<div style="text-align: justify;">This study was carried out to investigate the parasitic fauna in Indian cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rock pythons (Python molurus) under captive condition in Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore, Karnataka during 2015-2016. A total of 18 fecal samples from Indian cobra and 8 from Indian rock pythons were collected and screened. From 8 fecal samples of python, 7 were found positive for ova of Ophidascaris nematode, 4 for ova of Bothridia cestode and 3 for coccidian oocysts. From 18 fecal samples of Indian cobra, 5 were positive for Rhabdias ova and 1 for coccidian oocysts. Lung impression smear taken from one Indian cobra after necropsy and stained with Giemsa stain demonstrated Rhabdias larvated ova. From necropsy of 4 Indian rock pythons, granulomatous pneumonia in lungs, haemorrhages, edema, mucosal necrosis and thickening with nodule formation in large intestine was observed due to Ophidascaris nematode, while Bothridia tape worms caused severe congestion and hemorrhage of small intestinal mucosa as well as thickening of submucosa due to inflammatory reaction. Both Ophidascaris and Bothridia are highly pathogenic and cause mortality in Indian rock pythons. The Rhabdias infestation in Cobra though not much pathogenic, heavy infestation may lead to respiratory failure. Confinement induces stress and dysecdysis affecting the health of snakes under captivity. Probably the host diet (live feed) and the hygiene maintained in the enclosures are the most important determinants of the helminthic fauna of snakes. Careful examination of live feed and cleanliness in the enclosure supported by regular deworming can control the parasitic infections in snakes.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Demonstration of parasitic fauna in Indian cobra (<em>Naja naja</em>) and Indian rock python (<em>Python molurus</em>) reared in a Biological Park of Karnataka, South India</div>

<div>India is the land of spices and is the largest producer, consumer and the exporter of spices in the world. Spices are an important component of Indian Agricultural Exports earning valuable foreign exchange and are the source of livelihood for millions of small and marginal farmers across different states of the country. Modeling of agricultural exports in general and spices exports in particular is important in the contest of spices exports being a priority area for Indian policy makers. Time series modeling of agricultural commodity exports is an active area of research in recent times. Generally Box Jenkins approach (ARIMA) is the referred technique for this purpose. When data exhibits volatility clustering, ARCH/GARCH models are used .When the data does not support linearity assumptions neutral network models are used. However, real world time series data is believed to be a combination of linear and non-linear patterns. In this context, Hybrid models which are a combination of AR models and Artificial Neural Networks are providing more accurate forecasts. &nbsp;The present study, using &nbsp;secondary data for the period &nbsp;from 1960-61 to 2017-18 applies three hybrid models &nbsp;for forecasting &nbsp;Indian spices exports both in terms of volume and prices. Based on the RMSE each model is evaluated and finally model with least RMSE was selected for forecasting both volume and unit prices of total spices export for the coming 10 years (2018-19 to 2027-28). Analysis of data was done with the help of open source software R. Results from the study show that, Hybrid model consisting of ARIMA, Exponential Smoothing and Tbats Model with unequal weights was found to be the best model on the basis of RMSE for forecasting Indian spices exports. Thus, for both forecasting and policy formulation the hybrid model is recommended.</div>


<div>Time Series Analysis of Indian Spices Export and Prices</div>


<div>Agriculture plays a central role in the economic development of a country. The population of India is expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050 with a current decadal growth rate of ~ 18%. The review paper is written to highlight the current and future challenges facing the agriculture sector in India. There are various challenges that affect the Indian economy such as food security, soil quality deterioration, water scarcity, lack of proper food storage structures, land degradation etc. Recent pandemic situation has affected the agricultural sectors, will lends to the major changes in the future, which needs to be discussed and planned to meet the future requirements.</div>


<div>Challenges in Indian Agriculture</div>


<div style="text-align:justify"><strong>Background: </strong>The porcine kobuvirus (PKV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense, RNA virus of the family Picornaviridae which composed of small, non-enveloped viruses. The PKV is suspected to cause large outbreaks of diarrhoea and dehydration along with vomition in suckling piglets with a high morbidity rate. Despite of its economical importance very few studies are available on the pathology of PKV. The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate PKV in naturally infected Indian pigs.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 41 intestinal content and tissue samples from dead pigs were collected from post-mortem facility of, ICAR-IVRI during April, 2019 to July 2020. All the carcasses were subjected to detailed necropsy examination and appropriate tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination and molecular investigation. The amplification of 3D region of PKV was carried out via RT-PCR using the specific primers. The Genetic characterization of Indian isolate of the PKV was done on the basis of viral 3D gene of PKV.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>A total of six out of 41 necropsied piglets were found positive for the PKV. The diarrhoea and dehydration were observed as the main clinical signs. The thickening and clouding of brain meninges, congestion of brain, pneumonia along with catarrhal and haemorrhagic enteritis was observed as common gross lesions. Microscopic lesions observed in brain were mild to moderate perivascular cuffing, congestion of meningeal and cerebral vessels, focal gliosis and neuronophagia. Mild to severe interstitial pneumonia and emphysema was noticed in lungs. Intestinal mucosa revealed severe inflammatory changes along with sloughing of villi. The genetic characterization revealed maximum identity of 91-93% with Indian isolate of PKV MH394282 and Chinese strain of PKV FJ459905. This study reported the first pathological investigation of PKV from Indian pigs and described the molecular findings in detail. Further explorative surveillance along with epidemiological studies are highly warranted to find out the real impact of the PKV on Indian pigs.</div>


<p>​Pathological and Molecular Investigation of Porcine Kobuvirus (PKV) from Indian Pigs</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Indian Muntjac is a short deer variety of Nilgiri-Wayand biosphere. Salient distinguishing features for morphological identification of bones of different species in vetero-legal cases is very important. Morphology of pectoral limb bones from adult Indian Muntjac (n=3), goat (n=6), sheep (n=3) and cross bred cattle (n=6) were carried out. Scapula presented a cranially-placed spine, prominent supraglenoid tubercle and extensive subscapular fossa in Indian Muntjac. &nbsp; Breadth to length ratio of scapula in Indian Muntjac is 0.56:1 whereas in small ruminants the values ranged from 0.41:1 to 0.44:1. Width ratio of supraspinatous to infraspinatous fossae ratio in Indian Muntjac, goat, sheep and cross bred cattle were1:4.1, 1:2.8, 1:2.9 and 1:2.5 respectively. Angle created by acromian, junction of caudal end of scapular spine to lateral surface of scapula and long axis of scapula passing through spine was a major criterion of distinction and this angle in Indian Muntjac, goat, sheep and cross bred cattle were 520, 1400, 1300 and 1100 respectively. Though crest of the humerus was ill-defined, deltoid tuberosity was prominent in Indian Muntjac. &nbsp;Blunt summit of cranial part of lateral tuberosity of humerus projected above head and markedly curved over the intertuberal groove. Radial tuberosity was more distinct in cattle and sheep than in Indian Muntjac and goat. The grooves for extensor tendons on distal extremity of radius were well profiled in Indian Muntjac compared to cattle, goat and sheep. Olecranon of ulna was grooved in Indian Muntjac which was lacking in other animals. Distinct dorsal longitudinal groove on entire shaft and prominent medial and lateral borders were characteristic features in Indian Muntjac. Small metacarpal bone of Indian Muntjac and sheep had the form of a very thin rod. The morphological features revealed more &nbsp;resemblance to that of goat, sheep and spotted deer.</div>

Morphological identification of pectoral limb bones of Indian Muntjac (<em>Muntiacus muntjak</em>) from domestic ruminants

<div><strong>Background: </strong>External skeletal fixator (ESF) has been recommended as biological method to stabilize open fracture as it does not involves the wound site, besides protecting adjacent soft tissue structures. Considering the advantages of ESF, this study was envisaged with an objective to study the outcome of open fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula stabilized with linear ESF in dogs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>This study included 17 dogs suffering from open long bone fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula, divided into three groups; linear ESF type I or II (group I, n=8) and type III (group II, n=3). In group III (n=6), open fractures were initially treated using conservative methods i.e management of open wound till complete healing followed by delayed internal fixation using intramedullary pin or bone plating.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> Majority of the open fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula were transverse (64.71%), involving distal third diaphysis (47.06%) in heavy weight (54.55%), 1-3 year old (64.71%), non-descript (35.29%), male (88.23%) dogs due to automobile accidents (58.82%). Neutrophilic (81.47&plusmn;4.45%) leukocytosis (24610&plusmn;2461.88 per cumm) and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase were observed. <em>Staphylococcus</em> spp. was the common isolated bacteria sensitive to Gentamicin, Cefotaxime, Tobramycin, Amikacin and Neomycin. High per cent fractures (83.33%) in group III had acceptable functional outcome as compared to fractures treated with linear ESF (55.55%) in groups I and II. Osteomyelitis due to pin tract infections was the major complication (8/11; 72.7%) recorded in ESF groups (Group I and II) that lead to delayed and/or nonunion. Weight bearing score improved markedly after removal of the ESF frame. In conclusions, immediate fixation of the long bone fracture using linear ESF in the presence of open contaminated / infected wounds leads to unacceptable outcome. Poor animal compliance, pin tract discharge, osteomyelitis, delayed union and nonunion are major complications associated with linear ESF. Conservative management of the open fracture wound using standard treatment for 2-3 weeks till complete wound healing followed by internal fixation with intramedullary pin or bone plate is recommended for open long bone fractures in dogs.</div>


<div>Outcome of Open Long Bone Fractures in Dogs Stabilized with Linear External Skeletal Fixator</div>


<div>After liberalization the Indian agriculture went through a phenomenon called feminization of agriculture which means increase the share of women in agricultural work force. However this feminization was not consistent with empowerment as still a these workforce are underpaid as compare to its male counterpart. The differences in participation between men and women workers were lowest to the states with higher share of workers in agriculture. In order to understand the factors determining this phenomenon, constraints causing the impediment the participation and policies to overcome it, a number of literature had been compiled in this paper. Feminization in agriculture occurred due to migration of male work force from agriculture. However, this phenomenon does not consistent with empowerment as women work force are always underpaid. Proportion of land utilized for food grain, per capita income, land holdings were some of the factors which were determining the women&rsquo;s participation. In order to improve the situation for women government are now focusing on gender budgeting. Besides women&rsquo;s participation in research work had been encouraging to develop technology which will be suitable for the use of women.</div>


<div>Feminization of Indian Agriculture: A Review</div>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>Indian eagle owl known to rotate their necks up to 270 degrees in either direction without injuring their vessels running below the head thereby without cutting off blood supply to their brains. The vertebral column in birds carry peculiar features like higher number of cervical vertebrae due to long mobile neck, lumbar and sacral vertebrae fused together giving rigidity which aid in flight. The extensive fusion of vertebral column posterior to the neck provides the required rigidity in the trunk region, this inflexibility feature might reduce weight, as it avoids the need for extensive musculature to maintain a streamlined and rigid body posture during flight. The current study aimed to study the vertebral column of Indian eagle owl in order to understand the anatomical adaptations related to this species. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The specimens were procured from three Indian eagle owl brought for post mortem examination during the year 2019 to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry. After completion of the post-mortem examination the carcass was collected and macerated as per the standard technique and various measurements on vertebral column bones were measured using vernier calliper. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The study revealed that vertebral column of Indian eagle owl consisted of 14 cervical vertebrae, 7 thoracic vertebrae, 13 to 14 lumbar vertebrae fused with sacral vertebrae forming synsacrum and 7 coccygeal vertebrae. The hypapophyses of the 14<sup>th</sup> cervical vertebra and first two thoracic vertebrae were trifid in nature specific feature seen in Indian eagle owl. The vertebral column had characteristics features of hypapophyses, transverse process, pneumatic foramen and neural spine which enable the owl to adapt for head rotation and various task involving vertebrae.</div>


<div>Gross Morphological Studies on the Vertebral Column of Indian Eagle Owl (<em>Bubo bengalensis</em>)</div>


<p>Indian seed industry has shown an annual growth rate of 15.7% during 2011-2018 and is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% during 2019-2024, reaching a value of US $ 9.1 Billion by 2024. For any seed system to be viable and sustainable it requires a great deal of efforts through the right kind of laws, acts and policy framework and interventions as its essential pre-requisites. Due implementation of some progressive policies by the government of India, seed market has witnessed a major restructuring. These policies bought relaxed seed trade norms, reduced import restrictions on germplasm, encouraged foreign investments, supported quality seed production, plant variety protection, farmers and breeders right protection. Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions imposed had tremendous impact on the seed industry. The policy response and initiatives taken up by the government to address the problems by adopting various strategies helped in the uplifting the farming community. By classifying agriculture sector as essential, it eased in the continuous movement of the seed. This review gives insight about how the Indian seed legislation helped to increase the growth rate of Indian seed industry and also impact of covid-19 pandemic on seed sector.</p>


<p>Indian Seed Legislation and Effect of Covid-19 on Seed Industry: A Review</p>


<div>In India, mixed farming and cattle raising is an essential elements of rural life and these practices are connected with the social structure in cultural, religious and economic ways. India&rsquo;s production of fodder is very unevenly distributed and how this resource is used depends on the breed of cattle raised, the climate, the socioeconomic context and the crop-growing patterns. Fodder from cultivated regions is regularly fed to cattle and buffalo, with some harvested grasses and top feeds added as supplements. On the other hand within the land area of just 2.3 per cent, India is home to 16.8 per cent of the world&rsquo;s population and nearly 20 per cent of the world&rsquo;s cattle. India homes cattle (16%), buffalo (55%), goats (20%) and sheep (5%) of worlds total livestock population respectively. This fact makes it more cumbersome to meet the forage demand by livestock, thus shift in paradigm and opportunity in near future is about to hike for fodder crops with their potentiality in production per unit area. The present Indian scenario of fodder crops in comparison with the livestock population is being described in this article along with the net deficit and surplus availability of green and dry fodder. Further, this review also includes the opening of a new way for oats to contribute to fodder production.&nbsp; The challenges facing India for fodder production and its near opportunity to open up and evolve with various methodologies to tackle the present fodder demand by enhancing the production is described in detail in an article.</div>


Demonstration of parasitic fauna in Indian cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rock python (Python molurus) reared in a Biological Park of Karnataka, South India

Time Series Analysis of Indian Spices Export and Prices

Challenges in Indian Agriculture

Pathological and Molecular Investigation of Porcine Kobuvirus (PKV) from Indian Pigs

Morphological identification of pectoral limb bones of Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) from domestic ruminants

Outcome of Open Long Bone Fractures in Dogs Stabilized with Linear External Skeletal Fixator

Feminization of Indian Agriculture: A Review

Gross Morphological Studies on the Vertebral Column of Indian Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis)

Indian Seed Legislation and Effect of Covid-19 on Seed Industry: A Review

Forage Production in India: Bottlenecks and Opportunities by Opening up New Way with an Increase in Fodder Oats Demand: A Review