<div>Background: Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are famous for their &lsquo;Rewal chal&rsquo; (a unique style of running). These horses dominantly exist in the western-northern border of India adjoining Pakistan. The breeding tract of these horses is Surat, Navsari, Kachchh district of Gujarat and Jaisalmer-Barmer districts of Rajasthan in India. Most familiar colors in the Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are bay and chestnut. Roman nose, ears curved at tips but not touching each other, short back, short pastern length, broader hoof for better grip and docile temperament are major characteristics of these horses. 
 
Methods: The present study is an effort to phenotypically characterize Kachchhi-Sindhi horse breed based on their different biometric indices for selection and conservation of stallions and mares for breeding purposes by private breeders. Fourteen biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic characterization of each breed viz., height at wither (HW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), neck length (NL), face length (FL), face width (FW), pole, ear length (EL), ear width (EW), foreleg length (FLL), canon, pastern, hoof length (HoL) and hoof width (HoW). On average, these horses stand 148 cm height, have a body length of ~140 cm, a heart girth of ~165 cm, an ear length of ~15 cm and a face length of ~61 cm. 
 
Result: Horse keepers sustain horses in intensive as well as an extensive system of rearing. It has also been ascertained from various sources that horse number is declining rapidly, however, breed population statistics are not available. There is, therefore, an urgent need to conserve this breed. Proper managemental practices and conservation efforts will pave the way for the multiplication of this valuable equine genetic resource of India.</div>

<div>Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India</div>

Background: The Kachchhi-Sindhi horse is a native Indian breed, mainly found in the Gujarat and Rajasthan regions of India, with an estimated population of about 4,000 horses. A comprehensive genetic assessment to understand the genetic diversity and population structure of this breed is essential for conservation strategies and for maintaining the health and vitality of the breed. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: To determine the genetic diversity and population structure of the Kachchhi-Sindhi breed, we genotyped 50 unrelated, healthy adult horses using 30 microsatellite DNA loci. The genetic data were analyzed to calculate the number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity&nbsp; and the inbreeding coefficient (FIS). We also tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium deviations and marker neutrality. We used Structure analysis to assess the admixture within the breed. Besides, population structure analysis was done with principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). Alongside mode shift tests, as well as Sign, Standardized differences and Wilcoxon sign rank tests, were made for assessing signs of a potential population bottleneck recently. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Our study disclosed substantial genetic diversity in the Kachchhi-Sindhi breed. Key genetic parameters averaged an average number of alleles of 10.10&plusmn;3.18, with an effective number of alleles of 5.15&plusmn;1.88 and observed heterozygosity of 0.90&plusmn;0.11, indicating significant genetic variation in the population. The inbreeding coefficient (FIS) was very low at -0.17&plusmn;0.19, indicating limited inbreeding. While 14 of the 30 microsatellites showed deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, most markers were considered neutral, with only four showing non-neutral behaviour, according to the Ewens-Watterson neutrality test. Population analysis by PCoA revealed a single large but fragmented population of Kachchhi-Sindhi horses. Further tests, such as the mode-shift test and M ratio value, showed no evidence of a recent bottleneck in the breed. These are crucial for guiding future breeding and conservation efforts for the Kachchhi-Sindhi breed. 
&nbsp;

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses and Repercussions for Conservation in India

The effectiveness of sire evaluation is the backbone of any breed improvement programme as much as 61% of genetic gain in dairy cattle results from selection of sires through &ldquo;bulls to breed cows&rdquo; and &ldquo;bulls to breed bulls&rdquo; path. The application of latest and simplex method of sire evaluation like BLUPF90 in Indian breeds is scanty. The present investigation was planned to evaluate the Red Sindhi sires by this method and to compare the effectiveness of BLUPF90 method with other conventional methods of sire evaluation in Red Sindhi cattle. The records of production and reproduction performances of first lactation traits of 717 Red Sindhi cows, progeny of 58 sires, spread over a period of 40 years (1966-2005) &nbsp;from CCBF, Chiplima, Orissa under the control of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India and CBF, Kalsi, Deheradun, Uttarakhand were analyzed. The present study was single and multi-trait evaluation of breeding values of Red Sindhi sires. The overall least squares population mean for first lactation milk yield (FLMY) was 1536.35&plusmn;54.87 kg. The average breeding value of sires of single trait from different methods ranged from 1536.35 kg (LSM, DFREML and BLUPF90-Dairy Pack) to 1588.50 kg (simple daughter average) but in multi-trait method the breeding value does not vary with each other. The comparison of different method of sire evaluation based on single trait for FLMY only shows that the DFREML model for single trait should be preferred over the BLUP, LSM and simple daughter average methods for evaluating the sire breeding value. However, if a sire-breeding value is to be computed from multi traits then BLUPF90 model may be preferred over DFREML model.

Sire evaluation using animal model versus different&nbsp;conventional methods in red sindhi cattle

<div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Current research was carried out at Red Sindhi farm, Tando Muhammad Khan, during the year 2018, in order to manipulate the diet intake and milk production of Red Sindhi cows by varying the water and feeding frequencies. Methods: A total of 300 Red Sindhi cows under 3rd lactation were selected and were divided into 5 groups. Cows in group A (control) were offered ad-libitum feed and water, in group B; 2 time feed (Morning 6:00AM and 6:00PM) and ad-libitum water, in group C; 3 times feed (6:00AM, 2:00 Noon and 10:00PM) and ad-libitum water, in group D, ad libitum feed and 2 times water (6:00AM and 6:00PM), in group E; ad libitum feed and 3 times water (6:00AM, 2:00 Noon and 10:00PM).&nbsp; Result: Results of present study indicated that the daily water intake was found significantly maximum (47.00&plusmn;1.45) in group B and minimum (43.33&plusmn;0.88) in group D. Statistically significant difference was seen in group D compared to other groups, while no significant difference among groups A, B, C and E. Maximum daily feed intake (19.66&plusmn;2.40) was recorded in group A and minimum daily feed intake (15.00&plusmn;0.57) was recorded in group B. There was significant difference in daily feed intake in group E with groups A and B. However there was no significant difference in daily feed intake between groups A and B as well as groups C, D and E, correspondingly. Maximum weekly milk production (40.00&plusmn;1.45 kg) was recorded in group A and minimum milk production (34.00&plusmn;0.88 kg) was recorded in group B. However there was significant difference in milk production among groups A and B, while non-significant difference between groups C and D as well as A and E, correspondingly. Conclusion: In conclusion, Red Sindhi cows produced significantly higher milk under group A (control) offered 24 hours water and ad-libitum feed compared to all other groups.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Manipulation of Diet Intake and Milk Production of Red Sindhi Cows by Varying the Water and Feeding Frequencies</div>

Background: The livestock domestication has advanced with industrialization, civilization and technical innovations. Among all products and services, camel wool stands out for its distinct qualities and comparable with animal fibres viz. cashmere, alpaca, sheep and angora wool. 
 
Methods: The present study analyzes the quantitative and qualitative attributes of camel fibre by considering four breeds (Bikaneri, Jasialmeri, Kachchhi and Mewari). 
 
Result: Highest fibre weight in Bikaneri breed indicates higher genetic potential. The quality declined in older animals, due to age-specific management, nutrition, hair density and feeding strategies. The possibility of preparing blends fibre from camel hair with natural or synthetic fibres was indicated by the mean fibre diameter and medullation percentage. The correlation showed blanket and carpet qualities of camel hair. The results of this study suggest further improvement through selection in hair fibre attributes. Future research may focus on the genes associated with fibroblast growth. 
&nbsp;

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Hair-fibre Attributes in Four Indian Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Breeds

<div>Milk is the ideal food for all age groups of human being. Milk consists of 87 per cent water and the remaining 13 per cent is the milk sugar lactose, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Casein is the chief component of the milk proteins of which about 30 per cent is beta-casein. The major beta-casein variants are A1 and A2. Beta-casein consist a chain of 229 amino acids. Cows that produce milk contain proline amino acid are called as A2 cows. A2 milk is found basically in indigenous cows and buffaloes of India. Around 5,000 years ago, a mutation occurred in this proline amino acid, converting it to histidine amino acid at 67 th position. Cows that have this mutated beta casein protein are called A1 cows. Different mutations bovine beta casein produce 13 genetic variants and out of these A1 and A2 are the most common. A1 &beta;-casein is enzymatically broken down in the intestine to produce beta-casmorphin-7 (&beta;-CM-7) which is an opioid peptide similar to morphine. BCM-7 interacts with the human gastrointestinal tract, internal organs and brainstem. BCM-7 adversely affects the immune response and is also considered as a risk factor for chronic heart diseases (CHD) and juvenile &nbsp;insulin dependent type I diabetes mellitus (DM-I). The original beta casein protein in bovine milk was A2. A2 is more comparable to the human beta casein than A1 in terms of digestive breakdown. Indigenous dairy breeds of cow (Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Gir and Rathi) and buffalo produce A2 milk and India is endowed with rich A2 dairy animals.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Bovine Milk: A1 and A2 Beta Casein Milk Proteins and their Impact on Human Health: A Review</div>

The present study was conducted on data of reproductive traits (viz., age at first service and age at first calving) in Jersey crossbred heifers, maintained at the Eastern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani, West Bengal over a period of 38 years (1977-2014) to determine the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors. The data were classified according to season of birth, period of birth of animals and distributed in eight genetic groups having different level of Jersey inheritance. The least square mean of age at first service (AFS) and age at first calving (AFC) were 750.61&plusmn;12.35 and 1089.36&plusmn;13.99 days respectively. Sire had highly significant (P&lt;0.01) influence on both AFS and AFC in the present study whereas, the genetic group had only significant effect on age at first calving. The half-bred of Jersey and Tharparkar crosses (1/2 Jersey-1/2 Tharparkar) had significantly lower AFC (987.47&plusmn;43.21 days) than half-bred of Jersey and Red Sindhi and other crosses in this study. Moreover, the animals having less than 50 % and more than 62.5 % Jersey inheritance had highest AFC than other crosses. On the other hand, period of birth had significant effect on both AFS and AFC; &nbsp;however, season of birth only influenced &nbsp;AFC. Heritability estimates of AFS and AFC were observed 0.46&plusmn;0.19 and 0.30&plusmn;0.19 respectively. Strong genetic correlation (0.81&plusmn;0.19) was estimated between these traits. Since, these traits have moderate to high heritability, it indicates faster improvement of these traits through selection.

Genetic evaluation of reproductive traits in Jersey crossbred heifers&nbsp;at an organized farm of eastern India

The present study was carried out to evaluate the genetic and non-genetic factors affecting fertility traits viz., number of service per conception (NSPC), service period (SP) and calving interval (CI) and genetic and phenotypic parameters of these traits in Jersey crossbred cattle, maintained at Eastern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani, West Bengal over a period of 39 years (1976-2014). The least squares means for the NSPC, SP and CI were 1.73&plusmn;0.08 inseminations, 156.37&plusmn;7.47 days and 458.32&plusmn;9.56 days respectively. The study revealed that all the traits were decreasing significantly with parity number. Season was important in determining service period, whereas period of calving influenced calving interval in this study. NSPC, SP and CI did not differ significantly among different genetic groups; but, half-breds of Jersey and Tharparkar (&frac12; Jersey-&frac12; Tharparkar) showed comparatively lower NSPC, SP and CI than half-breds of Jersey and Red Sindhi and other crosses in this study. The random effect of sire was highly significant on all the fertility traits considered in this study. Heritability estimates for NSPC, SP and CI were 0.08&plusmn;0.06, 0.18&plusmn;0.08 and 0.16&plusmn;0.08 respectively. All the three analyzed traits had close genetic relationships. Low to moderate heritability of reproductive traits indicates slow genetic progress through selection and further improvement in reproductive performance can be made either by better management practices or including large number of polymorphic markers associated with fertility in the population to assist animal selection

Genetic analysis of fertility traits in Jersey crossbred cows

<div>Background: Genotype environment interaction plays vital role in animal productivity. Heat stress is one of the major environmental stressor affecting milk production and measured in terms of temperature humidity index (THI). Indian milk industry largely depends on crossbred cows bearing different degree of exotic inheritance. Thus, the role of genotype (genetic group) of the crossbred cows and environment (THI) interaction plays vital role in Indian climate which is mostly tropical in nature. Therefore, study was undertaken to examine the existence of genetic group &times; THI in crossbred dairy cows reared at institute herd of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, West Bengal.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A total of 12364 records each of monthly milk yield (MMY) and average daily milk yield in a month (AMY) of crossbred cows spanned over twenty two years (1994-2015) and weather parameters(temperature and relative humidity) for the corresponding years were collected from institute records. The data were classified into 8 genetic groups according to the genetic composition and 3 THI groups (THI &lt;72, THI 72-78 and THI above 78). The interaction model was used to study the G&times;E interaction study using least squares analysis.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Effect of non-genetic factors (parity, period of calving and stage of lactation) was found to be highly significant (P&lt;0.01) and genetic group &times; THI was significant (P&lt;0.05) of on both MMY and AMY. Genetic group bearing 50% Jersey and 50% Red Sindhi or Tharparkar were the most heat tolerant breeds. Jersey crossbred cows were more heat tolerant than Holstein crossbred cows. Crossbred cows with 50% Jersey inheritance performed better than higher Jersey inheritance during periods of THI above 72.</div>

Genotype Environment Interaction on Milk Production Traits of Crossbred Dairy Cows under Tropical Climatic Condition of India

Background: The choice of superior herd sires is essential for genetic improvement in dairy cattle, with sperm quality serving as a key factor. Bull semen&rsquo;s superior qualities are essential for accelerating genetic improvement through AI. These characteristics are affected by several factors, including the environment, management techniques, physiological condition and hereditary factors. This study involved in evaluating genetic and non-genetic factors influencing seminal attributes. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;Data on 1,85,413 ejaculates from nine genetic groups viz. Jersey, Holstein Friesian, crossbred Jersey, crossbred Holstein Friesian, Bargur, Kangayam, Pulikulam, Umblachery and Red Sindhi were collected from four frozen semen stations of Tamil Nadu State. Semen production data viz. ejaculate volume (mL), spermatozoa concentration (million per mL), initial motility (percentage), post-thaw motility (percentage), total initial motile spermatozoa and total post-thaw motile spermatozoa were also examined for various genetic and non-genetic factors affecting them using linear mixed model with repeated measures. 
 
Result:&nbsp;The overall estimated marginal means for Volume of ejaculate, Concentration of spermatozoa, Initial motility, Total initial motile spermatozoa per ejaculate, Total doses per ejaculate, Post-thaw motility and Total post-thaw motile spermatozoa per ejaculate were 3.11 &plusmn; 0.11 (mL), 963 &plusmn; 30.60 (106/mL), 79.50 &plusmn; 1.29 (per cent), 1847 &plusmn; 118 (106), 151.00 &plusmn; 7.20, 51.00 &plusmn; 0.42 (per cent) and 1535 &plusmn; 80.20 (106) respectively.The effect of all genetic and non-genetic factors (farms, ejaculates, period, seasons, age) were observed to be significantly influencing the seminal traits considered in the study. However, the estimated marginal means of each trait displayed varied ranges of mean against non-genetic factors.

Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses and Repercussions for Conservation in India

Sire evaluation using animal model versus different conventional methods in red sindhi cattle

Manipulation of Diet Intake and Milk Production of Red Sindhi Cows by Varying the Water and Feeding Frequencies

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Hair-fibre Attributes in Four Indian Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Breeds

Bovine Milk: A1 and A2 Beta Casein Milk Proteins and their Impact on Human Health: A Review

Genetic evaluation of reproductive traits in Jersey crossbred heifers at an organized farm of eastern India

Genetic analysis of fertility traits in Jersey crossbred cows

Genotype Environment Interaction on Milk Production Traits of Crossbred Dairy Cows under Tropical Climatic Condition of India

Genetic and Non-genetic Factors Influencing Semen Production Traits in Dairy Bulls