<div>Background: An investigation was carried out on twelve clinical cases of neoplasm of horn in Durg, Dhamtari and Rajnandgaon districts of Chhattisgarh, suspected of bovine horn core carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma) revealed the cytology, pathomorphology and immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of Pan-cytokeratin (Pan- CK), p53 gene, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p16 gene in tumourous growth at horn in bovines. 
 
Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation conducted during January to June 2022, we explicate the cytological, pathological and immunohistochemical alterations in bovine horn core carcinoma from 12 tissue samples. Cytological studies includes special papaniculaou staining and immunohistochemistry was performed through Benchmark automated staining system. 
 
Result: Eight out of 12 cases (66.66%) were confirmed as SCC of horn on the basis of histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Papanicolaou staining revealed variation in shape and size of cells and altered nuclear details. Grossly unilateral large cauliflower like neoplastic growth at the base of the horn was observed. Differentiation of tumours were based on histopathology and Immunohistochemistry. Well differentiated SCCs (n=4; 50%) were characterized by severe keratinization of horn epithelium with concentric arrangement forming keratin pearls also called as &ldquo;cell nests&rdquo;. Moderately differentiated SCCs (n=2; 25%) characterized by small keratin pearl formations and mitotic figures. Poorly differentiated SCCs of horn (n=2; 25%) revealed absence of distinctive keratin pearls although deep invasion from primary site was observed. Tissue samples revealed strong immunohistochemical staining of Pan-CK, p53 and EGFR and negative to p16. Highest immunohistochemical expression was observed in Pan-CK which confirmed the tumours were of epithelial origin and EGFR immunoexpression was confirmatory for malignancy and degree of metastasis.</div>

Patho-morphological and Immunohistochemical Studies on Bovine Horn Core Carcinoma

<div>Background: The study on the preen gland of Kamrupa, White leg horn and Daothigir fowl of Assam is of great value in regard to protection of skin and feather of avian species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the micro and macro anatomical observation of preen gland of integument system. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on the preen gland of fifteen healthy, adult birds of Kamrupa, White leg horn and Daothigir fowl of Assam in Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India for period of one year from 2020-2021. Those fowl were procured from different parts of Assam. The birds were sacrificed according to the method of <a href="#gracey_1968">Gracy (1968</a>). After sacrifice, preen gland were removed very carefully from the base of the tail of fowl. After collection, the tissue samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution, and were processed as per the standard technique of procedure (<a href="#luna_1968">Luna, 1968</a>). The paraffin blocks were sectioned in Shandon Finesse microtome at 5 &micro;m thickness and the sections were stained with Mayer&rsquo;s Haematoxylin and Eosin staining technique for Cellular details as per the standard method of <a href="#luna_1968">Luna (1968</a>).&nbsp; 
 
Result: In present investigation, it was observed that, macroscopically, the preen gland or oil gland or rump gland or uropygial gland of Kamrupa, White leg horn and Daothigir fowl of Assam was situated on the dorsal aspect of the base of the tail. Microscopically, the preen gland of Kamrupa, White leg horn and Daothigir fowl of Assam was bounded by connective tissue capsule. The interlobular connective tissues were observed among the secretary tubules of the gland. The preen gland parenchyma composed of secretary tubules; duct that formed trabeculae, which were differentiated by inter tubular connective tissue.</div>

​​Comparative Micro and Macro Anatomical Observation on Preen Gland of Kamrupa (Gallus domesticus), White Leg Horn (Gallus domesticus) and Daothigir Fowl (Gallus domesticus) of Assam

Background: Horned melon shows substantial potential for agricultural progress and improved climate resilience within Zimbabwe. While its cultivation by small-scale farmers in Mashonaland East is expanding, its wider economic and community contributions have yet to be thoroughly investigated. 
 
Methods: To address this gap, a mixed-methods study was undertaken in ward 20, 21 and 27 of Mutoko district, involving 135 randomly selected smallholder farmers. Data were collected via interviews, observations and semi-structured questionnaires, with quantitative data subsequently analyzed using SPSS.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A key finding revealed a strong positive Pearson correlation (r = 0.801) between perceived income benefits and the land area allocated to horned melon, indicating that economic incentives are primary drivers of cultivation decisions. Farmers reported an average market price of USD 75.00 per 50kg bag, with typical seasonal sales ranging from 15 to 18 sacks; however, a positively skewed distribution indicated that some farmers achieved significantly higher volumes. Beyond direct sales, the crop contributes to multiple living dimensions, including education, food security, healthcare, income generation and environmental sustainability, with its financial impact on schooling and essential services being especially notable. Despite its growing importance, investments in critical infrastructure, equipment and training for horned melon cultivation remain limited. These outcomes collectively underscore the horned melon&rsquo;s rising economic relevance and highlight the crucial need for targeted support to fully maximize its role in rural livings and sustainable agriculture. And policies should strengthen targeted extension programs for horned melon agronomy to equip smallholders with skills that boost productivity, quality and income.

Commercial Assessment of Horned Melon (Cucumis metuliferus) Cultivation in Local Economic Development and Social Well-being in Rural Livelihood of Zimbabwe

Oestrus ovis larvae, Linnaeus 1761 (Diptera: Oestridae) are obligatory parasites of the nasal cavity and sinuses of sheep and goats in many parts of the world. After inspection of a slaughtered goat in Kalat Naderi region in Mashhad (East of Iran) in 2012, 25 larvae were observed within the horns without any larvae being present in the sinuses. The larvae were identified morphologically as those of Oestrus ovis. Oestrosis is a widespread myiasis which may severely impair the health of small ruminants. Oestrus ovis larvae are also responsible for causing human ophthalmomyiasis, and this infection is often misdiagnosed as acute conjunctivitis. Oestrus ovis is an economically important parasite of nasal cavities and the adjoining sinuses in sheep and goats worldwide. It causes losses in meat, wool and milk production. To the author&rsquo;s knowledge, this is the first recorded case of horn infestation in goats by the larvae of Oestrus ovis in Iran without the sinuses being affected.

First case report of Oestrus ovis in horns of goat despite the healthy sinuses and nasal passages with its morphological study from Iran

<div style="text-align: justify;">Oestrus ovis larvae, Linnaeus 1761 (Diptera: Oestridae) are obligatory parasites of the nasal cavity and sinuses of sheep and goats in many parts of the world. After inspection of a slaughtered goat in Kalat Naderi region in Mashhad (East of Iran) in 2012, 25 larvae were observed within the horns without any larvae being present in the sinuses. The larvae were identified morphologically as those of Oestrus ovis.&nbsp; Oestrosis&nbsp; is&nbsp; a&nbsp; widespread&nbsp; myiasis&nbsp; which&nbsp; may&nbsp; severely&nbsp; impair&nbsp; the&nbsp; health&nbsp; of&nbsp; small ruminants. Oestrus ovis larvae are also responsible for causing human ophthalmomyiasis, and this infection is often misdiagnosed as acute conjunctivitis. Oestrus ovis is an economically important parasite of nasal cavities and the adjoining sinuses in sheep and goats worldwide. It causes losses in meat, wool and milk production. To the author&rsquo;s knowledge, this is the first recorded case of horn infestation in goats by the larvae of Oestrus ovis in Iran without the sinuses being affected.</div>

First case report of Oestrus ovis in horns of goat despite the healthy sinuses and nasal passages with its morphological study from Iran

Background: A total of 20 tissue samples from horn, eye, skin and vulva in bovines suspected of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the basis of gross pathology were collected from Durg, Dhamtari and Rajnandgaon districts of Chhattisgarh and processed in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., DSVCKV, Anjora, Durg (C.G.). 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Investigation was conducted during January to June 2022, we explicate the pathological and immunohistochemical examination including scoring and grading of squamous cell carcinoma in bovines. Histopathological examination as per standard HandE method of staining and immunohistochemistry was performed through Benchmark automated staining system. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Twelve cases were diagnosed as SCC on the basis of histopathological and eleven on the basis of immunohistochemical analysis. Grossly neoplasms of horn revealed large, cauliflower like unilateral irregular masses at the base of horn and they were friable and soft in consistency. Small, unilateral growths observed in eye varied from soft to hard in consistency. Histopathological findings in SCC of horn revealed keratinization of horn epithelium forming concentric keratin pearls. Distinctive keratin pearls with more keratin deposition towards the center, numerous mitotic figures with anaplasia and neovascularization were evident in OSCC. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong immunohistochemical expression of Pan-Cytokeratin (Pan-CK), p53 and EGFR and negative&nbsp; to p16. Immunohistochemical scoring (IHS) was done in Pan-CK, EGFR and p53, ranged from 1-4. Well differentiated SCC of horn revealed strong immunoexpression against EGFR, varied from mild to intense. SCC of horn exhibited strong immunoexpression for Pan-CK, p53 and EGFR whereas, immunoexpression in OSCC specifically p53 was less as compared to SCC of horn. Grading and differentiation of SCC (horn and eye) was also done on basis of histopathological and immunohistochemical scoring.

Pathology and Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Bovines

Spinal cord is the major nerve tract of vertebrates, extending from the brain through the vertebral canal. Primordium, the neural tube was initially with thick lateral walls having three layers: inner germinal/ependymal layer, middle mantle layer forming the gray matter and outer marginal layer forming white matter. It presented a diamond-shaped lumen with a sulcus limitans, alar, basal, roof and floor plates and limiting membranes. Gray matter of the cord occupies the central region of spinal cord and in amniotes has in cross section, the well-known &lsquo;H&rsquo; or butterfly-like shape. The white matter forms a thick peripheral zone of the cord and is divided by the gray columns into dorsal, lateral and ventral funiculi. There are three coumns for the gray matter, viz. the dorsal, ventral and lateral horns, with ventral ones being wider at the enlargements of the cord. Lateral horn appears only at thoracic, anterior lumbar and middle sacral levels. The layers of gray matter were laminae I to X. Lamina I or marginal zone capped the dorsal horn. Lamina II represented substantia gelatinosa and covered the dorsal horn, beneath marginal zone. Lamina III was an area with loosely arranged larger cells, entering the substantia gelatinosa. Lamina IV was a poorly defined cell column with nucleus proprius. Lamina V was a broad zone extending across the cervix of the dorsal horn; had spinal reticular nucleus and reticular processes. The region showed small to medium-sized cells which were most numerous in the zone between the ventral part of the dorsal horn and the lateral funiculus of white matter. Lamina VI was broad with unclear boundaries, related medially to central canal. It had compact medial and less compact lateral zones. Lamina VII shows the intermediate gray matter, with intermediolateral and intermediomedial nuclei, cervical nucleus of Stilling and Clark&rsquo;s column. Lamina VIII had cells of small and medium size and was not sharply distinguished from lamina VII. Lamina IX had alpha and gamma type of neurons, which were larger at enlargements. Ventral horn had lateral and medial nuclear groups of multipolar neurons. Medial nuclear groups were seen in all regions and lateral groups only at enlargements. Medial nuclear group had dorsomedial and ventromedial nuclei; whereas the smaller lateral nuclear group had dorsolateral and ventrolateral nuclei. In addition, the enlargements also had central and retrodorsolateral nuclei. Lamina X was seen around the central canal. Laminae varied in cell size and thickness between regions of the cord. Development of laminae and nuclei of spinal gray in fetuses corresponded to the progressive growth of muscles and skeleton. All the ten laminae were together present in the spinal gray matter by the end of gestation.

Developmental Anatomy of Gray Matter of Spinal Cord in Animals with Special Reference to Prenatal Goat: A Review

Background: The current study aims to assess the management techniques, phenotypic variability, morphometric characteristics and performance traits of the Zokel indigenous goat of Mizoram. This documentation is crucial for breed registration and the conservation of the breed via suitable breeding programs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A comprehensive investigation was conducted, involving a sample of 300 indigenous goats gathered from 64 villages. Goat rearing farmers often rely on natural grazing and locally available forages as the primary nutrition source for their herds. Various physical and biometric traits were recorded at different ages for the phenotypic characterization of the goats. These traits included body weight, body length, chest girth, height at withers, horn length, ear length and tail length, which were measured to assess the overall physical development and variations within the herd. The data were collected following the prescribed format recommended by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetics Resources, Karnal, for breed characterization. The collected data were then analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Zokel goats were found to have a small to medium body size (90-95%) and a short stature with a cylindrical body shape. The body colour of Zokel varied in different colors, which included white (45-58%), black (27-33%), brown (6-12%) and a mixed color (7-11%). Foreheads were narrower, straight and somewhat depressed in the middle (92-96%), whereas 2-5 percent had flattened and straight foreheads. Female goats have small horns with black and brown (90-93%), grey (2-6%) and mixed color (1-5%) and a little curve and slight bend at the ends upwards and backwards. Ears were small to moderate in size and oriented horizontally or drooping in a few cases. The average body length, chest girth, height at wither, horn length, ear length and tail length were 57.34&plusmn;0.75 cm, 72.12&plusmn;0.32 cm, 50.80&plusmn;0.51 cm, 8.89&plusmn;1.03 cm, 13.97&plusmn;0.21 cm and 17.78&plusmn;0.11 cm, respectively. The measurements of all morphometric traits were higher than the Assam Hill goats. The reproductive data indicates age at first mating, viz., 225.2&plusmn;8.04 days and higher kidding intervals, i.e., 232.5&plusmn;8.09 days. The results indicated that the Zokel goats showed comparable physical and morphometric traits but significant variations in proportions of these attributes compared to the other goat breeds.

Phenotypic Characterization of Zokel Goat: A Lesser Known Caprine Genetic Resource of Mizoram, India

Background: In 234 cows of Tripura desi cattle from three districts, 18 different biometric traits were measured and analyzed by PCA to explain body conformation. These traits included body length, height at withers, heart girth, paunch girth etc. The native cattle in Tripura are of a smaller breed, according to the average of these several traits.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
Methods: Six factors that accounted for roughly 75.67% of the variation overall were found using factor analysis with promax rotation. Explaining 26.07% of the total variation, factor 1 characterized the overall body structure. The measurements of tail length, shank length, heart girth, paunch girth, circumference of horn and horn length were significantly positive with high loadings. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The outcome indicates that a significant decrease in the number of biometric parameters required to record in order to explain body conformation could lead to the application of principal component analysis (PCA) in breeding programmes. As a result, the study will support conservation efforts and the stabilization of this non-descript breed of cow.

&nbsp;

Principal Component Analysis of Morphometric Traits of Tripura Desi Cattle

Background: The study on morphometric characters on Mahakaushali goat population were conducted in Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh at Seoni, Chhindwara and Balaghat districts. This is a region of central India. Mahakaushal region is lies on upper or eastern reaches of Narmada River Valley at Madhya Pradesh state. The present research work was conducted under the project sanctioned by Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, India. 
 
Methods: Identification and morphometric characterization of local goat population known as &ldquo;Mahakaushali goat&rdquo; at Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh was carried out in accordance to the standard protocol of NBAGR, Karnal (Haryana). The information of morphological traits i.e. body coat colour, skin colour, horn shape, horn colour etc. were considered. The information&rsquo;s were collected during the survey of the native goat in the Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh. 
 
Result: The geographic distribution of &lsquo;Mahakaushali goat&rsquo; population was at Seoni, Chhindwara and Balaghat districts at Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh. It was observed that the animals of goat population were having white, black, light brown and mixed colour variants of body coat and skin colour. All animals in the Mahakaushali goat have medium-sized drooping (Vertical) pendulous ears. This is the peculiar characteristics of the goat. The tail has small to medium-sized hairs along its whole length, the thickness of the tail is about average and its orientation is in the upward direction. The survey was the first attempt to study the morphometric characteristics of Mahakaushali goat at Seoni, Chhindwara and Balaghat districts of Mahakaushal region at Madhya Pradesh state. 
&nbsp;

Identification and Morphological Characterization of Mahakaushali Goat Population in Seoni, Chhindwara and Balaghat Districts Region of Madhya Pradesh