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India has world’s largest livestock population and 1st rank in milk production with 187 million tons in 2018-19. Dairy farming is the single largest contributors to Indian GDP with 5.1 % in 2018-19 and annual growth rate in Livestock sector is 4.6%. Indian dairy production is characterized as a low input/low output system. In general, milk productivity of dairy animals is very low in comparison to global standards. The lower milk yield is mainly due to low genetic potential, lack of nutritional feeds and inadequate veterinary services. So, with suitable and scientific approach production efficiency can raise. In this context, Precision dairy farming (PDF) aims to improve individual animal performance, well being and socio-economic status of dairy farmer. Today, traditional dairy farming becomes organized commercial business with technological specializations in every part of the process. Thus, farmers are shifting towards adopting modern dairy farming practices for increase their production. PDF is the use of information and technology based farm management system to record physiological, behavioral and production parameters of individual animals to improve management strategies, profitability and production performance. There are so many important precision dairy farming technologies available globally, which are routinely useful for large and commercial dairy farm. In this direction, the authors have also highlighted the status of adoption in Indian scenario, benefits, challenges and limitations of precision dairy farming technologies. Many developing countries including India are in initial stage in these advance technology, but there are tremendous opportunities for betterment of animal and upliftment of animal husbandry profession.

Heat shock protein is considered as a potential indicator of animal adaptation to harsh environmental stresses and its expression has been correlated with resistance to stress.To evaluate the seasonal variation in heat shock proteins (hsp70 and hsp90) and their association with frozen semen quality and fertility in buffaloes.During summer and winter, ejaculates (n = 32) were collected from buffalo bulls, diluted with freshly prepared Andromed extender (maintained at 34 degree C) up to 80 million sperm per mL. The diluted semen was filled in French midi straws, equilibrated, and cryopreserved. The semen was evaluated at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages for heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP90), and sperm quality parameters.The levels of HSP70 were significantly (P = 0.00) higher in summer season compared to winter season. The HSP70 had a positive correlation with mass motility (P0.05; r = 0.39), live sperm count (P0.05; r = 0.47), and acrosomal integrity (P0.05; r = 0.37). The first artificial insemination conception rate (FAICR) had a positive correlation with HSP70 (P0.05; r = 0.47), and HSP90 (P0.05; r = 0.59), in frozen-thawed semen.The assessment of the levels of heat shock proteins may help in predicting cryo-tolerance and fertility of buffalo semen during various seasons.

The present study was undertaken with the objective of phenotypic and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum betalactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli isolates from poultry. A total of 300 cloacal swabs were collected, i.e., 200 from layer birds and 100 from broiler birds from three different farms in and around Junagadh district of Gujarat state. Out of 300 samples, 126 (42.00%) samples yielded E. coli. These isolates belonged to layer 85 (42.50%) and broiler 41 (41.00%) birds. Out of 126 isolates, 27 (21.43%) were confirmed as ESBL producers, i.e., 19 (22.35%) and 8 (19.51%) from layer and broiler birds, respectively, by initial screening of isolates for their susceptibility to any of the third and fourth generation cephalosporins or monobactam antibiotics by disc diffusion method and further confirmation by combination disc method using ESBL identification kits. Out of 27 phenotypically confirmed ESBL E. coli isolates blaTEM was detected in 21 (77.78%) and blaAmpC was detected in 15 (55.56%) isolates, while all the 27 isolates were found negative for the presence of blaSHV and blaCTXM genes. All the 27 isolates were found positive for either blaTEM or blaAmpC gene. Nine (33.33%) out of 27 isolates were found positive for both blaTEM and blaAmpC genes. The findings warrant the need for more strict regulations for usage of antibiotics in veterinary practices in order to prevent the emergence and dissemination of multidrug resistant E. coli pathogens among birds, animals, and humans.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxico-pathological manifestation of lead acetate toxicity in broiler chickens with protective effect of Opuntia elatior fruit juice and extract of Withania somnifera . Lead acetate was administered at dose rate of 500 ppm in feed, P.O. for 21 days while Opuntia elatior fruit juice (3 ml/kg, P.O) and hydro-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg) were administrated alone and in combination for consecutive 21 days in chickens of treatment groups. Symptoms of toxicity were observed after few days in chickens received only lead acetate. There was non-significant decrease in feed intake and body weight gain in birds of lead acetate treated group. Upon gross pathological examination, liver of birds from lead acetate treatment group shown paleness, enlargement and fatty changes; whereas, kidneys shown haemorrhagic lesions and atrophy. Upon microscopic examination, liver of birds treated with lead acetate only showed varying degree of degenerative changes as well as vascular changes. Intestine of birds from lead treatment group showed denaturation and necrosis of tips of intestinal villi. No appreciable histopathological lesions were observed in the spleen and heart of birds in all treatment groups. In conclusion, administration of Opuntia elatior and Withania somnifera for longer period may improve performance of broilers chickens as well as act as protectant to organs.

Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of garlic, ginger and their combination in the diets of broiler chickens and assessment in terms of feed intake, growth performance and economics of feeding. Materials and Methods: A total of 240 1-day-old Cobb-400 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments each with three replicates of 20 chicks per replicate (n=60). Four experimental diets were formulated in such a way that control diet (T1) contained neither ginger nor garlic. While, birds in group T2 and T3 were fed with diets containing 1% garlic and ginger, respectively. Diet 4 (T4 group) contained a combination of 1% of garlic and ginger. The feeding experiment was carried out for 42 days, and different parameters evaluated includes feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, gut morphometry, and economics of feeding in terms of return over feed cost (ROFC) and European Performance Efficiency Index. Results: Feed intake of experimental birds in ginger and mixture of garlic and ginger supplemented groups, i.e., T3 and T4 groups have significantly (p

Herd structure and herd performance traits of Gir herd of Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh, Gujarat was studied utilizing monthly data over a period of 10 years (2001-2010). A herd with an average of 110 Gir cows had average total strength of 388.38±3.09 and total adult units (AUs) of 259.27 ±13.42. The total females present in the herd were 71.82%. The Gir herd consisted of 28.98 % cows, 22.02 % breedable heifers, 22.34 % calves (female + male) and 12.33 % males above 1 year. Wet average and herd average were 6.77±0.10 and 3.84±0.06 lit/d/cow, and % milch cows and number of milch cows were 57.03±0.85 and 63.12±1.42, respectively. Effect of month was significant on the herd average only. All herd performance traits were significantly influenced by year. Return over feed cost (ROFC) at variable feed cost was estimated to be 116.36±4.24 % at market rate of milk. Calving incidence was significantly (P less than 0.05) influenced by month. Majority (42.08 %) of calving occurred during September to December. Of 562 animals disposed of, the maximum proportion (33.96 %) was cows principally due to old age (>6 lactation) and low yield. Maximum cows, 26.21% were disposed of in their 3rd lactation. Growing/breeding males were sold @ 28.57% and castrated males to the tune of 22.32 %. The correlations among the herd structure and performance traits of the herd were negative, medium in magnitude and significant, - 0.21 to - 0.29 with wet average, -0.16 to -0.21 with herd average and -0.25 to -0.73 (P less than 0.05) with % ROFC. For the Gir herd under the study, herd structure of 30-33% cows, 18-21% breedable heifers and 72-75% total female proportion resulted in optimum wet average (>7.32 lit/d/milch cow) and herd average (> 4.17 lit/d/cow) and also higher ROFC >139.6 %.

The objective of the study was to investigate the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of endometritis in buffaloes, which can lead to early diagnosis of endometritis. The expression of CD14, TLR-4, and IL-1β encoding gene in endometrium of buffaloes with subclinical endometritis were 1.87, 2.71, and 3.48-fold, while samples with clinical endometritis showed only 2.90, 4.76, and 8.02-fold for CD14, TLR-4, and IL-1β, respectively, though numerical value of expression was higher in subclinical and clinical endometritis but it was at par with control. The expression profile for IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α mRNA for subclinical endometritis were 11.95, 14.87, and 12.95-fold while for clinical endometritis, values were 18.17, 37.97, and 28.83-fold for IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α mRNA, respectively, which were significantly higher in subclinical and clinical endometritis as compared to apparently normal samples at follicular phase. In the luteal group, the subclinical endometritis sample showed 2.13, 6.43, 14.52, 22.38, 18.64, and 2.82-fold respectively, for CD14, IL-1β IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and TLR-4 mRNA. Except TLR-4, the values of expression were significantly higher when compared with apparently normal. Whereas, the expression values of clinical endometritic uteri were 4.01, 7.15, 17.20, 45.55, 52.58, and 32.95-fold respectively, for CD14, TLR-4, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α mRNA which were significantly higher as compared to apparently normal uteri. An increase in the mRNA expression of CD14, TLR-4, and pro-inflammatory cytokines having higher diagnostic importance in uterine inflammation.

The present study was carried out on bovine mastitis with an objective to screen bovine milk samples around Junagadh for status of subclinical mastitis (SCM) by somatic cell count (SCC), to reveal the prevalence of staphylococcal mastitis by conventional and molecular methods and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolated Staphylococci. Total 390 bovine milk samples (180 from clinical mastitis and 210 from apparently healthy animals) were collected. Among 210 milk samples from healthy bovine, 72 samples showed SCC value andgt; 5 lakhs/mL revealing 34.29% prevalence of SCM. A primary culture isolation of 252 milk samples (72 SCM and 180 clinical mastitis) showed 38.72% prevalence of Staphylococcal mastitis. The isolated Staphylococci were further characterized by biochemical tests which showed prevalence of coagulase negative Staphylococci and S. aureus 23.08% and 15.64%, respectively. The high resistance of Staphylococci was observed against ceftriaxone and amoxicillin-salbactum which displays antibiotic usage pattern in the region. Likewise bacterial isolates studied were highly sensitive to levofloxacin which suggest judicious use of this antibiotic in treatment of bovine mastitis. All the conventionally isolated Staphylococci and S. aurues were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction targeting 16S rRNA and nuc gene respectively in shorter period of time which signifies the superiority of molecular diagnostic tools.

Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate groundnut haulms (GNH) as alternate feed source by its incorporation and assessment in terms of feed intake and growth performance in the diets of broilers. Materials and Methods: A total of 240 1-day-old Cobb-400 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments each with three replicates (n=60). Experimental Birds in group T1 were fed with conventional feed while birds in T2, T3, T4 were fed containing 2%, 4%, and 6% of GNH replacing maize and soyabean on iso-nitrogenous basis. Results: Feed intake increases significantly (p>0.05) with increasing level of GNH in the diets of experimental birds. Highest feed intake was recorded in T4 (6% GNH), followed by T3 (4% GNH) than T2 (2% GNH) and T1 (control). Birds fed GNH gained significantly (p

Aim: Our objective was to estimate in-vitro gas production from dry jowar fodder added with differentconcentrations of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFEs) like neutral cellulase and fungal xylanase.Materials and Methods: 34 different samples of dry jowar fodder were prepared according to differentconcentrations of neutral cellulase, fungal xylanase and neutral cellulase + fungal xylanase (1:1). Sample notcontaining any enzymes was considered as the control group. These 34 samples were subjected to further in vitrogas production analysis.Results: Statistically, significantly higher (P

Aim: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of bypass nutrients i.e. bypass lysine, methionine and fat on growth and nutritional efficiency in growing Jaffrabadi buffalo heifers aged 21 to 27 months.Materials and Methods: Twenty buffalo heifers were divided into four groups of equal number: control group (T1), bypass fat supplementation (T2), bypass lysine and methionine supplementation (T3) and bypass lysine, methionine and fat supplementation (T4). The feeds were analyzed for proximate constituents. Body measurements (body length, body height, heart girth, body girth, pelvic length and pelvic width) as well as body weights (kg) of individual animals were recorded at the beginning and thereafter at every fifteen day interval throughout the experimental period. Feed conversion ratio was determined in terms of dry matter required per kg gain in body weight under different treatments.Results: The total weight gain and average daily body weight gain during the experiment was highest in T4 followed by T2, which differed significantly (P0.05).Conclusion: Incorporation of bypass nutrients (lysine, methionine and fat) in the ration of growing Jaffrabadi heifers improved live weight gain, dry matter intake (kg/day), dry matter intake per kg metabolic weight and feed conversion ratio (DMI/kg body weight gain).

Aim: The objective of an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding bypass Methonine-Lysine on hematological and biochemical parameters on growing Jaffrabadi heifers of age from 12 to 18 month. Material and Methods: Eighteen Jaffrabadi heifers were divided into three groups of equal number: control group (T1 ), cotton seed cake (CSC) (T2 ) and bypass Methionine-Lysine supplementation (T3 ). Blood samples were collected on the 1st and 2 3 63rd day of the trail. A close examination of the nutritive effects of treatment of CSC and bypass Methionine and Lysine (M-L) supplementation on hematological and biochemical values in the blood (white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), pack cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets count (PLT), total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and creatine kinase was carried out. Results: BUN had a tendency to decrease in T2 and T3 (P

Livestock play a central role in the natural resource-based livelihood in developing countries. The area under green forage crops is shrinking due to increase in human population and urbanization. As a result, the bulk of feeds available for ruminants in these regions are the crop residues. Manufacture of Densified Complete Feed Blocks (DCFBs) is an innovative technology to supply balanced feeds to livestock in the tropics. The first step in the process of making DCFBs is the grinding and mixing of concentrate ingredients separately. This is followed by adding concentrate components to chopped straw in desired proportions along with molasses in a mixer, taking care that mixing is uniform and ingredients are not separated due to gravity. Finally, the desired quantity of straw-concentrate mix is transferred to a hydraulic press to convert the mix into a block. Based on the productivity levels of animals, DCFBs could play an important role in providing balanced rations to livestock in the tropical regions of green forage scarcity. The technology offers a means to increase milk production, decrease in environmental pollutants, increase in income of farmers, decrease in labour requirement and time for feeding and reduction in transportation cost of straw. The technology also has the potential to provide complete feed to livestock under emergency situations created by natural calamities.

Organic livestock farming promotes the use of organic and biodegradable inputs from the ecosystem in terms of animal nutrition, animal health, animal housing and breeding. It is getting popular in many countries including India due to increased consumers’ demand of organic products and environmental concerns. Sound managemental aspect of organic livestock farming stands upon the nutritional management of the animals for better performance and animal health. Animal nutrition plays a key role to prevent infections, to provide wellbeing to the animals through better immunity and to improve animal production. Thus, roles of nutritionists and veterinarians are more important in organic system than conventional system which needs improved nutritional management and efficient surveillances of diseases and organisms that are economically important.

Changes in the climate are due to global and environment warming lead to the heat stress. This heat stress can have large effects on most aspects of health, production and reproductive function in mammals. These may lead to poor production of feed crops and alter the feeding ability and digestion in the animals. Also include disruptions in spermatogenesis and oocyte development, oocyte maturation, early embryonic development, foetal and placental growth and lactation. These deleterious effects of heat stress are the result of either the hyperthermia associated with heat stress or the physiological adjustments made by the heat-stressed animal to regulate body temperature. Many effects of elevated temperature on gametes and the early embryo involve increased production of reactive oxygen species. Genetic adaptation to heat stress is possible both with respect to regulation of body temperature and cellular resistance to elevated temperature.

Poultry excreta has the most economic value for use as animal feed. Poultry excreta in ruminant ration could have a considerable effect on reducing costs, increasing level of protein in diet, and on solving disposal problems. Generally poultry excreta are high in fibre and ash. Poultry excreta appear to have energy concentration, calcium, nitrogen and phosphorous levels exceeding that of some high quality hay. Poultry excreta are rich sources of many minerals. Poultry excreta is an economical source of supplemental crude protein and minerals to ruminants. Poultry excreta can be used in livestock feed specially in country like India where there is large shortage of nutritious feed. Research showed that growing and lactating animals accept these poultry wastes in concentrate supplements. Safer limit seems to be 30% in concentrate mixtures. These mixtures are readily acceptable and palatable.

Health conscious consumers are demanding dairy products which should be richer in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Opportunities exist to modify the composition of milk fat from dairy animals and to improve milk fat's nutritional and manufacturing properties. Different feeding experiments shows that suitable nutritional strategy can be chalked out for production of milk with increased content of beneficial fatty acids as healthy designer milk for consumers and will aid in increasing the profits of livestock farmers.