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Baculovirus expression system having post translational modification is used for large scale production of foreign proteins. Viral titre determination is crucial for efficient protein production. Even though plaque assay and end-point dilution method are conventionally used for titre determination, a less tedious and time-saving method is required for viral titre determination. Recombinant baculovirus expressing VP2 of porcine parvovirus was transfected in SF-21 insect cells. A quantitative real-time PCR was optimized for r-baculovirus titre determination and correlated with plaque assay method for its performance. The baculovirus DNA qPCR Ct values and corresponding PFU/mL showed strong correlation having value of r =99.71 at 95% confidence interval.

Livestock is the backbone of agriculture farming and maximization of profit is one of the main interests. Success of livestock farming is mainly associated with the management of farm with respect to nutrition, housing, health and different factors related to it. Economic performance depends upon productive and reproductive performance of the animals. Herd health management is the method to prevent or eliminate diseases, improving health status, welfare and productive performance of dairy animals at farm level. Herd health management involves regular contact with the dairy farmers and collection of data and its analysis so that problems related to management, disease and production of the animal can be analyzed frequently. As a result of large scale of dairy farming and technological development, interest shifted from the treatment of single animal to control diseases in a group. The main aim of herd health management is associated with reducing the productive losses by improving management practices and the health status of the dairy animals. This includes routine farm visit, record keeping, health checkup, deworming, vaccination, treatment, claw trimming, udder health management, sanitization and biosecurity measures. Health and productivity of the farm can be improved by proper management practices and it also helpful in enhancing the welfare of the animals

Query fever (Q fever) is caused by highly infectious, ubiquitous and pleomorphic intracellular rickettsia, Coxiella burnetii. This imparts significant zoonotic and socio-economic burden due to production and reproductive loss (abortion, stillbirth, and infertility) in ruminant and debilitating clinical disease in human populations. The study districts, peasant associations and individual animal were selected randomly. A cross sectional study was conducted both intensive and extensive farms. Data was collected in individual animal and herd level by using questionnaire to assess possible risk factors associated with the occurrence of Query fever disease. Indirect-enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (i-ELISA) test was used to detect antibody against C. burnetii in the collected serum. A total of 422 animal’s serum and 119 herds were observed in this study. The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii was 4.97% (95% CI: 3.1%-7.5%) and 13.4% (95% CI: 7.88%-20.91%) at individual animal and herd level respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that cattle breed (p = 0.04; adjusted OR = 4.804; (95% CI: 7.07-14.54%)), tick infestation (p = 0.018; adjusted OR = 11.786 (95% CI: 5.51-21.48)) and multispecies mix (p = 0.005; adjusted OR = 9.022 (95% CI: 17.95-31.74)) were significantly associated with the occurrence of Coxiella burnetii infection. The present finding showed risk factors such as breed, tick infestation and multispecies mix were found to be significantly associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. Tick control option should be applied for cattle and other domestic animal species to decrease the dissemination of Query fever.

Canine distemper virus is a single-stranded  RNA virus  of the genus Morbillivirus family  Paramyxoviridae. It causes a serious, highly contagious, often fatal, disease of dogs and many carnivores resulting in respiratory and gastro-intestinal disease with frequent involvement of the central nervous system. Although vaccination against CDV disease has been widely used for many decades, this infection still represents an important disease of dogs. Though conventional RT-PCR is widely used for the diagnosis of CDV, Real-time RT-PCR because of its ease of performance and high sensitivity gained more attention. In this study we have optimized SYBR green based Real-time RT-PCR for detection of CDV and also compared its performance with conventional PCR. A total of 228 fecal samples/rectal swabs were collected and tested for CDV using Real-time RT-PCR targeting N gene and conventional RT-PCR targeting partial H and N genes. In real time RT-PCR 24 samples were found positive while only 17 were positive by conventional RT-PCR.

Bacillus cereus is one of the common causative organisms causing major foodborne outbreaks. Quantitative polymerase chain (qPCR) reaction could detect Bacillus cereus contamination in food samples, but both the viable and dead bacteria are detected. However, only viable bacterial pathogens might seriously jeopardize the safety of food. Therefore, in this study we used Propidium monoazide (PMA) based qPCR to detect and quantify the viable food borne bacterial pathogen, Bacillus cereus in ready to eat meat products. As a reference strain, Bacillus cereus (ATCC 117783) was used for preparation of viable and dead cells from artificially spiked meat samples. DNA was extracted from PMA treated and untreated samples, subjected to PMA based qPCR and conventional qPCR using fem A gene specific primers designed in the study. Further, meat samples (n=50) were subjected to qPCR and PMA based qPCR for viable bacterial pathogen detection. Among the 50 samples screened, 16 samples were positive for PMA qPCR with a detection range of > 103 CFU/ml, whereas in conventional qPCR, 27 samples were positive. The more positivity in conventional qPCR is due to amplification of both live and dead bacteria from the meat products screened. In comparison to qPCR, less than half of the samples were amplified by PMA qPCR indicating detection of only viable bacteria in the samples screened, thus eliminating false positive results. Thus, culture independent PMA based qPCR may be useful for rapid and selective detection of Bacillus cereus that could aid in reliable risk assessment in ready to eat meat products.

The present study was undertaken to explore polymorphism of the CD14 gene and its association with milk yield, fat, protein, SNF % and somatic cell count (SCC) (lakhs/ml) in Gir and Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred cattle. A total of 80 cows comprising 40 each of Gir and HF crossbreds were included in the study. Genomic DNA isolation, quantification, standardization of PCR protocol and restriction digestion of PCR product using enzyme HinfI were done as per standard methodologies. Data on the lactation yield were collected from the history sheets and records maintained at the farms. Fat, Protein and SNF % were determined by milk analyzer. Somatic Cell Count in the milk was performed using microscope. The RFLP pattern yielded three genotypic variants viz., CC, CD and DD with their respective frequencies of 0.425, 0.400 and 0.175 in Gir and 0.200, 0.425 and 0.375 in Crossbreds. The effect of breed on lactation yield was significant (P <0.01); while the effect of the CD14 genotype was non-significant. For Fat% the effects of breed (P < 0.01) and genotype (P < 0.05) were significant; Mean milk protein% and SNF% were significantly higher for cows possessing CD14 genotype CC in comparison to the cows of genotype CD and DD. For SCC, effect of breed (P < 0.05) and genotype (P < 0.01) were both significant. It could be concluded from the present study that the DD genotype was the favoured genotype for milk yield, CC for milk fat % Protein %, SNF% and SCC.

Brucellosis is a neglected endemic disease in Punjab and has a substantial impact on livestock and humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Brucella species exposure in lactating cattle reared among dairy farmers in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, India. Blood samples were collected from 261 lactating animals (181 cattle and 80 buffalo) and were tested using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA). Information from the dairy farmers relating to animals such as breed of the cow, history of abortion, repeat breeding, retention of placenta was collected. An animal was considered overall seropositive based on a positive RBPT and a positive i-ELISA test. Of the 261 blood samples, 46 were positive using RBPT indicating an apparent sero-prevalence of 17.62%, and 58 were positive using i-ELISA reflecting an apparent sero-prevalence of 22.22%. The overall (animal positive in RBPT and a positive indirect ELISA test) apparent sero-prevalence was 15.71% (41 positive). The sero-prevalence was higher in cattle (18.23%) than in buffalo (10%). Regarding breed-wise, crossbreed cows showed slightly higher seropositivity (18.25%) than indigeneous cows (18.18%). Animals with a history of abortion, repeat breeding and retention of placenta (ROP) also showed seropositivity to brucellosis disease. More epidemiological investigations are required to generate data on the status of brucellosis in lactating cattle for the development of an extensive control program in India, including Punjab.

In the present study, 88 dogs were diagnosed with hepatic disorders based on clinical manifestations, haemato-biochemistry and diagnostic Imaging. All the cases exhibited clinical manifestations of inappetance and anorexia, vomition, anemia, diarrhea, pyrexia, lethargy, icterus, abdominal pain, emaciation, ascites, weight gain,weight loss, respiratory distress, limb edema, nervous signs, polyuria and polydipsia. Significantly decreased Hb and TEC with elevated TLC and neutrophil count were common hematological abnormalities. Similarly, elevated activity of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and globulin with decreased levels of total protein, albumin, glucose and serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) were common biochemical findings recorded in dogs affected with hepatic disorders. Ground glass appearance, hepatomegaly and normal liver size were the common radiographic findings Based on ultrasonographic evaluation carried out on the suspected cases of hepatic disorders, revealed changes in size (normal reducedand enlarged), echogenecity, (hyper, hypo andmixed echogenicity), margins (sharp, rounded and irregular), portal and hepatic veins (Normal and inapparent), hypoechoic masses and anechoic fluid.

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of bakery waste incorporation on the blood biochemical and immune parameters of broiler chicken. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were randomly divided into five dietary treatments: Control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 having 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% bakery waste as maize replacement respectively. Blood biochemical parameters and immune parameters were analysed during the trial. The blood biochemical parameters viz. total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, cholesterol, triglycerides, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) were estimated in serum using “ERBA Diagnostic Kits” and were statistically similar (p>0.05) as well in the normal physiological range indicating no adverse effect of bakery waste utilisation on the health of broiler chicken. Likewise, the cell mediated immune response and the humoral immune response did not show any significant (p>0.05) difference. Thus, this study shows that the use of bakery waste as maize replacer upto 20% in broiler ration supports the physiological growth of broiler chicken.

Five hundred repeat breeder cows (2-4 parity) were randomly selected from livestock farm, Kuthuliya and villages of Rewa (M.P.). On the basis of endometrial cytology by cytobrush technique 140 repeat breeder cows (28%) were diagnosed to be suffering from subclinical endometritis. Out of the animals found positive 30 cows were selected and were divided into 5 groups (n=06 per group). The group wise treatment allotted were Group I- Levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg body weight, once for three weeks, S/c; Group II- 100 µgm E. coli LPS in 30 ml PBS, single I/U infusion; Group III- 500 mg Benzathine cephapirin, single I/U infusion; Group IV- Proteolytic enzymes in 10 ml distilled water, single I/U infusion and Group V (Control)-no treatment. All the animals were subjected to endometrial cytology at 12 hrs., 24 hrs. and 48 hrs. post-treatment. The animals were bred at next successive oestrus and pregnancy was confirmed 60 days post insemination. Endometrial cytology in treatment group I revealed that the PMN per cent increased significantly (p<0.05) from 0 hrs. to 24 hrs. In groups II, III and IV, the increase in PMN per cent was significant (p<0.05) from 0 hrs. to 48 hrs. The overall pregnancy rate was higher (83.33%) in treatment groups II and IV as compared to treatment group III (50.00%), group I (33.33%) and group V (0.00%), respectively. It was concluded that immunomodulators like E. coli lipopolysaccharide and proteolytic enzymes proved to be better for enhancing uterine immunity and pregnancy rates in subclinical endometritic repeat breeder cows.

Ruminants are usually endemic to brucellosis, a disease caused by B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis and B. ovis. Brucella can affect animals of any age, regardless of sex, and is typically linked to substantial morbidity, spontaneous abortion both in ruminants (last trimester), and humans. Brucella species form a closely related monophyletic cluster with DNA-to-DNA hybridization values that are close to 100%. The Ochrobactrum genus members are the nearby phylogenetic ancestors of Brucella, which share over 97% identity with the Brucella consensus sequence of the 16S rRNA gene. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Type IV secretion system (T4SS), Urease, Cytochrome oxidase and BvrR/BvrS system are important virulence factors which help bacteria to invade and cause infection in a host. Stamp’s modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, immunohistochemistry, serological tests, and bacterial culture (gold standard) are the important tests for screening and diagnosis of brucellosis. Test and slaughter policies are not feasible to control brucellosis in developing nation such as India because cows are often used as a symbol of zeal and pride. Therefore, to reduce the burden of brucellosis in ruminants, attention must be focused on proper screening and segregation, vaccination, better cleanliness and hygiene, better management, increased farmer awareness, and more robust cows, in addition to the disease reporting system, such as diagnostic options and surveillance in farm animals.

Magra sheep is well accommodated in semi- arid region of India and primarily raised for wool and meat purpose. The data for the present investigation were obtained from the records of organised flock of Magra ewe for the years 1997-2016, located at the Arid Region Campus of the ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Beechwal, Bikaner. Traits that analysed as age at first service (AFS; 571.43 ± 6.55 days), weight at first service (WFS; 30.07 ± 0.14 Kg), age at first successful service (ASS; 608.66 ± 8.06 days), weight at first successful service (WSS; 30.39 ± 0.18 Kg), age at first lambing (AFL; 761.02 ± 8.53 days), eweʼs weight at lambing (WL; 32.18 ± 0.17), conception rate ( CR; 0.68 ± 0.02) and days to lambing (DL; 171.94 ± 0.90). For the reproductive traits, the data were adjusted for the effect of non-genetic factors as period of birth and sire of ewe significantly affected all the reproductive traits. Season of birth of ewe was significantly affected to AFS, WFS and WSS. Ewe’s weight at birth had a significant influence on AFS, WFS, ASS, WSS and WL. Inbreeding coefficient had a significant influence on WFS. Sires of ewes were included as random genetic effect. AFS, WFS, ASS, WSS and AFL were significantly influenced by their respective covariates. This study indicates that eweʼs with better body condition showing superior reproductive performance.

The present study was designed to evaluate the occurrence of subclinical endometritis due to bacterial infection in repeat breeder buffaloes. One hundred sixty three repeat breeder buffaloes were screened in various organised farm in and around Jabalpur (M.P). All the selected repeat breeder buffaloes were subjected for screening by physical examination, per rectal examination, cervico-vaginal mucus examination, Whiteside test and endometrial cytology. All the animals found positive for subclinical endometritis were subjected to bacterial isolation. On the basis of endometrial cytology by cytobrush technique 19.63 per cent repeat breeder buffaloes were diagnosed to be suffering from subclinical endometritis. Endometrial cytology by cytobrush technique revealed polymorphonuclear cell percentage in repeat breeder buffaloes found positive and negative for subclinical endometritis to be 9.70±0.80 and 2.19±0.09 per cent, respectively. The difference between the repeat breeder buffaloes found positive and negative for subclinical endometritis for PMN percentage was significant (p<0.05). Total 17.17 per cent repeat breeder buffalo were positive for subclinical endometritis due to bacterial infection. Among these 28 bacterial isolates 12 (42.85%) samples yielded single while 16 (57.15%) samples yielded mixed isolates. Among the 28 bacterial isolates 20 (45.45%) Staphylococcus species was most prevalent followed by 12 (27.27%) of Streptococcus species, 8 (18.18%) of Bacillus species and 6 (13.64%) of E. coli. It was concluded that occurrence of subclinical endometritis due to bacterial infection was 17.17 per cent and Staphylococcus species (45.45%) was most prevalent among the bacterial isolates obtained.

The present investigation “Therapeutic Studies on Clinical Mastitis in Goats’’ was under taken to study the efficacy of 2 different therapeutic agents. Out of 12 goats diagnosed with Clinical mastitis, 12 goats (17 quarters) were randomly divided into two groups, viz., group II and III with 6 goats in each. Besides, 6 goats were included under apparently healthy control group (Group I). The affected goats of group II was treated with Amoxirum Forte and group III was treated with Gardplus. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on improvement in clinical signs, milk abnormalities, MCMT score, qualitative changes in milk, hematology, cultural examination. Administration of Gard plus in group III goats resulted in 83.33 percent of bacteriological cure rate on day 5, while 66.67 percent of bacteriological cure rate was observed in goats of group III treated with Amoxirum forte.

The data of 655 Hariana cattle on first lactation and lifetime production and reproduction reared during 1965-2020 at State Livestock and Agriculture Farm, Babugarh, Hapur, India was used for prediction analysis. The accuracies obtained in predictive models for predicting various lifetime production traits (dependent variable) from first lactation traits (explanatory variables) had ranged from 12.2 – 57.9%. The lifetime traits BET and TLMYP/PD can be predicted from first lactation traits with 57.9 and 51.6% accuracies using equations. Accuracies for the rest of the prediction models for lifetime traits from first lactation traits were less than 50%.

The study was carried out to discern the effects of dietary incorporation of herbal feed additives (black cumin, garlic and turmeric) in combination with linseed oil on nutrient utilization and haemato-biochemical parameters in White Leghorn layers for a period of 12 weeks. Birds were randomly distributed into four groups i.e. control T1: fed basal diet; T2, T3 and T4: fed basal diet incorporated with 1% herbal feed additives and 1, 1.5 and 2.5% linseed oil, respectively. Results showed no significant effect among groups in terms of DM and OM utilization. However, CP utilization (%) was found to be significantly highest in T2 (87.74 ± ± 1.22) followed by T3 (86.65 ± 0.97) compared to T1 (82.42 ± 0.74). The EE utilization (%) also improved significantly in T2 (90.59 ± 1.02), T3 (91.12 ± 0.58) and T4 (90.77 ± 0.33) compared to the T1 (86.92 ± 0.80). The average values of haematological parameters in terms of haemoglobin, PCV, TEC and TLC did not differ significantly among groups. Serum glucose concentration (mg/dl) was significantly lower in T2 (189.22 ± 2.75), T3 (186.40 ± 4.19) and T4 (186.80 ± 1.77) compared to T1 (204.03 ± 3.50). The average values of serum total protein did not differ significantly among groups. Significantly lower serum cholesterol (mg/dl) was observed in T3 (115.23 ± 3.37) and T4 (111.28 ± 5.25) compared T1 (142.83 ± 4.53) and T2 (133.33 ± 3.93). Significantly lowest serum triglycerides (mg/dl) were observed in T4 (212.86 ± 3.50) and T3 (219.02 ± 4.96) followed by T2 (230.30 ± 5.76) and highest observed in T1 (248.96 ± 5.31). Therefore, considering all these beneficial effect, 1% herbal feed additives along with 2% linseed oil could be used in layer’s ration to get maximized results.

High consumption of poultry meat in the country leads to a considerable amount of poultry sleeves (skin along with feathers) as waste, which causes serious environmental problems and loss of valuable nutrients. Skin is one of the most underutilized poultry byproducts and a good source of quality fat. The present study was done to prepare pet soap utilizing rendered poultry skin fat from deserted poultry sleeves. Chicken skin fat (CSF) was obtained from de-feathered poultry skin by dry rendering (70°C, 2 h); wet rendering (70°C, 2 h) and microwave rendering (low microwave power for 6 min). The rendered poultry skin fat was then utilized for preparation of pet soap. The sodium hydroxide requirement for preparation of pet soap was standardized and the process for its preparation was optimized based on BIS standards. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the Yield, pH, Free alkali content, Total alkali content and Foam stability of soap prepared from CSF extracted by dry, wet or microwave rendering. However, the Leathering/washing power, Cleansing power and Total fatty matter (TFM) content were significantly higher (P<0.05) in soap prepared from microwave rendered fat. In addition, Free fatty acid value, Peroxide value and MDA value were significantly higher (P<0.05) in wet rendered than dry or microwave rendered fat soap. Hence, the rendered poultry skin fat could be a good base material for preparation of utility pet soap and microwave rendered CSF produce best quality soap.

The characteristics of a technology play an important role in its adoption. Farmers accept technology that has traits which are perceived to be important by them. A study was conducted among 180 IFS units in Kerala to understand the technological dimensions perceived as important by both IFS farmers and officials. Various dimensions that seemed to be connected with IFS were enlisted and the selected dimensions were examined by IFS farmers and the selected experts in this field, such as agricultural officers, veterinary surgeon and officials from ATMA and KVK. Ranking method had been used to evaluate the relevance of each dimension separately for all respondents. The analysis of the results revealed some disparity in priorities between IFS farmers and officials. Some of the dimensions that were important to farmers were deemed unimportant by the other group of respondents. Economic dimensions were found to be the most important dimensions among all.

Data on some linear traits along with age, body weight (BW) at breeding, parity and previous litter size (LZ) of 240 pregnant Black Bengal goats were analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance, F-test, T-test, Chi-square test, DMRT & stepwise discriminant function analysis using SPSS. Based on stepwise discriminant function to find out month wise phenotypic descriptors, seven linear traits {Punch Girth (PG), Body Length (BL), Head-Rump Length (HRL), Curved Head-Rump Length (HRCL), Heart Girth (HG), Wither Height (WH) and BW} were identified to be significant in discriminating the foetal numbers between groups. Out of these, PG measurement might be considered as one of the best indicator for higher LZ during the first, third, fourth, fifth month of pregnancy and after kidding. BW emerged as the second-best indicator for higherLZ during third, fourth, fifth month of pregnancy and after kidding.

Present investigation comprehends the study of the effect of non-genetic factors and estimation of heritabilities, genetic correlation of body-weight traits in Punganur cattle. Data consisted of a total of 562 progeny records of 169 cows and 53 bulls over a period of 22 years (2000 to 2022) maintained at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Over all least- squares means for birth weight, 6-month weight and 12-month weight were 11.5± 0.089, 43.126±0.073, 61.296± 0.064 kg respectively. Body weight traits were significantly affected by period of birth, whereas season of birth has not influenced the similar traits. There is a significant (p≤0.01) difference between males and females for 6-month body weight, 12-month body weight except birth weight. Heritability estimates of birth weight, 6-month weight, 12-month weight were 0.171± 0.107, 0.600± 0.001 and 0.001 ± 0.048 respectively indicated that birth weight and 12- month weight has been less affected by additive gene action. Strong and positive direct genetic correlation between 6-month and 12-month weight traits was 0.788 ±0.162 indicated that selection of one trait might improve the other trait and low genetic correlation observed between birth weight and 12-month weight was 0.043± 0.697. The average estimated breeding values of birth weight, 6-month weight and 12-month weight were 0.176, 0.087 and 0.000 kg respectively. The positive trend for 6-month body-weight was observed in present study implies efficiency in selection based on phenotypic performance.

A field based research was done to evaluate the current technological adoption and problems of broiler entrepreneurs including disease prevalence among the farms. Information was gathered by visiting selected chicken farms and interviewing the owners using a prepared questionnaire. Socio-economic background of the farmers indicated that majority of farmers were young and are doing broiler farming as a subsidiary occupation. The study found 14.17 per cent mortality in broiler farms in all the seasons combined. The present study found 4.13%, 4.75% and 5.29% mortality in winter, summer and rainy season respectively. In Gwalior district the difference in mortality in each disease in the winter season is not significant while in other season, it is significant (p< 0.05). The present study conclusively indicate the need to implement the biosecurity measures, starting from farmers to veterinarians, public health practitioners and other stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in poultry production.

The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify the pathogenic fungi of canine dermatophytosis in and around Kolkata Metropolitan area, also study the clinical signs of dermatophytosis from January 2015 to December 2015. Out of 186 dogs 41 cases showed an overall incidence of 22.04% in dogs in the present study. Dermatophytes were isolated from 24 (19.35%) adult dogs and 17 (27.42%) puppies. Clinically 15 dogs and 12 bitches showed skin lesion resembling ringworm. The laboratory examination by culturing materials from the lesions revealed that 13 dogs and 11 bitches were infected by dermatophytes resulted the incidence of this disease in dogs and bitches as 20.0% and 18.64% respectively. Clinically examination indicated that 11 male and 7 female puppies were having lesions resembling dermatophytes. Cultural examination of the samples in the laboratory confirms the presence of dermatophytes in 10 males and all the female puppies resulted and incidence of dermatophytosis of 24.39% in male and 33.33% in female puppies. Occurrence of dermatophytosis was found comparatively high during summer and rainy season. The most common species of dermatophytes isolated from dogs was M. canis (58.55%o) followed by M. gypseum (24.39%), T. Mentagrophytes (12.18%) and T. rubrum (4.88%).

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of four estrus synchronization protocols on reproductive performance in barbari goats. Total 40 goats were selected and divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each. The treatment protocols in different groups include, Group I: Two injection of PGF2α with 11 days apart, Group II: Two injection of PGF2α with 11 days apart along with eCG injection 48 hours before administration of 2nd PGF2α injection, Group III: Vaginal sponges impregnated with progesterone was inserted into vagina for 11 days and single PGF2α injection at the time of sponge removal, Group IV: Vaginal sponge for 11 days with eCG injection on 9th day and single PGF2α injection at the time of sponge removal. The estrus response rate, induction time & duration of estrus, conception rate, kidding rate, fecundity rate, prolificacy rate, sponge retention and vaginitis rate were estimated in different treatment groups. The results of the present study revealed that the reproductive performance was higher in the group treated with intra vaginal progesterone sponge along with eCG+ PGF2α as compared to other treatment groups.

In this investigation, we examined the impact of incorporating fiber-rich vegetables and binders into pet food on microbiological aspects and storage stability under ambient conditions. Beyond achieving nutritional balance, assessing microbiological factors and storage durability is vital for ensuring the well-being of dogs. Varied levels of fiber-rich vegetables and binders were integrated into pet food formulations. Evaluation of pet food quality encompassed microbiological assessments, notably Coliform, Salmonella, yeast mold count, and total plate count, alongside physiochemical attributes like pH, TBARS, and FFA values. Pet food formulations containing poultry byproducts powder and a control group with chicken meat powder were stored at room temperature (25±1°C). Storage stability was assessed at 15-day intervals over 60 days. The highest mean pH values were observed in BP3>RG2=PO2>M3 treatments, while for TBARS, FFA values, and total plate count, the highest means were in BP3>M3>PO2>RG2. M3>BP3>PO2>RG2 exhibited the highest mean yeast and mold counts. Throughout storage, no Coliform or Salmonella counts were detected. PH, TBARS, FFA values, and microbiological counts significantly increased (P<0.05), while sensory attribute scores decreased (P<0.05) as storage progressed. RG2 demonstrated higher oxidation stability, lower microbiological counts, and significantly greater overall acceptability scores (P<0.05) compared to M3 and other treatments, lasting until the end of storage. The identified microorganism levels may have implications for prolonged consumption of contaminated food.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the most economically devastating menace in livestock due to its highly contagious nature with multispecies involvement. In the present study, a serological survey to detect antibodies against structural and non-structural protein (NSP) of FMD virus (FMDV) in elephants was conducted. A total of 255 elephant serum samples from 5 different states of India were collected with due permission from the competent authorities. A competitive ELISA using commercial kit PrioCHECK® FMDV NS (Prionics AG, Switzerland) was performed to assess antibodies against FMDV 3ABC non-tructural protein. A total of 2.74% (7/255) animals were found positive indicating their previous exposure to FMDV. The serum samples were also subjected to in-house liquid phase blocking ELISA to assess the level of protective antibody against FMDV serotypes O, A and Asia 1, where none of the animals was found to have protective antibody (log10 titre of ≥1.8) against all three serotype strains used in the vaccine formulation. In conclusion, the study gathered a low level of serological evidence of virus activity as well as lack of protective antibody against FMDV in the sampled elephants. Further investigations into the dynamics of anti-FMDV antibodies supplemented with virological examination should be carried out to understand the virus ecology and disease epidemiology. In order to establish absolute freedom from infection, oesophageal-pharyngeal fluid collected from the NSP-positive animals could further be examined for the presence of viral genome by polymerase chain reaction or for virus isolation to understand the carrier status in this species.

To comprehend the current dairy management practices followed by dairy farmers, a field study was carried out in the Northern region of Bihar. The study was conducted in three districts of Northern Bihar, namely Madhepura, Supaul, and Darbhanga. Two blocks from each district were randomly selected, and from each block, two villages were randomly selected, making a total of twelve villages. A total of 180 dairy farmers were randomly selected from twelve villages that provided the data. According to the study, the majority of respondents (68.33%) used artificial insemination for breeding, and most of the respondents (40%) sought the help of a local veterinary service provider to inseminate their animals. The major reproductive issue was repeat breeding. The majority (56.11%) of the respondents got their animals vaccinated for FMD, 54.44 per cent for HS and BQ, and 7.22 per cent for Brucellosis. A majority (79.65%) of respondents got their animals vaccinated from the para-vets, whereas 20.35 per cent respondents got their animals vaccinated through an NGO. Around 66.11 percent of respondents said that “Mastitis” had affected their animals, and the majority of respondents (51.66%) sought the help of para-vets for the treatment of sick animals. The average quantity of feed and fodder provided to animals was lower as compared to scientific feeding practices. Farmers must be made aware of better animal management practices in general and better animal breeding, feeding, and health management practices in particular, and the extension infrastructure in the study region needs to be developed.

Indigenous/native breeds of chickens are playing an important role in rural economy in most of the developing countries. Among many native breeds Kadaknath is experiencing higher demand due to its unique characteristics and perceived health benefits of its meat. So, keeping this in view the present study was undertaken to formulate Kadaknath freeze dried meat soup powder incorporated with oat flour and mint leaves to enhance the functional property of Kadaknath meat and to analyze various quality parameters. The drying of minced meat was done by using freeze drier (Christ Alpha, Germany) at -65±5°C for 24 hours. The prepared meat powder was incorporated with Oat flour (Avena sativa), at three different levels including 10 %, 20 % and 30 % and the other ingredients like table salt, sugar, black pepper, citric acid, skim milk powder and guar gum were added at fixed proportions, in all treatments. The results of the study noted that the functional properties including ABTS activity, DPPH activity and total phenolic contents of the functional chicken soup powder were showing an increasing pattern with incorporation of higher proportion of oat flour as well as mint leaves powder, however hedonic scores were showing reduced values with higher amount of these ingredients.

A study was conducted on dogs suspected for hepatic disorders. These suspected dogs were screened by clinical, laboratory investigation and ultrasound examination. Thirty-two dogs were diagnosed ultrasonographically with diffuse hepatic parenchymal disorders without ascites. These dogs were further subjected to ultrasound guided biopsy to collect the liver samples and Acute hepatitis were histopathologically confirmed among 8 (25.00 %) dogs.