<div>Background: Freemartinism is a special kind of cell chimerism occuring in female calf born co-twin with male calf. It is one of the most common forms of intersexuality found in cattle, arises as a consequence of vascular anastamosis between fetuses of different genders. Freemartinism causes alterations in the development of female reproductive organs and sterility. However, there were reports of fertile heterosexual twins also. Hence, the present study aimed at early diagnosis of 60, XX/XY chimerism in heterosexual pregnancies to prevent the unnecessary economic losses and preserve valuable genetic material. 
 
Methods: Chromosomal profile of female and male calves were analyzed through short term lymphocyte culture technique. The gene expression levels of ZFX and SRY genes were determined through SYBR green real-time PCR. 
 
Result: Both female and male co-twins were found to possess 60, XX/60, XY chimerism, yielding the PCR products of both the male (SRY) and female (ZFX) specific genes. A real-time PCR revealed higher levels of ZFX gene expression in female (81.66 per cent) and male (88.35 per cent) calves than SRY gene. Combination of karyotyping and real-time PCR gave a confirmative diagnosis of freemartinism, suggesting the early diagnosis soon after birth.</div>

Early Diagnosis of 60, XX/XY Chimerism in Cattle using RT-PCR

Background: The present study was conducted at the Livestock Genome Analysis Laboratory (LGAL), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana, India, to explore, chromosomal anomalies in reproductively inefficient animals. Chromosomal abnormalities are deviations in normal genetic architecture and lead to disorders in bearer individuals. These can be both in number and structure of autosomes or sex chromosomes, usually inflict adverse effects on anatomy, survival and reproductive performance in domestic animals.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Present report is on a female Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and a Karan Fries cattle which were identified during a routine cytogenetic reproductively inefficient females at cattle yard, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. Metaphase chromosome preparations were prepared using standard lymphocyte culture method. Slides were stained with Giemsa and treated for R-banding using fluorochrome-photolysis-Giemsa technique (RB-FPG technique). Karyotypes were prepared and abnormal chromosome was identified.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Routine examination using Giemsa-stained slides revealed two cell lines with 60 and 61 chromosomal constitutions in cattle and 3 cell lines in buffalo. Among 182 metaphase plates examined were examined for Karan fries which revealed two types of chromosome configuration, the frequency of cells carrying 60 and 61 chromosomes was 83.5% and 16.5%, respectively. R banding technique distinguished autosome 16 responsible for mosaicism. Cytogenetic evaluation of 407 metaphase spreads of Murrah buffalo revealed three types of chromosome configurations, viz. 49, 50 and 51 all with XX and the overall frequency was 16.7, 76.7 and 6.6 per cent, respectively. The R- bandings confirmed autosome 11 both in monosomy (2n=49) and trisomy (2n=51), respectively. This unusual chromosomal number might have arisen due to non-disjunction during early stage of zygotic development of the buffalo and cattle.&nbsp;

Occurrence Autosomal Mosaicism in Karan Fries Cattle and Murrah Buffalo with Poor Reproduction

<div>Background: Jowar (Sorghum) is one of the most popular millet grown in tropical and semi-arid regions. The present study was aimed to design and develop the process technology for the preparation of biscuits from blends of jowar and jaggery by replacing wheat flour.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The biscuits were analysed for physico-chemical and sensory properties. The proportions taken were 30:70:60, 40:60:60, 50:50:60, 60:40:60, 70:30:60 and 100:0:60 of jowar flour, whole wheat flour and jaggery respectively. Sensory evaluation was performed by using composite scoring test and means were evaluated by Krushkal Walli H-Test.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Sensory evaluation revealed that the ratio of 100:0:60 (SWJ 6) jowar, whole wheat flour and jaggery has highest acceptability and was considered for further studies. The physical parameters of biscuits such as mass (20 g), thickness (7 mm), spread factor (64.28), diameter (45 mm) and color values were determined. The texture analysis revealed that the biscuits held hardness (32.5 g), fracturability (8.60 mm) and cutting strength (3.390 kg). Proximate analysis was estimated as energy (583 kcal), carbohydrate (92.6 g), protein (10.8 g), fat (4.8 g), crude fibre (8.6 g), calcium (46 mg), zinc (58.3 mg), iron (16.1 mg) and potassium (420 mg) per 100 g for SWJ 6 proportion.</div>

Physico-chemical and Sensory Evaluation of Biscuits Developed from Blends of Jowar (Sorghum), Organic Jaggery and Whole Wheat Flours

Background: Generally, finger millet is grown in steepy and sloppy areas where nutrient losses are more due to application of them in soil. Hence to assess the response of finger millet to foliar spray to water soluble fertilizers the experiment has been undertaken. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The agronomic field experiment was conducted at Shiroli Farm, Regional Sugarcane and Jaggery research Station, Kolhapur and Agronomy Section, RCSM College of Agriculture, Kolhapur during summer season of 2023 year to study the growth and yield of summer finger millet (Eleusine coracana) as affected by foliar application of water-soluble fertilizers in a randomized block design with ten treatments replicated thrice viz. absolute control (water spray) at 45 and 60 DAS (T1), RDF (60:30:30 NPK kg ha-1) (T2), 50% RDF fb 1% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at 45 and 60 DAS (T3), 50% RDF fb 2% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at 45 and 60 DAS (T4), 75% RDF fb 1% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at 45 and 60 DAS (T5), 75% RDF&nbsp; fb 2% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at 45 and 60 DAS (T6), 50% RDF fb 1% foliar spray of KNO3&nbsp;at 45 and 60 DAS (T7), 50% RDF fb 2% foliar spray of KNO3 at 45 and 60 DAS (T8), 75% RDF fb 1% foliar spray of KNO3&nbsp;at 45 and 60 DAS (T9) and 75% RDF fb 2% foliar spray of KNO3&nbsp;at 45 and 60 DAS (T10). 
&nbsp; 
Result: The results revealed that among the various treatments, treatment RDF (60:30:30 NPK kg ha-1) recorded the highest values for growth, yield parameters and yield of summer finger millet while among the different foliar sprays the application of 75% RDF (45:23:23 NPK kg ha-1) fb 2% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at tillering (45 DAS) and flowering (60 DAS) stage recorded the highest values for growth, yield parameters and yield of summer finger millet. The lowest values were observed with the treatment absolute control (water spray) at tillering (45 DAS) and flowering (60 DAS) stage. The cost of cultivation was highest for the treatment 75% RDF (45:23:23 NPK kg ha-1) fb 2% foliar spray of KNO3&nbsp;at tillering (45 DAS) and flowering (60 DAS) stage (T10) (Rs. 58645 ha-1) and the highest B:C ratio was noted in the treatment RDF (60:30:30 NPK kg ha-1) (T2) (Rs.130036 ha-1, Rs. 74760 ha-1&nbsp;and 2.35).

Growth and Yield of Summer Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) as Affected by Foliar Application of Water-soluble Fertilizers

<div>Background:&nbsp;Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba&nbsp;L.) is important commercial crop which belongs to family Leguminosae and has capacity to fix the atmospheric nitrogen. The nitrogen fixed by the legume crop is not enough to meet the demand of short duration crop like clusterbean. Besides, the experimental site falls under arid region where drought stress and poor distribution of rain during the crop growing cycle is common which affects the crop growth and productivity. Drawing on these insights, the study was planned to assess the performance of cluster bean with objectives to quantify water balance and to calculate suitable levels of irrigation and nitrogen. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;The experiment was conducted at research farm, Agricultural research sub-station, Hanumangarh, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner during Kharif, 2016. Cluster bean variety RGC-1055 with seed rate of 16 kg ha-1 was planted with 3 levels of irrigation (100, 200 and 300 mm) and 4 levels of nitrogen (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1) and analyzed in split plot design with three replications.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;Results showed by that the irrigation and nitrogen application rates significantly influenced the growth parameters, yield, nitrogen content and uptake by cluster bean. Irrigation level 200 mm significantly increased leaf area index at 60 DAS (2.62), dry matter accumulation (DMA) at 60 DAS and harvest (16.51 and 42.62 g plant-1), crop growth rate at 30-60 DAS and at harvest (0.36 and 0.62 g m-2 day-1), relative growth rate at 60- at harvest (1.59 g g-1 day-1), grain yield (1624 kg ha-1), straw yield (3645 kg ha-1) and biological yield (5270 kg ha-1) over irrigation level 100 mm, but statistically at par with irrigation level 300 mm. However, leaf area index at harvest (1.24) was highest at 300 mm irrigation level. Nitrogen level at 40 kg ha-1&nbsp;significantly increased leaf area index at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest (0.19, 2.65 and 1.16), dry matter accumulation at 60 DAS and at harvest (19.62 and 49.58 g plant-1), crop growth rate at 30-60 DAS and 60- harvest (0.46 and 0.71 g m-2 day-1), relative growth rate at 30-60 DAS and 60-harvest (1.26 and 1.66 g g-1 day-1), grain yield (1668 kg ha-1), straw yield (3696 kg ha-1) and biological yield (5364 kg ha-1) over control. The highest nitrogen content and uptake in grain and straw was obtained with irrigation level at 300 mm and nitrogen level @ 60 kg ha-1.</div>

Performance of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) under Varying Levels of Irrigation and Nitrogen

<div style="text-align: justify;">A field experiment was conducted on sandy clay loam soils of Tirupati Campus of ANGR Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh to optimise the sowing time and nutrient needs of rabi pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] for its sustained productivity and profitability. Three sowing times: II FN of September, I FN of October and II FN of October; three nutrient levels (N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1): 10-40-0, 20-50-10 and 30-60-20 and two foliar treatments: NAA (25 ppm) and DAP (2%) at 60 DAS, 60 and 80 DAS were tested on LRG 41 pigeonpea cultivar in split-split plot design, replicated thrice. Earliest sown pigeonpea (II FN September) resulted in significantly higher seed yield (1700 kg ha-1) and net returns ( 32239) due to improvement in yield attributes like pod bearing branches plant-1, number of pods branch-1, number of seeds pod-1 and test weight. Highest nutrient level (30-60-20 NPK ha-1) produced significantly higher seed yield (1589 kg ha-1) and net returns (28448) due to improvement in yield attributes. Foliar application of NAA (25 ppm) and DAP (2%) applied at 60 and 80 DAS recorded significantly highest seed yield (1434 kg ha-1) and net returns (24111) due to its positive effect on pigeonpea yield attributes. Benefit:cost ratio was significantly high (2.71) due to earliest sowing, highest level of nutrient supply (2.46) and foliar application of NAA (25 ppm) and DAP (2%) applied at 60 and 80 DAS (2.26). Early sowings resulted in significantly higher seed yields at higher levels of nutrient supply. Foliar application of DAP (2%) at 60 and 80 DAS recorded significantly higher pigeonpea yield with early sowings. Early sown pigeonpea resulted in significantly higher seed yield at all levels of nutrient supply and foliar applications. Rabi redgram gave optimum yield and economic returns sown during II FN of September with 30-60-20 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1 along with foliar spray of NAA (25 ppm) and DAP (2 per cent) twice at 60 and 80 DAS.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Optimising Sowing Time and Nutrient Needs of rabi Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in alfisols of Andhra Pradesh</div>

<div>Background: Intercropping is an effective tool to enhance productivity, biodiversity and stability of the fragile agro-ecosystem. In the era of shrinking resources, intercropping based on pulse crops like soybean can play an important role in crop diversification as well as agricultural sustainability. But, the information on soybean based intercropping systems is limited and needs to be explored for north-west India. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the effect of different soybean based intercropping systems under different planting patterns on productivity, profitability and energetics. Soybean crop was planted as sole as well as in intercropping systems viz., soybean (45 cm) + mung bean &nbsp;(1:1), soybean (45 cm) + cowpea fodder (1:1), soybean (45 cm) + groundnut &nbsp;(1:1), soybean (45 cm) + maize fodder (1:1) , soybean (60 cm) + &nbsp;mash (1:1), soybean (60 cm) + &nbsp;mung bean &nbsp;(1:2), soybean (60 cm) + &nbsp;cowpea fodder (1:2), soybean (60 cm) + &nbsp;groundnut (1:2), soybean (60 cm) + &nbsp;maize fodder (1:2) and soybean (60 cm) + maize (grain) (1:1).&nbsp; 
 
Result: The pooled results over two years elucidated that soybean equivalent yield was affected significantly by different intercropping systems. Soybean (45 cm) + groundnut (1:1) produced the highest soybean equivalent yield and it was significantly better than all other systems except soybean (60 cm) + groundnut in 1:2 row ratio. Similar trend was followed by production efficiency. Both, soybean (45 cm) + groundnut (1:1) and soybean (60cm) + groundnut (1:2) systems produced significantly higher energy productivity as compared to sole soybean. The highest gross (Rs. 98185 /ha) and net returns (Rs. 56122/ha) were obtained in soybean (45 cm) + groundnut (1:1) intercropping system whereas the highest benefit cost ratio was obtained in soybean (60 cm) + maize fodder (1:2) system.</div>

<div>Energetics, Productivity and Profitability of Soybean (Glycine max)-Based Intercropping Systems under Different Planting Patterns</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Higher serum Non Esterified Fatty acid (SNEFA) concentration associated with negative energy balance (NEB) around calving has been used to predict dairy animals at risk for metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the SNEFA, Altered Non Esterified Fatty Acid percentage (ANEFAP) levels and Service period (SP) in forty eight dairy buffaloes allotted to three dry period lengths (&gt; 60 d (n=16); 46 to 60 d (n=16); and 30 to 45 d (n=16)). The serum NEFA and ANEFAP levels were influenced by length of dry period and pre and postpartum periods of the entire experimental study. The NEFA concentration showed an increased trend from the time of drying to 60 days postpartum, followed by a decreased trend from 60 to 90 days postpartum, irrespective of the groups. The NEFA concentration has increased (P&lt;0.05) with higher postpartum ANEFAP levels (P&lt;0.05), either pre or postpartum in the buffaloes allotted to traditional dry period group. SNEFA concentration was negatively correlated with serum glucose (SG) concentration (P&lt;0.01) and 6% FCM (P&lt;0.05) at 30 and 60 d postpartum, respectively. The mean days required for postpartum conception were highest (P&lt;0.05) in first group (144.38 &plusmn; 5.62) followed by second (105.00 &plusmn; 5.07) and third group (86.25 &plusmn; 5.39) buffaloes. Additionally, the success rate of insemination was less in group I compared to the other shortened dry period groups. In the present study, it is concluded that the buffaloes in shortened dry period groups adapt well to the negative energy balance compared to those allotted to conventional dry period lengths (60 or &gt; 60 days). &nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Extent of adaptation of high yielding murrah buffaloes to negative energy balance in response to various dry period lengths</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present investigation was carried out during Kharif &nbsp;2016 at ZAHRS, Navile, Shivamogga. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. There were 24 treatment combinations comprised of three different environments (polyhouse, shadenet and open field) and eight spacing treatments (45 cm x 30 cm, 45 cm x 45 cm, 45 cm x 60 cm, 45 cm x 75 cm, 60 cm x 30 cm, 60 cm x 45 cm, 60 cm x 60 cm, 60 cm x 75 cm). The obtained results showed that all the characters were markedly affected by different environments and spacing. Among different environments significantly higher plant height (325.17cm), number of primary branches (12.46), number of pods per plant (21.66), pod length (70.67 cm), pod girth (3.73 cm), pod weight per plant (31.13 g), yield per plant (458.21 g) and higher pod yield per 1000 m2 (1605.99 kg) were recorded in polyhouse. Among spacing treatments significantly higher number of primary branches (12.91), pods per plant (22.30), pod length (71.73 cm), pod girth (3.94 cm), pod weight per plant (33.11g) and pod yield per plant (547.86 g) were recorded with wider spacing of 60 cm x 75 cm. Highest plant height (294.29 cm) and yield per 1000 m2 (1791.68 kg) were recorded with the closer spacing of 45 cm x 30 cm. The interaction of different environments and spacing were found to be statistically non-significant for all the traits. The evaluation of production economics revealed that growing of Yardlong bean in open condition with 45 cm x 30 cm spacing was most remunerative option with a highest benefit: cost of 3.14.</div>

Effect of plant densities and different environments on productivity and profitability of Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata sub sp. sesquipedalis)

<div>Background: In central Punjab, the primary cause of depleting underground water is early transplantation of long-duration rice varieties. Because of their growth in rainy days and early maturity, the cultivation of medium-duration varieties in the low evaporation period can help to migrate the over draft of underground water. 
 
Methods: The field experiment entitled &ldquo;Effect of date of transplanting on growth and productivity of the rice (Oriza sativa L.) cultivars&rdquo; was conducted at Research Farm of University College of Agriculture, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda to study the impact of date of transplanting on growth and productivity of the rice cultivars during kharif season in 2019. The trail was laid out in split plot design with three dates of transplanting (June 15, June 25 and July 5) in main plot and three rice cultivars (PR 122, PR 126 and PUSA 44) in sub plot, replicated thrice. 
 
Result: Transplanting on 15 June crop recorded significantly higher plant height at 30, 60 DAT and at harvest viz. 67.4, 110.0 and 122.6 cm respectively; number of tillers at 30, 60 DAT and at harvest viz. 59.4, 58.2 and 46.2 respectively; leaf area index (LAI) at 60 DAT (3.1); dry matter accumulation (DMA) at&nbsp; 30, 60 DAT and at harvest viz. 8.5, 26.7 and 132.6 q/ha respectively; number of days taken to panicle initiation (57.6); number of days taken for 50 per cent flowering (64.1); effective tillers per meter row length (38.6); panicle length (26.1 cm); panicle weight (6.1 g); number of grains per panicle (177.9); 1000-grain weight (31.0g); grain yield (72.2 q/ha); straw yield (161.1 q/ha); harvest index (33.4%). The grain yield was at par with June 25. Among the cultivars, PUSA 44 recorded significantly higher plant height at 30, 60 DAT and at harvest viz. 70.6, 117.4 and 128.6 cm respectively; number of tillers at 30, 60 DAT and at harvest viz. 65.0, 60.3 and 50.4 respectively; leaf area index (LAI) at 60 DAT (3.4); dry matter accumulation (DMA) at&nbsp; 30, 60 DAT and at harvest viz. 9.5, 31.3 and 153.4 q/ha respectively; number of days taken to panicle initiation (65.2); number of days taken for 50 per cent flowering (68.7); effective tillers per meter row length (43.2); panicle length (27.5 cm); panicle weight (6.5 g); number of grains per panicle (195.7); 1000-grain weight (34.7g); grain yield (80.1 q/ha); straw yield (181.2 q/ha); harvest index (34.1%). June 15 transplanting produced significantly higher grain yield which was 1.5 and 6.4% higher than June 25 and July 5 transplanting respectively. PUSA 44 produced significantly higher grain yield which was 27.3 and 17.4% higher than PR 126 and PR 122 respectively. All the interaction effect of date of transplanting and rice cultivars recorded non-significant results.</div>