The concept of water movement across cell membranes eventually lead to identification of water channels, known as &lsquo;Aquaporins&rsquo;. The transport function exerted by aquaporins (AQPs) is carried out efficiently by 13 distinct isoforms of AQPs in mammals. AQPs help in regulation of physiological functions of various organ systems and have a functional role in stress associated with various pathological conditions. This review summarises the involvement of AQPs in transport of ROS and oxidative stress regulation in various organ systems. AQP1, AQP4, AQP7 and AQP9 are the major AQPs in the cardiac tissues of various animals, playing vital role in the patho-physiology of congestive heart failure, myocardial oedema, myocardial ischemia and polymicrobial sepsis. In digestive system, AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP7, AQP8, AQP10 and AQP11 are localised in gastro-intestinal tract, modulating patho-physiology of pseudomembranous colitis, bile induced diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal ulcers. AQPs in enteric tissues are engaged in metabolism of H2O2, providing a protective mechanism against oxidative stress. AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, AQP4 and AQP11 are major renal AQPs involved in ureteral obstruction, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and kidney injury. In respiratory system, AQP1, AQP2, AQP4 and AQP5 are expressed in various pathological circumstances like lung injury and pulmonary inflammation due to oxidative stress. Thus, the evidences regarding the role of AQPs in oxidative stress offer a foundation for comprehending the adaptive mechanisms to oxidative injury at cellular level, which helps in strategizing breeding programmes and serves as biomarkers for efficient diagnosis.

&nbsp;

The Role of Aquaporin in Stress Physiology: A Review

<div>Background: Blackgram is generally considered as a shade sensitive crop. Nevertheless, it fits well in intercropping, crop rotation and crop mixture in coconut gardens thus forming an integral part of cropping systems of the tropics. To encourage and extend blackgram cultivation in coconut gardens, suitable varieties tolerant to shade, need to be identified. The current study aims to screen shade tolerant blackgram varieties with respect to morpho-physiological characters and yield.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2019 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India. Uniformly spaced coconut palms of age above 40 years were selected having a light intensity of 40-46.5 Klux. Twelve promising blackgram varieties along with three cultures were evaluated under low light intensity in coconut garden. Morpho-physiological attributes and yields were recorded and analysed statistically. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Result: Superior growth attributes and physiological parameters like stomatal frequency, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate were recorded in varieties namely, DBGV 5, Sumanjana and VBN 5. These varieties were found tolerant to low light intensity with DBGV 5 recording significantly higher yield (1183.33 kg ha-1) followed by VBN 5 (916.67 kg ha-1) and Sumanjana (906.67 kg ha-1) and could be recommended as suitable for intercropping in coconut garden.</div>

​Identification of Low Light Tolerant Blackgram Varieties with Respect to Morpho-physiology and Yield

<div>Background: In recent years, several works have examined the reproductive traits of Algerian local population rabbit does but no standardization study has been done on the plasmatic parameters of this population of rabbits reared in the Aures region during their different physiological stages. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effect of these on certain blood parameters in local rabbit does. 
 
Methods: The rabbit does (n=120) were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups; Empty (E), Pregnant (P), Pregnant lactating (P-L) and Lactating (L). Does were first mated at the age of 16.5 weeks with an average body weight of 3107.1 &plusmn; 53.5g and with body condition scoring (BCS) of loin and rump ranging from 2 to 3 on a scale of 1- 5 following a 42-day rhythm. Four blood samples were collected from females of five rabbits in each group viz. E, P, P-L and L respectively. 
 
Result: Milk yield differs significantly (p&lt;0.05) between the two experimental groups (P-L and L). Litter size and litter weight of does at birthing was higher (p&lt;0.01) in L group than in P and P-L groups. That the mean levels glucose in non-pregnant group recorded as 0.22&plusmn;0.04g/l which was increased 3rd week of pregnancy (0.65&plusmn; 0.1 g/l followed by low mean value 0.35+0.2g/l and 0.4+0.1g/l at pregnant lactating and lactating stages of experimental rabbits. The lowest level of protein was recorded in the second week of pregnancy (p&lt;0.05). The increase in total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations in lactating group might be physiological. Concerning total lipids, there was a strong mobilization of body fat in pregnant females (97 mg/dl &plusmn; 0.10; p&lt;0.05). However, a marked decrease (p&lt;0.05) was recorded in cholesterolemia in lactating females. Regarding triglyceridemia, we have recorded a significant raise (37.7 &plusmn; 35.6; p&lt;0.001) in pregnant females. The creatinine value recorded was close to the physiological norms 1.3-2.7 mg/dl vs 1.08 -0. 92 mg/dl. T3 plasma levels were lower (p&lt;0.05) in lactating females&rsquo; group. Pregnant and lactating does showed an increase (p&lt;0.05) of leptin level. The higher (p&lt;0.05) progesterone levels in pregnant and pregnant-lactating does than its concentrations in empty and lactating does might be attributed to maintaining pregnancy. Therefore, the current study confirms that the analysis of metabolites represents a good tool to understand the physiological mechanisms. &nbsp;</div>

<div>The Blood Biochemical Profiles in Algerian Rabbits of the Semi-arid Region of Aures (Algeria) At Different Physiological Stages</div>

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of Holstein Friesian dairy cattle&rsquo;s physiological adaptation in Balochistan, a harsh environment that poses significant challenges to animal production. The article reviews various physiological responses and adaptations of Holstein Friesian dairy cattle to thermal stress and water scarcity, which are two of the most significant challenges the animals face in this region. It also highlights several key physiological responses that occur in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle when exposed to thermal stress, such as increased respiratory rate, pulse rateand rectal temperature. Additionally, milk production, somatic cell count (SCC), blood metabolitesand heart rate were identified as valuable indicators for assessing the animal&rsquo;s thermoregulatory mechanisms and detecting the impact of thermal stress. Moreover, adaptations of the sweat gland characteristics, metabolism processes and reduced metabolic requirements were also discussed. This review also highlighted the effect of altitude, hair coatand breed differences on the animals&rsquo; physiological adaptation. The authors stressed the significance of understanding the animals&rsquo; physiological responses to harsh environmental conditions and the importance of measuring these responses accurately in enhancing the animal&rsquo;s productivity and welfare. This review concludes with recommendations for improving the adaptability and performance of Holstein Friesian dairy cattle in Balochistan. Suggestions include implementing crossbreeding programs with indigenous breeds, improving management practices, utilizing physiological parameters to monitor animal health and conducting further research to identify genetic variations that improve animal adaptability. The authors emphasize the significance of these recommendations to increase farmers&rsquo; income, enhance food securityand contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. In conclusion, this review article provides valuable insights into Holstein Friesian dairy cattle&rsquo;s physiological adaptation in Balochistan and can be useful for stakeholders in the dairy industry, policymakersand researchers concerned with improving the sustainability and profitability of animal agriculture in harsh environments.

Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle Physiological Adaptation in Balochistan: A Review

<div style="text-align: justify;">The objective of the study was to assess the variability in the physiological responses of growing pigs on melatonin and vitamin E supplementation during summer and winter seasons.36 nos. of weaned crossbred (Hampshire X Assam local) female pigs were selected for the study. Eighteen (18) animals were subjected to treatment separately during summer and winter. The selected animals were divided into three groups, with six pigs in each group, consisting of the control group (Treatment 1), a second group comprising of animals fed with melatonin (Meloset) @3 mg/animal (Treatment 2) and a third group in which the animals were fed Vitamin E (Evion) @100 mg (Treatment 3), for both the seasons. The rectal temperature, respiration and pulse rate differed significantly (P&lt;0.01) between seasons. There was also significant difference (P&lt;0.01) in the mean pulse rate between treatment.</div>

Physiological responses in pigs on antioxidant supplementation during summer and winter

<div>Background: Heat stress causes oxidative stress and declines milk production potential of cows. The physiological responses and skin temperature of heat stressed animals are good indices for deterring the heat stress. The efficacy of medicinal herb Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) was tested in lowering the rise in values of physiological responses and skin temperature in crossbred vis a vis Indigenous cows. 
 
Methods: Eighteen Tharparkar (TP) and Crossbred KF cows in mid-lactation were given; No supplement (control), a low (T1, n=6) and a high dose (T2, n=6) of CB @ 40 and 80 mg/kg BW/day, respectively for 90 days during hot-humid season. Respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT) and skin temperature (ST) was recorded at the site of forehead, neck, rear body, and udder surface in the morning and afternoon at weekly intervals. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated to assess the degree of thermal stress in animals. 
 
Result: Physiological responses and skin temperatures were higher (p&lt;0.01) in the afternoon than morning intervals in TP and KF cows. CB feeding significantly lowered physiological responses and ST (p&lt;0.01) in high dose as compared to low dose. It was concluded that CB feeding @ 80 mg/kg BW/day effectively alleviates the heat stress. Indigenous cows were found more heat tolerant in comparison to crossbred cows.</div>

Comparative Efficacy of Physiological Responses and Skin Temperatures in Indigenous and Crossbred Cattle Supplemented with Chlorophytum borivilianum in Summer Season

<div>Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the most important legume crops cultivated throughout the world. Cowpea is used as food, feed, forage, fodder, green manuring and vegetable. It&rsquo;s seed is a nutritious component in the human diet, as well as for livestock. Seed hardening and pelleting are seed enhancement&nbsp;techniques used to improve seed&nbsp;germination&nbsp;and seedling vigour and growth by altering the physiological&nbsp;state of the seed. This alteration may improve the vigor or the physiology of the seed by enhancing uniformity of germination. Seed enhancement techniques like hardening and priming include use of chemicals that trigger systemic acquired resistance or improve stress tolerance whereas the pelleting treatments improve seed handling and planting. They also enhance nutrient availability or provide inoculates by delivering materials needed during sowing, germination and seedling establishment. Hence in order to study the combined effect of seed hardening and pelleting on growth, yield and resultant seed quality of cowpea under natural saline conditions, the present study was taken up. 
 
Methods: The present field and laboratory investigations were carried out to study the effect of seed hardening, seed pelleting and their combined effect on growth, physiology, yield and resultant seed quality of cowpea under natural saline conditions. The fresh seeds of cowpea seeds cv. CO (CP) 7 were hardened with KCl @ 1%, CaCl2 @ 1% and both KCl and CaCl2 @ 1% and then the hardened seeds were further pelleted with pungam leaf powder @ 100, 150 and 200 g kg-1 of seed. Then the treated seeds were evaluated for their seed productivity and resultant seed qualities using untreated seeds as control. Observations on growth, leaf chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters, yield and resultant seed quality parameters were recorded.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The experimental results revealed that among the treatments, seeds hardened with KCl @ 1 % + CaCl2 @ 1 % and pelleted with pungam leaf powder @ 200 g per kg recorded higher growth, yield parameters, leaf chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters and resultant seed quality when compared to control and other treatments.</div>

<div>Effect of Seed Hardening and Pelleting on Growth, Yield, Physiology and Resultant Seed Quality of Cowpea under Natural Saline Conditions</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of climatic variables on physiological responses and haematological parameters of crossbred cows in summer season. In this study 16 crossbred cows were selected and randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2). Cows of control group were housed in shed with sprinkler, whereas the cows of treatment group were housed in shed with fogger plus fans and mosquito net. Data on various physiological and haematological parameters were recorded and analysed statistically. &nbsp;Analysis revealed that, the maximum temperature and THI were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in treatment shed as compared to control shed. Significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher dry matter intake and milk yield in treatment (13.64&plusmn;0.44 and 18.18&plusmn;0.36 kg) as compared to control group (12.33&plusmn;0.37 and 15.94&plusmn;0.47 kg) were recorded during peak hot period. Rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in treatment (38.28&plusmn;0.05, 36.42&plusmn;2.98 and 78.65&plusmn;1.09 &deg;C) as compared to control group (38.57&plusmn;0.14, 51.15&plusmn;4.34 and 83.59&plusmn;0.83 &deg;C). However, haemoglobin concentration (g/dl) and white blood corpuscles (103/cmm) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in treatment (10.54&plusmn;0.36 and 12.35&plusmn;0.64) as copared to control group (9.52&plusmn;0.43 and10.88&plusmn;0.57). Therefore, it can be concluded that fogger with fans is the fundamental mean to protect the animals from thermal stress under loose housing during summer season.</div>

Effect of microclimatic variables on physiological and hematological parameters of crossbred cows in summer season &nbsp;

<div>Background: Alfalfa crops are subject to intercalation when grown continuously on the same field, and autotoxicity appears to be another factor in this thinning. Alfalfa fields are often thinned out and have lower yields during consecutive production, and autotoxicity is increasingly found to be a major reason. Hence, Therefore, understanding the seed germination and seedling growth and physiological mechanisms of the alfalfa under continuous cropping system becomes important for sustainable the use of alfalfa grassland.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The leaves, stem, root and rhizosphere soil of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv ZhongMu No.1) were collected to determine the seedling growth germination index (GI) and vigor index(VI), physiological characters malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, Soluble sugar (SS), Soluble protein (SP), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). 
 
Result: The germination rate, germination potential, germination index (GI) and vigor index decreased with the increasing extract contents, particularly in leaf extracts. In the extract of plant and soil, the concentration of malondialdehyde altered indistinctly, while the contents of osmo-regulatory substances and the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes generally decreased. Furthermore, the extract increased the seedling length of alfalfa and GI was negatively correlated with seedling growth characteristics.</div>

Effects of Continuous Cropping on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth, Physiological Characters of Alfalfa

<div>Background: Sesbania species are widely used in different agricultural systems providing green manure, forage, firewood, pulp, food, landscape decoration, control of soil erosion and soil improvement. The biomass yield and yield contributing descriptors of Sesbania depend on different physiological traits.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: An experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University to find out the morphological and physiological variability among four Sesbania genotypes. Sesbania species, viz. S. bispinosa, S. cannabina, S. sesban and S. rostrata, were used as experimental materials. Seeds were sown in 2.5 m &times; 2.0 m plots to maintain 200 plants m-2 following randomized complete block design with three replications. Seed length and width, 1000-seed weight, germination percentage, vigour index, seedling length and biomass yield parameters were recorded. Different growth data were recorded and physiological descriptors were calculated at every 10 days intervals up to 60 days after sowing (DAS).&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results revealed that the highest value of plant height, number of leaflets pair leaf-1, leaf length and biomass yield were found in S. bispinosa and the lowest in S. sesban at 60 DAS. Sesbania sesban produced higher biomass and studied growth descriptors up to 20 DAS and thereafter declined, however, other three species produced higher biomass and studied growth descriptors from 30 to 60 DAS.</div>