Aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of temperament on certain metabolic parameters (cortisol, glucose, serum fructosamine, triglyceride, albumin, total protein, urea), as well as daily weight gain in fattening lambs. Eight calm (score 1) and eight nervous (score 4 and 5) German Mutton Merino ram lambs were involved in the investigation on a sheep farm. Lambsandrsquo; temperament was evaluated by a temperament test (movements of animals were assessed in 5-score system during weighing andndash; from 1: calm, to 5: nervous - while spending 30 sec on the scale) at three times: 1st, 20th and 40th days of the 40-day experiment. The blood samples were taken immediately after temperament scoring. The calmer lambs had lower (Pandlt;0.05) concentrations of plasma cortisol (17.11 nmol/l), serum fructosamine (346.53 andmu;mol/l), triglyceride (0.214 mmol/l), and urea (3.31 mmol/l) as well. In addition calm lambs had higher (Pandlt;0.05)daily weight gain (466.67 g/day), compared to the nervous animals (25.13 nmol/l, 503.76andmu;mol/l, 0.275 mmol/l, 5.51mmol/l and 345.36 g/day, respectively). These results suggested that lambsandrsquo; blood biochemical parameters influenced by temperament, nervous and calm lambs differ in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, demonstrated by an increase in urea, triglyceride and serum fructosamine in nervous lambs.

Three hundred (300) unsexed day-old andlsquo;CARIBRO CROSSandrsquo; broiler chicks were distributed randomly into three treatment groups T1(control), T2 (probiotic-supplemented in the feed) and probiotic-supplemented in the water (T3) having 6 replicates in each treatment. Two replicates of each group contain 16 birds each and the rest four of each group contain 17 birds each. The probiotic contained Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Streptococcus faecium, Bifi dobacterium bifi dus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The probiotic was incorporated at the rate of 100 g/ton of feed during starter phase (0 andndash; 4 weeks) and 50 g/tonne of feed during finisher phase (5 andndash; 7 weeks) in feed probiotic group. However, the probiotic was given at the rate of 1 g/L of water during first week of age and thereafter 1 g/4L of water up to 7 weeks of age in water probiotic group. The basal diet was formulated for starter (23.46 % CP, 2800 ME Kcal/Kg) and finisher phase (20.07 % CP, 2900 ME Kcal/kg) separately. The chicks consumed significantly (p andlt; 0.01) less amount of feed under water probiotic group followed by feed probiotic group and the highest in control group during starter phase, finisher phase and overall experimental period. The retention of nutrients was higher in probiotic fed in feed group then in water but treatment differences were not significant (p andgt; 0.05). It was concluded that probiotic supplementation reduce the feed consumption of CARIBRO CROSS chicks.

The current study was undertaken at University Poultry Farm, Anand to know the comparative efficacy of commonly used coccidiostats on oocyst index, growth and feed parameters in Cobb-400 strain of broilers. Fifty chicks T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups were given Diclazuril (0.1%), Salinomycin (12%), Diclazuril (0.1%) + Salinomycin (12%) in shuttle programme and Maduramicin (1 %) at a dose rate of 100 g, 50 g, 100 + 50 g and 50 g per 100 Kg broiler feed as coccidiostat, respectively. One group of 50 chicks will be kept as infected control (T5) and another group of 50 chicks will be kept as uninfected control (T6) without coccidiostat in feed. Oocyst Index value indicates better efficacy of T4 and T2 as compared to T1 and T3 group and T4 group showed highest body weight gain followed by T2, T1 and T3 group after experimental infection of E. tenella on 22nd of age. At the end of six weeks, significantly highest feed consumption was observed in T2 group followed by T4, T3 and T1 group.

Over all FCR value were found lowest in T4 group followed by T1, T2, and T3. Signifi cantly highest FCR (2.42 andplusmn; 0.01) was

observed in T5 group and lowest (1.97 andplusmn; 0.51) in T6 group among all groups signifying better effi cacy of Maduramicin followed

by Diclazuril. This is the fi rst time study undertaken in middle Gujarat to access the effi cacy of commonly used coccidiostats

in E. tenella infection in broiler chickens.

A study was conducted to determine the kinetics of Fasciola gigantica infection induced antibody response against oxyclozanidelevamisole in naturally infected bovine of South Gujarat, India. Faecal analysis on before, 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th and 37th days post treatment (DPT) recorded 67.14, 34.29, 5.71, 0 and 0% parasites infected bovines. Either parasite(s) positive indigenous cattle or buffalo become parasite(s) free by 8th DPT but a lag period of 4 days had been recorded in the exotic cattle. The trematode parasites infected animals take more time to clear the infection with the used drugs, itandrsquo;s become 100% negative on 11th DPT while the nematodes parasites infected animals successfully clear the infection by 4th DPT and maintain it until the end of experiment. The 5 animals which showed reactivity in dipstick ELISA test following natural infection with F. gigantica using parasites specifi c diagnostic antigen, cathepsin L cysteine proteinase (CP), was subjected to indirect plate ELISA assay, the mean anti-CP antibody titer was recorded at its maximum at pretreatment in treated group positive animal when probed with CP antigen. Thereafter, a declining trend of antibody response was recorded in these naturally infected bovines which reached to undetectable level on 90th DPT in response to anthelmintic therapy while untreated animals (negative and positive animals) showed almost similar pattern of antibody response during the experiment. A signifi cant decrease in % eosinophilia count was also observed at 37th DPT in response to treatment.

The effect of amla powder supplementation on heat stress and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels of summer stressed buffaloes were investigated. The study was carried out with 24 apparently healthy Murrah buffaloes during pre-summer and summer seasons. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals each viz. Pre-Summer group (Group I); Summer Control group (Group II); Summer Treatment group (Group III). Group III animals were supplemented with amla powder @ 200 mg/Kg body wt. / day for 30 days. In summer stressed buffaloes (Group II), there was a signifi cant rise in erythrocytic lipid peroxidation level and superoxide dismutase activity along with a decrease in plasma IgM and increase in IgG levels. Supplementation of amla powder to summer stressed buffaloes was able to lower lipid peroxidation levels and superoxide dismutase activity coupled with the increase in IgM and decrease in IgG levels. It was concluded that amla powder supplementation can ameliorate the adverse effects of summer stress on humoral immunity in Murrah buffaloes.

Semen samples with mass motility of 4+ or more and an initial progressive motility andge; 80% collected from murrah buffalo bulls were utilized for study. Semen samples were evaluated for various seminal attributes, enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and total antioxidant capacity at fresh, pre-freeze and post-thaw stage. Seminal attributes (progressive motility, viability, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling response) were signifi cantly (pandlt;0.05) higher in bull II as compared to bulls (I andamp; III) at pre-freeze and post-thaw stage. Superoxide dismutase was signifi cantly higher in bulls (II andamp; III) than bull I at fresh stage (pandlt;0.05) and signifi cantly (pandlt;0.01) higher in bull II as compared to bulls (I andamp; III) at pre-freeze and post-thaw stage. Catalase was signifi cantly higher in bull II than bulls (I andamp; III) at fresh (pandlt;0.05) and pre-freeze (pandlt;0.01) stage. Signifi cantly, higher total antioxidant capacity was noticed at pre-freeze (pandlt;0.05) and post-thaw (pandlt;0.01) stage in bull II and bulls (II andamp; III), than bulls (I andamp; III) and bull I, respectively. On the basis of our fi ndings, it could be concluded that seminal enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase andamp; catalase) and total antioxidant capacity varied among bulls at various stages of cryopreservation. There was progressive reduction in activity of enzymatic antioxidants and total antioxidant capacity from fresh to post-thaw stage.

A three factor three level central composite design was adopted to determine interactive effects of meat level (55-65%), steaming time (12-18 minutes) and drying time (7-9 hrs) on pH, moisture, protein content, fat content and other quality characteristics (Hardness, adhesiveness, total colour change and overall acceptability) of extruded chicken noodles. Moisture, protein, fat level and total colour change was found to be increased with increase in meat level while decreased with increasing processing conditions. However hardness decreased with increasing interaction of meat level and steaming time while increased with interaction of meat level and drying time and inverse were true for adhesiveness. Overall acceptability and pH had negative correlation with interactions. pH showed increasing trend with increase in processing conditions. The models for moisture, pH, protein, fat percentage, allokramer hardness, adhesiveness, total colour change and overall acceptability had the R square values of 0.91, 0.81, 0.83, 0.81, 0.87, 0.91, 0.82 and 0.94, respectively. 120 g (60%) meat level, 15 min steaming time and 9 hrs drying time were found to be optimized level on the basis of desirability plots for the development of chicken noodles.

Effect of antioxidant level butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), 1:1) on the quality characteristic of pork sandwich spread during storage was studied. Three levels of antioxidant mix viz:100 ppm, 200 ppm and 400 ppm were tried and product was evaluated weekly for physiochemical, microbiological and sensory properties along with the control during refrigerated storage (4andplusmn;1oC) period of 28 days. The pH and water activity of the developed product were stable for a week during initial storage period followed by progressive decline, however, pH was again stable during latter part of storage period. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value as well as Total plate count (TPC) increased significantly at weekly intervals. Treated samples had lower TBARS value and TPC as compared to control. No Psychrotroph was detected till 14th day but after that it increased significantly. Psychrotrophic count of treatments and control did not vary significantly. No coliform or yeast and molds were detected throughout study period. There was no effect of antioxidant treatment on the scores of color, texture, juiciness, adhesion ability and spreadability of pork sandwich spread. However, flavour and overall acceptability scores increased with the increase in antioxidant levels. The scores of color, texture, juiciness, adhesion ability, spreadability did not vary signifi cantly with progressive storage period. But the flavour and overall acceptability scores decreased significantlyandnbsp;(Pandlt;0.05) at every week. Study concluded that antioxidant (BHA + BHT, 1:1) treatments significantly improved the sensory and microbiological properties of pork sandwich spread at refrigerated storage (4andplusmn;1anddeg;C).

The present study was undertaken in Mizoram state to study resource use effi ciency in milk production on sample households.

Out of the eight districts in Mizoram, three districts were selected purposively based on milk production and cattle population. From each of the three districts, two blocks were selected randomly and from each of the selected block cluster of two to three villages were selected. A sample of 180 milk producing households were selected randomly from the selected villages during the year 2014-15. Linear, Cobb-Douglas and Semi-logs milk production functions were tried to study resource use effi ciency. The Cobb-Douglas was found best fi t keeping in view sign, signifi cance of regression co-effi cient and value of R2 for both crossbred and local cows. The regression coeffi cients of dry fodder and miscellaneous expenses were found signifi cant for both the animal groups. It was observed that dry fodder and miscellaneous expenses were underutilised for crossbred cows and green fodder was underutilised in case of local cows indicating that use of more quantities of these inputs will further increase the productivity of milch cattle in the study area.

Mela is the Hindi language word for fair, which is a traditional media to learn, earn, participate and share information. The paper describes perception scale development process and identification of different prospects of perception of the participants by administrating the tool on 60 randomly selected participants, during the three-day event of national dairy meals from 25th to 27th February 2015 at NDRI, Karnal. Final scale consisted of 20 statements (14 positive and 6 negatives) for which the t-values were found to be significant at one percent level of significance at 18 df and Cronbachandacirc;andeuro;andtrade;s alpha value of reliability was 0.851. Two other reliability tests were accomplished and Cochranand#39;s test of ANOVA was performed to test the signifi cance level of all 3 reliability test and it was signifi cant at 1 percent level (pandlt;0.001). Content validity of the scale (S-CVI value) was 0.831. PCA extracted 4 prospects viz., andacirc;andeuro;andtilde;recognition prospectandacirc;andeuro;andtrade;, andacirc;andeuro;andtilde;learning prospectandacirc;andeuro;andtrade;, andacirc;andeuro;andtilde;get better prospectandacirc;andeuro;andtrade;, and andacirc;andeuro;andtilde;supportive prospectandacirc;andeuro;andtrade;. This methodological pathway viz., t-values cut-off for selection of statements based on the degree of freedom rule, reliability triangulation, Cochranand#39;s test for reliability signifi cance and extracting the latent constructs through PCA, can be followed by stakeholders for constructing different types of psychological scales. The attributes identified ed through PCA can be utilized in effective management and planning for organizing successful animal fairs.

A total of 26 purebred Sahiwal cows, 13 cows each from two farms i.e. the BMEF and CBF, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh were studied during extended transition period (56 days prepartum to 84 days postpartum) to investigate variation in body condition score along with birth weight of calf, early lactational yield, postpartum interval to estrus (PPIE) and their interrelationships. In BMEF herd concentrate was not fed to the animals during prepartum stage. In BMEF, the mean BCS at periodical intervals was signifi cantly less than that of CBF herd throughout the transition period. The postpartum mean unit loss in BCS of the cows of BMEF herd (0.54andplusmn;0.09) was signifi cantly higher than that of CBF cows (0.52andplusmn;0.09). Significant differences were observed between overall pre- and post-partum means of BCS of each farm. Significantly higher early lactation yield was observed in the Sahiwal cows of CBF (667.23andplusmn;37.13 kg) than the cows of BMEF herd (476.92andplusmn;51.59 kg). The average PPIE was nonsignificantly shorter in CBF cows (228.69andplusmn;37.36 days) than those of the cows of BMEF herd (241.69andplusmn;43.51 days). The average

birth weight of calf of CBF herd (22.38andplusmn;0.75 kg) was significantly higher than that of BMEF cows (19.58andplusmn;0.52 kg). Highly significant (Pandlt;0.01) positive correlations were observed between the mean pre- and post-partum BCS with all periodical BCS at different intervals including mean pre- and post-partum BCS in both farms. Early lactation yield has shown negative and non signifi cant correlation with 84 days postpartum BCS in both farms. PPIE was negatively correlated with BCS at 56 and 84 days postpartum in both the farms. PPIE had shown positive correlation with early lactation yield in BMEF (r=0.377) and negative correlation in CBF herd (r=-0.182). It can be concluded that the energy status can be assessed by scoring of body conditionandnbsp;periodically in transition Sahiwal cows which were indicative of their early lactation yield, interval to first detected heat and birth weight of calf.

The present study was conducted to see the effect of different feeding systems on the performance of kids. A total 21 local goat

kids of Rohilkhand region weighing around 7-11 kg and ageing 4-5 months were selected and randomly made in to 3 groups. Group-I (Gr- I) was fed un-chopped green fodder in circular feeder (newly designed). Group-II (Gr- II) was fed un-chopped green fodder in linear feeder, similar to the existing farm practice. Group-III (Gr-III) was fed chopped green fodder in linear feeder (modifi ed version). Amount of concentrate and dry fodder fed was kept constant. Adlibitum green fodder was fed and at the end left over was recorded. The ADG of kids in Gr I, Gr II and Gr III were 33g, 33g and 40 g respectively. Gr III had consumed signifi cantly (Pandlt;0.05) higher than Gr-I and Gr-II at every fortnight both on fresh and dry matter basis. The green fodder wastage was signifi cantly (Pandlt;0.05) higher for Gr I and lowest in Gr-III. The overall FCR was 1:9.46, 1:8.93 and 1:9.37 in Gr-I, Gr-II andamp; Gr-III respectively. The total time required for feeding and cleaning of the pens was signifi cantly higher in Gr I than Gr II and Gr III. It can be concluded that provision of un-chopped fodder in circular feeder did not give any advantage over linear feeding trough. Further chopped fodder did not help in body weight gain but helped in reducing the feed wastage.

In the present investigation, twelve eachPati and Chara-Chemballi ducks were utilized at 42 weeks of age. The uterus was collected immediately after death and studies were made on it. The uterus was a sac- like dilation between the isthmus cranially and the vagina caudally and was located just ventral to the synsacrum. The length, breadth, thickness and weight of uterus of Chara-Chemballi ducks were signifi cantly higher than Pati duck. The mucosa of uterus of both Pati and Chara-Chemballi duck showed many leaf shaped folds. These folds were mainly primary, secondary and tertiary types. In some primary folds concave surface were also present. The surface epithelium of uterus was pseudostratifi ed ciliated columnar in both Pati and Chara- Chemballi ducks. The mean height of lamina epithelialismucosae of uterus was 28.058andAcirc;andplusmn;0.367andAcirc;andmicro;m in Patiduck and 33.228andplusmn;0.234 andAcirc;andmicro;m in Chara-Chemballi duck. The surface epithelium and glandular epithelium showed moderate PAS positive reaction in both Pati and Chara-Chemballi ducks. Histologically, there is no signifi cant difference between thePatiand Chara-Chemballi ducks. However, the height of lamina epithelialis mucosae of oviduct was significantly higher in Chara-Chemballi duck than Pati duck.

A fi eld level study was conducted in all the six agro-climatic zones of Punjab state of India to know about the various impediments for dairy farming. A total of 180 dairy farmers (30 from each zone) rearing more than fi ve dairy animals were randomly selected. Respondents were personally interviewed with the help of a pre-tested interview schedule. Most of the dairy farmers (70.6%) were facing green fodder scarcity problem for some period of year. All the farmers revealed high cost of concentrate as a serious constraint in dairy farming when compared to the price, they receive for milk. Majority of the farmers (64.4%) were not dependent on labour. Training facilities regarding dairy farming were either not available (40.5%) or available far away from home (41.7%) to most of the farmers. Milk marketing facilities were available at optimal price (53.3%) and government schemes were easily available to only 2.8% farmers. Majority of the respondents (36.7%) were of the opinion that young generation does not take interest in dairy farming activities.

An investigation was conducted to assess the effect of incorporation of dried apple pomace (DAP) and corn bran (CB) as dietary fi bre sources on organoleptic, thiobarbituric acid reacting substance (TBARS) value and microbial quality characteristics of chevon rolls during refrigerated storage. DAP, CB and their combination (DAP+CB) were used at 6%, 3% and 2%+ 3% level respectively by replacing lean meat. Both control and treated chevon rolls were packaged in polythene bags and stored at a temperature of 4andplusmn;10C. Parameters were analysed at a regular interval of 4 days. There was a decrease in sensory quality of control and treated rolls during refrigerated storage. But organoleptic scores of control as well as fi bre enriched rolls for different sensory attributes were around 7.0 on 12th day of refrigerated storage meaning moderate acceptability. TBARS value increased signifi cantly during storage in all the treatments but DAP was most effective in checking increase in TBARS value. Total plate count, psychrotrophic count and yeast and mould counts increased signifi cantly during storage but all the microbial counts were within the acceptable limit up to 12th day of refrigerated storage. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella were not detected during storage period in any of the treatments. It is concluded that fi bre enriched chevon rolls with organoleptic acceptability and microbiological safety up to 12 days of refrigerated storage can be prepared by incorporating dried apple pomace, corn bran and their combination each at 6%, 3% and 2%+3% level respectively.

Follistatin gene is a member of transforming growth factor andacirc;andeuro;andldquo;andIcirc;andsup2; super family involved in muscle growth. The present study was carried out to characterize the nucleotide variability in the exonic (coding) region of FSTN gene in boiler (PD-1) line and control layer chicken lines. A PCR product of 219 bp of exon-3 was amplifi ed and nucleotide variability was studied using PCR-SSCP technique. The PCR products were sequenced to confi rm the variability in coding sequence. The present study revealed that the exon3 sequence of FSTN gene was monomorphic having similar sequence pattern in all individuals. Growth data was also analyzed, the growth performance of male and female differed signifi cantly at six week of age. It is concluded that exon3 of FSTN gene was monomorphic without showing any variation in the nucleotide composition both in broiler and layer chicken lines. The codon did not show any effect on variation in growth traits in chicken

ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2 transporter (ABCG2) is located in membrane of mammary glands alveolar epithelial cells in cows that actively extrudes xenotoxins and drugs into milk from blood. Polymorphism of the ABCG2 gene have been found to be associated with milk yield and composition in cattle. In the present investigation, Sahiwal and Hariana cattle were studied for polymorphism of ABCG2 gene by PstI/PCR-RFLP assay. The RE digestion of the 292 bp PCR product showed the presence of AA genotype with a genotypic frequency of 1.0. AC and CC genotype were not observed in screened

samples. The allelic frequency of ABCG2-A allele was calculated as 1.0 and that of ABCG2andndash;C allele was zero. The present study revealed monomorphic nature of ABCG2 gene in the screened samples of Sahiwal and Hariana cattle breed.

As we all are aware that safe and quality milk is being produced from healthy animals using management practices that are sustainable from an animal welfare, social, economic and environmental perspective. This study was carried out to fi nd out the common animal welfare practices being practiced by randomly selected 120 dairy farmers in the four blocks of Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir state of India. For the study, a door to door survey was conducted using semi-structured interview schedule to collect primary data on various dairy animal welfare practices like calf rearing, feeding, housing, breeding, health care and milking welfare keeping in mind the andldquo;Five Freedomsandrdquo; concept for animal welfare. Data from the study revealed that 100 percent of the farmers took care of the calves at the time of birth, provided colostrums (44%) after the removal of placentaand fed milk to their calves for more than four months after birth, but as far as total calf welfare was concerned they were not practicing cutting, ligation and disinfection of naval cord as required. They were also providing necessary amount of greens and concentrates to their animals and in some parts of district, they had maintained the standards of feeding welfare by exposing their animals to green pastures. Majority of the respondents had constructed a separate (54%) and well directed (61%) houses for their animals. Height of the shelters was suffi cient (67%) and had kacha fl oor (51%) in their animal sheds. Regarding the breeding welfare practices, majority of the respondents were practicing artifi cial insemination method and also got their animals examined after 90 days of insemination, which was a good breeding welfare practice. Majority of them had provided proper prophylactic measures to their animals from contagious diseases for their health welfare. They were milking their animals twice a day in the same place where they usually tied them. Majority of them were following good milking welfare practices by

cleaning their hands, utensils and udder of the animal before milk

The experiment was designed to evaluate kinematic characteristic exhibited by spermatozoa in diluted Barbari and Sirohi buck semen using computer assisted semen analysis. Four normal healthy adult bucks (2 Barbari and 2 Sirohi) reared at the experimental goat sheds of department were selected for semen collection. Semen was collected twice a week using artifi cial vagina. A total of 8ejaculates (sixteen ejaculates from each breed) were collected from each buck. After initial semen evaluation, ejaculates from similar breed were pooled. The pooled semen sample of two breeds were dilutedwith TRIS based extender containing 20 per cent egg yolkto fi nal concentration of 100andtimes;106 spermatozoa per ml. Motility patterns and path velocities of spermatozoa were evaluated using computer assisted semen analyser (CASA). It was observed that proportion of spermatozoa exhibiting rapid progression were highest in both the breeds, following by slow progression and non-progression.A signifi cantly (pandlt;0.01) higher values of non-progressive spermatozoa were observed in Barbari buck semen. Different path velocities viz. VCL (andmicro;m/sec), VAP (andmicro;m/sec), VSL (andmicro;m/sec), Lin (%), Str(%), WOB(%), BCF(hz), ALH(andmicro;m) and DNC(andmicro;m2/sec) exhibited by spermatozoa were recorded during the experiment. The VCL (andmicro;m/sec), ALH(andmicro;m) and DNC(andmicro;m2/sec) were signifi cantly(pandlt;0.01, pandlt;0.05) in Barbari buck semen while a signifi cantly(pandlt;0.01, pandlt;0.05) higher values of VSL,Lin (%),Str (%), WOB(%)and BCF (hz) were observed for Sirohibuck.The result indicated that Barbari buck spermatozoa covered more distance per unit time in the vertical direction (Y-axis) and short X axial movements (horizontal movement), while the spermatozoa of Sirohi Buck moved at slower velocity with more distance covered in horizontal direction (X axis) and lesser vertical displacement resulting in lower values of VCL and higher values of VAP and VSL as compared to Barbari buck. So, it can be concluded that a variable response is exhibited by Barbari and Sirohi buck spermatozoato egg yolk concentration, indicating a breed specifi c variation in motion characteristic and path velocities of spermatozoa

The present study was conducted on twelve adult stray dogs of age 2 andndash; 3 years, weighing 14 - 18 kg and randomly divided into three groups. Animals in group I (n = 5) and group II (n = 5) were orally given 300 and 500 microgram coumestrol dissolved in di-methyl sulfoxide in the commercial dog treats on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. Animals in control group III (n = 2) were given DMSO alone as per above schedule. Castration was done one week after the completion of the treatment. Tissues for histology and electron microscopy were fi xed in Bouinandrsquo;s fi xative and Karvonskyandrsquo;s fi xatives, respectively. Epithelial lining of the efferent ductules was composed of cuboidal or columnar epithelium having ciliated and non- ciliated cells. Cellular architecture of the efferent ductules was normal. Scanning electron microscopy revealed normal efferent ductules with presence of cilia on luminal surface. In conclusion, oral feeding of 300 microgram and 500 microgram of coumestrol has no adverse effects on the functioning of efferent ductules in dogs and at this dose rate, this compound cannot be used for population control of stray dogs.andnbsp;

The objective of the present study was to retrieve good and excellent quality of oocytes from the ovaries of buffalo having unknown reproductive history by using the aspiration technique. The retrieval as well as recovery percent was recorded. Total nine hundred and twenty ovaries were collected during the period of study, on an average 20 ovaries were collected per slaughter. Buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCandrsquo;s) were retrieved by aspiration technique and further graded on the basis of cellular investment and homogenicity in to grade A, B, C and D. The mean recovery rate (i.e. no. of oocytes/ ovary) was 2.20 andplusmn; 0.08, while that of grade A, B, A+B were 0.82 andplusmn; 0.03, 0.53 andplusmn; 0.03 and 1.35 andplusmn; 0.06, respectively. The mean retrieval percent of Grade A, B and A+B COCandrsquo;s were 37.10 andplusmn; 0.67, 23.74 andplusmn; 0.62 and 60.83 andplusmn; 0.84, respectively. The present finding led to the conclusion that aspiration technique seems to be a very promising technique for retrieval of developmentally competent oocytes from surface follicles and not from the deeper cortex which contained developing oocytes. By using aspiration technique, less amount of tissue debris obtained which may otherwise have adverse effect on the oocytes maturation and subsequent development of poor quality of embryos in vitro.

In the current study, storage stability of spent hen meat cutlets enriched with natural antioxidants viz. C (control), T1 (with 4% carrot powder) and T2 (3% broccoli powder) during refrigerated storage (4andplusmn;1oC) stored under modifi ed atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions containing a mixture of 50% carbon dioxide (CO2) and 50% nitrogen (N2) gases. The samples were drawn at a regular interval of 7 days till the occurrence of incipient spoilage and analyzed for various quality attributes, lipid oxidation parameters instrumental colour and texture profi le, sensory and microbial quality parameters. The pH recorded signifi cantlyandnbsp;(Pandlt;0.05) lower value on day 7 for control and day 14 for treatments and, thereafter recorded increasingly value with the elapse of storage time, in all samples. Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) value of treated products (T1 and T2) were noted signifi cantly (Pandlt;0.05) lower than control on 7th day of storage. Highest value of andbeta;-carotene content was recorded for T1. Standard Plate Count (SPC) increased signifi cantly throughout storage with the elapse of storage days; but the value remained well below the spoilage level. There was a declining trend for instrumental colour values during storage. As the days of storage increased, overall acceptability of all samples showed decreasing (Pandlt;0.05) trends, however the sensory panelists rated the treated product good to very good even on last day (35th) day of storage. Thus spent hen meat cutlets could be successfully kept for 35 days in MAP conditions with acceptable sensory attributes and permissible microbiological quality.

Processing and storage (4 andplusmn; 1anddeg;C) quality of Low-fat buffalo mozzarella cheese (BMC) was evaluated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as fat replacer. Five treatments of BMC viz. Control full-fat cheese (6.0% milk fat; CFFC), Control low-fat cheese (andlt;0.5% MF) without CMC (CLFC), Low-fat cheese with 0.2% CMC (LFC-1), 0.4% CMC (LFC-2) and 0.6% CMC (LFC-3) were comparatively evaluated. Melting time increased, whereas hardness and chewiness decreased with CMC in BMC. Sensory panellists awarded LFC-2 highest and lowest to LFC-3, however treated products at all selected levels were superior than CLFC. Oxidative and microbial stability was improved in LFC-2 than CFFC during storage. Results concluded that 0.4% CMC is optimum for the development of extended shelf life functional BMC.

The objective of the present study was to estimate seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in donkey from Grenada, West Indies. Using a modifi ed agglutination test (MAT), sera of 37 donkeys were examined for evidence of exposure to T. gondii. Two (5.4%; 95 percent confi dence interval: -1.88% to 12.68%) of the 37 donkeys were seropositive with titers of 50 in one donkey and 100 in the other. The lower Seroprevalence coupled with non consumption of meat and milk from donkey in Grenada suggests that donkeys are not important in the epidemiology of T.gondii in this country.

The aim of study to fi nd out the effect on haematological and biochemical parameters following administration of propofol alone

and in-combinaiton with buprenorphine. Propofol was given to effect in group I (control), whereas buprenorphine @ 0.015 mg/kg b.wt. was given as preanaesthetic before propofol andldquo;to effectandrdquo; in dogs of group II .Atropine sulphate was injected I/M @ 0.04 mg/kg b.wt. 20 minutes prior to each treatment in both the groups.Hb, PCV and TEC showed a signifi cant fall (Pandlt;0.05) at initial intervals of observation as compared to base line whereas, other haematological parameters were non-signifi cantly variables at different intervals of observation in both the groups.A non signifi cant alteration in the level of total serum protein, alkaline phosphatase activity, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen could be recorded at different observation periods either within the group or among the groups. There was signifi cant increase in serum glucose level at 1hr in both treatment groups followed by a progressive decrease in its value which reached to pretreatment value within 24hrs. There was signifi cant increase (Pandlt;0.05) in AST value at 1hr in group Iwhereas in group II, it could be recorded at hr 1 and 2 of observation.A signifi cant elevation (Pandlt;0.05) in ALT value could be recorded in both groups of animals at hr1 and 2 of observation as compared to their respective baseline value.It is concluded that propofol alone and in combination with buprenorphine produced no deleterious effect on the vital organs, hence can be used safely in dogs.

The Ahirs are non-nomadic and resourceful people of South Gujarat having ample traditional knowledge of goat keeping. The study was done to document existing goat management practices of Ahirs in Valsad and Navsari districts of South Gujarat by selecting 300 Ahir goat keepers by multi stage random sampling technique. The data regarding socio-economic status, feeding and housing management were collected by interview schedule and tabulated for statistical analysis. Results revealed that majority of the respondents (67.67%) were in middle age category with an average age of about 50 years. Majority of the respondents (94%) were marginal land holders with an average land holding of 0.68andplusmn;0.03 hectare. Average fl ock size was 47.13andplusmn;1.79 heads and about 68% of Ahir respondents reared large animals along with goats. Goats were reared by the practice of 2 to 8 hour daily browsing which required 1 to 10 km daily travelling, whereas browsing duration and travelling was signifi cantly (pandlt;0.01) affected by the seasons. Majority of the Ahirs were high adopters of cleanliness, site selection, ventilation and drainage in goat shed. However, low level of adoption was observed in provisions of feeding space, overhang length and slate gapping in goat shed. Majority of the respondents kept kids in separate enclosures (wada). Almost all the respondents sold kids at 6 to 9 months of age, on cash payment basis to butchers and not on the basis of body weight.

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, cyst fertility and economic importance of bovine hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Addis Ababa Abattoirs Enterprise, Ethiopia. The study revealed 20.16% (98/486) occurrence of hydatidosis based on the postmortem examination of 486 cattle slaughtered and examined. Prevalence of hydatidosis is signifi cantly associated with body condition score (Pandlt; 0.05) and higher prevalence was recorded in animals with poor body condition. However, there was no signifi cant association between hydatidosis infection and age of the animals (Pandgt;0.05). Of the 98 viscera harboring hydatid cysts, the highest 57(58.17%) were found in lung followed by liver 24(24.49%), kidney 2(2.04%) and 1(1.02%) heart. In addition, out of the total 361 cysts collected 63(17.45%) were fertile, 210 (58.17%) sterile and 88 (24.38%) calcifi ed. During viability test of fertile cysts, 33.33% hydatid cyst viability rate was observed. The rate of cyst calcifi cation was higher in liver (43.24%) than in the lung (11.43%). Based on the study, the direct annual economic loss due to organs condemned at Addis Ababa Abattoirs Enterprise was estimated to be 345334.84 Ethiopian Birr. The present study showed higher prevalence of hydatidosis in Addis Ababa abattoir. Therefore to break the life cycle of hydatidosis, public education should be undertaken in addition to regular treatment of dogs and fencing the surrounding of the abattoir should be encouraged to reduce the spread of the disease.

A study was conducted in lambs to fi nd out the effi ciency of fenugreek seed (FS) supplementation in twin bearing ewes. The dams were grouped as follows with seven dams in each group. The groups were damandrsquo;s that lambed twins supplemented with FS (T1), Dams that gave birth to single lambs supplemented with FS (T2) and dams gave birth to single lambs without FS (T3). The FS supplemented dam groups were given 10 g of fenugreek seed per day. The study suggest supplementation of FS @ 10 g each day to lactating ewes carrying twins support lamb weight gain better than single birth lamb and reduced the degree of mother weight loss. The signifi cance difference at 0.05 %. Among single birth lambs, FS supplemented group was better both in terms of growth rate of lambs and reduction in the ewes weight.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of two housing systems on haematological parameters in buffaloes. Twelve buffaloes were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups. Animals of group A were housed in shed with net and animals of group B in shed without net. The experiment was conducted for a period of three months. Blood samples were aseptically collected fortnightly and were analysed for haematological studies. The mean values for Hb, TEC, TLC, PCV,

MCHC and Neutrophil were 8.49 + 0.52 g/dl, 5.54 andplusmn; 1.05 (106/cmm), 27.45 andplusmn; 0.44, 31.15 andplusmn; 0.66 (%) and 40.99 andplusmn; 1.34 (%),

respectively, which was nonsignifi cantly higher than the values of 8.20 andplusmn; 0.80 g/dl, 5.22 andplusmn; 0.66 (106/cmm), 27.00 andplusmn; 0.58 (%), 30.35 andplusmn; 0.32 (%) and 39.96 andplusmn; 0.66 (%), respectively. Whereas, the values of MCH, lymphocyte, eosinophil and monocyte were 15.26 andplusmn; 1.06 (andmicro;andmicro;g), 55.33 andplusmn; 0.44 (%), 2.32 andplusmn; 0.45 (%), and 1.69 andplusmn; 0.69 (%); respectively, which were non signifi cantly lower than the values of 15.72 andplusmn; 0.85 (andmicro;andmicro;g), 55.56 andplusmn; 0.61 (%),3.19 andplusmn; 0.05 (%), and 2.03 andplusmn; 0.84 (%), respectively in group A as compared to group B. However, WBC count (13.75 andplusmn; 0.56 (103/cmm) were signifi cantly (Pandlt;0.01) higher than the value of 10.58 andplusmn; 0.42 (103/cmm) and MCV (49.45 andplusmn; 0.21, andmicro;3) were signifi cantly (pandlt;0.05) lower than the value of 51.85 andplusmn; 0.45 (andmicro;3) in group A and group B, respectively. For statistical analysis, studentandlsquo;tandrsquo; test was applied.

The present work aimed to study trace minerals and haemato-biochemical profi le of buffalo calves manifesting depigmentation of coat colour (depigmented calves: DC) in comparison to calves having normal coat colour (normal calves: NC) in the fl uoride endemic zone of the South-West Punjab. Plasma fl uoride concentrations in NC and DC were higher than the normal but it did

not vary between the groups. Plasma copper concentration in DC was lower than the critical limit of 0.70 andmicro;gml-1 and it was signifi cantly (pandlt;0.05) lower as compared to NC. Hair copper and plasma ceruloplasmin activity did not vary between the groups. Plasma molybdenum, and plasma and hair zinc and manganese concentrations were normal and did not vary between the groups. Plasma iron concentrations in both the groups were higher than the physiological limit of 2.50 andmicro;gml-1. The hair iron concentrations were significantly (pandlt;0.05) higher in DC. The Hb, PCV, TEC, serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, plasma urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, ALP, AST, CK and GGT were normal in both the groups. It is concluded that depigmentation of coat colour in buffalo calves from the fl uoride endemic South-west Punjab is due to deficiency of copper.

The present study was conducted on anemic dogs presented to the small animal clinics of the department of Veterinary Medicine GADVASU Ludhiana, Punjab from September 2014 to August 2015. Total number of the cases screened randomly in this period were 1749 and among them 214 cases were having haemolytic anemia and the prevalence was 12.25%. The most prevalent causes of haemolytic agent was Ehrlichia canis in this study followed by Babesia gibsoni, primary immune-mediated haemolytic anemia, neoplasia, Babesia canis and toxicity.