037286   VERMA A K, RAJKUMAR V, KUMAR M S (ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom- 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, Email: vrvet@rediffmail.com) : Influence of litchi (Litchi Chinensis) pericarp powder on quality and storage stability of goat meat nuggets. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 104-11.

A study was aimed at using litchi ( ) pericarp (LP) powder as an antioxidant Litchi chinensis dietary fibre at 1 % and 2 % levels in goat meat nuggets. The dietary and antioxidant potential of LP powder and influence of its incorporation on the physicochemical, colour, textural, sensory and storage qualities of the nuggets were evaluated against control (without LP). Litchi pericarp was found to be rich in dietary fibre content and possessed good antioxidant potential. Quercetin, ellagic acid, catechin, P-coumaric acid, 2,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, 4-OH-benzoic acid and vanillic acid were the major phytochemcials among total 13 phenolic compounds quantified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Quality characteristics of nuggets such as moisture, fat, total dietary fibre, total phenolics, colour (lightness, redness) and textural properties (hardness, gumminess) were affected (P<0.05) by added LP, though the overall acceptability remained unchanged. Products with LP had lower (P<0.05) thiobarbituric acid reactive substances number than the control throughout the storage period. Litchi pericarp (2 % level) has great potential to be used as a source of dietary fibre and antioxidants in goat meat nuggets. 

3 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

037282   SWARNKAR C P, SINGH D (Animal Health Dep, ICAR- Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar- 304 501, Rajasthan, Email: swarnkarcp@yahoo.com) : Prevalence of species in sheep of arid and semi-arid Rajasthan. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 79-85.

With the aim to devise suitable preventive strategy, an assessment on the diversity and seasonal occurrence of coccidia was carried out in farm and field flocks of sheep in Rajasthan. From April 2004 to March 2019, a total of 139428 faecal samples were examined for spp. Eimeria infection and to determine composition of prevalent species at monthly intervals. The data were analyzed to observe the effect of different geographical regions, management practices, seasons and months on the prevalence of infection. Flock-wise it varied from 27.0 % (arid farm and Eimeria semi-arid field) to 33.8 % (semi-arid farm). Within the agroclimatic regions, management of flocks had significant (P<0.001) effect with higher prevalence of spp. in the farm as compared to Eimeria the field flocks in the semi-arid region while reverse trend was observed in the arid region. Effects of year, season and month had significant (P<0.001) effect on the prevalence of infection Eimeria in all categories of sheep flocks in Rajasthan. On comparison between farm and field flocks (irrespective of the agroclimatic region), a non-consistent pattern was observed for annual prevalence of infection. The overall seasonal prevalence varied significantly (P<0.001) Eimeria from 25.1 (winter) to 31.8 % (monsoon) in farm flocks and from 24.4 (winter) to 33.3 % (monsoon) in field flocks. As per flock management, the overall monthly prevalence varied significantly (P<0.001) from 21.7 (January) to 33.6 % (July) in farm and from 22.7 (March) to 37.6 % (July) in the field. In general, the prevalence of infection among flocks started rising with increase in Eimeria environmental temperature in April probably due to stress on animals and reached to peak in July/August due to prevalent hot-humid conditions. The overall composition of species Eimeria showed higher proportion of (44.2-45.1 %) and (27.3-29.2 %). The other species E. parva E. pallida prevalent were (11.8-12.6 %), (4.3-5.0%) a (2.9-6.3 %), E. faurei E. ovinoidalis , E. intricat E. granulosa E. ahsata (4.2-5.0 %) and (0.4-1.1 %). For majority of the species, effect of season and month was non-significant in both the agroclimatic regions. The study suggested that moderate level of infection with spp. in adult sheep persisted throughout the year with higher Eimeria prevalence during monsoon. Adult animals with moderate infection contaminate the environment and are the main source of infection for lambs, particularly in the lambing period.

1 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

037279   MANGWAI T, FAHIM A, SINGH R, ALI N, KUMAR A, SAHU D S (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut- 250 110, Uttar Pradesh, Email: ahmadfahim300@gmail.com) : Feeding efficiency of improved feeder in stall fed kids. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 67-70.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of improved feeder on stall fed kids. Fifteen Barbari kids (9-10 months-old) of 10 to 12 kg body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups and maintained on grazing with concentrate supplementation (Gr 1), stall feeding on conventional feeder (Gr 2) and improved feeder (Gr 3) and housed in stall of 10 x 12 sq. ft. The average daily gain of kids differed significantly (P<0.01) among the groups; it was higher in Gr 1 followed by Gr 3 and Gr 2.The average daily feed intake significantly differed (P<0.01) between Gr 2 and Gr 3 kids with higher intake in improved feeder. There was significantly (P<0.01) less wastage of feed recorded in the improved feeder. The comparative results obtained for intensively reared kids showed that improved feeder is more efficient in terms of feed intake due to minimum wastage in stall fed kids than conventional feeder.

4 tables, 6 ref

037278   MOHAPATRA A, DE K, PRAKASH V, KUMAR D, NAQVI S M K (ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar- 304 501, Rajasthan, Email: arpita.ndri.mohapatra1@gmail.com) : Effect of different milking methods on milk yield and growth of lambs. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 62-6.

Indian sheep are unexploited for their milk production potential. Among 43 sheep breeds, Patanwadi is considered to have higher milk yield. With the aim to compare different milking methods to get more yield and better lamb growth, 18 Patanwadi ewes having single born lambs were selected along with their lambs and randomly divided into three groups. Milk yield potential of ewes in Gr A was measured by hand milking method, whereas of Gr B by weigh-suckle-weigh method and of Gr C by hand milking followed by weigh-suckle-weigh method. Average daily milk yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher (658.00±24.60 ml) in Gr C compared to the ewes in Gr A (541.89±20.00 ml). Gr A lambs were fed by bottle feeding method while, Gr B and C lambs by suckling their dams. The lambs in suckling groups (Gr B and C) had significantly (P<0.05) higher growth compared to group A. The pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG) for Gr A lambs was 119 g as compared to Gr B and C (156 g). It was inferred that post-milking suckling method is the better method in Patanwadi ewes with respect to milk yield as well as for higher body weight gain in lambs.

3 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

037275   DHILON N S, CHEEMA R S, KASWAN S (Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics Dep, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Punjab, Email: ranjna.cheema@gmail.com) : Seasonal variation in sperm characteristics, antioxidant defence systems, seminal plasma testosterone and total proteins of beetal bucks. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 48-52.

Fourteen mature Beetal bucks were randomly selected and evaluated for sperm attributes, oxidative stress, antioxidant defence systems, seminal plasma testosterone and total protein during two major seasons (summer and winter) of the year 2018-19. It was observed that bucks responded differentially to summer and winter stresses. Sperm counts were significantly (P<0.05) higher during winter (2.6±0.2x10 /ml) than summer (1.7±0.1x10 /ml). Individual motility and 9 9 viability were significantly (P<0.05) improved in winter (69.9±3.0 % and 78.4±1.4 %) as compared to summer (59.7±2.1 % and 68.5±2.8 %). Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly (P<0.05) higher during summer compared to winter. There was positive correlation between lipid peroxidation (LPO) and all sperm attributes and only viability during summer and winter, respectively. SOD was negatively correlated with sperm attributes during both the seasons. The means for the activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GRE) were quite opposite to LPO and SOD i.e. higher during winter as compared to summer and suggested that SOD was not utilized by the spermatozoa to reduce oxidative stress in summer and in return sperm attributes remained low. The higher activity of CAT and GRE during winter acted in conjunction with SOD for its utilization by spermatozoa to reduce the oxidative stress and enhance the sperm function in winter. CAT and GRE were positively and negatively correlated with all sperm attributes except plasma membrane integrity (PMI), volume and initial motility, acrosome integrity during winter, respectively. But, the correlations were negative for all sperm attributes (catalase) and positive for all attributes except PMI (GRE) during winter. The mean testosterone and total proteins levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher during summer as compared to winter. It was concluded that season influenced the semen quality in Beetal bucks and it was in general, better in winter than in summer.

2 tables, 21 ref

037274   KUMAR R, BALAGANUR K, SINGH A K, SANKHYAN S K (ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar- 304 501, Rajasthan, Email: rajivbiotech028@gmail.com) : Sequence analysis of ovine leptin and ghrelin genes in subfertile malpura ewes of Rajasthan. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 43-7.

In the present study, leptin (exon 2 and exon 3) and ghrelin (exon 3 and exon 4) gene sequences were analysed for the presence of single nucleotide polymorphism and its association with subfertile condition in Malpura sheep. Leptin gene sequences revealed 11 non-synonymous (missense) and 8 synonymous mutations. Some of these missense mutations are novel to ovine leptin gene and not were reported earlier. Sixteen SNPs were observed in ghrelin gene sequences. Ghrelin allele A was not reported in true cyclic Malpura ewes which warrants further study. 

2 tables, 16 ref

037273   WAHEED M M, EL-SHAHAT K H , SALLAM A A, EL-SAIDY B E, KHALIFA T A A (Clinical Studies Dep, King Faisal Univ, Al-Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Email: mmwaheed@kfu.edu.sa) : Influence of vitamin b₂ , ascorbic acid and melatonin on reproduction of ewes during summer season under temperate climate. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 38-42.

The influence of vitamin B , ascorbic acid and melatonin on the reproduction of 84 healthy 2 pluriparous mature crossbred (3/8 Finnish × 5/8 Rahmani) ewes was studied during summer, 2018. Ewes were allocated into 4 groups: Gr 1 (control) injected 2ml saline daily for 3 weeks, Gr 2 and Gr 3 was injected intramuscularly 2 ml (15 mg) of vitamin B and ascorbic acid, respectively daily for 3 2 weeks. Gr 4 was injected subcutaneously 0.5 mg melatonin twice daily for 3 weeks. All treated groups (Gr 2, 3 and 4) were given 1.0g zinc chloride and 2.5mg chromium in form of 6 ml orally once a week for 3 weeks. An intact ram was used for oestrus detection twice daily and ewes were bred by natural mating. Laparoscopic examinations were carried out for detection of ovulation rates. Results revealed that ascorbic acid resulted in a significantly (P<0.05) decreased mean interval from treatment to oestrus as compared with control (15.73±1.83 vs 22.64±2.50 days, respectively). An improvement in the lambing rate in Gr 2, 3 and 4 than Gr 1 (80.0, 90.91 and 90.00 vs 72.72 %, respectively) was observed. The ovulation rate was significantly (P<0.05) increased in Gr 4 than in Gr 2 and 1 (1.60±0.16 vs 1.20±0.13 and 1.14±0.00, respectively). Follicular development did not vary among groups. In conclusion, vitamin B , ascorbic acid and melatonin have beneficial effect on 2 the reproduction of ewes during summer under temperate climate.

1 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

037272   PATHAK J, KHARCHE S D, GOEL A , SIKARWAR A K S, RANJAN R, CHAUHAN M S (Animal Physiology and Reproduction Div, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom- 281 122, Uttar Pradesh, Email: kharche62@gmail.com) : Effects of different voltages and pulse durations on caprine tetraploid embryo production. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 32-7.

A study was aimed to optimize the electrofusion parameters for generation of caprine tetraploid fertilized embryos. Freshly recovered 2-cell goat fertilized embryos were in vitro in vitro submitted to electrofusion with varying voltages (1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 kV/cm) and time duration (2, 4 and 6 sec) combinations to produce tetraploid goat embryos. Fused embryos were cultured in μ RVCL (Research vitro cleave) media further for 8 to 12 days for subsequent embryo development. Fusion, cleavage and blastocyst rate at voltage 1.2kV/cm for 4 sec duration was significantly μ higher (P<0.05) than other groups. It was also observed that less than one third of electrofused embryos bore deviation from the expected ploidy. It was concluded that optimum condition for electrofusion of goat fertilized 2-cell embryos to produce goat tetraploid embryos is 1.2 kV/cm for 4 μ sec so as to get maximum number of fused and cleaved goat embryos. 

1 table, 18 ref

037271   BHATT R S, CHAUHAN I, SONI S R S A (ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar-304 501, Rajasthan, Email: indrachauhan55@gmail.com) : Performance of broiler rabbits reared in semi-arid Rajasthan. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 27-31.

Data on growth performance, reproduction and kit mortality were analysed for rabbit breeds (Soviet Chinchilla -SC, New Zealand White- NZW, White Giant- WG, Grey Giant- GG and synthetic breed, Black Brown- BB) born between April 2018 and March 2019 at ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar (Rajasthan). The average litter sizes at birth for SC, NZW, WG, GG and BB were 5.85±0.32, 6.71±0.33, 5.75±0.40, 5.62±0.69 and 6.33±0.37, respectively while the average litter sizes at weaning were 5.45±0.31, 6.11±0.35, 5.64±0.40, 5.37±0.72 and 5.85±0.35, respectively. The average litter weights at birth were 352.66±17.31, 399.86±17.66, 364.11±27.83, 365.94±39.25 and 387.58±23.52 g, respectively in SC, NZW, WG, GG and BB, while the corresponding average litter weights at weaning were 2.72±0.16, 3.33±0.19, 3.15±0.23, 3.07±0.46 and 3.21±0.18 kg, respectively. Pre-weaning average daily gains were 15.65, 17.32, 17.54, 18.18 and 17.40 g/day for SC, NZW, WG, GG and BB, respectively while the corresponding post-weaning average daily gains were 21.50, 18.40, 18.40, 20.82 and 20.10 g/d, respectively. The incidences of kit mortality in SC, NZW, WG, GG and BB were 8.56, 5.38, 1.14, 5.81 and 6.74 %, respectively. The effect of breed was non-significant for litter sizes at birth and weaning, litter weights at birth and weaning, average daily gains and kit mortality. The study revealed that NZW had higher litter sizes at birth and weaning as compared with other breeds. GG was the fastest growing breed in the pre-weaning period, but SC surpassed other breeds in the performance of growth rate in the post-weaning period. GG had the highest body weight at 84 days, followed by SC. GG was the heaviest breed at mating but, at kindling, WG was the heaviest breed. At both mating and kindling, NZW was the lightest breed. WG breed had higher survival in the kit stage while SC breed had the lowest kit survival.

2 tables, 12 ref

037270   RATHER M A, KUTHU B, HAMADANI A , AHANGER S, BABA M A, BABA J A, SHAH M M (Sheep Husbandry Dep, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ, Kashmir-190 006, Jammu and Kashmir, Email: mubashir.70011@gmail.com) : Effect of non-genetic factors on survivability and cumulative mortality of Kashmir merino lambs. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 22-6.

A study was designed to evaluate the effect of different factors affecting survivability and cumulative mortality up to yearling age in lambs maintained at Government Sheep Breeding Farm, Kralapathri (Jammu and Kashmir). Data of 4085 birth records spread over 11 years (2006 to 2017) pertaining to Kashmir Merino sheep were used. The overall least squares means of pre-weaning (0-3 month) and post-weaning (3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months) survivability in Kashmir Merino lambs were 88.33±1.38, 95.69±11.03, 97.96±0.56 and 98.28±0.00 % respectively. The effect of year was significant (P<0.01) on all the traits. The effect of sex was significant (P<0.01) on survivability from 0-3, 3-6 months and 6-9 months with higher survivability in female lambs. The effect of parity was significant (P<0.05) only on survivability from 0-3 months and lambs born to primiparous ewes had lower survivability. The overall mean lamb mortality rate was 18.43±2.17 % from birth to 12 months age. The effects of year and sex were significant (P<0.01/0.05) on all the traits under study. The effect of parity was significant (P<0.05) on mortality up to 1 and 3 months only while effects of birth type and birth weight remained non-significant for all the traits under study. The heritability estimates for cumulative mortalities from birth to 12 months were low and ranging from 0.04±0.27 to 0.25±0.22. Improvement in management of pregnant and lactating ewes will effectively decrease mortality rate in this flock and improve production of breeding rams and ewes.

2 tables, 19 ref

037269   YADAV D K, ARORA R, JAIN A (ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal-132 001, Haryana, Email: dkyadav66@gmail.com) : Evaluation of five ecotypes of deccani sheep in Maharashtra. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 15-21.

Deccani sheep inhabit in five districts viz., Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur of Maharashtra known as Sangamneri, Kolhapuri, Lonand, Madgyal and Solapuri, respectively. The present study characterized the five ecotypes and provided their comprehensive information on morphometric descriptions, current distribution and population and production, reproduction and management practices. Using purposive sampling in five districts, 1104 sheep (two or more permanent incisors) were recorded for morphometric traits. Data on other traits were obtained from owners of animals by personal interview. The sheep owners primarily belonged to Dhangar and Ramoshi communities. Average family size of sheep owners ranged from 5.9 (Kolhapuri sheep) to 8.8 (Solapuri sheep). The highest literacy was among the Sangamneri sheep farmers (58.8 %) while the least was among the Solapuri (44.7 %). Average flock size was maximum in Solapuri (96.1) and minimum in Madgyal sheep (33.4). Coat colour of five ecotypes was different. Madgyal sheep had typical roman nose. Population of Lonand was the least. The flocks were migratory and primarily maintained on grazing resources. Madgyal sheep were the heaviest (male 57.5kg and female 44.7kg), whereas Lonand were the lightest (male 42.0kg; female 29.3kg). The results showed that Deccani sheep across the five districts of Maharashtra were distinct. To maintain their genetic distinctness, effective breeding policies are required. Registering them as sheep breeds and establishing their breed societies is the first step in setting the goals towards their improvement, conservation and sustainable use.

6 tables, 5 ref

037268   NIMBKAR C (Animal Husbandry Div, Phaltan- 415 523 (Satara), Maharashtra, Email: Chanda.Nimbkar@gmail.com) : Sources of variation in pre-sale weights of osmanabadi goat kids in villages of Maharashtra, india. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 8-14.

This study pertains to pre-sale weights (about 3 months of age) of Osmanabadi kids recorded under the Osmanabadi Goat Field Unit of ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Goat Improvement. Pre-sale weight records of 4394 kids born to 1604 does over nine years (2009 to 2018) in 10 villages from six districts of Maharashtra state were analyzed using mixed model restricted maximum likelihood analysis. The fixed effect of strain of kid was not significant, indicating that variation in colour and appearance among kids did not influence their weights. The influence of other fixed effects such as sex, birth type and dam parity on 3-month weight was as expected (females being lighter than males, triplets and quadruplets being lighter than twins and twins being lighter than singles, kids of dams from parity 2 to 4 weighing the highest, followed by kids of dams from parity 5 to 7, parity >7 and lastly parity 1). The effect of whether the birth date of the kids was accurate or estimated was significant, indicating an under-estimation of the age of kids by the owners. A direct genetic effect and a maternal permanent environmental effect (and not the maternal genetic effect) could be fitted in the absence of pedigrees. It was found that the variation in management among owners could best be accounted by fitting owner as a random effect. However, fitting the contemporary group (village-year-season) effect as a fixed effect was a better option than fitting it as a random effect. In village smallholder situations with inherent data recording limitations, as maternal effects cannot be accounted appropriately, it may be a better option to use traits of the dam such as body size and milk yield for selection of kids rather than kids' pre-sale weight as a selection criterion.

2 tables, 10 ref

037267   GADEKAR Y P, SONI A, SHINDE A K, KANDEEPAN G (ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar- 304 501, Rajasthan, Email: yogirajlpt@gmail.com) : Clean meat: Boon or bane?. Indian J Small Rumin 2020, 26(1), 1-7.

Meat has played an important role in human nutrition since long. With urbanization and rising income, the demands for meat and meat products are increasing, especially in the developing world. With intensive livestock production, animal suffering has been increasing which is a major concern for most of the meat consumers globally. Similarly, environmental health is deteriorating day-by–day Clean meat production seems to be a feasible and viable alternative for conventional livestock production. Clean meat technology has multiple benefits. Both the higher cost of production and consumer acceptance of clean meat are major challenges for the researchers globally. Efforts need to be directed for the production of cost-effective and large scale clean meat with similar sensory attributes to that of conventional meat. This review looks into the technology of clean meat production, its merits, challenges and consumer perspectives etc.

1 illus, 27 ref

037220   PATEL B R, PANCHAL M T, DHAMI A J, SARVAIYA N P, PATHAN M M (Animal Reproduction Dep, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand-388001, Gujarat, Email: binalp63@gmail.com) : Comparative plasma endocrine, metabolic and mineral profile of cyclic, acyclic, endometritic and pregnant buffaloes. Indian J Vet Sci Biotechnol 2020, 15(4), 12-4.

Circulating concentrations of hormones, metabolites, and minerals reflect the physio-pathological status of reproduction in animals. This study was carried out on infertile (anestrus, endometritic), normal healthy cyclic and pregnant buffaloes to evaluate the comparative plasma progesterone (P₄) and estrogen (E₂) hormones, plasma total protein, total cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorus profile. The study showed higher mean plasma E₂ and lower P₄ levels in the follicular phase of estrous cycle in buffaloes. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean plasma P₄ level and lower E₂ levels were recorded during the luteal phase and in endometritic and pregnant buffaloes. Total plasma protein concentration was non-significantly higher in normal cyclic than acyclic and endometritic buffaloes. It was also comparatively lower in buffalo with 9 months of pregnancy than 3 and 6 months of pregnancy. The mean plasma total cholesterol level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in pregnant than acyclic and endometritic buffaloes. Cyclic buffaloes had significantly (p <0.05) higher mean plasma calcium levels than acyclic buffaloes. Plasma phosphorus concentration, however, did not show any significant difference between different stages of the reproductive cycle.

1 table, 18 ref

037218   JOSHI P M, PATEL D C, PATEL P D, SARVAIYA N P (Animal Nutrition Research Dep, Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry Coll, Anand-388001, Gujarat, Email: dcp1111@aau.in) : Effect of chelated mineral mixture on blood profile and fertility in anoestrus buffaloes of tribal areas of Dahod district in Gujarat, India. Indian J Vet Sci Biotechnol 2020, 15(3), 61-5.

An on-farm trial for 90 days was conducted at four tribal villages to assess the effect of chelated mineral mixture (CMM) supplementation on blood biochemistry as well as hormonal and mineral status, nutrient intake and reproductive performance of the anoestrus buffaloes (n=24). The animals selected were randomly divided into two groups of 12 animals each. The group T1 was the control group (farmer’s feeding schedule), and T2 treatment group (T1 + CMM @ 50 g/animal/day). Blood collection was done on days 0, 45, and 90 of the experiment from the animals of both the groups for assessment of blood biochemical, hormonal, and mineral status of the animals. Average DM, DCP, and TDN intake in anoestrus buffaloes calculated as per information collected from farmers were statistically similar among both the groups and were as per ICAR requirements of animals. Results revealed significant (p <0.05) improvement in hemoglobin, serum glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, progesterone, estradiol and macro (Ca, P) – micro (Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, Mn) mineral status of chelated mineral supplemented group as compared to control animals. The number of days taken to come into oestrus in anoestrus buffaloes (51.22±3.78 vs 75.00±6.18 days for 9 vs 5 animals), as well as the cost of feeding (Rs. 5441 vs 8039), was also significantly (p<0.05) reduced upon supplementation of CMM as compared to control group. The control group recorded a 32.32% higher cost of rearing than the treatment group during the experimental period. The findings revealed the beneficial role of chelated minerals supplementation in improving the health, nutritional and reproductive status of anoestrus buffaloes.

3 tables, 24 ref

037214   PARMAR K H KAVANI F S, PATBANDHA T K, PARIKH S S (Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh, Email: parmarkiran16@yahoo.co.in) : Fresh and post-thaw seminal attributes of Jafarabadi buffalo bulls. Indian J Vet Sci Biotechnol 2020, 15(3), 45-8.

The study was conducted on four Jafarabadi breeding bulls, 5-6 years old to know the fresh and post-thawed seminal characteristics based on total of 192 semen ejaculates evaluated and cryopreserved over one year period. The mean values of fresh neat seminal characteristics of Jafarabadi bulls, viz., ejaculate volume (ml), colour/density (score), sperm concentration (million/ml), mass activity (score), initial motility (%), live sperm (%), abnormal sperm (%), HOS reactive sperm (%) and acrosomal integrity (%) were 5.19±0.18, 2.38±0.10, 1253.36±24.75, 3.73±0.05, 80.31±0.05, 86.20±0.64, 5.00±0.40, 85.75±0.43 and 93.56±0.56, respectively, whereas the mean post-thawed sperm characteristics, viz., progressive sperm motility, live sperm (%), abnormal sperm (%), HOS reactive sperm (%), acrosomal integrity (%) and first insemination conception rate (%) observed were 57.60±0.36, 66.34±0.53, 8.85±0.33, 56.97±0.46, 75.26±0.17 and 44.63±0.14, respectively. The semen quality of fresh and post-thawed samples observed was within normal limit for use in breeding program with satisfactory first insemination conception rate.

1 table, 22 ref

037214   PARMAR K H KAVANI F S, PATBANDHA T K, PARIKH S S (Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh, Email: parmarkiran16@yahoo.co.in) : Fresh and post-thaw seminal attributes of Jafarabadi buffalo bulls. Indian J Vet Sci Biotechnol 2020, 15(3), 45-8.

The study was conducted on four Jafarabadi breeding bulls, 5-6 years old to know the fresh and post-thawed seminal characteristics based on total of 192 semen ejaculates evaluated and cryopreserved over one year period. The mean values of fresh neat seminal characteristics of Jafarabadi bulls, viz., ejaculate volume (ml), colour/density (score), sperm concentration (million/ml), mass activity (score), initial motility (%), live sperm (%), abnormal sperm (%), HOS reactive sperm (%) and acrosomal integrity (%) were 5.19±0.18, 2.38±0.10, 1253.36±24.75, 3.73±0.05, 80.31±0.05, 86.20±0.64, 5.00±0.40, 85.75±0.43 and 93.56±0.56, respectively, whereas the mean post-thawed sperm characteristics, viz., progressive sperm motility, live sperm (%), abnormal sperm (%), HOS reactive sperm (%), acrosomal integrity (%) and first insemination conception rate (%) observed were 57.60±0.36, 66.34±0.53, 8.85±0.33, 56.97±0.46, 75.26±0.17 and 44.63±0.14, respectively. The semen quality of fresh and post-thawed samples observed was within normal limit for use in breeding program with satisfactory first insemination conception rate.

1 table, 22 ref

037213   BHARADWAJ M, SINGH K V (Animal Husbandry Dep, Vikas Bhavan, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Email: sandeep70prakash@gmail.com) : Efficacy of essential oil based phytogenic spray in augmenting wound healing. Indian J Vet Sci Biotechnol 2020, 15(3), 41-4.

Wound healing is a complex cellular, pathophysiological and biochemical cascade of sequence resulting in reconstruction, remodeling as well as regeneration of injured tissues. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of essential oil based polyherbal spray on wound repair. Seven horses with accidental wounds were treated with a topical application of an essential oil based polyherbal spray, under field conditions. When compared with a contra-lateral control (therapy regime included conventional topical antibiotic dressing), the phytogenic spray succeeded in an early and healthy reconstruction of the wound site. This phytogenic spray also worked as a fly repellent and prevented myiasis. It was concluded that the topical use of phytogenic spray is not only effective, safe and simple, but also reduces the otherwise physiological body burden of antibiotics in horses.

1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

037306   BALASUBRAMANIAN S, TUKARAM K A (ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering Regional Centre, Coimbatore - 641 007, Email: balaciphet@gmail.com) : A study on transverse flow pattern of soybean splits in a closed type horizontal rotating drum. Adv Appl Res 2020, 12(1), 28 - 33.

Roasting drums have generally been used in soybean roasters. The different flow patterns of transverse motions viz., slipping, slumping, rolling, cascading, cataracting and centrifuging formation inside the rotating drum influenced the roasting material's bed behaviour through selection of its operating variables such as rotational speed and filling degree, thus important in the design of a roaster drum. Best performance was observed in transversal mixing (cascading and cataracting type of modes) of soaked soybeansplits, with recommended filling degree as 30 % and having Froude number as 0.330.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

037302   MAHALAKSHMI P, AHILADEVI P (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Trichy - 621 712, Email: mahapath2012@gmail.com) : Ecofriendly management of fusarium wilt of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) by application of organic amendments. Adv Appl Res 2020, 12(1), 7-11.

The effect of different organic inputs viz., neem cake, mauha cake, coirpith and vermi compost were evaluated against the wilt disease incidence and the growth and yield of carnation. Preliminary screening of different oil cakes and water extracts of organic manures against the growth Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi was carried out by poisoned food technique under laboratory conditions. Among the oil cake and organic manures tested in vitro, neem cake (10 %) effectively reduced the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi which recorded a minimum mycelial growth of 1.76 cm with maximum per cent inhibition of 80.44 over control. In organic field experiment, neem cake significantly reduced the disease incidence (12.47 PDI), followed by mauha cake and vermi compost which recorded 14.45 and 16.04 PDI of wilt incidence, respectively. The use of vermicompost significantly increased the growth and yield parameters viz., stalk length (85.25 cm), stalk girth (3.88 cm), no of branches (3.85/ plant), no of flowers (3.11/ plant) and flower diameter (4.32 cm). 

3 tables, 18 ref

037301   BALASUBRAMANIAN S, SHUKLA V (ICAR - Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering Regional Centre, Coimbatore - 641 007, Email: balaciphet@gmail.com) : Formulation of little millet based south Indian traditional tribal food (Achikae) through linear programming approach. Adv Appl Res 2020, 12(1), 1-6.

Achikae, one of the traditional food products of south Indian tribal people has been prepared from small millets using linear programming (LP) model. Dehulled little millet, dried coconut and sugar mixed formulations were designed using linear programming (LP) model to minimise the total cost of finished product. The little millet was dehulled after soaking (8 h), parboiling (30 min) and roasting (140 °C, 15 min). Cost and nutritive value of LP formulated achikae mix was calculated and sensory evaluation was done. The low cost mix product (Rs. 42 kg^-1 ) obtained using linear programming was composed of little millet (51.0 %), dried coconut (32.8 %) and sugar (16.2 %). The formulated mix provided 5.05-6.53 g of protein, 140 mg of calcium and 5.96-7.72 mg of iron. Sensory evaluation results revealed that all the formulated mix scored acceptability range. 

1 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

037133   JEEVAN U, SREELATHA U, KURIAN P S, ANUPAMA T V, SREEKUMAR P M (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur - 680 656, Email: jeevan.horti@gmail.com) : Assessment of resistance against bacterial wilt in marigold genotypes under humid tropics. J trop Agric 2020, 57(2), 152-9.

Bacterial wilt of marigold caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a highly devastating disease that limits successful cultivation of marigold under humid tropics. With the objective to screen genotypes of different Tagetes species for resistance to bacterial wilt, the present study was conducted at the Department of Floriculture & Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Thrissur, Kerala, India in two seasons viz., rainy and winter, during 2018-19. Thirty two marigold genotypes were subjected to field evaluation in a wilt sick plot. Among the genotypes, there were eight F1 hybrids, eight varieties, seven local collections of T. erecta, eight genotypes of T. patula (including three varieties and five local collections) and one genotype of T.tenuifolia. The study revealed that two local collections of T. erecta viz., M-1 and M-2 were completely resistant to bacterial wilt. The resistance of these two local collections to bacterial wilt was also confirmed by artificial screening studies. It was also observed that bacterial wilt incidence was severe during winter season compared to monsoon. As per the result of screening conducted during rainy season, there were four resistant genotypes, five moderately resistant types, five moderately susceptible types, ten susceptible types and eight highly susceptible types while during winter season the number of highly susceptible types recorded was 20, along with eight susceptible types, two moderately susceptible types and two resistant types. During rainy season, flavonoid content in both leaves and petals was highest in M-1, M-2 and was on par with Bhagwati, which showed a PDI of 4.16% in field evaluation. Resistance to bacterial wilt was negatively correlated with flavonoid content in leaves and petals.

4 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

037132   GEORGE M, CHERIAN K A, LOUIS V (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur - 680 656, Email: milshageorge.ckl@gmail.com) : In vivo efficacy of new molecules of fungicides against Eumusae leaf spot disease of French plantain cultivar Nendran (Musa AAB). J trop Agric 2020, 57(2), 132-39.

The French plantain cultivar, Nendran (Musa AAB) is the most widely and commercially cultivated variety of banana in Kerala. But this cultivar is highly susceptible to foliar fungal diseases especially leaf spot diseases. Among the leaf spot diseases, Sigatoka leaf spot caused by Mycosphaerella spp. poses a serious threat to banana cultivation. The studies on characterization of the pathogen associated with Sigatoka leafspot disease complex in Kerala revealed that the predominant leaf spot disease is Eumusae leaf spot disease caused by Mycosphaerella eumusae. With an objective to develop a fungicidal recommendation for the sustainable management of this disease, a field experiment was conducted during 2016-17 at BananaResearch Station, Kannara by evaluating the efficacy of six chemical fungicides viz., trifloxystrobin (25%)+ tebuconazole (50%) (Nativo® – 0.4g/L), propiconazole (Tilt® – 1ml/L), copper hydroxide (Kocide® – 2g/L), pyraclostrobin (Headline® – 1g/L), hexaconazole (5%) + captan (70%) (Taqat® – 2g/L) and Bordeaux mixture (1%). All the chemical fungicides used in the study were found to be superior compared to unsprayed control. However, there was a variation in the efficacy between the treatments. The foliar application of the systemic fungicide trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole (0.4g/L) recorded the lowest percent disease severity(PDS) of 15.43 per cent with the eighth leaf of the plant as the youngest leaf spotted (YLS) and the maximum disease development time (DDT) of 50.66 days. Among the contact fungicides evaluated, the lowest per cent disease severity of 16.65 per cent was recorded in plants sprayed with copper hydroxide which recorded DDT of 49.33 days and YLS of 7.29. The analysis of fungicide residue in the fruits revealed that there was no residue of the chemicals left in the fruit. The study revealed that four times foliar spraying of systemic fungicide, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole (0.4g/L) or contact fungicide, copper hydroxide (2g/L) starting from the initial appearance of the disease on the lowest leaves of 75 per cent plants was safe and effective for the management of Eumusae leaf spot disease of banana.

5 tables, 21 ref

037131   INDHUSHREE A, KURUVILA A (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur - 680 656, Email: indhuashree@gmail.com) : Performance of small cardamom export from India. J trop Agric 2020, 57(2), 122-31.

Small cardamom, the queen of spices, plays an important role in India’s economy due to robust domestic demand and increasing price. However, the export of the spice witnessed huge decline and it became more of domestic market oriented. In recent years, the export of small cardamom from India was found to be increasing steadily. The present study was conducted to analyse the export performance of small cardamom from India in terms of export growth rate and instability, sources of growth and variability in export value and the geographic concentration of export. During the pre-WTO period, the growth rates in terms of export value, quantity and unit value were found to be negative, while the instability in export was high. Post-WTOperiod recorded positive and higher growth rate and comparatively lower instability in export. Among the different periods under study, lower growth rate and higher instability were observed during Period II which could be the result of increased domestic demand and stiff competition in international market especially from Guatemala. Change in mean export unit value was found to be the major source of growth in value of export during both pre- and post-WTO periods, while the change in variability of export unit value contributed more to the change in variance of export value. The geographic concentration of export increased in post-WTO period compared to pre-WTO period and the exports were more concentrated towards the Middle-East countries. Higher cost of production, domestic market orientation and Non-Tariff Barriers were the major issues that need to be addressed to strengthen the export markets and improve the performance of small cardamom export from India.

7 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

037130   SREEKALA G S, MEENAKUMARI K S, VIGI S (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Vellayani - 695 522, Email: drsreekalags@gmail.com) : Microbial isolate for the production of quality white pepper (Piper nigrum L.). J trop Agric 2020, 57(2), 114-21.

White pepper, the value added product of black pepper is traditionally produced by decortications of ripe or dried black pepper berries. Excessive time taken for retting imparts off odour to the traditionally prepared white pepper making the process and product less acceptable. An experiment was conducted to standardise a microbial method that could reduce the retting period and off odour. Screening of 25 microbial isolates comprising 21 bacterial and 4 fungi was undertaken. The experiment was replicated four times. Six best isolates (five bacteria and one fungus) which reduced retting period and produced good colour and appearance to the white pepper were selected by visual observation. Selected six isolates were inoculated again on the ripe berries in four replications along with uninoculated control. Three bacterial isolates were found very effective to reduce the retting period by half compared to control. Isolate I₁ could ret the ripe berries with minimum time (4.25 days) and produce white pepper which had superior white colour and appearance and which was on par with uninoculated control as per sensory score. The odour of the white pepper produced by all isolates was significantly better than uninoculated control. Quality parameters, such as essential oiland oleoresin produced by the best isolate (I₁), was on par with the control. Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterisation of the best three isolates was done. The 16S r DNA sequencing (1500bp)revealed that isolate I₁ was a relative of Bacillus pumilus. White pepper produced by the isolate of Bacilluspumilis was superior as it required reduced retting period with product having less off odour, suggesting that the isolate could be used for commercial production of white pepper. The other two isolates belonged to Rhizobium and Sphingobacterium genus.

3 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

037129   SHINY R, SREEKUMAR J, BYJU G (ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Kerala - 695 017, Email: byju.g@icar.gov.in) : Coupled multi-model climate and climate suitability change predictions for major cassava growing regions of India under two representative concentration pathways. J trop Agric 2020, 57(2), 140-51.

Changes in suitability of crops under climate change studies are a pre-requisite to achieve sustainable utilization of available land resources and to attain food security. This study attempts ensembled multi-model prediction of change in climate and climate suitability of cassava by 2030 and 2050 in major cassava growing regions of India under 4.5 and 8.5 representative concentration pathways (RCP). Suitability of cassava was modelled using EcoCrop model in Diva GIS 7.5. Climate and suitability changes were analysed using Diva GIS 7.5 and Arc GIS 10.1. The study showed a general warming of climate over the major cassava growing regions by 2030 and 2050 under RCPs 4.5 and 8.5. The mean temperature of major cassava growing regions in 2030 will increase by 1.18 - 1.55⁰C and 1.29 - 1.49⁰C for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5; and1.62 - 1.78⁰C and 2.03 - 2.28⁰C for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 in 2050. The precipitation in 2030 will increase by13.57 - 92.40 mm and 25.27-103.70 mm for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5; and in 2050 it will change by -1.91 to 73.4mm and 5.31 to 56.60 mm for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5. The climate suitabilty will change by -1 to 8 % and -1.34to 12.02 % in 2030 for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5; and -1.27 to 11.67% and -3.76 to 6.59% for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 in2050. Districts in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh showing highest positive and negative impacts on climate suitability of cassava for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 in 2030 and 2050 were identified. Districtsshowing no negative impact were also predicted. The results showed cassava’s comparative advantage in climate resilence compared to other major food crops such as rice and wheat.

6 illus, 5 tables, 31 ref

037128   IHEMEZIE E J, ONUNKA C N, UMARU I I (Nigeria Univ, Nsukka - 410 002, Nigeria, Email: cynthia.onunka@unn.edu.ng) : The implication of agricultural land-use change on food security in benue state, Nigeria. J trop Agric 2020, 57(2), 105-13.

This study employed geo-physical Land Use Land Cover (LULC) satellite data and crop yield data to examine the trend of agricultural land-use change and how it affected food security in the Nigerian state of Benue. Satellite imageries were downloaded for the years 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2015 from theUnited States Geological Survey (USGS) website, while crop yield data from 1980 to 2015 were obtained from the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture. Satellite image datasets were analyzed using remote sensing and GIS techniques, and data extracted for a quantitative analysis while crop yield data and data on percentage changes in cropland/vegetation were analyzed using regression analysis. The results of the study showed that the trend of agricultural land-use change in Benue state, Nigeria is tending towards reduction in agricultural lands. While this negative trend was found to reduce the output of some crops (e.g. yam, maize and groundnut), it seemed to have also spurred an increase in the production of other crops with more economic value (e.g. rice and cassava) due to intensification. The study recommends that appropriate land use policies should be put in place to prevent unguarded loss of agricultural lands so as to forestall looming food security crisis.

3 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

036615   CHENG K, PENG B, YUAN F (Huazhong Agricultural Univ, China, Email: fyuan@mail.hzau.edu.cn) : Volatile composition of eight blueberry cultivars and their relationship with sensory attributes. Flavour Fragrance J 2020, 35(4), 443-53.

The volatile compositions of eight blueberry cultivars (‘Premier’, ‘Gardenblue’, ‘Legacy’, ‘Brigitta’, ‘Misty’, ‘O’Neal’, ‘Bluerain’ and ‘Northland’) grown in the middle region of China were investigated. Volatiles were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography—quadrupole time of flight—mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-QTOF-MS). A total of 28 volatiles were identified and quantified, including 5 esters, 11 terpenoids, 3 aldehydes, 6 alcohols and 3 volatile phenols. Different blueberry cultivars had distinct varietal volatile profiles. Rabbiteye cultivars, ‘Premier’ and ‘Gardenblue’, were characterized by a large amount of esters, especially for ethyl acetate. ‘Misty’ had the highest terpenoid content. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS) were selected to correlate the chemical data with sensory perceptions. PCA showed that esters were dominant in rabbiteye blueberries, especially for ethyl acetate. No distinct pattern of volatile profile was found for the highbush and half-highbush blueberry cultivars. PLS showed that the grassy descriptor was positively correlated with linalool and hexanal. The minty descriptor was positively correlated with eucalyptol.

5 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

036603   LIAO Y, WANG W, CHEN G, ZHANG N, LIU Y (Food Science & Technology Dep, Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, China, Email: y_liu@sjtu.edu.cn) : Basic taste characteristics of flavor material from cultured Takifugu obscurus by-products. Flavour Fragrance J 2020, 35(3), 320-8.

Takifugu obscurus (T. obscurus) by-products (fish heads and bones) account for about 35% of total weight. In order to improve its availability, flavor materials based on T. obscurus by-product have been developed through enzymatic hydrolysis and Maillard thermal reaction. However, their basic taste characteristics have not been extensively investigated. In this study, the taste intensities of T. obscurus flavor materials (protein hydrolysates and Maillard reaction products) at different concentrations, pH, and temperatures were compared and distinguished by sensory evaluation combined with electronic tongue analysis. Results showed that T. obscurus by-products protein hydrolysates (TBPH) had the optimal taste intensities (mainly umami taste) at 5.0 g/L, pH 6.5, and Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were at 4.0 g/L, pH 7.0. They both possessed excellent thermal stability, and their recognition thresholds were 0.08 g/100 mL for TBPH and 0.03 g/100 mL for MRPs, respectively. This study would lay a theoretical foundation to understand the basic flavor characteristics of T. obscurus by-products

2 illus, 4 tables, 45 ref

036579   KUDLIGI S J, MALLIGAWAD L H, NAIKWADI S, JAMADAR D (Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad- 580 005, Email: sannapapammakj@uasd.in) : Antimicrobial and aroma finishing of organic cotton knits using natural colourants and palmarosa oil microcapsules. Flavour Fragrance J 2020, 35(1), 59-69.

Organic cotton SAHANA variety spun into 30s single yarn dyed with four natural colorants (Arecanut slurry, Eucalyptus leaves, Pomegranate rind and Indigo) and further used for development of single jersy knits. Palmarosa oil was used for the preparation of microcapsules through interfacial polymerization technique and finished on organic knitted fabric by exhaust and pad dry cure methods. The finished organic knit was assessed for effect of laundering on antimicrobial efficiency and aroma intensity.The TGA of Palmarosa microcapsules was found to be better with minimum weight loss at higher temperature than the pure oil, and the morphology of microcapsules was fairly irregular due to preparation conditions. Among the natural colourants, cotton yarn dyed with indigo dye possessed greater colour strength and lesser reflectance than the other dyed samples. The fastness properties of cotton yarn dyed with arecanut slurry exhibited good to excellent colour fastness to washing and sunlight. Irrespective of methods of application, organic cotton knits finished with microcapsules by pad dry cure method showed maximum zone of inhibition compared to knits finished by exhaust method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.The antimicrobial activity of the finished samples was subjected to multiple washing which indicated that knits finished with pad dry cure method showed a zone of inhibition even after 20th wash and better aroma retention compared to knits finished with exhaust method of application. Thus, the Palmarosa microencapsulated organic cotton knits are free from hazardous chemicals and have multi functional properties which can be suitable for medical and healthcare textiles.

8 illus, 7 tables, 21 ref

037046   FREIRE K F, MELO A M D M F D, ARRAIS A C, MELO L H D M F, ARAUJO D P D, OLIVEIRA L C D, GUZEN F P, FREIRE M A D M, CAVALCANTI J R L D P (Biomedical Sciences Dep, State of Rio Grande do Norte Univ, Brazil- 59607360, Email: rodolfolopes@uern.br) : Repercussions of linseed oil in morphofunctional mechanisms of the nervous system: A systematic review. J Pharm Chem Biol Sci 2020, 7(2), 147-156.

Flaxseed oil has been widely introduced in the diet as a rich source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids important for brain health. In light of this, the present study aims to discuss the main morphofunctional changes promoted by linseed oil in the nervous system. The research was developed through a systematic review of the literature, without meta-analysis, based on the following electronic data base: PubMed and Science Direct, based on the following descriptors: "linseed oil" and "nervous system". The inclusion criteria were: full text, search time (without delimitation), in vivo and in vitro studies, interventions (effects and benefits on the nervous system) published between 2007 and 2017 and language (English). It was verified from the articles included on the research, that the oil of flaxseed exerts diverse beneficial effects to the nervous system. Among them, it acts against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, increases levels of neurotransmitters and DHA, acts on the development of astrocytes and has implications for growth, memory and locomotion in the hippocampus region. Linseed oil has numerous beneficial effects on the nervous system. Nevertherless, further studies are necessary on the theme, for example in the experimentals models of neurodegenative desorders.

3 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

037042   XAVIER J, REDDY J (Botany Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Email: jobixavier@gmail.com) : Acute toxicity study of ethanolic extracts of leaf and fruit of two different varieties of M. charantia in danio rerio. J Pharm Chem Biol Sci 2020, 7(2), 102-9.

The present study was to elucidate the oral toxicity level of leaf and fruit extracts of two varieties of M. charantia, i.e., green-fruited variety (BGG-Bitter gourd green variety) and white fruited varieties (BGW- Bitter gourd white). 5 g of Finely ground powders of leaves and fruits of M. charantia were extracted with ethanol using soxhlet apparatus. Using these extracts of M. charania oral Acute toxicity was tested with Danio rerio as per the OECD guidelines 203. Leaf extracts of Green Fruited varieties of M. charantia showed very high toxicity when compared to the other plant extracts. At test dose of 200mg/L >70 % mortality was observed in Danio rerio at the 24 hrs of the observation period. Mortality of 70 % and 100 % was observed at 50 mg/L of leaf extract at the 48 hrs of the observation period. A lethal dose to kill 50 % of test fishes were recorded as 200 mg/L and 50 mg/L at 24 hrs and 96 hrs exposure period respectively. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract of M. charantia leaf does not induce toxicity when used at dose of ≤ 25 mg/L. 

8 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

037041   DAYMA P B, MANGROLA A V, SURIYARAJ S P, DUDHAGARA P, PATEL R K (Life Science Dep, HNGU, Patan- 384265, Email: daymaparas@gmail.com) : Synthesis of bio-silver nanoparticles using desert isolated streptomyces intermedius and its antimicrobial activity. J Pharm Chem Biol Sci 2020, 7(2), 94-101.

In this study, a haloalkaliphilic actinobacterial strain was employed for the biosynthesis of nanosized silver particles. We used Streptomyces intermedius isolated from the saline desert of Kachchh as a bionanofactory for the production of bio-active silver nanoparticles in an eco-friendly and inexpensive manner. The bio (AgNPs) showed unique physicochemical and biochemical properties. The properties of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were studied using spectroscopic techniques, Nanoparticle tracking analysis and electron microscopy approaches. The UV-visible peak was found at 430 nm. Bio-AgNPs was found to be spherical shaped with an average particle size of 55nm and zeta potential value of -20.4mV. The obtained nanoparticles were crystalline and stable in nature. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the resazurin assay against both Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. The antimicrobial assay of the silver nanoparticles showed a higher activity against Bacillus subtilis than Escherichia coli.

4 illus, 38 ref

036093   DHAWI F (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, King Faisal Univ, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, Email: dr.faten.dhawi@gmail.com) : Bacterial screening of historic site of Qarah caves, biosphere analysis. Agricultural Biological Res 2020, 36(1), 1-4.

Microbial activities play major roles in both the building foundations of historical sites and ecotourism health. The Qarah Caves, located in the historical site of Qarah Mountain in Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO world heritage site, have experienced an increase in the daily tourist number, consequently increasing human activity inside the caves. In the current study, ten spots in the caves were screened to identify bacterial communities, and two unknown samples were subjected to phenotypic and molecular identification. We used small subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene DNA data to identify bacteria from ten sites. The phenotypic analysis of the unknown samples identified rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria under a microscope. The molecular analysis indicated that the unknown bacterial samples were Salmonella enterica and Kluyvera intermedia. The study emphasized the importance of managing procedures for historical sites to maintain a better status and prevent disruption. Healthy ecotourism requires taking care during caving and after by washing hands. Some cave microbes are pathogenic such as Salmonella enterica while others carry bioremediation potentials such as Kluyvera intermedia. 

3 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

036092   RAHMAN M J, ALI M S, ISLAM F, ZAKIA Z, RAIHAN A, QUAMRUZZAMAN M (Horticulture Dep, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Univ, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Email: jrahman04@yahoo.com) : Effect of nutrient solution on antioxidant content and yield contributing characteristics in capsicum. Agricultural Biological Res 2020, 36(1), 5-9.

To assess and compare the endothelial cell changes after manual small incision cataract surgery(SICS) in diabetic patients versus age group matched non-diabetic patients. This comparative prospective observational follow-up study included 54 diabetic patients and 52 control patients without diabetes who underwent manual SICS. Preoperative, one day, one week, one month and three months post-surgery assessments of corneal endothelial cell changes were done using specular microscopy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20.0, SPSS, Inc.). Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the data between the test group and control group.There was drop in the endothelial density in both the groups postoperatively, with the mean percentage of endothelial loss at three monthspost- surgery being 27.5 % in diabetics and 18.3 % in controls. There was also a significant increase in central corneal thickness and coefficient of variance in diabetics as compared to controls at every follow up one day,one week, one month and three months. The percentage of hexagonality was statistically significant at postoperative three months. The diabetic endothelium was found to be under greater metabolic stress and had less functional reserve after manual SICS than the normal corneal endothelium.

1 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

036090   HUANG LY , WANG WS, FU Q, ZHANG J, FU BY (Yunnan Univ, Iraq, Email: fubinying@caas.cn) : In vitro construction of rice artificial chromosome via de novo assembly. J Adv Plant Sci 2020, 2(2), 1-5.

A farmer field trial experiment was conducted at the growth season of 2016 in the Deraluk sub-district, Amadiya district, Dohuk province, Iraq. The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effect of foliar application of high concentration of some micronutrients on growth and yield of submergence rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in calcareous soil. Concentration of 0.5% of the micronutrients Fe, Zn, Mn and Fe+Zn+Mn in addition to the control (water) was used as a foliar application in three replications and three splits: The first split was at the beginning of tillering (35 DAS), the second split was just before anthesis (70 DAS) and the third was after full anthesis (100 DAS). The results showed an insignificant increasing in plant heights and the weight of 1000 seeds over the control. In contrast, the number of panicles, except the treatment Fe+Zn +Mn, and the number of seeds per panicle were reduced but not statistically significant compared to the control. The grain yield non-statistically significant increased only for the treatment Fe+Zn+Mn by 2.42% over the control; while the other treatments and the straw yield treatments were non-significantly reduced compared to the control. No significant values of (HI) were found between the treatments despite the superiority of treatments, except Mn, over the control.

4 illus, 37 ref

036089   SI R (Kurdistan region, Iraq, Email: shukri_reakany@yahoo.com) : Effect of foliar application of high concentrations for some micronutrients on growth and yield of submergence rice grown in calcareous soil. J Adv Plant sci 2020, 2(2), 1-5.

A farmer field trial experiment was conducted at the growth season of 2016 in the Deraluk sub-district, Amadiya district, Dohuk province, Iraq. The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effect of foliar application of high concentration of some micronutrients on growth and yield of submergence rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in calcareous soil. Concentration of 0.5 % of the micronutrients Fe, Zn, Mn and Fe+Zn+Mn in addition to the control (water) was used as a foliar application in three replications and three splits: The first split was at the beginning of tillering (35 DAS), the second split was just before anthesis (70 DAS) and the third was after full anthesis (100 DAS). The results showed an insignificant increasing in plant heights and the weight of 1000 seeds over the control. In contrast, the number of panicles, except the treatment Fe+Zn +Mn, and the number of seeds per panicle were reduced but not statistically significant compared to the control. The grain yield non-statistically significant increased only for the treatment Fe+Zn+Mn by 2.42 % over the control; while the other treatments and the straw yield treatments were non-significantly reduced compared to the control. No significant values of (HI) were found between the treatments despite the superiority of treatments, except Mn, over the control.

1 table, 56 ref

036530   MAREESWARAN J, PREMKUMAR R (UPASI Tea Research Institute, Valparai- 642 127, Email: jmareeswaran11@gmail.com) : Effect of chemicals and biological agents on branch canker disease in tea. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(4), 271-5.

Branch canker caused by Macrophoma sp. is the most wide spread and serious stem disease of tea plants. In this study, we tried to determine the bioefficacy of different chemical fungicides and indigenous biological strains on branch canker disease in tea plant under glasshouse condition. The infected stem portions were collected and identified through 18S rRNA molecular methods. Bacterial strains were isolated from different tea growing areas and confirmed by16S rRNA technique. Fungal biocontrol strains were obtained from repository Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), Chandigarh, India. Among the fungicides tested, benomyl (70 %) showed better results followed by copper oxychloride (65 %). The biocontrol agents Bacillus sp. (50 %) and Trichoderma viride (50 %) yielded significant results. Pseudomonas sp. showed moderate activity (45 %) followed by Trichoderma harzianum (30 %). The integrated combination approach, propiconazole/Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and propiconazole/B. subtilis recorded effective control against branch canker disease under greenhouse condition followed by hexaconazole/B. amyloliquefaciens. Combination of fungicides companion (0.70), hexaconazole (0.63) and propiconazole (0.67) were found to be most effective. The organic fungicide tricure gave satisfactory control followed by Gliocladium virens against branch canker disease.

3 tables, 23 ref

036529   KALIA A, KAUR J, KAUR A, SINGH N (Soil Science Dep, Electron Microscopy and Nanoscience Laboratory, Punjab-141 004, Email: kaliaanu@pau.edu) : Antimycotic activity of biogenically synthesised metal and metal oxide nanoparticles against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium moniliforme (F. fujikuroi). Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(4), 263-70.

Consistent and injudicious application of antifungal agents to control fungal pathogens on crops results in off-target illeffects on livestock and human health besides issues, such as disruption of ecological balance. In this context, development of novel specific antifungal agents such as metal or metal oxide nanoparticles without side effects becomes a necessity. Here, we attempted green synthesis of three different metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, ZnO and FeO) by incubating metal salts with Trichoderma harzianum hyphal or mycelial extract (HE). The AgNPs were also generated using hyphal filtrate (HF). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques and evaluated by poisoned food technique/agar well diffusion technique under in vitro conditions on Czapek dox agar against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium moniliforme. The tested NPs exhibited varied efficacy for curbing the growth of F. moniliforme. A NP concentration dependent increase in percent growth inhibition was recorded for the above mentioned three types of NPs. Moreover, the antimycotic efficacy of the microbial synthesized Ag NPs also varied for the T. harzianum cell free filtrate and hyphal extract formulations. Maximum percent hyphal growth inhibition (58.83 %) was recorded for T. harzianum HE Ag NPs at 800 ppm followed by FeO NPs at 400 ppm (40.38 %).

7 illus, 1 tables, 34 ref

036528   SAHOO P K, PATTANAYAK S, PAUL A, SAHOO M K, KUMAR P R (National Referral Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Diseases, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Email: pksahoo1@hotmail.com) : Carp edema virus in ornamental fish farming in India: A potential threat to koi carps but not to co-cultured Indian major carp or goldfish. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(4), 254-62.

Koi sleepy disease caused by carp edema virus (CEV) of pox virus is a potential carp killer and poses a constant threat to co-cultured fish. Only limited studies are available on its occurrence from the eastern part of India. Here, we report a largescale mortality of koi carps (Cyprinus carpio koi) in ornamental fish farm of Choudwar, Cuttack, Odisha. The fish showed clinical signs of ulcers on body, patchy haemorrhages, massive necrosis of gills, and observed sleeping at the bottom of tanks before death. However, the goldfish maintained in the same tanks did not show any clinical signs or mortality. We noticed Trichodina infestation in the gills of affected animals and secondary bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila in kidney tissue. The gills, liver and kidneys of koi carp were found positive for carp edema virus (CEV) (Poxviridae) in PCR followed by sequencing and blast search, and phylogenetic analysis. The damages to the gills and kidney along with the presence of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions in gill epithelial cells upon histopathology suggested viral association. Experimental challenge with CEV failed to reproduce the disease in Indian major carp and goldfish, the commonly co-cultured fish species with koi carp, though, the disease was reproduced in koi carp. To our best knowledge, it is the first report of CEV infection from the farm of the eastern part of the country. Another mortality incidence in ornamental shop retailer in the same locality also revealed the presence of CEV in koi carp and pointed possibly towards its wide spread. Observations from this study suggest the need for CEV disease surveillance in the country.

5 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

036526   SIVARAJANI R, LEELA N K, TEJPAL C S, ZACHARIAH T J (Crop Production and Post Harvest Technology Dep, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode- 673 012, Email: ranjanigop@gamil.com) : Dietary supplementation of Cinnamomum verum j. presl and Curcuma longa l. extract on growth performance, antioxidant and metabolic enzymes activities in experimental rats. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(4), 242-8.

Cinnamomum verum J. Presl and Curcuma longa L. have many biologically active metabolites, such as sterpenoids, phenolics with proven health benefits. The present study was undertaken to analyze the effect of cinnamon and turmeric extract on growth, blood parameters, and metabolic enzyme activities of albino Wistar rats. Methanol extract of cinnamon and turmeric mixture was supplemented in rat feed at 2.5 and 5 % concentration, respectively and administered for 30 days. During the course of study, body weight, feed given, feed consumed data were collected at regular intervals. After the experimental period, animals were sacrificed, tissues separated, homogenized and assayed for the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), alanine aminotransferase (AAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The results showed significant increase in liver catalase activity of treated animals and no significant changes in LDH, MDH, ALT and AST. No abnormalities were observed in the histopathology staining of tissue section. Overall, output of the present study could be useful for production of spices based antioxidant rich products for human health.

2 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

036522   SINGH A K, CHAURASIYA A K, MITRA S (Horticulture Dep, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural Univ, Uttar Pradesh- 284 003, Email: amitsinghbckv@gmail.com) : Novel processing method for improved antioxidant and nutritional value of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius dennst-nicolson). Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(3), 206-11.

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst-Nicolson, commonly known as the Elephant foot yam, is a highly potential edible aroid of Araceae family. Fresh yams are difficult to store due to their perishable nature and deteriorate in quality during storage. Therefore, making processed products viz., dry and fry cubes will be an alternative value added product with nutritional value. In this experiment, elephant foot yam corm cubes were stored to analyze the nutritional and antioxidant values at monthly intervals. The cv., BCA-1 dry cubes (soaking in 2 % salt followed by blanching) had the highest ascorbic acid and total phenol throughout the storage period. Highest β-carotene was observed in cv., IGAM-1 dry cubes (2 % alum) and fry cubes (2 % alum) at 0 and 13 months after storage, respectively. The cv., BCA-1 had the highest starch in dry cubes (1.5 % alum) and fry cubes (2 % salt) at 0 and 13 months after storage, respectively. The protein and organoleptic values were the highest throughout the storage in cv., BCA-1, both dry and fry cubes, were from soaking in 1.5 % alum and blanching.

6 tables, 28 ref

036506   PALANICHAMY S, PADMANABAN B, VAGANAN M M, BACKIYARANI S, UMA S (ICAR- National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli- 620 102, Email: ppoojabharathi@gmail.com) : Electrophysiological responses of banana pseudostem weevil, Odoiporus longicollis olivier (coleoptera: Curculionidae) to methyl jasmonate, 1-hexanol and host plant extract. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(1), 53-7.

The banana pseudostem weevil (BSW), Odoiporus longicollis Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most destructive pests of banana and plantains. Our laboratory bioassay studies showed that out of 50 host plants related volatile chemicals screened against BSW, only methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and 1-hexanol was electro physiologically and behaviourallyactive. Here, we investigated the influence of host plant extract (HPE) on two semiochemicals, namely methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and 1-hexanol, both independently and in combination, in the electroantennogram (EAG) response in BSW. The results showed that HPE alone elicited greater EAG response only in males suggesting that males involved predominantly in the host plant selection. Addition of HPE to MeJA increased significantly higher EAG response in females and the response was insignificant in males. Similarly, the addition of HPE to 1-hexanol evoked higher response in females but decreased antennal activity was recorded in males compared to HPE alone. The HPE showed additive effect on MeJA and 1-hexanol in their EAG responses only in female BSW. The result also revealed that 1-hexanol+HPE blend exhibited enhanced EAG response compared to 1-hexanol alone in both sexes.

1 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

036505   BASHYAL B M, AGGARWAL R, RAWAT K, SHARMA S, GUPTA A K, CHOUDHARY R, BHAT J, KRISHNAN S G, SINGH A K (ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, Email: bishnumayabashyal@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity and population structure of Fusarium fujikuroi causing bakanae, an emerging disease of rice in India. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(1), 45-52.

Bakanae caused by Fusarium fujikuroi (Nirenberg), is emerging as a serious threat for rice (Oryza sativa. L.) cultivation in India. In this study, 63 isolates of Fusarium fujikuroi isolated from symptomatic diseased plants were characterized for their morphology, pathogenicity and molecular variability using universal rice primers (URP). Of the 12 URPs used in the study, 6 primers could produce polymorphic fragments in all the isolates. The URP 17R primer was highly polymorphic (100 %), whereas, the URP 1F primer produced 75 % polymorphic fragments. A dendrogram obtained from the combined analysis of 6 URP primers categorized the isolates into four clusters, where most of the isolates from Punjab and Haryana were clustered separately. Mating type of the population was identified based on MAT-1 and MAT-2 region universal primers for Gibberella fujikuroi. Among the 63 isolates, 18 (28.57 %) were identified as MAT-1 and 45 (71.42 %) as MAT-2. The effective population number for mating type was 89 % of the total population. Since the distribution frequencies of both mating types were not equal in the Indian population of F. fujikuroi, it could conclude that majority of the multiplication of isolates under field conditions was through asexual reproduction. However, the presence of both mating types in F. fujikuroi indicates that the population is also capable of sexual reproduction. Therefore, it is important to develop cultivars within built resistance to bakanae disease, taking into consideration the factors such as environmental conditions and variability of the pathogen in the area of intended cultivation.

5 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

035975   HUSSAIN T, SALEEMI M K, KHAN M Z, KHAN A, ABBAS R Z, BILAL M Q, DEEBA F, IRSHAD H, ZAHIDA , AFZAL F, UMAR F, JALEES M M (Agriculture Univ, Pakistan, Email: drkashif313@gamil.com) : Toxicopathological effects of endosulfan in female Japanese Quails (Coturnix Japonica). J Advancements in Life Sciences 2020, 7(2), 72-8.

The current study was planned to investigate the toxicopathological effects of endosulfan in female Japanese quails.  A total of 120 quail of 4 weeks old were divided into six equal groups (A-F) and administered endosulfan in feed at dose rate of 0, 5, 25, 50, 100, and 500 mg/kg feed, respectively for 90 days. Parameters studied included clinical signs, feed intake, body weight and mortality. Hematology, serum biochemistry, hatchability and fertility were also determined. Gross and microscopic changes on different organs were recorded.  The quails of the group B did not show any clinical signs and had significantly lower values of feed intake, testes relative weight and leukocyte number than those of the control group A. The quails of group C and D had mild depression while those of the group E and F showed nervous excitation following ingestion of endosulfan. There was a dose related delay in onset of crowing, appearance of foamy material in the droppings. The feed intake, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, hematocrit values, and serum total proteins of endosulfan fed quails were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the group A. The total egg production in groups A, B and C was significantly higher from group D, E and F. The hatchability in group A and B was significantly higher from groups C, D, E and F. The difference of dead in shell % and early dead among different groups was nonsignificant. Infertile egg percentage was significantly higher in group E compared with all other groups except group F. The necrotic changes were observed in all parts of oviduct in high dose groups, similarly necrotic changes and vacuolar degeneration was observed in hepatic parenchyma in high dose groups D-F.  It may be concluded that endosulfan leads to dose dependent changes in the quails.

3 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

036050   LIU M, DONG H, WANG M, LIU Q (Zhejiang A&F Univ, People’s Republic of China, Email: liuqp@zafu.edu.cn) : Evolutionary divergence of function and expression of laccase genes in plants. J Genet 2020, 99, 23.

Laccases (LACs) are versatile enzymes that catalyze oxidation of a wide range of substrates, thereby functioning in regulation of plant developmental processes and stress responses. However, with a few exceptions, the function of most LACs remains unclear in plants. In this study, we newly identified 4, 12, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 49 LAC genes for Physcomitrella patens, Amborella trichopoda, Zea mays, Ricinus communis, Vitis vinifera, Triticum aestivum and Glycine max, on the basis of exhaustive homologous sequence searches. In these plants, LACs differ greatly in sequence length and physical properties, such as molecular weight and theoretical isoelectric point (pI), but majority of them contain a signal peptide at their N-terminus. The originality of LACs could be traced back to as early as the emergence of moss. Plant LACs are clearly divided into seven distinct classes, where six ancient LACs should be present prior to the divergence of gymnosperms and angiosperms. Functional divergence analysis reveal that functional differentiation should occur among different groups of LACs because of altered selective constraints working on some critical amino acid sites (CAASs) within conserved laccase domains during evolution. Soybean and maize LACs have significantly different exon frequency (6.08 vs 4.82), and they are unevenly distributed and tend to form gene clusters on some chromosomes. Further analysis shows that the expansion of LAC gene family would be due to extensive tandem and chromosomal segmental duplications in the two plant species. Interestingly, *81.6 % and 36.4 % of soybean and maize LACs are potential targets of miRNAs, such as miR397a/b, miR408d, or miR528a/b etc. Both soybean and maize LACs are tissuespecifically and developmental-specifically expressed, and are in response to different external abiotic and biotic stressors. These results suggest a diversity of functions of plant LAC genes, which will broaden our understanding and lay solid foundation for further investigating their biological functions in plants.

6 illus, 1 table, 52 ref

036048   MANE R, KATOCH M, SINGH M, SHARMA R, SHARMA T R, CHAHOTA R K (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Univ, Palampur- 176 062, Email: rkchahota@gmail.com) : Identification of genomic regions associated with early plant vigour in lentil (Lens culinaris). J Genet 2020, 99, 21.

Lentil is one of the most important food legume species, however its genetic and genomic resources remained largely uncharacterized and unexploited. In the past few years, a number of genetic maps have been constructed and marker resources have been developed in lentil. These resources could be exploited for understanding the extent and distribution of genetic variation in genus Lens and also for developing saturated and consensus genetic maps suitable for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and marker-assisted selection. The present study aims to enrich polymerase chain reaction-based linkage map of F10 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population of 94 individuals derived from cross WA8649090 9 Precoz and identification of QTLs linked to early plant vigour traits. Of the 268 polymorphic markers (93 simple sequence repeats (SSR), three inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and 172 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs)), 265 (90 SSRs, three ISSRs and 172 RAPDs) were mapped on seven linkage groups, varying in length between 25.6 and 210.3 cM, coverage of 809.4 cM with an average marker spacing of 3.05 cM. The study also reported assigning of 24 new cross-genera SSRs of Trifolium pratense on the present linkage map. The RILs along with the parents were screened for shoot length, root length, seedling length, dry weight, number of leaves and number of branches based on two replications under polyhouse conditions. A QTLhotspot consisting of six QTLs for shoot length (cm), root length (cm) and seedling length (cm) was observed between a map distances of 56.61 and 86.81 cM on LG1.

1 illus, 4 table, 70 ref

035967   HOSURE S, PAVITRA G N, PRADEEPKUMAR S, JAGADEESWARY V, SATYANARAYAN K (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education Dep, CoVAS, Mannuthy- 680 651, Email: shreyanshhosure@gmail.com) : Training need assessment of teaching, research, extension and administrative competencies of assistant/associate professors of veterinary colleges of KVAFSU. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 109-12.

The aim of this research was to assess training need of teaching, research, extension and administrative competencies of assistant/associate professors from four veterinary colleges namely Bengaluru, Bidar, Hassan and Shimoga. An exploratory research design was adopted for the study. A total of 60 respondents were selected, fifteen each from four colleges. The result from the study revealed that majority of the respondents are in need of training on design of web-based learning materials (85.00 %) in teaching component, in research component majority are in need on skills in formulation of research proposals (88.33 %), majority are in need on training of skills in transfer of technology (70.00 %) in extension component and in administrative component majority are in need on skills in management of organizational resources (83.33 %). Need based training on different component has to be organized by the university. The university should consider the most preferred training methods identified in this study while developing training strategies and while training the professionals of the university. Short duration programmes, repetition of the existing programmes and conducting the training during vacations will help the staff to attend the programmes without affecting their regular works.

7 ref

035966   SHIVAKUMARA C, REDDY B S, PATIL S S (Agricultural Economics Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bengaluru- 560 065, Email: shivugarje@gmail.com) : Socio-economic characteristics and composition of sheep and goat farming under extensive system of rearing. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 105-8.

Sheep and goat play an important role in Indian economy and source of livelihood and employment to millions of rural households. Sheep and goats in India are mostly maintained on natural vegetation on common grazing lands, wastelands and uncultivated (fallow) lands, stubbles of cultivated crops and top feeds (tree loppings). Rarely they are kept on grain, cultivated fodder or crop residue. Sheep and goat rearing is the backbone of the economy of small and landless farmers in India. The study was carried out in Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Belagavi and Kalaburagi districts of Karnataka. The results of the study revealed that majority of the sheep and goat farmers belonged to age group of above 40 years and are illiterate (50-52 %). The family size of sheep and goat rearing households have medium size with 4-6 members. The maximum number of farmers were having income of less than `1 lakh per annum, who belonged to backward class, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. The total number of sheep per household were 25, 67 and 27 under small, medium and large herd size with an overall average of 71 sheep per farm. Similarly, about 17, 29 and 43 goats were found in small, medium and large flock size of goat with an average of 30 goats per flock. Majority of the farmers were having kaccha type of shed for rearing sheep (41.66 %) and goat (80 %).

4 ref

035965   LARA-FLORES M, OSTEN J R V (Mexico Univ, Mexico, Email: maurilio_lara@yahoo.com.mx) : Expression of estrogenic response genes in black mollies (Poecilia Sphenops) exposed to pyrogenic hydrocarbon and petroleum from campeche sound. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 100-4.

The estrogenic effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC´s) in animals are not reversible and can reduce populations. Sensitive methods such Q-PCR have been used to determine changes in gene expression and thus predict the effects before they become irreversible. The present study was designed to detect the expression on the estrogen receptors and vitellogenin genes in the Black Mollies fish (Poecilia sphenops) exposed to pyrogenic hydrocarbon and petroleum from Campeche Sound. The results indicate that the expression of transcript of the estrogen receptor and vitellogenin indicates are potentially useful as molecular biomarker for detecting the presence of endocrine-disruption compounds in environment.

18 ref