006361   Suneel Kumar;Singh S V;Arvind Kumar;Khan M A (Entomology Dep, G.B. P.U.A. & T., Pantnagar-263 145) : Predatory potential of Canthecona furcellata on defoliating stages of Clostera fulgurita. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2008, 16(2), 485-6.

^ssc1 table, 2 ref

006360   Srivastava D P;Singh J P N;Srivastava A K (Zoology Dep, R.H.S. P.G. College, Singramau, Jaunpur-222 175) : Chromium induced histopathological changes in the gills of air breathing fist Colisa chuna. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 231-5.

Exposure of Colisa chuna sublethal concentration of K₂Cr₂O₇ shows significant changes in histopathology of gills at different time intervals of treatment. Increase in density and dimension of mucous cells at gill rakers, gill filament and gill lamellae has been correlated to enhanced mucous secretion delaying the penetration of chromium atleast in initial stage of exposure. Fusion of gill lamellae has been associated to reduce respiratory surface area to keep most of the surface area away from direct contact to toxic chromium. Appearance of telangiectasia in lamellae indicate characteristic pathological changes in the gills associated with physical and chemical trauma due to polluted aquatic environment.

2 illus, 19 ref

006359   Singh D K;Singh I (Zoology Dep, L.S. College, Muzaffarpur-842 001) : Interrelationship of certain physico-chemical parameters with plankton community of motipur ox-bow lake (Muzaffarpur, Bihar). Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2A), 800-3.

Deals with interrelationship of certain parameters and plankton community of Motipur ox-bow lake (Muzaffarpur, Bihar) which were carried out during 2006. A positive correlation between temperature and planktonic population was not established and showed inverse relationship. Correlation between free CO₂ and plankton production was not conclusive and was found to be the result of addition of free CO₂ by different sources and its utilization during photosynthesis. Plankton and free CO₂ were interrelated differently depending upon the different groups of phytoplankton and zooplankton. In the present studies no relationship could be established between pH and zooplankton and phytoplankton. Similarly no distinct relationship was found between total alkalinity and phytoplankton. Phosphate and chloride did not show any distinct relationship with plankton production. Cyanophyceae among phytoplankton were found to be adapted for low oxygen concentration. Low concentration of O₂ was found to be related with high plankton production. It may be concluded that the plankton community depended greatly on different physico-chemical parameters. No single factor was responsible for the fluctuation in the abundance of plankton and different ecological parameters jointly might be influencing the plankton production.

1 table, 22 ref

006358   Sen P;Tiwari K J;Shukla S;Sharma U D (P.G. Dep of Zoology, B.S.N.V.P.G. College, Lucknow-226 001) : Cadmium induced pathomorphological changes in gills of freshwater prawn, Macorbrachium dayanum (Crustacea-Decapoda). Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 249-55.

Freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium dayanum (Crustacea - Decapoda) subjected to acute concentration of cadmium chloride (0.15mg/l; 96h LC₅₀) showed severe histopathological alterations in gills after 24, 48, 72 and 96h exposure. Chief alterations in initial stage were thickening of gill plates, reduction in inter-lamellar spaces, cuticular irruption, inflammation and necrosis where as clumping of gill plates, hyperplasia, hypertrophied haemocytes with nuclear pyknosis and leakage of haemocytes in inter-lamellar spaces as well as deposition of broken tissue debris near gill base were observed at final stage. Heavy influx of haemocytes in gills was peculiar features after 48h of exposure. The severity of pathomorphological alterations was found duration dependant.

2 illus, 28 ref

006357   Sajwan M;Joshi S (Fish Pheromone and Behaviour Study Unit, HNBG Univ, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand-246 174, Email: mam132005@rediffmail.com) : Food diversity and feeding habit of a hill stream minor carp (Barilius bendelisis) from Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand (India). Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 151-5.

Study reveals the food diversify & feeding habit of a hill-stream fish Barilius bendelisis within Garhwal Himalaya. Few of the hill-stream minor carps prefer small rivers and hill streams, where the water is not contaminated and shallow with high percentage of dissolved oxygen. This hill-stream fish is found in few of the cold water streams present in Garhwal Himalaya; show a drastic pattern for their routine requirements. Sometimes (the eggs are also observed in these areas, where weeds (Few algae) are present in tremendous amount The studied Gad constitutes few filamentous algae with rich benthic community. The study was conducted in Khanda Gad of Garhwal Himalaya The said Gad is a tributary of holy river Alakhnanda and this Gad mingles with river near to Bilkedar. This study is part of our long term study and the food diversity and feeding behaviour of hill-stream fish Barilius bendelisis from Garhwal Himalayan region.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

006356   Roy M;Sahu U;Gupta N (Zoology Dep, Government, Arts and Science College, Durg, Chhattisgarh) : Spontaneous pathological alterations in intestine of quails. Bionature 2008, 28(1), 47-52.

Study of pathological alterations in intestines of qualis at Durg district in Chhattisgarh has been carried out revealing some important information on enteritis and coccidiosis in Japanese qualis.

3 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

006355   Reshi S A;Nayyar Azim M (Section of Entomology, Zoology Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006) : Some aspects of biodiversity of cyrtacanthacridini (orthoptera: acrididae) of Kashmir, Himalayas. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2008, 16(2), 393-5.

Four genera of the tribe Cyrtacanthacridini were reported for the first time from Kashmir, India. Key to these genera along with their diagnostic characters were given distribution and habitat of all the species studied were mentioned.

7 ref

006354   Rauthan J V S;Sharma B;Bisht R S;Rauthan G (Zoology Dep, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Note on the breeding behaviour of Puntius sophore (ham.) in some streams of doon valley, Uttarakhand, India.. Ann For 2008, 16(2), 363-4.

^ssc8 ref

006353   Rauthan J V S;Dinesh Kumar;Rauthan G (Fisheries Research Lab., Zoology Dep, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Deharadun-248 001) : Fish fauna of pilli Reservoir near Rehar town, Dhampur, (Distt. Bijnor, U.P.). Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 233-8.

Reports 46 species of fishes belonging to 26 genera in Pilli Reservoir near Rehar Town, Dhampur, Distt. Bijnor Uttar Pradesh.

38 ref

006352   Rani V;Palanichamy S;Neethiselvan N (TANUVAS-RRC, , Pudukkottai-622 004, Email: raniradha06@yahoo.co.in ) : Mass production of moina, Moina brachiata with microalgal species Chlorella vulgaris as feed and preservation of its dormant cysts. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 239-43.

Freshwater microalgae Chlorella vulgaris was used as food for the large scale production of Moina brachiata (Cladocera). A maximum cell concentration of 28.5million cells/ml of Chlorella vulgaris within 7-10 days of inoculam was obtained using commercial Sow cost fertilizers of groundnut oil cake (250gm) along with traces of urea (10gm) and super phosphate (5gm)/tonne, The moina concentration after a week of introduction into mass culture tank reached 15,000 -19,000 no/lit. The dormant cysts of moina produced by manipulating the environmental culture conditions were collected and the preservation technique was perfected to store the cysts for about

1 illus, 10 ref

006351   Rajinder Kaur;Dawar S (Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sonia18dawar@rediff.com) : Changes in reproductive organs of Bandicota bengalensis in relation to environmental factors. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2A), 955-9.

Bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis trapped live from different crop fields during July 2004 to June 2005, weighed and the mature, healthy male rats were anaesthesized and dissected for observing the seasonal changes in reproductive organs and accessory sex glands. The mates remained reproductively active throughout the year with two peak breeding seasons (spring and monsoon) with significantly higher weights of reproductive organs and accessory sex glands when the mean air temperature was between 14- 30 C and the day length 11 to 13 h and food was available in plenty. The rate of spermatogenesis was affected during summer and winter seasons leading to reduced production of spermatozoa. Sperm motility, vitality and concentration were significantly higher in monsoon and spring as compared to winter and summer seasons whereas sperm abnormalities were higher in summer as compared to monsoon, winter and spring season. B. bengalensis had an important climax in reproduction during February-April and July- August and reproductive activity reduced during the hot (May-June) and cold months (December- January) of the year.

3 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

006350   Rahman M S (PG Dep of Zoology, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling-734 101, Email: srahman139@rediffmail.com) : Heavy metals in the hemolymph of the pestiferous snail Achatina fulica bowdich with reference to Durgapur industrial belt. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2A), 787-91.

Experiment was conducted to analyze the hemolymph of the pestiferous snail Achatina fulica Bowdich with reference to Durgapur industrial belt. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn and Fe were evaluated in the hemolymph of the laboratory reared snails fed with Brassica oleracea Linnaeus collected from outside Durgapur industrial belt and from adjoining areas of Durgapur steel plant (DSP) and fed with Basella rubra Linnaeus collected from outside Durgapur industrial belt and from adjoining areas of Durgapur projects limited (DPL). Also the concentration of heavy metals were analyzed in the hemolymph of snails collected from the fields of adjoining areas of DSP, the garden of Joypur forest area, district Bankura, West Bengal and the Gangetic plains of Diamond Harbour, District South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, and from the fields of adjoining areas of DPL, the garden of Bishnupur forest area, district Bankura and the Gangetic plains of Kulpi, district South 24 Parganas. Higher concentrations heavy metals viz. Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe found in the hemolymph of A. fulica collected from Durgapur industrial belt than their concentrations in the hemolymph of snails collected from other areas revealed the hazardous environmental conditions of Durgapur. The rate of accumulation of heavy metals in the hemolymph of snails, the primary consumer, indicated the possible biological magnification in the secondary and tertiary consumers in the long run.

2 tables, 15 ref

006349   Pugazhendi A;Kumarasamy P;Balasubramanian U (NO, Govt. Girls H. Sec. School, Pattukkottai-614 601) : Influence of spirulina on the total haemocyte count and immune response in the fresh water prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man). Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 219-20.

The filamentous blue green alga Spirulina was fed to the freshwater pawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii as a supplementary feed. Increased total haemocyte count and enhancement of immune response were observed in the prawns fed with spirulina.

6 ref

006348   Paul S;Pal M;Datta S (Zoology Dep, East Calcutta Girls' College, Lake Town, Kolkata-700 089, Email: subrata_0202@yahoo.com) : Pesticide induced changes on avian embryo. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2), 704-8.

Different pesticides which are commonly used in the field, not only cause harm to the adult animals but also in their embryonic stages. Furadan-3G (carbofuran) and malathion (organophosphorus/water soluble) were used to assess their effects on the embryonic stages of the chick. Rhode Island Red and White Leg-Horn varieties of poultry chickens were used. Sterile distilled water was used for control set and the whole experiment was done in aseptic (sterile) condition. Immediately after fertilization, the fertilized eggs were incubated in different hours in an incubator. Pesticides were injected onto the airspaces of the freshly fertilized eggs of the chickens at different doses at μg level and the injected portion was scaled by a mixture of molten paraffin and lac. Immediately after treatment, the eggs were incubated in an incubator. LD₅₀ was 50 μg/ml. After 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation the treated eggs were ruptured and the embryos were preserved in 70% alcohol along with the control sets. After dehydration, eosin staining and mounting, the permanent slides of embryos were examined. Furadan and malathion treated embryos showed terata (abnormal morphology) formation with head-trunk fusion. When the experiment was carried out for 21 days, most of the treated embryos died whereas only 5-7% of the embryos developed into adult with abnormal growth as terata (head-trunk fusion and deformed legs) in both cases and in both varieties of chicks. The histological study of furadan and malathion treated chick embryos showed abnormal morphology, particularly in the limb bud region (about 72 h) while the control showed normal histology.

7 illus, 4 ref

006347   Pathak J;Goswami M M (Zoology Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Comparative study of the seasonal trend of heleoplankton in two fresh water aquaculture ponds of Guwahati, Assam. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 157-65.

Seasonal variation of heleoplankton was studied in two freshwater aquaculture ponds named as pond A and pond B. Pond A was man made and managed with application of fertilizers and organic manures. Pond B was a reclaimed swamp and maintained naturally. Seasonal fluctuation of plankton density in the two ponds showed significant variation. Density of plankton in pond A was found remarkably higher in comparison to pond B. But the species composition of plankton in pond B was higher than pond A. Plankton production in the two ponds can be represented as Plankton > Phytoplankton > Zooplankton. In both the ponds chlorophyceae was dominant among phytoplankton while rotifers among zooplankton.

9 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

006346   Noor Alam M (Zoology Dep, Giridih College, Giridih-815 301) : Physico-chemical characteristics of Pachamba pond, Giridih (Jharkhand). Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2), 662-4.

Deals with analysis of physico-chemical parameters of a fresh water pond of Giridih. Parameters like temperature, pH, DO, alkalinity and chlorides were investigated. A significant seasonal variations in these parameters was recorded.

1 table, 26 ref

006345   Nehar S;Firoz Ahmad M (Zoology Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 008, Email: snehar1805@yahoo.co.in) : Regulation of corticosteroid secretion by somatostatin in albino rat. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2007, 30(5-6), 183-5.

The investigation reports the effect of somatostatin on the regulation of serum cortisol profile in albino rat. Administration of inhibitors, dexamethasone @2.5mg/kg body weight and captopril @ 8.3 mg/kg body weight for seven consecutive days resulted in a sharp fall in the serum cortisol level from a value of 7.11 ± 0.43 μg/dl to 4.49 ± 0.25 Treatment with somatostatin along with the inhibitors again triggerd a fall in the cortisol level from 4.49 ± 0.25μg/dl to 3.30 ± 0.23 μg/dl. Administration of somatostatin in intact albino rat shifted the value to 5.30 ± 0.14μg/dl from 7.11 μ 0.43 μg/dl. The data were subjected to paired sample t-test and were found to be significant at 95% conf. level. Results of the investigation clearly indicate an inhibitory role of somatostatin in the regulation of cortisol secretion. The mode of action has been discussed in detail.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

006344   Nanda S;Patra S K;Mohanty S C;Sial N K (P. G. Dep of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Rangailunda, Berhampur-7) : Observations on efficacy of different inducing agents on induced breeding of Labeo calbasu. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 227-31.

Breeding experiments on Labeo calbasu by using different inducing agents were carried out during the month of July-August, 2007 under captive conditions. The experiments were conducted in three groups. The brooders of one group were administered with the synthetic hormone Ova prim where as the other group of fishes were administered with the synthetic hormone WOVA-FH. The optimum dosages of different inducing agents were tried separately for successful induced spawning of Labeo calbasu which have been further evaluated, standardized and discussed to arrive at the conclusion on their efficacy for mass scale production of seed.

1 table, 17 ref

006343   Munde A V;Hiware C J;Salve B S (Zoology Dep, Mahatma Gandhi College, Ahmedpur Dist.Latur, Maharashtra) : Population dynamics of cestode from Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede, 1800). Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 193-6.

Deals with the study of population dynamics of cestode parasites from fresh water fish Mastacembelus armatus collected from Parbhani district of Marathwada region for the period of July 2003 June 2005. The parasite collected were tamed out to be a genus Circumoncobothrium vishvanathnesis n. sp. and values for the study period. The seasonal variation was also studied for all above parameters and observed that values are higher during summer montha and low during winter month & and there was no parasite found during the rainy season.

1 table, 10 ref

006342   Mohite A S;Mohite S A (Fisheries Engineering Dep, College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri-415 629, Email: ashishmohite@yahoo.com) : Stocks of ribbon fish Trichiurus lepturus from different landing centers of Maharashtra. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 113-19.

Various moiphometric, meristic as well as length - weight relationship studies were done to understand (he relationship of the stocks of ribbon fish Trichiurus lepturus from Mirkarwada at Ratnagiri, New Ferry Wharf as well as Versova at Mumbai which represented the three categories of the fisheries harbours, viz. minor harbour, major harbour and fish landing centre respectively from October 1995 to September 1997. The various dependent variables seem to be highly correlated with the independent variables like TL, OHL, SVL and SNL irrespective of the sexes or the specimen being either from Ratnagiri or Mumbai. The coefficient of correlation "r" ranged from 0.9470 to 1 for females, 0.9179 to 1 for males and 0.7522 to 0.9998 for indeterminants from Ratnagiri. While it ranged from 0.9505 to 1, 0.9646 to 0.9997 and 0.9234 to 0.9998 in the corresponding populations from Mumbai. The "r" values for the pooled data ranged from 0.9616 to 1 and 0.9633 to 0.9999 while "r²" values ranged from 0.9156 to 0.9999 and from 0.9279 to 0.9998. The differences encountered in certain morphometric relationships for the T. lepturus specimen from the two sampling stations viz. Ratnagiri and Mumbai might be due to the varying ecological or environmental factors prevalent at the two sampling stations.

3 tables, 24 ref

006341   Manivannan S;Indumathi S P;Radha T (Zoology Dep, Ethiraj College for Women, Egmore, Chennai-600 008, Email: shilpamaniv@gmail.com) : Study of Ophiocephalus leucopunctatus (Sykes, 1839) as a biomarker to assess the acute toxicity and nutritive value changes induced by tricyclazole. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 241-4.

The study was devised to evaluate the effect of Tricyclazole (75%), a triazole fungicide which is widely used for the control of Rice Blast disease on aquatic organisms in the water bodies and the fishes grown in the rice fields. The fish Ophiocephalus leucopunctatus was used as a biomarker for the acute study and protein, carbohydrate estimation. To assess the LC₅₀ the 96 hours Acute Toxicity Test was followed wherein a serai static system was used to expose Ophiocephalus to different concentrations of the fungicide. The current concentration of the fungicide sprayed in the rice fields is 1gm/11 and the LC₅₀ value for the fish was found to be 15 mg/l. The doses selected for the subacute study were control, 1.5mg/l,0.75mg/l and 0.375mg/l. Study was carried out to study the toxic effects the chemical can induce in the fishes even below the LC₅₀ value and its effect on the Biochemical parameters. The protein estimation (P < 0.0001) and carbohydrate estimation (P < 0.0001) showed a statistically significant decrease in all the treatment groups. The Acute study clearly showed that Tricyclazole is harmful to the fishes and concentrations of the fungicide used in the rice fields are greater (1g/1l) than the LC₅₀ value 15ppm (15mg/1l) devised from the study. The subacute Study also clearly proves that the fungicide exhibits toxic effects even at low doses and causes a decrease in the protein and carbohydrate value of an edible fish.

3 tables, 15 ref

006340   Malik F A;Srinivasa Reddy Y;Malik M A (Sericulture Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technol., Mirgund-Kashmir-190 001) : Haemodynamics of the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori exposed to high temperature stress conditions. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 179-82.

The cationic composition of haemolymph was studied at different stages of pupal development in three silkworm breeds namely, Pure Mysore, NB₄D₂ and CSR₂ The silkworm is normally reared at 25°C and 70±5 % RH, and 31°C and 36°C constitute temperature stress conditions for the domesticated silkworm. Mg²⁺ and K⁺ ions in haemolymph were present at relatively higher levels followed by Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ in both the sexes of pupae. Among the races, haemolymph cation levels of bivoltine races were about 30% higher than the multivoltine PM. When the pupae were exposed to higher temperatures, monovalent cations like Na⁺and K⁺ are hyper-regulated and divalent cations like Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺are hypo-regulated in order to prevent abnormal rise in the levels of haemolymph osmotic pressure. The lower levels of divalent cations in pupal haemolymph at higher temperatures suggest that the divalent cations are sequestered by intracellular fluids to counteract osmotic desiccation of somatic cells at higher temperatures.

4 tables, 11 ref

006339   Malhi C S (All India Network Project on Agricultural Ornithology, Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural, Ludhiana-141 004) : Successful breeding of five beneficial bird species in wooden (artificial) nest boxes and earthen pots. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2A), 915-24.

Successful breeding of five beneficial bird species viz. Common myna, House sparrow, Indian robin, Spotted owlet and Indian roller was carried out in wooden (artificial) nest boxes. Further development and evaluation of nesting provisions adopting species specific approach would help in encouraging and maintaining population of beneficial farmers friendly bird species to optimal limits in the ecosystem to enhance potent natural check on ever increasing population of crop insect and rodent pests. The findings have generated scope of reviving population of declining/dwindling bird species and their conservation in the ecosystem.

9 illus, 12 tables, 5 ref

006338   Malhi C S (All India Network Project on Agricultural Ornithology, Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Status of avifauna in agro-ecosystem of Punjab-some additions to the checklist of birds. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2A), 899-906.

In addition to the earlier occurrence of 128 species reported, the 15 additional species, all representing the field area, have been recorded survey during of birds conducted between 2005-2007 in rural residential area and field area of villages falling under 9 districts of Punjab. The additional species recorded belonged to three orders and nine families. With addition of 15 species, the bird species richness of avifauna in agro-ecosystem of Punjab has rised to 143 and that of field area to 126.

5 tables, 5 ref

006337   Lodhi H S;Shukla S;Sharma U D (Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: sanjiveshukla@gmail.com) : Light microscopic and histochemical studies on the haemocytes of fresh water prawn, Macrobrachium lamarrei (Crustacea-Decapoda). Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 121-34.

Haemocytes of the fresh water prawn, M. lamarrei were classified into seven types on the basis of light microscopic studies, morphology, (heir behavior under phase contrast microscope and their reactions with different stains. The seven types of cells distinguished include Prohaernocytes, Plasmatocytes, Spindle cells, Granular haemocytes, Spherule cells, Adipohaemocytes and the Cystocytes. The structural details and their significance in haemocyte classification along with functions of different haemocyte types have been discussed.

2 tables, 89 ref

006336   Kungumapriya R;Revathy K (Zoology Dep, The Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai-600 008) : Binding capacity of herbal toxin binders in aflatoxicosis induced globulin levels of breeding japanese quails, Coturnix coturnix japonica. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 215-17.

Mycotoxins play a global role in human and animal health. Molds in poultry feed are a source of significant economic loss to poultry producers. Molds adversely influence performance of animals by altering the nutrient composition of feed ingredients, decreasing the efficiency of nutrient utilization and by producing toxic secondary metabolites. Work was carried out to study the role of locally available herbal plant extracts such as Azadirachta indica, Cynodon dactylon and Curcuma longa in counteracting the effects of experimental aflatoxicosis in laying Japanese quail by feeding them with diets containing aflatoxin at 1.5 and 3ppm levels for a period of six weeks.

16 ref

006335   Kungumapriya R;Revathi K;Prabakaran R;Brindha Devi G B (NO, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 001) : Toxin binders capacity in aflatoxicosis in the dead germ in eggs of breeding Japanese quails, Coturnix coturnix japonica. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 237-9.

Aflatoxins in low levels affect the productivity of birds arid makes them susceptible to many infectious diseases, like fowl typhoid, paratyphoid, Marek's disease and Gumboro disease, possibly due to immuno-suppressive effect leading to reduction of humoral and cell mediated immune responses. In poultry, aflatoxicosis is characterized by listlessness, anorexia with lowered growth rate, poor feed utilization, decreased weight gain, decreased egg production and increased susceptibility to environment microbial stress and increased mortality (Arafa et al, 1981). Since relatively lower dietary concentrations induce immune deficiency when compared with acute toxic dose levels (Leeson et al, 1995), the long term consumption of food contaminated with relatively low aflatoxin content causes more serious problems in poultry. This work was carried out to study the role of locally available herbal plant extracts such as Azadirachta indica, Cynodon dactylon and Curcuma longa in counteracting the effects of experimental aflatoxicosis in laying Japanese quail by feeding them with diets containing aflatoxin at 1.5 and 3ppm levels for a period of six weeks.

2 tables, 15 ref

006334   Khanna V (Zoological Survey of India, Northern Regional Station, Dehra Dun-248 195, Email: drvkhanna51@gmail.com ) : Magnificent faunal diversity in cold desert of Ladakh (J&K). Ann For 2008, 16(2), 365-70.

4 ref

006333   Katadi V S R;Mulye V B;Chogale N D;Sapkale P H;Sawant S S (NO, College of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri-415 629) : Preparation of prawn wafers by using the tiny prawn (Parapenaropsis stylifera). Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 185-91.

Attempt has been made to prepared prawn wafers by using the tiny prawn (Parapenaropsis stylifera) by adopting the method of fish wafer preparation of Sudhakara, 1979- The prepared product was packed in low density polythene (LDPF) of 200 gauge and 12 micron dear polyester/400 gauge polythene (PE/P) pouches, sealed and stored at ambient temperature for estimation of shelf life study of the product. The microbiological, Biochemical and organoleptic evaluation were studied during storage, as the product can be stored for a period of I80 days. The nutritional value of prawn wafers has been studied.

8 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

006332   Kasherwani D;Tiwari K J;Shukla S;Sharma U D (Prawn Research Centre, Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: sanjiveshukla@gmail.com) : Annual fluctuations in GSI and HSI of fresh water catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 221-6.

Study investigates the fluctuations in GSI and HSI value of fresh water catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis during annual cycle. Marked fluctuations in GSI and HSI were recorded in different months of year in both the sexes i.e. male and female, GSI values ranged between 0.062 - 0.356 in males and 0.985 - 3.759 in females. Peak GSI values were noticed in September for both the sexes (0.356 for males and 3.759 for females), while the lowest values were found in December for males (0.062) and in January for females (0.985). HSI values for males and females were 0.79 - 2.22 and 0.76 - 2.15, respectively. Highest HSI values were found in April (2.22 for males and 2.15 for females), while lowest values were found in September (0.79 for males and 0.76 for females). A clear-cut inverse relationship between GSI and HSI values was observed during annual reproductive cycle.

2 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

006331   Kale R S;Shejule K B;Kharat P S;Sonawane A K (Zoology Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Induced ovarian maturation by hormone and eyestalk ablation in freshwater crab, Barytelphusa cunicularis. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 211-15.

Investigation was under taken to determine the effect of 17α-hydroxy progesterone hormone on ovarian rematuration of freshwater edible female crab, B. cunicularis. Histological studies showed mat, administration of 17α-hydroxy progesterone hormone showed more enhancements in ovarian rematuration. Although, eyestalk ablation showed significant increase in ovarian rematuration over experimental control and hormone treated crabs ovary.

4 illus, 19 ref

006330   Joshi S;Upreti D K;Punetha N (Lichenology Lab, Plant Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Div, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Change in Lichen flora of Pindari Glacier valley, Uttarakhand (India), during the last three decades. Ann For 2008, 16(1), 168-9.

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006329   Joshi H K;Bahuguna P;Bahuguna P K;Bahuguna S N;Dobriyal A K (Zoology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Campus Pauri, Garhwal, Uttarakhand-246 001) : Cyto-morphological changes in the ovarian cycle of golden mahseer Tor putitora (ham.) from Doon valley. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 197-203.

Deals with the cyto-morphological dianges of the ovary through this it is possible to describe the reproductive cycle of the fish. As the mahseer is known to perform migration with the onset of the monsoon (June-Sept) when brooders alone migrate into the smaller streams for spawning, the ovarian cycle of Tor putitora can be divisible into 3 successive phases, i.e. premigratory, migratory and post migratory phase.

6 illus, 23 ref

006328   Jayasree S (Zoology Dep, Mercy College, Palakkad-678 006, Email: drjayasrees@gmail.com) : Selective changes in the protein-turnover rates, nucleic acid and growth rates in the muscle tissue of shrimp, Penaeus indicus during feeding/starvation cycle. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 168-72.

The study reports the selective changes of feeding/starvation cycle on the growth rate (Gr), nucleic acid concentration, protein-synthesis capacity (C_s), protein-accumulation rate (K_gGL) and protein-degradation rate (K_GDL) in the muscle tissue of marine shrimp, Penaeus indicus. During feeding cycle Gr, C_S, K_GL and nucleic acid concentration per gram tissue (RNA, DNA and RNA/DNA) decreased significantly with increase of body length. Significantly higher nucleic acid concentration and protein-synthesis rate reflects hypertrophic growth in juveniles. Sharp increase of total nucleic acid, protein and protein/DNA ratio towards maturity indicates growth due to hyperplasia. Starvation stress resulted in decrease of nucleic acid concentration and protein-synthesis rates where as K_GDL increased significantly. Growth rate of whole shrimp significantly diminished synchronously with a decrease in K_GL and C_S. Shrimp's juvenile growth depends upon hypertrophy and mature stages by hyperplasia. During feeding cycle hypertrophic growth increased considerably while hyperplasia remained at starvation cycle. Juveniles exhibiting maximum growth rate can be utilized for further studies by inhibiting either protein-degradation or augmenting protein-synthesis rates via specific diets with the aim of obtaining higher growth yields.

2 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

006327   Jacob Doss P;Sreelatha P;Nigar Sulthana R; Kezia Lakshmi Bai V (Zoology Dep, S. V. Univ, Tirupati, Chitoor Dt., Andhra Pradesh, Email: jacobdoss@rediffmail.com) : Effect of cypermethrin on selective biochemical parameters in a fish Heteropneustes fossilis. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 205-10.

The activity levels of protein, free aminoacids. ammonia and urea in gill, muscle, brain, liver of Heteropneustes fossilis which had been exposed to sublethal concentrations of cypermethrin for 7days and 15days study the results indicated a steady decrease in protein activity with a concomitant increase in free aminoacids, ammonia and urea. The decreased protein activity indicated the accumulation of cypermethrin results in the gradual increase in toxicity and increased free amino acids, ammonia and urea activities to overcome the toxic stress due to cypermethrin.

1 table, 25 ref

006326   Hazra N;Majumdar U;Mazumdar A (Zoology Dep, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-713 104) : Species composition, relative abundance, spatial diversity and heterogeneity of chironomid midges (Diptera : Chironomidae) of the springs of Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayas of India. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2A), 907-14.

Composition, relative abundance, spatial diversity and heterogeneity of the chironomid species of the springs of Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayas were studied. Diversity of the species was calculated with Shannon-Wiener index in the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods in 1996-1998. A total of 66 species out of 28 genera of three subfamilies were considered.

2 tables, 65 ref

006325   Gautam R K;Singh N;Sunil Kumar (Zoology Dep, School of Life Sciences, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002) : Hematological studies of Channa punctatus (Bloch.) exposed to chromium trioxide. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 217-19.

Heavy metals are the serious pollutants of the aquatic environment because of their environmental persistence and ability to be accumulated by aquatic organisms. The effect of sub-lethal concentration (1/5th of LC50) of chromium trioxide on Channa punctatus was studied after 5,10 and 20 days. The results indicate decrease in TEC, Hb, Hematocrit and increase in TLC in all treated fish.

1 table, 16 ref

006324   Gangwar G;Rao A P;Tiwari S C (Fisheries Dep, Narendra Dev Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, Email: gunjangangwar@yahoo.com) : Changes in body traits of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Ham.) in influence of age. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 173-6.

Rohu is one of the important species among Indian major carps used for aquaculture in the country. However, very little information is available on the body traits in relation to age. The investigation carried out on changes in body traits of an Indian major carp- Labeo rohita (Rohu) in influence of age. Various body traits such as total length, head length, muscular body length, caudal peduncle length, Tail length and Fins, Scales, Viscera, Gills, and Head weight were studied with the help of measuring scales and top pan balance. All the lengths and weight increases with age except gills weight, which was decrease with age.

2 tables, 7 ref

006323   Chhangani A K;Robbins P (Zoology Dep, J.N.V. University, Jodhpur-342 001, Email: chhanganiak@yahoo.com) : Population and feeding ecology of Blue bull, Boselaphus tragocamelus in and around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS), Rajasthan, India. Ann For 2008, 16(1), 152-64.

Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is an indigenous antelope with a very wide geographical distribution. It is a heardy animal and voracious eater found in and around most of the protected areas in western, southern and central India. Blue bull is very adaptive herbivore feeder and can feed upon variety of natural grasses, herbs, shrubs and trees. In the recent past it has become a serious crop pest in many parts of its distribution ranges. Population of blue bull in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) in the Aravalli hills is showing an increasing trend. Its population in KWS was just 289 in 1986-87 which became 1356 in 1999-2000 census. This growth in population is due to its adaptation in the diet, i.e. which includes exotic plant species like Prosopis juliflora, Lantana camara, etc. and a variety of cultivated plants like agricultural crops, fruits, vegetables, etc. Besides this, low predation and religious attitude of people helps in its population growth. Except national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, blue bull has no natural predators in most of its distribution ranges. But occasionally they have been killed in road and train accidents.

2 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

006322   Bahuguna S N;Negi R S;Upadhyay M K (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, UCG_SAP, COSIST, FIST) Post Box-70., Srinagar Garhwal-246 774, Email: bahugunasn@rediffmail.com ) : Morphology and development of dentition in Schizothorax plagiostomus (Heckel) during early development. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 167-72.

Schizothorax plagiostomus (Heckel) is most common food, fish inhabited among the snow fed tributaries of river Ganga. Due to its economical value as well as good growth rate it is desire to convert this fish for its commercial purposes. After successful induced breeding it was noticed that mouth is opened on 3^rd day and larvae takes exogenous food on 5th day but dentition were not properly developed in laboratory condition and becomes the cause of larval mortality may be due to the food quality as well as proper digestion of food, etc.

4 illus, 27 ref

006321   Bahuguna A;Bhutia P T (NO, Zoological Survey of India, Northern Regional Station, 218 Kaulagarh Raod, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : New distribution record of Melanochelys trijuga coronata (Anderson, 1878) from Kalesar National Park, district Yamunanagar, Haryana, India. Ann For 2008, 16(1), 165-7.

^ssc2 illus, 10 ref

006320   Amutha C;Subramanian P (Animal Science Dep, Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappalli-620 024) : Conducive conditions for the hatchability of freshwater fairy shrimp Streptocephalus dichotomus (Baird) diapausing cysts. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 245-8.

The freshwater fairy shrimp Streptocephalus dichotomus cysts are propounded to be an ideal live feed for fresh water hatchery, as Artemia species in salt water hatchery. The study was designed to understand the rate of Streptocephalus dichotomus cyst hatchability with respect of different type of waters (pond water, tap water, distilled water and rain water) and the changing water parameters like temperature, pH and salinity. In this regard six different levels of temperature (ranging from 24 to 34°C), pH (ranging from 6.0 to 9.0) and salinity (ranges from freshwater to 5 PPT) were experimented. The obtained results showed that S. dichotomus cyst exhibit a maximum level of hatchability in the optimum temperature range of 26-28°C, pH 7.0-8.5 and salinity below 1PPT respectively. In addition it was found that the hatchability was in the hierarchy of distilled water > rain water >pond water >tap water. Moreover the eggs in suspension yield more hatchability and the floating and settled eggs were not hatched. The floating eggs are unviable one where as if the settled eggs needs decapsulation to hatch.

5 illus, 15 ref

006319   Ajeet Singh;Kailash Chandra (Central Regional Station, Zoological Survey of India, Vijay Nagar, Jabalpur-482 002) : Species composition and diversity of butterflies (lepidoptera:insecta) in achanakmar wildlife sancturay, Chhattisgarh. Ann For 2008, 16(2), 321-30.

The Lepidopteran fauna from three study sites of Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh (Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve) were sampled for five months (June, 2004 to October, 2004). A total of 49 species of butterflies belonging to eight families of order Lepidoptera were recorded. Nymphalidae was the most dominant family of this order with 17species. Catopsilia crocale pomana (Fabr.) (Family Pieridae) was the most abundant species constituting 10.68 % of the total butterflies recorded from all the three study sites. Species diversity index of Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary calculated on the basis of number of individual was 3.486. It was observed that butterflies number increases with rise in temperature and humidity.

3 tables, 13 ref

006318   Agrahari R K;Varshney P K;Saxsena A (NO, Government Model Science College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh) : Zoo-benthic diversity of picnic spot area-aquaduct of river Gomti at Lucknow, (Uttar Pradesh), India. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 141-9.

To study the benthic diversity of river Gomti in Lucknow, the Picnic spot area - Aquaduct was located. The water quality in this region was poor with low dissolved oxygen (>3) and higher levels of CO₂ (26.00 mg l^-1), NO₃ (70.20 mg l^-1), PO₄ (2.80 mg l^-1) and COD (160.20 mg l^-1). The vicinity was filthy with foul smell, garbage and polythene bags floating on the surface of water. Zoo-benthic population was represented by oligochaeta, diptera, gastropoda, porifera, nematode and plecoptera and fishes. The dominant genera of oligochaeta were Lumbriculus, Tubifex, Nais and Chaetogaster. Apart from Chironomus diptera consisted of Culicoides and Tipula larvae. Pomacea was the dominant genera among the gastropods. Mean population density and biomass were 4,623 m^-2 and 13.7135 mg m^-2 respectively. Oligochaeta pre-dominated the fauna (67.55%) followed by Chironomus (30.89%). Seasonally maxima for population density and biomass were observed during pre-monsoon. Shannon Weiner diversity index (H) was less than "one". The worms Tubifex and Chironomus and insects, Culicoides, and Tipula are the indicator of pollution. The deteriorated environmental conditions coupled with poor benthic diversity and presence of indicator organisms reflects that the river is severely under the impact of discharge at Picnic spot -Aquaduct is polluted.

5 tables, 26 ref

005419   Verma G;Gautam R K;Verma A (NO, , 1/256, Khalsa Gali, Rawatpara, Agra-282 002) : Role of vitamin B. complex in the growth and survival of Heliothis armigera. Mendel int J 2007, 24(3-4), 135-6.

Heliothis armigera is an important pest of several crops, including Cicer arietinum, it is dangerous insect pest. A single larva can damage 10-15 plants of Cicer arietinum In its life. In the investigation it has been observed that in food content/crop if there is deficiency of Riboflavin then larval life span is negligible. It indicate that those crops in which there is lack of riboflabin vitamin, are naturally protected from H. armigera.

2 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

005418   Tariq K A;Chishti M Z;Ahmad F;Akhter S (Post Graduate Dep of Zoology, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006) : Influence of season on gastrointestinal nematode infection of sheep in the cool temperature climate to Kashmir valley. Indian J appl pure Biol 2008, 23(2), 197-200.

Study was carried out from February, 2005 to January, 2007 to study the seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep under traditional husbandry system in Kashmir Valley. A total of 1,533 sheep were examined through faecal and gut examination over the period of two years. The overall prevalence (%) with gastrointestinal nematodes was 61.6 (Year 1: 64.6; Year 2: 58.3). The parasites in decreasing order of prevalence (%) in the study were Haemonchus contortus (59.6); Ostertagia circtimcincta (38.0); Bunostomum trigonocephalum (37.7); Chabertia ovina (37.7); Trichostrongylus spp. (33.9): Nematodirus spathiger (29.4): Oesophagostomum columbianum (28.4); Tric/utris ovis (23.5): Marshallagia marshalli (22.1). The maximum nema-tode infection was observed in summer and lowest in winter (P=0.000). The observations on one hand are of great significance to understand the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and on the other hand to devise the appropriate control strategies in the cool temperate climate of Kashmir Valley.

2 tables, 10 ref

005417   Singh Y;Verma G;Verma A;Verma R K (Entomological, Research Laboratory, St. John's College, Agra) : Management of insect pest Dicladispa armigera (Oliv). Oikoassay 2007, 20(1-2), 19-21.

Alcoholic and acetonic extract of leaves of Nicotiana plumbiginifolia were tested on Rice hispa, Dicladispa armigera (Oliv) to know the effects of the extract related to the feeding behaviour (crop damaging) and ovipogisition. The food consumption of treated seedlings was very poor. The deterrent action of Nicotiana plumbiginifolia remained high and egg deposition ranged 0-19 in 48 hours and 0-158 in 72 hours of exposure on treated rice seedlings. In control, egg deposition was 0-29 in 48 hours and 0-300 in 72 hours, respectively. Low emergence of Rice hispa on treated rice seedlings indicate the high degree of inhibition effect of the extract on adult emergence. The adult emergence in control were significantly higher than those of treated seedlings.

2 tables, 4 ref

005416   Singh R;Gupta K;Shafiq M;Zubair S M (Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu, Jammu&Kashmir) : Effect of varying levels of protein on growth of juveniles of Puntius sophore at two different temperature regimes.. Natn J Life Sci 2007, 4(1), 47-51.

The effect of varying levels of protein (25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45%) on the growth performance parameters viz. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) at two different temperature regimes viz. 12.1-15.5°C (low) and 22.9-25.1°C (optimum) for the juveniles of Puntius sophore were analysed for a period of two months. In both the experiments 40% dietary protein was observed to give best results. However, the growth achieved in second experiment was much higher than the Ist experiment.

5 tables, 16 ref

005415   Singh M S (Zoology Dep, S.B.R. College, Barh-820 001) : Relative susceptibility of different varieties of Pisum sativum to Callosobruchus chinensis (Linn.). Mendel int J 2007, 24(3-4), 102.

2 tables, 4 ref

005414   Singh D P;Saxena R S (NO, , Vill. & Post-Malawan, Distt. Etah-207 001) : Effect of a insecticide on nitrogen fixation activity with reference to some aquatic microorganisms.. Mendel int J 2007, 24(3-4), 118.

The insecticides which are sunk into aquatic system affect microbial activities viz. Growth, Photosynthesis and N₂-fixation.

4 ref