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The present study was undertaken to clone and characterize DRA gene in Deoni cattle. The cDNA for the DRA gene was amplified by using specific primers designed based on available cattle sequences and purified products were cloned in competent E.coli (DH5α) strain. The full length 1013bp product of cDNA of DRA contained a single ORF of 762 nucleotides that coded for 253 amino acids translated product. Twenty four amino acids formed signal peptide while 229 constituted mature peptide. The deduced amino acid sequences resembled those of class II molecules of other species for all the conserved residues having critical functional role. But a single N-linked glycosylation site in á1 was observed in cattle and buffalo when compared to human and swine which contain a second site in α2 domain. The signal peptide was found more variable among the species compared. Comparison of nucleotide and amino acid sequences among related species and dendrogram constructed revealed that the cattle sequences are more similar to buffalo sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cDNA encoding, T-cell receptor zeta (TCR ζ; CD247) molecule of Deoni cattle (Bos indicus), was isolated, cloned and sequenced in the present study. The CD247 cDNA comprised 1078 nucleotides including a 30 nucleotide 5¹-untranslated region (UTR), 495 nucleotide single open reading frame (ORF) and 553 nucleotide 3¹-UTR. Deduced amino acid of cattle CD247 sequence was two residues shorter than the corresponding sheep sequences. However, ruminant-specific insertions and substitutions in transmembrane (TM) and intra-cytoplasmic (IC) domain were present in cattle. Immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs), the important motifs for TCR signalling, were totally conserved among ruminants including cattle. The 3' - UTR region of the cattle CD247 was highly homologous to the corresponding region in the buffalo sequence and showed lack of polymorphism after polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis using Hae III and Mse I restriction enzymes in cattle population. Phylogenetically, cattle sequence was closer to buffalo sequence under the ruminant's lineage. The conserved nature of this gene ensures TCR integrity which is vital for induction of optimal and efficient immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to understand the genetic architecture of Deccani and Nellore sheep breeds and to assess the genetic distance between the breeds. Allele diversity, genetic variability and population structure in the two breeds were estimated using 30 microsatellite markers. A total of 100 sheep, 50 each from Deccani and Nellore breeds were genotyped. The total number of alleles observed was 254 and 260 in Deccani and Nellore, respectively. The mean expected heterozygosity among the breeds ranged from 0.79 (Deccani) to 0.80 (Nellore) whereas the mean observed heterozygosity levels ranged from 0.77 in Deccani to 0.78 in Nellore sheep. The overall mean inbreeding coefficient was 0.029 in Deccani and 0.031 in Nellore sheep and of the 30 loci studied, 14 loci in Deccani and 16 loci in Nellore sheep showed negative inbreeding coefficient indicating the presence of outbreeding. However, eight loci (BM1314, BM6506, BM8125, ILSTS28, MAF70, MCM140, OarCB226 and OarFCB128) showed positive, mild to moderate inbreeding ranging from 0.007 to 0.25 in Deccani and 0.066 to 0.37 in Nellore sheep studied. The FIS values ranged from -0.372 to 0.74, FST values ranged from 0.001 to 0.172 and FIT values ranged from -0.370 to 0.728 between the Deccani and Nellore sheep breeds studied. The PIC values ranged from 0.498 to 0.886 with a mean of 0.773 in Deccani and from 0.574 to 0.894 with a mean of 0.777 in Nellore breed. The information generated from the present study will be valuable for setting conservation priority of these two breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Milk production is one of the most important economic traits in dairy cattle. Crossing of zebu cattle (Bos indicus) with temperate cattle breeds (Bos taurus) was undertaken to improve the milk production in India. Crossbreeding has resulted in improved production performance of the dairy animlas over the past few decades. Methods: Data on 50 purebred Sahiwal cows from the Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad and 50 Holstein Friesian  Sahiwal crossbred cows maintained at the Military Dairy Farm, Secunderabad were utilized to study the influence of breed and parity on various production and reproduction traits. The various traits studied were: Total lactation milk yield (TLMY) Lactation length (LL), Peak yield (PY), Age at first service (AFS), Age at first calving (AFC), Gestation period (GP), Service period (SP), Dry period (DP) and Calving interval (Cl). Result: In the present study, significant effect of breed was found on the TLMY and PY with the crossbreds recording higher values for both the traits. The means for TLMY, PY, LL, GP, SP, DP and CI were 1768.32±109.67 kg, 10.17±0.50 kg, 304.41±13.00 days, 277.71±2.24 days, 182.60±15.51 days, 167.47±10.68 days and 430.23±13.46 days in Sahiwal and 2983.45±78.32 kg, 14.92±0.36 kg, 324.71±9.29 days, 275.34 days, 181.09±10.91 days, 127.01±7.51, 413.61±9.47 days in crossbred cows respectively. It may be concluded that the productive performance of crossbred cows was better than that of indigenous cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data pertaining to 1662 Large White Yorkshire (LWY)-Desi crossbred piglets maintained at All India Coordinated Research Project on Pigs, Tirupati were used for the present investigation. Significant influence of period on age at I service (AFS), age at I farrowing (AFF), service period (SP) and farrowing interval (FI) and that of season on AFS, AFF and gestation period (GP) were observed. The overall least squares mean AFS, AFF, SP, GP and FI were 329.05 ± 2.9, 440.42 ± 2.80, 171.15 ± 2.97, 111.28 ± 0.26 and 283.87 ± 3.00 days, respectively. Period of farrowing and parity had a significant effect on all the litter traits studied. Genetic group had a significant effect on litter size at weaning and litter weight at birth while season of farrowing did not affect the litter traits studied. The overall least squares mean litter size was 7.59 ± 0.17 at birth and 6.94 ± 0.16 at weaning while the litter weights were 8.40 ± 0.18 at birth and 66.92 ± 1.42 kg at weaning. The genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations of GP with litter traits varied from -0.49 to 0.69, -0.24 to 0.88 and -0.22 to 0.95 while the corresponding ranges among the litter traits were from -0.59 to 0.69, 0.62 to 0.88 and 0.09 to 0.95, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The body weights of large white Yorkshire (LWY) crosses (50 and 75 per cent) were analyzed from birth to weaning. The overall least squares mean body weights were 1.13 ± 0.02, 2.13 ± 0.01, 3.19 ± 0.02, 4.29 ± 0.02, 5.41 ± 0.03, 6.48 ± 0.03, 7.55 ± 0.04, 8.72 ± 0.05 and 9.97 ± 0.06 kg at birth, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 wks of age, respectively. Genetic group, period, parity and litter size group affected all pre-weaning body weights highly significantly except for the non-significant effect of season on body weight at birth. Sexual dimorphism in favour of males was evident from 1 to 6 weeks of age. Body weights of piglets born in rainy and winter seasons and those from smaller litters recorded significantly higher body weights. Moderate to high heritability estimates were observed for body weights. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among the body weights studied ranged widely but were all positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data pertaining to the pre-weaning body weights and average daily gains of 2909 piglets belonging to two crossbred (50% and 75% LWY-Desi) genetic groups were analyzed. Genetic group, period and season of birth and LSB in general, affected all the body weights highly significantly. The overall least-squares mean body weights were 1.11 ± 0.01, 2.16 ± 0.01, 3.20 ± 0.02, 4.32 ± 0.02, 5.44 ± 0.03, 6.52 ± 0.04, 7.65 ± 0.04, 8.79 ± 0.05 and 10.13 ± 0.06 kg at birth, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks age, respectively. The overall least squares mean ADGs during 0 and 1, 1 and 2, 2 and 3, 3 and 4, 4 and 5, 5 and 6, 6 and 7, 7 and 8 and birth and 8 weeks were 0.149 ± 0.002, 0.148 ± 0.002, 0.158 ± 0.002, 0.161 ± 0.002, 0.154 ± 0.002, 0.161 ± 0.002, 0.165 ± 0.003, 0.191 ± 0.003 and 0.161 ± 0.001 kg, respectively. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weights were mostly positive and medium to high. Correlations among average daily gains were very low and without any trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on 1201 pigs to determine the factors influencing post weaning body weights and daily gains in LWY-desi crossbreds and to estimate heritabilities and correlations. The overall least squares mean body weights at 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32 weeks of age were 14.40 ± 0.13, 20.38 ± 0.22, 27.41 ± 0.41, 34.68 ± 0.47, 44.08 ± 0.53 and 52.37 ± 0.56 kg, respectively and the overall least squares mean ADGs during 8-12, 12-16, 16-20, 20-24, 24-28, 28-32 and 8-32 weeks were 0.14 ± 0.003, 0.20 ± 0.004, 0.23 ± 0.01, 0.23 ± 0.01, 0.26 ± 0.01, 0.27 ± 0.01 and 0.26 ± 0.01 kg, respectively. The heritability estimates of body weights ranged from 0.22 ± 0.24 to 0.80 ± 0.27 and those of the ADGs varied between 0.07 ± 0.15 and 0.90 ± 0.27. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weights were mostly positive and high and those among average daily gains were very low in magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of genetic and non genetic factors on post weaning body weights (BW) and average daily gains (ADG) of broiler rabbits reared under cage and deep litter systems were studied by using least squares analysis. Effects of genetic group, season and litter size at birth were highly significant on BW and ADGs. Rearing system did not influence the BW but had a significant influence on ADGs at 9-10 and 15-16 weeks age. Sex of bunny significantly influenced the body weight at 16 weeks only. The BW and ADGs during some periods were significantly higher in winter born bunnies. Litter size significantly influenced BW and ADGs at most periods. Overall mean BWs at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks and ADG during 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15-16 weeks were 551.89 ± 16.84, 684.30 ± 19.68, 856.37 ± 23.33, 1018.79 ± 28.83, 1207.18 ± 31.98 and 1352.84 ± 37.93 and 17.55 ± 1.04, 9.06 ± 0.73, 10.91 ± 0.80, 10.46 ± 0.94, 14.47 ± 0.90 and 10.98 ± 1.0 g, respectively. Heritability estimates and correlations for some of the traits which could be estimated are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growing demand for improving milk production and rising temperatures due to global warming has increased the thermal load on dairy animals. Physiological parameters such as respiration rate and body temperature mainly determine the adaptability of animals to climate stress. During genetic adaptation, Bos indicus cattle have acquired thermo tolerant genes and when exposed to heat stress conditions, the Bos indicus cattle have lower respiration rates and rectal temperatures than Bos taurus animals. The present study was aimed to study the effect of seasons on the physiological responses in Sahiwal and crossbred cows. Methods: A total of 50 crossbred cows maintained at Military Dairy Farm, Secunderabad and 50 Sahiwal cows maintained at Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, PVNRTVU were utilized for the present investigation. The study was conducted during summer (THI= 83.71±0.01), rainy (THI= 71.37±0.01) and winter (THI= 66.69±0.01) seasons. Changes in respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) were observed in different seasons in Sahiwal and crossbred cows. Result: RR (breaths/min) in Sahiwal cows during summer, rainy and winter were 28.56±0.38, 23.38±0.38 and 20.54±0.38 respectively whereas RR (breaths/min) in crossbred cows were 44.58±0.38, 25.94±0.38 and 21.90±0.38 respectively. In Sahiwal cows RT (ï, °C) during summer, rainy and winter were 38.52±0.03, 38.23±0.03 and 38.13±0.03 respectively whereas RT (ï,°C) in crossbred cows were 39.22±0.02, 38.72±0.03 and 37.80±0.03 respectively. The magnitude of increase in RR, RT and HTC were found to be higher during summer compared to other seasons in both Sahiwal and crossbred cows. It was observed that Sahiwal cows are less sensitive to heat stress and are better able to regulate their body temperature than crossbred cows when environmental temperature increases during summer. The HTC values were lower in Sahiwal cows in all the seasons studied indicating better thermo tolerance when compared to the crossbred cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rajasri, a synthetic dual purpose variety suitable for backyard rearing. The current study was aimed to study the inheritance of Rajasri birds. Methods: This study was carried out during April 2019 to August 2019 at poultry research station, Hyderabad. Data collected on 6980 chicks produced from 220 sires and 660 dams in half sib mating in 4 hatches were utilized to estimate the genetic parameters. Result: Highly significant (P<0.01) influence of hatch and sex on body weights and average daily gains and shank length was observed. The overall least-squares means of body weights at birth, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 weeks of age were 32.35±0.4, 80.87±0.17, 184.29 ±0.44, 351.49±0.76, 576.16±1.10, 741.31±0.97, 878.03±0.91, 1038.9±0.91, 1160.61±0.99, 1271.59±1.27 and 1370.64±1.72g and shank length at 4 and 6 weeks of age were 47.49±0.05 and 62.18±0.06 mm, respectively. The overall least-square means of average daily gain peaks at 6-8 weeks age. Heritability estimates of body weights through sire component ranged from 0.04±0.016 (BW20) to 0.44±0.05 (BW0). Genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weights were ranged from 0.02±0.14 (BW6-BW14) to 0.98±0.01 (BW16-BW18) and 0.003±0.01 (BW2-BW20) to 0.93±0.01 (BW18-BW20), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Soviet Chinchilla and Californian White rabbit breeds maintained in tropical environment at rabbit research station, Hyderabad, Telangana. Data generated on total of 1364 bunnies, 701 belongings to the Soviet Chinchilla born in 122 litters and 663 bunnies of Californian White born in 124 litters during the period from 2012 to 2015 were utilized to examine the various productive performance traits. The overall least-squares mean litter size and litter weight was 5.52 ± 0.16 and 264.75 ± 7.86 at birth and 3.56 ± 0.17 and 1439.67 ± 72.55 g at weaning, respectively. The overall least-squares mean pre weaning body weights were 48.39 ± 0.48, 113.65 ± 1.38, 161.50 ± 2.03, 226.15 ± 3.47, 417.89 ± 7.53g at birth, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age and the post weaning weights at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age were 628.75 ± 13.02, 844.11 ± 14.81, 1040.79 ± 16.42, 1225.96 ± 17.81, 1437.57 ± 20.54 and 1636.99 ± 28.87 g, respectively. Season of birth and litter size at birth showed significant (≤0.01) effect on body weights while genetic group, parity of the doe and sex of the bunny had slight effects only. The low to high heritability estimates, genetic and phenotypic correlations of body weights are the indication for improvement of body weights by appropriate breeding plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among the three varieties of Nellore sheep, Nellore brown was most popular among the shepherds of Telangana state. The research on the performance of the other two varieties i.e. Palla and Dora was done extensively in their home tract but less data was available about performance of Nellore brown under different system of rearing. The growth rate of lambs was highest from birth to weaning in their life. The system of rearing can influence both growth rate and biometrical measurements of the lamb. The performance of the lambs during this stage influence the productive and reproductive performance in the lifetime. Methods: Sixty Nellore brown ewes (1.5-2 years) were selected from Sheep unit, Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Telangana for the present study. The lambs born in intensive (G1, lambs born N=14), Semi-intensive (G2, lambs born N=14) and Extensive (G3, lambs born N=12) system of rearing were used to study the growth performance and biometry of lambs from birth to weaning. Result: The birth weight (kg) of lambs in G1 and G2 groups were significantly (P<0.01) higher than lambs in G3 group. The weaning body weight (Kg) was significantly higher (P<0.01) in G1 group as compared to weaning body weights in G2 and G3 group. The mean average ADG (gm) of lambs from birth to weaning was significantly (P<0.01) higher in G1 (105.4±0.19) followed by G2 (97.9±0.14) and G3 (92.8±0.07) group. The mean pin shoulder length (cm) of lambs at birth in G1 group was higher than G2 and G3 group but had a significant (P<0.05) difference with the only G3 group. In G1 group, the mean heart girth (cm) of lambs from15th day to weaning was significantly (P<0.01) higher than G2 and G3 groups. The mean gain in paunch girth from birth to weaning in lambs of three groups was nearly 19 cm and had no significant (P<0.05) difference between groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body condition score in sheep was used to evaluate the adequacy of previous feed supply, decide potential feed requirements in the future, evaluate individual animal health status, decide animal condition during daily routine, welfare inspection and in meat production systems. Methods: 60 Nellore brown ewes from Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Warangal district was randomly allotted to three rearing systems i.e intensive (G1), semi-intensive (G2) and extensive (G3) system of each 20 animals. BCS and body weight of the sheep was recorded at various reproductive stages i.e. just before breeding of animals, during pregnancy and lactation period to assess the nutritional status and reproductive performance of the sheep. Result: The mean average body weight (kg) of pregnant ewes in G2 group had no significant (P<0.05) difference with G3 group. The average mean body weight (kg) of ewes in G1 (27.58±0.37 kg) group had significant (P<0.05) difference with G2 (25.50±0.32 kg) group during lactation period of 90 days. The total gain of BCS during pregnancy period in the G1, G2 and G3 groups were 0.63±0.06, 0.53±0.06 and 0.44±0.11, respectively. The overall mean BCS of the ewes 48hrs after lambing was higher in G1 (3.0±0.10) group followed by G2 (2.73±0.10) and G3 (2.38±0.08) group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heat stress has been a major concern in tropical, sub-tropical and arid areas affecting the performance of farm animals. Along with vitamin E and Selenium, chromium is gaining importance in combating heat stress. Methods: Twenty-four calves of 7-8 months old with an average body weight of 172.79±4.39 kg were distributed randomly into four dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3). The calves of control group (T0) were fed on basal diet i.e. total mixed ration (TMR). The basal diet of T1, T2 and T3 on per kg DM basis were supplemented vitamin E (500 IU) + selenium (0.3 mg), chromium propionate (0.5 mg) and chromium propionate (0.5 mg) + vitamin E (500 IU) + selenium (0.3 mg), respectively. Ambient air temperature and humidity were measured for calculation of THI. Blood samples were collected fortnightly and the rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) of all the experimental animals were recorded twice daily to study the biochemical and physiological parameters. Result: Supplementation of chromium along with vitamin E and selenium decreased significantly (P<0.05) the cortisol levels and increased the albumin concentration. Chromium supplemented groups (T2 and T3) showed greater (P<0.05) increase in mean total protein concentration. A significant reduction in RT was observed in all the supplemented groups compared to control. Whereas, the PR and RR differed significantly in T3 group compared to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was carried out to estimate the genetic and phenotypic parameters among external, internal egg quality traits and quality indices in Black and Brown Japanese quails. A total of 1218 eggs collected consecutively for three days at 16 weeks of age from 202 Black and 204 Brown Japanese quails were utilized in the present study to record the data on external and internal egg quality traits. The overall least squares means for EW, EL, EWD, SW, ST, AL, AWD, AH, AW, YD, YH, YW, YFC, SI, AI, YI and HUS were 13.63 g, 33.85 mm, 26.76 mm, 1.14 g, 0.21 mm, 42.63 mm, 33.45 mm, 5.04 mm, 7.95 g, 24.53 mm, 11.43 mm, 4.53 g, 5.66, 79.18, 0.13, 0.47 and 60.09, respectively. Majority of the heritability estimates for egg quality traits were within the range of moderate to high and suggested the existence of sizeable genetic variability for exploitation by appropriate selection procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytogenetic studies were conducted on a total of 60 Vizianagaram sheep maintained at the Livestock Research Station, Garividi and sheep managed by farmers in and around Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh. Short term lymphocyte culture technique was adopted. The diploid chromosome number was found to be 54 (2n = 54, XY). The first three pairs of the autosomes were submetacentric and the remaining 23 pairs of autosomes were acrocentric. The X chromosome was the longest acrocentric, while the Y- chromosome was the smallest biarmed. The mean relative length for the autosomes ranged from 1.54 ± 0.04 to 9.59 ± 0.12 per cent, While the mean relative length of X and Y chromosomes were 5.06 ± 0.02 and 1.81 ± 0.17, percent respectively. The mean arm ratios, centromeric indices and morphological indices varied from 1.31 ± 0.07 to 1.24 ± 0.07, 0.545 ± 0.04 to 0.565 ± 0.07 and 7.59 ± 0.01 to 5.36 ± 0.01, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to assess the effect of rearing system and supplementation of probiotics and enzymes to diets on growth performance of broiler rabbits. Four experimental diets were formulated . Diet T1served as control T2 was supplemented with Kemzyme HF @ 500 gms/Ton of feed , Diet T3 was supplemented with Probiotic (S. boulardi 50% and P. acidilacticii 50%), @109 CFU/gm of feed and Diet T4 contained both probiotics and enzymes. Body weights of rabbits housed under cages was significantly higher at all ages except at 16 weeks of age where the difference was not statistically significant though higher. The effect of supplementation of either probiotics or enzymes was pronounced in both the systems of housing with rabbits fed diets supplemented with probiotics or both probiotics and enzymes performing better than their counter parts fed diets without supplementation or supplemented with just enzymes. Cage reared rabbits recorded significantly higher ADG's upto 14 weeks of age while rabbits reared under backyard had significantly higher body weights at 14-16 weeks age. It was be concluded that rabbits could be reared profitably under backyard system of housing and the supplementation of diets with probiotics and enzymes had a positive influence on body weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To know the production and reproductive performance of Nellore brown lambs under three systems i.e. intensive, semiintensive and extensive system of rearing and which system of rearing was beneficial for the farmer community in terms of cost economics. Methods: 36 Nellore brown lambs of 3 months age from Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Warangal district were randomly allotted to three rearing systems i.e. Intensive (G1), Semi-intensive (G2) and Extensive (G3) system of each 12 animals. The body weight and ADG of lambs in the three systems were recorded fortnightly and calculated the cost economics. The reproductive parameters of ewe lambs were recorded. Result: From 3-9 months age, the mean gain in body weight (kg) in the G1 group was significantly (P<0.01) higher followed by G2 (10.95±0.18) and G3 (9.33±0.09) groups. The mean ADG (gm) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in G1 group (75.14±1.56) than G2 (60.83±1.02) and G3 (51.81±0.47) groups. Significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in the mean age at puberty of ewe lambs in the three groups. The mean age at first service was lowest in G1 (329.50±6.99) followed by G2 (360.17±6.56) and G3 (385.17±5.60) groups. The net income (Rs.) obtained from each lamb was 1870.8, 1406.7 and 1217.3, respectively in G1, G2 and G3 groups. The cost per kilogram live weight gain was higher in the G1 group followed by G2 and G3 group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to determine the genetic parameters for some production traits. The overall least-squares means for body weights at day-old, 2nd and 4th week of age were 7.94, 59.20 and 141.64 g, respectively and average daily gains (ADGs) during 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10 and 10-14 weeks of age were 3.66, 5.89, 3.69, 2.72, 1.51 and 0.46 g, respectively. Hatches, sexes and strains had significant effect on body weight and ADGs. The females were significantly heavier than the males. The heritability estimates for the body weights varied from low to high in Black, medium to high in Brown and low to medium magnitude in Black random bred, while these estimates for ADGs were low or moderate to high in magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight male Mahabubnagar goats were slaughtered to study the meat production potential and carcass traits. The dressing percentages based on pre-slaughter weight and empty body weight were 44.60 ± 0.95 and 59.74 ± 1.07, while the average pre-slaughter weight, empty body weight and hot carcass weights were 24.36 ± 1.00, 18.29 ± 1.09 and 10.90 ± 0.60 kg respectively. The mean edible and inedible organs weight were 0.81 ± 0.02 and 6.97±0.25 kg respectively. The mean weight of primal cuts of carcass i.e., leg, loin, rack, neck and shoulder, breast and fore shank were 3.75 ± 0.28, 1.10 ± 0.04, 0.97 ± 0.05, and 2.91 ± 0.17 and 2.21 ± 0.12 kg respectively. High proportion of meat in neck and shoulder (70.97 %), bone in rack (37.33%) and fat in loin (5.71 %) regions of primal cuts were noticed. The pre-slaughter weight and dressing percentages were correlated positively and significantly with all the primal cuts except loin. The pre-slaughter weight significantly contributed to the prediction of total edible organs, total inedible organs and different primal cuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were recorded on 644 Mahabubnagar local kids born between 1993 and 2008, at Livestock Research Station, Mahabubnagar were utilized. The overall least-squares means for body weight at birth, weaning, 6, 9 and 12 months age were 2.13 ± 0.02, 8.7 ± 0.08, 12.23 ± 0.10, 15.01 ± 0.10 and 17.89 ± 0.13 kg respectively. The effects of period of kidding, sex and type of births were significant on body weights of Mahabubnagar goats (P<0.01), while season of kidding had no significant influence. Male kids weighed heavier than females. Heritability estimates for weight at birth (0.08 ± 0.07) and weaning (0.06± 0.09) were low and were moderate for post weaning body weights (0.10± 0.10, 0.21 ± 0.13 and 0.20± 0.12 at 6, 9 and 12 months respectively).The genetic and phenotypic correlations among kid weights at different ages ranged from -1.71 to 0.46. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on body weight at 4 weeks age, age at first egg and cumulative egg production up to 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age of a total 617 Black and Brown strains of Japanese quails were analyzed. Strains, generations and hatches had significant influence on all the traits studied. Black quails were significantly heavier and laid more eggs. The quails of fifth generation recorded lowest least-squares mean for age at first egg with higher egg production. Heritabilities varied from moderate to high in Black and were high in Brown strains. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among the traits varied from low to high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the important causes for canine gastroenteritis. Its genome codes for six structural proteins N, P, M, F, H and L, of which H is important for viral pathogenesis. Availability of CDV molecular epidemiological data is sparse. Our study reports for the first time, isolation of enteric CDV from India and its molecular epidemiology. Methods: We isolated the circulating wild type CDV from cases of canine gastroenteritis recorded during 2019 in India. Partial H gene of the isolates was amplified and phylogeny was reconstructed with other isolates from the NCBI database using MUSCLE from MEGA7. Result: The multiple sequence alignment of the partial H gene of circulating CDV with reference isolates revealed 88-95% nucleotide identity and 83-91% amino acid identity along with the presence of Nde1 restriction site at position 1571-1576 that is typical of wild type CDV isolates. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the circulating CDV were grouped with three different lineages i.e., South America-2, Asia-4 and Asia-5/India-1 and distantly related with the vaccine strains. Our study strengthens the need for the development of a relevant vaccine comprising of circulating viral strains for effective vaccination strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma biochemical parameters such as protein, cholesterol and triglycerides were analyzed in Black strain Japanese quails and found as 4.10 g/dl, 150.72 mg/dl and 90.66 mg/dl, respectively. Sex had significant effect on plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Estimate of heritability and correlations ranged from low to high in magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out on tongue measurements in Surti goat fetus to establish the relationship among various biometric measurements of the tongue and body in relation to prediction of fetal age. Total 39 apparently normal Surti goat fetuses were procured and categorized into three groups based on Crown-rump length. The body measurements like Crownrump length, Curved Crown-rump length, height at withers and height at pin of fetuses were taken. The biometrical measurements of the tongue were recorded identically weight, length, width, thickness and circumference. Tongue biometry and body measurement's association determined by simple linear correlation. Attempts were made for development of prediction equation for prediction of fetal age with tongue and body measurements. All the biometric measurements of tongue increase significantly (p≤0.05) with advancement of age. Association among biometric measurements of the tongue and body expressed high degree of positive correlation. Predictability of regression equations is very high for prediction of fetal age. All biometric and body measurement's correlations are highly significant (p≤0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of ethno-veterinary medicine in livestock and human health is well known fact due to its widespread practice across the globe, including India. WHO stated that, 80% of people in developing countries depend on ethno-veterinary practices due to its inexpensive, easy accessibility and its preparations. Further, 50% of all modern drugs originally came from plants directly or its structural modification suggests for its potency and safety. Although, India has well practiced traditional knowledge, it could not capitalize the global market like USA, EU and China. Lack of well documentation of traditional "hidden" practices is one of the major limitations for its less exploitation. Therefore, an explorative study was conducted in participatory mode to explore and document the traditional practices for clinical mastitis management of dairy animals in the district of Bangalore urban, Karnataka. Since, the mastitis is most common and costly diseases of dairy animals in India and frequent reason for veterinary drug residue problem; in the present study, we have documented the indigenous practices and its procedure for the management of clinical mastitis in dairy animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]