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The industrial and economic development has initiated the rapid growth of small and medium-sized towns in India. Rewari City, a part of the National Capital Region of India, is undergoing rapid urban expansion. This study analyzes the process of urban expansion in Rewari city, its effect on land use & land cover dynamics and landscape spatial patterns. The methodology of the study is reliant on open-source Landsat satellite data, GIS-based unsupervised classification, and spatial metrics analysis. The city expansion has been analyzed for a period of 31 years, from 1989 to 2020, and population growth has been studied since 1901. Within the study period, built-up area increased by 704%, with an annual expansion rate of 12.8 %. The other land cover classes, such as agriculture land, vegetation, barren land, and water bodies shrank in size over the years. Between 1989 and 2020, 69.4 % of the increase in built up area came at the expense of vegetation and agricultural land. It was also found that per capita land consumption rate increased significantly from 0.0024 to 0.0084, hinting towards dispersed and low-density development. Built-up land had a growth rate nearly 5 times higher than population, indicating urban sprawl. An evaluation of different landscape metrics revealed that the landscape of Rewari has lost land use diversity. The findings of this study offer information about the present state of urban growth. It also serves as a valuable resource for formulating comprehensive planning and development policies, ensuring the promotion of sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle are losing maximum breeds among the world's livestock. Genetic variability data is essentially required for conservation decision-making. Thutho is a recently registered Indian cattle breed (INDIA_CATTLE_1400_THUTHO_03047) from the northeast region (NE), a biodiversity hotspot. Genetic diversity in the Thutho population and its differentiation from the only other cattle breed of NE (Siri) and cattle (Bachaur) of the neighboring region was established using highly polymorphic, FAO-recommended microsatellite markers. Numerous alleles (253) were detected across the 25 loci. The mean observed and expected numbers of alleles in the population were 10.12 ± 0.5 and 4.5 ± 0.37, respectively. The observed heterozygosity (0.67 ± 0.04) was lower than the expected heterozygosity (0.73 ± 0.03) which indicated a departure from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. A positive FIS value (0.097) confirmed the heterozygote deficiency in the Thutho population. Genetic distance, phylogenetic relationships, differentiation parameters, population assignment, and Bayesian analysis explicitly ascertained the unique genetic identity of the Thutho cattle. The population did not suffer any bottlenecks in the past. Thutho has minimum diversity among the three populations; hence, its scientific management needs to be initiated immediately. Interestingly, genetic variation is enough for formulating breeding programs for managing, improving, and conserving this precious indigenous cattle germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the maternal genetic diversity in the pig genetic resources of India by analyzing a mitochondrial D-loop fragment and comparing it with the corresponding sequences of previously published studies involving domestic pigs and wild boars. Sequencing of 103 samples representing different domestic pig populations revealed existence of 32 maternal haplotypes. The indices of haplotype and nucleotide diversity in Indian domestic pigs were 0.9421 and 0.015, respectively. Median-Joining network revealed that Indian pigs belong to Clade A and show conformity to 6 haplogroups reported worldwide (D1a, D1a1, D1a2, D1e, D1h and D3a). Among these, D1e and D1a2 were shared with Asian wild boars too. Interestingly, haplotype sharing was evident between Indian pigs and samples from other countries representing Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania. This study substantiates India's contribution as a possible pig domestication center and highlights the importance of the Indian subcontinent in dispersal of the species to other continents. Additionally, genetic evidence suggested the influence of trading routes and historical interactions in shaping pig genetic exchange. Overall, this investigation provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity, historical migration, and domestication of Indian domestic pigs, contributing to the broader understanding of global pig genetic resources and their evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, comparative analysis of skeletal muscle transcriptome was carried out for four biological replicates of Aseel, a fighter type breed and Punjab Brown, a meat type breed of India. The profusely expressed genes in both breeds were related to muscle contraction and motor activity. Differential expression analysis identified 961 up-regulated and 979 down-regulated genes in Aseel at a threshold of log2 fold change ≥ ±2.0 (padj<0.05). Significantly enriched KEGG pathways in Aseel included metabolic pathways and oxidative phosphorylation, with higher expression of genes associated with fatty acid beta-oxidation, formation of ATP by chemiosmotic coupling, response to oxidative stress, and muscle contraction. The highly connected hub genes identified through gene network analysis in the Aseel gamecocks were HNF4A, APOA2, APOB, APOC3, AMBP, and ACOT13, which are primarily associated with energy generating metabolic pathways. The up-regulated genes in Punjab Brown chicken were found to be related to muscle growth and differentiation. There was enrichment of pathways such as focal adhesion, insulin signaling pathway and ECM receptor interaction in these birds. The results presented in this study help to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with fighting ability and muscle growth in Aseel and Punjab Brown chicken, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In countries where farming is largely subsistence, no pedigree records of farm animals are maintained at farmers' herd and scientific mating plans are not observed which leads to the accumulation of inbreeding and loss of production potential. Microsatellites have been widely used as reliable molecular markers to measure inbreeding. We attempted to correlate autozygosity estimated from microsatellite data with the inbreeding coefficient (F) calculated from pedigree data in Vrindavani crossbred cattle developed in India. The inbreeding coefficient was calculated from the pedigree of ninety-six Vrindavani cattle. Animals were further grouped into three groups viz. acceptable/low (F: 0–5%), moderate (F: 5–10%) and high (F: ≥10%), based on their inbreeding coefficients. The overall mean of the inbreeding coefficient was found to be 0.070 ± 0.007. A panel of twenty-five bovine-specific loci were chosen for the study according to ISAG/FAO. The mean FIS,FST, and FIT values were 0.0548 ± 0.025, 0.012 ± 0.001 and 0.0417 ± 0.025, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the FIS values obtained and the pedigree F values. The locus-wise individual autozygosity was estimated using the method-of-moments estimator (MME) formula for locus-specific autozygosity. The autozygosities ascribing to CSSM66 and TGLA53 were found to be significantly (p <.01 and p <.05, respectively) correlated with pedigree F values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has a centuries-old tradition of sheep production and breeding that accomplish economic, agricultural, and religious roles. In addition to the 44 registered sheep breeds, there is a fat-tailed sheep population referred to as Dumba. This study evaluated genetic variation in Dumba sheep and its differentiation from other Indian sheep breeds using mitochondrial DNA and genomic microsatellite loci. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity based on mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed substantially high maternal genetic diversity in Dumba sheep. Major ovine haplogroups A and B observed in sheep populations across the globe registered their presence in the Dumba sheep. The molecular genetic analysis using microsatellite markers also showed high measures of allele (10.125 ± 0.762) and gene diversity (0.749 ± 0.029). Results correspond to the non-bottleneck population that is near mutation-drift equilibrium despite some deficiency in the number of heterozygotes (FIS = 0.043 ± 0.059). Phylogenetic clustering confirmed Dumba to be a distinct population. Results of this study endow authorities with critical information imperative for sustainable utilization and conservation of Indian fat-tailed sheep, which is considered to be an untapped genetic resource contributing to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural households in marginal areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is bestowed with immense cattle biodiversity with 50 registered breeds. However, the majority (59.3%) is yet not characterized. Identification and characterization are the gateways to the management of prized indigenous resources. Present research described a unique cattle population of Jharkhand state, managed under a traditional low-input, low-output system. It was characterized by morphological traits, performance parameters, and management practices. Animals have the characteristic pre-scapular location of the hump. Genetic variation within this population and its differentiation with the six closely distributed cattle breeds were evaluated using FAO recommended microsatellite markers. Jharkhandi cattle have substantial genetic variation based on gene diversity (>0.6) and the average number of alleles per locus (>8). The population did not suffer from a genetic bottleneck in the recent past. Pairwise Nei's genetic distance, phylogenetic relationship, population differentiation, and the correct assignment of all the animals to self group substantiated its separate genetic identity. Since gene flow (Nm = 2.8–7.32) was identified and admixture was indicated by the Bayesian analysis there is a pressing need for scientific management of this population. Results endow authorities with critical information for registering a new Indian cattle breed (Medini) that contributes to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural tribal households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backyard poultry farming contributes to food security, nutrition, and the regular income of rural farmers in India. Their products have a niche market here and fetch higher prices than those of commercial poultry. Improved varieties are being developed to overcome the slow growth, late sexual maturity, and low production of indigenous breeds, while retaining their positive attributes. A comprehensive study was conducted to analyze the functional attributes of meat from the Jabalpur color (JBC), a colored, improved dual-purpose synthetic line, developed by Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, India. The birds were managed in a deep litter system under a backyard type of housing (night shelter and free range). Primal meat cuts (breast and thigh) of the male birds (n = 20/group) were evaluated at the age of marketing. The corresponding attributes were compared with the results obtained for commercial Cobb (400) broilers. The protein concentration of JBC breast (25.65 ± 0.39 g/100 g of tissue) and thigh (19.04 ± 0.23 g/100 g of tissue) meat was superior (p ≤ 0.05) to that of Cobb broilers. Established assays (in vitro) identified a better (p ≤ 0.05) antioxidation capacity in the JBC meat. High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed a considerable quantity of functional biomolecules (carnosine, anserine, and creatine) in the JBC breast and thigh meat extracts. The average carnosine concentration (mg/g of tissue) was 2.66 ± 0.09 and 1.11 ± 0.04 in the JBC breast and thigh meat, respectively. The mRNA expression was quantified by qRT-PCR for the carnosine-related genes: β-alanine transporter (SLC36A1), carnosine-synthesizing enzyme (CARNS1), and carnosine-degrading enzyme (CNDP2); this explained the comparable carnosine in the JBC and Cobb meat. Meat extracts from both genetic groups (JBC and Cobb) had high anti-glycation potential. Higher protein content and antioxidant capacity, along with the bioactive dipeptides in the JBC meat, herald exciting research opportunities for its use in improving the traditional backyard poultry farming system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelids are acknowledged worldwide to endure hostile conditions prevalent in the hot as well cold deserts across the globe. Adaptations to climatic extremes have been associated with mitochondrial protein variants such as ATP8 and ATP6 in different species. The camel genetic resources of India are represented by 9 breeds of dromedary camels which inhabit hot arid and semi-arid zones of the country and a small population of Bactrian camels found in the cold desert of Ladakh. In this study, within and between breed genetic diversity in Indian dromedaries and their divergence from Bactrian camels was investigated based on ATP8/6 genes. Sequence analysis of a mitochondrial DNA fragment encompassing ATP8 and ATP6 genes identified 15 haplotypes in the dromedaries of India and 3 haplotypes in Bactrian camels. The values of haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.647 and 0.00187 in the former and 0.679 and 0.00098, respectively in the latter. AMOVA analysis revealed 97.81% variance between the two species. Median-Joining network delineated three distinct mitochondrial haplogroups for Camelus dromedarius, Camelus ferus and Camelus bactrianus. Clear demarcation of the old world (Dromedary and Bactrian camels) and new world camelids (Alpaca, llama, guanaco and vicugna) was evident through the phylogenetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kadaknath, the only black chicken indigenous to India, faces the threat of extinction due to declining numbers. Its meat is used in tribal medicine for invigorating and health-promoting properties. Expectations of immune-boosting and therapeutic properties in its meat are creating a buzz these days. Thus, Kadaknath meat was explored and further compared with the commercial Cobb 400 broiler (Cobb) for the functional traits that might be contributing towards proclaimed pharmacological benefits. Birds (n = 20/ group) were raised under similar management conditions and the two primal chicken meat cuts (breast and thigh) were collected at the marketing age. Kadaknath meat was found to be an enriched source of functional biomolecules (carnosine, anserine, creatine). Its breast meat carnosine content was more than double of the Cobb broiler, 6.10 ± 0.13 and 2.73 ± 0.1 mg/ g of wet tissue, respectively. Similarly, the thigh meat of Kadaknath was a significantly (P < 0.05) richer source of carnosine. The genetic background was a key determinant for muscle carnosine content as a significant abundance of CARNS1 and SLC36A1 expression was identified in the Kadaknath breast. The superior functional property of Kadaknath meat was established by the antioxidant capacity established by the Oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and a stronger ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The identification of fairly unknown nutritional and functional advantages of Kadaknath meat could potentially change the paradigm with its meat consumption. It will help in developing a brand name for Kadaknath products that will propel an increase in its market share and ultimately conservation of this unique but endangered poultry germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indian domesticated chickens have a wide variety of phenotypes. Unlike other chicken breeds, Kadaknath chicken has black meat and is used by indigenous tribal people for its invigorating and therapeutic properties. To look for the functional traits that might be contributing towards the acclaimed benefits, free radical scavenging capacity and metal chelating ability of Kadaknath meat were explored for the first time in comparison to the commercial Cobb broiler. Methods: During the period 2018-2020, breast and thigh meat were collected from chickens (n=20/ group) at their commercial slaughter age. Meat extract was used for qualitative evaluation of protein as well as the antioxidant capacity utilizing diverse in vitro methods corresponding to different antioxidation mechanisms. Result: Protein concentration (g/100g of tissue) in Kadaknath breast (25.25 ± 0.31) and thigh (19.98 ± 0.29) meat was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the Cobb. Breast meat had better scavenging capacity than the thigh. The superiority of the antioxidant capacity of Kadaknath meat was explicitly established by more than one in vitro assay. Free radical scavenging assays viz. 2,2-azinobis (3- ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS); 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) had significantly (P<0.05) higher values for Kadaknath in comparison to the Cobb broiler meat. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values (mM Fe2+/g of tissue) were also more in breast meat of Kadaknath (26.97±0.37) than the Cobb (15.24±0.40). Similarly, FRAP values were higher in Kadaknath (33.85±0.47) than the Cobb (19.2±0.31) thigh meat. Kadaknath had higher antioxidant capacity as reflected by metal chelation inhibition value. These findings help to explain the unique nutritional and functional characteristics of Kadaknath black-bone chicken and provide basic research data for exploring the commercial potential of its meat in the fields of functional foods, cosmeceuticals and nuutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic economic growth, robust growth of industrialization and expanding population are the key factors responsible for significant increases in global energy demand. The Power sectors account for almost 74% of coal consumption in India. The Indian coal is characterized by low calorific value (3000-3500 k. cal.) and very high ash content (30-45 %). Thus, huge amount of fly ash is being generated every year as “waste by product” in coal-based power plants. Hence in present scenario, the safe management and eco-friendly utilization of this surplus fly ash generated has become a global challenge. Due to the serious efforts of ‘Fly Ash Mission’ of India, the utilization level of fly ash has progressively improved from 11.68 % in 1998-99 to 77.59 % in 2018-19. This review presents state wise status of fly ash generation-utilization, government initiatives in India and other new domains of potential fly ash applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this Research Communication was to contribute to the knowledge of milk sialic acid concentration of bovines with specific focus on India. Sialic acids (SA) are important constituents of mammalian milks. Buffaloes are the main milk producing species in India, therefore, our research focused on both cow and buffalo. Two Indian cattle (Bos indicus) breeds (Sahiwal, Tharparkar), one cross bred cattle – Karan Fries (Tharparkar × Holstein Friesian) and a buffalo breed (Murrah) were selected. Systematic comparisons of the total, free and bound form of SA and also its distribution over the course of lactation- colostrums and mature milk (120–140 d) was generated. Animal management, sample collection and methodology of SA estimation were identical for the different groups. Colostrum had the highest concentration of SA, which declined with the progress of lactation in all the groups. Majority of the SA existed in bound form. No significant (P < 0.05) difference was recorded in the total, bound or free SA across all the groups. However, differences were obvious in the total and bound SA level in the mature milk. Indian cattle, Sahiwal and Tharparkar were equivalent, but had higher concentration of total and bound SA than crossbred cattle. Milk of buffalo had SA equivalent to that of crossbred cattle. The mean (se) levels of total SA was 23.4 (0.8), 25.8 (2.4), 20.3 (0.6) and 20.2 (1.2) in Sahiwal, Tharparkar, cross bred and Murrah buffalo, respectively. The findings suggested that milk of indigenous cattle may be a potential source of SA, a bioactive compound with beneficial effect on human health and a potential functional ingredient in foods. Results add value to the currently declining indigenous cattle of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative perspectives education training constitutes a major item in the agenda set out for 1/10 distance education system. This paper is an exploration in this area. Using the courses of IGNOU, India as a take off point, the author ruminates on the relative weights to be given to course structure, design, content and language in terms of gender neutral, women-friendly approaches in education. The author argues for empowerment (and not concessions) of women through the effective use of the distance education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basel Norms were first introduced in 1988 in order to strengthen the stability of international banking system by ensuring an adequate level of capital in this system. The purpose was to set up a fair and a consistent international banking system in order to decrease competitive inequality among international banks and thus provide a "level playing field" so that banks could no longer build business volume without adequate capital backing. Basel I norms were introduced in response to in response to the messy liquidation of Cologne-based Herstatt Bank in 1973. Then Basel II norms were introduced with three pillars focusing on aspects like supervision and market discipline apart from the capital requirements. But inspite of these norms the subprime mortgage crisis followed by global recession prompted the G-20 countries to further strengthen the regulatory system for banks and other financial firms. Thus Basel III norms came into being in 2009. The present paper is devoted to the study of Indian Banking Experience with Basel norms as well as the possible impact of upcoming Basel III norms on Indian Banking System. Camel test has been used to analyze the impact of Basel II norms on State Bank of India's Performance and inferences have been drawn thereof to ascertain the possible impact of Basel III norms on India's Banking System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep farming has been fundamental to many civilizations in the world and is practiced in India since antiquity. Several thousand years of adaptation to local environmental conditions and selective breeding have evolved 44 sheep breeds in India. They are paramount in terms of economic, scientific, and cultural heritage. Genetic characterization information is imperative for sustainable utilization and conservation of ovine heritage. In this study, the genetic diversity, differentiation, and structure of 11 indigenous sheep breeds from three different agro-ecological zones of India were explored with genomic microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA (D loop). The estimated diversity parameters indicated that populations retained high levels of genetic diversity (Na = 8.27 ± 0.17; Ho = 0.65 ± 0.01), which provides an optimistic viewpoint for their survival. However, significant inbreeding was also observed in the nine populations. Moderate genetic differentiation existed among the groups (FST = 0.129 ± 0.012), and most likely clusters existing in the dataset are seven. Phylogenetic clustering was in line with the geographical locations of sheep populations. Mitochondrial sequences revealed high haplotype diversity with the existence of maternal haplogroups A, B, and C, and signals of population expansion. Decreased genetic diversity and unique maternal lineage (C) in endangered Tibetan and Bonpala sheep breed, warrant their immediate scientific management. Overall, the quantitative data reported here on the extant variability, and genetic relationships among the Indian sheep breeds, provide critically important inputs that will be valuable for the decision-making process on their management, both for the conservation of endangered breeds, and formulation of breeding programs to check genetic erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mitochondrial DNA based genetic diversity was explored in the Indian dromedary and Bactrian camel populations. • The haplotype and nucleotide diversity in the Indian dromedaries was higher than the indices reported worldwide. • There was lack of genetic structuring in the Indian dromedaries based on geographical distribution. • Signals of population expansion were evident in the dromedary camels of India. • C. ferus , C. bactrianus and C. dromedarius revealed existence of separate mitochondrial lineages. Camels represent an important genetic resource of the desert ecosystems of India, with the dromedary and Bactrian camels inhabiting the hot and cold deserts, respectively. This study is the first attempt to investigate mitochondrial DNA based genetic diversity in the Indian camel populations and explores their relationship in the context of global genetic diversity of all the three large camel species (Camelus ferus, Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedaries). A mitochondrial DNA fragment encompassing part of cytochrome b gene, tRNAThr, tRNAPro and the beginning of the control region was amplified and analyzed in 72 dromedary and 8 Bactrian camels of India. Sequence analysis revealed that the haplotype and nucleotide diversity (Hd: 0.937 and π: 0.00431) in the Indian dromedaries was higher than the indices reported so far for the dromedary or Bactrian camels across the globe. The corresponding values in the Indian Bactrian camels were 1.000 and 0.00393, respectively. Signals of population expansion were evident in the dromedaries of India on the basis of mismatch analysis and Fu's Fs values. The analysis of molecular variance attributed most of the genetic variance (92.15%) between the dromedary, wild Bactrian and domestic Bactrian camels indicating separate maternal origins. The existence of three mitochondrial lineages in the old world camels (C. bactrianus : Lineage A; C. ferus : Lineage B and C. dromedarius : Lineage C) was also substantiated by the topology of the Median-Joining network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Genetic diversity was explored in 33 breeds/populations of Indian goats using mitochondrial DNA markers. • The haplotype and nucleotide diversity indices of Indian goats were 0.998 and 0.028, respectively. • Indian goats belong to four maternal haplogroups; A, B, C and D. • There was no genetic structuring of goats on the basis of geographical distribution. Thirty four distinct breeds and many non-descript populations represent the caprine diversity of India. Genetic characterization of breeds is an essential element in designing breeding strategies and preserving genetic diversity. Considering the popularity of mitochondrial DNA for phylogeographical studies, this study involved an extensive analysis of population structure and genetic diversity of 28 defined breeds and 5 lesser known populations representing all four major agro-climatic zones of India using mitochondrial DNA markers. Analysis of hypervariable region 1 of mtDNA control region in 443 goats together with 22 reference sequences, delineated 341 distinct haplotypes belonging to four maternal haplogroups; A, B, C and D, with haplogroup A representing 90% of the individuals. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity indices of Indian goats were 0.998 ± 0.001 and 0.028 ± 0.001, respectively indicating abundant genetic variability. Estimates of population demographic parameters from mismatch analysis suggested a relatively good fit to the model of either spatial or demographic expansion of Indian goats. AMOVA analysis and topology of MJ network suggested lack of phylogeographic structure in domestic goats, which can be attributed to unstructured animal breeding, dwindling pastures and nomadic pastoralism. Genetic differentiation between goats from different agro-ecological regions was in accordance with their geographical propinquity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is the world's largest milk producing country because of massive contribution made by cattle and buffaloes. In the present investigation, comprehensive comparative profiling of transcriptomic landscape of milk somatic cells of Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffaloes was carried out. Genes with highest transcript abundance in both species were enriched for biological processes such as lactation, immune response, cellular oxidant detoxification and response to hormones. Analysis of differential expression identified 377 significantly up-regulated and 847 significantly down-regulated genes with fold change >1.5 in Murrah buffaloes as compared to Sahiwal cattle (p adj <0.05). Marked enrichment of innate and adaptive immune response related GO terms and higher expression of genes for various host defense peptides such as lysozyme, defensin β and granzymes were evident in buffaloes. Genes related to ECM-receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and keratinization pathway showed more abundant expression in cattle. Network analysis of the up-regulated genes delineated highly connected genes representing immunity and haematopoietic cell lineage (CBL, CD28, CD247, PECAM1 and ITGA4). For the down-regulated dataset, genes with highest interactions were KRT18, FGFR1, GPR183, ITGB3 and DKK3. Our results lend support to more robust immune mechanisms in buffaloes, possibly explaining lower susceptibility to mammary infections as compared to cattle., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

India has a rich heritage of rearing cattle where farmers selected native cattle suitable to their local agro-ecological conditions for centuries. It is reflected in 50 indigenous breeds of cattle, besides many lesser known populations not explored so far. It is the need of the hour to characterize such populations to have prudent improvement and conservation options. Thus, present study was carried out to assess the genetic diversity and relationship between an unexplored local cattle population (Kathani) and four established cattle breeds of adjoining area (Gaolao, Kosali, Ongole and Motu) by using 20 FAO recommended microsatellite markers. High variability was recorded in the Kathani population with a total of 198 alleles that varied between 5 (ILSTS11, TGLA22, INRA05) and 17 (ILSTS34) with a mean of 9.9 ± 0.73. The average observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.658 ± 0.054. Heterozygote deficiency was not significant (F IS  = 0.029 ± 0.063) indicating random mating prevalent across this population. Mean estimates of observed number of alleles and heterozygosity over all the loci and five populations were 9.73 ± 0.421 and 0.617 ± 0.022, respectively. In the overall populations, the homozygote excess (F IT ) of 0.293 ± 0.032, was partly due to the homozygote excess within breeds (F IS  = 0.121 ± 0.025) and to a larger extent due to high (0.05 < F ST  < 0.15) genetic differentiation among them (F ST  = 0.195 ± 0.029). Substantial pairwise Nei's genetic distance and high population differentiation indicated towards separate genetic identity of Kathani cattle. The analysis of genetic structure based on Bayesian approach indicated that the most probable number of clusters is five confirming definitive genetic differentiation among all the popultions. Entire analysis showed that a significant amount of genetic variation is maintained in Kathani, a lesser known cattle population that is distinct from the recognized breeds in the proximity. As this autochthonous cattle plays role in the economic sustainability of a marginal and disadvantaged area, it is important to preserve and develop its breeding.

Reproductive traits show either low to moderate heritability and are measured late in life. Thus molecular markers are required to improve the pace of genetic gain in these traits of economic value. Recent publications report the association of polymorphism in JY-1 gene with cattle reproductive traits. In this study, the only known single nucleotide polymorphism (C15329T) of caprine JY-1 gene was explored for its association with reproductive traits; age at first heat, age at first service and age at first kidding. Black Bengal (n = 70), a sexually precocious and prolific goat breed of India was genotyped for the SNP by designing PCR-RFLP. Effect of year of birth and genotype was found to be non-significant at 1% for all three traits. However, the effect of season of birth was highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) on age at first kidding. Polymorphism in 3'UTR of the JY-1 gene is not associated with the reproductive traits of goats. In future, studies involving large number of animals from different goat breeds as well as investigation of other regions of this gene would be exciting to perform.

Background: Indian agriculture is an economic symbiosis of crop and livestock production with cattle as the foundation. Sadly, the population of indigenous cattle (Bos indicus) is declining (8.94% in last decade) and needs immediate scientific management. Genetic characterization is the first step in the development of proper management strategies for preserving genetic diversity and preventing undesirable loss of alleles. Thus, in this study we investigated genetic diversity and relationship among eleven Indian cattle breeds using 21 microsatellite markers and mitochondrial D loop sequence., Results: The analysis of autosomal DNA was performed on 508 cattle which exhibited sufficient genetic diversity across all the breeds. Estimates of mean allele number and observed heterozygosity across all loci and population were 8.784 ± 0.25 and 0.653 ± 0.014, respectively. Differences among breeds accounted for 13.3% of total genetic variability. Despite high genetic diversity, significant inbreeding was also observed within eight populations. Genetic distances and cluster analysis showed a close relationship between breeds according to proximity in geographic distribution. The genetic distance, STRUCTURE and Principal Coordinate Analysis concluded that the Southern Indian Ongole cattle are the most distinct among the investigated cattle populations. Sequencing of hypervariable mitochondrial DNA region on a subset of 170 cattle revealed sixty haplotypes with haplotypic diversity of 0.90240, nucleotide diversity of 0.02688 and average number of nucleotide differences as 6.07407. Two major star clusters for haplotypes indicated population expansion for Indian cattle., Conclusions: Nuclear and mitochondrial genomes show a similar pattern of genetic variability and genetic differentiation. Various analyses concluded that the Southern breed 'Ongole' was distinct from breeds of Northern/ Central India. Overall these results provide basic information about genetic diversity and structure of Indian cattle which should have implications for management and conservation of indicine cattle diversity.

KiSS1 is considered to be a key mediator of molecular mechanism of reproduction (puberty and prolificacy) in mammals. Kisspeptins are a family of structurally related peptides, encoded by KiSS1 gene, with ability to regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone and hence hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The present study investigated the polymorphism of caprine KiSS1 gene in 9 Indian goat breeds differing in sexual precocity and prolificacy. Comparison of KiSS1 amplified sequences of indigenous goats resulted in identification of nine SNPs (intron (1) G296C, T455G, T505A, T693C, T950C and intron (2) T1125C, A2510G, C2540T, A2803G) of which four are novel. These loci were not segregating together (r(2)<0.33). Mutations existed in both, sexually precocious and late-maturing goat breeds as well as low and high prolificacy goat breeds. Three loci reported to be associated with goat litter size (G296C, G2510A and C2540T) were identified in Indian goats as well. Association between loci of KiSS1 gene and age of puberty as well as litter size was explored in Black Bengal (N=158), a sexually precocious and prolific goat breed of India by designing PCR-RFLP. None of the mutations were found to be associated with reproductive traits however, difference in litter size as well age of sexual maturity for different genotypes indicates that the study on additional data based on more number of breeds and animals would be interesting to perform. Considering the importance of the reproductive trait in small ruminants, the results extend the limited information on genetic variation of the caprine KiSS1, which might contribute toward molecular breeding to enhance productivity of goat., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)