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DFT-based structural optimisations of Fe2NiZ (Z = Al, Ga, Si, Ge) Heusler compounds confirm the stability of these alloys in F-43m phase. While defining the electronic structure, onsite Hubbard approximation scheme for exchange correlations predicted better results than the generalised gradient approximation. Calculated band structure and densities of states together with spin magnetic moments designate the half-metallic character of these alloys. Indirect band gaps, 1.2 eV for Fe2NiAl, 0.98 eV for Fe2NiGa, 1.3 eV for Fe2NiSi and 1.1 eV for Fe2NiGe in spin-down states are observed. The ferromagnetic spin moments amount to an integral value of 5μB for (Al, Ga) and 6μB for (Si, Ge) systems with a maximum contribution from transition metal atom (Fe). To forecast the possible turnout of the thermopower, Seebeck coefficients, electrical and thermal conductivities are calculated, which directly hints the thermoelectric response of these materials. This study creates a possibility of these alloys in thermoelectrics and spintronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hog deer (Axis porcinus) are an endangered species in Pakistan, and there is little information about their feed preference in captivity. Seven animals were offered weighed amount of feed in two seasonal binary combinations of fresh fodder and one combination of grains. The fresh seasonal fodder included Oat (Avena sativa), Lucerne (Medicago sativa), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Maize (Zea mays); whereas grains included Wheat (Triticum aestivum) whole-grains and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds. Thirteen plant samples were collected from the wild habitat of Hog deer in Tunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary. Plant samples from wild and captivity were analysed through proximate analysis for Crude protein, Fiber, Fat and Ash contents. The outcomes concluded that in combination C1, the hog deer preferred Oat over Lucerne (p < 0.05) with a mean percentage±standard error (Mean±SE) of 90.757±0.401 percent for Oat and 9.243±0.401 percent for Lucerne. The animals preferred Maize (p < 0.05) in combination C2 with mean percentage and standard error of 91.657±0.368 percent compared to Sorghum with mean percentage and standard error of 8.343±3.083 percent. Chickpea was the preferred feed item (p < 0.05) against Wheat from the C3 combination with mean percentages and standard error of 92.2±0.453 percent and 7.800±0.453 percent respectively. The results of the proximate analysis revealed that the percentage of Crude Protein was 15.69±4.8 percent and 12.63±1.4 percent for plants in Captivity and plants in the wild respectively. The percentages of Fat content in plants in captivity and the wild were 3.34±0.86 and 3.37±0.41 respectively. The results showed percentages of Ash content in plants both in captive and wild,10.9±5.9 and 32.83±0.98 respectively; whereas, the percentages of fibre contents in the plants in captivity and wild habitats were 21.00±3.9 and 27.01±2.6 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on comparative productive performance of indigenous Naked Neck (NN) and Naked Neck Crossbred (NNC) i.e., Naked Neck x White Leg Horn at Poultry and Wildlife Programme, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan. A total of 72 birds (16 weeks of age) comprising 30 females and 6 males of each breed were divided into six experimental units / replicates (10 females and 2 male / replicate). Separate breeding pen were allotted to each replicate. The birds were fed ad-libitum. The data on body weight, feed consumption, daily egg production, egg weight, egg shell thickness and mortality were recorded. Naked Neck Crossbred (NNC) layers exhibited relatively less body weight (1461g) at 40 weeks of age, better egg production (66.36 %) and feed efficiency (761.32 g feed bird-1 week-1) and produced heavier eggs (average weight 60.89g) than those produced by Naked Neck (NN). However, the difference in the feed intake values was found to be non 0.05). The Naked Neck layers produced thicker shelled eggs (0.390mm) and showed better livability than their counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]