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Background: The present study is focused on documentation of the husbandry practices and phenotypic characterization of Bidri goats, which is essential in recognition and improvement of this breed. Methods: A total of 20 random flocks in 7 villages were investigated. Data was collected as per the standard format suggested by ICAR-NBAGR (2012) and was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance in R software environment. Result: The average flock size of these goats was 33.43±4.73. The smaller flocks were generally housed in the part of residence, whereas, larger flocks (30-40 goats) were housed separately. Random mating was observed as males and females were grazed and housed together. These goats were predominantly black (73%), but black with white patches on ears, forehead, neck and knees (18%) and black with brown coat color (9%) were also found. The eyelids, muzzle and hooves were generally black in color and few exceptions were also seen. The forehead was straight in most of the goats but it was convex and concave shaped in very few. In these goats, 78 per cent were horned and were generally upwards, backwards, outward and curved, 13 per cent had downwards, backwards, outward and curved horns. Majority of these goats have pendulous ears and very few had horizontal ears. The average age at first estrus, first kidding, weaning age and kidding interval observed were 10.33±0.24, 17.57±0.40, 4-6 and 8.48±0.38 months, respectively. Usually the first kidding was single; twinning and triplet was 40 and 5 per cent of the breedable does, respectively. The mean body weight was 32.88±1.04 kg in bucks and 30.08±0.59 kg in does. Bidri goats are distinct and selective breeding would improvise the economic traits in these goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To characterize the chromosomal complement of Nandidurga goats. Methods: Blood samples for short term lymphocyte culture were collected from 5 bucks and 5 does from its breeding tract and then mitotic chromosomal spreads were accomplished. Result: The diploid chromosome number was found to be 60, consisting of 58 acrocentric autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes (X and Y). The X chromosome was found to be the longest acrocentric and Y chromosome was found to be sub metacentric. The mean mitotic drive was 64.5±2.01 and 63.15±1.30 percent in bucks and does, respectively. The mean relative length of autosomes varied from 2.08±0.24 to 4.81±0.12 in does and 2.09±0.09 to 4.70±0.11in bucks. The relative length of X chromosome in does was 5.14±0.17 and that in bucks was 4.92±0.21, whereas Y chromosome had a relative length of 1.99±0.20. The mean Arms Ratio, Centromeric Index and Morphological Index were 2.47, 31.62 and 396.14, respectively. This cytogenetic analysis indicates the normal chromosomal complement in the studied Nandidurga goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a contagious disease affecting animal health especially in developing countries. Brucella melitensis is a major cause of abortion in small ruminants and a significant public health pathogen. This study was carried out to know the sero prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in and around Hassan district, Karnataka, India. A total of 192 serum samples were collected from different flock of sheep & goat and subjected to RBPT and iELISA. Overall prevalence rate of brucellosis was found to be 20.83% (CI: 15.08 - 26.57%) and 16.66% (CI: 11.38 - 21.93%) by RBPT & iELISA, respectively. Prevalence rate in sheep was 25.85% (CI: 18.77% - 32.93%) and 20.40% (CI: 13.89% - 26.91%) by RBPT and iELISA respectively whereas in goats it was 04.44% (CI: 0.0% - 10.39%) by both tests. Region wise, significantly higher prevalence was recorded in migratory flocks from Hiriyur (57.77%, 46.66%) and Sira (35.71%, 25.00%) compared to native Hassan flocks (3.36%, 3.36%) both by RBPT and iELISA, tests respectively. Significant difference in prevalence was observed between species but not between tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]