029128   KARBASANAVAR N, BAGALAKOTE P S, SHAMBULINGAPPA B E, ANANDA K J, SATHEESHA S P, RANI B K, MALLINATH K C (Veterinary Coll, Shivamogga - 577 204) : Investigation of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) outbreak among goats and sheep of Agasavalli village (Shivamogga district, Karnataka). Indian J Anim Health 2018, 57(2), 169-74.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and economically important disease of small ruminants associated with high morbidity and mortality. Outbreak investigation was carried out in the month of August 2015 in goat and sheep of Agasavalli village (Shivamogga district, Karnataka). A total of 341 goats and 60 sheep reared under semi-intensive system were investigated for morbidity, mortality and case fatality. Affected animals exhibited symptoms suggestive of PPR viz. high fever, severe coughing, facial swelling, purulent nasal discharge, ulceration (gum, dental pad and oral commissure), profuse watery diarrhea with foul smell, anorexia and abortions in pregnant animals leading to death in about a week. Representative samples (n=10) collected from ailing animals were analysed in the laboratory and post-mortem examination of dead animals were carried out. Lateral flow assay (serum) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasal swabs confirmed PPR virus infection as the cause of outbreak among sheep and goats. Morbidity, mortality and case fatality due to PPR during the outbreak were 76.5 %, 24.9 % and 32.6 % in goats and 55.0 %, 5.0 % and 9.1 % in sheep, respectively. Severity of infection was higher among young animals compared to adults. Keeping in view high morbidity and mortality of PPR infection in small ruminants, proper prophylactic vaccination of small ruminants is advocated for the management of disease.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

029123   AKOURKI A, MONDAL M, KARUNAKARAN M, PAL P (ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani - 741 235) : Effect of soybean lecithin extender on post-thaw semen quality of Bengal buck. Indian J Anim Health 2018, 57(2), 153-64.

Semen extenders containing lecithin of animal origin are frequently criticized because of the risk of disease dissemination. To look for some alternative extender, the present study was carried out with the aim to evaluate if egg yolk lecithin could be replaced by soybean lecithin by adding glycerol to the extender either at the temperature of 30 $°$C or 5 $°$C during cryopreservation of buck semen. For the purpose, ejaculates collected from four Bengal bucks by artificial vagina method were diluted and frozen either in a Tris-egg yolk or Tris-soybean lecithin with glycerol added either at 30 $°$C or 4 $°$C. Results revealed that sperm motility and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity were not affected (p>0.005) between the semen fraction frozen in an egg yolk and soybean lecithin based extenders. Moreover, adding glycerol to the extender at 30 $°$C or 4 $°$C did not change significantly (p>0.05) the quality of semen diluted and frozen in both extenders. Therefore, soybean lecithin can properly replace egg yolk lecithin during semen freezing of Bengal bucks and glycerol as a cryoprotector may be added to the extender either at 30 $°$C or 4 $°$C.

3 tables, 22 ref

029137   PATRA A K (Animal Nutrition Dep, West Bengal Animal and Fishery Sciences Univ, Kolkata - 700 037) : Interactions of plant bioactives with nutrient transport systems in gut of livestock. Indian J Anim Health 2018, 57(2), 125-36.

Research on natural plant secondary compounds (PSC) has gained widespread impetus for use as feed additives to improve production performance, welfare and health of livestock and poultry due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunostimulatory and other beneficial biological effects. Moreover, various PSC are usually present in regular diets of animals and humans. Dietary PSC may regulate absorption of nutrients, minerals and ammonia via transcellular and paracellular routes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract influencing nutrient transporter gene expression and molecular structures of tight junctions. Some PSC stimulate nutrient absorption, while other PSC may impair transport mechanisms in the intestine interacting with nutrient transporters of enterocytes and tight junction motifs and their regulatory proteins. One challenging aspect is to select an effective dose at which a specific PSC could improve GI nutrient absorption while preserving or improving other beneficial biological effects. The optimum doses and precise molecular mechanisms for PSC are yet to be identified to understand discrepant observations among different studies and to improve the targeted biotechnological and pharmaceutical uses of PSC in farm animals. This review discusses the effects of different PSC on nutrient transport and permeability of GI epithelia and their mechanism of actions focusing mainly on livestock species.

55 ref

029134   MITRA A, MUKHOPADHYAY P K, HOMECHAUDHURI S (Zoology Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata - 700019, Email: sumithomec@yahoo.com) : Probiotic effect of Bacillus licheniformis fb11 on the digestive efficiency and growth performance in juvenile Chitala chitala (Hamilton, 1822). Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 403–14.

Five isocaloric (430 kcal 100 g^-1 ), isonitrogenous (40 % CP) experimental diets were formulated with different concentrations of Bacillus licheniformis fb11 probionts (isolated from the gut of Chitala chitala) viz. Control (without probionts), 5 $\times$ 10⁴ CFU g^-1 (D₁), 5 $\times$ 10⁵ CFU g^-1 (D₂), 5 $\times$ 10⁶ CFU g^-1 (D₃), 5 $\times$ 10⁷ CFU g^-1 (D₄), 5 $\times$ 10⁸ CFU g^-1 (D₅) to evaluate its efficiency in C. chitala juvenile. The best growth performance, feed utilisation, specific $\mathrm{\alpha }$-amylase, total protease and lipase activity were observed with the diet D₃ (P$<$0.05). The lowest Presumptive Pseudomonas Count, Motile Aeromonad Count, Total Coliform Count was observed for D₃ (P$<$0.05) on 90th day of trial. Two uppermost values were achieved in case of crude protein for D₃ and D₂ (P$>$0.05). The highest lipid content (12.12 ± 0.4 g 100 g^-1 ) was found for D₅ (P$<$0.05). The highest gross energy (18.75 ± 0.21 MJ 100 g^-1 ) of carcass was recorded for D₃. Thus B. licheniformis fb11 at the concentration 5 $\times$ 10⁶ CFU g^-1 as probiotic supplement promoted growth, digestion in C. chitala juvenile significantly by modulating intestinal microflora.

1 illus, 8 tables, 39 ref

029142   SHUKLA A, TRIVEDI S P (Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow - 226007, Email: sat060523@gmail.com) : Anionic surfactant, linear alkyl benzene sulphonate induced oxidative stress and hepatic impairments in fish Channa punctatus. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 382–9.

Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS), one of the main ingredients used in synthetic detergents to enhance their cleansing properties. Indiscriminate and untreated discharge of detergents and their residues in both lantic and lotic habitats pose a variety of ecological threats and also adversely affect aquatic fauna. In vivo, LAS metabolism and biotransformation occurs via monooxygenases in liver, leading to Reactive Oxygen Species, ROS, production and consequently oxidative stress by disturbing cellular antioxidant enzymatic equilibrium. Present study aims to evaluate the activities of two widely distributed antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ROS induced histological impairments in liver of freshwater fish, Channa punctatus. For the estimation of oxidative stress and hepatic impairments, well acclimatized fishes were divided in three groups. Fish of group G1 serves as control whereas fish of the other two groups, G2 and G3 were exposed to two fractions, 1/20th and 1/10th of 96 h LC₅₀ of LAS for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure periods. Our results showed a significant induction in CAT and SOD activities in liver tissue of C. punctatus in a dose and time dependent manner. ROS induced histopathological impairments in hepatic tissues are characterized by loosely arranged, irregularly distributed and degenerated hepatocytes with increased vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei. The results are quite suggestive that LAS intoxication generates oxidative stress by ROS production which brings about histopathological impairments in exposed fish.

3 illus, 64 ref

029130   KRISHNAMOORTHY D, NARASIMMAN S, NATESAN M (Zoology Dep, Madras Univ, Tamil Nadu - 600 025, Email: munuswamynm@yahoo.com) : Ultrastructure of spermatozoa in a freshwater fairy shrimp, Streptocephalus dichotomus (Crustacea: Anostraca). Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 376–381.

Ultrastructure of spermatozoa in fairy shrimp Streptocephalus dichotomus revealed that they are amoeboid type with no acrosome and flagella. Surface topography of the spermatozoon is smooth with occasional pseudopodial projections. Transmission electron micrographs of spermatozoa show organelle and the mitochondria which is not fused to form the so called ‘Nebenkern’. The testicular lumen reveals spermatozoa in varying sizes and shapes.

3 illus, 21 ref

029129   KHANAL S, ARYAL A, MORLEY C G, WRIGHT W, SINGH N B (Zoology Dep, Tribhuvan Univ, Nepal, Email: srijana.khanalgautam@gmail.com) : Challenges of conserving blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) outside the protected areas of Nepal. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 352–62.

Blue bull, or ‘Nilgai’ (Boselaphus tragocamelus, Pallas, 1766) is the sole member of its genus. It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent and while there are major populations in northern India, there are also smaller populations in Nepal and Pakistan. It is now extinct in Bangladesh. The Nepalese population is sparsely distributed, mostly in the lowland Terai areas, and outside of Nepal’s protected area network. Conflict with local farming communities because of crop damage by nilgai has created conservation challenges and our aim was to document the distribution of nilgai and to explore the conflict between nilgai and the human population in lowland Nepal. Our study focused on the Rupendehi District of Nepal during March to August 2016, where a total of 303 nilgai were counted. The highest population of nilgai was in the community forests and lowest in areas of cultivated land. The distribution pattern of nilgai was clumped, with an average herd size of 5.6 individuals per herd. Crop raiding damage by nilgai created a serious problem in the municipalities, known as village development committees which are located close to potential nilgai habitat. The projected crop yield loss due to nilgai in the study area was NRs (Nepali Rupees) 7,275,507 (US$ 68,633) from March 2015 to March 2016. Vegetable and pulses crops were those most damaged by nilgai, contributing to 14.48 and 10.38 % of the total losses, respectively. The local people held mixed perceptions of nilgai. The most negative views were held by people who had experienced some extent of crop loss. Suitable protective measures to minimize crop loss are required such as changing cropping patterns and crop composition, particularly cultivation of medicinal plants are suggested as priorities in highly effective zone. The study noted that there were many threats to nilgai including illegal hunting, poisoning, electric fences and habitat deterioration. Successful nilgai conservation will require further education, gaining support from local people and possibly new crop management techniques.

5 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

029139   RAJASHEKARA S, VENKATESHA M G (Studies in Zoology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bengaluru - 560 056, Email: rajachandra3908@yahoo.co.in) : Impact of urban threats and disturbance on the survival of waterbird communities in wetlands of Bengaluru city, India. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 336–51.

Threats to waterbird communities on urban wetlands in the Bengaluru city, South India are poorly known. We calculated disturbance scores for 15 lakes along a gradient from low (LDL) to high (HDL) disturbance levels based on vegetation structure and composition. HDL had the highest threat scores and the lowest number of waterbird species whereas LDL supported the highest number of species. Human activities included commercial fishing and aquaculture, and shoreline development leading to habitat fragmentation and degradation. We discuss strategies for the conservation of urban wetlands and the preservation of waterbird diversity.

5 illus, 5 tables, 94 ref

029122   AHMED T, KHAN A, CHANDAN P (Wildlife Sciences Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Uttar Pradesh - 202002, Email: tanveerwildlife@gmail.com) : Dietary spectrum of two sympatric Canid species in Ladakh, India. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 320–6.

We have conducted a study between May and August 2013 to understand the dietary spectrum of two canid species: Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco) and Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in one of the most inhospitable landscape of the world. Ladakh is characterized by harsh environmental conditions and low primary productivity and therefore animal populations, particularly of large and medium sized herbivores are also low and sparsely distributed. This in turn poses a challenge to the survival of predators. We have attempted to investigate the ways by which the two sympatric canid species are optimizing feeding for their survival in an environment where there is scarcity of wild prey base. Scats of the two species were collected from Chiktan and Rangdum valleys and undigested food remnants were identified. The dietary spectrum of Tibetan wolf was composed of six prey species (2 wild and 4 livestock species). The share of livestock species in the diet was maximum (RO: 62.0 %). The Red fox being an opportunistic feeder consumed 19 forgeable items, including small and medium sized mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, plant material, eggs, stones and debris. The livestock species contributed maximum to the diet of Red fox (RO: 22.9 %). The dietary niche breadths of both species were more or less similar (0.53 and 0.58) and indicating a generalist feeding behavior. Both the species are surviving in the same environment with a dietary overlap of 0.60. The given information is expected to aid further studies in Indian Trans-Himalaya.

3 illus, 2 tables, 54 ref

029132   MANNA S, MANNA B (Zoology Dep, Maulana Azad Coll, Kolkata, Email: sanjukta_manna@rediffmail.com) : A new genus of the Tetraphyllidean cestodes from Dasyatis sephen Forsskal, 1775 captured from Digha coastal water, Bay of Bengal, India. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 305–12.

Aloculibothrium dasyatii n. gen. n. sp. is described from the spiral intestine of Dasyatis sephen Forsskal, 1775 captured at Digha coastal waters, Bay of Bengal, India. This species is placed under the famil Onchobothriidae (Braun, 1900) and erected a new genus Aloculibothrium to accommodate this specimen. The body is 24.22–36.58 mm long and with 310–325 proglottids; scolex rectangular with two parts; anterior bearing four bothridia with paired bifurcated hooks, divided into inner and outer prong and posterior with fleshy collar. The cestode has been compared with all the existing twelve different valid genera under the family Onchobothriidae but to accommodate the present specimens a new genera Aloculibothrium is erected.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

029147   ZACHOS F E (Integrative Zoology Dep, Vienna Univ, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Email: frank.zachos@nhm-wien.ac.at.) : (New) Species concepts, species delimitation and the inherent limitations of taxonomy. J Genet 2018, 97(4), 811–5.

The species problem, despite decades of heated debates, has not been resolved yet. Recently, two new species concepts have been published, the mitonuclear compatibility species concept and the inclusive species concept. I briefly discuss them, together with a recent attempt at standardizing taxonomic decisions, in the broader framework of what I believe is an inherent limitation of taxonomy—imposing a discrete system on a continuous process (evolution) that leads to fuzzy boundaries in nature. In the light of this, taxonomists, biologists in general and conservationists alike will have to accept the fact that completely nonarbitrary species delimitation is impossible. This has serious ramifications in all disciplines that rely on species, and particularly species counts, as a basic currency for quantitative analyses (ecology, evolutionary biology) and practical decision-making (conservation and environmental policy).

27 ref

029135   MOHAMMED M J, AL-KHAFAJI T Y F (Al-Muthanna Univ, Iraq) : Ecological and biological of Khashni fish Liza abu (Heckel, 1843) on Euphrates river passage through Samawah city. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2600-4.

A total of 90 Khashni fish were collected to evaluate the ecological and biological study on Euphrates river passage through Samawah city from September 2016 until April 2017. 8-15 cm and 8-36 gm, differ length and weight of fish, the traits were sex ratio, Ganado somatic index, hepatic index, the static body coefficient and the relation between length and weight. The results showed that a sex ratio in a female was a higher in April (1: 2.66), increased of Ganado somatic and hepatic index in male (13.19 and 6.59 %) compare female (10.78 and 5.35 %) in the same month, in January month, the static body coefficient was a higher in male (64.65 %) compare with female (53.62 %). The correlation coefficient of length and weight were 0.99 in Khashni fish.

1 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref

029127   HADI S H (Microbiology Dep, Al-Qasim green Univ, Iraq) : Alnasir town, Iraq for detection some zoonotic parasites contaminated to feces of Monacha cartusiana gastropods as intermediate hosts. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2224-8.

An agricultural area of Alnasir town, Iraq characterized by abundance of palms and fruit trees and the existence of streams of rivers through which water, especially during the winter season, spring and autumn. In this study collected seventy- four from snails throw four highest rains months in Iraq (March, April, Jun, July) when the snails (Monacha cartusiana) increased and appear over the grass, initially takes its feces to prepare many samples slides detection of Brachylaima spp. Eggs in (78.7 %) from examination samples, Taenia spp. Oocysts in (36.1 %), lung worm spp. Eggs in (10.6 %) and F. hepatica metacercaria in (4.2 %). With total percentage (95.7 %) of examination Monacha cartusiana snails.

5 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

029136   NASRULLAH M M, SHAHER K W (Plant Protection Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq) : Effect of super boost pheromone and nutrition alternatives on the bee body contentand behavior of pollen collection. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1943-6.

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of nutrition alternatives and super boost on the average weight of pollen that collected by bee workers in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Baghdad between 21 of February and the third of May 2017. The study of moisture content, protein, fat and minerals in the body of bees was done at the Central lab/ Faculty of Agriculture. Eighteen parcels were selected from the local strain, colonies were fed weekly and randomly distributed into six treatments (each treatment three colonies) included: T1 Chamomilepies, T2 pollen pies, T3 Chamomile pies with super boost pheromone T4 pollen pies with super boost pheromone, T5 super boost pheromone and T6 control. The results obtained by the present study detected that the average weight of pollen was the highest in T5 with a mean of 14.1g followed by T4, T2 with means of 10.454, 9.172, respectively. For body bee analysis, insignificant differences between treatments in terms of moisture content were noted while for the protein content, the highest value was 28.92 % in T2 compared to the lowest value in the T6 (control) with a mean of 22.48 %. The carbohydrate content and fat in T1 were 5.48, 4.72, respectively

2 tables, 5 ref

029141   SHREIJI I H, AL-JASSANI R F (Plant Protection Dep, Univ of Baghdad, Iraq) : Evaluation of the efficiency of different concentrations of Bacterial strains Bacillus thuringiensis in causing death to microcerotermes diversus silvworkers in laboratory conditions. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1575-83.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of different concentrations of Bacillus thuringiensis strains in the death of microcarotermes diversus Silvestri (MDS) (Isoptera : Termitidae) workers by treating the dietary medium cellulose and agar in natural laboratory conditions. The results of the study showed that the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria in the death of the MDS workers depends on the strain, the concentration used and the duration of exposure, showing a gradual increase in the death rates of the workers by the time of the treatment and the high concentrations were the most efficient in causing death and the fastest in achieving death 100 %. The obtained results of the present study showed that the speed of achieving mortality rates of 100 % increases with increasing concentrations. The mortality rate in the first infection was 100 % after 42, 39 and 36 days for commercial strain B.t. Kurstaki and 39, 36 and 33 days for the local strain B.t. Kurstaki and 36, 33 and 30 days for the local strain B.t. israelensis at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 (1 × 10^-6 spore/ ml), respectively. Additionally, strains of B.t. remained effective for 180 days after treatment. The fourth infection after 180 days of treatment achieved 100 % mortality after 39, 33 and 30 days of treatment with commercial bacterium and 33, 30 and 27 days of treatment with local bacterial strain Kurstaki B.t. and 27, 24 and 21 days of treatment with local bacterial strain B.t. israelensis for concentrations 5, 10, 20 (1 × 10^-6 spore/mL), respectively. The third infection was the fastest in achieving 100 % mortality compared to other infections due to the appropriate temperature for the growth and activity of bacteria in this infection. The high temperatures have a positive role in the efficiency of bacteria and the speed of achieving death, as low temperatures in the first infection has caused a significant reduction in the efficiency of bacteria and the speed of causing death. The results of the study also proved that different concentrations of B.t. Israelensis were the fastest in achieving the death of 100 % of MDS workers.

4 tables, 30 ref

029125   DUBEY S, SHAH S (Zoology Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous Coll, Varanasi-221 002, Email: sunandadubey@rediffmail.com) : Effect of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) on histology of liver and kidney of albino rat. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1416-20.

Tulsi has been recognized for thousands of years to be one of greatest health promoting herbs. It has benefits for hundreds of conditions with thousands of years of empirical experience and use. To report the alterations inflicted by Tulsi in Liver and Kidney, the histological studies with these glands were done after administration of a dose of 1 g/ kg body weight for 60 days. The Ocimum sanctum leaves seemed to be non toxic on liver and kidney cells as we did not observe any pathological symptom in the histology of these vital organs. Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum leaves may be assumed and could be suggested that Ocimum sanctum is safe for use, but further studies are needed with further higher doses and duration to complete the safety profile of this plant

2 tables, 33 ref

028083   DIENG H, SATHO T, MIAKE F, AZMAN F A B, LATIP N A, ALIASAN N E, NOOR S, NOLASCO-HIPOLITO C, AHMAD A H (Malaysia Sarawak Univ, Kota Samarahan 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia, Email: hamadydieng69@gmail.com) : Courtship activity, copulation & insemination success in a mosquito vector fed a herbal aphrodisiac: Implications for sterile insect technology. Indian J Med Res 2018, 148(3), 334-40.

In sterile insect technology (SIT), mating competitiveness is a pre-condition for the reduction of target pest populations and a crucial parameter for judging efficacy. Still, current SIT trials are being hindered by decreased effectiveness due to reduced sexual performance of released males. Here, we explored the possible role of a herbal aphrodisiac in boosting the mating activity of Aedes aegypti. Males were fed one of two diets in this study: experimental extract of Eurycoma longifolia (MSAs) and sugar only (MSOs). Differences in life span, courtship latency, copulation activity and mating success were examined between the two groups. No deaths occurred among MSA and MSO males. Life span of MSOs was similar to that of MSAs. The courtship latency of MSAs was shorter than that of MSOs (P <0.01). MSAs had greater copulation success than MSOs (P <0.001). In all female treatments, MSAs mated more than MSOs, but the differences in rate were significant only in the highest female density (P <0.05). In MSAs, mating success varied significantly with female density (P <0.01), with the 20-female group (P <0.01) having the lowest rate. Single MSA had better mating success at the two lowest female densities. In MSOs, there were no significant differences in mating success rate between the different female densities. Our results suggested that the herbal aphrodisiac, E. longifolia, stimulated the sexual activity of A. aegypti and may be useful for improving the mating competitiveness of sterile males, thus improving SIT programmes.

1 illus, 38 ref

028100   VARTAK V R, RAJENDRAN N, LAKRA W S (Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore- 632 014, Tamil Nadu, Email: vivekvartak_arombrs@yahoo.com) : Morphometric and phylogenetic analysis of Portunid crabs, Portunus reticulatus (herbst, 1799) and Portunus pelagicus (linnaeus, 1758) from the west coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2094-9.

Present article consists the studies of two species from the Konkan coastal region of Maharashtra for comparative analysis using different morphometric ratios as well as phylogenetic analysis with Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Morphometric ratios were found to be significantly different between P. reticulatus and P. pelagicus. Phylogenetic analysis differentiated P. reticulatus from P. pelagicus producing separate clades in the neighbor joining tree. The study was helpful in corroborating the occurrence of Portunus reticulatus (Herbst, 1799) from the west coast of India.

4 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

028080   ALI T E S, SAYED A M E, EISSA M A R, HANAFI H M (Oceanography Dep, Alexandria Univ, Alexandria, Egypt, Email: tameraly@yahoo.com) : Effect of dietary supplementation of sodium butyrate on growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fries. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2071-6.

Present study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of sodium butyrate as a feed additive on growth performance, feed utilization and body biochemical composition of Oreochromis niloticus fries. Five diets containing supplementation at levels of 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 % were fed to fries of Nile tilapia (1 g) at a daily rate of 20 % of their body weight during the first month, reduced to 15 % in the last two weeks. Growth performance parameters increased significantly (P<0.05) with applying dietary sodium butyrate. The highest growth was obtained at 2 % sodium butyrate level and the lowest feed conversion ratio was obtained at 2 % and 3 % levels. No effect was detected on the body composition by supplementing of sodium butyrate.

3 tables, 38 ref

028089   KOTB M MA, HANAFY M H, MONIR T (Marine Science Dep, Suez Canal Univ, Islmailia, Egypt, Email: Kotb13@gmail.com) : Synchronized spawning and fecundity of Acropora species in the Red sea. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2032-41.

The spawning season of 17 Acropora species was followed in the Egyptian Red Sea reefs. Synchronized spawning was observed for 12 of these species three nights prior to the second spring full moon in 2012 and four nights prior to the second spring full moon in 2013. Development of oocyte size and color was followed. The largest oocytes were recorded for A. clathrata (562 µm), while the smallest recorded were from A. squarrosa (414 µm). A significant difference in oocyte size was detected between species. Five color stages were observed during oocyte maturation: white (immature), light-cream, cream, light-pink, and pink (mature). Estimations of polyp fecundity ranged from 11 oocytes per polyp in A. formosa to 32 oocytes per polyp in A. tenuis. The fecundity of polyps varied significantly between species, while no significant differences were detected between sites, years or colonies of the same species. The density of polyps per square centimeter of tissue varied significantly between species, and ranged from 11.5 polyps/cm² for A. massawensis to 31 polyps/cm² for A. formosa. Estimated fecundity values ranged between 256 oocytes/cm² for A. arabensis to 627 oocytes/cm² for A. cytherea. The recorded changes in oocyte color and size during development could be a useful tool to predict spawning events. Improvements to our understanding of Acropora species fecundity can assist managers to develop more robust reef recovery practices to alleviate damage on reefs from natural or anthropogenic sources.

3 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

028086   GANGAN S S, JAISWAR A K, KUMAR A P, JAHAGEERDAR S, LAKRA W S, KRISHNA G (ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Andheri (West), Mumbai – 400 061, Email: akjaiswar@cife.edu.in) : A report on anomalies in pelvic fin and pectoral filament of two species of genus Setipinna (Swainson, 1839) from east coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1893-8.

Present study consists the instances of anomalies in two species of genus Setipinna i.e. accessory pectoral filament in S. phasa, (Hamilton, 1822) and absence of pelvic fin in the S. taty (Valenciennes, 1848), collected from east coasts of India. Comparison of twenty seven morphometric measurements and twelve meristic characters of the abnormal with normal specimens confirmed abnormality. Furthermore, genetic divergence value of mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA confirmed that both normal and abnormal specimens belong to the respective species. These abnormalities might have occurred in early stages of development. Abnormalities have affected only morphological aspects and not growth of the fish.

6 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

028079   AHIRWAL S K, JAISWAR A K, CHAKRABORTY S K (ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna-800 014, Bihar, Email: surendraahirwal@gmail.com) : Diet composition of oil sardine, Sardinella longiceps (valenciennes, 1847) from Mumbai waters of Maharashtra, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1880-7.

Present study is based on the examination of gut contents of 422 fishes, collected from Mumbai coast, Maharashtra. Based on index of preponderance values, diatoms (60.97 %) and zooplankton (25.79 %) were found to be the major components of the food. Month wise gut content showed that among the diatoms Cosinodiscus spp. (17.43 %), was most dominant followed by Fragilaria oceanica (14.34 %) and Pleurosigma spp.(10.86 %), in the zooplankton copepods were the most occurred throughout the year, contributing maximum in the May (15.94 %) and least in January (4.79 %). Gastro somatic index in males and females ranged from 0.80 to 1.41 and 0.72 to 1.60 respectively with there is no significance difference between males and females (P >0.05). Month wise feeding intensity was observed to be highest, for both sexes during May and length wise in smaller size groups (120-129 mm).

8 illus, 4 tables, 48 ref

028081   BINDU L (Zoology Dep, M.S.M.Coll, Allappuzha, Kerala, Email: bindukylm@gmail.com) : Seasonal variations in the distribution of pedunculate barnacle Octolasmis spp. on Scylla serrata (forskal, 1775) from the Ayiramthengu mangroves, Kerala. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1828-33.

Present study is to understand the seasonal distribution and infestation rate of pedunculate barnacles Octolasmis spp., in S. serrata. Altogether 103 crabs were analysed and a total of 2070 barnacles were obtained from 87 infested crabs. Barnacle infestation was more prevalent on the gills and was found to differ significantly by season, size and sex. They are more abundant during the premonsoon months when salinity is higher in the estuarine waters. The mean intensity of infestation was less in monsoon compared to pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, which registered a very high incidence of 18.33 and 40.21 respectively. Larger crabs host more barnacles than younger ones. The less active, bottom seeking females are more vulnerable to the infestation and the barnacle load was higher in them. Barnacles cause respiratory obstruction in the host and heavy infestation leads to high mortality.

5 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

028097   SHRINIDHI, TENJING S Y, HEMACHANDRA, THIPPESWAMY S (Biosciences Dep, Mangalore Univ, Mangalagangothri, Karnataka - 574 199, Email: yambemtenjing@gmail.com) : Density, biomass, growth, age, mortality and exploitation of wedge clam, Donax incarnatus (gmelin) from Karnataka coast, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1821-7.

The size-frequency distribution method was used to study the rate of growth of Wedge clams of the genus Donax (Family: Donacidae). It was found that the clam grew up to 18.1, 24.0 and 26.2 mm at the 6^th, 12^th and 15^th months respectively. The life span of this was less than 2 years.  Recruitment pattern was continuous with one major peak in February and March. The minimum and maximum densities of clams were 22 (July) and 1885 ind.m^-2 (December) respectively.  Minimum and maximum values were 1.142 (July) and 193.612 (November) g.m^-2 respectively.  Values of von Bertalanffy growth parameters (L_∝ = 28.35, K = 1.70, t_o = - 0.099) were estimated. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was L_t = 28.35 [1-e ^{-1.7(t+0.099)}]. Total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) rates were 5.18 yr^-1, 2.61 yr^-1 and 2.57 yr^-1 respectively.  Exploitation level (E) of D. incarnatus was estimated at 0.50.

7 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

028093   RAO M V H, GHOSH S, SREERAMULU K, MAHESH V U, KUMAR M S, MUKTHA M (Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI, Visakhapatnam – 530 003, Email: subhadeep_1977@yahoo.com) : Dynamics of Nemipterus japonicus (bloch) stocks along the north-east coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1761-8.

The dynamics of Nemipterus japonicus stocks along the north-east coast of India was studied using landings data from 2012-2015. Annual average landing of the northern region was 1251 t and that of the southern region was 2980 t. Growth was found to be allometric in the northern region and isometric in the southern region. Von Bertalanffy growth equation was L_t = 33.02 [1 – e ^{– 0.38 (t + 0.0625)}] in the northern region and L_t = 29.87 [1 – e ^{– 0.42 (t + 0.0585)}] in the southern region. Natural mortality, fishing mortality and total mortality ranged from 0.92 to 1.01, 0.51 to 0.57 and 1.43 to 1.58. Exploitation ratio varied between 0.35 - 0.36 and exploitation rate between 0.27 – 0.29. Annual average stock, standing stock biomass and maximum sustainable yield were 4611 t and 10403 t, 2453 t and 5228 t and 1754 t and 4130 t for the northern and southern regions.

11 illus, 6 tables, 38 ref

028101   YADAV J P, SINGH P (Zoology Dep, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi - 284 128, Email: jaypyadav@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of metabolites on starvation and longevity in a natural population of Drosophila ananassae. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(10), 716-24.

Metabolites, such as lipids and carbohydrates, have pivotal roles on longevity and starvation and vary differently in natural and laboratory populations of Drosophila. A natural population of Drosophila ananassae has been subjected to starvation resistance and paraquat induced longevity in both sexes of early eclosed, old and control virgin flies and tested for carbohydrate, lipid and water contents; body size, dry weight and polymorphic inversions. Starvation resistance varies significantly (P <0.02) between males and females as the latter has more water contents than males (P <0.0002). The lipid and water contents suggest sexual dimorphism and show the metabolic trade-off for old females only. The carbohydrate contents in both sexes have significant differences among groups (P <<0.0001). The longevity is negatively correlated with body size but shows positive correlations with dry weight and starvation resistance in both sexes. Early eclosed males live longer than their females (P <0.002). The three-way nested ANOVA suggests that among groups as well as within subgroups, thorax length, starvation resistance, and longevity vary significantly (P <<0.0001) in both sexes. Correlation studies with different polymorphic gene arrangements and longevity suggest positive correlations for 2L and 3L gene arrangements and a negative correlation for 3R gene arrangement. The 3R gene arrangement is perfectly correlated with longevity in males. The 3L gene arrangement shows significant (P <0.05) positive correlation with the dry weight in females.

3 illus, 6 tables, 50 ref

028099   TOBASSUM S, TAHIR H M, ZAHID M T, GARDNER Q A, AHSAN M M (Zoology Dep, Government College Lahore Univ, Punjab 54000, Pakistan, Email: hafiztahirpk1@yahoo.com) : Effect of milking method, diet, and temperature on venom production in scorpions. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 19.

In the present study, two common buthid scorpions, i.e., Androctonus finitimus (Pocock, 1897)  (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and Hottentota tamulus (Fabricus, 1798) (Scorpiones: Buthidae), were maintained in the laboratory for venom recovery. The aim of study was to compare the quantity and quality of venom extracted from scorpions by manual and electrical method. We also recorded the effect of diet and temperature on venom production. Results of our study revealed that electrical method yielded good quality and higher quantity of venom as compared to manual method. The quantity of venom by two studied species differed statistically. We recorded the effect of food on venom production by providing different prey items to the scorpions and found that grasshopper nymphs and adults were the best diet for the scorpions to get maximum yield of venom as compared to other prey types (house crickets, house flies, and moths). Production of venom and activity of scorpions was found to be associated with temperature. During winter season, venom recovery was comparatively low as compared to the hottest part of year; when venom milking and activity of scorpions both were increased.

11 illus, 28 ref

028094   RUSSELL A L, BUCHMANN S L, SABINO W D O, PAPAJ D R (Biological Sciences Dep, Pittsburgh Univ, Pittsburgh, Email: alr204@pitt.edu) : Brawls bring buzz: Male size influences competition and courtship in Diadasia rinconis (Hymenoptera: Apidae). J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 18.

Sexual selection on male body size in species with a female-biased sexual size dimorphism is common yet often poorly understood. In particular, in the majority of bee species, the relative contribution of intrasexual competition and female choice to patterns of male body size is unknown. In this field study, we examined two possible components of male mating success with respect to body size in the solitary bee Diadasia rinconis Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Apidae): 1) ability to procure a mate and 2) the duration of copulation. We found that larger males were better able to procure mates and copulated for shorter periods of time. Although consistent with sperm competition theory, differences in copulation duration were slight; possibly, the shorter copulations of larger males instead reflect in copulo female choice. Consistent with this notion, males engaged in complex courtship while mounted, characterized for the first time in any bee in such detail via audio recordings and high-speed, high-definition video. The number of pulses in male courtship behavior was also positively associated with copulation duration and may have stimulated females to continue copulating, thereby potentially allowing smaller males to transfer a full ejaculate. Females were shown to be potentially polyandrous and although we did not observe precopulatory rejection in the field, captive females frequently rejected copulation attempts by captive males. Our work indicates that intrasexual competition selects for increased body size in a solitary bee.

5 illus, 6 tables, 61 ref

028095   SANTOS R P, MARIANO C S F, DELABIE J H C, COSTA M A, LIMA K M, POMPOLO S G, FERNANDES I O, MIRANDA E A, CARVALHO A F, SILVA J G (de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Dep, Estadual de Santa Cruz Uni, Bahia, Brazil, Email: jgs10@uol.com.br) : Genetic characterization of some Neoponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) populations within the foetida species complex. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 14.

The foetida species complex comprises 13 Neotropical species in the ant genus Neoponera  Emery (1901). Neoponera villosa Fabricius (1804) , Neoponera inversa Smith (1858), Neoponera bactronica Fernandes, Oliveira & Delabie (2013), and Neoponera curvinodis (Forel, 1899) have had an ambiguous taxonomic status for more than two decades. In southern Bahia, Brazil, these four species are frequently found in sympatry. Here we used Bayesian Inference and maximum likelihood analyses of COI and 16S mtDNA sequence data and conventional cytogenetic data together with observations on morphology to characterize sympatric populations of N. villosa, N. inversa, N.  bactronica, and N.  curvinodis. Our results showed marked differences in the karyotype of these ants. Both N. curvinodis and N. inversa have chromosome number of 2n = 30. Their chromosome composition, however, is distinct, which indicates that N. curvinodis is more closely related to N. bactronica. These four species clustered into three distinct groups. The close relationship between N. bactronica and N. curvinodis deserves further investigation since it has not been fully resolved here. Our results confirm that N. inversa, N. villosa, N. bactronica + N. curvinodis indeed represent four distinct taxa within the foetida species complex.

4 illus, 3 tables, 60 ref

028082   CHEN W, LIU C, LU G, CHENG H, SHEN Z, WU K (Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing 100193, China, Email: kmwu@ippcaas.cn) : Effects of Vip3AcAa+Cry1Ac cotton on midgut tissue in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 13.

To determine cellular changes caused by the chimeric protein Vip3AcAa against Helicoverpa armigera, we used transmission electron microscopy to examine ultrastructural changes in midgut cells of third-instar larvae of Cry1Ac-susceptible H. armigera after feeding on an artificial diet containing the Vip3AcAa toxin. Midgut epithelial cells of Cry1Ac-resistant H. armigera larvae that had fed on an artificial diet containing Vip3AcAa or on Bt cotton expressing Vip3AcAa+Cry1Ac were also examined using optical microscopy and hematoxylin–eosin staining. In the midgut cells of H. armigera larvae fed with Vip3AcAa, microvilli were swollen and broken; inner cristae of the mitochondria were indistinct and vacuolated; endoplasmic reticulum was swollen, fractured, and disordered; boundaries of karyotheca in the nucleus were indistinct and chromatin underwent pyknosis and was pressed close to the karyotheca. Histopathological changes and the time of onset in midgut tissues of H. armigera larvae fed on Vip3AcAa or Cry1Ac were similar. Vip3AcAa and transgenic cotton expressing Vip3AcAa+Cry1Ac caused the goblet cell cavity and microvilli pathological changes in the midgut epithelial cells of the Cry1Ac-susceptible and Cry1Ac-resistant H. armigera larvae that eventually killed the larvae.

3 illus, 28 ref

028088   KAPALDO N O, CARPENTER J W, COHNSTAEDT L W (Agriculture Dep, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States, Email: Lee.Cohnstaedt@ars. usda.gov) : Harvesting sugar from nonflowering plants: Implications of a marked sugar bait on honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) whole hive health. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 9.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are effective foragers for floral and extra-floral sources of sugars and as a result may easily be exposed to toxicants in the environment, such as pesticides. Toxic sugar baits (TSB) or insecticide-laced baits are designed for insect vector management but may be a danger to foraging honey bees and their hives. During a mosquito movement study at a zoological institution, nonflowering foliage surrounding the zoo was marked with sugar solution dyed with over the counter food-coloring. Mosquitoes and other insects foraged on the marked sugar and were collected within the zoo. Additionally, four of six honey bee hives within the zoo had workers that also foraged the dyed sugar and consequently colored approximately 57 kg of honey within the hives. This observation identifies a possibility route of toxicant accumulation within the hives from TSB and possible exposure may have whole hive health implications not previously described on an individual bee level.

2 illus, 30 ref

028085   GAGE S L, AHUMADA F, RIVERA A, GRAHAM H, DEGRANDI-HOFFMAN G (Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Tucson, Email: stephanie.gage@ars.usda.gov) : Smoke conditions affect the release of the venom droplet accompanying sting extension in honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 7.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are social insects that have evolved a coordinated defensive response to ensure colony survival. Their nests may contain valuable resources such as pollen and nectar that are attractive to a range of insect and mammalian intruders and need protecting. With sufficient provocation, honey bees will mobilize and sting intruders, who are likely to incur additional stings. To inspect and manage their colonies, beekeepers apply smoke to decrease the likelihood of being stung. The use of smoke is a ubiquitous beekeeping practice, but the reasons behind its efficacy remain unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of smoke on honey bee defensive behavior by assessing individual sting extension responses under smoke conditions. We applied a brief voltage to the bee, ranging from a mild to a strong perturbation, and assessed four components of the sting extension reflex using two types of smoke. We found that smoke did not influence the probability of sting extension, but it did affect whether a venom droplet was released with the stinger. The venom droplet was more likely to be released at higher voltage levels, but this effect was significantly reduced under smoke conditions. Based on these results, we propose that the venom droplet coincides with greater agitation in individual bees; and smoke reduces the probability of its release. We speculate that the venom droplet serves to amplify the sting alarm pheromone, and smoke, in its ability to reduce droplet formation, may indicate that less alarm pheromone is released.

4 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

028096   SHI T, BURTON S, ZHU Y, WANG Y, XU S, YU L (Anhui Agricultural Univ, Hefei 230036, China, Email: yulinsheng@ahau.edu.cn) : Effects of field-realistic concentrations of carbendazim on survival and physiology in forager honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 6.

Carbendazim is nowadays widely used to control fungus in various nectariferous crops. Little is known about how honey bees, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), respond to carbendazim exposure. In this study, the effects of field-realistic concentrations of carbendazim (4.516, 0.4516, and 0.04516 ppm) on the survival, biomarker enzyme activity (AChE, GST, CarE, and P450), and four antimicrobial peptide gene expression (hymenoptaecin, defensin, apidaecin, and abaecin) in forager honey bees were evaluated. The forager bees were fed with the pesticides for 10 d. The results showed that the field-realistic concentrations of carbendazim did not affect survival; activities of AChE, GST, and CarE; and expression levels of defensin and abaecin in forager bees. However, 4.516, 0.4516, and 0.04516 ppm of carbendazim all significantly inhibited the expression of hymenoptaecin and apidaecin (P < 0.01), while P450 (7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase) activity was downregulated by 4.516 ppm of carbendazim (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that the field-realistic concentrations of carbendazim may alter the immune response and P450- mediated detoxification of honey bees. Thus, carbendazim should be discreetly used on nectariferous crops during florescence.

3 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

028102   ZAI-LING W, XIANG-PING W, CHUAN-REN L, ZHEN-ZHOU X, SHI-XIANG L (Entomology Dep, Yangtze Univ, Hubei 434025, China, Email: 13986706558@163.com) : Effect of dietary protein and carbohydrates on survival and growth in larvae of the Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (f.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 3.

The ratio of protein and carbohydrate in an insect’s nutritional regime can significantly influence its survival, growth, and fecundity. The effects of 11 different artificial diets containing protein (p): carbohydrate (c) ratios were determined in larvae of the phytophagus ladybug, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). We recorded the developmental times and survival rates of the larvae and weighed their pupae. When the concentration of carbohydrates was kept constant while the concentration of proteins was increased (p29:c20, p31:c20, p33:c20, and p35:c20), H. vigintioctopunctata could successfully complete the larval and pupal stages. The highest survival rate and greatest pupal mass of H. vigintioctopunctata were 72% and 19.5 mg, respectively, when reared on the p33:c20 diet. H. vigintioctopunctata larvae, however, were unable to develop into adults when the concentration of protein remained constant while the level of carbohydrates was increased (p20:c23, p20:c25, p20:c27, and p20:c29), or when the total amount (p + c) was kept at 48% (p22:c26, p 24:c24, p26:c22). Evidently, changing the availability of quality diet, especially the total protein levels, can significantly affect the performance to H. vigintioctopunctata. Our results indicated that the maximum development and survival of H. vigintioctopunctata larvae occurred within a narrow range—when the p:c ratio was (33:20).

4 illus, 4 tables, 47 ref

028087   HE C, ZHU C (Henan Science & Technology Univ, Luoyang 471023, China, Email: hechunling68@sina.com) : Nesting biology of Xylocopa xinjiangensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae). J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 2.

Xylocopa, an important genus in Hymenoptera: Apidae, is of great significance in research on the early stages of insect social evolution. Most species in this genus burrow into wooden structures. Only the Proxylocopa subgenus nests in the soil. Here, we report the nesting behavior of Xylocopa xinjiangensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae), which is distributed only in Western China. During July 2013 and August 2016, we observed the nest architecture and nest building process of X. xinjiangensis. X. xinjiangensis is solitary and nests in the soil walls of gullies, mounds, and cliffs in the Manas area, Xinjiang, multiplying at the rate of one generation a year. Newly emerged females eclose in the fall and build wintering nests first. The next spring, outbound wintering females build breeding nests, although a few wintering females may use the breeding nests built by their mothers. The location and structure of X. xinjiangensis wintering nests are different from those of the breeding nests. The wintering nest is simple in structure, consisting of a tunnel leading perpendicularly from the surface to the interior. The structure of the breeding nest may be either a branching tunnel or a straight-chain tunnel. The first cell that X. xinjiangensis builds in the breeding nest is closest to the entrance, which is a significant difference from the behavior of carpenter bees that construct nests in wood structures. The results of this study lay the foundation for the utilization and protection of X. xinjiangensis resources and facilitate a better understanding of the evolution of the Xylocopa population.

6 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

026634   ALLWIN B, JAYATHANGARAJ M G, LATHA B R, VIJAYARANI K, VAIRAMUTHU S (Zoo Veterinary Hospital, Chennai- 600 048, Email: boonallwin@gmail.com) : Clinical evaluation of xylazine and ketamine for immobilization of the captive Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris). Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1236-9.

It is always been a challenging task to immobilize wild felids and there are limited information regarding the anaesthetic protocol to be used in tigers in both captive and free ranging conditions and many complications are encountered due to the vast variations in estimating the actual body weight. This paper aims at presenting a standard protocol of immobilizing captive Bengal tigers with a combination of injection xylazine and ketamine hydrochloride at a dose rate of 1mg/kg and 3 mg/kg respectively. Time (Mean ± SE) taken for ataxia was shorter 2.28 ± 0.22, lateral recumbency was 3.01 ± 0.44 and abolishment of ear flick reflex was 3.55 ± 0.10 minutes. The duration of anaesthesia (Mean ± SE) was 39.50 ± 0.48 minutes and recovery time was 44.17 ± 0.51 minutes. This protocol of using xylazine and ketamine has resulted in smooth and relatively rapid induction, smooth recovery and a sufficient first reaction time for emergency as well as elective interventions with no incidents of sudden recovery or any life-threatening effects during or after the immobilization procedure. The findings are discussed.

3 tables, 23 ref

026633   MAYLINDA S, SARAH O L, BUSONO W (Brawijaya Univ, Malang, Indonesia, Email: oktosarah@gmail.com) : Role of seasons on the production and reproduction performance of Kacang goats (Kambing kacang) in North Middle Timor Regency. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1227-31.

The primary concern of this study is to explore the effects of season change on the production and reproduction performance of Kambing Kacang in North Middle Timor regency. Survey method, including observation and direct measurement of the livestock, and interview method was used for the purpose of collecting primary data. Interview method was applied to 120 farmers who have approximately 96 goat sires. The statistical analysis indicated that birth weight, male birth weight, weaning weight, and male weaning weight were significantly affected by reproductive season. While female birth weight and female weaning weight were not affected. Pre-weaning mortality was high in dry season 8,06 % compared with rainy season 3,45 %. Litter size during the dry season was 1,55 off springs per reproductive season. The highest percentage of birth in the dry season occurred in October and November. While  the rainy season occurred on January and February.

3 tables, 28 ref

026632   LI J, LI Q, WEI G, ZHANG J, LI Y (Animal Science Dep, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural Univ, Changchun, P. R. China, Email: elj863@163.com) : Effects of negative pressure on boar semen quality during liquid storage at 17°C. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1146-50.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of negative pressure on boar semen quality during liquid preservation at 17 °C. Semen samples from ten large white boars were collected and pooled, divided into four equal parts, and diluted with Modena containing 0.4 % (w/v) of bovine serum albumin. The semen samples were placed in a closed container with valve, and a negative pressure was applied for 2–5 minutes using a vacuum pump with a barometer. The control group had no treatment, the P200 group was treated at 200 mbar, the P400 group at 400 mbar, and the P800 group at 800 mbar. During liquid preservation, sperm motility, total antioxidant capacity, and semen H₂O₂ content were analyzed every 24 h. The effective survival time of boar semen during preservation was evaluated. The results indicated that a suitable negative pressure decreased the effects on reactive oxygen species on boar sperm quality during liquid preservation compared with the control group. Among all the groups, the 400 mbar negative pressure group had the highest sperm motility, total antioxidant capacity, and the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential. The P400 group also had semen H₂O₂ content than the other groups. A suitable negative pressure improves sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress and the respiratory metabolism of sperm, and the optimum negative pressure is 400 mbar.

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

026631   ULUTAS Z, AKSOY Y, SAHIN A, SIRIN E, SEN U, KURAN M (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, Ondokuz Mayis Univ, Nigde, Turkey, Email: ugur.sen@omu.edu.tr) : Genetic trends of body weight and some scanning traits of Karayaka lambs. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1119-23.

This investigation was conducted to estimate the breeding values and genetic trends for body weight (BW), scanning fat depth (SFD) and scanning muscle depth (SMD) of Karayaka lambs (n= 1059) at 140 ± 3.36 day of age. Experiments were conducted in a nucleus flock of Karayaka sheep under a selective breeding program to increase productivity at research farm of Gaziosmanpasa University between the years 2006 - 2011. Breeding values were estimated with ASREML software. While genetic trend for BW and SMD showed a smooth ascending trend, SFD exhibited a descending trend throughout the experimental period. The genetic trend for BW, SFD and SMD of Karayaka lambs were observed as 0.433 kg / year, - 0.00686 mm / year and 0.00786 mm / year, respectively. The results showed that applying of a selection program on BW, SMD and SFD characteristics would increase BW and SMD values and decrease SFD value in Karayaka lambs.

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

026630   LAPIÑSKI S, GACEK L, GAWROÑSKA J, GUJA I, KOWAL J, MIGDAL L, MIGDAL W, NIEDBALA P (National Research Institute of Animal Production, 30-059 Krakow, Poland, Email: s.lapinski@ur.krakow.pl) : The effect of phytogenic feed additives on the performance, meat quality and coccidial infection rates of rabbits. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1082-6.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of herbal supplementation on rabbits’ health and production parameters. In experiment with herbal food additives, at 90 days of age animals fed with phytogenic additives (oregano, garlic and rosemary) had higher body weight compared to the group fed with coccidiostat. In experiment with herbal water additives (garlic extract or oregano) the phytobiotic supplementation had no effect on weight gains of animals. The highest body weight on slaughter day was obtained by rabbits drank water with garlic extract. Parasitological tests performed at 91 days of age showed that lowest average number of coccidia oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) in  “garlic” group (48.0 OPG) and the highest in control group (308.6 OPG). The research showed that feed with herbal supplementation is willingly eaten by rabbits, contributes to faster weight gains and has a positive effect on meat quality.

4 tables, 20 ref

026629   PATRA M K, HAJRA D K, DAS R K, SARKAR P, DEKA B C (Animal Reproduction Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar- 243 122, Email: drmanas01@gmail.com) : Effect of season on growth and reproduction performance of improved backyard poultry in north eastern hill region. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1071-6.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the seasonal influence on performance of Vanaraja (n=3924) and Gramapriya (n=2227) maintained in five different batches during 2011-14. Better growth was observed in summer during brooding. At brooding, mortality was significantly higher during winter in Vanaraja and during summer in Gramapriya. The egg production was higher when birds started laying in winter than in summer. The overall Hen Day Egg Production (HDEP) was higher in Vanaraja (p<0.01) than the Gramapriya. The fertility level varied between 68 to 90 % in both varieties. The hatchability percentage on fertile egg set (FES) varied within the range of 70 to 90. It was concluded that better egg production performance could be obtained from Vanaraja birds, raised in summer and those initiated laying in winter. Therefore, the seasonal factors should be taken care of while raising parent line to achieve optimum production.

3 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

026628   MOUDGIL A D, SINGLA L D, GUPTA K (Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: moudgil.aman@gmail.com) : Morpho-pathological description of first record of fatal concurrent intestinal and renal parasitism in Columba livia domestica in India. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1063-7.

Out of around 200 pigeons (housed at Mahendra Chaudhury Zoological Park, Chhatbir, Punjab), two pigeons exhibiting signs of depression, lethargy, droopiness and blood tinged greenish diarrhoea were quarantined for detailed examination. The faecal examination revealed a concurrent parasitic egg load of capillarid, ascarid and strongyle eggs. Morphological observations after clearing of retrieved parasites from the deceased pigeons revealed the presence of Ascaridia columbae, Capillaria obsignata, and Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus. Histopathological studies of the intestines revealed sloughing and hyperplasia of the lining epithelium; whereas kidneys of one of the pigeon exhibited the extensive tubular damage and marked haemorrhages with cut sections of the parasite, Paratanaisia bragai. The other vital organs showed no signs of any significant lesions in both pigeons. This seems to be the first report of fatal concurrent gastrointestinal and renal pathology due to A. columbae, C. obsignata, O. quadriradiatus and P. bragai in pigeons kept at zoological park in India.

7 illus, 26 ref

026627   GUO G, JIANG J, YANG N, WANG P, ZHANG L, WANG Y, ZENG J, ZHENG J (Animal Science Dep, Hainan Univ, Haikou- 570 228, China, Email: jifengzeng@126.com) : An investigation of sudden death in farmed infant Siamese crocodiles during winter and spring in Hainan, China. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1058-62.

Sudden deaths without any specific clinical sign occurred among one year old young ones on Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) farms in Hainan province, China, during winter and spring in 2012 - 2013. The autopsy showed that the internal organs seemed normal except full of clear ascites in abdominal cavity. There were total six bacterial species isolated, Edwardsiella tarda, Proteus penneri, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter asburiae, Citrobacter freundii and Micrococcus luteus from either the heart bloods or the spleens and livers. The virulence of isolated strains was tested by intraperitoneal inoculation in female Chinese edible frogs (Rana rugulosa or Hoplobatrachus rugulosus). The six-day mortality revealed that E. tarda was the most pathogenic, whereas P. penneri and E. asburiae exhibited no infection at all, and the rest demonstrated similar inconspicuous toxicity. All these findings suggest that E. tarda would be the principal suspect causing death of Siamese crocodile. The sensitivities of the E. tarda isolates were tested against 20 kinds of antimicrobial drugs. The results showed that ceftazidime, norfloxacin and amikacin were highly sensitive to the isolates of E. tarda.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

026626   CELIK O Y, IPEK D N S, CELIK B A, IRAK K, AKGUL G (Internal Medicine-Siirt Dep, Siirt Univ, Turkey, Email: oyc@siirt.edu.tr) : Investigation of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cattle in Siirt province in Turkey. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1053-7.

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease, which is caused by Toxoplasma gondii and is quite common in the world, found in all mammals including humans, poultry, and reptiles. It has been reported that; adult cattle do not have toxoplasmosis clinically, and it is possible they pass the parasite through the placenta to the fetus, and that some infected animals give birth to aborted or infected calves. This study was conducted to determine T. gondii seroprevalence in cattle of Siirt region in Turkey and seropositivity was determined in blood samples of 300 cattle by using ELISA.  Results showed that 53 (18 %) of the samples were seropositive, while 247 (82 %) of the samples were seronegative. In addition, there was a significant difference between their average age groups.

1 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref

026625   BHAT A R, ISHFAQ A, GANAI A M, BEIGH Y A, SHEIKH G G, MASOOD D (Animal Nutrition Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shuhama-190 006, Email: shfa758@gmail.com) : Effect of Artemisia absinthium (Titween) on nutrient intake, digestibility, nutrient balance and blood biochemical of sheep. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1010-3.

The study was carried to evaluate the effects of feeding phytogenic feed additive, Artemisia absinthiumon nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, utilization and performance of sheep. Ten male adult Bakerwal sheep were randomly divided into control group (T₀) and treatment group (T₁). The complete ration for T₁ was fortified with herb Artemisia absinthium@ 4 %. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in DM intake, OM intake, average daily gainand digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP and EE. However, non-significant (P<0.05) differences were recorded in digestibility coefficients of NFE, NDF, ADF and HC. Significant increase in % DCP and % TDN were recorded in T₁ group as compared to T0 group. Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance were comparable between two groups and were positive in both groups.  Among haemato-biochemical parameters blood glucose, Hb, PCV and total serum proteins, differed non-significantly (P$\le$0.05) between the groups, both before and after experimental feeding, except the BUN which was found significantly (P$\le$0.05) higher in herb supplemented group.

3 tables, 27 ref

026624   BOITAI S S, BABU L K, PATI P K, PRADHAN C R, TANUJA S, KUMAR A, PANDA A K (Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Email: vetsushree04@gmail.com) : Effect of dietary incorporation of fish silage on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1005-9.

The present study 180, day-old broiler chicks (Vencobb) were randomly distributed into 3 treatment groups with three replicates in each group. The chicks were placed in 9 pens with 20 chicks in each pen and reared in deep litter system under uniform management conditions. Control starter (0-3 wk) and finisher (4-6 wk) diets were formulated to meet the entire nutrients. Subsequently two test diets were prepared by incorporating acid treated fish silage at 5 and 10 % level. Each diet was offered ad libium to 3 pens of 20 chicks each throughout the experimental period (0-6 wks). Dietary incorporation of acid treated fish silage up to 10 % had no influence on body weight gain and feed consumption of broilers. The feed conversion ratio improved significantly by incorporation of fish silage at both 5 and 10 %, during starter phase, but no influence was noticed subsequently.  Fish silage up to 10 % in the diet did not affect the dressed percentage and relative weight of other carcass parameters such as liver, heart, gizzard, breast and abdominal fat. The albumin to globulin ratio increased significantly (P<0.05) due to incorporation of fish silage at 10 % in the diet compared to that of control. The serum triglyceride concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) at 10 % level of inclusion of fish silage in diet. Lowest cholesterol concentration was found in the dietary group fed the control diet. The serum cholesterol concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) and linearly by increasing the level of fish silage from 5 to 10 %. It is concluded that acid treated fish silage can be incorporated upto 10 % in the diet without any adverse effect on performance of broiler chickens.

6 tables, 25 ref

026623   UMAMAHESHWARI S, SELVAN S T, MUTHUSAMY P, RADHAKRISHNAN L (Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Kattupakkam- 603 203, Email: drstselvan@gmail.com) : Effect of dietary supplementation of ghee residue on the performance of Japanese quails. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 995-9.

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of ghee residue on growth performance of Japanese quails. Ghee residue (GR) was included in the diet at 0 (T₁), 5 (T₂), 10 (T₃) and 15 (T₄) percent levels and fed to 500 Japanese quails, randomly divided into four treatment groups with five replicates each with twenty birds. The experimental diet was isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The estimated TME, CP and EE of GR were 4800 kcal/kg, 24.46 % and 40.78 %, respectively. The highest body weight (213.55 g) with best FE (2.62) was observed at 5 % GR fed group (T₂). Feed consumption and mortality did not differ significantly among various treatments. Slaughter yield was highest at 5 % GR fed group. However, the body weight, FE and carcass yield at 5 and 10 % GR fed groups remained statistically similar to that of control. Organoleptic study revealed that the meat of 10 % GR fed group (T₃) was more acceptable compared to others. Breast muscle cholesterol level was highest in GR fed groups (T₂ to T₄) compared to control (T₁). GR Supplementation at all levels resulted in reduction of feed cost with highest reduction at 15 % level (Rs.1.46/kg) but reduction in performance was observed at the same level. It was concluded that ghee residue could be included in the broiler quail diet as an energy, protein and fat source up to 10 % level.

4 tables , 16 ref

026622   PANIGRAHY K K, BEHERA K, MOHAPATRA L M, MANDAL A K, SETHY K, PANDA S, GUPTA S K, DAYANIDHI BEHERA D (Livestock Production and Management Dep, Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Email: kul.pani42@gmail.com) : Age and sex specific brain biometrical study in Vanaraja chickens. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 990-4.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the brain biometrical dynamics with advancement of age between sexes. One hundred fifty day-old sexed Vanaraja chicks (75 male + 75 female) were selected and distributed equally in two groups. Birds were slaughtered by cervical dislocation method at 21, 42, 63 and 84 days of age and biometrical measurements were taken. From our present study we observed brain volume had shown significant (P<0.05) changes with respect to age and sex of birds. The mean length of both left and right cerebral hemispheres between male and female birds had varied significantly (P<0.05). With advancement of age, hemispheric length varied significantly (P<0.05). The major finding was that cerebral width significantly (P<0.05) increased from 42-63 days of age and in male birds cerebellar length increased from 63 days onwards. There were age-specific changes in all the morphometrical parameters where as between sexes there were some minor variations.

5 tables, 23 ref

026621   GUPTA V, FAROOQUI M M, PRAKASH A, ARCHANA, VERMA A (Veterinary Anatomy Dep, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitisha Vigyan Vishwavidhalaya, Mathura-281 001, Email: drvarshaguptavet@gmail.com) : Gestational variations in the macro anatomy of the fore stomach of goat (Capra hircus). Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 974-82.

A study was undertaken to appraise the macro anatomical development of fore stomach of foetal goat. For this study 36 foeti/ embryos were divided into three groups viz. Group I (0-50 days of gestation), II (51-100 days of gestation) and III (101 days of gestation to till term) having 12 foeti in each group. All the four compartments of the goat stomach were clearly discernible by 38 days of gestation. Under stereozoom microscope, by 34 days of gestation the digestive tube showed three dilatations and two constrictions. Quadrilateral rumen was placed on left side of the median plane between 8thrib to 1st lumbar vertebra at term. Except cranio- dorsal coronary groove all other ruminal grooves were discernible before birth. Large dorsal and small ventral sacs were noticed at 46 days of gestation. Fine ruminal papillae were noticed from 90 days onwards. The reticulum became cranial most compartment of stomach after 50 days. Pear-shaped reticulum was placed on left side of the abdominal cavity in group I and pushed to just left of the median plane after 50 days of gestation. Near term (134 days), it was extended between 7th to 9th rib. Internally the reticulum showed honey comb-like folds at 107 days of intra uterine life. Originally the circular omasum was placed on the left of median plane and from 55 days onwards gradually shifted to the right side. During gestation, a cranial ascent of the omasum was noticed with its placement between 9th -11th ribs at term.  Under stereozoom microscope, leaf-like omasal lamina was observed from 38 days of gestation. Primary, secondary, tertiary and quarterly laminae were observed on 38, 51, 55 and 87 days of gestation, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that biometrical parameters of fore stomach increased significantly with advancement of age and were highly significantly correlated with each other.

8 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

026620   BHATTACHARYA S, MAITY J, MAHAPATRA B R (Fisheries Science Dep, Vidyasagar Univ, Midnapore, Email: info.sherya247@gmail.com) : Length-weight relationship and condition factor of a near threatened fish species Ctenops nobilis McClelland, 1845. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 783-7.

Ctenops nobilis is one of the highly demanding and important among the 8 indigenous Gourami species.  Length weight relationships are important in fisheries science, notably to raise lengthfrequency samples to total catch, or to estimate biomass from underwater length observations. In the present study length-weight relationship and condition factor of C. nobilis were estimated from 400 individuals collected from foot hill of Assam border during May 2015 to April 2016. The total length of observed species ranged from 23 to 100 mm and the total body weight ranged from 0.11 to 10.6 g. The scatter diagram showed the linear relationship in between total and standard length and weight of the fish. The relationship of log values of length and weight was found highly significant justifying a strong  relationship between L-W of C. nobilis. The condition factor of the fish was found to 2.005 indicating good condition of the fish.

2 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref