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ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF APBN1 GRASS AND EFFECT OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF DECCANI SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2005-06) JAGADISH, Ch; RAMANA REDDY, Y(MAJOR); NAGALAKSHMI, D; MAHENDER, MABSTRACT : Evaluation of the potential feeding value of APBN1, an improved variety of hybrid napier as the sole feed and in supplemented rations was carried out to develop a forage based feeding system for intensive rearing of sheep. APBN1 forage samples harvested at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth were subjected to chemical, in vitro and in sacco evaluation to determine the optimum stage of harvesting for maximization of forage utilization in terms of fodder yield and nutritional quality. The yield of green fodder, dry matter and crude protein (MT/ha/yr) of APBN1 forage harvested at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth was found to be 274.68, 47.35, 7.44; 291.34, 61.09, 9.08; 344.74, 76.39, 11.45; 368.45, 85.26, 11.36 and 387.95, 98.81 and 11.21, respectively. The leaf to stem ratio of APBN1 forage at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth was found to be 0.36, 0.46, 0.65, 0.95 and 1.36, respectively. The dry matter content of forage increased from 17.24 per cent at 30 days to 25.47 per cent at 60 days of growth. The CP and CF values were 15.72, 23.81; 14.86, 24.67; 14.35, 25.32; 13.68, 26.64 and 11.34 and 29.88 per cent, respectively on DM basis for the forage samples harvested at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth. Progressive increase in crude fibre level and gradual decline in crude protein content was observed with the advancement in maturity of forage. The NFE content (46.12 %) was highest at 45 days of growth. The IVDMD value was highest (57.87 %) at 30 days and lowest (51.40 %) at 60 days of growth, when the forage samples were incubated with sheep rumen liquor. The effective degradable dry matter (EDDM) as determined by nylon bag technique in fistulated rams was 55.80, 54.70, 53.50, 52.40 and 43.78 per cent at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth, respectively. The effective protein degradability (EPD) decreased from 38.30 per cent at 30 days to 33.17 per cent at 60 days of growth. The insoluble but degradable protein fraction „b‟ was highest (77.07 %) at 45 days of growth. Based on the biomass yield, leaf to stem ratio, chemical, in vitro and in sacco evaluation, the optimum stage of harvesting for APBN1 forage was found to be at 45 days of growth. When the forage harvested at 45 days alone was fed ad libitum in chopped form, the rams on an average consumed 50.74, 4.40 and 28.34 g/kg W0.75 of DM, DCP and TDN respectively. The average digestibility coefficients of 66.63, 68.52, 69.10, 58.82, 56.34 and 62.21 per cent were observed for DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE, respectively and the DCP and TDN values as 8.68 and 56.38 per cent were observed for APBN1 forage in Deccani rams. The Deccani rams on an average retained 5.28 g nitrogen per day. Effect of supplementation through protein and energy sources to the APBN1 forage was studied in adult Deccani rams. There was a significant increase in DM intake (g/kg W0.75) of rams supplemented with concentrate premix containing GNC + maize (71.10), SFC + maize (69.82) and CSC + maize (66.71) in comparison to that of the rams fed APBN1 forage (51.62) as the sole feed. Irrespective of the protein source, supplementation has enhanced the nutrient digestibility of rations in rams with the resultant improvement in DCP content of the ration by 72.78% (GNC), 35.64% (CSC) and 34.95% (SFC) and TDN value of ration by 26.80% (GNC), 21.59% (CSC) and 13.66% (SFC) in comparison to DCP (8.68%) and TDN (56.38%) of the ration containing APBN1 forage alone. There was a marked improvement (P<0.05) in nitrogen utilization with the net nitrogen retention (g/d) in rams supplemented with GNC + maize (15.13), SFC + maize (12.16) and CSC + maize (10.71) when compared to that of rams fed APBN1 forage (5.28) as the sole feed. It is concluded that APBN1 forage at 45 days of growth with DCP (8.68%) and TDN (56.38%) can be utilized as a potential maintenance type (perennial) green fodder for feeding adult sheep. Supplementation, irrespective of protein source, improved the nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of the rations containing APBN1 forage as the basal roughage and fulfilled the maintenance as well as growth requirements (70 g/d) of sheep. Supplementation through concentrate premix containing 125 g each of maize and GNC was found superior (P<0.05) in enhancing nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of rams in comparison to other sources. Supplementation of critical nutrients to the basal roughage is a viable means of sustaining the optimum animal performance.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE URETHRAL HEALING USING BIOCASINGS WITH AND WITHOUT URETHROSTOMY IN DOGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 1999-07) SREENU, MAKKENA; VENKATESWARA RAO, N(MAJOR); HARAGOPAL, V; SESHAGIRI RAO, A; CHANDRASEKHARA RAO, T.SABSTRACT: Ninety six mongrel dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups of 48 animals of urethrotomy and urzthrostomy. Each group was further divided into four sub groups depending on the technique ci reconstruction. -4111 cm incision was created on urethra prescrotally in dl the animals. The urethral incision was left unsutured/ sutured to carp== cavernosum penis in control animals keeping catheter in situ. Gelatm fibrin and amnion were wrapped around the urethrotomy / urethrostomy sites. The urethral healing was evaluated by clinical, haematologicd biochemical, radiological, gross and histopathological studies. Ventral urethral incision caudal to ospenis was found to be u effective model for the evaluation of biocasings for urethral healing. Introduction of catheter pre-operatively and lateral retraction of retracror penis muscle helped in location of urethra and application of biocasings on to operated site; Suturing of muscles and the biocasings helped in securing the casings in positiod at the urethral incision. Processed gelatin, fibrin and amnion provided adequate strength to wrap around the operated site; Premedication of the dogs before injection of thiopentone sochum facilitated easy intravenous injection of anaesthetic with minimal restraint and potentiated the effect. Intermittent doses of thiopentone sodium produced adequate anaesthesia and muscle relaxation to perform surgery. Haemorrhage from the operative site was less in urethrostomy group when compared to urethrotomy group. Act of micturition was painful in the initial post operative days in all the dogs. Scrota1 oedema and subcutaneous ecchymosis were not a common observation. The rectal temperature, pulse and respiratory values showed significant increase during initial post-operative days in all dogs. Significant variation was noticed among the control sub groups and gelatin, amnion and fibrin in both the groups. Urine analysis revealed non-significant variation in pH value and specific gravity in both the groups. Non-significant variation in blood urea nitrogen levels were observed among control ; gelatin, fibrin, and amnion treated animals of both groups. A significant increase in serum creatinine values were observed in all the dogs. Inorganic phosphorus values showed an initial raise. A sigruficant decrease was noticed in total protein values of control and treated groups, which was more in control and gelatin treated animals. Total erythrocyte values, packed cell volume and haemoglobin values exhibited sigmficant decrease upto 5th post-operative day and 3rd post-operative day in urethrotomy and urethrostomy groups respectively. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed hghly significant increase upto seventh post operative day in gelatin group only. Total leucocyte counts were elevated significantly upto 5th post operative day in urethrotomy group and upto 7th post-operative day In urethrostomy group. Positive contrast urethrography using 15% barium sulphate provided good visualisation ofY urethra. Early urethrograms of urethrotomy group showed no leakage at the operative site; whereas urethrostomy group showed potential leakage of contrast media into periurethral space. In the later stages, control and gelatin wrapped urethra showed mucosal irregularities and stricture formation. The fibrin and amnion wrapped animals showed patent urethral lumen in urethrotomy group. The control and gelatin treated animals of urethrostomy group showed fistulation and mucosal irregularities, while fibrin and gelatin treated animals showed widening of the urethral lumen at the operative site. Grossly, all the dogs showed swelling, congestion, and edema at the operative site in early post operative days. As time advanced, these changes were not seen. Thick to filamentous adhesions at the operated site with the surrounding tissues were seen in all the dogs. Microscopically all the sections showed inflammatory reaction in the early post-operative days. The inflammatory reaction was severe in control and gelatin wrapped animals compared to fibrin and amnion treated group animals. Urethrotomy group showed stenosis of urethral lumen whereas urethrostomy group showed widening of urethral lumen at operated site. EpitheliaLization was complete by 14 to 30 days in both the groups. Based on the above observations made it is concluded that urethrotomy incision covered with fibrin and amnion proved to be better compared to control and gelatin treated groups. Urethrostomy groups had post-operative complications like leakage, fistula formation, and mucosal abnormalities. However these complications can be lessened by use of fibrin and amnion as evidenced by the result of the present study.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF VIZIANAGARAM SHEEP OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-04) GANGARAJU, GOLLAMOORI; SARJAN RAO, K(MAJOR); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; RAGHUNANDAN, T; GNANA PRAKASH, MABSTRACT: A study was undertaken on the a) distribution of local Vizianagaram sheep b) biometric and morphological characters of the breed c) productive and reproductive performance of the breed and d) managemental practices being followed by farmers of Vizianagaram breeding tract in north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh comprising of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Based on nlultistage stratified random sampling technique, the study was carried out in 7 mandals each from every district and from each mandal 7 villages were selected. From each village 2-3 sheep farmers maintained local Vizianagaram sheep with an average flock size of 60-75 were selected for the study resulted in a sample size of 775. 1244 and 153 Vizianagaram sheep from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. The data recorded from farmers flocks were compared with the data of LRS, Garividi. The chest girth, body length and keight at withers (cm) were 35.2w0.33, 29.46M.37 and 40.3M.32 for ram lambs of below 1 year and 73.0W0.71. 60.91*0.82 and 68.84*0.62 for rams of 10-12 months. respectively. Significant (PThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS OF EXOTIC AND NATIVE CHICKEN(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-12) SREENIVAS, DASARI; GNANA PRAKASH, M(MAJOR); SHARMA, R.P; RUDRANATH CHATTERJEE; RAVINDER REDDY, V; MAHENDER, MABSTRACT: The present investigation was carried out for estimation of genetic parameters on certain production, immunocompetence and egg quality traits in IWH, IWI and IWK strains and control population of White Leghorns and microsatellite marker based analysis on IWH and IWK strains and native breeds of Aseel and Kadaknath maintained at the Project Directorate on Poultry, Hyderabad. Significant genetic group differences were observed for all the production traits studied. The age at first egg (AFE) and body weights at 40, 52 and 64 weeks of age ranged from 143.49 * 0.56 to 155.63 * 0.57 days, 1290.74 * 7.21 to 1428.36 8.36, 1377.72 8.43 to 148 1.82 * 9.77 and 1455.73 * 9.49 to 1547.15 * 1 1.18 g, respectively. Egg production up to 40, 64 and 72 weeks of age ranged from 94.08 * 0.50 to 106.15 * 0.49, 178.24 * 1.20 to 202.32 k 1.18 and 190.90 + 1.22 to 215.17 1.20 eggs. respectively while egg weight at 28, 40, 52 and 64 weeks of age ranged from 43.81 * 0.15 to 46.77 * 0.15, 49.89 * 0.18 to 53.13 * 0.17, 53.1.3 k 0.16 to 54.65 * 0.15 and 55.47 * 0.15 to 57.59 * 0.14 g, respectively. The AFE was low to moderately heritable while the body weights were moderate to highly heritable. In general, egg production traits were lowly heritable while the egg weights were low to highly heritable. The genetic and phenotypic correlations of AFE were positive with body weights and egg weights but negative with egg production. The genetic and phenotypic correlations of body weight at 52 and 64 weeks of age were negative with egg production and positive with egg weight. The correlations among egg production traits and among egg weights were positive and high while the association between egg production and egg weight traits was moderate to high but negative. Significant differences among genetic groups were observed for antibody titre against SRBC and NDV only. Mean anti SRBC titre, anti NDV titre and response to PHA-P (mrn) ranged from 4.729 * 0.142 to 5.803 * 0.11 8, 10.033 .t 0.056 to 1 1.045 * 0.049 and 0.133 * 0.075 to 0.527 * 0.164, respectively. Heritability estimates of antibody titre against SRBC, NDV and response to PHA-P were low to medium. The anti SRBC titre had positive genetic correlation and negative phenotypic and environmental correlations with AFE. Genetic and phenotypic correlations with body weights and egg production traits were mostly positive. The genetic and phenotypic correlations of antibody titre against NDV with AFE and annual egg production were mostly positive. The correlations of response to PHA-P with other traits varied both in magnitude and direction. Significant genetic group differences were observed for various egg quality traits studied. The egg weight, haugh unit, yolk index, albumen index, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell weight and shell thickness ranged from 53.89 0.43 to 50.01 0.48 g, 65.38 * 0.92 to 80.98 * 1.01, 0.341 * 0.003 to 0.353 * 0.003, 0.056 * 0.002 to 0.087 * 0.002, 14.16 i 0.13 to 15.58k 0.12 g, 30.92 * 0.39 to 33.18k 0.39 g, 4.32 * 0.05 to 5.12 * 0.05 g and 0.336 k 0.003 to 0.376 * 0.003 mrn, respectively. The heritability estimates based on sire, dam and sire + dam components of variance for egg weight, yolk index, albumen index and albumen weight ranged from low to medium while those of haugh unit, yolk weight, shell weight and shell thickness ranged from low to high. The genetic and phenotypic correlations of egg weight with other egg quality traits except shell quality traits were mostly positive and moderate to high. High positive genetic and phenotypic correlations between haugh unit and other traits were observed. Genetic correlation of yolk weight with albumen weight was positive while that with shell quality traits was mostly negative. Shell weight was positively correlated with shell thickness. All the 15 microsatellite loci were polymorphic. The mean number of alleles (Na) varied from 2.0 to 5.0 among the loci and 3.13 * 0.13 to 3.80 k 0.13 among the populations. The effective number of alleles varied from 1.041 to 4.755 across the loci and between 2.33 0.09 and 3.21 k 0.1 1 among the populations. The allele frequency ranged from 0.012 to 0.980 across the loci. The overall mean PIC values ranged from 0.038 to 0.756 across the loci and 0.434 to 0.579 among the populations. The expected and observed heterozygosity estimates (0.634 * 0.020 and 0.723 * 0.031) were highest in Aseel, while lowest in IWH strain (0.500 i 0.022 and 0.471 * 0.034). Overall mean inbreeding coefficients for IWH, IWK, Kadaknath and Aseel were 0.205, 0.1 16, -0.052 and -0.130, respectively. The mean values of Fls, FST and FIT values over all the loci were -0.050 & 0.065,0.05 1 & 0.308 and 0.003 k 0.064, respectively. The genetic distance was least between Kadaknath and Aseel (0.023) and highest between IWH and Aseel (0.160). Kadaknath and Aseel were closer with maximum genetic identity index (0.977) while IWH and Aseel were more wide apart with least identity index (0.852). Phylogenetic analysis grouped IWH and IWK strains in to one cluster and Kadaknath and Aseel breeds in to another cluster. All the loci except MCW 048 deviated significantly from equilibrium frequency in at least one of the populations, while all the loci except MCW 007 and MCW 048 departed from the equilibrium frequency on overall basis.ThesisItem Open Access A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE DISEASES OF ESOPHAGUS AND STOMACH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ENDOSCOPY IN DOGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-07) RAVIRAJ VINAYAK, SURYAWANSHI; RAGHAVENDER, K.B.P(MAJOR); GIREESH KUMAR, V; PURUSHOTHAM, G; SHANTHI LAKSHMI, MABSTRACT: The present study was undertaken in 42 cases out of the 120 clinical cases of dogs presented with diseases of esophagus and stomach with the history of persistent vomiting or regurgitation. A total of 120 dogs were presented with the chief complaint of recurrent vomiting or regurgitation. Out of the total of 120 cases selected for closer examination, 78 dogs (65%) responded to routine medical treatment with antiemetics, antibiotics and fluid therapy and hence, they were excluded from the purview of the present clinical study. The remaining 42 dogs (35%), which continued to vomit or regurgitate for more than one week and showed signs consistent with the primary diseases of the esophagus and stomach formed the patient material for the present clinical study. All the 42 clinical cases of dogs underwent routine physical, clinical, haematological and biochemical examinations as well as plain and contrast radiographic, Ultrasonographic and endoscopic assessment to rule out the concurrent diseases prior to the consideration in the present study. The results of the present study revealed that out of the total 42 cases selected for the present study, 31dogs (73.81%) had diseases of the esophagus while the rest (11dogs; 26.19%) had diseases of the stomach. During the present study, megaesophagus was diagnosed in 18 (42.86%) dogs, reflux esophagitis in 2 dogs (4.76%), vascular ring anomalies in 2 dogs (4.76%), esophageal diverticula and esophageal nodule in one dog each (2.38% each), esophageal foreign bodies in 5 dogs (11.90%), esophageal erosion or ulcers in 2 dogs (4.76%), chronic gastritis in 3 dogs (7.14%), gastric foreign bodies in 4 dogs (9.52% ), gastric erosion/ ulcer in 2 dogs (4.76%) and gastric dilatation and Volvulus in 2 dogs (4.76%). The results also showed that the occurrences of these diseases were seen in dogs ranging from two and a half months to thirteen years of age. No sex wise occurrence of the esophageal or stomach diseases was reported. All the dogs afflicted with the various diseases exhibited similar symptoms like emaciation, shrunken abdomen, chronic weight loss, prominent rib cage, regurgitation, vomiting or both. In the present clinical study, 18 clinical cases of megaesophagus were recorded. The disease was encountered in Labrador (2 dogs), Golden Retriever (2 Dogs), German Shepherd (5 Dogs), Doberman (2 Dogs), Mongrel (3 Dogs), Pomeranian (2 Dogs), Cocker Spaniel (1 Dog) and Boxer (1 Dog) breeds of dogs. The mean age of occurrence was found to be 6.25 ± 0.88 years. Out of these 18 dogs, 11were found to be males (61.12 %) and the rest were females (7 dogs; 38.88%). All these 18 dogs showed the signs of regurgitation of the food soon after food consumption. The haematological and biochemical studies showed that all the parameters studied were with in the normal range, except for haemoglobin. Ultrasonography did not reveal any sort of esophageal pathology. Radiographic features of megaesophagus in the seven dogs were air filled dilated esophagus and tracheoesophageal stripe sign. Esophagography clearly revealed generalized distention of esophagus in all the 18 dogs. While endoscopy revealed markedly dilated, flaccid esophagus and pooling of retained fluid, in the most dependent segment of the esophagus. The results of the present study indicated that among the three treatment regimens tested, Metoclopramide combined with feeding the dogs in an upright position from an elevated platform improved the esophageal function to the maximum extent. Post mortem examination of the seven dogs died or euthanized showed severe dilatation and thinning of the esophageal wall, while histopathological examination showed scanty muscle bundles, infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells with submucosal congestion and enlargement of submucosal glandular pattern with epithelial irregularity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed destruction of blood vessels, loss of normal architecture and direction of inner circular as well as outer longitudinal muscle fibers while, transmission electron microscopic examination showed complete loss of cellular architecture, mitochondrial destruction and complete loss of architecture of myoneuronal plate at the neuromuscular junction suggestive of neuromuscular disorder. Two clinical cases of dogs were tentatively diagnosed to be suffering from reflux esophagitis. Endoscopic examination characterized by mucosal erythema, haemorrhage, mucosal irregularity, erosion with thickened mucosal folds especially at the lower esophageal area confirmed reflux esophagitis. Endoscopic examination showed the evidence of reflux esophagitis in these two dogs. Both the dogs recovered uneventfully following the treatment adopted. Esophagoscopy of a nine year old male Pomeranian dog with sings of recurrent cough and retching revealed a lemon sized nodular growth appearing as broad based protuberance with nipple like orifice located just caudal to the base of the heart suggestive of Spirocerca lupi infestation. No surgical exploration was conducted as the dog was not available for further investigation. Plain radiography of five cases out of 42 cases (11.90%) revealed osseous foreign bodies in the esophagus of four dogs and radiolucent foreign bodies (socks) in an other dog. In three dogs, osseous foreign bodies located in the thoracic esophagus were pushed in to the stomach successfully by endoscope itself. In dog, osseous foreign bodies located in the post pharyngeal was retrieved by cheatle forceps under the endoscopic illumination. The dog with socks in the cervical esophagus vomited the socks out due to emetic effects of xylazine prior to endoscopic manoeuvre. All dogs recovered uneventfully. Barium swallow of the dogs revealed stricture of esophagus over the base of heart and cranial distention of esophagus suggestive of vascular ring anomalies. Despite of giving supportive therapy, both the dogs died. Necropsy revealed distention of esophagus cranial to the constructive vascular band confirmed vascular ring anomalies. Histopathological examination further confirmed presence of concurrent gastritis. Plain radiography of three year old female German shepherd dog with post prandial regurgitation, revealed saclike out pouching of cranial thoracic esophageal wall that rested on floor of sternum which was further confirmed by endoscopy. No treatment was initiated in this case on the owner was reluctant for surgery. The two dogs with vomiting of about three weeks duration that did not respond to routine medication were diagnosed to be suffering from esophageal erosions/ulcers, both by endoscopy and by positive contrast radiography. The dogs responded well to the treatment adopted. Gastroscopy of all three dogs revealed generalized congestion as well as petechial hemorrhagic spots on gastric mucosa with minor areas of mucosal erosions suggestive of chronic gastritis. Cytological examination of stomach fluid collected during endoscopy further confirmed chronic gastritis. No Helicobacter Like Organisms (HLO) was encountered. These three dogs responded well to the treatment protocol adopted i.e. combination of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, Metronidazole and ranitidine. In the present study, gastroscopy of two dogs revealed gastric ulcerative patches with marked thickening and irregular edges confirmed gastric erosion or ulcers. Both the dogs treated with sucralfate and omperazole responded well to complete recovery. In present clinical study, four dogs were diagnosed to be affected with gastric foreign bodies. Out of four cases, two dogs that underwent plain radiographic examination revealed presence of sewing needle in the stomach of one dog and a pair of metal caps of cool drink bottle and a safety pin in another dog. The metallic foreign bodies whose removal was considered to be too risky by endoscope were removed by standard gastrotomy. In the remaining two dogs that swallowed dog nylon belt, plain radiograph did not confirm their presence. Endoscopic examination revealed presence of dog collar made up of nylon in the stomach. Endoscopic retrieval of the nylon belt in the stomach of one dog was successfully done while, in the second case, the radiolucent foreign body (another nylon belt), which turned out later on to be a linear foreign body, was removed successfully by standard gastrotomy and enterotomy operation. All the dogs recovered uneventfully. In the two dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GD-V) in the present study, the clinical and radiographic signs helped in confirmation of the disease and the clinical out come of their treatment with surgical derotation and gastropexy was uneventful. From the results of the present clinical study, it was concluded that about 35% of dogs (42 out of 120 dogs) that were refractory to general medical treatment for vomiting or regurgitation were appeared to be affected with primary diseases of esophagus and stomach. The most common malady affecting the esophagus in dogs was found to be megaesophagus (18), and this can be reasonably well managed by using metoclopramide and feeding the dogs in an upright position from an elevated platform. The disease is considered to be a neuromuscular disease as seen during scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The neuromuscular junctions as seen by transmission electron microscopy appeared to be destroyed in cases of megaesophagus. Esophagography was found to be more useful procedure in confirming the cases of megaesophagus than endoscopy. This is because it is sometimes difficult in mild cases to be sure whether the esophagus was really dilated or it appeared so due to insufflation during endoscopy. On endoscopy examination, a large cavernous lumen extending the length of the esophagus is vividly suggestive of megaesophagus. But a normal esophagus can also appear flaccid and distended under anaesthesia. The other diseases encountered in the present study in their order frequency of occurrence are esophageal foreign bodies (5), gastric foreign bodies (4), chronic gastritis (3), reflux esophagitis (2), esophageal erosion/ulcer (2), gastric erosion/ ulcer (2), vascular ring anomalies (2), gastric dilatation and volvulus (2), esophageal nodule (1) and esophageal diverticulum (1). Endoscopy is not always useful in treatment of esophageal or gastric foreign bodies in dogs for the shape and size of foreign body, duration of obstruction and nature and location of foreign body in the esophagus and stomach determine the use and success of endoscopy for therapeutic purpose. Endoscopy proved to be a valuable and useful aid in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric ulcers/ erosions, esophageal nodule and esophageal diverticulum. Albeit veterinarians are still in the early phase of adoption of minimally invasive procedures, endoscopy proves to be vital diagnostic and therapeutic tool of the future veterinarians armamentarium.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC EVALUATION OF ONGOLE CATTLE UNDER PROGENY TESTING PROGRAMME(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-05) SAI REDDY, S; RAMESH GUPTA, B(MAJOR); VINOO, R; SUDHAKAR, K; MAHENDER, MABSTRACT : The data on Ongole cattle maintained under the ICAR Network Project on Genetic improvement of Ongole breed through the Associate Herd Testing Programme at Lam farm, Guntur (1935), Cattle Breeding Farm, Chadalawada, Prakasam district (625), Livestock Research Station Mahanandi, Kurnool district (404) and Composite Livestock Farm, Chintaladevi, Nellore district (201), spread over a period of 22 years from 1987 to 2008, were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was undertaken to estimate the genetic divergence between the sets of the bulls under the progeny testing programme. The morphometric differences of the chromosomes between the cows born by embryo transfer technique and artificial insemination were studied. The overall least squares means for body weight, height at withers, chest girth and body length of Ongole cattle from birth to 24 months of age ranged from 26.49 to 245.40 kg, 71.58 to 133.58 cm, 66.35 to 146.53 cm and 62.91 to 127.64 cm, respectively. The effects of farm and period of birth were significant on the body weight, height at withers, chest girth and body length at all the ages studied. Season of birth significantly affected the body weight at birth, 1 and 3 months of age; height at withers at birth, 1 and 6 months age; chest girth at 3 months and body length at 6 months of age. The sex of the calf and set of the bulls significantly influenced the body weights and biometrical measurements, virtually at all the ages. The overall least squares means for 300-days lactation milk yield, total lactation milk yield, lactation length, peak yield, days to reach peak yield, milk yield per day of lactation and milk yield per day of calving interval were 718.53 kg, 720.90 kg, 233.99 days, 3.90 kg, 35.67 days, 3.08 kg and 1.43 kg, respectively and almost all these traits were affected significantly by the farm, period of calving, set of the bulls and order of lactation. However, peak yield alone was affected (P<0.01) by the season of calving and none of the production traits were influenced by the sex of the calf. The overall least squares means of number of inseminations per conception, age at first conception, age at first calving, gestation period, service period, dry period and calving interval were 2.02, 1358.82 days, 1592.22 days, 287.58 days 232.38 days, 282.94 days and 517.61 days, respectively and almost all these characters were affected by the farm, period, set of the bulls and order of lactation, while none of the reproductive traits were influenced by the season. Sex of the calf had significant influence on gestation period and dry period only. The mean breeding efficiency of the Ongole cows varied from 63.66 to 83.75 per cent and the rank correlations of breeding efficiency estimated by three different formulae were positive and significant. The farm and set of the bulls significantly influenced the breeding efficiency. The overall least squares means for life time milk yield, herd life, productive life, milk yield per day of herd life and productive life; wet days and dry days per herd life; wet days and dry days per productive life and gestation period per herd life and productive life were 3805.88 kg, 3773.84 days, 2287.48 days, 1.00 and 1.67 kg; 32.15 and 67.85%; 53.58 and 46.41% and 39.46 and 66.54%, respectively and all these traits were influenced by one or the other of the non-genetic effects studied. However, none of these characters were influenced by the set of the bulls. The estimates of heritability and genetic and phenotypic correlations of body weights and biometrical measurements varied from 0.01 to 0.43, 0.06 to 0.99 and 0.03 0.40 respectively. Similarly, the heritabilities of 300-days lactation milk yield, total lactation milk yield, Lactation length, peak yield, milk yield per day of lactation, milk yield per day of calving interval, gestation period, service period, dry period and calving interval were 0.27, 0.24, 0.21, 0.24, 0.09, 0.22, 0.14, 0.06, 0.06 and 0.06, respectively. The genetic correlations among production and reproduction traits were positive and ranged from 0.04 to 0.99, while the phenotypic correlations among these traits varied from 0.01 to 0.49. The heritability estimates for life time milk yield, herd life, productive life, lactation milk yield per herd life and productive life; wet and dry days per herd life; wet and dry days per productive life and gestation period per herd life and productive life were 0.66, 0.10, 0.17, 0.49 and 0.49; 0.23 and 0.23; 0.30 and 0.30 and 0.08 and 0.08, respectively. The genetic correlations among the various life time production traits ranged between 0.69 and 0.99 whereas the phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.01 to 0.47. The Mahalonobis genetic distances (D2) between all combinations of sets were highly significant. The calving interval, total lactation milk yield and lactation length contributed 40%, 40% and 20% to the total genetic diversity among the sets. Two distinct clusters were formed, the first one consisting of sets 1, 2, 3 and 5, while the second cluster had only 4th set. The diploid chromosome number was found to be 60, XX in both ET born and AI born cows. All autosomes were acrocentric, while the X-chromosome was longest submetacentric. The mean relative length of the autosomes varied from 1.95 to 4.97 and 1.95 to 4.99 per cent in ET and AI born cows respectively. The relative length of chromosome 20 of ET born cows was significantly longer (2.86%) than that of the AI born cows (2.77%). Except this, no other differences either in chromosome number or in chromosome morphology were detected between the ET born and AI born cows, suggesting that ET born cows were as good as the AI born cows with respect to their chromosome profiles. The present study indicated that the overall performance of the animals of Lam farm, with respect to the production, reproduction and life time traits, was the best, followed by Chadalawada, Mahanandi and Chintaladevi farms. The performance of the Ongole cattle during various periods did not exhibit any specific trend while the animals either born or calved during summer exhibited superior performance, when compared to those in rainy and winter seasons. The production and reproduction performance of the cows delivering female calves was better than those giving birth to male calves. The genetic variation among the set of bulls did not show a definite trend although the multivariate analysis revealed two clusters, one consisting of sets 1, 2, 3 and 5 and another set 4, with a considerable inter cluster distance.ThesisItem Open Access HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL : WHETHER BENEFICIAL OR HARMFUL – AN INSIGHT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2009-07) ALPHA RAJ, M; GOPALA REDDY, A(MAJOR); ADILAXMAMMA, K; RAJASEKHAR REDDY, A; ANJANEYULU, YABSTRACT : An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of high energy high hydrogenated vegetable oil diet in various stressor models. A total of 160 White Leg Horn layers of 18 weeks age were randomly divided into eight groups of 20 birds each. Groups 1, 3, 4 and 5 were maintained on basal diet and groups 2, 6, 7 and 8 on 5% vanaspati supplemented basal diet until the age of 42 weeks. At 42 weeks of age, groups 3 and 6 were treated with 1% ferrous sulphate in the diet, groups 4 and 7 were treated with chlorpyrifos @ 100 ppm and groups 5 and 8 were treated with cadmium @ 100 ppm in the basal diet for a period of 12 weeks. The performance parameters like body weights, weight gains, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, egg production and egg weight were recorded at monthly intervals. The sero-biochemical analysis of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ration, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and creatinine was carried out at monthly interval. Oxidant and antioxidant status was determined by estimation of TBARS and GSH in serum, liver and kidney, protein carbonyls in serum and vitamin C levels in liver and kidney. The immunological status of the birds was evaluated by HI titre against RD virus in serum and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) assay at the end of the experimental period. Histopathological studies were conducted on liver, kidney and brain at the end of the experimental period. The ferrous sulphate toxic control revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher FCR, serum creatinine, liver TBARS and phospholipids, and significantly lower egg production compared to normal group. Histopathology revealed congestion and bile duct hyperplasia in liver, intertubular haemorrhage and focal lymphoid aggregates in kidney and no detectable abnormalities in brain. The supplementation of vanaspati along with ferrous sulphate significantly (p<0.05) increased the egg production and serum ALP activity but decreased egg weight, FCR and HI titre compared to toxic control. The histopathology revealed similar changes of more severity besides tubular rearrangement of hepatic cells and degenerative changes in kidney. The CPS toxic control showed significantly (p<0.05) higher egg production, higher serum ALP activities and a non-significantly higher total lipids of liver and lower serum HDL compared to normal group. The histopathology revealed mild fatty changes, congestion and bile duct hyperplasia in liver, degenerative changes in kidney and congestion in brain. Supplementation of vanaspati along with CPS resulted in decreased egg production, decreased egg weight, HI titre but increased PHA index compared to toxic control. The histopathology showed marked fatty changes in liver, haemorrhages in kidney and vacuolation in brain. The cadmium toxic control revealed a significantly (p<0.05) lower body weight, weight gain, egg production and egg weights, but significantly increased the FCR, serum ALP and ALT acitivities, creatinine and TBARS of liver and kidney. The GSH and vitamin C levels of kidney were reduced. Paradoxically, the HDL and HI titre were significantly (p<0.05) increased compared to normal group. The histopathology revealed congestion, lymphoid aggregates and degenerative changes in liver, haemorrhages and congestion in kidney and brain. The supplementation of vanaspati along with cadmium resulted in a significant decrease of liver GSH and decrease of HI titre compared to toxic control. The histopathology revealed similar pathological changes but of more severity along with fibrosis in liver, kidney and brain. The overall effect of vanaspati supplementation revealed significantly (p<0.05) increased egg production and PHA index, and decreased egg weights, FCR, serum cholesterol, albumin, TBARS of liver and kidney, GSH of liver and HI titre compared to basal diet fed group. Thus, it is concluded that ferrous sulphate, chlorpyrifos and cadmium induce biological damage by means of oxidative stress and organ damage. However, cadmium was more potent followed by ferrous sulpahte and chlorpyrifos. After accounting for increased calorie intake, the supplementation of vanaspati was not effective in reducing the toxicity of different stressors and accentuated the toxicity in certain conditions. Further, vanaspati supplementation resulted in abnormal immunological response. In view of the above findings, it is concluded that hydrogenated vegetable oil is harmful and regular use will lead to adverse consequences.ThesisItem Open Access CLINICAL STUDIES ON POSTPARTURIENT INDIGESTION WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO HEPATIC DISORDERS AND PRODUCTION DISEASES IN BUFFALOES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2009-06) PADMAJA, K; TIRUMALA RAO, D.S(MAJOR); AMEER HAMZA, P; SADASIVA RAO, K; GOPALA REDDY, AABSTRACT: The present investigation on Postparturient Indigestion (PPI) was undertaken to study the incidence, clinical and biochemical findings, therapeutic efficacy of certain drugs and to evolve a suitable comprehensive therapeutic and prophylactic measures for prevention of PPI in buffaloes associated with hepatic disorders and production diseases. Out of 320 recently calved (zero to two months after calving) buffaloes with the history of reduced feed intake and decreased milk yield presented at Ambulatory Clinic, Mylardevpally, Campus Veterinary Hospital, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar and a few peri urban dairy farms located in and around Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, 90 (28.13%) buffaloes were found suffering with PPI. On detailed clinical examination and urine analysis of cases of PPI, it was observed that 43 (47.78%) buffaloes had hepatic insufficiency, 27 (30 %) had production diseases and 20 (22.22 %) had PPI alone. Out of 43 buffaloes of hepatic insufficiency, 23 (25.56 %) had hepatic insufficiency alone, 20 (22.22 %) had hepatic insufficiency and production diseases, 10 (11.11 %) had hepatic insufficiency with sub clinical hypocalcaemia and 10 (11.11 %) had hepatic disorders with sub clinical ketosis. Out of 27 buffaloes with incidence of PPI in relation to production diseases, 14 (15.56 %) had sub clinical hypocalcaemia and 13 (14.44 %) had sub clinical ketosis. Based on the urine analysis, 90 PPI animals were divided into five groups IIa, IIb, III, IV and V. These five groups were subdivided into two each viz., IIa1, IIa2, IIb1, IIb2, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, Va and Vb for conducting therapeutic trials. Ten apparently healthy postparturient buffaloes (Group I) were subjected to clinical observations and biochemical investigations, and they served as healthy control group. The most common and consistent symptom observed in buffaloes suffering with PPI was reduction in feed intake and decreased milk yield. Scanty dung was observed in few cases. Milk samples of all the 90 cases of PPI were found negative for ketones before and after treatment. There was no significant difference in the values of temperature, pulse and respiratory rate of PPI animals before and after treatment, which indicated that PPI had no significant effect on the above parameters. All the animals during the treatment regained the appetite and milk yield was increased. Ruminal motility was increased significantly (P<0.01). Urine analysis was normal in all the groups after the treatment. The buffaloes with PPI were administered different therapeutic regimens. Animals belonging to group IIa were low in urinary calcium and hence, 450 ml of Calboral i/v and 300 g of Calup gel P.O was administered for two days in groups IIa1 and IIa2, respectively. Significant improvement was observed in both the groups. Based on the ANOVA results and comparative means, the treatment of group IIa2 was more effective. The group IIb animals were found positive for urinary ketones hence, Rintose 0.50 g per kg b wt i/v was administered for two days. In addition, Laurabolin 100 mg i/m single dose and Ketonex boli 4 per day P.O for three days was given to groups IIb1 and IIb2, respectively. The mean serum glucose and calcium levels increased significantly at 1% (P<0.01) and 5 % (P<0.05), in groups IIb1 and IIb2, respectively. However, the mean serum GGT and total bilirubin levels decreased significantly (P<0.01) in group IIb2. Though there was an improvement in both the groups, the comparative means of serum glucose of healthy, group IIb1 and IIb2 revealed that the treatment given to group IIb2 was more effective. Group III animals were positive for urinary bile pigments. Hence, Rintose 0.50 g per kg b wt i/v was administered for one day. In addition, Livadex forte 10 ml i/m and Toxol 10 ml i/m for three days was given in groups IIIa and IIIb, respectively. The mean serum glucose and total protein levels were increased significantly (P<0.01) in group IIIa animals. There was a significant (P<0.01) decrease in serum AST values, in groups IIIa and IIIb, whereas the mean GGT values decreased significantly (P<0.01) in group IIIb animals. The comparative means of serum AST and GGT of healthy, group IIIa and IIIb revealed that the efficacy of both the treatments was same. Animals belonging to group IV were positive for urinary bile pigments. In addition, IVa was low in calcium, IVb was positive for ketone bodies in urine. The animals of IVa were administered Rintose 0.50 g per kg b wt i/v, Tribivet 10 ml i/m for three days and 300 g of Calup gel P.O for two days. Group IVb animals were administered Rintose 0.50 g per kg b wt i/v for three days, Laurabolin 100 mg i/m single dose and 2 boli of Zigbo P.O. for five days. The mean serum glucose, total protein, albumin and calcium increased significantly (P<0.01) in group IVa animals, whereas the mean serum AST, GGT and total bilirubin decreased significantly (P<0.01). In group IVb animals, the mean total protein, albumin, calcium and phosphorous levels increased significantly (P<0.01), whereas the mean serum AST, GGT and cholesterol levels decreased significantly (P<0.01). Both the treatments were equally effective since the levels of serum AST and GGT were significantly (P<0.01) decreased after therapy. 73 Group V animals were normal in terms of urine analysis. However, rumen liquor analysis revealed alkaline indigestion with mean pH of 8.00±0.00. They were administered Rintose 0.50 g per kg b wt i/v and Anistamin 10 ml i/m for one day. Besides, bolus Ecotas 2 per day P.O. for four days and bolus Rumentas 4 per day (2 boli BID) P.O. for three days were given in groups Va and Vb, respectively. The mean values of serum calcium and albumin increased significantly (P<0.01) in group Va animals. The comparative means of serum glucose and calcium of healthy, group Va and Vb revealed that the efficacy of treatment provided to group Va was more effective. Therefore, it can be concluded that in the treatment of PPI in buffaloes, hepatoprotective and liver stimulant drugs along with i/v administration of glucose, oral calcium preparation and a combination of probiotics and prebiotics are recommended. Urine analysis can be considered as a diagnostic tool for early detection of PPI in buffaloesThesisItem Open Access GENETIC STUDIES ON GROWTH, PRODUCTION AND IMMUNOCOMPETENCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica) UNDER SELECTION(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2009) SAKUNTHALA DEVI, K; RAMESH GUPTA, B(MAJOR)ABSTRACT : An investigation was made on the Black (3,438) and Brown (3,710) Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) under selection in generations 8, 9 and 10 for high 4-week body weight, maintained at the Poultry Experimental Station (PES), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to estimate the genetic and phenotypic variation in the growth, production and reproduction performance and to estimate the genetic progress in various economic traits. The immunocompetence levels, genetic parameters and genetic progress in various traits were estimated. Selection indices based on body weights, Age at first egg, Egg production, Egg weight and Egg mass were developed. The overall least squares means for body weights at day-old to 4 weeks of age were 9.41+0.01, 33.23+0.08, 71.61+0.16, 121.96+0.24 and 173.66+0.07 g respectively. The strains had significant influence on body weights from day-old to 4 and 8 to 20 weeks of age, whereas the influence of generations was significant from day-old to 16 weeks of age. Sex effect was significant on 2, 3 and 4 weeks body weights, while hatch had significant influence from day-old to 20 weeks of age. The body weights of Black strain were superior to Brown from 1 to 20 weeks of age. The overall least squares mean Age at first egg was 56.26+0.51 days, which was significantly influenced by generation and hatch. Strain and generations influenced the egg production upto 16 and 30 weeks, whereas hatch effect was significant on egg production upto 30 weeks only. The overall least squares means for egg production was 30.85 and 73.02 upto16 and 30 weeks of age, respectively. The Black strain matured earlier and produced more number of eggs than Brown strain. The generation and hatch had significant influence on egg weight. The overall least squares mean egg weight was 14.22 g. The overall least squares means for Average daily gain during 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age and cumulative growth rate from 1 to 4 weeks age were 3.10, 5.47, 7.16, 7.35 and 23.46 g respectively. The Average daily gain of Black Japanese quails was significantly higher than those of Browns at all the ages. The females had significantly higher average daily gains than males. The overall least squares means for feed conversion ratio upto 6 weeks age, feed intake per dozen eggs and kg egg mass upto 7-30 weeks age were 1.70, 2.49, 2.95, 3.52, 4.67, 6.30, 750.93 and 4,070.05 g respectively. The influence of sex was significant on Feed conversion ratio. The overall least squares means for HA titers at 5th and 10th day of post inoculation and Foot pad index were 4.48, 2.00 and 0.16 in Black and 5.44, 2.14 and 0.26 mm in Brown strain respectively. The heritability estimates of body weights varied from low to high, while they were low for age at first egg in Black (0.04 to 0.13) and Brown (0.07 to 0.15). The estimates for egg production upto 30 weeks of age varied 0.02 to 0.08 in Black and from 0.02 to 0.07 in Browns. The heritability of egg weight was found to be low. The heritability estimates for feed conversion ratio were low to medium in Black (0.03 to 0.32) and low to high (0.02 to 0.59) in Browns. The Haemagglutination titer has low to medium (0.18 to 0.35) heritabilities in both the strains, whereas Foot pad index was low heritable (0.02 to 0.04). Genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations for body weight at various ages varied from low to high in magnitude. Age at first egg was correlated negatively (-0.11 to -0.16) with egg production and positively with egg weight at genetic level, while the estimates among different ages of egg production were high. The association between egg production and egg weight was negative at genetic and phenotypic level. The genetic correlations among average daily gains were in general positive at all ages. The genetic correlation between body weights and Feed conversion ratio were positive, while the weight gain was phenotypically negatively correlated with feed conversion ratio. The genetic correlations of body weights at early age with Haemagglutination titers and FPI were positive but low. The Foot pad index had positive genetic correlation with Haemagglutination titers in two strains. The genetic progress in body weight at 4-weeks age varied from 6.25 to 6.74 g in Black and from 7.24 to 8.46 g in Brown strains. The linear regression equations were fitted for predicting the Haemagglutination titers and Foot pad index based on the body weights which had lower R2 - values. A total of 112 selection indices were computed based on the body weights at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age and dams AFE, dams EP16, dams EW16 and dams EM16. At 4-weeks of age of selection the selection indices consisting of BW4, dams EP and dams EM (I52) and BW4, dams AFE and dams EM (I49) in Black strain and those with BW4, dams EP16 and dams EM16 (I52) and BW4, dams AFE, dams EP16 and dams EM16 in Brown strain were found to be ideal ones. These indices are expected to reduce the AFE, increase the EM (which takes care of EP and EW) and keep the body weight either constant, reduce marginally or increase