<div style="text-align: justify;">An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of ghee residue on growth performance of Japanese quails. Ghee residue (GR) was included in the diet at 0 (T1), 5 (T2), 10 (T3) and 15 (T4) percent levels and fed to 500 Japanese quails, randomly divided into four treatment groups with five replicates each with twenty birds. The experimental diet was isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The estimated TME, CP and EE of GR were 4800kcal/kg, 24.46% and 40.78%, respectively. The highest body weight (213.55g) with best FE (2.62) was observed at 5% GR fed group (T2). Feed consumption and mortality did not differ significantly among various treatments. Slaughter yield was highest at 5% GR fed group. However, the body weight, FE and carcass yield at 5 and 10% GR fed groups remained statistically similar to that of control. Organoleptic study revealed that the meat of 10% GR fed group (T3) was more acceptable compared to others. Breast muscle cholesterol level was highest in GR fed groups (T2 to T4) compared to control (T1). GR Supplementation at all levels resulted in reduction of feed cost with highest reduction at 15% level (Rs.1.46/kg) but reduction in performance was observed at the same level. It was concluded that ghee residue could be included in the broiler quail diet as an energy, protein and fat source up to 10% level.</div>

Effect of dietary supplementation of ghee residue on the performance of Japanese quails

<div>Background: Left over feed is still an unnoticed problem at organized dairy farms which often leads to considerable economic losses. This study was done to assess the feasibility of treated left over feed and performance of crossbred dairy cattle for a period of 150 days during winter and spring seasons.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: 24 healthy crossbred (Vrindavani) animals (8-12 months of age) were randomly selected to four different groups viz. Group-1 (Gr-1): 100% treated leftover feed; Group-2(Gr-2): 75% treated feed; Group-3 (Gr-3): 50% treated feed and Group-4(Gr-4) or Control: 100% green fodder. The leftover feed F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5 and F-6 were treated with combination of 1% urea+5% molasses+0.5% salt, 1% urea+5% molasses+1% salt, 1% urea+10% molasses+0.5% salt, 1% urea+10% molasses+1% salt, 5% molasses+0.5% salt and 10% molasses+0.5% salt, respectively. Each feed was offered for a period of one month to each group and animals were rearranged after every trial. Adjustment period of one week was given after every treatment. 
 
Result: The palatability score was found significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in Gr-1 than other treatment groups. The Gr-3 animals had equivalent palatability and weight gain in compared with control group. The average feeding cost per animal at farm was 80Rs. under normal circumstances. Analyzed data revealed that feeding cost was reduced significantly in Gr-1, Gr-2 and Gr-3 respectively. It can be concluded that the leftover feed can efficiently and economically be utilized for feeding to various classes of dairy animals under farm conditions and provide a better option during the scarcity period.</div>

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Performance Evaluation of Crossbred Cattle Fed Treated Leftover Feed

<div>Background: As cats undergo stress at the time of presentation before surgery and therefore sedation is required often. It is very difficult to choose a balanced anaesthetic protocol during the surgical intervention in the case of a cat. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ketamine hydrochloride in combination with midazolam, dexmedetomidine and butorphanol as balanced anaesthesia on clinico-physiological, haematological, serum biochemical profile in the surgical management of cats undergoing neutering. 
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Methods: The study was performed on 18 clinical cases of cats which were brought to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (CVSc and AH), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram for elective surgery such as neutering. Cats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups, i.e. Gr. A, Gr. B and Gr. C. Animals were premedicated with glycopyrrolate @ 0.01 mg/kg, i/m. After 10 minutes of premedication, in Gr. A ketamine hydrochloride @15 mg/kg and midazolam @ 0.5 mg/kg, in Gr. B ketamine hydrochloride @10 mg/ kg and dexmedetomidine@ 5 mcg /kg and in Gr. C ketamine hydrochloride @ 5 mg/kg, dexmedetomidine@ 5 mcg/kg and butorphanol @ 0.2 mg/kg was administered intramuscularly. Clinico-physiological and haemato-biochemical profiles were evaluated at 0 minute (baseline), then at 15, 30 and 60 minutes after administration of anaesthetic agents to evaluate their anaesthetic effect.&nbsp; 
 
Result: In the case of time for induction, the quality of induction, assessment of peri-operative analgesia, depth of anaesthesia and quality of recovery there was no significant difference among all three groups. In Gr. B, animals showed significantly higher duration of recumbency (DOE) and recovery. The assessment of peri-operative analgesic effect among the groups revealed that analgesia during the perioperative period appeared best in Gr. C protocol. In regards to depth of anaesthesia, ketamine hydrochloride in combination with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol group showed a better result. Rectal temperature decreased significantly (P&gt;0.05) up to 60th minutes in Gr. A, but it remained within the physiological range. Heart rate raised significantly (p&lt;0.05) from the baseline (0 minutes) onwards and decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) till the end (60 minutes) of the study in Gr. C. The respiration rate was significantly (p&lt;0.01) different in between time intervals for all three groups. No significant difference was observed on haemato-biochemical observation except glucose level which significantly increased after induction of anaesthesia. In conclusion, treatment with ketamine hydrochloride in combination with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol led to acceptable sedation and mild changes in clinico-physiological, haematological, serum biochemical profile in comparison to the other two groups.</div>

Evaluation of Ketamine Hydrochloride in Combination with Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol as Balanced Anaesthesia in Cats

<div>Background: Selection process for milk performance traits has left remarkable selection signatures in the genome and their identification can guide to utilize under genomic breeding programs for improving productivity in dairy cattle. 
 
Methods: This study utilizes genotype data of Sahiwal (19), Tharparkar (17) and Gir (16) to identify selection signatures in the genomes of Sahiwal-Gir (SW-GR), Sahiwal-Tharparkar (SW-TP) and Tharparkar-Gir (TP-GR) breed pairs by using FST approaches. The highest FST peaks (FST &gt;0.25) were considered as selection signature region. The functional genes underlying signature regions controlling milk performance traits were also annotated. 
 
Result: We identified 41, 29 and 60 selection signatures exhibiting footprints of positive selection among SW-GR, SW-TP and TP-GR breed pairs, respectively. The selection signals controlling milk performance traits were detected as ACADL, SLC26A2, PLCB1, SYT9 genes mapped on chromosome 2, 7, 13 and 15, respectively for SW-GR breed pair. Selection signature regions in the genome of SW-TP breed revealed genes ATPAF1, LEF1, PPARGC1B, EIF6 and ACSS3 for milk production. Furthermore, PLA2R1, SCP2, ATPAF1, CACNA2D1, LEF1 and SUMF1 genes were identified in TP-GR breed pair controlling metabolism and morphogenesis of mammary gland. Moreover, HSPB6, LTBP1, SLIT3, FSHR and ASIP genes were also found in association with thermo-tolerance, disease resistance, immunity, reproduction and coat colour in our indigenous dairy cattle breeds.</div>

Identification of Selection Signatures for Milk Performance Traits among Indigenous Dairy Cattle Breeds using High Density Genomic Information

<div>Background: The huge decline in grazing resources and many fold increase in stocking rate has made goat farming unsustainable and uneconomic under extensive system, therefore, it has become essential to explore and develop alternative and strategic goat production system. The present study was undertaken to compare the performance of male barbari goats fed with and without green fodder under stallfed system to develop a goat farming model for peri urban/ rainfed region where availability of green fodder is exclusive and costly. 
 
Methods: Twelve Barbari male kids of average body weight 13.49&plusmn;0.54 kg at 4 months of age were randomly divided into two equal groups (Gr 1 and Gr 2) of 6 animals each. The animals of Gr 1 was fed with concentrate pellet (16% crude protein), green and dry fodder while kids in Gr 2 were fed with concentrate pellet, dry fodder and no green fodder for a period of 150 days (up to 9 month of their age). Growth parameters, carcass parameters and cost benefit analysis were carried out. 
 
Result: Average slaughter weight, daily weight gain (g), empty body weight, carcass weight and dressing % was 26.31&plusmn;1.99 kg, 85.53&plusmn;8.17 g, 22.09 kg, 13.18 kg and 49.13% in group-I and 25.8&plusmn;1.16 kg, 82.0&plusmn;4.13 g, 21.91 kg, 12.91 kg and 48.88% respectively in group-II. Differences between kids of both the groups for above growth and carcass parameters were non-significant. Net profit per kid fed with green and without green fodder when sold at Rs. 250/kg live weight was Rs. 2381.17 and Rs. 2347.72 respectively and Rs 3696.67 in Gr 1 and Rs 3637.72 in Gr 2 if sold @ Rs. 300/kg live weight. Present study concluded that the Barbari growing kids could be profitably raised for mutton production exclusively on concentrate and dry fodder without deteriorating slaughter weight and carcass quality. This model of goat farming is technically and economically viable for commercial goat farming and also benefits resource poor traditional goat farmers in big way by making goat based self-help groups.</div>

<div>Growth, Carcass and Economic Evaluation of Barbari Kids Reared with and Without Green Fodder under Stall-feeding in Semi-arid Region of India</div>

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

<div>Background: Soil compaction can occur due to the intensity of tractor traffic in the tillage process. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in physical, mechanical properties of the soil and plant growth that occurred due to tractor traffic and how it would affect if the addition of organic matter (compost) was added to the soil. 
 
Methods: The experimental work was conducted at the Sugarcane Plantation of PTPN II Klumpang at an initial soil moisture content of 24.69% and a bulk density of 1.08 gr/cm3 with compost and no compost then the land is traversed by the tractor with 2,4 and 6 passes. 
 
Result: The results of&nbsp; indicate that the tractor trajectory and the addition of compost have a significant effect on soil compaction. The highest values for water content, bulk density, particle density and penetration resistance were obtained at 6 times tractor traffic with soil without compost sowing respectively 35.36%, 1.31 gr/cm3, 1.87 gr/cm3, 9.61 kgf/cm2, while in soil with compost, the values obtained were 33.62%, 1.23 gr/cm3, 1.82 gr/cm3, 9.04 kgf/cm2, respectively. These findings indicated that the application of compost can reduce the level of soil density so that plant growth becomes better and more even rate of plant growth is obtained than without compost.</div>

Effect of Soil Compaction due to Organic Matter and 4-Wheel Tractor Traffic on Sugarcane Growth

<div>Background: Anestrus is one of the most commonly encountered infertility problems in cattle and buffalo in India. Jaffarabadi is one of the heaviest buffalo breeds of the world and is a native of Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The breed is known for poor reproductive efficiency. To improve its reproductive efficiency, this study was undertaken on acyclic Jaffarabadi animals employing double Ovsynch protocol and its assessment through ovarian dynamics and blood biochemical and endocrine profile on a farm.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study included acyclic post-pubertal Jaffarabadi heifers (age 42&plusmn;2 and 48&plusmn;2 months; Gr-I and Gr-II, n=6 each) and the postpartum lactating acyclic buffaloes (Gr-III, n=6) using a double Ovsynch protocol, which consisted of i/m injections of 20 &micro;g Buserelin acetate on days 0, 10, 17 and 26 and 500 &micro;g Cloprostenol sodium on days 7 and 24, with a timed insemination on day 27. Ovarian dynamics was monitored by performing ultrasonography using real-time B-mode ultrasound scanner together with blood sampling for hormonal and biochemical profile on each day of hormone therapy and then on days 0, 12, 21 and 35 post-AI. The animals inseminated at induced estrus/FTAI were followed for return to estrus, if any. Pregnancy was confirmed in non-return cases on day 35 by ultrasonography and on day 70 by per rectal examination. The findings on ovarian dynamics, plasma endocrine and biochemical profile were compared statistically between groups and periods and fertility rates between groups. 
 
Result: In animals of treatment group I and II, a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in numbers of small follicles was observed on day 26. Number of large sized follicles was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher on day 26 in comparison to day 0 and day 7 in group III animals. Large and subordinate follicular diameters increased gradually, but the differences between periods were significant (p&lt;0.001) only in group III with the highest diameter of large follicle on day 17. Plasma FSH and LH concentrations differed significantly (p&lt;0.001) among groups at all-time intervals. Plasma LH in group I and III differed significantly (p&lt;0.001). Plasma estrogen level was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in group II than group III. Plasma progesterone concentrations in group I and II animals were significantly higher on day 35 post-AI. Plasma insulin levels were significantly (p&lt;0.01) lower on all days for group III animals than group I and II. Blood glucose level was significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher in group I on day 17 as compared to group II and III. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in group III as compared to group I and II. The conception rates at first service/FTAI in double Ovsynch treated animals of group I, II and III were 66.66, 83.33 and 16.66 %, respectively. Thus it was concluded that ovarian structures and the plasma endocrine profile reflected the ovarian response to different hormonal injections and that double Ovsynch protocol could be a better choice for improving conception rate in post-pubertal acyclic Jaffarabadi buffalo heifers as compared to multiparous acyclic buffaloes.</div>

Evaluation of Double Ovsynch Protocol in Acyclic Jaffarabadi Heifers and Buffaloes with Respect to Ovarian Dynamics, Hormonal Profile and Fertility

<div style="text-align: justify;">This study was conducted to investigate the biochemical responses of the shoot and root tissues of sainfoin to drought stress under in vitro conditions. Seeds of sainfoin were cultured on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium with addition of concentrations of PEG-6000 (50, 100, and 150 g/l). Biochemical analyzes (CAT, SOD, GR, and APX enzyme activity; proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) and chlorophyll contents) were carried out on the 35-day-old seedlings. The principal results of the study were that CAT and SOD antioxidant enzymes seemed to play a critical role in oxidative stress in both tissues of sainfoin seedlings. On the other hand, a significant decrease in GR activity and no change in APX activity detected in both tissues under stress. The contents of proline and MDA increased in both tissues while the chlorophyll contents decreased in the shoot tissue. Antioxidant enzyme activities seemed to be more active in the root tissue than the shoot tissue. Accumulation of proline was higher in the root tissue, while the MDA content was higher in the shoot tissue of the seedlings.&nbsp;</div>

Biochemical responses of sainfoin shoot and root tissues to drought stress in In vitro Culture&nbsp;

<div style="text-align: justify;">Total 246 lines from southern China were subjected to treatments under natural conditions for 4 years and artificial aging under high temperature (45&deg;C) and high humidity (95% RH) for 5 days. Seed vigor measured by the germination rate (GR), normal seedling rate (NSR), full seedling length (FSL), seedling shoot length (SSL) and seedling root length (SRL). The significant decrease was observed in the five traits with high heritability and variation. Correlation coefficients among the five traits were highly significant (r&gt;0.700), and significant correlation of these indicators between two treatments was also found with the highest r values of 0.405 for GR. Only seed protein content had weak significant positive correlation with FSL and SSL. According to the grading standard, there were five categories: high tolerance, tolerance, middle tolerance, sensitivity and high sensitivity. 12 lines with good tolerance level were identified, and will be utilized in future breeding programs to improve seed longevity in soybean.</div>