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ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF LEPTIN ON THE EXPRESSION OF p53 and BAK GENES IN CULTURED OVARIAN FOLLICLES IN SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-11) PRABHAVATHI, T; RAO, V.H(MAJOR); SIVA KUMAR, A.V.N; VEERABRAHMAIAH, KABSTRACT : The present study was conducted to know the influence of Leptin on the expression of p53 and BAK (apoptotic) genes in the sheep preantral follicles (PFs’) cultured in vitro. Ovaries of sheep were collected from the local slaughter house. Intact PFs’ (250-400μm) were isolated and placed individually in 20μl droplets of standard medium (TCM 199 B + 2 μg/ml FSH, 0.1μg/ml T4 + 10 ng/ml IGF-I + 1 mIU/ml of GH) supplemented with Leptin (10ng/ml) for 2, 4 or 6 days. Quantitative expression of Test genes (p53 and BAK) and Reference genes (18s RNA, RPLPO, HPRT1) were studied in the cumulus cells and oocytes isolated at different developmental stages (preantral, early antral, antral and large antral follicles) of the in vivo and in vitro grown follicles. The entire experiment was repeated twice. Duplicate samples of cDNA from each replicate of the experiment were subjected to relative-RT-qPCR. The pattern of expression of p53 gene in the cumulus cells from ovarian follicles grown in vivo and cultured in Leptin was similar from preantral to large antral follicle stage. In the oocytes, however, such similarity was restricted up to the antral follicle stage only. It is concluded that Leptin in culture medium mimiced the pattern of p53 expression in in vitro as in in vivo to some extent. The BAK gene expression was undetected in the cumulus cells and oocytes isolated from all the stages of both in vivo and in vitro developed ovarian follicles. Accordingly it is concluded that (i) Leptin has no influence on the expression of BAK gene in cultured ovarian follicles in sheep (ii) BAK may not be an important regulator of apoptosis in ovarian follicles and (iii) p53 plays a relatively more significant role than BAK in the regulation of apoptosis in ovarian follicles.ThesisItem Open Access PARTICIPATION OF PARTNERS IN RESEARCH-INDUSTRY LINKAGES WITH REFERENCE TO DAIRY AND POULTRY SECTORS IN ANDIIRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-12) MAHESH, P; SUBRAHMANYESWARI, B(MAJOR); SHARMA, G.R.K; GANGARAJU, GABSTRACT: An ex-post-facto research design was adopted for the present study conducted in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Keeping in view of the importance of linkage between the research and industries in livestock sector, the present study was undertaken in AP by selecting the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University and Livestock Industries i.e., dairy, poultry and pharmaceutical industries as research and industry units respectively. Availability sampling procedure was followed to select 60 researchers from the university (academic institutions and research stations) and I I units from industry (dairy, poultry and pharmaceutical industrial units), whereas, purposive sampling procedure was followed to select 40 industry personnel from the respective industrial units. The data from both the researchers and industry personnel were collected personally with the help of two interview schedules and the findings were processed, analyzed and interpreted. The salient findings of the research work were as follows.. Majority of (76.70%) researchers of the study area were male and 11early half of the researchers from the university belonged to Professor/Principal Scientist category. Majority (48.33%) of researchers were in middle age group. About one thirds (33.33%) of the scientists had 13-22 years of job ex:.erience and 3 1.67 per cent of the researchers had 3-12 years of job experience. More than three fourths (80%)) of the researchers handled projects four or less than hat and majority (63.33%) of the researchers received trainings in between 1-4. Nearly three fourths of the researchers had medium level of job satisfaction and job motivation. More than half of the researchers were with medium role clarity. Nearly two thirds (68.33%) of the researchers felt that they were working under medium level of organisational climate and they were with medium knowledge in communication methods.Almost all researchers had medium achievement motivation. Most of (90%) of the ~ndustryp ersorule1 of the \tudy area were ~nalea nd more than half (57.50%) of the respondent\ were po\t-graduate\. Major~ty (60%) of ~ndu\try persa~ewl ere in the age group of 29-44 yeam. Nearly half of industry personnel had leas them 15 years of job experience, whereas, 60 per cent of respondents received trainings in the range of 1-5 in number. Majority (60%) of industry personnel had medium job satisfaction and more than threc fourths (85%) were with medium level of job motivation. Nearly two thirds of the industry personnel had medium role clarity and they felt that they wem working under medium organisationd climate. Majority (60%) of industry personnel had medium level of achievement. Nearly two thirds of the researchers and industry personnel had medium level of perception. Whe-zxw, the extent of participation in R-I linkage activities among both the majority researchers and industry personnel was found low. Among the researchers, designation, age, total job experience, trainings received, role clarity and organizational climate were found significantly related with perception of researchers about University Research-Industry (UR-I) linkages at 0.01 level of probability. whereas, experience in research was found significant at 0.05 level of probability. All chuacteristics of researchers put together could explain variation in perception of researchers towards University Research-industry (UR-I)li nkages to the extent of 40.70 per cent. Designation, age. job experience in research, total job experience. total projects handled, trainings received and role clarity were found significantly related with extent of participation at 0.01 level of probability, whereas, gender was found significant at 5 per cent level of significance. Among the characteristics studied, age, trainings received and total job experience of researchers were found each character individually contributing, significantly and positively to the extent of participation at 0.05 level of probability. Among the industry personnel age, total job experience and trainings received were found significantly related with perception of industry personnel about UR-I linkages at 0.01 level of probability. whereas. achievement motivation was found significant at 0.05 level of probability. All characteristics of industry personnel put together could explain variation in perception about UR-I linkages to the extent of 48.10 per cent. Age and total job experience were found significantly related with extent of participation at 0.01 level of probability. whereas, trainings received was found significant at 0.05 level of probability. The mean scores for motivation and organisational climate were high among industry personnel compared to the researchers. Major constraints faced by researchers while participating in communication linkages were lack of funds in department for conducting linkage activities, lack of time due to other responsibilities delegated and non-conducive organizational climate in the university. Whereas, major constraints faced while participating in working linkages with the industries were less access to know about the industry needs, lack of demand from industry, guidelines and regulations of university in conducting rescarch, lack of good laboratory practices (GLPs) and good clinical practices (GCPs), less access to external funding/sponsorships, focused attc -tion on small scale farmers and lack of - - enough man power in university research and extension. Suggestions from the university researchers to strengthen the CJR-I linkages were: data of technologies generated should be made available and popularized by the university, scientists need to focus on corrlrnercialization of the generated technologies, industries should approach university periodically for the timely technical solutions and they should providk-funding for the research projects to be carried out by the university scientists, separate funding must be allotted by the university for research and conducting linkage activities, there is a need of MOU between UR and Industry to conduct research projects, exposure visits at regular intervals to livestock industry sectors, introduction of Public Private Partnaship (PW) in livestock research, establishment of more regional and separate livestock research wings, establishment of University Research-Industry-Advisory-CounciI (URIAC) and Research-Extension- Industry Council (REIC), there is a need to strengthen research institutes in terms of technical, financial and human resources, and university need to provide timely incentives for development and standardization of GLPs, GCPs in the university. Many of the industry personnel expressed their constraints while participating in communication linkages with university namely lack of extension wing in industry, lack of time to participate in communication linkage with research, lack of interest and desire to participate in communication linkages with research. Whereas, major constraints while participating in working linkages with the universities were lack of information about the expertise and capabilities within the university, lack of good laboratory practices (GLPs) and good clinical practices (GCPs) in university. instructions/guidelines to consider their own research fmdings. conflicts of interest and commitment betwoen the partners. maintenance of confidentiality in technological issues by industry, besides. poor BOC~SS to research other than the research of industry and lack of reliability on research generated by other public agencies. Suggestions from the industry pemtnnel to strengthen the UR-I linkago wcre: there is a need of separate extension wing in industry, Livestock Technology Information Centre (LTIC) at university. interactive sessions with university scientific staff at regular intervals i-e., conducting of workshops, conferences, official meetings etc., authenticated research findings from UR, timely need based solutions from university for industry problems, establishment of Research Incubation Centers (RICs) by both the partners, besides, there is a need to encourage Participatory Technology Development (PTD) by the partners and university research need to focus on practical solutions rather than theoretical approach.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY IN BITCHES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-04) SIVA PRASAD, K; DEVI PRASAD, V(MAJOR); DHANA LAKSHMI, N; VEERA BRAMHAIAH, KABSTRACT: In the present study, the complications following ovariohysterectomy in twenty four adult post pubertal bitches belonging to different breeds for a period of one year were recorded and analyzed. The estrous, pregnant and animals with genital pathologies were excluded. By adopting standard operative procedure and meticulous postoperative care, usual complications like fatal haemorrhage, wound dehiscence etc were not at all observed. Change in body weight, behaviour, hormonal and biochemical parameters; specific complications in a period of one year were recorded. Increased food intake and obesity were observed in 20 out of 24 animals (83.33%). Up to 9 months following ovariohysterectomy, no change was recorded in the aggression of any of the dogs. After nine months the overall reactivity and aggression of the ovariohysterectomized bitches was found to be increased. The preoperative mean value of oestradiol 17 was found progressively and significantly (P<0.05) decreased from 3rd month to 12th month postoperatively. There were no changes in the concentrations of progesterone values. The preoperative mean values of serum cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase were found progressively and significantly (P<0.05) elevated from 3rd to 12th month postoperatively. These values were well within the physiological ranges. The preoperative mean values of serum calcium and phosphorus were progressively and significantly (P<0.05) elevated 3rd to 12th month postoperatively. Incidence of specific complications like ovarian remnant syndrome, stump granuloma, osteopenia and venereal granuloma was very low (i.e. @ 4.17 percent each; n= 24). The remnants of the ovarian bursa were resected surgically. The sections revealed ovarian follicles to a minor extent, fibrous tissue interspersed between the altered connective tissue elements. A stump granuloma was diagnosed by a palpable swelling in the caudal abdomen by Tran abdominal B mode ultrasonography and plain radiography. Exploratory surgery was performed and the stump granuloma was resected. Histopathology revealed severe inflammatory cell infiltration with glandular proliferation. Radiographs obtained randomly revealed osteopenia in only one animal, in which cortical thinning with decreased radio-opacity of the pelvic bones was observed. Urinary incontinence in two cases was successfully treated by following routine treatment for cystitis. A single case of vaginal granuloma was diagnosed three months after ovariohysterectomy. Microscopically, there were several oval or spherical cells with high rate of mitosis. Based on the above observations it can be recommended that, the owners must be advised to restrict the feeding to their pets and give them proper exercise in order to avoid weight gain. They must be informed that, their pet may become more reactive and aggressive and hence, appropriate measures should be taken to control them through training. Occasional blood profiles and routine abdominal ultrasonography may be indicated to avoid dangerous consequences. Further studies with longer experimental time and more animal materials were required in order to make firm conclusions in order to associate these findings with ovariohysterectomy.ThesisItem Open Access FARMERS PREPAREDNESS TOWARDS SHEEP HEALTH CARE WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO VACCINATION IN ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-12) MASTANBI, SHAIK; SUBRAHMANYESWARI, B(MAJOR); SHARMA, G.R.K; SURESH, JABSTRACT : Sustainability of the farm depends upon efficient management of sheep by the farmer which ultimately depends on the farmers’ socio-economic situation along with knowledge and attitude towards the recommended practices. Which has obvious implications for shepherds to raise the need for improved diagnosis and early detection of diseases along with greatly increased awareness and preparedness to deal with disease patterns and vaccination programmes that are manifestly changing. Keeping this in view, the present study entitled “FARMERS PREPAREDNESS TOWARDS SHEEP HEALTH CARE WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO VACCINATION IN ANDHRA PRADESH” has been taken up. Exploratory research design was followed in the present investigation. Prakasam and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh were purposively selected for carrying out the study, as they were having more sheep population. From each district, three mandals were selected purposively in which there were relatively more number of sheep farmers and three villages from each mandal were selected randomly, amounting a total of eight villages and from each village 10 sheep farmers were selected randomly, thus a total of 180 respondents were selected for the study. Fifteen Veterinary Officials were selected randomly from each district resulting in a total of 30 Veterinary Officials. The data were collected personally with the help of an interview schedule, processed, analysed and interpreted. Majority of the respondents were middle aged and illiterates and possessed medium family size with nuclear family system and belonged to Backward Caste category. Sheep farming was the main occupation, while dairy farming was taken up as subsidiary occupation. Most of the respondents had medium experience in sheep farming with small flock size (66-231) having low annual income (Rs.50,000-1,66,670). Majority of the respondents were land less farmers and possessed medium extension contact, medium decision-making ability. All the sheep farmers expressed that the sheep were reared for their livelihood and vaccines and veterinary services should be provided at free of cost by the Government. Majority of sheep farmers opined that access to vaccines and veterinary services is always available and more than three fourth of the sheep farmers did not have social participation and had no training in sheep farming. The medium level of preparedness of sheep farmers can be attributed from the seven constituting components i.e. awareness about sheep diseases, knowledge about sheep diseases, perception on the probability of occurrence of sheep diseases, attitude towards sheep health care practices, information seeking behaviour, risk management behaviour and scientific orientation which found at medium level. Correlation analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Out of all the selected independent variables of sheep farmers studied, socio-economic status, purpose of rearing sheep, social participation, extension contact, availability and accessibility of vaccines and veterinary services, affordability of vaccines and veterinary services and decision-making ability were positively and significantly related with preparedness towards health care practices with specific reference to vaccination. Whereas, age, gender and training received did not have any significant relationship with preparedness towards health care practices with specific reference to vaccination. Regression analysis revealed that all the independent variables put together explained about 39.2 per cent variation in the preparedness towards health care practices. Extension contact, availability and accessibility of vaccines and veterinary services, affordability of vaccines and veterinary services were positively and significantly contributed to most of the variation in the preparedness towards health care practices. Majority of the veterinarians belonged to young age and were males. More than three fourth of the veterinarians had B.V.Sc&AH qualification and working as Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (VAS) with medium level of working experience. Regular contact with the veterinarian and active participation of farmers in vaccination programmes were among the major characteristics of shepherds required to prevent disease out-break as perceived by the veterinarians. Lack of required staff to carry out vaccination, illiteracy among shepherds, lack of vaccine supply as per the sheep population, lack of cooperation from shepherds especially during migratory season were the major constraints faced by the veterinary officials in carrying out vaccination programme and sheep health camps. Intensifying awareness and training programmes regarding sheep health care practices, allocation of more number of fodder plots to sheep societies to lessen the migratory period and strengthening of veterinary man power to carry out vaccination were the suggestions given by the veterinary officials for effective implementation of sheep health care programmes.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON GENETIC VARIABILITY IN NELLORE BROWN SHEEP USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015) SHEELA MANJARI JONNA KUTTI, JONNA KUTTI; PUNYA KUMARI, B(MAJOR)ABSTRACT: Nellore sheep is the tallest mutton breed of India and its home tract is Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh, but widely distributed throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana. Three varieties are distinguished phenotypically based on coat colour as Palla (completely white), Jodipi (white with black patches) and Dora/Brown (completely brown). Nellore Brown sheep are predominantly present in Rayalseema region (Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur districts) of Andhra Pradesh. This breed is well known for its disease resistance and thrives well in harsh climatic conditions of Rayalseema. The assessment of genetic variability is important to monitor the gene flow in populations, for conservation of breed and also to determine the level of inbreeding in the population. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the genetic variability present in Nellore Brown sheep population by using twenty four microsatellite markers from the panel of markers recommended by ISAG-FAO for the genetic diversity studies in sheep. A total of fifty blood samples were collected at random from unrelated Nellore Brown animals maintained by farmers in its breeding tract. Phenol-chloroform method was used for isolation of DNA from blood samples. The quality and quantity of isolated DNA was checked using gel electrophoresis and Nanodrop spectrophotometer, respectively. The PCR products were resolved using agarose gel electrophoresis. The allele size for each locus was scored manually from the electrophoresed gels. The allele frequencies, observed number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, within population inbreeding estimates (FIS) were computed using POPGENE version 1.32 software. A total of 216 alleles were identified across all the twenty four microsatellite loci studied. The number of alleles at each locus varied from a minimum of four (HUJ616) to a maximum of thirteen (OarCP49) with a mean of 9.0 alleles across all loci. Allele size ranged from a minimum of 75 bp (OarCP49) to a maximum of 297 bp (HSC), while allele frequencies ranged from 0.0102 to 0.3980. The most frequent allele number was nine. The number of effective alleles ranged from 3.8757 (HUJ616) to 9.6232 (OarCP49). The mean number of effective alleles with an overall mean of 6.78 ± 1.79 alleles. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0408 (BM1314) to 0.1429 (OarHH35, OarHH41) with a mean value of 0.0985 ± 0.025, whereas, the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.7420 (HUJ616) to 0.8961(OarCP49) with a mean value of 0.8409 ± 0.046. All the twenty four microsatellite loci (100 percent) were found to be highly polymorphic and the PIC values ranged from 0.6945 (HUJ616) to 0.8961 (OarCP49) with a mean PIC value of 0.8240 ± 0.061. The inbreeding estimates obtained in this study were all positive and varied from 0.8318 (OarHH35) to 0.9534 (BM1314). The mean FIS value of 0.8825 ± 0.03 indicated the deficiency of heterozygotes. The Chi-square test revealed that all the twenty four loci were showing significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.ThesisItem Open Access MICROANATOMICAL STUDIES ON THE TESTIS AND PINEAL GLAND OF ADULT RAM (Ovis aries)(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-10) GOPI KRISHNA, B; RAJU, N.K.B(MAJOR); JAGAPATHI RAMAYYA, P; DHANA LAKSHMI, NABSTRACT : The present work on microanatomical studies on the testis and pineal gland of adult ram (Ovis aries) was conducted on adult healthy rams. The testis was enclosed by a capsule the tunica albuginea and a visceral tunica vaginalis. The tunica albuginea was composed of very dense collagen and reticular fibres and several blood capillaries noticed at deeper portion of the tunica albuginea. The mean thickness of the tunica albuginea was 558.37 ± 26.63 μm. Centrally located mediastinum testis with collagen fibres predominantly. The convoluted seminiferous tubules were lined by spermatogenic epithelium which was stratified showed spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa and Sertoli cells. The seminiferous tubules were separated from each other by interstitial tissue. The mean diameter of the seminiferous tubules was 128.45 ± 3.15 μm. The spermatogenic cells located in groups between the Sertoli cells, in three to seven layers. Three types of spermatogonia were observed viz., A-type, Intermediate type and B-type spermatogonia. The A-type spermatogonia were largest and had a round nucleus with fine chromatin granules. The intermediate type spermatogonia had a spherical nucleus with centrally distributed chromatin. The B-type spermatogonia consisted of small and spherical nuclei with thick chromatin concentration. The primary spermatocytes had spherical shaped darker nuclei with lightly stained cytoplasm. The secondary spermatocytes were rounded in shape with centrally placed spherical nucleus and scanty cytoplasm. The spermatids were smallest cells of the spermatogenic epithelium. They were round or elongated possessed spherical or elongated nuclei with thin peripheral cytoplasmic rim. The Sertoli cells were located in between the spermatogenic cells and they were elongated tall columnar type rested on the basement membrane with indistinct cell boundaries and had large deeply indented ellposidal nucleus with homogenous nucleoplasm. The Leydig cells were located in the meshes of interstitial connective tissue in single or groups with a large centrally placed spherical nucleus and granular cytoplasm. The capsule of testis, basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules and maturing spermatids showed strong positive reaction for neutral and acid mucopolysaccaharides and very weak reaction for lipids. Strong reaction for lipids was noticed in spermatogonia and the primary spermatocytes and moderate reaction for lipids in spermatids and Leydig cells. The spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells showed weak reaction for PAS and wall of blood vessels showed moderately positive reaction for PAS. The Leydig cells showed strong reaction for glycogen. The acid phosphatase activity was strong in the basement membrane and spermatogenic cells and moderate to weak in Leydig cells. Alkaline phosphatase activity was mild in seminiferous tubules and almost negative in the interstitial tissue. The pineal gland in adult ram was highly vascularised and innervated by nerve fibres and had a very thin capsule. Capsule was made up of collagen and reticular fibres with indistinct lobulation. The parenchyma consisted of two types of cells viz., pinealocytes and interstitial cells scattered throughout the interstitial tissue. The interstitial tissue was made up of reticular and collagen fibres observed in the vicinity of blood vessels. Pinealocytes were the thickly populated at the periphery and arranged in cords in the centre portion of the gland. The pinealocytes showed oval or round nucleus and possessed numerous cytoplasmic processes. Ultrastructurally, the pinealocytes were categorised into light and dark types. The light pinealocytes had round to oval nucleus with one (or) more nucleoli with chromatin material accumulate as smaller clumps attached to the nuclear membrane. Dark pinealocytes were sparse and showed pear shaped nuclei with irregular outer surfaces with evenly distributed chromatin material. The interstitial cells were neuroglial cells categorised into three types. Type-1 cells were large, oval (or) round with one (or) two processes and distributed as small groups showed smooth surface and chromatin material was aggregated in small irregular clumps towards the nuclear membrane. Type-2 cells had large, elongated (or) oval nuclei. Type-3 cells were smaller and showed numerous fine processes mainly associated with blood vessels and had large indented nuclei. PAS activity was mild in capsule of the pineal gland and interstitial cells, strong pinealocytes and intense in blood vessels. The interstitial cells showed moderate to strong reaction for acid mucopolysaccaharides in their cytoplasm. The pinealocytes and the interstitial cells showed very mild reaction for alkaline phosphatase and intense acid phosphatase activity. The varied sizes of corpora arenacea were observed in the pineal parenchyma.ThesisItem Open Access MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF ONCOGENES IN PATHOGENIC MAREK’S DISEASE VIRUS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-10) PRATHIBHA, Y; SREEDEVI, B(MAJOR); VINOD KUMAR, N; SRILATHA, ChABSTRACT: The present study was taken up to characterize the oncogenes from Marek’s disease (MD) suspected outbreaks in Andhra Pradesh. A total of 27 blood samples and 84 tissues were collected from MD suspected cases from different poultry flocks. The affected birds showed presence of lymphomas in different organs like liver, spleen, proventriculus, kidney, ovaries, heart, lungs and nerve. Histopathological examination revealed pleomorphic infiltration of lymphoblast cells in different affected tissues which is a characteristic of Marek’s disease virus (MDV). From the suspected samples, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted and subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting a 132 bp repeat region unique for serotype-1 MD viruses. Twenty out of 27 blood samples and all the 84 tissues samples were positive in PCR yielding a 314 bp PCR product. This represents the presence of two copies of 132 bp tandem repeats characteristic of pathogenic serotype-1 MD viruses. Further PCR was standardized for two important oncogenes Marek’s EcoRI – Q (Meq) and Viral Interleukin-8 (vIL-8) and all the positive samples were showing specific 1081 and 887 bp PCR products respectively. Representative samples from different regions of Andhra Pradesh were selected and the PCR products were purified and subjected to nucleotide sequencing at Genomics corp – Xcelris, Ahmedabad. The nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequences of Meq and vIL-8 genes of the present field strains were compared with reference and other MDV strains from Genbank. The maximum nucleotide homology of 99.5 to 99.6 % was observed with RB-1B (very virulent) and GA (virulent) strains for the Meq gene. The vIL-8 gene sequences were 99.87 % identical to virulent LS and LMS strains. In phylogenetic analysis, the field MDV’s from Andhra Pradesh clustered with virulent MDV strains and field MDV strains from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The amino acid sequence of Meq gene of field MDV strains showed mutation at positions 71, 77, 80 and 139 which were similar to virulent MDV strains 571, 573 and field MDV strains of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The amino acid sequences of vIL-8 gene of field strains showed mutation at positions 4 and 31 which were identical to virulent strains LMS and LS. The MDV strains from the present study were neither mild nor very virulent plus MDV’s and they can be categorized into either virulent or very virulent based on sequence analysis and other criteria. From PCR positive MD suspected birds, the buffy coat was collected and MDV was isolated in duck embryo fibroblast (DEF) monolayers. The characteristic cytopathic effect (CPE) with formation of plaques was observed in DEF after 3-4 blind passages. The presence of serotype -1 MDV in cell culture fluid was further confirmed by performing PCR. In conclusion, the present study established the incidence of virulent serotype -1 MDV strains in Andhra Pradesh in MD vaccinated poultry flocks. The current MD vaccines that are being used like Herpes virus of turkey (HVT) (serotype-3) and SB-1 (serotype -2) are not effective in the control of more virulent serotype-1 MDV strains. Hence, vaccination with more efficacious serotype-1 MDV vaccines like CVI988/Rispens may be recommended for effective control of Marek’s disease in India.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Caesalpinia sappan L. ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS IN BROILER CHICKEN(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-06) GIRINATH, Ch; ESWARA PRASAD, P(MAJOR); ASWANI KUMAR, K; ADILAXMAMMA, KABSTRACT : Oxidative stress in broiler chicken can result in damage to biomolecules, cells and tissues which thereby can negatively affect antioxidant system and result in poor growth rate and production of the broiler chicken. A trial was conducted during the summer months of May-June of 2014 when the temperature and relative humidity were in the range of 38 to 40ºC and 46 per cent respectively to study the antioxidant and growth promoting effect of methanolic extract of Caesalpinia sappan in broilers. One hundred day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into five groups with 20 birds each. Control group I was given basal diet and treatment groups II, III and IV were supplemented with methanolic extract of Caesalpinia sappan stem bark @ 100, 300 and 500 ppm respectively and group V was administered with vitamin E @ 100 ppm as an antioxidant control through drinking water from day 0 to 8 weeks of age. Serum and tissue samples were collected at the end of 8th week of the experiment and preserved at -20ᵒC for analysis of tissue antioxidant profile (TBARS, reduced glutathione, GPx, SOD, catalase) and serum biochemical parameters like ALT, AST, CK, cholesterol and T3 activity. The performance parameters were recorded at weekly intervals. The results indicated that the mean values of TBARS levels were significantly decreased whereas the levels of reduced glutathione, GPx, SOD and catalase were significantly increased in liver and kidney tissues of treatment groups compared to control and their activity was comparable with that of vitamin E treated antioxidant control group indicating heat stress induced oxidative damage to the tissues. The serum concentrations of ALT, AST, CK and cholesterol were significantly lower in C. sappan treated group III and IV compared to control group. However, serum T3 levels showed no significant change among different groups. Growth performance did not differ among different treatment groups during the starter period. In the finisher phase and overall period, birds in group IV had higher feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, followed by birds in group III when compared with control group, which showed the lowest performance. The dressing yields and abdominal fat percentages were not influenced by various dietary treatments, but group IV birds showed better dressing percentage compared to control group. The results of this study concluded that, supplementation of methanolic extract of Caesalpinia sappan improved antioxidant status and their performance in broiler chickens reared under high ambient temperature during summer months and it can be considered as a replacement for synthetic antioxidant in poultry diet in heat stress conditionsThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CROSS BRED AND GRADED MURRAH HEIFER CALVES ENROLLED UNDER CALF REARING PROGRAMME OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT IN KADAPA DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-04) MUNAIAH, B; RAVI, A(MAJOR); RAMANA, J.V; GANGA RAJU, GABSTRACT : The research work was carried out to study the impact of calf feed supplementation to growing crossbred and graded Murrah calves under the Sunandini calf rearing programme of the Animal Husbandry Department of A.P. The study was conducted for a period of 9 months i.e. winter (Dec 13 to Feb 14), summer (Mar14 to May 14) and Monsoon (June 14 to Aug 14) seasons. A total of 60 crossbred calves born of AI and belonging to farmers of 6 villages in TsundupallimandalofKadapa district were divided into two groups of 30 each.Thirty graded Murrah buffalo calves belonging to farmers of Thallamapuram village ofProdduturmandal were divided into two groups of 15 each. In both the species, the control group represented farmers feeding practices while in the treatment group calf feed was provided to the calves as per the schedule of the Animal husbandry department. The initial and monthly body weights of the calves were recorded as per theSheiffer’s formula by measuring the heart girth and length of the calves at monthly intervals. A digestion trial was conducted by the indicator method using six animals per treatment to know the plane of nutrition of the calves. The serum metabolites (Glucose, Total protein and BUN) and hormonal profile (Growth hormone, leptin, insulin, T3 and T4) was studied by collecting serum from the six animals in each group during winter, summer and monsoon seasons. The data on body weight changes was interpreted for the overall period and also season wise to account for the effect of seasons and treatments. The chemical composition of the feedstuffs used by the farmers for feeding the calves including the calf feed supplied by the AH department was found to be within the range of values reported by various authors. The chemical composition (%DM) of calf feed fed to Crossbred and graded Murrahbuffalo calves was 20.86 and 20.13 (CP); 3.14 and 3.2 (EE); 11.16 and 9.3 (CF); 14.82 and 13.98 (TA); 35.69 and 38.4 (NDF); 12.5 and 15.18 (ADF); 20.9 and 17.61 (cellulose); 6.73 and 5.19 (lignin), respectively. The digestibility of CP, CF, NFE, NDF and cellulose was not significantly different between treatments in both the crossbred and graded Murrah buffalo calves. The EE digestibility was significantly higher (p<0.01) in the treatment group of buffalo calves than in the control group. The body weight of the crossbred calves increased from the initial weight of 63.57 to 118.81 kg in the control group and than 59.44 to 137.64 kg in the treatment group. The overall body weight gain of 69.19 kg with an ADG of 256.27 g in the treatment group was significantly higher (p<0.01) than the corresponding values of 55.80 kg and 200 g in the control group. The body weight gain and ADG were significantly lower (P<0.01) during summer than during monsoon and winterseasons and the effect of seasons on body weight gain was in the order of monsoon>winter> summer. The body weight of the graded Murrah buffalo calves increased from the initial weight of 38.03 to 71.0 kg in the control group and from 49.98 to 99.82 kg in the treatment group. The overall body weight gain of 49.8 kg with and ADG of 184.5 g in the treatment group was significantly higher (p<0.01) than the corresponding values of 34.50 kg and 127.6 g in the control group. Similar to the trend observed in the crossbred calves, the effect of season on body weight gain of graded Murrah buffalo calves was in the order of monsoon>summer> winter. The overall effect of seasons on the serum biochemical profile (protein, glucose and BUN) was in the order of monsoon> winter > summer for protein and glucose and winter> summer> monsoon for BUN in both the species. The effect of treatments on the serum biochemical profile was not significant in both the species. The hormonal profile of crossbred calves revealed no significant effect of seasons on the concentration of GH and T3. The leptin concentration was significantly higher (P<0.01) during monsoon followed by winter season than during summer season in both the control group and treatment groups. The insulin concentration in the treatment group and T4 concentration in the control group was significantly higher (p<0.01) during monsoon and winter seasons than during summer season. The concentration of GH (ng/ml), Insulin (μIU/ml), T3 (ng/ml) and T4 (μg/ml) in the control and treatment group was 4 and 4.8; 9.97 and 9.04; 5.1 and 5 and 0.25 and 0.13, respectively and were not significantly different between the groups. However, the leptin concentration of 3.7 ng/ml in the control group was not significantly higher (P<0.01) than 2.98 ng/ml in the treatment group. In the graded Murrah buffalo calves, the GH concentration was significantly higher (P<0.01) during monsoon than during other two seasons in the control and treatment groups. The leptin concentration was higher (P<0.01) during monsoon and winter than during summer season in the control group. There was a trend to a higher concentration of insulin, T3 and T4 during monsoon followed by winter than during summer seasons. The GH and T4 were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the treatment group whereas the concentration of leptin, insulin and T3 were comparable between the groups and the values were 2.62 and 5.6, ng/ml (GH); 2.6 and 2.78, ng/ml (Leptin); 9.16 and 8.3, μIU/ml (insulin); 6.1 and 7.6, μg/dl (T4) and 0.15 and 0.15ng/ml (T3) in the control and treatment groups of graded Murrah calves respectively. The results of the present study indicated that supplementation of calf starter was beneficial in promoting better growth rate and in reducing calf mortality. The calf mortality during the study period was 17 and7 % (Crossbred calves) and 7 and 0 % (graded Murrah calves) in the control and treatment groups, respectively