JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH

4

Authors: Bhabesh Mili1,2*, Sujata Pandita1, Bharath Kumar B.S.1 and Mehtab S. Parmar2

The present study was aimed to assess the effect of vitamin E supplementation on GH-insulin–IGF-1 axis in Murrah buffaloes during transition period. The Murrah buffaloes (n = 12) were selected during their late gestation from National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) livestock herd and divided randomly into two groups, comprising of 6 each. Buffaloes of group I were given only the control diet, while group II were supplemented with 2000 IU/day/head vitamin E along with control feed. Blood sample were collected from each buffalo at weekly interval from day -21 to day +21 relative to parturition by jugular vein- puncture. Growth hormone (GH) -IGF-1 and insulin were quantified by bovine specific ELISA test kit. The results revealed non significant difference in circulatory concentration of insulin and GH during transition period between the two groups. However, insulin and IGF-I magnitude of decline was significantly greater in Group I. It was concluded that decline in the levels of these hormones during transition period was a physiological phenomenon that was associated with negative energy balance. Dietary supplementation of Vitamin E had no direct influence on peripheral profiles of these hormones during transition period.

5

Authors: Jignesh M. Patel1*, Priti D.Vihol1, Jeetendra K. Raval1, Kartik M. Patel2, Naresh F. Chaudhari3, Puspa H. Rathod4 and Jatin H. Patel5

The purpose of this study was to carried out seroepidemiological study of leptospirosis in clinically ailing cattle and buffaloes of South Gujarat where cases of leptospirosis in human is increase every monsoon since last decade. To determine clinical pattern of bovine Leptospirosis in this area a total of 130 serum samples of cattle and buffaloes were collected randomly from different age groups of cattle and buffaloes of either sex reared in this area and tested by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using different serovars of Leptospira spp. The prevalence of leptospiral antibodies was detected in 15.84 and 17.24 % in clinically ailing cattle and buffaloes, respectively. In clinically ailing seropositive cattle history of mastitis/agalactia/oligolactia was recorded in maximum number of cases (24.00 %) followed by abortion (20.00 %), fever (14.81%), repeat breeding (11.76%) and anorexia (5.88%) in different combinations. In seropositive clinically ailing buffaloes the clinical signs included mastitis (30.00%), fever (16.66 %) and abortion (14.28%). In clinically ailing cattle highest prevalence was noted in animals above 4 years of age (20.00%) followed by 1-4 years of age (4.76%) whereas in clinically ailing buffalo seropositivity was recorded only in above 4 years of age (20.00%). The most prevalent serovar pomona has been reported from different clinical conditions in both cattle and buffaloes. Based on present and few past investigation reports the sero-epidemiological condition of bovine leptospirosis that need due attention as South Gujarat region is endemic zone for leptospirosis.

6

Authors: Deepak Prakash Aasiwal1, Bharat Singh Meena2, M.S. Mahesh3*, Kapil Sharma4 and C. Lalremuta4

The aim of this study was to document the response of lactating Jersey cows to feeding of formaldehyde treated oil cakes of rapeseed and cottonseed on milk yield and composition at various stages of lactation and parity. Formaldehyde treatment of oil cakes was performed at 1% of crude protein, and these treated cakes were used in preparing treatment concentrate mixture. The experiment was carried out for 40 days using 27 lactating Jersey cows differing in parity 1-3, 4-6 and ≥7 with different stages of lactation i.e. early (1-3 m), mid (4-6 m) and late (7-9 m) in each lactation groups. The animals were grouped into Control and Treatment. For first 10 days, cows of Control group were offered with a control concentrate and thereafter same animals were grouped as Treatment group and fed the same concentrate having both the protein meals treated with formaldehyde, along with ad libitum access to barley green fodder and wheat straw. The milk yield and its component yield were decreased linearly as lactation advanced and the differences were significant (P<0.05) between early and late lactation. The highest increment (P<0.05) in milk yield was noted in early lactation (0.69 kg/d) and least during late lactation (0.56 kg/d). Milk SNF yield was improved (P<0.05) up to the tune of 40 g/d in mid lactation cows only. With respect to parity, the highest (P<0.05) milk yield was observed in 1st-3rd parity and lowest after 7th parity, while milk fat% followed the reverse trend upon feeding formaldehyde treated oil cakes, while other parameters like fat and SNF percentage did not differ due to treatment. Furthermore, milk fat yield was increased (P<0.05) to the extent of 50 g/d and 20 g/d in 1st-3rd and above 7th parity cows, respectively. It was concluded that feeding of concentrate mixture containing formaldehyde treated oil cakes (rapeseed and cottonseed) economically improved yield of milk and milk components. Furthermore, the treatment effect was more pronounced during early lactation and in lower (1-3) parity Jersey cows.

6

Authors: Y. Ramana Reddy1, N. Nalini Kumari2, T. Monika2, M. Pavani2 and K. Sridhar2*

An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the optimum roughage to concentrate ratio in complete rations using sorghum stover (SS) as a roughage source since it is a main feed resource for urban and peri-urban dairies. Eight complete rations were prepared with roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio of 100R:0C to 30R:70C. In vitro gas production (ml) at 24 h incubation, in vitro organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy, truly digestible organic matter and ammonia nitrogen production were increased linearly (P<0.01) as the proportion of concentrate was increased in the ration. Significantly higher (P<0.01) total volatile fatty acid concentration was observed in 50R:50C, 40R:60C and 30R:70C compared to other rations. Significantly (P<0.01) highest partitioning factor, microbial biomass production and efficiency of microbial biomass production were recorded at 60R:40C ratio followed by 50R:50C. Therefore, the present study suggested that SS can be included in complete rations for ruminants at the level of 60 per cent for economic milk and meat production.

7

Authors: Dilip Kumar Swain*, Mohar Singh Kushwah, Mandheer Kaur and Ajay Kumar Dang

Neutrophil apoptosis is a dynamic process following their recruitment to the site of infection that varies depending upon the type of challenge. The proposed study was designed to elucidate the role of classical mediators of apoptosis in neutrophils isolated from milk samples of crossbred Karan Fries cows suffering from subclinical (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM). Milk samples were collected from 12 KF cows suffering from clinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcal aureus. Clinical mastitis was confirmed on the basis of CMT scoring, bacteriological evaluation, gross and morphological changes in milk and by counting milk somatic cells (SCC). Milk Poly Morpho-Nuclear Cells (PMNs) were isolated and apoptosis was studied. Neutrophil apoptosis was evaluated by studying the exteriorization of phosphatidyl serine, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, Caspase 3, 7, 8 and 9 by fluorescent microscopy. Results showed that apoptosis in neutrophils were mediated through exteriorization of membrane phosphatidyl serine; increased mitochondrial transmemebrane potential and activation of caspases 3, 7, 8 and 9 like other somatic cells. From the study, it was evident that neutrophils undergo induced apoptosis during Staphylococcal mastitis. The findings of the study provide an insight into the molecular basis of neutrophil apoptosis and form a basis to enhance the host immunity by the process of apoptosis modulation to combat the infections caused by the pathogen. The study provided a base for future studies by which neutrophil apoptosis can be modulated so as to enhance the phagocytic clearance of the microbes from the site of infection.

8

Authors: Brijesh Yadav1.2*, Gyanendra Singh1 and Alok Wankar1

A series of studies were conducted to assess the effect of increasing environmental temperatures on redox status and endocrine responses in crossbred cattle under simulated conditions. In present study four non-lactating crossbred cattle were exposed to 25, 30, 35 and 40°C temperature with relative humidity of 40-50% in psychrometric chamber for 5 hours/day from 10:00 to 15:00 hours for 21 days. The physiological responses, feed and water intake were recorded and blood samples were collected at 15:00 hours on day 1, 6, 11, 16 and 21 of the experiment. Blood serum was harvested to estimate superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and cortisol concentration. The temperature exposures of 25 and 30°C did not affect physiological responses, feed intake, water intake, T3, T4, cortisol concentration and SOD activity in serum. The dry matter intake (DMI)/day decreased significantly (p<0.05) whereas water intake, respiratory rate and rectal temperature increased progressively at 35 and 40°C as compared to 25 and 30°C temperature exposure. The serum ROS level increased progressively with increase in exposure temperature and a corresponding increase in serum SOD activity was also observed up to a temperature exposure of 35°C however, SOD activity declined at 40°C exposure. Serum T4 concentration decreased whereas cortisol level increased significantly at 35 and 40°C exposure as compared to 25 and 30°C temperature exposure. It can be concluded from the present study that the crossbred animals can readily adapt to a temperature exposure of 25 and 30°C and can acclimatize up to 35°C with compensatory physiological, biochemical and endocrine changes but fail to do so at the temperature exposure of 40°C.

4

Authors: Thirumala Rao Talluri, S.K. Ravi, J. Singh, R.A. Legha and Yash Pal

Vulva acts as the first effective barrier to combat the external environmental infections and to protect the internal reproductive organs from ascending infections. Any abnormality in the shape and structure to the vulva may compromises the mare’s healthy reproductive status and may lead to the infertility. Vulvar conformation plays a major and crucial role not only during selection and purchase of mares but also in predicting the future fertility status. Caslick’s index gives estimation about the calculation of good vulval conformation. In the present study, we applied the same to our breedable mares present at the farm and correlated with fertility. The study confirms the positive correlation between the vulval confirmation and fertility status of the mares.

4

Authors: Vikas bin Zaffer, Raman K. Taggar and Dibyendu Chakraborty

Data on growth traits of 401 animals used in the present study were collected from history sheet of crossbred sheep maintained at Government Sheep Breeding Farm Panthal, Reasi, J&K, India. Traits included in the study were birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), 6-month body weight (6-BW), 12-month body weight (12-BW), mature body weight (MBW) and annual wool production (AWP). The statistical analysis was carried out using LSMLMW computer programme. The overall least-squares means were 2.857 ± 0.058 kg, 15.269 ± 0.296 kg, 17.034 ± 0.258 kg, 22.315 ± 0.298 kg, 29.375 ± 0.237 kg and 0.651 ± 0.012 kg, respectively for BWT, WWT, 6-BW, 12-BW, MBW and AWP. The co-efficient of variations for different traits were low to moderate. Period of lambing had significant effect on all the traits except for BWT. Moreover, there was no definite trend for different traits over different periods except for 12-BW, where increasing trend was obtained. Season of lambing had significant effect only on WWT and MBW. Genetic group had non-significant effect on all the traits under study although, 50% genetic groups were superior for most of the traits. Sex had significant effect on all the traits except for 6-BW and 12-BW. It can be concluded from the study that growth traits and production traits are influenced by different non-genetic factors like period, season and sex.

4

Authors: Shikha Sharma, Sahil Kumar, Javid Farooq and Rajesh Katoch

Parasitic disease constitutes 60-70% diseases affecting the animals and has serious economic implication in livestock entrepreneurship by direct and indirect production loss. Indiscriminate use of anthelmintic drugs has made the situation even more precarious. A similar problem was encountered in goat farm of SKUAST-Jammu, where goats with constant complain of diarrhoea and loss of body condition was reported despite of routine deworming. The present study was therefore conducted with the objective of determining the efficacy of conventional dewormer used and its comparison with some unexploited antiparasitic drug for the same reason. Twenty seven goats with above said problem were divided into three groups after qualitative examination Group I was treated with ivermectin at dose rate of 0.2 mg per kg body weight orally. Group II was treated with fenbendazole @5 mg/kg body weight orally and Group III goats were kept as untreated control. Quantitative examination for EPG was conducted on day 0, 7 and 14 by Stoll’s technique. FECRT percentage revealed 100% efficacy of ivermectin @ 0.2mg/kg b.wt. whereas FECRT percentage in fenbendazole treated group was found to be 57.44% on day 7 and 70.87% on day 14 post treatment. Coproculture revealed presence of only H.contortus larvae, post treatment. The study revealed low efficacy of fenbendazole and hence ivermectin is the better drug than fenbendazole to control GIT nematodes.

6

Authors: Emine Hesna Kandir and Mehmet Yardimci

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of kefir as a probiotic on growth performance and carcass characteristics in Pekin ducks. For this purpose, 42 ducklings at 2-week-old age were randomly and equally divided into 1 control and 2 treatment groups. All groups were fed with the same diet during the 6 week study period. Group 1 served as control and received normal drinking water. For group 2 and 3, 2.5% and 7.5% kefir was applied in drinking water. Feed and water was offered ad libitum. All birds were individually weighed at the start and then weekly intervals until the end of the experiment. At the end of the study, a total of 30 ducks, 5 male and 5 female from each group was randomly selected for slaughter. The results showed that after a 6 week feeding period, the total body weight in group 2 and 3 were significantly lower than group 1 (P < 0.05). Despite the numerical variations, no statistical difference was seen among the groups in terms of body weight gain, feed intake and FCR values (P < 0.05). Group 3 with high kefir percentage was significantly lower and different than the other experimental groups in terms of liver and gizzard weights, hot carcass (g), cold carcass (g) and abdominal fat (%) (P < 0.05) parameters. Despite the numerical variations, no statistical difference was seen among the groups in terms of meat composition values (P > 0.05). Our findings showed that, the decrease in total body weight, abdominal fat ratio, liver and giblets weights based on the increased kefir rates attracted attention. In conclusion, kefir usage as a supplement in ducks doesn’t provide an economical benefit but kefir could be used for human consumption for antiobesity.

6

Authors: Sonu Kumari, R.A. Luthra, R.K. Chandolia, Anand Kumar Pandey, Dheer Singh Swami and Kailash Kumar

Two dimensional (2D) ultrasound imaging of testis was conducted on six prepubertal bucks from 1 month to 9 months of age. Testicular scanning was done through direct contact in longitudinal and vertical positions by using 6.0 MHz frequency with a real time ultrasound scanner. The testicular parenchyma (TP) appeared homogenous with a coarse medium echo-pattern which appeared anechoic at first month of age and then moderately echogenic as development occurred with advancement of age. The mediastinum appeared as a longitudinal structure in the middle of testis having greater echogenicity than TP in longitudinal plane and as an echogenic spot in centre of TP in transverse plane. The scrotal septum was seen as a hyperechoic structure in lateral sonograms from initial scanning onwards. The tunics of the testes appeared as a bright echogenic line. Inter-testicular septal depression also appeared between testes as anechoic linear band on transverse scanning. The length, width and circumference of the testes showed significant increase (P<0.05) with the advancement of age. Pixel value of testes showed an incremental pattern with slight deviations at few points. All testicular parameters increased linearly as age advanced, with maximum increase from third to fourth month.

6

Authors: G. P. Sabapara, A. B. Fulsoundar and V. B. Kharadi

A field survey was conducted purposively in Surat district of Gujrat to ascertain the calf rearing management practices followed by rural dairy animal owners during March, 2013 to January, 2014. Data were collected from randomly selected 300 dairy animal owners through personal interview with the help of pre-tested structured schedule from five talukas selected at random. The present study revealed that majority (95.33%) of the respondents attended calving and cleaned the calves soon after parturition. Majority (96.33%) of respondents did not practice ligation, cutting and disinfection of the naval cord and it was left to fall off itself naturally. Only 35.05% of the respondents fed colostrum to new born calf within one hour of birth. Majority (58.67%) of the respondents followed weaning practices at the age of three months and 23.33% of the respondents allowed calves to suckle their dams till lactation ceased. Majority (82.33%) of the respondents provided green fodders from two months of age and only 2.67% of the respondents provided calf starter to the calves. Only 37% of the respondents followed dehorning during 3-4 week of age of their calves, 17% of respondents practiced castration of male calves, 48.67% of the respondents gave anthelmetics to the calves regularly and 12.33% of the respondents provided jacketing as well as bedding in order to protect their calves from cold during winter season.

6

Authors: Priyanka Deshmukh, Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Varsha Sharma and Pankaj Jain

The study was conducted to evaluate immunomodulatory property of hot aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera in albino rats. This study comprised of six groups containing six rats in each group. Group I served as control, received standard feed and water. Group II and IV received hot aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera @ 400 mg/kg b.wt, orally for 45 days. Group III and V received ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera @ 400 mg/kg b.wt, orally for 45 days. Group VI received standard immunomodulatory drug Levamisole @ 50 mg/kg b.wt, orally for 45 days. A significant increase (P< 0.05) in HA titre was observed in levamisole treated group VI, ethanolic extract treated group V and hot aqueous extract treated group IV of Moringa oleifera as compared to group I. In delayed hypersensitivity test a significant increase (P< 0.05) in paw volume was observed in response to Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC’s) in group II (hot aqueous extract), group III (ethanolic extract) and group VI (levamisole). Phagocytic index was also found to be non-significantly increased in levamisole treated group VI, ethanolic extract treated group III and hot aqueous extract treated group II as compared to group I. Thus the results showed that Moringa oleifera possess immunomodulatory property.

6

Authors: Majid Shafi, Khadim Hussain, Umesh K. Garg and Omer Khalil Baba

The present study was aimed to elucidate the effect of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induced toxicity in the broiler chicken. For this purpose, 120 broiler chicks were utilized and divided into 4 major groups (C, D, B and N) and within each major group the chicks were divided into 3 sub groups having 10 chicks each. The control chicks received normal diet without any medicine. Diclofenac was used @ 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg b.wt. in D1, D2 and D3 group respectively. Ibuprofen was fed @ 15, 30, 45 mg /kg b.wt in B1, B2 and B3 group respectively. The nimesulide group viz. N1, N2 and N3 were given Nimesulide @ 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg b.wt respectively. NSAIDs induced toxicity showed no effect on the haematological parameters of broiler chicks in the present study, however, there was increase in the serum alkaline phosphatase level in intoxicated birds indicating hepatotoxicity compared to the control group with highest value of 173.33 ± 0.80 IU/L in B3. Further, atrophy of spleen and bursa of fabricius was observed in intoxicated birds. Highest atrophy of spleen (1.1 gm/kg body weight) was observed in N3 and D3 while as maximum bursal atrophy of 1.20 ± 0.06 gm/kg body weight was recorded in B3.

8

Authors: Aasif Ahmad Sheikh*, Anjali Aggarwal, Ovais Aarif and R.C. Upadhyay

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the invitro effect of zinc treatment on the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase status in the heat stressed Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) of periparturient indigenous and crossbred cows. Twelve pregnant cows, six each from Sahiwal and Karan Fries in their second parity were selected for the experiment. Blood samples were collected at -21, 0 and +21 days with respect to calving from each animal. The 48 hour long cultured PBMC were exposed to three levels of treatment viz., 37oC, 42oC to induce thermal stress and 42oC+Zinc to minimize the effect of high temperature. SOD and Catalase showed a significant (P<0.05) difference between the two breeds, more concentration being found in Karan Fries. While comparing the days, the concentration of both SOD and Catalase was found to be more on the day of calving though non-significantly in case of SOD but the difference was significant (P<0.05) vis-à-vis Catalase. Zinc treatment caused a decreased production of both SOD and Catalase which were otherwise increased due to thermal stress. The antioxidant concentration was highest due to thermal stress in Karan Fries on the day of calving. The oxidative stress supervenes during peripartum and heat stress which could be alleviated by zinc treatment

8

Authors: Bilal Ahmad Malla1*, Ankur Rastogi, Ramesh Kumar Sharma, Ishfaq Ahmad, Hujaz Tariq and Javid Farooq

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the feeding Kinnow mandarin fruit waste (KMW) silage viś-a- viś oat silage on nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, utilization and general performance of adult male goats. Twelve local adult male goats were randomly allotted into two equal groups namely oat silage (OS) and Kinnow silage (KS) group. Animals were offered weighed quantities of respective silage (Oat silage to OS and KMW silage to KS) on ad lib. Silage intake (g/d), DM intake (DMI), digestible DMI, digestible organic matter (OMI) and digestible CP intake was comparable (P>0.05) among the two dietary groups. The per cent digestibility of all the analysed nutrients was analogous (P>0.05) in both the groups irrespective of the diet. Total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake (g/d) of goats kept on KMW silage was significantly (P<0.05) higher than OS group animals. Balance of nitrogen and phosphorus was positive in both the groups without any significant (P>0.05) difference between dietary groups. There was no significant difference in analysed blood bio-chemicals and serum enzymes level between different periods and groups, suggesting general well-being of goats. On the basis of results of present study, it can be concluded adult male goats can be maintained on the silage of Kinnow waste without affecting nutrient intake, utilization and general performance of animals.