007343   KHEIRABADI K (, Sanandaj, Iran, Email: kheirabadikh@gmail.com) : Estimates of genetic trends for daily milk yield and somatic cell score of primiparous Holstein cattle in Iran. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 467–73.

Genetic and permanent environmental correlations between milk yield and somatic cell score (SCS) were estimated. The data set used in this analyse contained a total of 204,438 test-day (TD) observations of milk yield and SCS from 22,903 primiparous daughters of 554 dairy Holstein sires. A multiple-trait random regression TD model was employed in the analyses using the Gibbs sampling method. Obtained results showed that daily heritabilities were highest in the second half of lactation and varied from 0.086 to 0.250 for milk yield and 0.041 to 0.086 for SCS. Undesirable genetic relationships with milk yield were found for SCS with genetic correlations ranging from −0.093 to 0.319 that the highest was estimated between SCS days in milk (DIM) 305 and milk DIM 5. Based on these results, we can conclude that the cows with high yield potential in the initial stage of lactation had the highest genetic potential for SCS at the end of lactation. This emphasizes the need for including udder health traits in the breeding goal. However results of this investigation, based on genetic trends, indicate that more emphasis is paid to increase milk yield of Holstein cows in Iran with no or a little emphasis on SCC.

5 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref

007386   PATIL V, REDDY B S, PATIL S S, HIREMATH G M (Agricultural Economics Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur- 584 104, Email: vinayakagmaco@gmail.com) : Comparative economics of rural and periurban dairy farming in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(4), 762 -7.

Cost of milk production is an important economic indicator in assessing the farm house-hold efficiency in milk production as well as basis for price fixation. The study was under-taken to analyse the cost and returns of milk production in rural and periurban dairy farms of Kalaburagi district of Karnataka. The per day maintenance cost in periurban dairy farms (₹ 150.64) was highest compared to rural dairy farms (₹ 91.29)for local cows, crossbred cows and buffaloes. Among total maintenance costs of periurban dairy farming, feed and fodder costs accounted major share (73.49%) followed by labour cost (15.53%) and total fixed cost (7.73%). The return per litre of milk was highest (₹ 8.91) for crossbred cows followed by buffalo (₹ 4.82) and local cows (₹ 0.14). The net return from crossbred cow was more than that of buffalo and local cows indicating higher profitability in rearing crossbred cow in the study area.

2 tables, 20 ref

007416   SINGH A K, MALL A K, SINGH P K (ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow- 226 002, Email: ashutosh.mall@icar.gov.in) : Genetic study for epistatic gene effects for major yield contributing traits against drought in rice. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(4), 755-61.

The study subjected to estimate gene effects and inheritance of quantitative traits of rice with Generation Mean Analysis (GMA). Segregation analysis and estimation of genetic parameters under epistatic model indicated partial dominance and importance of additive effects in the inheritance of drought tolerance, respectively. In present study, absence of epistasis by scaling tests was recorded only for plant height in cross NDR-359 x P0 1564, grains per panicle in cross DSL-63-8 x NDR-359, test weight in cross Sarjoo-52 x P0 359, harvest-index in cross NDR-359 x P0 1564 and spikelets per panicle in cross Sarjoo-52 x P0 359 and NDR-359 x P0 1564 in irrigated condition and days to 50 percent flowering in cross P0 359 x Sonam and harvest-index in cross NDR-359 x P0 1564 in drought condition. In remaining cases, existence of epistasis was observed in either one or both conditions by one or both types of scaling tests. The presence of complementary epistasis in cross P0 359 x Sonam and P0 1564 x Sarjoo-52 would make progress through selection procedures exploiting additive gene actions faster while existence of duplicate epistasis in cross NDR-359 x P0 1564 would have reverse impact. The non-additive gene effects in NDR-359 x P0 1564 for grain yield plant^-1 may also be utilized for facilitating development of pureline cultivars by involving population improvement methods. Our study concluded that for a large number of traits in six crosses, dominance gene effects and epistatic interactions were significant under drought and irrigated conditions implying that utilization of heterosis through hybrid varieties will act as a budding choice.

3 tables, 18 ref

007320   DOGRA D (CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: drdikshadogra@gmail.com) : Seed storage protein of buckwheat genotypes grown in dry temperate climatic conditions. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 77-83.

Chinese buckwheat germplasm resources are plentiful. Almost all of the proved species of Fagopyrum Mill. in the world can be found in China, especially in the southwest regions such as Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou Provinces. Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) belongs to the family Polygonaceae. The protein content is higher than that reported for any other cereals and the amino acid composition matches the WHO recommended values for a nutritionally rich protein with a balanced amino acid composition. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the seed storage protein of promising genotypes of common buckwheat grown in Sangla region by following standard procedure. Overall performance taken together during the two consecutive years showed the range of variation in grain weight, moisture, crude protein, total soluble protein, albumin, globulin, glutelin and prolamin from 18.8 to 26.80 g, 10.2 to 10.9 %, 10.4 to 15.1 %, 9.4 to 13.3 %, 1.8 to 2.7 %, 4.3 to 5.9, 2.2 to 3.1 % and 0.07 to 0.13 %, in that order. Thus, nutrient variation observed will be useful in designing strategies that maximise the utilization of buckwheat crop.

3 tables, 39 ref

007291   ASEWAR B V, PENDKE M S, NARALE S H, GORE A K, CHARY G R, GOPINATH K A (VNMKV, Parbhani- 431 401, Email: asewarbv2007@gmail.com) : Influence of mechanization levels and energy dynamics on production potential of soybean under rainfed condition. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 71-6.

Available labour in the agricultural farm has been decreasing over the years. Mechanization of agriculture is an essential input in modern agriculture. It enhances productivity besides reducing human drudgery and cost of cultivation. Mechanization also helps in improving utilization efficiency. A field experiment was conducted on medium black soils in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state during 2016 to 2018 with respect to evaluation mechanization practices coupled with various in-situ rainwater conservation practices for rainfed soybean. The treatments of complete mechanization, partial mechanization and traditional methods of cultivation were evaluated for rainfed soybean (MAUS-162) along with sub plot treatments of broad bed and furrow (BBF), ridges & furrow and flatbed. Complete mechanization in soybean resulted in higher seed yield, Gross Monitory Returns (GMR), Net Monitory Returns (NMR), Benefit Cost ratio (B:C ratio) and Rain Water Use Efficiency (RWUE). In-situ moisture conservation practices viz. BBF and ridges & furrow method of sowing recorded highest seed yield, GMR, NMR, B:C ratio and RWUE as compared to traditional method of cultivation. Complete mechanization along with BBF method of sowing soybean is found to be significantly superior over all treatment combinations with respect to seed yield, NMR, B:C ratio, RWUE. The highest energy output -input ratio (10.2) was observed in complete mechanization with BBF method of sowing.

2 illus, 12 tables, 8 ref

007383   PANKAJ P K, NIRMALA G, SHANKAR K R, SAMUEL J, CHARY G R (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad- 500 059, Email: dr.prabhatkumarpankaj@gmail.com) : Sheep rearing for enhanced nutritional security and income generation in rural rainfed area of Telangana. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 66-70.

Sheep farming is the strength of South India where chevon is preferred species for meat, but in some of the areas of Telangana, its farming has been discontinued due to forage unavailability. Rural masses are already suffering from food and nutritional deficiencies. In order to improve nutrient availability of poor households in rural areas of Vikarabad district, Telangana, low input technology sheep farming coupled with improved forage production has been introduced under farmers FIRST project for supplementing the earnings of poor farmer. Deccani and Nellore sheep breeds each five ewes and one doe were given to geo-tagged, pre-trained six small farmers from Gangupalle village (17.30 ° N, 77.98 ° E), Pudur Mandal, Vikarabad District, Telangana, India for rearing. For comparison, the performance of 14 non-descript goats were also monitored. The nutritional status pre-and postintervention was assessed and as per the revenue generated from selling of sheep, 70% of money were allocated for egg, chicken and chevon purchases for family consumption. On adult unit basis, diet was deficient in energy as well as protein and it had too low energy levels to meet their Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) requirements. After the intervention, the energy deficiency in diet was reduced to meet out BMR requirement in all categories of people in the family. The diet chart revealed that females and children were more deficient in diet than males in an ideal family of six people. After the intervention, the diet was excess in protein to the tune of 14.27, 3.73 and 63.02 % in the male, female and children, respectively. The study revealed significant higher production performances of indigenous sheep (76.4 % better body weight) over the non-descript goat has a better support system to livelihood and nutritional security in the dryland region.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

007402   SAILEELA K, YAKADRI M, PRASAD J V N S, RAO K V, RAMESH T (Professor Jayashanakar Telangana State Agriculture Univ, Hyderabad- 500 030, Email: saileela838@gmail.com) : Productivity and economics of castor and pigeonpea based cropping systems with in-situ moisture conservation practices in shallow alfisols of semi arid regions. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 60-5.

A field experiment was conducted at Hayathnagar Research Farm, CRIDA during 2012-13 and 2013-14 in shallow Alfisols to assess the impact of altered land configuration and planting geometry on productivity and profitability of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) based cropping systems. The experiment consisted of eight treatments: T1: conventional planting of castor at 90 cm x 45 cm, T2: conventional planting of castor with one row of cowpea between two rows of castor, T3: paired row planting of castor with bed and furrow at 60/120 cm x 45 cm, T4: paired row planting of castor + cowpea (2 rows) + bed and furrow at 60/120 cm x 45 cm, T5: conventional planting of pigeonpea at 90 cm x 20 cm, T6: conventional planting of pigeonpea with one row of cowpea between two rows pigeonpea, T7: paired row planting of pigeonpea with bed and furrow at 60/120 cm x 20 cm, T8: paired row planting of pigeonpea + cowpea (2 rows) + bed and furrow at 60/120 cm x 20 cm. The experiment was laid out in RBD with 3 replications with a gross plot size of 26 m x 5 m. Significantly higher production efficiency and system productivity per day were recorded with T4 and T8 over other treatments and was comparable with T3 and T7 in castor and pigeonpea systems, respectively. Significantly higher gross monetary returns of R 44875 and 39919 ha^-1 for the castor and r 67147 and 62525 ha^-1 for pigeonpea was recorded with T4 and T8 during both the years of study. Sowing of cowpea as an intercrop in both pigeonpea and castor enhanced net returns compared to the respective sole crops. Higher net returns and benefit-cost ratios (B:C Ratio) were observed with bed and furrow treatments as compared to conventional treatments in castor and pigeonpea. Altering plant geometry into paired rows with bed and furrows provide an opportunity not only for cropping intensification but also for conserving moisture which contribute higher net returns under rainfed conditions in semi-arid regions of Hyderabad.

2 tables, 10 ref

007408   SHARMA K L, CHARY G R, REDDY K S, LAL M, INDORIA A K, SRINIVAS K, PRABHAKAR M, BASKAR K, ELAMATHI S, KUMAR V S (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad- 500 059, Email: kl.sharma@icar.gov.in) : Effect of conjunctive use of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients on soil quality parameters, key indicators and soil quality indices (sqis) under sorghum + cowpea intercropping system in rainfed vertisol soils of Southern India. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 47-59.

The present study was conducted at Kovilpatti Centre of All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA) to assess the impact of conjunctive nutrient management practices on soil quality parameters, to identify the key indicators of soil quality, to compute the soil quality indices (SQIs) and to identify the best conjunctive nutrient management practices from the view point of soil quality improvement in sorghum + cowpea intercropping (C1), sorghum sole cropping (C2) and cowpea sole cropping (C3) systems. The treatments were comprised of T1: control, T2: 100% N (inorganic), T3: 25 kg N (compost), T4: 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic) and T5: 15 kg N (green leaf) + 20 kg N (inorganic). The results of the present study clearly indicated that the conjunctive nutrient treatments significantly influenced organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) contents of soil in all the three systems; the potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) were significantly influenced in the C2 and C3 cropping systems. The dehydrogenase activity (DHA) was significantly highest under T3 in sole sorghum system with highest value of 1.41 µg TPF ha^-1 g^-1 of soil, which was on par with T4. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was significantly influenced by sole cowpea and sole sorghum systems, with highest values of 125.1 and 114.0 µg g^-1 of soil under T3, respectively. However, the labile carbon (LC) content was significantly influenced in all the three cropping systems, with the highest LC content of 338.3 (T3), 285.2 (T3) µg g^-1 and 339.64 (T4) of soil under sorghum + cowpea, sole sorghum and sole cowpea systems, respectively. The mean weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD) was significantly influenced by the treatments in the sole sorghum system with the highest value of 0.50 mm with the T5 treatment. When all the cropping systems were viewed together, the final set of key soil quality indicators for these Vertisol soils emerged were: EC, OC, available P, available S, available Zn, LC, MBC and BD. From the view point of RSQI, the order of superiority of the conjunctive nutrient management treatments was: T3: 25 kg N (compost) (0.95)=T4: 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic) (0.95) > T5: 15 kg N (green leaf) + 20 kg N (inorganic) (0.84) > T2: 100% N (inorganic) (0.73) > T1: control (0.55).

4 illus, 15 ref, 43 ref

007392   RAMACHANDRAPPA B K, THIMMEGOWDA M N, DHANPAL G N, SAVITHA M S, BABU P N S, GOPINATH K A, CHARY G R, RAO C S (All India Co-ordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Bengaluru- 560 065, Email: bkr_agron@yahoo.co.in) : Productivity and economics of fodder crops-chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) double cropping system as influenced by varieties and fertilizer levels in chickpea under alfisols of eastern dry zone of Karnataka. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 41-6.

A field experiment was carried out for 3 years at AICRP for dryland Agriculture, Bengaluru to study the performance of different fodder crops (fodder maize, sweet sorghum and giant bajra) followed by its residual effect on succeeding chickpea crop (Cicer arietinum L.) with two varieties (JG-11 and Annigeri^-1) and two fertilizer level (75 % RDF and 100 % RDF) under double cropping system during 2013 to 2015. Results showed that among fodder crops, giant bajra recorded significantly higher green fodder yield (43067, 32250 and 52059 kg ha^-1, during 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively) and significantly higher chickpea yield was recorded under preceding crop of giant bajra (1067, 945 and 584 kg ha^-1, respectively). Giant bajra recorded significantly higher main crop (fodder) equivalent yield (69386, 55560 and 75427 kg ha^-1, respectively). Higher system gross returns (R 104084, 86163 and 113129 ha^-1, respectively), net returns (R 64168, 41973 and 67539 ha^-1, respectively) and B: C ratio (2.61, 1.97 and 2.48, respectively) was recorded under giant bajra followed by chickpea double cropping system during 2013, 2014 and 2015. Among chickpea varieties, significantly higher main crop equivalent yield was recorded with JG-11 (62994, 53660 and 67230 kg ha^-1, respectively) compared to Annigeri^-1. Application of 100 % recommended dose of fertilizer recorded higher fodder crop equivalent yield (23532, 26520 and 67483 kg ha^-1, respectively) and higher system gross returns (35303, 32720 and 33720 ha^-1, respectively), net return (R 13519, 6857 and 8427 ha^-1, respectively) and B:C ratio (1.63, 1.27 and 1.33, respectively) compared to 75 % recommended dose of fertilizer during all these years. Among fodder crops, higher water use efficiency was recorded in giant bajra (1.84 kg hamm^-1) with chickpea variety JG-11 (2.73 kg ha-mm^-1) at 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers (1.77 kg ha-mm^-1). Higher sustainable yield index was recorded with giant bajra (0.189), JG-11 (0.64) and 100 % RDF (1.017).

4 tables, 13 ref

007350   KUMARI C R, REDDY B R, REDDY B S (Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Ananthapuramu- 515 001, Email: sahadevardd@gmail.com) : Evaluation of profitable intercropping system with pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Milsp.) under paired row planting system. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 38-40.

Field experiment was conducted with eight treatments viz. groundnut + pigeonpea (8:1), greengram + pigeonpea (8:1), foxtail millet + pigeonpea (8:1), cowpea + pigeonpea (8:1), groundnut + pigeonpea (14:2) in paired row planting, greengram + pigeonpea (14:2) in paired row planting, foxtail millet + pigeonpea (14:2) in paired row planting and cowpea + pigeonpea (14:2) in paired row planting during kharif 2016 in rainfed Alfisols at ARS, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh. Results indicated that higher main crop yield of groundnut (626 kg ha^-1) was recorded with groundnut + pigeonpea (8:1) followed by foxtail millet + pigeonpea (8:1), groundnut + pigeonpea (14:2) and foxtail millet + pigeonpea (14:2) compared to other intercropping systems. Higher net returns (₹ 17105 ha^-1) were recorded with groundnut + pigeonpea (8:1) followed by groundnut + pigeonpea (14:2), foxtail millet + pigeonpea (8:1) and foxtail millet + pigeonpea (14:2).

2 tables, 9 ref

007441   VIKRAMARJUN M, SEENAPPA C, THIMMEGOWDA M N, MURTHY K N K (ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 001, Email: vikramarjunyadav@gmail.com) : Yield performance of different contingent crops under delayed sowings in changed climate in rainfed agriculture. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 33-7.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018 at Dryland Agriculture Project, All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Dryland Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The experiment comprised of two factors laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (FRCBD) with three replications. Treatments consist of three sowing windows viz., August 2nd fortnight, September 1st fortnight and September 2nd fortnight and five crops viz., foxtail millet, finger millet, field bean, french bean and quinoa. Delayed dates of sowing caused drop in growth parameters which may be due to unfavorable weather conditions to the plants as well as high temperature which might have caused in lower rate of photosynthesis and reduced accumulation of food materials. Among the contingent crops and delayed sowings in kharif season under dryland condition, french bean showed better performance during August 2nd fortnight, September 1st fortnight and September 2nd fortnight realizing higher bean yield (2394, 1822 and 1150 kg ha^-1, respectively) and finger millet equivalent yield compared to field bean, finger millet, foxtail millet and quinoa.

1 table, 17 ref

007305   CHAUHAN S K, ROHIT, CHARY G R (R.B.S. Coll, Agra- 283 105, Email: coolyash40@yahoo.com) : Dryland practices for crop sustainability and productivity. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 26-32.

The productivity of dryland crops is low because, the onset, intensity and distribution of rainfall is highly unpredictable. To conserve natural resources for enhancing productivity and profitability, five dryland technologies during the rainy season Ridge planting in pearl millet,  Compartmental bunding in pearl millet,  Pearl millet + Sesame Strip cropping,  Pearl millet + Cluster bean strip cropping and Split application of N in pearl millet) and four technologies during the winter season  Deep tillage in mustard,Tillage after each effective rains in mustard, Chick pea + Mustard intercropping and Mustard proceeded by green manuring were demonstrated at farmers field in NICRA village Nagla Dulhe Khan, Agra. Improved agro technologies resulted in an overall increase in crop yield from 4.65 to 76.2% over the traditional practices. Higher net return and B:C ratio were also observed with improved practices. The results of the study revealed an increase in yield ranging from 8.35 to 76.22 % in pearl millet, 8.33 to 76.22 % in sesame, 7.41 to 74.00 % in cluster bean, 4.65 to 43.94 % in mustard, 14.24 to 43.94 % in chick pea and 7.74 % in barley under demonstration plots as compared to traditional practices.

15 tables, 22 ref

007304   CHARY G R, SHARMA K L, REDDY K S, LAL M, INDORIA A K, SRINIVAS K, PRABHAKAR M, SINGH A P, ABROL V, DADHICH H, et al. (ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad-500 059, Email: kl.sharma@icar.gov.in) : Impact of conjunctive nutrient management practices on soil quality indicators and soil quality indices under maize (Zea mays) - wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in hill and mountainous inceptisol soils of Northern India. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 17-25.

A field experiment was conducted in the rainfed Inceptisol soils of Rakh Dhiansar in Kandi areas of Western Himalayas of South Kashmir and Kumaon from 2001 to 2005. The main focus of the present study was to quantify the impact of conjunctive nutrient management practices on soil quality parameters, to identify the key indicators of soil quality using data redundancy technique and to compute integrated soil quality indices (SQIs) and relative soil quality indices (RSQIs) as influenced by the conjunctive nutrient management treatments in hill and mountainous Inceptisol soils in Northern India under maize - wheat system. Out of the total 10 treatments, five treatments viz., T₁: control, T₂: FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 + 20 kg N ha^-1, T₃: FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 + 30 kg N ha^-1, T₄: FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 + 40 kg N ha^-1 and T₅: green manuring with sunhemp + 20 kg N ha^-1 were selected for the soil quality assessment studies. The nutrient management treatments significantly influenced the SQIs which varied between 3.69 to 5.66 across the management treatments, while the RSQIs varied between 0.63 to 0.96. Of all the nutrient management treatments, the application of FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 + 40 kg N ha^-1 maintained significantly highest SQI of 5.66, which was at par with the application of FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 + 30 kg N ha^-1 and green manuring with sunhemp + 20 kg N ha^-1 both of which maintained SQI of 5.40. Irrespective of their statistical significance, the relative order of performance of the nutrient management treatments in maintaining the soil quality indices was: T₄: FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 + 40 kg N ha^-1 (5.66) > T₅: Green manuring with sunhemp + 20 kg N ha^-1 (5.44) > T₃: FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 + 30 kg N ha^-1 (5.40) > T₂: FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 + 20 kg N ha^-1 (5.16) > T₁: control (3.69). The percent contributions of each of these key indicators towards SQIs were also computed. It was observed that almost all the key indicators contributed more or less equally towards the SQIs except available N and available Fe, which contributed to a minimum extent of 2.27 % and 1.90 %, respectively. The percent contribution of the other key indicators was as follows: organic carbon (13.8 %), available P (13.4 %), available K (14.5 %), available Zn (12.6 %), microbial biomass carbon (13.7 %), bulk density (15.2 %) and mean weight diameter (11.6 %).

6 illus, 6 tables, 38 ref

007292   ASHRAF A M, RAGAVAN T (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tiruvallur-602 025, Email: ashrafbsa09040@gmail.com) : Effect of in-situ soil moisture conservation techniques, soil conditioner (pusa hydrogel) with stress management practices on growth and yield of rainfed cotton. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 9-16.

Field experiments were conducted at Regional Research Station, Aruppukottai, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu during rabi season of 2016 and 2017 to study the impact of in-situ moisture conservation and stress management practices on soil moisture retention and productivity of cotton under rainfed Vertisol soil with the test variety SVPR - 2. The experiments were laid out in split plot design replicated thrice. The main plot treatments consisted of different in-situ moisture conservation measures viz., Broad Bed and Furrows (I₁ ), Ridges and Furrows (I₂ ) and Compartmental Bunding (I₃ ). The subplot comprises the stress management practices viz., soil application of pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg ha^-1 (S₁ ), soil application of pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg ha^-1 + foliar spray of 1 % KCl (S₂ ), soil application of pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg ha^-1 + foliar spray of 5 % kaolin (S₃ ), soil application of pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg ha^-1 + foliar spray of PPFM @ 500 ml ha^-1 (S₄ ), soil application of pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg ha^-1 + foliar spray of salicylic acid 100 ppm (S₅ ) and control (S₆ ). The results of this study showed that treatment combination of broad bed and furrow and soil application of pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg ha^-1 + foliar spray of PPFM @ 500 ml ha^-1 recorded significantly higher values of growth characters such as plant height, dry matter production, LAI and yield attributes viz., sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls plant^-1, boll weight and seed cotton yield 1,580 kg ha^-1 (2016) and 1,943 kg ha^-1 (2017).

7 tables, 36 ref

007428   TALWAR H S, PRANUSHA P, KUMAR S (ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad- 500 030, Email: talwar@millets.res.in) : Variations in yield components, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and instantaneous water use efficiency and their interrelations among the selected set of elite germplasm lines of finger millet. Indian J Dryland Agric Res Dev 2019, 34(2), 1-8.

Finger millet has gained considerable attention worldwide, particularly in south Asia and Africa, due to its nutritional and health benefits. Recent studies indicated that this crop is vulnerable to drought and other major abiotic stresses. Examining traits related to drought and identifying genotypes having higher intrinsic stress tolerance to drought are of utmost important for yield improvement under water limiting situations. To address this, thirty-two germplasm lines were evaluated under well watered (WW) and water stressed (WS) conditions in field with the objectives to assess the range of variation in a selected set of finger millet germplasm for photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) and Instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) and evaluate their interrelations with yield components under water stress conditions. The results indicated that WS imposed at 40 days after sowing resulted in the decrease of 23.7 %, 32.1 % and 12.8 % in shoot biomass, grain yield and harvest index, respectively as compared with WW. Wider genetic variations in shoot biomass than grain yield under WS conditions confirm that the reproductive growth is more sensitive to water stress than the vegetative growth. Our data indicated clearly that low drought susceptible index (DSI) values of a genotype did not give a clear indication of higher productivity under WS conditions. Higher decrease in Tr (31.1 %) than Pn (17.4 %) under WS resulted in 22.9 % improvement in integrated water use efficiency (WUE) under WS as compared with WW. Positive relationships of Pn with both shoot biomass and grain under WW and absence of these relationships under WS suggested that the genotypes responded differentially to water limited conditions in terms of Pn under WS. Absence of relationships of Tr with both shoot biomass and grain yield under WW conditions and negative relationship under WS conditions with both biomass and grain yield suggested Tr is vital under WS and both shoot biomass and grain yield improved with lower Tr. Positive and highly significant relationship of WUEwith both shoot biomass (R² =0.37) and grain yield (R² =0.42) under WS suggested that WUE can be a potential criterion to select drought tolerant cultivars of finger millets.

4 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

007434   UPADHYAY R K, SINGH V R, VERMA R S, PADALIA R C, KUMAR R, CHAUHAN A, TEWARIF S K (Agronomy & Soil Sciences Dep, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, Email: rkupadhyayfzd@yahoo.com) : Development of postharvest management practices for quality essential oil production of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) W. Watson. J Essent Oil Res 2019, 31(6), 556-61.

Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) W. Watson, commonly known as lemongrass, is a member of Cymbopogon genus renowned for their highly prized essential oils for flavor and fragrance industries. A field experiment was conducted to standardize the postharvest storage practices for a prevalent high oil yielding cultivar ‘Krishna’ of lemongrass during 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 under open field, shade, and ventilated room; up to 10 days after harvest. Results revealed significantly higher essential oil content (1.14%) for freshly distilled herb as compared to stored herbs under different condition.- The highest geranial and neral ratio (1.45 to 1.58) recorded in essential oil i.e. distilled at first day of harvest (T₁) as compared to 1.37 to 1.44 in essential oil i.e. distilled at 10th day of harvest (T₁₀). In conclusion, C flexuosus should preferably be distilled as fresh i.e. same day of harvest for higher yield of quality essential oil.

1 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

007345   KIM T W, KIM I-S, HA J, KWON S G, HWANG J H, PARK D H, KIM S W, KIM C W (Gyeongnam National Univ of Science & Technology, Jinju- 52725, Email: swkim@gntech.ac.kr) : Prediction of relationships between pork color and muscular texture traits for entrepreneurial decisions. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1688-93.

This study was done to examine correlation between pork color and texture traits for entrepreneurial decision-making. Most traits between both factors had significant correlations, but presented low correlation values. The first correlation in the results of Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) maintained relatively high values of 47.9. The value was positive and negative contributions for hardness and gumminess, respectively. Loadings of color traits were more influenced by lightness and whiteness. However, influence of variance in texture trait showed only 7.6 % with color trait. The result indicates that there is no direct influence between pork color and texture, but an indirect influence. Therefore, we suggest that consumers and distributors as well as producers apply indirect criteria rather than directly assessing texture quality by pork color.

1 illus, 7 tables, 22 ref

007311   CHUNG T-H (Companion Animals and Animal Resources Science Dep, Joongbu Univ, Chungnam- 32713, Email: taehochung@daum.net) : Evaluation of liquid and dry aluminum chloride treatment of litter on litter quality and performance of duck. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1684-7.

This study investigated the effects of liquid aluminum chloride (liquid AlCl₃) and dry AlCl₃ litter treatment of duck litter on litter pH, ammonia (NH₃) emissions and total nitrogen (TN) and duck performance. 240 newborn Pekin ducks were randomly assigned to 12 pens (20 ducks per pen) for 42 days. The litter additives consisted of the following four groups with three replications per group using a randomized block design: Control, G₁ (50 g liquid AlCl₃/kg duck litter), G₂ (150 g liquid AlCl₃/kg duck litter) and G₃ (150 g dry AlCl3/kg duck litter). The liquid and dry AlCl₃ were applied by spraying and as a top-dressing, respectively. No significant difference was found on growth performance, however, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P<0.05) better in G₂. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found among duck litter pH at weeks 3, 5 and 6; NH₃ emissions at weeks 2, 3, 5 and 6; and TN at weeks 3 and 6. At week 6, NH₃ emissions from the duck litter were reduced by 23.1 %, 32.2 % and 36.7 % in G₁, G₂ and G₃, respectively. The addition of 150 g liquid or 150 g dry AlCl₃ to duck litter has the potential to increase FCR and TN content while reducing litter pH and NH₃ emission.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

007391   RAJKUMAR S, REDDY M R, SOMVANSHI R (ICAR- Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad- 500 030, Email: susithavet@yahoo.co.in) : Molecular typing of Indian Mycoplasma gallisepticum isolates. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1645-50.

M. gallisepticum infection is a serious economic threat to the poultry industry in India, and the genetic diversity of Indian isolates is unknown. Gene-targeted sequence analysis of M. gallisepticum was conducted for the first time to map the diversity among different Indian isolates from different regions and from different clinical conditions. Sequence analysis of the mgc2 gene grouped the 13 field isolates into four groups. The most prevalent sequence type, the group1 shared 100% identity with the foreign strains THA 3CK08 (Thailand) and UHP1CK99 (Israel). Groups two and three were novel, and were genetically distinct from the strains outside the country. Group four shared 100% similarity with the vaccine strain MG6/85. The nucleotide similarity between the 4 groups ranged from 94.3-99.2%. A PCR-RFLP method using HaeII was tested and validated for its ability to differentiate the Indian field isolates from vaccine strains.

2 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

007289   AO R, LIANG C, ZHIWEI K, BIN Z, CHUANSHE Z, ZHILIANG T, XIAOLI Z, TEKLEBRHAN T (The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha- 410 125, Email: 18711326324@163.com) : Effects of dietary methionine and lysine supplementation on growth performance, meat composition and rumen fermentation pattern in goats. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1629-34.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of methionine and lysine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality and rumen fermentation parameters in growing goats. Twenty Xiangdong black goats with initial body weights of 18.1 ± 2.07 kg were used and randomly assigned into four treatments including: no additive (Control), 1.27 % Methionine (T₁), 2.45 % Lysine-HCl (T₂), 1.27 % Methionine plus 2.45 % Lysine-HCl (T₃). After 28 days of feeding, the goats were slaughtered and samples were collected for the study. Supplementation of methionine and lysine had no effect on growth performance, meat quality, tissue chemical composition and rumen fermentation parameters. These findings suggest that the mode of supplementation of methionine and lysine used failed to detect the variation. 

5 tables, 32 ref

007437   VARGHESE M R, KATAKTALWARE M A, JEYAKUMAR S, DAS D N, RAMESHA K P, WANKHADE P R (ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru- 560 030, Email: minurachel123@gmail.com) : Testicular biometry and its relationship with age and body weight in young Deoni males. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1624-8.

The present study was designed to analyse the relationship between age, body weight and testicular biometry in young Deoni males. A total of 36 young Deoni males were monitored for body weight and testicular biometry measurements monthly. The average (Mean±S.D.) scrotal circumference (cm) and testicular volume (cm³) in <7 months, 7-12 months, >12-18 months, >18-24 months and >24 months age groups were 10.79±1.99, 13.4±2.25, 17.47±3.48, 21.19±2.64 and 25.9±1.71, respectively and 22.75±13.23, 43.05±18.32, 98.30±67.38, 174.46±89.20 and 258.01±89.23, respectively. The maximum increase in body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular volume and testicular weight was observed from nine to 16 months of age in young Deoni males. Age of the bulls had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the testicular biometry parameters. The correlation of age and body weight with all testicular parameters was positive and significant (P<0.05). It is concluded that age, body weight and testicular biometry are positively and significantly correlated with each other.

28 ref

007327   GRUSZCZYNSKA J, ALAMA A, MIASKO M, FLORCZUK– KOLOMYJA P, GRZEGRZOLKA B (Genetics and Animal Breeding Dep, Warsaw Univ of Life Sciences, Warszawa- 02-786, Email: joanna_gruszczynska@sggw.pl) : Molecular identification of sex in the monomorphic breed of pigeons. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1577-82.

In many avian species, especially in monomorphic species and breeds, sex identification creates a serious problem, as they do not show any phenotypic differences. One of such breeds is the Wroclaw Meat Pigeon. In this study, molecular identification of sex with P2 and P8 primers used for the CHD1 (chromo-helicase-DNA-binding-protein) gene amplification was performed. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed from 46 birds, and their DNA was isolated with the phenol-chloroform method. The fragments (370 bp CHD1-Z; 350 bp CHD1-W) obtained from the PCR were cut with the BsuRI. Only the sequence in the Z chromosome was cut into fragments of 305 and 65 bp by the restriction enzyme. The difference between CHD1-Z and CHD1-W was visualized in 3% agarose gel. A single band was identified as male, whereas two bands (plus 1 invisible) were identified as female. Consequently, 23 specimens in each sex were identified. 

28 ref

007346   KUMAR A, MISHRA S K, LAVAKUMAR S, SINGH K V, KUMARI N, SODHI M, MUKESH M, NIRANJAN S K, KUMAR A, KATARIA R S, ET AL. (National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal-132 001, Email: katariaranji@yahoo.co.in) : Detection of polymorphism in the promoter region of TNF-alpha gene of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and its association with disease resistance. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1572-6.

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, plays an important role in the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation and death, as well as in innate and adaptive immune response. In this study we have sequence characterized upstream regulatory region of TNF-á gene of buffalo. Ten single polymorphic nucleotides (SNPs) -541A/T, -553A/G, -563,C/G, -619A/G, -659A/G, -706C/G, -730G/T, -794A/G, -898G/T, -981A/G) along with one indel at position -783 were identified. Further when analysed, among riverine and swamp types, 16 and 17 transcription factor–binding sites (TFBS) respectively were observed. Riverine and swamp buffaloes differed by PAX-2 transcription factor binding site at position -541 present in riverine and absent in swamp, important in the proliferation of multiple cell lines and development of organs. Comparative analysis of TNF-á upstream region revealed presence of additional NF-k binding site in buffalo and v-Myb binding site in cattle only. Genotyping of SNP -794A/G by tetra-ARMS PCR revealed variable allele frequencies among riverine and swamp buffaloes, however in clinical mastitis affected and non-affected Murrah buffaloes this SNP didn’t show any significant association with mastitis resistance. Overall study reveals the sequence variation in TNF-á promoter, possibly leading to modification of transcriptional regulation in swamp and riverine buffalo.

22 ref

007299   BHARATHESREE R, MURALI N, SARAVANAN R, ANILKUMAR R (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, Veterinary Coll and Research Institute, Namakkal- 637 002, Email: mrsagb@gmail.com) : Polymorphism of Keratin- Associated Protein (KAP) 6.1 gene and its association with wool traits of sandyno and nilagiri breeds of sheep. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1566-71.

Polymorphic variants of keratin-associated protein (KAP) 6.1 gene with wool traits of Sandyno and Nilagiri breeds of sheep were investigated in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 125 Sandyno, Nilagiri and Dorset x Nilagiri breeds of sheep along with 76 numbers of wool samples. A 528 bp segment was amplified by PCR using ovine specific primers for KAP 6.1 gene. SSCP analysis of KAP 6.1 gene in Dorset x Nilagiri crossbred sheep resulted in two genotypes for the A/B with no polymorphism. KAP 6.1 gene locus revealed allele frequencies of  A, B, C, D and E in Sandyno sheep were 0.67, 0.23, 0.04, 0.01 and 0.04 and in Nilagiri were 0.75, 0.06, 0.11, 0.04 and 0.04 respectively. KAP 6.1 gene revealed departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. KAP 6.1 genes were found to have high degree of homozygosity (0.6667) in Nilagiri sheep. The effective number of alleles (Ne) for KAP 6.1 gene was 1.1690 and 1.7006 respectively in Sandyno and Nilagiri breeds of sheep. The PIC values for KAP 6.1 gene was 0.1341 and 0.3909 in Sandyno and Nilagiri breeds of sheep respectively. FIS values for KAP 6.1 gene was positive (0.1909) in Nilagiri breed and it was negative (– 0.0110) in Sandyno breed. Least squares analysis of variance showed significant (P<0.05) effect between genotypes and between sexes for wool traits like GFW (kg), CWY (%) and FD (µ). Significant (P<0.05) effect of breed (Sandyno and Nilagiri) was observed for all the wool traits (GFW, CWY, FD, SL and Medullation %). Significant (p<0.05) higher CWY production was recorded for AC genotype (62.00 ± 1.73 %) while low value was recorded for BB genotype (56.25 ± 1.74 %). FD was found to be high in genotype AC (24.29 ± 1.17 µ) than in AA genotype (23.24 ± 0.49 µ). The homozygote AA was found to have more Medullation (%) and SL. Genotypes BB had higher GFW and lower CWY. The heterozygous genotype AC yielded more FD and CWY with lower most Medullation (%) and SL values. From the study, it may be concluded that KAP 6.1 gene might be a potential molecular marker for genetic selection of wool traits in Sandyno and Nilagiri breeds of sheep .

20 ref

007377   OKAFOR O L, OKORO V M O, MBAJIORGU C A, OKOLI I C, OGBUEWU I P, OGUNDU U E (Agriculture and Animal Health Dep, South Africa Univ, Johannesburg, South Africa, Email: melavicong@gmail.com) : Influence of chicken growth hormone (cGH) SNP genotypes on morphometric and growth traits of three chicken breeds in Nigeria. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1559-65.

This study was conducted to identify the diversity of chicken growth hormone (cGH) single nucleotide polymorphs’ (SNP) and their association on morphometric and growth traits of three Nigerian chicken breeds namely Funaab Alpha (FA), Shikabrown (SB) and Nigerian local chicken (NLC). Morphometric traits measured include shank length (cm), breast girth (cm) and breast width (cm) while growth traits measured were final body weight, av. weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio all at laying stages respectively.  Morphometric and growth traits were significantly influenced (P<0.05) between the different breeds.  The SNP panel showed two base pair substitution mutation (GT and CA) on locus 5 chromosome for the FA and locus 6 chromosome for the SB and NLC respectively. The G–T alignment produced genotypes GG and GT, with TT not observed. Also C–A alignment produced genotypes CC and CA, with AA not observed. The NLC breed had the highest number of haplotypes of 6 while FA and SB had 4 haplotypes each implying that the local breed had more allelic variation than the other two breeds. Also FA had heterozygosity of 0.48 while SB and NLC had a value of 0.44, indicating higher genetic variability of FA breed than the rest with negative theta value (-0.0843) of F-statistics indicating high level of outbreeding. The conducted association of SNP genotypes showed no significant association effects (P>0.05) on the morphometric traits, except for SB breed where CA genotypes was significantly associated with CC for bodyweight, and in NLC breed where CC genotype was also significantly associated with CA genotypes for shank length. 

25 ref

007333   IRFAN, JAVID A, HUSSAIN A, ASHRAF M, MAHMUD A, ALTAF M, HUSSAIN S M, BUKHARI S M (Wildlife and Ecology Dep, Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Lahore, Pakistan, Email: irfanbaboo@gmail.com) : Variations in carcass yield and meat sensory quality attributes between turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) reared in free-range and confinement rearing systems. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1543-7.

Experiment was conducted to compare carcass yield and meat sensory quality parameters of turkeys Meleagris gallopavo reared under free-range and confinement rearing systems. There were two treatments, each containing 25 birds. In indoor treatment, the turkeys were raised in a 20 × 20 feet (length × width) room. In the free-range treatment, the birds were housed in an open cage having same dimensions i.e. 20 × 20 feet (length × width), in addition, they had a free-range grass paddock. To compare sensory attributes 4 ready to-cook turkeys having equal size were selected from free-range and indoor rearing systems. The birds were skinned and boneless breast fillets and thighs were weighed and steam roasted. The roast breast meat of free-range turkeys was darker and yellower whereas cooked thigh was light yellow than meat from indoor birds. Among the rearing systems non-significant variations in all the meat sensory quality attributes were recorded for chest pieces of male and female and thigh piece of female birds. However, significant (p<0.05) differences in color, tenderness, oiliness and overall acceptability were observed for thigh meat of male M. gallopavo. Similarly, significantly (p<0.05) heavier wing piece, liver, kidneys and claws were observed in M. gallopavo reared in confinement as compared to free-range rearing system. It can be concluded from the present study that carcass yield and meat sensory quality attributes are influenced by the rearing systems and meat of the birds reared under free-range system is preferred by the consumers due to better sensory quality attributes. 

3 tables, 27 ref

007429   THORAT B N, THOMBRE B M, BHOITE U Y (Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science Dep, MGM Nanasaheb Kadam coll of Agriculture, Aurangabad- 431 007, Email: badam.thorat2010@gmail.com) : Comparative study of fitting various lactation curve models in Holdeo crossbred cattle. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1538-42.

The present investigation was carried out on 838 weekly test day milk yield records of first lactation pertaining to 411 HF x Deoni (Holdeo) crossbred cows spread over 38 years located at Cattle Cross Breeding Project, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (Maharashtra). The comparison of four lactation curve models viz, Parabolic exponential function, Wood’s gamma function, Quadratic model and Mixed log function was made in the present investigation. Mixed log function described as an excellent model for prediction of WTDY with the highest coefficient of determination (99.01 %) with comparatively lowest root-mean-square error (0.16 kg) value. The quadratic model was least fit model with the lowest coefficient of determination (90.76 %) and the highest root-mean-square error (0.51 kg) among the four models in Holdeo. The predicted error in WTDY in Parabolic exponential function, Wood’s gamma function and mixed log function were the highest in WTDY5 and in Quadratic model it was highest in WTDY6. The errors between the observed values and predicted values were highest during the peak phase in all four models. The errors in estimated and predicted WTDMY values in initial milk yield of Holdeo cows were lower than the peak yield. The ascending phase of lactation curve was shorter than the descending phase. The gamma type function when compared to mixed log function, explained low peak yield and it is recommended that this function can give the best fit for the low yielding cows.

6 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

007380   OSITA C O, ANI A O, EZEMA C, OYEAGU C E, UZOCHUKWU I E, EZEMAGU I E (Animal Science Dep, Nigeria Univ, Nsukka, Nigeria, Email: charles.osita@unn.edu.ng) : Growth, lipid profile and methane production by sheep fed diets containing yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae). Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1485-8.

A twelve-week study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance, lipid profile and methane production by West African dwarf sheep. Twenty four (24) lambs(12 males and 12 females) were randomly allotted to six treatment diets in a 3x2 factorial arrangement involving grass (Panicum maximum) hay, grass/ legume mixture (50:50) hay and legume (Centrosema pubescens) hay  either without or with S. cerevisiae supplementation (1.5g/ kg diet). Result showed that the average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and final body weight were significantly higher for sheep fed legume diet with S. cerevisieae supplementation than those fed other diets. Sheep fed grass diet without supplementary yeast had significantly higher methane emission than those fed other diets. Based on the results, the addition of S. cerevisiae to legume diet was recommended to improve feed intake, daily weight gain, feed efficiency and methane emission.

3 tables, 19 ref

007401   SAIKHLAI K, POEIKHAMPHA T, BUNCHASAK C, KRUTTHAI N, CHOMTEE B, RAKANGTHONG C (Animal Science Dep, Kasetsart Univ, Bangkok, Thailand, Email: fagrcwr@ku.ac.th) : Effect of whole wheat levels in diet on production performance, egg quality and nutrient digestibility of laying hens. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1480-4.

The experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of whole wheat on the production performance, egg quality, and nutrient digestibility when supplemented primarily at the expense of corn in ground corn-soybean meal control diets. The experiments utilized Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens from 45 to 53 wk of age. The results were shown that feeding 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 % whole wheat in diet had no effect on the production performance and egg quality, whereas 15, 20, and 25 % whole wheat in diet decreased the yolk color (based on the Roche color fan score) when compared with layers fed the control diet.Whole wheat level in diet had no effect on dry matter,organic matter digestibility, and apparent metabolizable energy when compared with laying hens fed the control diet. Therefore, whole wheat can be used at levels of up to 25 % in laying hen diets without negatively affecting the production performance, but levels over 15 % whole wheat decreased the yolk color.

24 ref

007445   WAQAS M, MEHMOOD S, MAHMUD A, SAIMA, HUSSAIN J, AHMAD S, KHAN M T, REHMAN A, ZIA M W, SHAHEEN M S (Poultry Production Dep, Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Lahore- 54000, Email: doctorwsi639@gmail.com) : Effect of yeast based mannan oligosaccharide (Actigen™) supplementation on growth, carcass characteristics and physiological response in broiler chickens. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1475-9.

The effect of a prebiotic mannan oligosaccharides (Actigen™) supplementation for 35 days was analyzed on growth, carcass traits and blood physiology of broilers. A total of 360-day-old broilers distributed under completely randomized design into four treatment groups with 24 replicates of 15 birds each was fed with Actigen™ supplemented diets @ 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/Kg and a control diet. Data for growth performance were collected weekly while slaughtering data at 35th day. Results showed that the birds fed with Actigen™ added diet @ 0.6 g/Kg exhibited improved livability % (98.88±1.11), feed intake (3391.68±38.70 g), body weight (2157.66±31.52 g), weight gain (2111.49±30.89 g), FCR (1.57±0.03), dressing % (72.28±0.40), breast yield% (29.58±0.05), thigh yield% (31.61±0.30) and blood biochemical parameters. Superior (P£0.05) antibody response against ND and IB were recorded in birds exposed to Actigen™ supplemented diet @ 0.6 g/Kg.  It was concluded that Actigen™ supplementation @ 0.6 g/Kg corroborated to improve growth, carcass traits, blood biochemistry and antibody response in broilers.

42 ref

007444   WANKHEDE S M, DESHMUKH A D, REKHATE D H, MANWAR S J, ALI S S, KORDE J P (Animal Nutrition Dep, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary and Animal Science, Akola- 440 001, Email: suneetw1975@gmail.com) : Effect of different levels of roasted guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) korma with or without ß-mannanase supplementation on performance and carcass traits of broilers. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1469-74.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of roasted guar korma with or without mannanase supplementation on performance and carcass traits of broilers. Nine hundred and sixty day old commercial broiler chicks (Vencobb-400 strain) were divided into sixteen treatment groups of 60 each for six weeks. The diet without roasted guar korma served as control. The rest of the diets were formulated by incorporating 10 %, 12.5 %, 15 %, 17.5 % and 20 % levels of roasted guar korma, partially replacing soybean meal with and without enzyme (ß-mannanase) at two  levels (500 g/t and 750 g/t). Body weight gain at the starter phase was found to be non significant however at the finisher phase the differences were significant (P<0.05) for T₂ (563.35 g) and T5 (533.55 g) than the rest of the groups including control. Differences of feed consumption were significant (P<0.01) at the end of starter as well as finisher phases whereas FCR differences were found to be non-significant. Dry matter digestibility was observed significantly better in T₅ group. Significantly (P<0.01) better nitrogen retention was observed in T₅ and T₆ groups than the groups having higher levels of roasted guar korma. Eviscerated weight differed significantly (P<0.01) whereas non-significant differences were observed for giblet per cent, abdominal fat per cent, edible meat per cent and dressing per cent. It was concluded that 12.5 per cent of roasted guar korma with supplementation of ß mannanase @ 500g/t can be safely added in the broiler diet without any adverse effect on performance, nutrient digestibility as well as carcass trait.

27 ref

007352   KUSHWAHA M K, BHAKAT M, MOHANTY T K, KUMAR R, SINHA R, RAHIM A, SINGH P, KHOSLA K, SHAH N, DANISH Z (ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal- 132 001, Email: bhakat.mukesh@gmail.com) : Use of scrotal infrared thermography and ultrasonography to understand thermoregulation of testis and sperm quality in Karan fries breeding bull. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1420-4.

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of testicular covering thickness, scrotal circumference and scrotal surface temperature gradient insert semen quality attributes of Karan Fries breeding bull. Six ejaculates were collected from each randomly selected bulls (n=15), and seminal quality attributes were evaluated during peak winter season. Same time scrotal surface temperature gradient (SSTG), the thickness of testicular covering (TTC) and scrotal circumference (SC) of individual bulls were recorded using DarviDTL007 infrared thermography camera, ultrasonography and measuring tape, respectively. Three groups were formed based on  SSTG (Group I- £ 4 ºC, Group II- 4.1 to 6.8 ºC and Group III- ³6.9 ºC), two groups based on  TTC (Group I- 3.03 to 4.85 and Group II- 4.86 to 7.03 mm) and SC (Group I- 32 to 35 and Group II- 36 to 41 cm). Ejaculate rejection rate (ERR) was significantly decreased with the increase of SSTG and SC. ERR was not affected with TTC. The increase of SSTG (from GroupI to Group III), mass activity and non-eosinophilic sperm count were significantly increased, and sperm abnormalities were significantly (p<0.01) decreased. Similarly, with the increase of SSTG and abnormalities were significantly (p<0.01) increased among different groups. Ejaculate volume and non-eosinophilic sperm count were significantly (p<0.01) increased with SC group I and group II. It can be concluded that scrotal surface temperature gradient was a better indicator of semen quality as compared to the thickness of testicular covering and bulls having a higher scrotal surface temperature gradient, scrotal circumference and lower thickness of testicular covering produced better quality semen.

3 tables, 20 ref

007347   KUMAR D, CHAHAL P K, GHANGHAS B S (Extension Education Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar- 125 004, Email: pardeepchahal46@gmail.com) : Adoption level of modern sorghum production technology in Haryana. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 243-5.

In India sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop after wheat, rice, maize and barley. It is mainly grown in the region of Peninsular and Central India. Maharashtra is leading state in sorghum production followed by Karnataka while Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other states grow sorghum in small areas mainly for fodder. In Haryana, sorghum is grown as fodder crop and area of sorghum in Haryana is 40.3 thousand hectare, and total production of sorghum is 21.3 thousand tones with average yield of 528 kg per hectare (DOA, Haryana). The objective of the study was to find out the adoption level of modern sorghum production technology in Haryana on various parameters. In Gurugram district, two blocks were selected and out of these two blocks, eight villages were selected randomly for the study (Four villages from each block). 120 sorghum growers were selected from these eight villages and interviewed with the help of a well structured interview schedule on different independent and dependent variables. The collected data was analyzed with various statistical tools. The results of the study revealed that in case of recommended cultivars majority of respondents belong to full adoption category. Majority of respondents had partial level of adoption in recommended seed rate, time of planting, manure and fertilizers, intercultural operations, irrigation and disease and their control. To overcome the partial adoption, there are some strategies we should follow, like need to highlight the sorghum production to bridge the gap in demand and availability of fodder in the area. Regular trainings of sorghum growers should be organized related to fodder and animal sciences. Agriculture Officers must be given trainings through various refresher courses on sorghum and other fodder production technologies.

1 table, 5 ref

007341   KEDITSU Z, NEOG S B, BARUA N S (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat- 785 013, Email: yayoked@gmail.com) : Correlation and path coefficient analysis of some fodder yield components of ricebean (Vigna umbellata) under rhizobium treatment. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 240-2.

The study was conducted to investigate the correlation coefficient and path coefficient in relation to fodder yield and other yield attributing traits. Correlation studies revealed that, both at genotypic and phenotypic levels, significant positive correlation of green forage yield was observed for days to 50 percent flowering, plant height, leaf breadth, leaf area per plant, leaves per plant, leaf-stem ratio, primary branches per plant, length of primary roots, root volume per plant and dry matter yield. Path analysis showed that, dry matter yield showed the highest and positive direct effect on green forage yield. Leaf area per plant and primary branches per plant had negative direct effect on green forage yield.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

007412   SHEKARA B G, MAHADEVU P, CHIKKARUGI N M, MANASA N (Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya- 571 405, Email: bgshekar66@gmail.com) : Response of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) varieties to nitrogen levels for higher green forage yield and quality in southern dry zone of Karnataka. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 232-4.

A field experiment was conducted at zonal agricultural research station, V. C Farm, Mandya (Karnataka) during kharif 2018 to know the response of pearl millet varieties to nitrogen levels and to identify optimum level of nitrogen for higher green forage yield and quality. The study revealed that, variety TSFB 15-4 significantly recorded higher green forage, dry matter and crude protein yield (284.0, 64.0 and 4.7 q/ha, respectively) and superior over national check Giant Bajra (262.8, 57.2 and 3.7 q/ha, respectively). The same variety recorded higher net monetary returns (Rs. 42074/ha). Application of 90 kg N/ha significantly recorded higher green forage, dry matter and crude protein yield (292. 8, 71.8 and 5.4 q/ha, respectively) and net monetary returns (Rs.43194/ha) over other levels.

2 tables, 8 ref

007336   KALE R V, TAKAWALE P S (BAIF Development Research Foundation, Urulikanchan, Pune, Email: pramodkumar.takawale@baif.org.in) : Seed priming techniques improve germination, forage yield, and economics of fodder maize. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 229-31.

Poor germination and inconsistent plant population of the crop is due to the delay in sowing and reduction in the moisture content of the soil. Seed priming is the process of controlled hydration of seeds at a level that gives permission to pre-germination metabolic activity to proceed but prevents actual emergence of the radical. A study was conducted to find out the best seed priming method to enhance the fodder yield of maize African tall. Among the various treatment combinations of seed priming, significantly higher germination percentage at 88.88 %, green fodder yield, dry matter yield and crude protein yield of 756.98, 159.89 and 13.32 q/ha respectively were recorded in treatment of maize African tall seed with ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 % for 12 hrs which was at par with seed priming with ZnSO₄ @ 0.5% for 6 hrs. The maximum net monetary return was obtained in seed priming treatment of with ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 % for 12 hrs with Rs 108225/ha followed by seed priming treatment of ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 % for 6 hrs with Rs. 105406/ha. A similar trend was observed in the benefit cost ratio.

3 tables, 5 ref

007436   VANDANA, SUTALIYA J M, ARYA R K, MADAN V K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vandana.bhankhar@gmail.com)) : Effect of inorganic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of asalio (Lepidium sativum). Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 225-8.

Asalio (Lepidium sativum L.) is cultivated for food, feed and medicinal supplements. It is also useful to increase the milk production in animals. The field experiment was conducted using HLS-4 variety of Asalio in eleven treatments (i.e. T₁ : N: P 80: 40 kg/ha, T₂ : N: P 60: 30 kg/ha,T₃:N:P  80:40 kg/ ha+PSB, T₄ : N: P 80: 40 kg/ha + Azotobactor, T₅:N:P 60: 30 kg/ha + PSB, T₆: N:P 60:30 kg/ha + Azotobactor, T₇: N: P 40:20 kg/ha + PSB, T₈ :N:P 40:20 kg/ha + Azotobactor, T₉ : N:P 80:40 kg/ha + PSB+ Azotobactor, T₁₀: N:P 60:30 kg ha + PSB+ Azotobactor, T₁₁: N: P 40: 20 kg/ha + PSB + Azotobactor) in RBD during Rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Research Farm of MAP Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. In the present study, During 2017-18, the maximum seed yield (1750 kg/ha), net return (Rs.36534/ha) and B:C ratio (2.3) was fetched with the application of T9 treatment i.e. N: P 80: 40 kg/ha + PSB + Azotobactor. Seed yield in T₉: N: P 80: 40 kg/ ha + PSB+ Azotobactor was found superior to the other set of treatments but was at par with T₄: N: P 80:40 kg/ha + Azotobactor and T₃: N: P 80: 40 kg/ha + PSB treatments. Lowest seed yield (1198 kg/ha) net return (Rs. 21616/ha) and B: C ratio (1.5) was observed with treatment T₇ i.e. N: P 40: 20 kg/ha + PSB. Likewise, during 2018-19, maximum seed yield (2010 kg/ha) of Asalio was recorded in T₉: N: P 80: 40 kg/ha + PSB+ Azotobactor which was significantly superior to the rest of treatments except T₃: N: P 80: 40 kg/ha + PSB and T₄ : N: P 80: 40 kg/ha + Azotobactor. Highest net return (Rs.44418/ha) and B: C ratio (2.80) was found with treatment T₉: N:P 80:40 kg/ha + PSB+ Azotobactor which was followed by T₄: N: P 80: 40 kg/ha + Azotobactor and T₃: N: P 80: 40 kg/ha + PSB, therefore, treatment, N: P 80: 40 kg/ ha + PSB + Azotobactor has good potential for commercial cultivation.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

007389   PRAJAPATI B, PRAJAPATI J, KUMAR K, SHRIVASTAVA A (Agronomy Dep, RHSKVK, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, Email: brajkishorprajapati1@gmail.com) : Determination of the relationships between quality parameters and yields of fodder obtained from intercropping systems by correlation analysis. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 219-24.

The experiment was conducted at Sorghum Agronomy Block of Instructional Dairy Farm, Nagla, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand (India) during kharif seasons of 2015 and 2016 to evaluate fodder based intercropping systems for various quality and yield traits of fodder. Ten treatments as detailed in materials and methods section were tested in three replications following randomized block design. The analysis of data indicated that all cell wall structural components (NDF/ADF/hemicelluloses) showed positive correlation with each other. NDF and ADF were existed negative association with cell content, CP content, DDM, DMI, TDN, RFV, NEl and mineral content. CP content was significantly and positively associated with DDM, DMI, TDN, RFV and NEl while negative association with cell wall structural components (ADF/NDF/ hemicellulose). DDM was positive correlation with cell content, DM content, CP content, DMI, TDN, RFV, NEl and mineral content. DMI and RFV were negative association with cell wall structural components. The CPY and DDMY were positively and significantly correlated with DM content, cell content, CP content, DDM and mineral content. DM content was positively correlated with all yields (GFY, DFY, DDMY and CPY) and this association was significant. The CPY and DDMY were positively and significantly correlated with DM content, cell content, CP content, DDM and mineral content. Association of cowpea with sweet sorghum improved the quality of fodder. Sweet sorghum+cowpea system provided higher green fodder, dry fodder, crude protein and digestible dry matter yield under Tarai agro climatic situation of Uttarakhand.

2 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

007309   CHONGLOI K L, SHARMA K K (ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Lamphelpat, Imphal, Email: levischongloi@gmail.com) : Productivity of food-forage intercropping system as influenced by integrated nutrient management. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 206-11.

A field experiment was conducted at two different areas of the Instructional-Cum-Research (ICR) farm of the Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam) in 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study the “Productivity of food-forage intercropping system as influenced by integrated nutrient management”. The treatments consist of four intercropping system viz. C₁: sole oats, C₂: sole pea, C₃: 3:2 row proportions and C₄: 3:3 row proportion of oat+pea intercropping and four integrated nutrient management Viz., F₁: RDF (inorganics), F₂: 50 % N of RDF + 50 % N through FYM, F₃: 50 % N of RDF + 50 % N through vermicompost and F₄: 50 % N through FYM + 50 % N through vermicompost. Thus sixteen treatment combinations were laid out in split plot design with three replications with intercropping system in the main plots and INM in the sub-plots. The soils of the experimental site were acidic in reaction, sandy loam in texture, medium in OC, low in available N and P₂ O₅ and medium in K₂ O. Highest green forage and dry matter yield was recorded in sole oats, among the intercropping system the highest green forage yield of 199.38 and 217.98 q/ha and dry matter yield of 43.52 and 49.72 q/ha was recorded in 3:2 row proportions during 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively. Application of 50 % N of RDF + 50 % N through vermicompost to oats gave the highest green forage and dry matter yield during 2014-15 and 2015-16. Superior pod yield was recorded in sole pea culture showing the value of 44.74 and 47.24 q/ha in 2014- 15 and 2015-16 respectively. The pea equivalent yield was observed to be highest in sole pea but among the intercropping system statistically superior pea equivalent yield was recorded in 3:3 row proportions over 3:2 row proportions and sole oats in both the experimental years. Integrated nutrient management on pod yield, green forage yield, dry matter yield and pea equivalent yield was significantly higher in 50 % N of RDF + 50 % N through vermicompost than the other treatment combination in both the years. Therefore, in oat-pea intercropping system, it can be recommended to apply 50 % RDF through vermicompost + 50 % RDF through inorganic fertilizers, which will reduce the load of chemical fertilizers up to 50 % with 3:3 row proportions of oat+pea intercropping systems.

6 tables, 15 ref

007443   WAGH V R, SONONE A H, DAMAME S V (Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Email: shivajidamame@gmail.com) : Assesement of genetic diversity in forage oat (Avena sativa L.). Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 203-5.

The present study was conducted during winter season of 2016-17 with 27 diverse oat genotypes. On the basis of D2 values all the twenty seven genotypes studied were grouped into six clusters. Cluster I with ten genotypes emerged as the largest cluster followed by Cluster II and cluster III with seven genotypes each. Cluster IV, V and VI were solitary clusters. The highest intra cluster distance was observed for the cluster III containing seven genotypes, followed by cluster II containing seven genotypes and cluster I containing ten genotypes. The maximum (%) contribution towards genetic divergence was contributed by green forage yield followed by leaf/stem ratio and leaf length. The superior genotypes identified for hybridization for green forage yield improvement were Phule Surabhi, ROG-15-3, ROG15-11, ROG-15-19, Phule Harita and ROG-15-24.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

007395   RATHOD D P, GAMI R A, CHAUHAN R M, KUGASHIYA K G, PATEL R N (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, S D Agricultural Univ, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, Email: ramangami@gmail.com) : Genetic analysis in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 197-202.

The experiment in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] was carried to study gene action and combining ability of 27 hybrids were generated by L×T fashion during early summer, 2018 at Sorghum Research Station, SDAU, Deesa. The 27 hybrids along with 12 parents and two standard checks (GJ 39 and CSH 30) were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications at Sorghum Research Station, SDAU, Deesa (Gujarat) during kharif, 2018. The ratio of σ²_gca/σ²_sca being more than unity was found for days to flowering, stem girth and leaf width which suggested greater role of additive genetic variance in the inheritance of these traits. Based on the gca effect, the parents DS 173, DS 156 and DS 155 were good general combiners for green fodder yield per plant and the parent DS 137, DS 149 and DS 155 were found good general combiners for grain yield per plant.. The hybrids 7A × DS 161, 296A × DS 137 and 7A × DS 149 for grain yield per plant and 296A × DS 161, 7A × DS 156 and 2219A × DS 155 for green fodder yield per plant were the most promising hybrids on the basis of significant positive sca effect. These crosses also exhibited positive significant sca effect for other contributing traits viz., plant height, leaf length, leaf: stem ratio, dry fodder yield per plant and protein content. Thus, these hybrids showing significant sca effect can be directly used for hybrid breeding programme.

1 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

007417   SINGH A, TOMAR P, SINGH A, CHIRANJEEV, NIKHIL (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut- 250 110, Email: atars49@gmail.com) : Genetic divergence analysis of morphological traits in oat (Avena sativa L.). Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 189-96.

A total of twenty five genotypes were characterized according to twenty morphological and seed traits. The genotypes differed significantly for most of the traits and relatively wide range of mean for all traits indicated the presence of variation among the tested genotypes. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, high heritability coupled with genetic advance as percent of mean based on pooled analysis revealed for seedling dry weight per plant and seed vigour index. Seed yield per plant was showed positive and significant correlation with harvest index, biological yield per plant, dry weight per plant, number of reproductive tillers per plant leaf width, test weight, plant height and number of seeds per main spike, while negative significant with days to flowering and days to maturity at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. High positive direct contribution of biological yield per plant followed by number of leaves per plant, seed germination, spike length, leaf length, harvest index, biomass yield per plant, days to flowering seedling dry weight per plant and number of reproductive tillers per plant simple selection could be effective for these traits. The Cluster with higher number of lines means had low genetic diversity and they are more closely related. Highest intra cluster distance was observed for cluster I and maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster I and III indicates that the genotypes included in these clusters are having broad spectrum of genetic diversity and could very well be used in hybridization programme of oat for improving seed yield. Whereas the minimum average inter cluster D2 value was recorded between cluster III and II. The lowest inter cluster distances indicate that the genotype of these clusters had close relationship and hence, may not be emphasized upon to be used in hybridization programme. The genotypes viz; JHO 03-91, SKO 105, CSAOFSC 14-6, SKO 101, JHO 2007-1, NDO 612 and JHO 851 and cluster III characterized by days to maturity, leaf width, number of nodes per plant number of leaves per plant, biological yield per plant, dry weight per plant and spike length with genotypes namely; CSAOFSC 11-5, CSAOFSC 11-1, CSAOFSC 12-1, UPO 212, CSAOSC 12-1 and OS 403 were expected to exhibited high heterotic performance and are also likely to produce new recombinants with desired characters to get desirable segregates with higher seed yield for developing superior variety of oat.

9 tables, 25 ref

007360   LYNGDOH A A, NEOG S B, SARMA A, DAS K, DAS P (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat- 785 013, Email: andrean123nem@gmail.com) : Heterosis and combining ability studies in a diallel cross of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) genotypes for green forage yield and its component traits. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 183-8.

A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional-cum-Research Farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam), India during Rabi 2017-18 to evaluate genotypes for high forage yield coupled with low ODAP content. Seven diverse parental lines of grass pea were crossed in a 7×7 diallel mating design excluding reciprocals. The twenty one F1 hybrids obtained were evaluated along with their parents in randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the parents and the F1’s for all the characters studied. The studies on combining ability indicated the predominance of dominance variance for most of the characters studied except for days to 50% flowering and leaves per plant. The parent Prateek was the best general combiner for both green forage yield per plant and for low ODAP content. Based on SCA effect and per se performance the cross Nirmal × Prateek was the best specific combiner for green forage yield, while the cross Prateek × JCL-3 was the best specific combiner for low ODAP content. Significant heterosis was observed in desirable direction for most of the traits. From the estimation of heterosis over mid parent and better parent, the cross JCL2 × JCL-3 was the best heterotic cross for green forage yield per plant while the crosses Prateek × JCL3 was recognized as best heterotic cross for ODAP content.

5 tables, 13 ref

007335   JENA J, PALAI J B, DASH G K (Agronomy Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Email: jagadish759020@gmail.com) : Nutrient management for sustainable oat production- A review. Forage Res 2019, 45(3), 165-72.

Land fragmentation and industrialization pulling back the agricultural output and have a tremendous pressure on nation’s food security. Oat is an emerging dual purpose crop which provides high quality grains for human consumption and nutritious fodder for cattle feeding. To feed the world’s largest cattle population, it is the present duty to increase productivity of oat with agronomic optimization in pre-exist cultivars. Optimization of nutrient management is always a daunting task among the agronomic practices because it is a complex phenomenon to estimate the nutrient balance to get efficient fertilization promising sustainability of the system. Biofertilizers, which are the living cell inoculums fixing atmospheric N and solubilize fixed P, K and other micronutrients can be a great option when applied judiciously with other nutrient sources to achieve the goal. Therefore, there is a need for an efficient nutrient management for sustainable oat production.

104 ref

007284   ABDALLAH E S E, METWALLY S A G, MIKHAIL W Z A (Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, Email: wafai47@hotmail.com) : Susceptibility of certain cucumber hybrids (Cucumis sativus L.) through different planting dates for main pest infestation under field conditions. Biosci Biotech Res Asia 2019, 16(4), 811-5.

The present study was carried out in experimental farm of the Plant Protection Research Institute, Qaha, Qalyubiya Governorate during Nile seasons. The study was carried out to evaluate the susceptibility of three cucumber hybrids, Hayel, Ashrak and Bahi, to infestation rate of main destructive pests during two successive seasons 2015 and 2016, whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and Tetranychus urticae. The statistical analysis of the mean number showed significant differences during the two seasons. During the second season hybrids showed significant differentiation. The hybrids (Bahi and Hayel) recorded highest mean number of B. tabaci, followed by hybrid Ashrak with lowest mean number of B. tabaci. The seasonal abundance of the movable stage T. urticae was higher during 2016 than 2015. The statistical analysis of the mean number of movable stage of T. urticae showed significant differentiation for the two successive seasons. On the other hand, population fluctuation of movable stage of T. urticae for the three tested hybrids showed significant differences in the both seasons during three sowing plantation dates indicated significant too.

2 tables, 16 ref

007287   ALI E, IQBAL A, HUSSAIN S, SHAH J M, SAID F, IMTIAZ M, JALAL F, KHAN M A (Zhejiang Univ of Technology, Zhejiang- 310 014, Email: sayedhussain@awkum.edu.pk) : Selection criteria to assess drought stress tolerance in wheat genotypes using physiological and biochemical parameters. Biosci Biotech Res Asia 2019, 16(4), 751-62.

Wheat is an important “Rabi” (post-rainy season) crops cultivated on more than 8.0 million hectares in Pakistan. Selection based on different secondary traits enhances the progress and accuracy by which drought tolerant genotypes can be identified. In a glass house experiment, different physical and biochemical characteristics associated with drought adaptation were assessed in twelve (12) wheat genotypes. Drought tolerance index, calculated based on seedling dry weight, exhibited that Pirsabak-2004 was the most drought tolerant genotype. Minimum reduction in dry weight (14.32 %), RWC (14.15 %) and leaf area (5.59%) as well as least increase in H₂ O₂ content (104.9%) was noted in Pirsabak-2004. However, Pirsabak-2008 has suffered minimum reduction in fresh weight (28%) and cellular membranes stability (10.89%). Maximum increase in proline (7.75 fold) and sugar content (163.51 %) was noted in PR-97 and PR-90, respectively. Similarly, Saleem-2000 has incurred the minimum reduction in chlorophyll content (32.27%) under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, correlation coefficient calculated between the dry weight and different parameters exhibited seedlings fresh weight, relative water content, H₂ O₂ concentration and membrane stability (r = 0.654, 0.796, -0.824, 0.812, respectively) as the most important secondary traits for selection of wheat genotypes under drought stress conditions.

4 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

007324   FARRAG B (Animal Physiology Dep, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt, Email: drc_bahaa@yahoo.com) : Effect of parity on reproductive performance and maternal behaviour of Barki ewes and performance of their lambs in the Northwestern coast of Egypt. Anim Sci Rep 2019, 12(4), 25-40.

This study aims to investigate the effect of parity on maternal and lamb behavior along with reproductive performance of Barki ewes and performance of their lambs in the North Western Coast of Egypt. A total number of 60 synchronized Barki ewes were allocated into three equal groups (n = 20) depending on their pre-parturient reproductive status. The ewes of first group (nulliparous) were 17 months old at the start of experiment with an average body weight of 34.40 ± 1.03 kg. The ewes of second group (primiparous) were 2.5 years old with an average body weight of 42.65 ± 1.03 kg. The ewes of third group (multiparous) were 3 to 5 years old with an average body weight of 47.80 ± 1.03 kg. The estrous cycles of the all ewes were synchronized using double injections of prostaglandin F2α, 10 days apart. Each group of twenty ewes was allocated to one ram for one estrous cycle (17 days) for natural service. The results showed that, most of the parturitions (64.34%) occurred during day time (6.00-18.00 h). None occurred between 18.00-00.00 h. It was the highest (P ≤ 0.05) in nulliparous ewes (53.85%) between 06.00-12.00h. Most of the ewes (90%) lambed in recumbent position. The positions of the fetuses were normal in majority (85%) of the ewes during parturition. Dystocia occurred in 15% of the cases. The number of standing and laying during parturition and duration of parturition in nulliparous ewes (11.30 ± 1.08 and 5.12 ± 0.67 min, respectively) were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than in primiparous and multiparous ewes. Licking of Head & Neck region as the first licking area (94.74%) and desirousness of suckling of the new-born lamb (100%) in multiparous ewes were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than in nulliparous ewes, while first licking of genital area (38.46%) was higher in the latter (P ≤ 0.05). The lambs born to nulliparous ewes faced less number of udder rejections and threats and butts (69.23% and 76.92%, respectively) compared to the lambs born to primiparous and multiparous ewes (P ≤ 0.05). Multiparous ewes spent more time (P ≤ 0.05) in grooming their lambs (79.15 ± 8.41 min) than nulliparous (49.69 ± 10.39 min) ewes. Low-pitched bleating indicating vocal communication with lamb were more frequent (P ≤ 0.05) in multiparous ewes (10.63 ± 0.94) compared to nulliparous ewes (6.76 ± 1.13). The number of falling-stand up of lambs after lambing in nulliparous ewes (12.00 ± 1.05) was higher (P ≤ 0.05) than the lambs of primiparous and multip[arous ewes. The time to first stand up (20.38 ± 2.70 min) and the first walking time (26.84 ± 3.39 min) of lambs born to nulliparous ewes were longer (P ≤ 0.05) than the lambs born to multiparous ewes. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.05) among the groups with respect to the time and duration of first suckling of lambs after parturition. Conception rate (65%) and prolificacy rate (100%) in nulliparous ewes were lower than in primiparous and multiparous ewes (P ≤ 0.05). Birth weight (3.41 ± 0.12 kg) and weaning weight (12.42 ± 0.32 kg) were higher and mortality (4.54 ± 6.51 %) was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in lambs born to multiparous ewes compared to nulliparous ewes. It is concluded that Barki ewes expressed good maternal behavior, which improved with increase in parity resulting in enhanced performance of their lambs in terms of growth and survivability.

1 illus, 6 tables, 43 ref

007331   IBRAHIM A H (Animal and Poultry Breeding Dep, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt, Email: alaa.drc@gmail.com) : Physicochemical characterization of interactions between phenolics and camel’s milk proteins and their bioavailability. Anim Sci Rep 2019, 12(4), 1-24.

Presently, there is growing interest among researchers on development of innovative and invigorating milk-food products with potential health benefits integrating milk and edible plant polyphenols endowed with beneficial micronutrients by exploring the interactive action of the ingredients through alteration of physicochemical properties of the products. This research was charted to characterize the interactions of some important polyphenols (ρ-Coumaric acid, Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, (+)-Catechin and Chlorogenic acid) with camel milk casein and whey proteins. Camel milk was included in this study, because it is the only economic alternative to dairy (cow) milk in arid regions and thus important to the inhabitants. Furthermore, knowledge of interactions of phenolics with camel milk proteins is still imprecise unlike other animals’ milk. Protein-phenolic compounds included in this study were eluted and fractionated using Sephadex G-25 column chromatography. In this study, the total phenolic content in each fraction along with bioavailability of phenolic compounds before and after in-vitro digestion process was evaluated. The results indicate that all phenolic compounds more strongly bind to camel milk casein than whey-proteins. Further, with increase in the molecular weights of polyphenols, the percentage of protein-bound phenolics increased. The percentage of casein-bound phenolics arranged in ascending order were ρ-Coumaric acid < Gallic acid < Caffeic acid < (+)-Catechin < Chlorogenic acid with a binding percentage of 20.65 ± 0.1, 31.10 ± 0.2, 34.92 ± 0.7, 42.30 ± 1.0 and 49.05 ± 0.8 percents, respectively. Whey protein-bound phenolics arranged in ascending order were ρ-Coumaric acid < Gallic acid < Caffeic acid < (+)- Catechin < Chlorogenic acid with a percentage of 13.54 ± 0.4, 22.11 ± 0.7, 24.72 ± 0.9, 29.87 ± 1.0 and 34.81 ± 2.5 percents, respectively. The maximum precipitated capacity for casein or whey proteins by Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, (+)-Catechin and ρ-Coumaric acid occurred at pH 4, while it occurred at pH 3 in case of Chlorogenic acid. The results confirmed that digestion process enhanced the bioaccessibility of all phenolic compounds studied. After two stages of in-vitro digestion, all phenolic compounds were observed to have less binding affinity to camel milk casein than to whey proteins. Besides, ρ-Coumaric acid and Gallic acid showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) bioaccessibility index than other phenolic compounds. This study provides positive evidence indicating that camel milk protein-phenolic complexes were more easily digested during in-vitro simulated digestion. In conclusion, our results provide precise information about the interaction of camel milk proteins and some phenolic compounds and suggest the possibility of producing functional camel milk products with the best bioavailability of polyphenols during gastrointestinal digestion.

8 illus, 2 tables, 60 ref

007366   MARUTI N, PRASAD N V V S D, RANI C S, ADINARAYANA M (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Influence of weather parameters on pheromone trap catch of pink bollworm, Pectiniophora gossypiella on Bt cotton under field condition. Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 632-6.

Field investigations on seasonal occurrence, pheromone monitoring, influence of abiotic factors on incidence of pink bollworm in cotton were conducted during kharif, 2018-19 crop season at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Monitoring of male adult moths of pink bollworm through pheromone trap catches of pink bollworm revealed that the catches of male moths started from the month of August and the highest trap catch was observed during 4th std. week (1756.13 moths/trap). The correlation studies revealed that pheromone trap catch exhibited significant positive correlation and significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity and minimum temperature respectively. Weather parameters have influenced the pheromone trap catch to the extent of 44.95 per cent. The knowledge may be utilized to adjust sowing date or to make acceptable modifications in the cropping system and also to time the various approaches for the control in an ecologically sound manner against PBW on Bt cotton.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

007448   YAMUNA C, BHATTIPROLU S L, KUMARI V P, CHIRANJEEVI C, KUMAR P A (Plant Pathology, Agric Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Influence of high density planting system (HDPS) on occurrence of fungal foliar diseases in cotton. Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 628-31.

Optimum plant density is one of the determining factors to reap potential yields in any crop. In cotton HDPS is advocated for varieties to realise maximum yields under rainfed conditions in light soils. Hence, a study was conducted to understand the impact of HDPS on fungal foliar diseases in cotton. Diseases were recorded at different stages of crop viz., seedling, squaring, flowering, boll formation and boll development, boll maturity and bursting and boll bursting and picking stages.Alternaria leaf spot appeared at seedling stage and reached maximum during boll formation and boll development stage. The percent disease index (PDI) ranged from 10 to 21% in different compact genotypes during boll formation and boll development stage. Corynespora leaf spot was observed during boll maturity and boll bursting stage with 3.0 to 5.0 PDI; grey mildew and rust diseases were observed during boll bursting and picking stage with 4.0 to 7.0 and 5.0 to 13.0 PDI, respectively.

2 tables, 9 ref