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ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON EMERGING ZOONOTIC BACTERIAL PATHOGENS OF FISH AND SHELLFISH FROM FRESH WATER, MARINE AND ESTUARINE SOURCES OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2020-08) SUBHASHINI, NELAPATI; SRINIVASA RAO, T (MAJOR); MADHAVA RAO, T; RAMANI PUSHPA, R.N.; ASWANI KUMAR, KHuman contact with and consumption of fishes presents hazards from a range of bacterial zoonotic infections. The present study was undertaken to characterize Arcobactaer spp., Aeromonas spp. and V. vulnificus of fresh water, estuarine/ brackish and marine origin based on cultural isolation. A total of 420 samples comprising fish and prawn samples from fresh (70 each), marine (70 each) and estuarine environments (70 each) were analyzed to characterize Arcobacter spp., Aeromonas spp. and V. vulnificus and further these samples were screened for antibiotic residues by HPLC. Overall prevalence of Arcobacter spp. was found to be 12.61% (53/420). Out of the 53 Arcobacter spp. isolates, m-PCR revealed 38 (56.71%) to be A. butzleri, 3 (4.48%) to be A. cryaerophilus and 12 (17.91%) to be A. skirrowii. Out of the 53 Arcobacter spp. isolates, virulence genes mviN, irgA, hecA, cj1349, tlyA, pldA, hecB, ciaB and cadF were detected in 75.47%, 9.43%, 3.77%, 30.18%, 98.11%, 92.45%, 11.32%, 94.33% and 81.13% of Arcobacter spp. isolates, respectively. Antibiogram profile of 53 Arcobacter xix spp. isolates revealed natural resistance towards penicillin-G (100%); resistance to vancomycin (75.47%), nalidixic acid (26.42%), erythromycin (18.87%), cefixime and kanamycin (5%) and co-trimoxazole (3.77%). ESBL production was confirmed in 28 Arcobacter spp. isolates by both phenotypic and molecular methods and blaTEM was the only β-lactamase gene detected in all the 28 isolates. A greater degree of molecular heterogeneity was observed among ESBL positive Arcobacter butzleri (16) and A. skirrowii (12) isolates, respectively by ERIC-PCR and REP-PCR. The discriminatory power of the two typing methods for Arcobacter spp. was found to be highly significant (>0.90) i.e. one. Overall prevalence of Aeromonas spp. was found to be 26.42% (111/420). Out of 111 Aeromonas spp. isolates, m-PCR revealed 98 (88.28%) to be A. veroni, 9 (8.10%) to be A. hydrophila, 2 (1.80%) A. media and 2 (1.80%) A. caviae. Out of 111 Aeromonas spp. isolates, virulence genes act, ast, alt, ahyB, fla, lip, aer, ser, gcat and exu were detected in 53.15%, 4.5%, 5.4%, 9.9%, 0.9%, 22.52%, 16.21%, 2.7% 5.4 % and 15.31% of isolates, respectively. Antibiogram profile of 111 Aeromonas spp. isolates revealed natural resistance towards penicillin-G (100%) and resistance to vancomycin (63.06%) and nalidixic acid (50.45%). ESBL production was confirmed in 12 Aeromonas spp. isolates by both phenotypic and molecular methods and blaTEM was the only β-lactamase gene detected in all 12 isolates. A greater degree of molecular heterogeneity was observed among 12 ESBL positive Aeromonas spp. isolates from different sources as 12 different genotypes were observed by ERIC-PCR and REP-PCR. The discriminatory power of the two typing methods for Arcobacter spp. was found to be highly significant (>0.90) i.e. one. xx Overall prevalence of V. vulnificus was found to be 6.19% (26/420). All the V. vulnificus isolates carried vvhA gene and none of the isolates were belonging to Bt2 or serovar E. All the V. vulnificus isolates belonged to Bt1. Antibiogram profile of 26 V. vulnificus isolates revealed natural resistance for penicillin-G (100%) and resistance to vancomycin (61.54%), erythromycin (46.15%), cefixime (46.15%) and nalidixic acid (30.77%). ESBL production was confirmed in 17 V. vulnificus isolates by both phenotypic and molecular methods and blaTEM gene was the predominant gene in 16 isolates and blaSHV gene was detected in only one V. vulnificus isolate. A greater degree of molecular heterogeneity was observed among 17 ESBL positive V. vulnificus isolates from different sources as 16 and 17 different genotypes were observed under ERIC-PCR and REP-PCR, respectively. The discriminatory power of the two typing methods for V. vulnificus isolates was found to be highly significant (>0.90) i.e. 0.9926 and one for ERIC and REP-PCR, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed a greater degree of homogeneity and heterogeneity among different isolates (Arcobacter spp., Aeromonas spp. and V. vulnificus) recovered from various sources and indicating that there is a chance of cross-contamination particularly in the fish markets. All the fish and shellfish samples were negative for antibiotic residues by HPLC.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON SUBCLINICAL KETOSIS IN BUFFALOES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2020-06) SRINIVAS, YETURI; LAKSHMI RANI, N (MAJOR); SURESH, K; ANAND KUMAR, PThe present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of subclinical ketosis among 900 buffaloes from organized and unorganized herds, out of which 179 buffaloes were screened. The prevalence of subclinical ketosis was 20.67 % (37/179) based on serum BHB values. The high prevalence was observed in early lactation and among buffaloes of third lactation. Majority of the affected buffaloes (70.27 %) were high yielders with >10 lts of milk/day. The diagnostic efficacy of modified Rothera’s test and hand held ketometer were compared with serum BHB estimation by laboratory method. The blood BHB levels using hand held meter had significant correlation (Pearson’s r=0.965; p<0.01) with the serum BHB levels measured by the colorimetry. The sensitivity and specificity of modified Rothera’s test was 21.62% and 100% while that of hand held meter was 95% and 90%, respectively. The results of the study showed that serum glucose, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, TAC, calcium and phosphorus concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.05) in buffaloes with subclinical ketosis. In addition, there was positive correlation between the serum BHB and MDA and negative correlation between BHB and glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, calcium, phosphorous and zinc. A total of 16 buffaloes were randomly divided into two groups (I and II). Group I buffaloes were treated with conventional therapy Gluca-boost® @ 200 ml/day for 6 days while Group II were treated with SEZ® @ 20 gms/day for 20 days along with Gluca-boost®. The therapeutic evaluation was done based upon clinical improvement, alterations in serum biochemical parameters, MDA and TAC. The maximum improvement was noticed in Group II buffaloes with more prominent reduction in MDA and improvement in TAC was in this group. The comparison of pre-therapeutic values of BHB, glucose, serum cholesterol, MDA and TAC revealed significant improvement in Group II compared to Group I. The therapeutic outcome was better with incorporation of trace elements vitamin E, selenium and zinc with antioxidant properties.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC VALUE OF SHEEP SLAUGHTERED IN COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2020-01) VENU, THOTA; NAGA MALLIKA, E (MAJOR); ESWARA RAO, B; SRINIVASA RAO, TThe present work was undertaken with the objective of understanding existing slaughter facilities and to study the post harvest economics of sheep slaughtered in municipal slaughter houses and rural meat stalls of coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. The survey revealed that the existing slaughter houses had reasonably better slaughter facilities but slaughter houses were shut down by Supreme Court order. The shut down lead to a great increase in unauthorized slaughter in meat stalls. It was observed that basic requirements were lacking at slaughter premises in rural meat stalls. Personal hygiene and knowledge on the slaughter operation procedures of the butchers was low. Recycling of the waste was not carried out at satisfactory level and effluent treatment plants were not established. In sheep meat market several middle men were playing major role and direct involvement of the farmer in municipal slaughter houses was very lowl. In the rural meat stalls, where unauthorised slaughter was prevailing the extent of involvement of farmers was high. The rate of slaughter was higher on weekends when compared to the other days. Post mortem examination was carried out in municipal slaughter houses, and Halal method was used for slaughter of sheep irrespective of plate of slaughter. Water and electricity supply was well established. During the study the dressing percentage of 47.85 – 49.61 per cent in sheep along with a sale price of Rs. 570 – 600/- per kg for mutton was observed in municipal slaughter houses and rural meat stalls respectively. The utilization of head, legs, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys and testicles was utmost full whereas skin was utilized at 73-89 per cent, blood was utilized at 28-60 per cent, stomach was utilized at 50-82 per cent level and intestines were utilized at 60-100 per cent level in municipal slaughter houses and rural meat stalls respectively. The by-products utilization was almost 100 per cent and profitability of postharvest economics of sheep slaughter was strongly dependent on by-products utilization. On an average a profit of Rs.3,218/- was obtained per animal out of which Rs. 2,623 /- was from by-products which indicates a profit share of 82 per cent from by products.. Therefore from this study, it can be concluded that the sale of by-products was playing a major role in economics of sheep.ThesisItem Open Access THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF PGF2α AND GnRH IN REPEAT BREEDER BUFFALOES (Bubalus bubalis)(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2020-01) HEMA DEEPTHI, P; VENKATA NAIDU, G (MAJOR); SRINIVAS, M; SREENU, MAKKENA; ANANDA RAO, KThe therapeutic efficacy of GnRH on corpus luteum function and embryonic mortality was investigated in 40 non-infectious repeat breeder graded Murrah buffaloes inseminated towards the end of the breeding season. Non-infectious repeat breeder buffaloes (n=30) were synchronised using double PG protocol followed by AI. In the present study 45 repeat breeder Graded Murrah buffaloes were screened to assess the different causes of repeat breeding. The causes of repeat breeding in Graded Murrah buffaloes included genitilia without any palpable abnormalities (non-infectious), subclinical endometritis and tubal blockage recorded in 40, 5, 0 buffaloes and the percentage incidence was 88.88, 11.12 and 0, respectively. White side test and PSP dye test could be effectively used to diagnosis the subclinical endometritis and tubal blockage, respectively. The selected buffaloes were allowed to skip one estrous cycle for careful observation of estrus parameters such as length of estrous cycle (days), duration of estrus (hrs) and intensity of estrus (points) which were recorded as 21.47±0.40 days, 23.50±0.03 hours, 13.42±0.37 points respectively. After administration of double PGF2α protocol, the estrus response rate (%), mean time of onset of estrus (hrs), ovulation response rate (%) in 30 repeat breeder buffaloes were 90 per cent (27/30), 54±1.70 hrs and 66.66 per cent (18/27), respectively. The efficacy of GnRH was studied in Group I (20μg of GnRH just before AI at observed estrus), Group II (20μg of GnRH just before AI at observed estrus and 5th day of post AI) and Group III (20μg of GnRH just before AI at observed estrus and 15th day post insemination), in terms of conception rates while untreated repeat breeder buffaloes were kept as controls (Group IV, n=10). The serum concentrations of total cholesterol, total protein, glucose, calcium and phosphorus varied significantly (P<0.05) between conceived and non-conceived buffaloes (higher in conceived than that of non- conceived buffaloes) of Group I, II, III and IV. The results from the present study revealed a significant difference (P<0.01) in the serum progesterone profiles between conceived and non-conceived buffaloes among all the treatment groups on day 30 post AI. However there was no significant difference (P>0.01) in serum progesterone profiles in both conceived and non-conceived buffaloes of all the treatment groups at initiation of hormonal treatment and at induced estrus. These results also revealed significantly higher values of (P<0.05) serum progesterone profile on day 30 post AI compared to other days of collection in conceived buffaloes. The overall conception rates (%) of repeat breeding Graded Murrah buffaloes in Group I, II III and control group (Group IV) were recorded to be 33.33 (3/9), 55.55 (5/9), 55.55 (5/9) and 20 (2/10) per cent, respectively. It was further, concluded that GnRH could be given on the day of AI along with day 5 (Group II) and day 15 (Group III) to achieve higher (55.55 and 55.55 %) conception rates when compared with that of administration of GnRH only on the day of AI (Group I-33.33 %) and control group (20.00 %). It was concluded that application of double PGF2α protocol as a fertility management strategy was effective for induction and synchronization of fertile estrus and ovulation in non-infectious repeat breeder buffaloes. It was further concluded that hormone GnRH could be used to enhance the serum progesterone concentrations when administered on day 5 or day 15 after artificial insemination in repeat breeding buffaloesThesisItem Open Access RELATIVE EFFICACY OF DOUBLESYNCH AND ESTRADOUBLESYNCH PROTOCOLS FOR IMPROVING FERTILITY IN REPEAT BREEDING GRADED MURRAH BUFFALOES (Bubalus bubalis)(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2020-01) VIJAYA KUMAR REDDY, M; SRINIVAS, MANDA (MAJOR); MUTHA RAO, M; DEVI PRASAD, VThe present study entitled “Relative efficacy of Doublesynch and Estradoublesynch protocols for improving fertility in repeat breeding Graded Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)” was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two estrus synchronization protocols, viz., Doublesynch and Estradoublesynch. The study was conducted during the low breeding season from March to August 2019. A total of 120 infertile Graded Murrah buffaloes were screened by performing per rectal palpation, white side test and PSP dye test. The causes for conception failure were established in the present study and were categorized as animals without any palpable abnormalities (repeat breeders), subclinical endometritis, tubal blockage and cystic ovaries were recorded with a per cent incidence of 30.0, 62.5, 5.0 and 2.5, respectively. After screening, 36 repeat breeder buffaloes were selected and were randomly assigned into 3 groups (12 buffaloes in each protocol and in control group). Group 1 (Doublesynch protocol) repeat breeder buffaloes were administered with PGF2α on day 0, GnRH on day 2, second PGF2α on day 9 and second GnRH on day 11 with FTAI twice at 16 and 24 hrs after second GnRH administration. Group 2 (Estradoublesynch protocol) repeat breeder buffaloes were administered with PGF2α on day 0, GnRH on day 2, second PGF2α on day 9 and estradiol benzoate (EB) on day 10 with FTAI twice at 48 and 60 hrs after EB injection while Group 3 (Control group) repeat breeder buffaloes were not given any treatment and were inseminated at detected natural estrus. Blood samples were collected for haemato-biochemical studies. The mean haemoglobin and PCV values varied non-significantly (P>0.05) between day 0 and day of induced estrus in both treatment and control groups. The serum glucose, total protein, total cholesterol and calcium profiles were significantly higher (P<0.05) in conceived than that of non-conceived buffaloes of both treatment and control groups. The serum phosphorus levels varied non-significantly (P>0.05) between conceived and non-conceived buffaloes of both treatment and control groups. There was no significance difference (P>0.05) in serum glucose, total protein, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus levels on different days of treatment/AI among conceived and non-conceived buffaloes in both treatment and control groups. The mean serum progesterone profiles on day 9 and day 18 post AI were significantly higher (P<0.05) to that of day 0 and day 12 (day of induced estrus) in Doublesynch and Estradoublesynch treatment groups. Significantly higher levels (P<0.05) of serum biochemical and progesterone profiles in conceived than that of non-conceived buffaloes resulted in improved conception rates in both the treatment groups. The estrus induction response rates recorded were 91.66 % (11/12), 100 % (12/12) and 75 % (9/12) in Doublesynch, Estradoublesynch and control groups, respectively. Estradoublesynch treatment group animals exhibited more intense heat signs 41.66 % (5/12) when compared to Doublesynch 36.36 % (4/11). The artificial insemination submission rates were 91.66 % (11/12), 100 % (12/12) and 75 % (9/12) in Doublesynch, Estradoublesynch and control groups, respectively. The conception rates of repeat breeding Graded Murrah buffaloes at induced estrus with FTAI were 54.54 % (6/11) and 58.33 % (7/12) with Doublesynch and Estradoublesynch, respectively while the same was 22.22 % (2/9) at detected natural estrus in repeat breeder Graded Murrah buffaloes of untreated control group. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that the practicing veterinarians could effectively handle repeat breeding syndrome of buffaloes by adopting either Doublesynch or Estradoublesynch protocols. However, Estradoublesynch had a marginal advantage over Doublesynch protocol in the improvement of fertility in repeat breeder buffaloes as it resulted in intense estrus signs with ease in passage of AI gun at insemination.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON EFFICACY OF IMAGING TECHNIQUES AND BIOMARKERS IN DIAGNOSIS OF CANINE PROSTATIC AFFECTIONS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2019-12) NAGABHUSHAN, K; RAGHUNATH, M (MAJOR); SREENU, MAKKENA; RAJU, N.K.B.The present study was conducted on 24 clinical cases of geriatric male dogs presented with symptoms related to prostatic affections to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science. The overall incidence of prostatic enlargement was observed as 78.28% cases with more incidence in smaller breeds of dogs (58.33%). Signalment and history was collected, physiological parameters and hematobiochemical parameters were evaluated, digital rectal examination, imaging procedures, USG-FNAC, urinalysis and estimation of biomarkers were done at the time of presentation and after observatory period in all dogs. Based on treatment provided all the dogs were divided into two groups as group I (n=10) provided with medical therapy, Group II (n=14) dogs, in which castration was opted as treatment of choice were included. All the haematological parameters in most of the dogs were normal. Radiological and ultrasonographic measurements revealed that prostate gland was many times enlarged at the time of presentation in dogs of both the groups. Highly elevated BUN, creatinine and ALP along with biomarkers like canine DHT and CPSE were recorded in all the dogs of both the groups. Group I dogs were treated with finasteride @ 0.5 to 1mg/kg/day for a period of 45 days. In group II dogs under general anaesthesia, open open method of castration was done under standard operating procedures. After the follow up period of 45 days all the dogs recovered from the clinical symptoms. All the radiological, ultrasonographic measurements, haematobiochemical and urinary parameters were within the normal range. Values of Prostate specific serum biomarkers also showed significant decrease in both the groups after the follow up period. Even though medical treatment with finasteride and surgical procedure of castration were effective in reducing the symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia, castration was the most effective with no signs of recurrence.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THERAPEUTIC Vs. SURGICAL APPROACHES FOR ADDRESSING OBESITY IN DOGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2019-12) MOUNIKA, A; DEVI PRASAD, V (MAJOR); SREENU, M; KISHORE, P.V.S.The present study was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, the BMI and BCS were recorded for six locally available breeds and various disorders associated with overweight or obesity were noted. In the second phase, the obesity was addressed by diet restriction coupled with physical exercise (group I), medical therapy using orlistat (group II) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy under general anaesthesia (group III). Out of 2,332 dogs, 732 (31.39%) dogs were obese. Prevalence of obesity was higher in neutered, middle aged and prosperous owners. The order of breed vise susceptibility was Spitz, Labrador Retriever, Pug, Mixed breed, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Deposition of fat was found concentrated subcutaneously when compared to other places. Out of 732 obese dogs, 141(19.26%) orthopaedic, 171 (23.36%) cardiovascular, 175 (23.90%) respiratory, 16 (2.18%) endocrinological, 62 (8.46%) with ear, 43 (5.87%) reproductive system, 14 (1.94%) neoplastic, 17 (2.32%) spine 55 (7.52%) skin related and 38 (5.19%) miscellaneous problems. In group I, the weight loss was not satisfactory due to poor owner compliance. In group II, a weight loss of 5.88% was which was followed by reinduction of weight after withdrawal of the drug. In group III, a weight loss of 13.49% with improved BCS was observed. Except a non-significant leucocytosis in group III, no significant hematological alterations were recorded. Serum biochemical parameters like, serum creatinine, BUN, glucose, total protein cholesterol, and cortisol were found elevated in obese dogs. In group III, the glucose and cholesterol levels declined indicating the efficacy of the technique. The values of MDA, catalase and nitric oxide were higher than the reference ranges in all the three groups; while the reduced glutathione levels were lesser than the reference ranges in all the dogs. The levels of MDA, catalase and nitric oxide were found to decrease in group-II, while in group-III the decline was observed between two and six months. The GSH values in group-III were found to decline postoperatively up to two months and restored to normal levels thereafter. The reactive oxygen species were estimated to be less in group III further supporting the efficacy of the technique. Based on the results and analysis of above parameters it can be concluded that, the restricted feed intake and exercise can be suggested to those clients who have commitment for reaching the targeted weight loss. The orlistat can be recommended only as an intial adjunct either to restricted feeding and physical exercise as it cannot bring out persistent weight loss on its own. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy can be judged as the best modality in obese dogs with anticipatory results.ThesisItem Open Access CONTRAST ENHANCED ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF ABDOMEN IN DOGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2019-12) SAIDAIAH, M; SREENU, MAKKENA (MAJOR); DEVI PRASAD, V; KISHORE, P.V.S.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the normal and diseased organ perfusion by contrast enhanced ultrasound scanning (CEUS) in different abdominal organs of dogs. Contrast enhanced ultrasonography was conducted to compare the vascular and parenchymal perfusion using materials like SonoVue® and Definity® and compared with features plain, contrast radiography and ultrasonography . The present study was conducted on dogs with different abdominal disorders and signalment. A total of 210 cases of abdominal disorders were presented with different clinical signs and subjected to different diagnostic procedures. Among the diagnostic procedures, the radiography, ultrasonography and contrast radiography were considered as a diagnostic tools to study the abdominal disorders of different breeds and different organs. The cases with obscured lesion, even after using of all diagnostic aids, were randomly selected and subjected to contrast enhanced ultrasonography. Contrast enhanced ultrasonography of the liver, spleen, kidney and prostate gland was performed to characterize the perfusion of normal organs. To validate the quantification method, perfusion parameters (AT, TTPi, TTPa, DT and WOTi) were investigated using CEUS. The biological effects of CEUS on different organs were estimated by measuring and analyzing hematological and serum biochemical parameters to study the toxic effects of ultrasound contrast agents, if any. No changes were noted in the serum biochemistry profile after CEUS, with the exception of a small difference serum biochemistry which had no clinical importance. Finally, the role of contrast enhanced ultrasonography in disease diagnosis of different organs was investigated and confirmed by histopathological studies. In conclusion, the results suggest that CEUS can be used also in veterinary patients as an additional diagnostics aid. The perfusion patterns found in the imaged organs were typical and similar to those seen earlier. Differences in the perfusion between organs corresponded with physiology in normal and disease condition. The results indicate that CEUS can be used safely to analyse organ perfusion in dogs.ThesisItem Open Access UTILITY OF BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) SYSTEM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL TRAITS AND PERFORMANCE OF GOATS UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2019-12) VENKATA RESHMA, Ch.; ANITHA, A (MAJOR); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; MURALIDHAR, MBody condition score (BCS) has been shown to be an important practical tool in assessing the body condition of goats because BCS is the best simple indicator of available fat reserves which can be used by the animal in periods of high energy demand, stress, or suboptimal nutrition. The technique of Body Condition Score (BCS) is a means of subjectively assessing the degree of fatness or condition of the live animal. The study was carried out on well maintained local goat flocks of farmers in Prakasam district. The present experiment was designed to study the utility of BCS system for the assessment of physical traits and performance in well maintained local goats. BCS system of 1 to 5 scale developed by Carlson (2017) was used to score the does in the present study. Six check points of the doe’s body were examined by vision and palpation. The scores from these check points were recorded and an average BCS was assigned to the doe. The relationship between BCS and physical parameters was studied in 100 does by grouping them in to 2 years, 3 years and 4 years age groups. Does with BCS of 2.50 were more in number in the test flock followed by does with BCS of 3.00, 3.50, 3.25, 2.25, 2.75, 4.00, 2.00 and 3.75. The mean BCS was 2.88 ± 0.05. The mean values of the measurements of physical parameters i.e., body weight (kg), pin-shoulder length (cm), height at withers (cm), chest girth (cm), abdominal girth (cm) and thigh circumference (cm) of the does of test flock were 27.03 ± 0.15, 65.36 ± 0.17, 74.54 ± 0.18, 74.04 ± 0.27, 88.17 ± 0.30 and 36.46 ± 0.16, respectively. The variance of BCS was 0.27. The does of the age group of 3 years had higher BCS (2.96 ± 0.75) compared to the does of age group of 2 years (2.82 ± 0.77) and 4 years (2.75 ± 0.16). There is an increasing trend of pin- shoulder length and abdominal girth with respect to BCS up to BCS of 3.50 while the values decreased from BCS 3.50 to 3.75. There is an increasing trend of chest girth with respect to BCS up to BCS of 4.00. There is an increasing trend of thigh circumference with respect to BCS up to BCS of 3.75 while beyond the trend was in opposite direction. As the BCS increased the body weight of does also showed increasing values. The BCS was significantly (P < 0.01) positively correlated with all physical parameters. Pin - shoulder length, height at withers, chest girth, abdominal girth, thigh circumference and body weight were significantly (P < 0.01) positively correlated with each other. The postpartum changes studied in BCS of 60 does showed that the does were in the BCS range of 2.50 – 3.75 at kidding, there were no does in either poor (below 2.00) or obese (5.00) body condition. Does in the test flock were in the BCS range of 2.50 – 3.75 at kidding, reduced their body condition during early lactation and so the minimum BCS of 2.00 – 2.99 was recorded for majority of the does (55). The mean BCSK was 3.11 which was decreased to 2.87 at first week postpartum, further decreased to 2.42 by 12 weeks postpartum and later on increased gradually to 2.80 by 18 weeks postpartum. LBCS of the test flock ranged from 0.50 to 1.00 with a mean value of 0.70. GBCS of the test flock ranged from 0.25 to 0.50 with a mean value of 0.38. Minimum BCS of the test flock ranged from 2.00 to 3.00 with a mean value of 2.41. The highest CV (16.29) of BCS in does was observed at 8 weeks postpartum and the least (12.46) at 14 weeks postpartum. The CV of LBCS was 20.58 and the CV of GBCS was 32.81. A significant (P < 0.01) difference was observed between the does of different groups of BCSK in LBCS, GBCS and minimum BCS. The mean BCS was decreased from first week to 10 weeks postpartum for the does of BCSK 2.50 to 2.99, from first week to 11 weeks postpartum for the does of BCSK 3.00 to 3.49 and from first week to 12 weeks for the does of BCSK 3.50 to 4.00, thereafter showed an increased trend for the does of three BCSK groups. The highest loss as well as gain in BCS was achieved by the BCSK group 3.50 to 4.00 compared to the BCSK group 2.50 to 2.99 and 3.00 to 3.49. The birth weight of kids per doe ranged from 4.20 to 6.10 kg with a mean of 5.04 kg. There was a significant (P < 0.01) difference between the does of different BCSK groups in birth weight and weaning of kids. Kids of the BCSK group 3.50 to 4.00 showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher birth weight (5.77 kg) compared to the BCSK group 3.00 to 3.49 (5.00 kg) and 2.50 to 2.99 (4.36 kg). The weaning weight of kids per doe ranged from 18.4 to 25.3 kg with a mean of 21.3 kg. Kids of the BCSK group 3.50 to 4.00 showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher weaning weight (23.68 kg) compared to the BCSK group 3.00 to 3.49 (21.88 kg) and 2.50 to 2.99 (18.39 kg). The present study revealed that BCS of 3.50 – 4.00 at kidding resulted in higher birth weight as well as weaning weight of kids. Hence, the BCS system on a number system of 1 – 5 scale is economical, easily applied measure of fatness in does and also an immediate appraisal of body fat reserves
