<p><strong>Background: </strong>The clinical manifestations of lower urinary tract diseases (LUTD) are common but non-specific to any particular disease among geriatric dogs. Diagnosis and confirmation of the specific lower urinary tract disease is a biggest challenge for a successful treatment plan.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Geriatric dogs that were presented with signs suggestive of lower urinary tract diseases were subjected for detailed clinical examination followed by complete urinalysis, culture and microscopic examination of the urine sample that was collected by ultrasound guided cystocentesis. Abdomen radiography and ultrasonography was also performed to confirm the specific LUT disease. Fine needle aspiration of prostate was also carried out in few selected cases.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>A total of 52 geriatric dogs were diagnosed for various lower urinary tract diseases such as cystitis, cystic calculi, prostate infection, transitional cell carcinoma and both calculi with cystitis. Stranguria, dysuria, malodorous urine, blood-tinged urine, oliguria, urinary incontinence and anuria were few common signs recorded. Apart from RBCs, WBCs and other cellular debris, various types of crystals were also detected on microscopic evaluation of the urine sample. Struvite or triple phosphate crystals (coffin-lid shape) were of predominant, followed by calcium oxalate dihydrate (octahedron or envelope shape), calcium oxalate monohydrate (picket fence shape) and ammonium urate or biurate (irregular shape). Most commonly calculi were retrieved from bladder and in few male dogs from urethra. In addition to cystic calculi, transitional cell carcinoma was also recorded among few cases that were reported with hematuria. Enlarged prostate and abscess were common abnormalities of prostate among geriatric dogs.</p>


<p>Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (LUTD) in Geriatric Dogs</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> The per capita net availability of pulses in India has been increased from 15.5 kg per year in 2018-19 to 19.6 kg in 2021-22. Efforts made to bridge the gap between demand and supply of pulses in the country has resulted in reducing the gap to some extent in recent years and still country is depended on import to meet the growing demand of the pulses such as pigeon pea, lentils and peas. Few studies predicted the demand and supply of pulses as a whole in the country and no studies analyzed the pulse wise demand supply gap in India. Hence, the present study was proposed to predict the demand and supply of major pulses such as chickpea (Gram/Chana), pigeon pea (Tur/Arhar), black gram (urd bean), mung bean (Green gram) and lentil (Masur) in India for a period, 2024-2030.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The present study has been used the crop data on area, production and yield of major pulses including chickpea (Gram/Chana), pigeon pea (Tur/Arhar), black gram (urd bean), mung bean (Green gram) and lentil (Masur) for a period of 29 years (1985-2024) collected from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of India, New Delhi. Household consumption expenditure data was collected from the National Sample Survey office for 2011-12 from the Government of India. The supply projection was estimated by using linear regression model and demand projections were done by using behaviouristic approach.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> Decadal trend in area, production and yield of pulses from 1970-2010 showed mixed trends of increase and decrease, whereas in 2010-2020, chickpea, pigeon pea, mung bean and black gram showed positive trend in area, production and yield but lentil alone showed negative trend in production. Import dependency of the pulses in the total availability has reduced to 8.92 per cent in 2021-22 from 19.42 per cent in 2009-10. Import dependency of the pulses in the total availability has reduced to 8.92 per cent in 2021-22 from 19.42 per cent in 2009-10. The availability of pulses has grown at a rate of 3.73 per cent from 2009 to 2021. Chick Pea, Tur, Mung bean, Urd bean and Lentils together contributed on an average 88.7 per cent to the total pulses production and 83.73 per cent of pulses availability from 2013 to 2021. Production of these five pulses has increased to 23.04 million tonnes in 2020-21 from 17.3 million tonnes from 2013-14. Gram is the single pulse contributed more than 40 per cent of the pulse production of the country in the above period. Demand supply projection showed a net surplus of 0.81-3.89 mt in the case of pulses and 5.64 -7.63 mt in the case of gram and 0.89 to 1.91 mt in Urd and 0.68 to 1.57 mt in Mung bean during 2024-2030. But in the case of pigeon pea and lentil there may be a net deficit in the range of 3-2.42 and 1.13-1.04 mt, respectively, during 2024-2030. Efforts should be made to bridge the gap in demand and supply of pigeon pea and lentil by the way of bringing new areas under pulses and developing the technologies suitable for the clusters.</p>


<p>Demand and Supply Projections for Pulses in India</p>


<p>National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of India comprising Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) is entrusted with development of high yielding, high quality and climate resilient varieties suited to different agro climatic conditions of the country along with matching production and protection technologies has taken several initiatives through its 26 and 30 commodity/theme based research institutes and crop specific All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) and All India Network Projects &nbsp;to enhance productivity of different crops. The present paper discusses the genesis of AICRPs in field crops, their organization set up and operation, variety release &amp; notification mechanisms, outputs and outcomes. Multi-disciplinary and multi-location approach and success of first All India Coordinated Maize Improvement Project established in 1957, led to establishment of 21 crop based All India Coordinated Crop Improvement Projects (AICCIPs) and 2 All India Network&nbsp;&nbsp; Projects (AINPs) beginning with wheat (1961) and rice (1965). Later on, AICCIP was rechristened as All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP). The AICRPs served as platform for analysing G x E interaction leading to identification of stable potential genotypes and played an important role in the development of 4,365 varieties of field crops along with efficient crop management technologies suitable for diverse agro-climatic conditions. Of these, during XII plan (2012-16), 698 varieties comprising 396 of cereals, 108 of oilseeds, 91 of pulses, 49 of fibres, 31 of forages&nbsp; and 23 of sugarcane were developed. Development of high yielding, stress (biotic and abiotic) tolerant, location specific varieties with matching production/protection technologies, enhanced availability of quality seed, their adoption coupled with enabling policies, excellent service support and innovative farmers resulted into spectacular increase in cereals, pulses and oilseeds production since the inception of AICRPs and Value for Cultivation and Use<strong> (</strong>VCU). Food production rose from 69.86 million tonnes (1956-57) to 252.22 million tonnes (2015-16) and oilseed production from 8.56 million tonnes (1965) to 25.9 million tonnes (2015-16), increase was 261 % and 202.5%, respectively, a testimony to the spectacular success of AICRPs and VCU system in India.</p>


<p>All India Coordinated Research Projects and Value for Cultivation and Use in field crops in India: Genesis, Outputs and Outcomes&nbsp;</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">The research analysed the economic impact of Rural Enterprise Development Hub Project (RED Hub Project) on maize farmers. A sample of 200 maize farmers was drawn from a total of 398 beneficiaries of the project using Cochran sample size formula. Convenience sampling was done at the second stage using structured questionnaires which were administered on the beneficiaries of the project from 9 villages in Mqanduli Community. With the use of a &lsquo;before&rsquo; and &lsquo;after&rsquo; &nbsp;approach the study determined the provision of market for supply of maize produce by benefitting farmers and change in annual income of maize farmers. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. P-value less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. The results revealed that there has been a significant positive impact of RED Hub Project on the income of benefitting maize farmers per hectare and per farm. This is represented by 100% provision of market by the project for maize produce, a significant (t-statistics 179.4 and p-value &lt;0.05) mean change of 212.47% in income per hectare in the area, a significant (t-statistics 38.4 and p-value &lt;0.05) improvement of the mean income of benefitting maize farmers per farm by 264.32% in the area. Therefore, the study recommends sustained purchase of maize produce by the project from its beneficiaries and an extension of purchase from all maize farmers in Mqanduli.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Analysis of the economic impact of Rural Enterprise Development Hub Project on maize farmers in Mqanduli, South Africa</div>

<div><strong>Background: </strong>The available literature and work done so far on diagnosis and therapeutic management of lower urinary tract affections in canine practice is very meagre specially on urethro-cystoscopic examinations, medicinal dissolution of calculi and immunotherapy for neoplasia of UB in dogs.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>The present study was carried in 55 dogs with lower urinary tract affections classify according to pathological conditions and therapeutic management. The diagnostic modalities like radiography, ultrasonography in all dogs, urethro-cystoscopy in seven dogs and their findings were studied. The response of therapeutics were also studied.<br />
<br />
<strong>Conclusion: </strong>The dogs having small size calculi treated according to urine pH with oral medicinal dissolution using Ammonium Chloride (Group 1A, n=9) and Di Sodium Hydrogen Citrate (Group 1B, n=10) for sixty days, Group 1C (n=25) dogs with cystitis (n=17) subjected for bacterial culture treated according to sensitive antibiotics, TCC of bladder (n=7) with immunotherapy using BCG vaccine and a dog with leiomyosarcoma with cystotomy. The dogs (Group 2, n=11) with large size calculi (n=10), a lodge catheter in UB and dogs (Group 3, n=6) did not responded medicinal dissolution from group 1A (n=2) and 1B (n=4) treated surgically. One to multiple, variable size recovered calculi (n=24) revealed highest brown colour grossly, calcium oxalate type, higher in Pomeranian breed and dogs fed with combination of vegetarian and commercial feed.</div>


<div>Clinico-diagnosis and Surgico-therapeutic Management of Lower Urinary Tract Disorders in Dogs</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> The data pertaining to the lower urinary tract disorders in dogs in India is very merge. This retrospective analysis presents a retrospective analysis of incidence of affections of lower urinary tract in dogs.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The cases of different affections of lower urinary tract presented at the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during April-2012 to March-2017 were screened and detailed information regarding age, sex and breed were collected and analysed to calculate percentage of incidence of different affections of lower urinary tract viz., surgical affections and non-surgical affection.<br />
<br />
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> Total 24319 cases of lower urinary tract affections in dogs were registered. Among them 5854 (24.07 %) surgical cases comprising urolithiasis (81, 76.42 %), bladder neoplasia (25, 23.58 %) and 18465 (75.93 %) non-surgical affections with cystitis (176, 0.95 %) cases. The highest incidence of urolithiasis was 25.93 per cent in the year 2014-15 and in 7 to 9 years aged dogs (35.80 %). The sex wise per cent incidence was higher in male (72.84) than female (27.16). The urinary bladder calculi was the highest (72.84 %) followed by the urethra (16.05 %) and both the locations (11.11 %). The year wise highest per cent incidence of cystitis was recorded for the year 2015-16 (52.27). The age wise per cent incidence of cystitis was equally higher 28.98 in the age groups of 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 years, each. The year wise the highest per cent incidence of neoplasia of urinary bladder (TCC) in dogs was 52.00 for the year 2015-2016. The age wise percent incidence of neoplasia of urinary bladder was the highest in 7 to 9 years age groups (36.00). The sex wise per cent incidence for neoplasia in urinary bladder was higher in male (64.00) than female (36.00). The breed wise highest per cent incidence of urolithiasis was in Pomeranian (25.93), cystitis in Pug (28.41) and neoplasia of bladder (TCC) Labrador and Pug (20.00, each).</div>


<p>Retrospective Analysis of Lower Urinary Tract Disorders in Dogs: Study of Five Years</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Bihar is one of the poorest and most populous states in India. The share of employment in agriculture and allied activities is 68.9 percent in Bihar. This study is attempting to undertake a micro level analysis of collected data to assess the investment as well as return in Dairy activity carried out by Jeevika project in Muraul Block of Muzaffarpur District. Study revealed that calculated &lsquo;t&rsquo; value of investment (12.533) and return (19.589) was more than table&lsquo;t&rsquo; value (1.977) &nbsp;of investment and return respectively. Comparison among investment as well as return in Dairy activity practiced by the respondents, before and after joining the project through paired t-test, showed a significant difference hence providing positive effect on the life of project beneficiaries.</div>

Comparison among investment and return in dairy activity by beneficiaries of Jeevika project in Bihar state, India

<div><strong>Background:</strong> Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are frequently encountered in dogs but remain difficult to diagnose due to non-specific clinical signs. The study aimed to correlate the endoscopic findings with that of radiography and ultrasonography of upper and lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cases in dogs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Sixty adult dogs included in the study, comprised of 40 dogs diagnosed with upper or lower GI disorders and 20 normal dogs, served as controls for evaluating the normal GI tract. The clinical features of these disorders were assessed and diagnostic techniques such as radiography, ultrasonography and endoscopy were employed. Endoscopic procedures were performed under general anaesthesia using butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg IV), midazolam (0.2 mg/kg IV) and induction with tiletamine-zolazepam (2 mg/kg IV).<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The study identified upper GI disorders such as erosive gastritis (7.5%), gastritis (10%), gastric ulcers (12.5%), foreign bodies (5%) and oesophageal affections (15%) including oesophagitis, oesophageal diverticulum and oesophageal nodule<em>.,</em> while lower GI disorders included colitis (30%), rectal oedema (7.5%) and adenomas (12.5%). German shepherds aged 24-36 months were mostly affected, with males outnumbering females. Radiography effectively detected space-occupying lesions, while ultrasonography identified structural and textural changes. Endoscopy enabled direct visualization, biopsy collection, foreign body retrieval and provided superior diagnostic accuracy, even in cases with subtle mucosal alterations underscoring its relevance and utility in gastrointestinal diagnostics.</div>


<p>Correlation of Endoscopy, Radiography and Ultrasonography Findings of Upper and Lower GIT Cases in Dogs</p>


<div style="text-align:justify"><strong>Background:</strong> Dry period duration of dairy cow is considered as an important factor to maintain udder health and milk production.&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>To investigate the effect of dry period duration (DPD) on udder health, milk production and body condition of dairy cows at lower Gangetic tropics, observations were taken from 25 Jersey crossbred cows which were divided into 2 comparable group viz: 1st group (11 cows), having 50 to 60 days DPD and 2nd group (14 cows), having more than 60 days DPD.&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>Statistically analyzed data revealed that milk somatic cell count, MCMT, milk pH and EC were significantly (P&lt;0.01) varied between two group from second month onwards and continue up to 4th months of lactation. Critical analysis of battery tests clearly confirmed the diagnosis for occurring of subclinical mastitis with poor udder health status in 2nd group. &nbsp;Total milk production/day/cow were almost similar in both group in first month but second month onwards significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher milk production was recorded in 1st than 2nd group. The milk composition parameters revealed non-significant difference between groups whereas milk quality parameter significantly (P&lt;0.01) better in 1st than 2nd group. Initial BCS of dry cow of both groups were similar. But BCS at calving was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in 2nd than 1st group with higher negative changes in BCS % in 2nd group as compared to 1st group. It can be concluded that dry period duration of 50-60 days is better over to prolonged dry period (&gt;60 days). Suitable changes in BCS from dry period to calving is beneficial to get higher milk production, quality, better maintenance of body condition and udder health status of Jersey crossbred cows at &nbsp;tropical &nbsp;lower Gangetic region.</div>


<p class="ql-align-justify">Effect of Dry Period Duration on Udder Health, Milk Production and Body Condition of Jersey Crossbred Cows at Lower Gangetic Tropics</p>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Assessment of macronutrient status of soils under five major cropping systems namely, rainfed mango/cashew orchards, rainfed groundnut/mesta cropping, irrigated rice followed by pulses, irrigated rice followed by maize and irrigated sugarcane in Thotapalli irrigation project ayacut area of north coastal Andhra Pradesh was carried out. &nbsp;A total of 125 random soil samples were collected from five different cropping systems from five villages of five Tehsils (mandals) namely, Cheeprupalli, Therlam (both tehsils from Vizianagarm district), Ranasthalam, Regidiamadalavalasa and Laveru (from Srikakulam district). The results of the study revealed that the soil organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) contents of the irrigated land was higher than adjacent rainfed upland, however the exchangeable calcium and magnesium were higher in rainfed uplands and relatively lower in irrigated cropping systems. Significant positive correlation was noticed between percent clay content with available N (r = 0.311**), available P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> (r = 0.232*), available K<sub>2</sub>O (r = 0.473**), available Sulphur (r = 0.249*), likewise organic carbon content also positively correlated with available N (r = 0.456**), available P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> (r = O.578**), available K<sub>2</sub>O (r = 0.211*) and available sulphur (r = 0.298*), while available phosphorous, was negatively correlated with soil pH, EC and CaCO<sub>3</sub> contents. The variations in soil properties and nutrient status among cropping systems indicate need for employing integrated and soil test based nutrient management in sustainable manner.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Available macronutrient status of soils in various cropping systems of Thotapalli irrigation project ayacut of North coastal Andhra Pradesh</div>