010682   Bhure D B;Nanware S S (Research and Post Graduate Dep of Zoology, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded, Email: snanware@rediffmail.com) : Prevalence of cestodes parasitizing Gallus gallus domestius. Envir Conserv J 2014, 15(1-2), 171-5.

The present investigations deals with the preliminary survey of three avian cestode parasites viz. Cotugnia dignopora, Cotugnia diamarae and Raillietina domestica collected from the intestine of a Gallus gallus domesticus at different collection sites of Nanded district (M.S.) India during February, 2012 to January, 2013. The high prevalence of all cestode parasites occur in summer season followed by winter season whereas lower infections in monsoon season.

1 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

010681   Bhure D B;Kasar C R (Research and Post Graduate Dep of Zoology, yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, NANDED, , Email: snanware@rediffmail.com) : Reports on cestode genus Senga (Dollfus, 1934) (Ptychobothridae, Luhe, 1902) of Mastacembelus armatus from Marathwada region Maharashtra, India. Envir Conserv J 2014, 15(1-2), 213-19.

The present investigation deals with biosystematic studies of Pseudophyllidean tapeworm Senga i.e. S. satarensis, S . Madhavae, S. mangalbai and S.microrostellata collected from intestine of a Mastacembelus armatus at various places of Marathwada Region (M.S.) India during the period of May, 2012 to Oct., 2013. The worm of present study come closer to all known species of this genus in general topography of organ but differs due to morphometeric measurements and morphological characteristics. The Senga satarensis (Bhure et.al., 2011) comes closer to known species of the genus Senga Dollfus, 1934 in general topography of organ but differs due to taxonomic characters as scolex pear shaped, rostellum bearing 28-30 rostellar hooks, neck absent, testes 175-200 in numbers, cirrus pouch oval, ovary bilobed, vagina runs posteriorly, genital pores oval, vitellaria granular, uterus saccular and egg elongated. The Senga madhavae (Bhure et.al.,2010) comes closer to known species of this genus in general topography of organ but differs due to scolex triangular, rostellum bearing 40-44 rostellar hooks, neck absent, mature proglottids live to six times broader than long, testes 200-220 in numbers, cirrus pouch oval, ovary dumb-bell shaped, genital pores oval in shape, vitellaria granular, uterus saccular and egg elongated. The Senga mangalbai (Bhure et.al.,2011) comes closer to all the known species of this genus in general topography of organ but differs due to scolex conical, hooks 38-42 in numbers, absence of neck, testes 70-80 in numbers, ovary bilobed, each lobe nut shaped and vitellaria granular. The Senga microrostellala (Bhure et.al.,2014) comes closer to all known species of this genus in general topography of organ but differs due to scolex triangular, bothria sessile, rostellum armed with 18-20 hooks which is single circled, absence of neck, mature proglottids 8-9 times broader than long, testes 250-300 in numbers, cirrus pouch elongated, vagina runs posteriorly, ovary dumb-bell shaped, uterus sacular filled with non-operculated eggs and Vitellaria follicular.

2 illus

010680   Bakawale S;Kanhere R R (Zoology Dep, Govt P G College, Mandsaur (MP), Email: sunnu60@yahoo.com) : Studies on the fecundity of Mastacembelus armatus fish from River Narmada in West Nimar (MP). Envir Conserv J 2014, 15(1-2), 207-11.

The spiny eel Mastacembelus armatus is Ian. economically important freshwater food fish native of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and other parts of South-east Asia. The study was conducted from river Narmada to determine the fecundity of Mastacembelus armatus during the period of one year (2006-2007). Fecundity of fish was determined by numerical method. It ranged from 1872 eggs to 5402 eggs in total length range of 42.1 to 47.9cms. The Fecundity of Mastacembelus armatus in relation to fish length, fish weight & ovary weight was worked out.

4 illus, 16 river

010679   Arya S;Negi S;Singh S K (Zoology Dep, Govt. P.G. College, Gopeshwar, Chamoli, Uttarakhand, Email: surmanaryadr69@gmail.com) : Prevalence of Menopon gallinae Linn. (Insecta, Phthiraptera, Menoponidae, Amblycera) upon poultry birds (Gallus gallus domesticus) of selected locality of district Chamoli Garhwal (Uttarakhand), India. J appl nat Sci 2013, 5(2), 400-5.

Prevalence and intensity of infestation of Menopon gallinae (Linn.) was recorded from 688 poultry birds belonging to 30 selected locality of district Chamoli (Uttarakhand) during March, 2012 to February, 2013, out of which 310 were found infested (45.06%). Prevalence rate were higher in female (46.8%) than male (42%) birds in present investigation. Higher infestation were noted in certain parameters like captivity (larger group), poor health, poor hygienic condition, poor feather condition, black feather colour, desi breed and older birds. Singly reared, good health, good hygienic condition, good feather condition, mix colour, broiler breed and younger poultry birds were found to have least infestation. Intensity of infestation was noted by coding system. Maximum poultry bird bore very light (VL) infestation (29.68%) while very few were found with very heavy (VH) infestation (4.52%). Relative monthly intensity of infestation remained more or less similar in all the categories. Lice were peaked during summer in comparison to the winter. Strong positive correlation existed between monthly lice index and temperature (+0.79); lice index and photoperiod (+0.84), while the same were found insignificant with humidity (-0.23) and rainfall (-0.17).

010678   Anne Rebecca A;Saravana Bhavan P; Radhakrishnan S (Zoology Dep, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: annerebecca.rebecca@gmail.com) : Allium sativum-, Zingiber offi cinale- and Curcuma longa-Induced digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities in Macrobrachium rosenbergii post Larvae. LS-Int J Life Sci 2014, 3(1), 22-7.

Digestive and antioxidant effects of three Indian medicinal herbs Allium sativum (AS), Zingiber offi cinale (ZO) and Curcuma longa (CL) were studied at enzyme level in Macrobrachium rosenbergii post-larvae (PL) to assess the growth promoting and survival enhancement properties of these herbs. The PL were given 10 different diets containing AS, ZO and CL each at 1, 3 and 5% levels for 90 days under laboratory conditions. Experiments were conducted in parallel with a control diet having no herb supplementation. At the end of the trial, significant increase in weight gain (WG) (P <60> 0.046) was found in the groups fed with 5% ZO. The survival rate increased significantly with 5% CL supplementation (P <60> 0.049). ZO (5%) signifi cantly increased the activity level of protease (P <60> 0.048), amylase (P <60> 0.204) and lipase (P <60> 0.003). CL (5%) supplementation significantly increased the activity level of two antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P <60> 0.045) and catalase (CAT) (P <60> 0.004). AS (5%) supplementation significantly increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (P <60> 0.072). Therefore, it is concluded that ZO can promote growth by improving the digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase and lipase) and CL is able to enhance the survivability by improving the antioxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) activities.

3 tables, 36 ref

010677   Amara I B;Sefi M;Troudi A;Soudani N;Boudawara T;Zeghal N (Animal Physiology Laboratory, UR/11 ES-70, Life Sciences Dep, Sfax Univ, Sciences Faculty of Sfax, BP 1171, 3000 Sfax, Tunisia, Email: najiba.zeghal@tunet.tn) : Fenthion, an organophosphorus pesticide, induces alterations in oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2014, 51(4), 293-301.

Fenthion (FEN) is an organophosphorus pesticide known for its wide toxic manifestations. In this study, the effects of FEN were evaluated on the cerebrum and cerebellum oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in the suckling rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group received pure water, while FEN group received daily by their drinking water 551 ppm of FEN from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity was inhibited in both the cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with FEN. The cerebrum and cerebellum oxidative damage was demonstrated by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product and glutathione (GSH) levels and disturbance in the antioxidant enzyme activities. A significant decline of non-protein thiol and vitamin C levels was also observed. These changes were confirmed by histopathological observations which were marked by pyknotic neurons in the cerebrum and apoptotic cells in the cerebellum of FEN-treated rats. In the cerebellum of FEN-treated rats, the most conspicuous damage was the absence of external granular layer, indicating growth retardation. These data suggested that exposure of pregnant and lactating rats to FEN induced oxidative stress and histopathological disorders in the cerebrum and cerebellum of their pups. Thus, the use of FEN must be under strict control, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers.

6 illus, 2 tables, 53 ref

009681   Zareen S;Asha Singh (Zoology Dep, G.B.M. College, Gaya-823 001) : Studies on changes in haematological make up in an obligate air breathing fish Anabas testudineus (Block) exposed to pesticide stress. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 33-6.

Studies on toxic effect of a carbamate pesticide (Sevin) on haematological make up in an obligate air breathing teleost, Anabas testudineus (Bloch) have been made at sublethal concentration (120 hr LC₀: 1.21mgl/l sevin). The control levels of different haematological parameters in the blood of Anabas testudineus like RBC counts, Hb content, PCV (haematocrit), MEHC and oxygen capacity were -1.142+0.06 million cells/mm^{3 blood, 6.96+0.46 gl%, 14.80+2.73%, 47.03% and 8.70 vol% respectively. The severe reduction in the level of haematological parameters of sevin-exposed to Anabas testudineus while indicating severe haemodilution could be considered adaptive for the fish to reduce the toxicity of the pesticide residue. The details have been discussed in this paper.}

1 table, 13 ref

009680   Uttam Kumar;Choudhary S;Lokendra Kumar (NO, ICAR-RCER, RCM Darbhanga, Email: uttamraj20@yahoo.in) : The study of different aspects of pheasant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 37-42.

The birds of India are noted for its remarkable variations in features and numbers depending upon the zoogeographical, climatic and physiological conditions of country. There are more than 1,200 species of birds recorded in India which account for about 14 percent of the world's total number (about 8,600) of avifauna. The Pheasant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) is locally called Pihhuaa. According to 2012 publication it is kept in least concern of red list category. Pheasant-tailed jacana is a seasonal migratory bird. They exhibit migration from water scarcity area to water lodged area for escaping from harass condition, protection, feeding and reproduction, jacana makes its habitat around water bodies. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating leaves of makhana. They have sharp bills and rounded wings. Their food consists of seeds, roots and shoots of aquatic plants as well as insects and molluscs. The females of Pheasant-tailed jacana are polyandrous, fighting with rivals to secure a male, laying eggs and leaving them to be hatched and the young to be reared by the male for 40 -50 days. The females are larger than the males. However, adults of both sexes look identical. They construct relatively flimsy nests on floating vegetation or vegetation nearby water body and lay generally 4 dark top shaped brown eggs.

6 illus, 24 ref

009679   Srivastava A;Rabinder Singh;Pal S R (Zoology Dep, Jamshedpur Womens College, Jamshedpur, Email: anjali_ru@rediffmail.com) : Zooplankton diversity in changing environment of river Kharkai, in Jamshedpur. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 85-8.

To evaluate the zooplankton diversity of river Kharkai (Jharkhand State) in relation to the prevailing environmental conditions three stations-Baba Kutir Ashram, Jayprakash Udyan and Domohani (River meet) were identified from upstream to downstream along the course of river in Jamshedpur. DO was low on many occasions at all the stations except Baba Kutir Ashram and COD values were high. There was a gradual increase in mean nitrite and phosphate values from up to downstream. Planktonic density was poor. Copepoda and Cladocera were the most pre-dominant groups followed by rotifers, planktonic oligochates, dipteral, ostracoda, protozoa and Hydra at all stations. Relatively low density of zooplankton in spite of high nutrients budget maybe a function of great infestation of water quality. Seasonally high density was reported during monsoon while low in post-monsoon. Increasing number of rotifers next to copepods and cladocerans indicate an aquatic regime with substantial load of organic matter. Planktonic diversity was pocr. Abundance of a particular group of organism in a deteriorated and polluted environment may not eliminate the energy at higher tropic level. Filthy condition with foul smell through the length of the river coupled with poor water quality and appearance of indicator organism was marked.

9 ref

009678   Sinha A;Singh S K (Zoology Dep, A.M. College, Gaya-823 001) : A comparative study on the effect f merit alpha and mardo on proximate composition in few organs in fresh water teleost, Rita rita (Ham.). Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 65-9.

In the present study an attempt has been made to evaluate the toxicological impact of two most commonly used pesticides Merit Alpha (organochlorine) and Mardo (organophosphate) on biochemical profiles of few organs namely liver, kidney, testis and ovary in a freshwater siluroid fish, Ritarita (Ham.). The test fish on exposure to the sublethal concentrations of Merit Alpha (0.0020 mg/l) and Mardo (0.202 mg/l) for 60 days revealed altered proximate composition (i.e. carbohydrate, lipid and protein content) in above noted organs as compared to control Water content also showed variations. The details have been discussed in this paper.

1 table, 14 ref

009677   Shinde S M;Nanware S S;Bhure D B (Zoology Dep, Mahatama Phule Jr. College, Ahmedpur, Latur, Maharashtra, Email: snanware@rediffmail.com) : Systematic observation of the genus Stilesia railliet, 1893 from Ovis bharal with description of a new species. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 52-6.

Deals with new species of the genus Stilesia Railliet in 1893 i.e. Stilesia intestinalis sp.Nov. collected from Capra hircus (L.) from Shirur Anantpal Dist. Latur (M.S.) India. The present form comes closer to all the known valid species of this genus in general topography of organs but differs due to some characters i.e. Scolex rectangular, suckers four, large, muscular, arranged in two groups, neck long, mature proglottids 8 times broader than long, testes small, arranged in two groups, 4 in each groups, genital pore marginal, regularly alternate, vagina anterior to cirrus pouch, ovary compact and cylindrical.

2 illus, 30 ref

009676   Selvan K M;Veeraswami G G;Habib B;Lyngdoh S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001, Email: gopigv@wii.gov.in) : Losing threatened and rare wildlife to hunting in ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Curr Sci 2013, 104(11), 1492-5.

Harvesting wild animals through hunting has become a major conservation issue, especially for large-bodied animals. We surveyed the Ziro valley in Arunachal Pradesh in order to assess the socio-economic status and dependence of indigenous people on wildlife species. We used structured questionnaire for the survey and houses were selected randomly. Species hunted include common leopard, clouded leopard, marbled cat, leopard cat, spotted linsang, otter sp., yellow-throated marten, orange-bellied squirrel, Malayan giant squirrel, sambar, barking deer, wild pig and birds. Hunting was carried out mainly for subsistence (55%), commercial purposes (25%) and medicine (10%). There is an urgent need to assess the impact of wildlife hunting and the sustainability of such practices on the hunted species to aid in adopting strategies to improve the protection measures and making informed conservation decisions.

4 illus, 1 table

009675   Sarkar N;Barik A (Ecology Research Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-713 104, Email: anandamaybarik@yahoo.co.in) : Alkanes from bitter gourd as allelochemicals in olfactory responses of Epilachna dodecastigma (Wied.). Allelopathy J 2014, 33(1), 43-52.

In laboratory conditions, the alkanes from flower surface waxes of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) and synthetic mixture of alkanes mimicking flower surface wax alkanes elicited attraction of the female insect, Epilachna dodecastigma (Wied.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) between 50-600 μg concentrations, in Y-shaped glass tube olfactometer bioassay. Individual test samples, synthetic tricosane at 30.67 μg, pentacosane from 21.71-32.57 μg, heptacosane from 25.67-77.01 μg and nonacosane from 53.5-160.50 μg showed attraction to the insect. A synthetic mixture of 20.45, 21.71, 51.34, 107, 19.51 and 73.46 μg of tricosane, pentacosane, heptacosane, nonacosane, hentriacontane and hexatriacontane, respectively, elicited highest attraction of E. dodecastigma and this combination might be used for insect pest management programme such as baited traps.

1 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

009674   Puja Kumari;Acharya Shankar (Zoology Dep, J.J. College, Gaya, Bihar) : Hormonal regulation of biochemical composition iin fresh water teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 23-5.

An attempt has been made to study the effect of hormones and pharmacological drugs on changes in biochemical composition in whole body in a fresh water air breathing siluroid fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). The water, lipid protein and carbohydrate + ash content of the body (45±1.0g) of control group of fishes were 73.10+0.25, 4.08+0.16, 17.96+0.21 and 4.86% respectively during winter months at 23.0±1.0°C. The treatment of hydrocortisone, E.P. Forte, placentrex, durabolin, docabolin, adrenaline and L-thyroxine bring about either elevation or decrease in the above noted biochemical constituents of the fish body. The details have been discussed in this paper.

1 table, 7 ref

009673   Prabhakar A K;Kumar Upnishad;Sharma A K;Anita Kumari;Mridula Kumari;Arvind Kumar;Rana A;Sinha S K;Mangalam R K (Zoology Dep, Magadh Univ, Bodh-Gaya) : Cyclic changes in proximate composition in relation to breeding cycle of an air-breathing fish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.). Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 95-9.

Marked seasonal variations in the body composition (especially lipid, water content and protein content were observed in Clarias batrachus (Linn.). The lipid and water contents were inversely proportional to each other. Fattening in this fish is closely associated with gonadal cycle and physical activity of the animal. The maximum lipid content was recorded in the winter months when the gonads were regressing or in regressed condition while minimum was recorded in the breeding season (summer months). Protein content also showed seasonal variation.

1 table, 31 ref

009672   Nanware S S;Bhure D B (Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded, Maharashtra, Email: sananware@rediffmail.com) : Studies on avian cestode genus Cotugnia Diamare, 1893 (cestoda: davaineidae, fuhrmann, 1907) from Gallus gallus domosticus. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 120-8.

The present investigation deals with a new species of the genus Cotugnia, Diamare 1893 from the intestine of Gallus gallus domesticus, from Nanded (M.S.) of India. The new species Cotugnia diamarei Sp.Nov. comes closer to all known species of the genus Cotugnia in general topography of organ but differs due to scolex large, quadrangular, suckers four, oval to rounded, arranged in four corners, rostellum oval, large, placed in anterior region of scolex and having rostellar ring, rostellar hooks 53-55 in numbers, 'V' shaped, arranged in a single circle, neck short, mature progloltids three times broader than long, testes 62 in numbers, oval to rounded, postovarian, cirrus pouch cylindrical, cirrus short, curved tube contained within cirrus pouch, vas deferens thin, curved, vagina posterior to cirrus pouch and ovary bilobed.

1 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

009671   Nanware S S;Bhure D B (Zoology P.G. Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded, Maharashtra, Email: drajbhure82@gmail.com ) : Studies on the cestode Stilesia railliet, 1893 intestinal infection in Capra hircus L. with referene to histopathology. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 76-8.

The present work was carried out to study the histopathological changes in the intestine of Capra hircus, naturally infected with the Anoplocephalidean cestode, Stilesia pandeyae. It has been seen that the cestode Stilesia pandeyae approach the villi floating in the lumen, some worms are seen attached to the tissues of the intestine, the villi of crypts of liberkuhn are ruptured, destructed and shifted apart by the penetrating the worm. Not much effort is put by the parasite to survive in the intestine and the scolex is not so much helpful. It seems that the environment of the intestine is quite favourable for the wormStilesia Railliet, 1893 which is rich in protein, glucose and fat content. So the worm finds it easy to absorb the same through tegument for growth and nourishment.

2 tables, 18 ref

009670   Mohindra V;Tripathi R K;Yadav P;Singh R K;Lal K K (NO, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR), Canal Ring Road, P. O. Dilkusha, Lucknow-226 002, Email: vmohindra@nbfgr.res.in) : Hypoxia influences expression profile of Pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 2 in Indian catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758): a new candidate gene for hypoxia tolerance in fish. J Biosci, Bangalore 2014, 39(3), 433-42.

Several physiologically important genes were found to be regulated by hypoxia at the transcriptional level. The Pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 2 (PHLDA2) gene was previously identified as an imprinted gene. The present study was aimed to determine the structure of complete cDNA and the deduced protein of PHLDA2 along with analysing the changes in its mRNA expression in Clarias batrachus tissues under hypoxic conditions. The complete cDNA of CbPHLDA2 gene consisted of 1009 nucleotides with an open reading frame of 417 nucleotides. The deduced CbPHLDA2 protein of 139 amino acids shared high homology with PHLD2A of other fishes as well as that of vertebrates. Importantly, a single amino acid (asparagine/lysine) insertion was identified in the PH domain of CbPHLDA2 and other fishes, which was absent in other vertebrates studied. Furthermore, under normoxic conditions, CbPHLDA2 was constitutively expressed with varying levels in analysed tissues. Short- and long-term hypoxia exposure resulted in significant changes in the expression of CbPHLDA2 in liver, spleen, head kidney, brain and muscle in a time-dependent manner. The results suggested that CbPHLDA2 might play an important role for adaptive significance under hypoxia.

6 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

009669   Mohan Kumar H M;Luckme B T (Zoology and Genetic Dep, Govt. Science College, Nrupathunga Road, Bangalore-01) : Study on effect of cauterization and evaluation of growth performance of cauterized common carp, Cyprinus carpio (Linn.). Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 27-32.

Need to tag or mark individual fish, families, varieties or strains, for proper brood stock management in fish hatcheries. For effective evaluation, especially in genetic improvement/ evaluation studies, we have to stock the fishes in the same pond (monoculture). Thus for various purposes it is essential to develop a reliable marking technique to discriminate the mixed stocks. For this purpose in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) seeds, the method of fin cauterization appears to be a most reliable, easy, cost effective and adaptable tagging and marking technique. Common carp fish seeds weighing around 3 gm were tagged by cauterization of pectoral or pelvic fin. The present paper deals with the performance of these cauterized common carp fishes in comparison with the control fishes. Rate of retention of tag and percentage of survival of tagged or cauterized fish is very high. The results of the present study show no significant difference in the growth performance. The results of the cauterization technique are discussed in the contest for developing a suitable tagging and marking technique foraquaculture.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

009668   Malik S;Singh S;Rani S;Kumar V (Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : Life at a different pace: annual itineraries are conserved in seasonal songbirds. J Biosci, Bangalore 2014, 39(3), 485-91.

The duration of life history state (LHS) reflects the adaptive strategy a species has evolved to cope with a changing environment. Inhabitants at different latitudes may thus have significant differences in the rates of metabolic and physiological processes underlying LHSs. Birds, in order to maximize their fitness in the environment in which they live, seasonally switch from one LHS to another during the year. The present study investigated whether an annual itinerary of a species would determine its rate of reaction to inductive long days. We compared the photoinduced cycles of changes in body mass and testes, as indices of migratory and reproductive LHSs, between two long day breeding species, the migratory redheaded bunting and non-migratory Indian weaverbird. Changes in body mass and testis size were measured in photosensitive buntings and weaverbirds (n = 7 each) on short days (LD 8:16) subjected first to 0.5 h weekly light increments until the light period was 13 h per day, and, then maintained on LD 13:11 for another 32 weeks. A similar observation was recorded on a group of buntings (n = 14) and weaverbirds (n = 9) maintained on increasing natural day lengths (NDL; Lucknow, 26°55' N, 80°59' E) for 47 weeks. As predicted, the rates of induction of seasonal cycles under an identical inductive photoperiod were significantly faster in temperate buntings with five annual LHSs than in the subtropical weaverbirds with three annual LHSs. This suggests that annual itineraries of songbirds with which they may have evolved with at their breeding latitudes, determine their response to the external photoperiodic environment.

2 illus, 30 ref

009667   Lal V F;Gaur K K;Thakur S (Zoology Dep, Raja Balwant Singh College, Agra Uttar Pradesh, Email: vflal20@gmail.com) : Bioassay evaluation of acute toxicity levels of lead chloride to Channa punctatus Bloch. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 43-6.

The study deals with the acute toxicity of lead chloride on the behaviour and mortality of Channa punctatus. The LC₅₀ values for 24, 48, 72 and 96h have been determined. The results indicate that the fish exposed to different concentrations of lead chloride exhibited slow abnormal behaviour, skin depigmentation and a dose and dose-time dependent mortality rate.

4 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

009666   Kocher D K;Rajinder Kaur (Zoolgy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Testing the efficacy of zinc phosphide rodenticide filled in capsules under laboratory and field conditions. Pestology 2013, 37(4), 35-8.

Zinc phosphide (ZnP) is an acute rodenticide capable of killing the rodents effectively, but it has a limitation of deterioration after coming in contact with moisture, especially in paddy and sugarcane fields. To prevent it from moisture, ZnP powder was filled in capsules @ 100 mg/ capsule and was tested under laboratory conditions against house rat, Rattus rattus (major commensal rodent species) and bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis (predominant agricultural rodent pest species in Punjab). House rats showed 100% mortality within 1 to 6 days and 2 to 6 hours after feeding of ZnP filled capsules and 2% ZnP bait, respectively. However, all the bandicoot rats died earlier i.e within 8 to 12 hours after intake of ZnP filled capsules as compared to that of 2% ZnP bait, where 100% mortality was observed within 12 hours to 5 days. Effective killing of bandicoot rats with ZnP filled capsules in laboratory trials was followed by its testing in sugarcane fields at village Saunti of district Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab) by selecting three acres of area at four locations. At locations I and II first treatment was carried out with ZnP filled capsules @ 100 mg/capsule and @ 250 mg/capsule, respectively. However, at location III first treatment was done by placing 2% ZnP bait on paper pieces. At all the locations ZnP treatment was followed by 0.005% bromadiolone baiting after an interval of 15 days. First treatment carried in the month of July was followed by the second treatment in the month of October (done in the same manner at the three locations as during the first one). Location IV was kept as control, where no treatment was performed. Rodent control success was found to be 30.01, 34.21 and 38.03%, respectively at locations I, II and III after first treatment. However, after second treatment % rodent control success was significantly high and % rodent damage was significantly low at location III as compared to that of I and II locations.

2 tables, 11 ref

009665   Jitendra Kumar;Yasmin R (Zoology P.G. Dep, Gaya College, Gaya-823 001) : Studies on application of composite fish farming technology for enhanced fish production ina pond at Manpur (Gaya district). Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 55-9.

In the present work an attempt has been made to study physico-chemichal characteristics and plankton abundance, growth of Indian and exotic major carps (5 species), species combination and stocking densities, gross and net fish production in a fish pond situated at Manpur block of Gaya District beside studying the economics of fish farming in a rural pond of Gaya District. The details have been discussed in the paper.

3 tables, 5 ref

009664   Gupta D K;Gupta N (Zoology Dep, Bareilly College, Bareilly-243 005, Email: guptagarwal@rediffmail.com) : Trypanoplasma saranae var. nov. Sophorae from the blood of Puntius sophore Ham.: degree of resemblance through parallelity. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 113-17.

Anew variety of monomorphic Trypanoplasm, Trypanoplasma saranae var. no v. sophorae is reported from the blood of a tropical freshwater fish, Puntius sophore (syn. Systomus sophore) belonging to the family Cyprinidae. The parasite was compared with Trypanoplasma saranae from P. sarana and the comparative degree of resemblance between the two forms is judged to be 32% only according to the degree of resemblance through parallelity. The species is reported as a new variety of T. saranae as 75% or more of its population can be separated from the other population and is designated as Trypanoplasma saranae var. nov. sophorae.

5 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

009663   Dutta S P S;Wani M A;Wangaeno A (Environmental Science Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-18006) : Morphological and vertebral deformites in farmed Labeo rohita (Ham. Buch) from Punjab, India. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 101-12.

Eleven deformed specimen of Labeo rohita (Ham. Buch). showing morphological deformities viz, irregular body with mid dorsal dome, post dorsal depression, a preanal bulge and anal fin disposition; highly truncated caudal peduncle, degenerated dorsal caudal fin base and partial caudal fin; post dorsal trough, a dome, highly truncated caudal peduncle and overlapping of anal and caudal fin; and anal fin disposition; post dorsal depression, ventral bulge between pelvic and anal fin origin and extension of anal fin to the base of caudal fin; short height at caudal fin base and unequal caudal fin lobes; highly truncated caudal peduncle, post dorsal depression, a dorsal dome in peduncle and ventral bulge on anal fin region; attenuated body, saddle back syndrom and degenerated anal fin; truncated body and displacement of pelvic and anal fin; short head and bulging opercu/um and short head, saddle back syndrom and degenerated pectorals, pelvic and anal fin were observed among the fishes reared in fresh water ponds in Punjab and have been described. Radiological study has revealed various vertebral anomalies in these deformed specimens. Possible causes of these fish anomalies have also been elaborated.

24 illus, 37 ref

009662   Diwakar R;Verma S N (Zoology Dep, J.J. College, Gaya Bihar) : The effect of adrenocortical hormones and oxidative metabolism in Channa gachua (Ham.). Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 61-4.

In the present work an attempt has been made to assess the effect of different adrenocortical hormones or drug on total oxygen uptake (both from aquatic and aerial route) in a fresh water obligate air breathing snake headed murrel teleostean fish, Channa gachua (Ham.) Treatment of adrenaline brought significant decrease (P<60>0.05) while the treatment of phentolamine (an antiadrenalargic drug) caused significant increase in total oxygen uptake as compared to control (saline injected). Treatment of hydrocortisone brought highly significant increase in O₂ uptake while the injection of ACTH failed to alter the oxygen uptake in this fish to any significant levels as compared to control. The reason of such changes in O₂ uptake in this fish has been discussed in detail.

1 table, 13 ref

009661   Dey S;Goswami U C (Zoology Dep, Fish Biology and Fishery Science, Centre for Aquaculture and aquatic R, Guwahati-781 014, Email: ucgoswami@rediffmail.com) : Studies on brigthness as an indicator of fresh condition in fresh water fish. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 1-10.

Brightness and natural colouration of freshwater fish mark an important criterion from the consumers' point of view.According to them, brigthness indicates good quality fish. Different fish have specific brightness on the basis of which they are identified. The natural brightness of 55 freshwater food fish of different family viz Cyprinidae,(n=22);Channidae,(n=5);Bagridae,(n=5);Siluridae,(n=4);Belon tidae, (n-2);Notopteridae, (n= 2);Mugulidae, (n= 2) were studied. However there are certain factors which regulate the brigthness and natural colouration of freshwater fish,viz temperature, light, turbidity, hardness of water, aquatic vegetation, pesticides, etc. Further, in the present study, the post mortem changes of some characters such as colouration of skin, eye, gills, flesh, texture etc from 0 hours to beyond 6 hours were studied.

2 tables, 19 ref

009660   Choudhary P;Choudhary G A;Jha B S (Zoology Dep, L.N. Mithila Univ, Darbhanga-846 008) : Histopathological changes induced in liver of the fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch), following chronic sub lethal exposure of two household detergents. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 89-93.

Extensive use of detergents has been found to adversely affect the health of aquatic environment. Keeping this in view, the present study has been performed which reflects the histopathological changes in liver of the fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) exposed for 30 days to sub lethel concentrations of the detergents, Ariel (5.69 mg/l) and Wheel (11.68 mg/l). Degenerative changes in the form of disintegration of cytoplasmic contents, lymphatic aggregations, pyknosis, peripheral displacement of nuclei, accumulation of melanomacrophages, necrosis and rupture of hepatocytes besides significant reduction of H. S. l(p<60>0.01) were induced by Wheel. Ariel exposure produced more severe lesions viz. appearance of fat cell, lymphatic infiltration, pigments diffusion, congested blood capillaries, dilated sinusoids, nuclear fragmentation & necrosis, aggregation of fibres around central vein, rupture of hepatocytes & highly significant reduction of H.S.I (p<60>0.001). Possible reasons have been discussed and it is concluded that liver damage caused by detergents may lead to impairment of metabolic activities in fish.

6 illus, 9 ref

009659   Bhure D B;Nanware S S (Zoology Research and Post Graduate Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded, Maharashtra, Email: drajbhure82@gmail.com) : Biosystematic studies on Raillietina (R.) domestica (Davaineidae, Fuhrmann, 1908) from Gallus gallus domesticus. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 86-90.

The present investigation deals with taxonomic observation of avian tapeworm of genus Raillietina (R.) rostellata sp. Nov. collected from Gallus gallus domesticus at Ahmedpur, Dist. Latur. It comes closer to all the known species of the genus Raillietina (R.) in general topography of organ but differs due to scolex triangular, well marked from strobilae, rostellum lies at anterior region of scolex with 55-58 hooks, which is arranged in double rows, neck long, testes 30-35 in numbers, scattered throughout the segment, cirrus pouch small, oval, genital pore small, marginal, unilateral, Vagina posterior to cirrus pouch, Ovary bilobed, vitelline gland postovarian and gravid proglottid contains 44-48 egg capsules.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

009658   Bhatt P;Verma S N (Zoology Dep, J.J. College, Gaya, Bihar) : Effect of energy content in formulated diets and their impact of food efficiency and growth in Anabas testudineus (Bloch). Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 43-6.

Studies on the effect of energy content (K. cal/g) in formulated diets and their impact on food effciency or conversion ratio (%) and daily individual growth increment (g/fish/day) in an air breathing climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch) have been made. The results clearly indicated that the energy content in feed clearly influenced the conversion ratio and individual growth increment in this fish as compared to control because both these parameters showed higher values in a feed which had higher energy content. The details have been discussed in this paper.

1 table, 14 ref

009657   Baruah A;Kamilya D;Saha R K (Fish Health and Environment Dep, College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural Univ, Lembucherra-799 210, Email: dibyendu.kamilya@gmail.com) : Immunological, haematological and biochemical responses of bata (Labeo bata), naturally and experimentally infected with Aphanomyces invadans. J Immun Immunopath 2013, 15(2), 181-6.

The effect of the oomycete, Aphanomyces invadans, on immunological, haematological and biochemical responses of bata (Labeo bata) was investigated in the present study. The oomycete, recovered from naturally infected ulcerated bata, was used for experimental infections in apparently healthy bata. Intramuscular injection using a zoospore dose of 1x10^{5 spores/ml produced lesions at 5 days post-infection (p.i.) and by 8-9 days pi, all the lesions became necrotic. Cohabitation of epizootic ulcerative syndrome-affected and apparently healthy bata produced lesions 7 days p.i. Immunological parameters, including superoxide anion production, nitric oxide production, leucocyte proliferation and lysozyme activity, showed significantly higher values in the infected groups than the apparently healthy bata. Among the haematological parameters, red blood cell count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume values were significantly lower than the healthy bata, while white blood cell counts were significantly higher. Biochemical parameters including total serum protein, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activity, showed significantly higher values in the infected groups, whereas the serum alkaline phosphatase activity was higher but statistically non-significant. The results suggest that there was a strong physiological response against A. invadans infection in bata.}

3 tables, 18 ref

009656   Avinash Prasad;Waquar Ahsan M (Zoology P.G. Dep, M.G. College, Gaya-823 001) : Ectopic thyroid in Mastocembelus armatus (Lac) and their significance. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 51-4.

An attempt has been made to study the occurrence of ectopic thyroid follicle, if any, in a fresh water mud eel, Mastocembelus armatus (Lac). The study revealed the presence ofectopic thyroid follicles both in testes and interrenal tissues in this fish. The significance of such ectopic thyroid follicles has been discussed in this fish.

12 ref

009655   Arshi Bano;Singh S K (Zoology Dep, A.M. College, Gaya-823 001) : Studies on the effect of hormones on enzyme kinetics in some tissues of Channa punctatus (Bloch). Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 47-9.

Studies on the effect of hormones on enzyme kinetics in some tissues were made in a facultative air breathing teleost, Channa punctatus (Bloch). The control level of SDH (succinate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in TCA cycle) level in liver and muscle tissues were found to be 1.27+0.05 and 0.47±0.02 μ mol/formozone / mg/hr respectively; ALPase (alkaline phosphates) levels in control were respectively 4.07+0.30 and 2.49±0.80 μ.mol phenol/min/mg protein. The treatment of T₄ (thyroxine), HC (Hydrocortisone) and and MT (methyl testosterone) caused significant decrease in the level of above noted enzymes in experiment animals as compared to control while the treatement of above noted hormones caused significant increase in the level of ALPase (acid phosphatase) in the above noted tissues in experimental animals as compared to control group being 1.89+0.22 in liver and 1.38±0.18 μ mol phenol/min/mg protein in muscle tissue. The reason of such changes have been discussed in this paper.

1 table, 6 ref

008740   Yap C K;Chew W (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Putra Malaysia Univ, UPM 43400, Serdang, Malaysia, Email: yapckong@hotmail.com) : Use of different tissues of horseshoe crabs Tachypleus gigas for biomonitoring heavy metal bioavailability and contamination in intertidal area of peninsular Malaysia. Pollut Res 2013, 32(1), 1-8.

In this study, female horseshoe crabs Tachypleus gigas were collected from three sampling sites in the west intertidal waters of Peninsular Malaysia. The horseshoe crabs species were analyzed for Cu, Cu, Ni and Zn in the different dissected ten parts namely prosomatic carapace, opisthosomatic carapace, telson, operculum, remaining shells, muscles in the opisthosoma, eggs, gills, digestive tract, and remaining soft tissue. Cu and Zn levels in all the edibles were lower than the max permissible limits of food safety guidelines but Cd concentration of the horseshoe crabs eggs were found to have slightly exceeded the permissibly limits for food safety. Higher bioavailabilities of metals to biomonitor T. gigas were found at populations collected from high anthropogenic site at Kg. Pasir Puteh. This verified the higher metal levels in the tissues of T. gigas were related to the anthropogenic sources of the sampling site.

1 illus, 8 tables, 30 ref

008739   Veenapani;Surin P;Sen N S (Zoology Dep, Nirmala College, Ranchi-834 002, Email: nisargasen.ru@gmail.com) : Recovery in acid aluminium induced toxicity in gills with silicon dioxide in Channa punctatus (Bloch). Asian J expl Sci 2013, 27(11), 9-17.

Water pH affects the solubility of Al metal. Gills in fishes serve vital functions like gaseous exchange and acid- base balance which is damaged due to metal toxicity. Under acidic condition at pH <60> 5 aluminium (Al₂ (SO₄)₃) at sublethal dose (140 mg/l) brings morphological alterations in the gills including lamellar fusion, dealignment of microridged epithelial cells and hyperplasia of epithelial cells. These abnormalities can be attributed to response to prevent the entry of metal in the gills. The toxicity of aluminium on the gills of fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) can be reduced with the application of Silicon dioxide. Damage to the gill epithelium was discernibly lessened by the ameliorating effect of Silicon dioxide, which reduced the alterations in the gills effectively and in turn it increased survival in the fish.

18 illus, 47 ref

008738   Varghesa M;Krishnan L (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B. No. 1603, Kochi-682 018, Email: mollykandathil@hotmail.com) : Brachionus species distribution in relation to enviornmental characteristics in Cochin backwaters, Karela, South India. Indian J Fish 2013, 60(1), 133-8.

Interrelations between the species distribution of rotifers and environmental characteristics in Cochin backwaters were investigated by analysing rotifer as well as water samples collected simultaneously from nine different stations during the period from August 2000 to July 2002. Thirteen species of Brachionus viz., B. plicatilis, B. rotundiformis, B. angularis, B. urceolaris, B. rubens, B. forficula, B. caudatus, B. calyciflorus, B. bidentata, B. quadridentatus, B. patulus, B. falcatus and B. mirabilis were enumerated and quantified from the rotifer samples. Water samples were analysed for different parameters like water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, hydrogen sulphide, biochemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, phosphate, nitrite, chlorophyll a, total suspended solids and ammonia. The correlation coefficients were worked out between different species of Brachionus and the environmental characteristics with respect to each station separately as well as in the study area as a whole. In the study area, Brachionus rotundiformis dominated and contributed 85.76% among the thirteen species of Brachionus and showed significant positive correlations with nitrite, biochemical oxygen demand, chlorophyll a and total suspended solids. B. plicatilis was found to show significant positive relation with phosphate. B. plicatilis, B. angularis, B. rubens and B. patulus exhibited significant negative relation with salinity while they showed significant positive correlations with rainfall. Also, salinity showed significant negative correlation with B. urceolaris while B. falcatus exhibited significant positive relation with rainfall.

3 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

008737   Swain S;Et.al. (Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Div, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga Bhubaneswar-751 002, Email: pdas77@hotmail.com) : Evaluation of genetic variation in Labeo fimbriatus (Bloch, 1795) populations using heterologous primers. Indian J Fish 2013, 60(1), 29-35.

Fringe lipped peninsula carp, Labeo fimbriatus, is native to lower peninsular region of India. It is a commercially important species widely fished and consumed throughout much of the tropical and subtropical region of south India. Knowledge of genetic diversity of this species is important to support management and conservation programmes which will subsequently help in sustainable production of this species. DNA markers, mostly microsatellites are excellent tools for evaluation of genetic variation of populations. However, development of these markers from each species is time consuming and costly. Therefore, we studied the usefulness of heterologous markers by assessing the genetic variation of three populations of L. fimbriatus. We examined population structure of L. fimbriatus from different riverine locations in India using rohu microsatellite loci. Out of 30 rohu microsatellite loci, 15 produced amplified products having unambiguous band pattern with clarity in allele scoring. Therefore, these 15 loci were used in 110 samples of L. fimbriatus collected from river Krishna (Vijayawada; n= 30), river Kaveri (Bengaluru; n=50) and river Mahanadi (Sambalpur; n=30). Out of 15 loci, only 3 loci were polymorphic in all the populations and remaining 12 loci were found to be monomorphic. The range of expected heterozygosity values for these polymorphic loci was 0.597 to 0.602. One locus did not satisfy Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p=.004) in Kaveri population. Negative inbreeding coefficients (F_is) were found across populations with no significant population structuring (F_st) indicating existence of panmictic populations. As only 3 loci (20%) out of 15 were polymorphic, use of heterologous primers may not be a choice for population studies in L. fimbriatus.

1 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

008736   Sumathi G;Thaddeus A (Zoology Dep, Jayaraj Annapackiam College of Women (Autonomous), Periyakulam-625 601, Email: arockiamt@yahoo.co.in) : Impact of organic rich diet on gut enzymes, microbes and biomass of earthworm, Eudrilus eugienea. J envir Biol 2013, 14(3), 515-20.

Vermitechnology provides scope and opportunities in the field of Biotechnology. The sudden decline in earthworm biomass may mainly be due to the over use of chemicals. Steps had been taken to enhance the production of biomass of earthworms by providing organic wastes rich in major organic constituents such as cereals, pulses and skin of chick. Earthworms (Eudrilus eugienea) were fed with organic constituents individually, and in combination of organic rich diet. The biomass of the earthworm was steadily increasing in the individual treatment was found when fed with organic rich diet at 10, 20 and 30 days respectively 09.987, 13.569 and 18.212. The bacterial counts in the gut of earthworms were 543 x 10^{5 CFU ml-1. The bacteria identified were Bacillus spp., Lactobacillus spp and Flavobacterium spp. Enzymes screened in the gut were amylase, endoglucanase, cellulase, sucrase and protease. From the present investigation, it was found that the organic rich diet is the ideal medium in which the biomass of earthworms are high, their enzymatic activity was also high with variety of microbes which will enhance the efficiency of the soil.}

2 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

008735   Srivastav A K;Roy D (Fish Physiology and Toxicology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, S.M.M. Town P.G. College, Ballia-277 001, Email: ashvanisri.21@gmail.com) : Toxicological effects of microcystin-LR on the hematological parameters of a common carp, Cyprinus carpio (Linn.). Biochem Cell Archs 2013, 13(1), 57-9.

Microcystin is a toxin secreted by cyanobacteria, the dominant phytoplankton in eutrohphic freshwater bodies. Microcystin-LR was injected intraperitoneally (20μl of stock solution) to Cyprinus carpio to observe its effects on blood physiology and hematological parameters. While it led to decreased values of total RBC count, Hb percentage, PCV, MCHC and MCH, its exposure also caused increased values of WBC count, clotting time and MCV.

1 table, 32 ref

008734   Solanke A K;Singh V H (Mahatma Fule Arts, Commerce and Sitaramji Choudhari Science Mahavidyal, , Warud, Dist-Amravati, Maharashtra) : Toxicity of lead on tissue protein content in fresh water Fish, Catla catla. Envir Ecol 2013, 31(2c), 1202-4.

Heavy metals and their salts constitute important group of environmental pollutants as they are potent metabolic inhibitors. This study was performed to begin an assessment of effect of heavy metal-lead on the protein content of some important tissues like liver, gills, kidney testis and ovary as the lead is the important component of industrial wastes. The toxic effect of lead on tissue protein was observed at 48, 72 and 96 hours of intoxication. The estimated protein content in the tissues liver. gills kidney, testes and ovary were decreased progressively during exposure periods in all the tissues. Liver was the most affected tissue.

12 ref, 1 table

008733   Sivaperumal P;Sankar T V (NO, National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad-380 016, Email: sivaperume2003@yahoo.co.in) : Biochemical alterations in rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) exposed to organophosphotus insecticied, methylparathion. Indian J Fish 2013, 60(1), 145-7.

Effect of exposure to sublethal concentrations of methylparathion on enzyme activities in the liver of rohu, Labeo rohita, was studied during 96 h exposure. Alterations were observed in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) ) activities in the liver of L. rohita, of mean size 75 ± 6 g. ALP and ASP activity levels in methylparathion treated fishes were significantly (p<60>0.05) higher than the control fishes. The LDH activity in the liver of L. rohita after methylparathion exposure was two-fold higher (p<60>0.05) when compared to control. These results revealed that methylparathion affects the intermediary metabolism of L. rohita and that the assaved enzymes can work as good biomarkers of methylparathion contamination.

^ssc1 table, 20 ref

008732   Singla N (Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: neenasingla1@gmail.com) : Antifertility effects of single oral doses of triptolide in male house rat (Rattus rattus L.). Appl biol Res 2014, 16(1), 72-7.

Aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of single oral doses of triptolide on fertility of male house rat, Rattus rattus. Single oral administration of triptolide to male R. rattus resulted in 16.67 and 33.33% mortality in rats treated with 100 and 150 mg kg^{-1 b.wt. of triptolide, respectively, within 1-3 days of treatment. The LD₅₀ value of triptolide against male R. rattus was found to be 182.81 mg kg-1 b.wt. Autopsy of rats surviving till day 45 after treatment revealed no significant effect on weights of reproductive organs. The sperm motility and viability in cauda epididymal fluid were reduced significantly in all the treated groups. Sperm concentration was significantly reduced only in rats treated with 100 mg kg-1 b.wt. of triptolide. Treatments significantly affected sperm morphology. The sperms with head tail separation ranged from 15.8 to 24.0% in all treated groups. The present study suggests the potential of triptolide in regulating fertility of male R. rattus.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

008731   Singh Z;Chadha P (Zoology Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 001, Email: poojachadha77@yahoo.co.in) : Oxidative stress assessment among iron industry grinders. Biochem Cell Archs 2013, 13(1), 65-8.

Grinders are a class of workers that are exposed to a number of factors produced as a result of the grinding process. In the present study, 25 iron industry workers (grinders, N=20 and managerial staff, N=5) were assessed for oxidative status by serum malondialdehyde (MDA) estimations. An equal number of subjects (N = 25) matched with the exposed workers with respect to sex, age, smoking habits and socio-economic status were chosen as controls. A significantly higher MDA values were found in workers as compared to controls (7.36 ± 0.61 nmol/ml vs. 4.38 ± 0.24 nmol/ml; Mann Whitney, p<60>0.05). A significant difference in MDA levels was also found between grinders and managerial staff. Exposed smokers had elevated mean MDA values as compared to non-smokers but the difference of the values failed to reach statistical significance. The present study reflects elevated oxidative stress levels among the workers employed in grinding operations.

3 tables, 19 ref

008730   Singh S;Singh D;Gaur P;Srivastava U C (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad, India-211 002, Email: ucsrivastava@rediffmail.com) : Morphology of pyramidal neurons of medial hippocampus in E. scolopaceus and P. krameri. Asian J expl Sci 2013, 27(11), 5-7.

Hippocampus in birds is divided into five fields namely: medial hippocampus, lateral hippocampus, parahippocampal area, central field of parahippocampus and crescent field. The pyramidal neurons are the main subtype of neuronal classes in the medial hippocampus of birds. An attempt has been made to study and compare the morphology of pyramidal neurons in the medial hippocampus of E. scolopaceus and P. krameri. It was observed that pyramidal neurons of E. scolopaceus were more advanced in terms of soma diameter and dendritic field in comparison to P. krameri showing more networking of pyramidal cells in E. scolopaceu.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

008729   Singh R N (Zoology Dep, Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical and Social Sciences, Sultanpur-228 118, Email: rnsingh_zool@rediffmail.com) : Effects of dimethoate (30% EC), an organophosphate pesti-cide on liver of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. J envir Biol 2013, 14(3), 657-61.

Organ histopathology and changes in biochemical parameters in fish are good biomarkers of aquatic pollution. This study is an attempt to assess the effects of dimethoate, an organophosphate insecticide on the liver of common carp (C. carpio). Healthy individual fish were exposed to 0.40 mg I^{-1 (25% of 96 hr LC₅₀) concentration of dimethoate, for short term (96 hr). Liver of the exposed fish exhibited alterations like disruption of regular arrangement of hepatocytes, congestion and rupture of vessels; hemorrhage, cytoplasmic vacuolization, pyknotic nuclei and necrosis. Biochemical parameters viz. total liver protein (p<60>0.001) and liver glycogen (p<60>0.001) registered a significant decrease and blood glucose (p<60>0.001) exhibited significant increase throughout exposure.}

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

008728   Singh P;Sardar P;Chanda S;Mandal B (Aquaculture Management and Technology Dep, Vidyasagar Univ, Midnapore-721 102) : Remedial measures of chronic arsenicosis in rohu (Labeo rohita, Hamilton) through dietary application of metal chelators. Indian J Anim Hlth 2013, 52(2), 83-90.

Fifty day experiment was conducted to study the effect of chronic arsenicosis and to evaluate the efficacy of dietary treatment with metal chelating agents like DMSA (Meso-2,3,dimercaptosuccinic acid) and DMPS (Sodium-2,3, dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate) in Rohu (av.wt.80.54 ± 0.55g). Control diet was prepared without DMSA and DMPS and experimental diets were prepared 3 for each with graded levels of DMSA and DMPS, viz., 0.025(%), 0.05 (%) and 0.1(%) respectively. Rohu juveniles were equally distributed into two treatment groups viz., D₀ (control feed without arsenic exposure), D₀₀ (control feed with arsenic). Similar to D₀₀ another six sets where fish had arsenic exposure and fed control diet were maintained for final experiment, where fishes further treated with DMSA and DMPS for 15 days. At the end of 35 days it was observed that weight gain (%), SGR, (%/d) and PER values were significantly lower but feed conversion ratio value was significantly higher in fish exposed to arsenic than the fish of control. Exposure to arsenic results in the bionccumulation of arsenic in the liver, gill and muscle of fish. After the exposure, treatment of fish with dietary DMSA or DMPS significantly improved the growth performance and decreased the tissue burden of arsenic in respect to the control feed. The experimental data suggests that feed contained either of 0.05% or 0.1% DMSA or 0.1% DMPS can be used to minimize arsenic mediated growth retardation and tissue arsenic accumulation in fish.

7 tables, 35 ref

008727   Singh M;Santosh Kumar (Zoology Dep, I.P. College Bulandshahar, Moradabad-230 001, Email: manjuipc2000@gmail.com) : Histopathological study of brain of Catla catla exposed to dimethoate. Asian J expl Sci 2013, 27(11), 47-54.

The histopathological changes were evaluated in the brain tissue of Indian major carp, Catla catla after chronic exposure to an organophosphate pesticide, the dimethoate. The experimental group was exposed to sublethal dose of dimethoate (0.001 ppm) for four weeks. The different regions of brain were sectioned at 5-12 μ thick by paraffin embedding process. For the study of histology of nerve tissue silver impregnation technique was employed while for routine histology, the sections were stained with hematoxyline counter stained with eosin. The nerve cells showed necrosis, vacuolation, loss of cytoplasm and Nissl's bodies. The nerve bundles become loose and show dispersal of nerve fibrils in all parts of the brain. The severe damage was noticed in the optic tectum but less damage was noticed in the organelles of the Purkinje cells and also in the granular layer of cerebellum. The necrosis in axons of Mauthner cells in medullary region was prominent. The present study reveals that dimethoate even in 0.001 concentraion is highly toxic to brain of the carp fingerlings and may lead to subsequent killing of fish.

8 illus, 31 ref

008726   Shashibala;Singh A K (Zoology Dep, A N College, Patna, Magadh University, Gaya, Bihar, , Email: drvipinkumar@sify.com) : Relativ abundance of Apis mellifera L and Apis florea F and sugar conentration in Rabi season sunflower (Helianthus annus) bloom. Envir Ecol 2013, 31(2c), 1116-20.

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted studies on relative abundance of honey bee foragers on rabi sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) bloom during 2008-09 and 2009-10 indicated that Apis mellifera L. was the predominant species followed by Apis florea F. During both the years, the forager bee activity was recorded at 1100 h and the lowest being at 1500 h. The activity of both the species of honey bees in the field was correlated positively and significantly with ambient temperature and negatively with relative humidity. The nectar sugar concentration of rabi sunflower bloom varied from 36.23 to 35.80% in the two years, respectively, being the lowest during morning hours (31.93 and 32.51% in the respective years) and highest (36.23 and 35.80% in the respective years) at 1500 h. Nectar sugar concentration of rabi sunflower was positively and significantly correlated with temperature and negative and non-significant correlation of nectar sugar concentration with relative humidity was obtained. The mathematical regression model to predict nectar sugar concentration of rabi sunflower as dependent variable (Y) is a function of temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) as independent variable was comp Y=26.775 + 1.420T -0.202RH. The combined contribution of temperature and relative humidity to nectar sugar concentration was 88.3%. The equation revealed that the nectar sugar concentration enhanced with increasing temperature and decreased with creasing relative humidity of environment.

3 tables, 8 ref

008725   Shashibala;Singh A K (Zoology Dep, A N College, Patna, Magadh University, Gaya, Bihar, Email: drvipinkumarsify.com) : Abundance of honeybees and nectar sugar concentration in Mustard flower. Envir Ecol 2013, 31(2c), 1111-15.

The experiments were conducted during two consecutive years, 2008-09 and 2009-10, revealed that Apis mellifera L. had significantly higher population than those of Apis mellifera F. in both years. In the week having relatively higher temperature and lower relative humidity, the population of Apis spp. was highest in both years. The peak activities of Apis spp. (no. of bees 10/minute/m^{2) were at 1300 hours (32.30, 32. 11)followed by at 0900 hours (26.39, 28.66) and lowest being at 1500 hours (17.56, 20.32), respectively during both years. The population of Apis spp. showed positive and highly significant correlation with temperature but negative and significant correlation with relative humidity (RH). The R2 value of each species was highly significant. The positive value of standard regression coefficient indicated that temperature played a key role in influencing the population of Apis spp. The highest nectar sugar concentrat:on in mustard flower was recorded at 1500 hours 136.34, 36.87%) while lowest at 0900 hours (29.08, 29.10%), respectively in year 2008-09 and 2009-10. Nectar sugar concentration in mustard flower was positively and significantly correlated with temperature (T) and negative and significant correlation of nectar sugar concentration with relative humidity was obtained. Multiple regression equation:Y = 24.020+0.773 T-0.039 RH (R2=0.650) revealed that nectar sugar concentration increased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing relative humidity of environment.}

7 ref, 3 tables

008724   Shanis C P R;Akhilesh K V;Ganga U;Pillai N G K (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B No. 163. Cochin-682 018, Email: rshanis@gmail.com) : New distribution record of the rock shrimp, Sicyonia parajaponica crosnier, 2003 fromm Indian waters. Indian J Fish 2013, 60(1), 131-2.

Study reports the first record of rock shrimp, Sicyonia parajaponica Crosnier, 2003 from Indian waters. The diagnosis of the new record was based on the examination of two male and one female specimens, collected from a commercial trawler operating in the Arabian Sea off the south-west coast of India during December 2010. Present report of S. parajaponica from the Arabian Sea fills the gap in its known distribution range from South China Sea to Gulf of Aden at 10 to 200 m depths.

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