<div>Background: Madras Red sheep is a well-recognized meat type breed reared only on free range system to yield tasty meat. The aim of this study was to determine the gross, microanatomical and ultrastructural details of the interdigital gland in Madras Red sheep. 
 
Methods: The interdigital glands were removed immediately after slaughter and subjected for gross morphological, histological, immunohistochemical studies and ultrastructural observations.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results revealed that a well-developed tobacco-pipe shaped interdigital gland was present in all the four limbs which was composed of an orifice, excretory duct, body and bent or flexure. Histologically, wall of the gland was composed of epidermis, dermis and capsule from within outward. Epidermis was made of stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Dermis was composed of dense irregular connective tissue with sweat, sebaceous glands, arrectores pili muscle and hair follicles were embedded within. The sweat gland appeared as group of tortuous tubules under scanning electron microscope. The oily secretion of the gland helps in maintaining the healthiness of foot during movement of the animal.&nbsp;</div>

Gross, Microanatomical and Ultrastructural Studies of Interdigital Gland in Madras Red Sheep (Ovis aries)

The aim was to investigate distribution characteristics of melanocytes in Taihe Silky Fowl&rsquo;s skin by Lillie&rsquo;s and DOPA staining methods and transmission electron microscopy. According to the present results, mature melanocytes were mainly located in basal layer of epidermis and hair follicle bulbs, whereas the amelanotic melanocytes were in the outer root sheath of hair follicles. In various partial skins, maturity levels of melanocytes generally were as: claw skin&gt;rear skin&gt;dorsal skin&gt;abdominal skin&gt;wattle skin&gt;cockscomb skin. In mature melanocytes, melanosomes were divided into stage I, II, III and IV, and mostly belonged to stage IV. To conclude, melanocytes in hairy skin more easily reached mature status than in meaty skin and the melanocytes in dorsal skin matured faster than in abdominal skin as well. Furthermore, the melanin migration was subjected to the strict control of melanocytes, but had nothing to do with keratinocytes.

Distribution rule of melanocytes in Taihe Silky Fowl&rsquo;s black skin

<div>Background: Gmelina arborea Roxb. is a fast-growing plant that has been utilized as feed resource for livestock production particularly for goat production. However, this plant was noted to contain toxic compounds which can affect the production and performance of livestock animals. These contradictory results is the primary reason of determining the localization of secondary products which is commonly noted as toxic compounds in plants. Thus, this study aims to provide baseline information on cell and tissue localization of different plant secondary products present in Gmelina arborea. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Field-laboratory investigation was conducted in the last quarter of 2021. Localization of these compounds were determined by sectioning and histochemical analysis. Stains and reagents were used to detect the location of these compounds. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Most of the secondary products were detected in the epidermis, parenchyma and collenchyma in the cortex and near vascular tissues and mesophyll cells of the lamina. The results of this study support the results of different phytochemical studies conducted using this plant. This is an indicator that plant secondary products are widely distributed in the different parts of the plant. Considering plants as forage for livestock, especially for goats, necessitates the consideration on the presence and localization of these phytochemicals as these may have nutritional and toxic effects.</div>

Histochemical Analysis of Gmelina arborea Roxb. and its Implication as Forage for Goats

Background: Button mushrooms have long been esteemed for their significant contribution to addressing various human ailments. Their delectable taste, rich flavor and enticing aroma render them a coveted centerpiece on every dining table. However, their inherent susceptibility to decay, owing to a rapid transpiration rate and thin epidermis, typically results in spoilage within a mere two days post-harvest. 
 
Methods: The current experiments was done at Banaras Hindu University to investigate the effect of different temperature, chemical and MAP treatments on physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. Chemically treated button mushrooms with CaCl2, citric acid and 0.1% sorbitol were packed in two MAP air compositions followed by storage at 8oC and 12oC for 16 days and observations were recorded at an interval of 4 days for 16 days.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Chemically treated button mushrooms with the gas composition of 12% CO2; 6% O2 exhibit better quality retention parameters at 8oC, resulting in a shelf life of around 16 days. Blanched samples exhibit more tissue exudation and browning, responsible for fast tissue degradation and quality loss. Blanched samples without modified atmosphere packaging underwent spoilage and decay after eight days at 8oC.

Comparative Evaluation of Storage Temperatures on Physiological and Microbiological Parameters of Chemically Treated Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Stored under Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP)

Background: Fertilization is an important cultural practice used to support plant growth and development. Fertilizers provide plants with the nutrients they need, which help them to photosynthesize, grow and develop. Fertilizers are divided into two groups: organic and synthetic. Organic fertilizers are derived from organic materials such as manure, compost and bat guano. Synthetic fertilizers are produced using chemical methods.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This study was conducted to determine the effects of different synthetic and organic fertilizer applications on silage quality and some micromorphological characteristics in maize plants. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The RX-9292 silage maize variety was used as the plant material. Six different organic and synthetic fertilizer types with different contents (Control, Synthetic Fertilizer-1 (20 kg N, 8 kg P and 8 kg K per decare), Synthetic Fertilizer-2 (20 kg N, 10 kg P and 10 kg K per decare), Poultry Manure, Cattle Manure and Vermicompost). were used in the study. The ADF (%) (Acid Detergent Insoluble Fiber), NDF (%) (Neutral Detergent Insoluble Fiber), ADL (%) (Acid Detergent Insoluble Lignin), SDMR (%); (Silage Dry Matter Content) properties of the silage obtained were then examined. Additionally, the thickness of the cuticle, number and size of stoma-epidermis cells and stoma index of the leaves were measured and observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy.&nbsp; 
 
Result: As a result of the measurements and observations, it was found that both synthetic and organic fertilizer applications increased the yield and quality values in silage maize, but synthetic fertilizer applications were more advantageous than organic fertilizers. However, considering the environmental damage of synthetic fertilizers and the importance of organic fertilizer applications for animal health, organic fertilization is thought to be more appropriate.

Effects of Different Synthetic and Organic Fertilizer Applications on the Micromorphological Characteristics of Maize (Zea mays L.) Leaves and Some Silage Quality Traits

Background: Between 2021-2023, the harmfulness of Helicoverpa armigera (H&uuml;bner)&nbsp; and Spodoptera exigua (H&uuml;bner) on different varieties of pepper was studied in the pepper fields of Khoronk community. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Studies on the harmfulness of H. armigera (H&uuml;bner) and S. exigua (H&uuml;bner) were carried out in 2021-2023 in the pepper fields of Khoronk community of Armavir marz. Experiments were carried out on the main 7 varieties cultivated in the community, to the methodology adopted in entomology. 
&nbsp; 
Result: As a result of studies, it was revealed that both pests damage plants in the larval stage. They feed on the vegetative and generative organs of the plant. Young larvae of S. exigua (H&uuml;bner) feed on newly opened leaves, enter into the leaves, cover them with a web and feed inside it. They then come out and spread over the plant and feed on leaves of different heights, as a result of which&nbsp; scratches of irregular shape and size occur on the leaves. Most mature larvae enter the fruit, feed on the seeds, because of which the fruit rot. Larvae&nbsp; of H. armigera (H&uuml;bner) initially feed on flowers and flower buds, and after some time they move on to leaves. Larvae feed on the upper and epidermis of the leaf, leaving the lower unharmed. As a result of the damage, the dries up, falls off, and the leaves look porous. Mature larvae mostly damage the fruit. Larvae enter the fruit from anywhere in the fruit, opening deep holes. They feed on seeds in the fruit. Damaged fruits begin to ripen prematurely, various harmful pathogens penetrate from the damaged areas, as a result of which the fruits rot. According to the results of studies carried out on 7 different varieties of pepper during the period of intensive development of H. armigera (H&uuml;bner) and S. exigua (H&uuml;bner), the most significant damage by pests was recorded in Hayk variety, and the least in Arevaham variety. 
&nbsp;

Pests of Helicoverpa armigera (H&uuml;bner) and Spodoptera exigua (H&uuml;bner) in Pepper Fields in Armenia

Background: Growth factors are active substances secreted by a variety of cells, acting as messengers to regulate cell migration, proliferation or differentiation, which had important regulatory roles in the growth of individual cells, tissues or organs. Growth factors can regulate the proliferation and differentiation ability of cells, which keep the internal environment stable and affect the body size. 
 
Methods: In order to investigate the influence of the changes of growth factors contents on body size in Eothenomys miletus from Hengduan mountain regions, E. miletus in Dali (DL), Jianchuan (JC), Lijiang (LJ), Xianggelila (XGLL) and Deqin (DQ) were collected and their 7 morphological indicators and 9 growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor1 (IGF1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), growth hormone release inhibitory factor (GRIF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transcription elongation factor1 (TCEA1), a disintegrin and metalloprotease17 (ADAM7), branched-chain amino acid transaminase1 (BCAT1), high mobility group protein1 (HMG1) were measured. 
 
Result: The results showed that body size of E. miletus among five regions had significant differentiated, body mass, body length, forelimb length, hind limb length, tail length, IGF, bFGF, EGF, PDGF, TCEA1 contents in DL, JC and LJ were greater than those of in XGLL and DQ and the contents of GRIF, ADAM7, BCAT1 and HMG1 were also different, decreasing with the increasing of regional latitude. Moreover, the increases in the contents of growth factors lead to the increase of body size in E. miletus, which does not support Bergman&#39;s law. Regional differences in body size of E. miletus in different regions may be related to the changes in body mass, morphological indicators and the content of growth factors. Moreover, growth factors may affect the body size of E. miletus by affecting the proliferation of bone, epidermis, muscle and differentiation of cells.

Body Size Effect in Eothenomys miletus of Different Regions from Hengduan Mountain Regions: Roles of Growth Factor Contents

<div style="text-align:justify">
Background: Skin is a versatile organ, which is extremely important for protection, perception, water regulation and wound healing. The skin of goat is considered extremely durable used by the tannery Industry to make rugs and carpet binding. 
&nbsp;

Methods: The present study was conducted on the skin of goats of either sex to study the age wise changes in the histomorphology, histochemistry and histoenzymology of dermis. The skin samples were collected from Nagpur Muncipal Corporation Slaughter house immediately after natural death and subsequently processed and stained for histological, histochemical and histoenzymic studies. The total of 220 samples, 20 each from different body regions namely dorsal neck, lateral neck, ventral neck, dorsal thorax, lateral thorax, ventral thorax, dorsal abdomen, lateral abdomen, ventral abdomen, lateral thigh and medial thigh were collected. The animals were divided into two groups, viz. six to twelve month of age (Gr I) and above one year age (Gr II). 
&nbsp;

Result: It was observed that the dermis was composed of collagen, elastic, reticular fibers, cells of connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and arrector pili muscles in all body regions in Gr I as well as in Gr II. The dermis was divided into thin superficial papillary layer and a thick deep reticular layer. The dermal papillae were the upward projections of superficial papillary layer between epidermal pegs. In reticular layer, fibroblasts were larger, while in papillary layer, fibroblasts were thin long, compressed and spindle shaped. The collagen fibers were more in number as compared to other fibers in dermis and they were densely arranged in papillary layer and parallel with the skin surface below the epidermis. The elastic fibers were present in between the collagen fibers around the blood vessels and hair follicles. The arteriovenous shunt was found surrounded by capsule of connective tissue consisting of smooth muscle cells. The more number of hair follicles at deep part of papillary layer and few follicles were present in reticular layer. The hair follicle composed of outer root sheath, inner root sheath, cortex and medulla. The depth of primary hair follicle increased with the advancement of age. Moderate PAS positive activity was noted in the papillary layer, while it was weak to moderate in reticular layer. The reticular layer of the dermis showed moderate Sudan black B activity for the presence of lipid than the papillary layer. The mild acid phosphatase activity was seen in the papillary and reticular layer of dermis, while moderate acid phosphatase activity was noticed in the blood vessels. A mild alkaline phosphatase activity was present in dermis in Gr I and Gr II. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion: The present study would form a baseline data on the histomorphology, histochemistry and histoenzymology of skin of goat which would be helpful in future research prospective.
</div>

Histomorphological, Histochemical and Histoenzymic Studies on the Dermis of Skin of Goat (Capra hircus)

<div style="text-align: justify;">An anatomical study was carried out at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, in 2017, on lupine crop (Lupinus albus) as a comparison guide of three seed weights of three lupine cultivars viz. &lsquo;Giza-1&rsquo;, &lsquo;Giza-2&rsquo; and &lsquo;Hamburg&rsquo;. The nested design was used with four replications. The results showed that cultivars had a significant effect on stem anatomical traits. &lsquo;Hamburg&rsquo; cultivar recorded the highest stem diameter, cortex thickness and xylem vascular diameter, while cultivar &lsquo;Giza-1&rsquo; recorded the lowest values for the same traits as well as the highest collenchyma layer thickness, vascular bundle thickness, and xylem thickness. Cultivar &lsquo;Giza-2&rsquo; recorded the lowest vascular bundle thickness and xylem thickness. The interaction between cultivar and seed weight was significant. &lsquo;Hamburg&rsquo; cultivar was superior to both &lsquo;Giza-1&rsquo; and &lsquo;Giza-2&rsquo; anatomically. &lsquo;Hamburg&rsquo; cultivar with lower seed weight was found best for field sowing to get higher yield with lower seed cost.</div>

Effect of seed weight on stem anatomical characters in white lupine (Lupinus albus L.) cultivars

<div style="text-align: justify;">A laboratory experiment was carried out at the College of Agriculture University of &nbsp;Baghdad in 2017. The aim was to improve the anatomical and physiological traits of broad bean seedling under salt stress by soaking it in salicylic acid. The concentrations of salicylic acid were 0, 10, and 20 mg L-1 and the electrical conductivity levels were 0, 3, and 6 dS m-1. The complete randomized design was used with four replications. The increasing of salicylic acid concentration up to 10 mg L-1 led to increasing the stem cortex thickness, stem vascular bundles thickness, and root cortex thickness significantly by (34.9,36.7,and 55 &micro;m) respectively, while the treatment of 20 mg L-1 led to decreasing these traits by (28.2, 27.8, and 48.1 &micro;m), compared to control treatment (33.8, 35.9, and 53.8 &micro;m), respectively, and the interaction of studied factors led to increasing those traits up to 10 mg L-1 and then decreased up to 20 mg L-1 of salicylic acid under each level of electrical conductivity. Therefore, it is recommended to soak the broad been seeds with 10 mg L-1 salicylic acid to improve the anatomical traits of seedlings and increase their tolerance to salt stress up to 6 dS m-1.</div>