into four equal groups viz. group I, II, III and IV. Animals of group I were treated with kanamycin @ 7.0 mg/kg b.wt., i/m, b.i.d., group II with enrofloxacin @ 5 mg/kg b.wt., i/m, o.d., group III with moxifloxacin @ 5 mg/kg b.wt., i/m, o.d. and group IV with cefoperazone@ 20 mg/kg b.wt., i/m, o.d., along with supportive therapy for 5 days. Clinical recovery was determined on the basis of remittance of clinical signs. The highest and earliest recovery was found in group II animals.

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of different cooling systems; Fan Fogger (FF) and Fan Pad (FP) on micro environment of poultry house, thermal comfort, welfare, egg production and egg quality parameters of laying hens. This experiment was conducted on 144, White Leghorn laying pullets (32 weeks old) during hot-dry summer months (May - July) under cage system of housing. The FP and FF cooling systems significantly dropped the mean shed temperature and increased the relative humidity. Thus better THI leads to increase in egg production by 5.48% and 0.73% under FP and FF systems over the control group. However, specific gravity, H.U, egg shell thickness, yolk index and yolk colour were not significantly influenced by cooling treatments. Significantly lower levels of antioxidant enzymes viz. LPO, Catalase, G6PD, GPx and SOD was registered in cooling groups. Both the cooling devices contribute towards the bird welfare by altering the behavioural expression from agonistic to non agonistic activities. Under this study, it was concluded that Fan-Pad system could have better application in improving egg production and bird welfare in laying pullets during summer season.

This study conducted at field conditions to evaluate the climate change effect of supplementation in diet of rumen escape fat (bypass fat) of early lactating Murrah buffaloes under National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morena (M. P.) in the year 2016-17. The 10 murrah buffaloes were randomly selected into three equal groups namely farmer practice (control), recommended practice (treatment-1) and recommended practice (treatment-2) with regard to evaluate body weight, milk yield and fat percentage. Buffaloes in control group received no supplementation in diet of bypass fat whereas buffaloes selected to treatment-1 group received 100 g supplementation and those in treatment-2 group received daily supplementation of 150 g in diet from 8th day from parturition till end of trial. Body weight, milk yield and milk fat percentage were measured in all 30 buffaloes on 8th day from parturition and then every fortnight till 92 days post parturition. The results indicated that buffaloes in both treated groups that received bypass fat supplementation performed better than control group with regard to average weight gain, milk yield and fat percentage and performance of both treatment groups were comparable in all measured variables. In conclusion, supplementation of 150 g of bypass fat was found to be effective in improving milk yield, milk fat percentage and preventing weight loss during initial 92 days of lactation.

Ghee residue is one of the important by-products of the dairy industry, the potential of which has not been commercialised and is otherwise discarded, which leads to loss of many nutrients, anti-oxidants and flavour compounds. Recognizing its vital importance, the present study was carried out to standardize the formulation and to evaluate the acceptability of the burfi. Initially, burfi was prepared by incorporating ghee residue in the proportion of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by replacing respective proportions of khoa from which 40% ghee residue and 60% khoa was optimised in the formulation. Further, different levels of gram flour (3%, 6% and 9%) were tried in the formulation of ghee residue burfi. Based on sensory parameters, optimum level of gram flour was found to be 3%. The addition of gram flour enhanced the textural attributes of the product. Further, jackfruit seed powder (JSP) was added at 1%, 2% and 3% and shelf-life studies were undertaken. The various levels of JSP non significantly decreased the pH, TBARS and FFA content of the burfi samples. An increase in the most of sensory parameters was seen at 3% of gram flour. The total phenol and total flavonoid content were found to be in the range of (1.71-3.34 mg/g GAE) and (0.46-6.12 mg/g Quercetin) respectively. The shelf-life of the products were reported to be 15 days without any marked loss of physico-chemical, microbial and sensory quality. Considering the nutritional content of the product, it shall prove to be beneficial in providing energy and protein content to the malnourished section of the society.

The present study was carried out to determine haemato-biochemical alterations in dogs suffering from urinary tract infection. Blood samples were collected from suspected cases of urinary tract infection and subjected to haemato-biochemical examination. Major haematological alterations observed were significant decrease in the hemoglobin level (10.25±0.72 g/dl) and significant increase in the total leukocyte count (12.91±1.31× 103/mm3) as compared to the reference values. On biochemical examination, major changes observed were significant increase in the values of blood urea (97.94±19.32 mg/dl), creatinine (1.65±0.17 mg/dl), phosphorous (5.61±0.40 mg/dl) and potassium (5.32±0.26 mmol/L). The present study concludes alteration in hemato-biochemical parameters in affected dogs. Further study concludes that blood urea and creatinine values can be used as prognostic indicators in dogs affected with UTI.

The present study was conducted on the kidneys of 18 goat foetii to enlighten the histochemical composition of the kidney tissue at different stages of growth. The foetii were divided into three groups based on their estimated ages viz. Group 1 (below 50 days of gestation), Group 2 (between 50-100 days of gestation) and Group 3 (above 100 days of gestation up to full term) containing 6 number of foetii in each group. The capsule in the foetii of group-I showed weak reactions to glycogen which intensified in older foetii. Similarly, the other structural components of the kidney showed enhanced histochemical reactions in regard to basic protein, neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycogen with advancing gestational age of the goat foetii. It could be concluded that different structural histochemical components of the goat kidney showed enhanced localization with advancing prenatal age.

Real-time quality monitoring of packaged meat is the key of today’s commercialized meat sector to ensure its safety in supply chain. Designing of user friendly dye based cost effective indicator can fulfil all the present requirements. Bromocresol Purple (BCP) is chemo-responsive dye, has been evaluated to develop colorimetric indicator. The indicator (0.1% of dye in 50% ethanol) was fabricated by immobilized BCP dye on indicator carrier (2% w/v agarose gel) to make strips of specific dimension (2 cm2). Indicator strip was attached inside fresh meat packets, such a way that it could be visible from outside of the packet during storage at 4±1ºC. Dye was immobilized in agarose gel to make the strips as an indicator, which worked during increase in concentration of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and ammonia produced gradually in the chicken meat package headspace. The colour changes in indicator were observed from light yellow to purple, with concurrent spoilage of chicken meat. The changes in colour of indicator strip were compared with chicken meat quality parameters upto day 7 with intervals of 2 days during storage at 4±1°C. pH, Thiobarbituric Acid Reacting substance (TBARS), TVBN, Ammonia level, Free amino acid (FAA) and microbial counts increased (P<0.05) significantly during storage. Results have indicated that indicator colour response correlated well with the change in physico-chemical and microbial parameters of chicken meat, making the indicator enable to real-time monitoring of chicken meat during the storage at 4±1°C.

The present investigation was carried out to study growth traits in improved varieties of chicken. Six different varieties namely CARI Shyama, Vanaraja, Kalinga Brown, Black Rock, Caribro Dhanraja and Kuroiler used in Chhattisgarh for backyard poultry were studied. The growth parameters studied were body weight, average daily gain, and average weekly gain up to 10 weeks of age. Significantly (P<0.01)) higher growth rates in males compared to females were recorded. The highest rate of growth was recorded for Caribro Dhanraja. The overall mean values for 10 weeks body weight were observed to be 1259.48±30.00, 1393.27±35.52, 871.98±25.24, 1366.91±30.96, 1823.47±33.74 and 1219.62±29.50g for CARI Shyama, Vanaraja, Kalinga Brown, Black Rock, Caribro Dhanraja and Kuroiler, respectively. Variety and age significantly affected the feed conversion ratio. The feed conversion ratios were observed to be 2.77, 2.55, 2.76, 2.50, 1.96 and 2.45 for CARI Shyama, Vanaraja, Kalinga Brown, Black Rock, Caribro Dhanraja and Kuroiler, respectively. Significant (P<0.01) effect of variety on shank length and keel bone length was observed. Sex also significantly (p<0.05) affected the shank length in present study. There was significant effect of variety on the growth performance of chicken.

The present study was executed to elucidate the genetic polymorphism in resistin (RETN) gene and its association with reproduction and production traits in Sahiwal cattle. A fragment of exon-2 region of RETN gene from genomic DNA of Sahiwal cattle was amplified by PCR that resulted in amplicon of 338 bp. The obtained amplicon was subjected to Single Stranded Confirmation Polymorphism (SSCP) technique for identification of genetic polymorphism which revealed two genotypes, homozygous AA and heterozygous AB genotypes. In the studied population of Sahiwal cattle AA was most frequent genotype (67.24%) than AB genotype (32.76%). The frequency of A and B alleles were 0.836 and 0.164, respectively. The association study of RETN/SSCP assay revealed significant influence of genotypes on birth weight (BW), dry period (DP) and lactation period (LP). The RETN/SSCP polymorphism revealed higher BW in AA than AB genotype. The study showed significantly longer DP in AB than AA genotype in second lactation while significantly longer LP was observed in AA compared to AB genotypes in first lactation of Sahiwal cows. In conclusion, PCR-SSCP assay was found to be capable of detecting genetic polymorphism in exon-2 region of RETN gene and its association with reproduction and production traits suggests that A allele of this gene might serves as candidate genetic marker for selection of Sahiwal cattle with better reproductive and production traits. However, further studies are warranted to discover this genetic polymorphism in another breed and population of cattle.

Staphylococcus aureus is recognized worldwide as one of the most important contagious mastitis pathogen and is frequently isolated from mastitic milk and extramammary sites. The present study was undertaken to study prevalence of S. aureus strains isolated from mastitic milk, udder surfaces and milkers’ hands from organized (n=5) and unorganized dairy farms (n=2). For this, a total of 197 samples (80 mastitic milk samples, 66 udder swabs and 51 swabs of milkers’ hands) were collected from different places. A total of 107 isolates including 51 from mastitic milk samples, 35 from udder and 21 from milkers’ hands, were presumptively identified as S. aureus on the basis of cultural and biochemical properties and then genotypically confirmed using 23S rRNA ribotyping followed by PCR amplification of nuc gene. An overall recovery rate of S. aureus was 54.3% with highest (63.8%) recovery from mastitic milk samples followed by udder (53.0%) and milkers’ hands (41.2%). The unorganized dairy farm showed highest prevalence (65.4%) of S. aureus than that in other farms.

The study was conducted in Ajmer district of Rajasthan, out of 10 tehsils of Ajmer district two tehsils i.e. Bhinay and Bijainagar were selected purposively. Further, four villages from each selected tehsil were identified. From each village 20 respondents were selected randomly. Thus, the entire sample consists of 160 respondents. The field survey was conducted to collect the first hand information on the relationship between the selected traits of the Gir cattle breeders and their knowledge level about conservational practices in the study area. Majority (61.25 per cent) of the livestock owners had medium level of knowledge about conservational practices in study area. The characteristics namely education, mass media exposures, extension contact were positively and significantly correlated with knowledge, whereas, age had negative correlation and highly significant with the knowledge level of the Gir cattle breeders about Gir cattle conservational practices in study area. The variables like land holding, herd size, occupation and annual income were positively and non-significantly correlated with knowledge about Gir cattle conservational practices. Family size had negative and non-significant correlation with knowledge about Gir cattle conservational practices in study area.

The present experiment was conducted to find out the effect of monensin supplementation on nutrients utilization and enteric methane emission in lactating Murrah buffaloes. Twelve lactating Murrah buffaloes (567.50 ± 44.3 kg body weight (BW); initial days in milk = 52.83 ± 10.24; milk yield = 6-8 kg/d) were divided in to two groups (n=6) based on the BW and days in milk. Both the groups were fed sugar graze and concentrate mixture (70:30 ratio) as a total mixed ration, without supplementation (control) or supplemented with monensin 24 mg/kg of dry matter intake (treatment) for sixty days. Nutrient utilization and enteric methane emissions were measured after 50 days of monensin supplementation. The daily intake (kg/d) and apparent digestibility (%) of nutrients were similar (P>0.05) in both the groups, However Methane emissions in terms of g/d, g/kg milk yield and g/kg dry matter intake (DMI) were found to be lower (P<0.05) by 8.55%, 13.20% and 9.02% respectively, in treatment group as compared to control. Methane energy loss as percent of Gross Energy (GE), Digestive Energy (DE) and Metabolizable Energy (ME) was reduced (P<0.05) in monensin supplemented group by 8.82, 11.11 and 11.45%, respectively compared to control. The results suggested that feeding 24 mg/kg DMI of monensin on high forage diets has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions in lactating buffaloes without significant effect on nutrient utilization which will reduce the contribution of buffaloes to the global methane inventory and its negative impact on environment and increase environmental friendly milk production in the country.

Extreme weather events like prolonged dry spells or prolonged phase of rainfall adversely affect dairy farming. Resilience status against extreme weather events varies in different demographic groups. A study has been conducted by taking the responses from 100 respondents who participated in the training programme organized by Eastern Regional Station of ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute. Responses were collected from 4 demographic groups namely; tribal male, tribal female, non-tribal male and non-tribal female. One resilience scale was developed to measure resilience status of the respondents. From the study, it was found that the resilience trait of the respondents were associated with social support (chi-square value 105.42) and stress status (chi-square value 88.19) of the respondents. Highest mean score of 65.20±.17 with respect to resilience was obtained by the female tribal respondents, whereas, they got the lowest stress score of .18±.004. In general tribal respondents were having highest resilience score with higher social support score with lower stress score than non-tribal respondents. From, the study it can be concluded that, higher social support and lesser stress scores attributed to higher resilience of respondents against extreme weather events.

Infectious bronchitis virus was detected in tissue samples of 16.39% (n=10) non-vaccinated commercial broiler flocks showing respiratory and or nephrotic lesions by real time RT-PCR and RT-PCR amplification of 5’-UTR and N gene. Tissue/swab suspensions from all 10 flocks were inoculated in 9-11 day old SPF embryonated chicken eggs by allantoic route. Nephropathogenic IBV was isolated from samples of 2 farms from Vijaywada region of Andhra Pradesh. Necropsy of birds from above two farms revealed lesions of swollen and mottled kidneys in many birds and visceral gout in few birds. Histopathological examination confirmed nephropathogenicity of the isolates. S1 gene amplification from two IBV isolates viz. BVC/2017/VSD/IBV/South/1 and BVC/2017/VSD/South/2 and subsequent sequencing revealed 92.7 to 96% amino acid sequence identity with the sequences of Indian nephropathogenic isolates published earlier. Amino acid sequences of two isolates shared 73.8%, 75.3% and 72.1% identity with M41, H120 and 4-91 type as respectively, which indicated substantial genotypic divergence from M41 and H120 (major respiratory and vaccine strain) and 4-91 strain. Of the samples from 8 flocks with respiratory lesions (positive for IBV by RT-PCR however, negative on isolation); 6 were found positive for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and or Avian influenza (H9) by PCR and RT-PCR test respectively.

This experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of coccidia infestation on biochemical parameters in broiler chicken. The experimental animals (n=100) were randomly allocated into four equal groups, group one (G-I), group two (G-II), group three (G-III) and group four (G-IV) with 25 chickens in each group. The G-I, G-II, and G-III were treatments groups challenged by different Eimeria sporulated oocysts, while G-IV served as the control group. In this study, the infective dose of E. tenella (G-I), E. acervulina (G-II) and mixed Eimeria spp (G-III)was 2×104 sporulated Eimeria oocyst inoculated orally at three weeks of age in broiler chicken and subsequent alterations in different plasma biochemical constituents were evaluated at interval of 5, 7 and 9 day of post inoculation. Serum total protein values after challenge showed statistically significant decrease in group one, group two and group three in comparison with group four. Further, significant decrease total protien value was noticed on 7 day of post infection in group one and group two.The mean values of serum glucose between the infected and control group at 5, 7 and 9 day of post infection which revealed non-statistically significant difference. Coccidiosis due to E. tenella, E. acervulina and mixed identified Eimeria spp. infectionin chicken showed highly statistically significant increase in serum ALT and AST level as compared with control group. But, no significant variations among the infected groups were on 5 and 9 day of post infection.

The study was carried out to establish standard echocardiographic values and indices for adult Malabari goats. Twelve healthy non-pregnant adult Malabari goats from Goat and Sheep Farm, Mannuthy aged one to two years and body weight ranging from 20-25 Kg were utilized to establish standard echocardiographic indices for Malabari goat. The standard echocardiographic values and indices obtained were Left Ventricular Internal Diameter at Diastole and Systole (2.73±0.07 cm and 1.66±0.08 cm), Interventricular Septum at End Diastole and Sytole (0.80±0.02 cm and 1.07±0.02 cm), Left Ventricular free wall thickness at End Diastole and Systole(0.78±0.02 cm and 1.33±0.03 cm), Fractional Shortening and Ejection Fraction (40.78±2.66% and 71.61±2.89%), respectively. Left Atrium to Aortic ratio in B were 1.07±0.01 cm. The study established the normal echocardiographic parameters in female adult Malabari goats which can be used as a reference for studies pertaining to cardiovascular disease diagnosis and for longitudinal research studies in future.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of aminoguanidine-hemisulphate on amikacin induced oxidative stress in wistar rats of both the sexes. Twenty-four healthy wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The rats of group-I served as control to which normal saline solution as vehicle was administered inperitoneally once daily for 28 days as sub-acute study period. The rats of group-II and group-III were treated with amikacin (15mg/Kg) and aminoguanidine-hemisulphate (20mg/Kg) daily for 28 days intra-peritoneally, respectively The rats of group-IV were treated with both amikacin and aminoguanidine-hemisulphate at their respective doses and routes once daily for 28 days. The activity of antioxidant stress biomarkers namely SOD, GPx, CAT and GSH levels were significantly decreases on days 15 and 28 after amikacin treatment as compared to control. The oxidative damage was protected in aminoguanidine-hemisulphate treated rats of group-IV as indicated by a significant increase in the activity of SOD, GPx, CAT and GSH-level as compared to amikacin treated rats. The present study suggests that amikacin has the potential of inducing oxidative stress as evidenced by alterations in antioxidant enzymes and GSH. However, Aminoguanidine-hemisulphate has ameliorative effect in normalizing the altered values of various oxidative stress biomarkers.

Electron microscopic studies were made on different segments of oviduct of six Punjab white quails which revealed that the ultra-structure of the surface epithelium of different segments showed two types of cells viz: ciliated and non-ciliated granular cells. The ciliated cells had bunch of cilia emerging from the apical surface into the lumen. The nuclei of these cells were apically placed and ovoid in shape while non-ciliated cells had elongated and basally placed nuclei. The non-ciliated cells were either secretory or non-secretory in nature. The ciliated cells had darkly stained basal bodies from where the cilia sprung out of the cells. The root of the cilia was seen attached to the basal bodies. The apical surfaces of the ciliated cells were crowded with cilia. The cross sectional profile of cilia revealed nine plus two arrangement of the microtubules. The apical part of the cytoplasm had numerous mitochondria. Basal part of the cytoplasm contained numerous mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). The non-ciliated cells of magnum were mostly secretory in nature and apical part of cytoplasm was filled with secretory vesicles. The lining epithelium of vagina was composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

The present study has been carried out on the mandible of Zovawk. The mandible was the largest and heaviest bone of the skull. The mandibular symphysis was fully ossified forming an immovable joint. The mandible of Zovawk carried 6 incisor, 2 canines, 8 premolars and 6 molars. The caudal articular extremity on dorsal surface presented condylar process and coronoid process with the intervening mandibular notch. The mandibular tuberosity was not recorded in the present study. The coronoid process curved caudally and extended caudo-dorsally above the condyle to form the highest point of the mandible. The mandibular foramen was large, which marked the entrance into mandibular canal which traversed laterally on the mandible and opened in the mental foramen at the level below the lower cheek teeth. The length and height of the mandible were 25.02±0.09 cm and 10.54±0.07 cm, respectively in Zovawk.

The present study was conducted on dogs presented to Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu, between March 2015 and December 2016. A total of 5711 dogs were presented for treatment in small animal medicine OPD of Referral Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu. Out of which a total of 200 dogs suspected to be suffering from various Tick borne diseases (TBD’s) were screened and 100 were found positive for different TBD’s, of which 36 were found positive for Ehrlichia canis (E. canis). The prevalence of Ehrlichia canis was found to be 36 percent (based on PCR) with maximum occurrence in summer. 13 cases were found positive in giemsa stained thin blood smear. PCR was performed using standard protocol. In SNAP4Dx plus kit 30 out of 60 cases (50 %) were found positive. Males (63.88 %) were more affected than female with highest prevalence in Labrador breed. Dogs in the age group of (1 - 5 year) (72.23%) were found most susceptible to E. canis. Canine ehrlichiosis causes acute febrile illness in dogs but subclinical stage, lasting months to years, is not associated with clinical signs of illness and therefore may go unnoticed by pet owners and undiagnosed by veterinarians unless antibodies are detected during annual screening with in-clinical kits. Therefore, it is not possible to rely on a single serological result for diagnosis of E. canis, it may be concluded that PCR is most reliable method, useful in the clinical laboratory for specific and early diagnosis of ehrlichiosis in dogs.

Poultry meat especially chicken has been one of the most preferred, widely marketed and easily available meat foods. Chicken, turkey and ducks are reared for meat purpose, however little is known about their role in the faecal carriage of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes. A study was aimed to isolate E. coli from the cloacae swabs of chicken, turkey, duck and raw chicken. A total of 146 E. coli were isolated from 351 samples screened. Out of them, 50 E. coli were randomly selected for detection of DEC strains and their phylogrouping by multiplex PCR. Nine E. coli (18%) were confirmed as DEC strains. Pathotype wise distribution was revealed as: typical tEPEC (4%), atypical aEPEC (2%), EAEC (4%), EIEC (2%), STEC (2%) and multivirulent ETEC + aEPEC (4%). DEC strains belonged to phylogroups A (55.56%) and B2 (44.44%). Out of nine, three DEC strains were ESBL producing. Of the 10 antimicrobials included in the panel of study, high degree of resistance (100%) was expressed to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, amoxycilin-clavulanic acid, colistin and trimethoprim followed by ciprofloxacin and ampicillin (88.89% each). Isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol and gentamicin. In conclusion, broilers, layer birds and raw chicken are the reservoirs of the highly resistant DEC strains which pose a probable public health and food safety risk.

A total of 438 samples including 397 from clinical cases of diarrhoea and 45 intestinal content/ tissues of necropsied calves up to 3 months of age were collected from November, 2016 to February, 2018 from the randomly selected organized farms of Uttar Pradesh (242), Madhya Pradesh (178) and Chhattisgarh (15). The samples were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts by staining the faecal smear and tissue sections by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) method. An overall occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 7.30% (32/438). The occurrence in Uttarpradesh and Madhya Pradesh was 11.16% and 2.81%, respectively. The pathogen was recorded in Pratapgarh, Meerut, Aligarh and Bareilly districts (U.P.) and Indore (M.P.) districts with higher incidences in Meerut (p = 0.178 and Pratapgarh districts (14.2%) (p = 0.315). The prevalence was higher in the age group of 0-20 days, calves of the dam in their first parity, calves with watery diarrhoea and during monsoon season. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. were observed in the histopathological sections of the intestine of one and two calves, respectively.