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ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Molecular and Biochemical characterization of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm of Kashmir Himalayas(SKUAST Kashmir, 2023) Deepika Pandita; Husaini, Amjad M.Rice (Oryza sativa L.) regarded as one of the most important cereal crops, is a major food grain contributor to the total world food grain basket. It belongs to the genus Oryza, family Gramineae (Poaceae) and tribe Oryzeae. Half of the world’s population is suffering from one or more vitamin and/or mineral deficiency. The developed countries are managing deficiency by adopting fortification programs, but same programs are not affordable to poor countries. Therefore, an alternative and less expensive strategy is to modify the nutritional quality of the major cereals consumed by the people. Simple Sequence Repeats (Microsatellite), being easy, reliable, robust and reproducible, were employed in carrying out fingerprinting of these landraces. These markers are multiallelic and usually resolve on agarose gel. In the present study 50 genotypes of rice was selected from the germplasm collection maintained at Khudwani.The study observed that the highest level of P concentration was found in genotype K-37 (4553.33ppm) and the lowest level was found in genotype K-44 (2133.33ppm). Highest level of Fe concentration was found in genotype K-13 (31.93ppm) and the lowest level was observed in genotype K-21 (2.27ppm). Highest levels of K concentration was found in genotype B-55 (1921.33ppm) while as lower level was found in genotype K-17 (921.33ppm). Mg concentration was highest in genotype K-35 (7625.33ppm) and lowest in genotype K-16 (4551.33ppm). Highest level of Ca was found in genotype K-13 (23799.33ppm) and lowest level in genotype K-19 (9618ppm). Highest level of Na was found in genotype K-29 (198.67ppm) and the lowest level in genotype HA-11 (38.67ppm) among all 50 rice genotypes. Genotype K-34 had the greatest Zn concentration (10.17ppm), while genotype K-43 had the lowest concentration (1.27ppm). Highest level of protein content was found in genotype B-54 (7.75%) while as, lowest level was found in genotype K-27 (4.06%). Maximum level of starch content was found in genotype K-37 (82.02%) and minimum level was found in genotype K-22 (75.55%) among all 50 genotypes. Highest level of amylose in genotype K-39 (25.46%) and the lowest level was found in genotype K-47 (19.01%). Genotype K-47 (80.99%) had the highest content of amylopectin, whereas genotype K-39 (74.54%) had the lowest content. Genotype K-36 (3.3%) demonstrated the highest crude fibre content, while as lower level was found in genotype K-45 (1.23%). In this study 40 primer pairs scored 114 alleles, with an average of 2.85 per allele. Primer RM413 observed the highest PIC value (0.58), while the primer RM162 observed the lowest PIC value (0.30), with an average of 0.44. Predominant allele frequency of polymorphic markers ranged from 0.40 to 0.78, with an average of 0.59. Gene diversity ranged from 0.35 to 0.66, with an average value of 0.52. Heterozygosity ranged from 0.18 to 0.74, with an average of 0.39. Cluster analysis was performed to elucidate the relationship among the genotypes. All 50 genotypes were grouped into three major clusters generated through Neighbour-joining analysis comprising of 20, 15 and 15 genotypes in clusters I, II, and III, respectively. All basmati genotypes were grouped separately in Cluster I. STRUCTURE analysis was carried out to find out the number of populations from 50 genotypes using 40 SSR markers. For the first level of clustering at K=2, we got the admixture for all 50 genotypes. At K=3, the 50 accessions of Kashmir province got separated into three different populations. The sub-population A, B and C represents 26 per cent (13), 36 per cent (18) and 20 per cent (10) of genotypes used in structure analysis respectively. The remaining 18 per cent (9) of genotypes represents admixture. Fst values of 0.1145, 0.1062 and 0.1609 were found in the sub-populations (A, B and C), respectively, with an average value of 0.1272. The percentage of variation among populations and within populations was estimated using Analysis of variance (AMOVA) which shows that 74 per cent was attributed within individuals, 23 per cent was among individuals and 3 per cent was among populations With respect to mineral profiling, our results revealed that among cluster I, genotype K-44 and HA-8 has shown higher mineral uptake for four minerals (Fe, K, Mg and Na) and (Ca, Zn, Na, P) respectively, followed by genotype HA-4 which showed more mineral uptake for three minerals (P, K, Ca). Similarly, in cluster II, genotype K-16 and K-19 had higher mineral uptake for three minerals (P, Fe, K) and (Fe, K, Ca) respectively. In cluster III, genotype K-30 demonstrated higher mineral uptake for four minerals (Fe, Mg, Ca, Zn) followed by K-31 and K-34 which displayed higher mineral uptake for three minerals (P, Fe, Na) and (Fe, K, Ca) respectively. With respect to nutrient profiling, our findings revealed that among cluster I, genotype HA-4 showed higher nutrient content for three nutrients (Protein, Starch and Amylose) followed by six more genotypes that displayed nutrient content accumulation for different nutrients ciz. genotype K-47 and K-40 showed each for protein and amylose, genotype K-45 and K-41 displayed each for amylose and crude fibre, genotype HA-6 showed for protein and amylopectin and genotype K-42 demonstrated for amylopectin and crude fibre. In cluster II, genotype K-37 and K-23 displayed nutrient content accumulation for only two nutrients separately, ciz. (amylopectin and crude fibre) and (starch and amylose) respectively. Similarly, in cluster III, five genotypes displayed the higher/lower nutrient content accumulation for only two nutrients separately, ciz. genotypes K-27 and HA-10 showed for starch and crude fibre, genotypes K-13 and K-30 displayed for protein and amylopectin and genotype K-24 showed for starch and amylose.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Amelioration of Type II Diabetes in Rat Model by using Aged Garlic Extract(SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Mehak Nazar; Showkat-ul-NabiThe present study entitled as “Studies on amelioration of Type II DM in Rat Model by using Aged garlic extract” was undertaken in division of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics, and Jurisprudence, F.V.S.c and A.H, SKUAST-K. The study was undertaken with primary objectives: To study biochemical alterations and gene expression of GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 gene in type II Diabetic rat model. The subsequent objective was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of aqueous aged garlic extract on Type II DM. Briefly the study comprised of three phases: In Phase I, preparation of AGE was done; In Phase 2, Induction of type II DM was undertaken and in Phase III, Evaluation of ameliorative potential of AGE was undertaken against Type II DM. Aqueous AGE was prepared as per the standard procedure and lyophilized powder of the extract so obtained was stored at 37°C.The experimental design for induction of type II Diabetes and evaluation of ameliorative potential of AGE was undertaken in animal house of F.V.S.c and A.H, SKUAST-K after obtaining Instititutional Ethical approval. To summarize the experimental design we purchased 48 wistar wistar rats from IIM, Jammu and after adaptation period of 7 days, these rats were randomly divided into two primary group comprising of 24 rats each. One group represented control group which were fed normal diet (Group-A). The other primary group was fed with HFD for 8 weeks and the group represented Type II Diabetes group (Group B). After screening Group-B for Hyperglycemia and henceforth successful induction of Type II DM, these primary groups were further divided into two secondary groups for each primary group. For instance, Groups A was divided into two secondary groups comprising of No supplementation group (A-I) and Adverse reaction control group (A-II) comprising of 12 rats each. Similarly group B rats were divided into two secondary groups comprising of Disease control group (B-I) and AGE group (B-II). Supplementation of garlic was made orally for 6 weeks @ 250 mg/kg bwt. After supplementation for 6 weeks, all the rats were sacrificed as per the approved procedure and blood and tissue samples were collected. The samples collected were processed for estimation of Catalase, SOD, LPO, GPx, GST, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Furthermore, in present study we estimated blood glucose , blood insulin, expression levels of GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 gene. Inaddition to this, tissue samples were processed for histopathological importance. The present study indicated that AGE supplementation @250 mg/kg bwt in advere reaction control group was well tolerated and no adverse activity was observed in behavior and biochemical parameters of the mentioned group. Results of present study revealed that AGE possess significant hypoglycemic effect and insulinogogue activity. Furthermore, the majority of the oxidative parameters like that of Catalase, SOD, MDA, Vitamin E and Vitamin C were significantly ameliorated by AGE supplementation in diabetic groups @ 250mg/kg bwt. This hypoglycemic activity and diabetic ameliorative action of AGE can be attributed to increased expression of GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 gene as observed in present study. Besides, we observed that AGE restored the normal tissue architecture in Diabetic rats as no significant difference in tissue microarchitecture between healthy control and AGE supplemented Diabetic group was observed.The present study may be concluded with the postulates that AGE possess significant hypoglycemic effect which can be attributed to bioactive components present in it and furthermore, AGE caused significant increase in Insulin, GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 which indicates that AGE has action on multiple hotspots involved in pathogenesis of Type II DM. Hence present study indicates that AGE with further research can be fabricated as an effective antidiabetic alternative therapeutic preparation.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on sero-prevalence and risk factors of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in sheep and goats(SKUAST Kashmir, 2021) Nengroo, Ishfaq Hussain; Syed Ashaq HussainThis study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in sheep and goat population and to identify the risk factors associated with seroprevalence of MAP. The overall seroprevalence of MAP in sheep and goats by using indigenous indirect-ELISA was 47.26%. It was found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in sheep (52.5 %) than goats (23.07 %). The seroprevalence did not differ significantly (p>0.05) with respect to age, sex and breed of the studied animals. The risk factors significantly (P<0.05) associated with MAP were flock size, presence of cattle at the farm, breeding system, education level of the owner, quarantine practice, and grazing with other animal species. Diarrhea was significantly (p<0.05) associated with MAP in goats only. The risk factor which were not significantly (p>0.05)associated with the occurrence of MAP in sheep and goats included transhumance, sign of emaciation, on farm replacement, cleaning pens, contamination of water or feed with fecal materials, separation of diseased animals, treatment in suspected animals, water sources. Milk feeding to the young ones could not be evaluated as risk factor for occurrence of MAP in the present study because this was practiced in all the sampled animals.ThesisItem Open Access Fertility Evaluation of Chilled Buck Semen using different Extenders(SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Nahida Yousuf; Arjuma KhatunSemen was collected from selected four healthy cross bred Boer bucks by using sterile artificial vagina maintained at Mountain Research Centre for Sheep and Goats, SKUAST-K Shuhama Kashmir. The current study was conducted in three experiments viz. 1) Effect of washing on preservation of buck semen at 4ºC during different time intervals. 2) Comparing egg yolk based extender containing 2.5% egg yolk and commercial soybean-lecithin based extender i.e. Ovixcell on preservation of buck semen at 4ºC during different time intervals. 3) Artificial insemination following estrus synchronization with chilled buck semen extended with egg yolk and soybean lecithin-based extender. Semen samples having sperm motility greater than 70% were pooled and divided into two aliquots in all the three experiments. In first experiment two aliquots were designated as T1 and T2 based on the presence or absence of seminal plasma, then both the aliquots were extended with TCFEY containing 2.5% egg yolk and stored at 4°C upto 72 h. Similarly in experiment-II two aliquots were designated as T3 and T4, extended with 2.5% egg yolk based and commercial soyabean lecithin based extender, respectively. In experiments I and experiment II, the quality of spermatozoa was evaluated on the basis of percent sperm motility, live sperm percentage, morphological sperm abnormalities, hypo osmotic swelling test (HOST), intact acrosome and oxidative stress measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) production in sperm cells, observed after extension in particular extenders at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, preserved at 4°C. In addition to this MDA production in seminal plasma was also measured in experiment II. In experiment III, a total of 45 number cross bred Boer does aged 1.5- 8 years were selected and divided into 5 groups designated as natural service group (GI) (N=10) as CON, fresh egg yolk (GII) (N=10), 72 h preserved egg yolk (GIII) (N=8), fresh Ovixcell (GIV) (N=9) and 72 h preserved Ovixcell (GV) (N=8). In all the five groups, intravaginal progesterone sponges were kept for 12 days and prostaglandin shot was given 24 h prior to sponge withdrawal. Further, except CON group GnRH was given 36 h post sponge removal. In CON group, one breeding buck was kept with the does for one cycle (20 days). In remaining four groups fixed timed double AI was done at 48 and 60 hours using 0 h fresh semen extended with TCFEY (GII) and ovixcell (GIV) and 72 h preserved semen extended with same extenders designated group GIII and GV respectively. Fertility parameters recorded in experiment III were pregnancy rate, kidding rate and prolificacy rate. Also, blood sampling was done at day 0 (day of AI), day 12, day 21 and day 40 post AI to determine progesterone concentration. In experiment I, the percent sperm motility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 than T2 treatment group up to 72 h preservation at 4°C. The live sperm count was significantly (P<0.05) higher at 72 h in T1 than T2 treatment group. The HOST reacted spermatozoa was significantly (P<0.05) higher at 0 h and 24 h and intact acrosome at 0 h and 72 h at 4°C in T1 than T2 treatment group. In experiment-II, the percent sperm motility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 than T4 treatment group during 72 h preservation at 4°C. The live sperm percentage was significantly (P<0.05) higher at 72 h, HOST reacted spermatozoa at 24 h in T3 than T4 treatment group. MDA level in seminal plasma was significantly (P<0.05) lower at 72 h in T3 than T4 treatment group. Spermatic MDA level was significantly (P<0.05) higher at 24 h and 48 h in T4 than T3 treatment group during preservation at 4°C. In experiment-III, the pregnancy rate and kidding rate were significantly (p<0.05) higher for GI (CON) than GIV and GV The serum progesterone concentration was significantly(P<0.05) higher in pregnant than non-pregnant does at day 12 (13.93±1.77), at day 21 (19.80±1.67) and at day 40 (23.20±1.18). Further, within pregnant does the mean serum progesterone concentration increased significantly(P<0.05) from day 0 to day 40. However, within non pregnant does, the values decreased significantly(P<0.05) from day 0 to day 40. In conclusion, lower percent of egg yolk (2.5%) in Tris based extender may provide better buck semen quality without washing at 4°C for 72 hours and is comparatively better than soya lecithin-based extender (ovixcell). Also chilled (4°C) buck semen extended with 2.5% egg yolk and Ovixcell, can be used for artificial insemination preserved up to 72 hours and 48 hours, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Equilibration Period, Vitrification Technique and Antioxidants on the Post-thaw Quality of Vitrified Ovine Ovarian Cortical Tissue(SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Masrat un Nisa; Malik, Asloob AhmadThe present study involved three experiments to achieve the following objectives. (i) To determine the effect of equilibrium time periods on post-thaw viability, morphology of retrieved oocytes and histology of vitrified ovarian tissue, (ii) To investigate the effect of two vitrification techniques i.e., Cryovial with vitrification solution (CV), Direct cover vitrification (DCV) on post-thaw viability, morphology of retrieved oocytes and histology of vitrified ovarian tissue, (iii) To examine the effect of different antioxidants i.e., Resveratrol, Zinc sulphate, Curcumin & Quercetin on post-thaw viability, morphology of retrieved oocytes and histology of vitrified ovarian tissue. In experiment 1, after processing and preparation of ovarian tissue fragments, the fragments were exposed to two equilibration timings 25/15 min (Protocol-I) and 10/5 min (Protocol-II) followed by vitrification. Out of 145 and 102 immature oocytes retrieved from ovarian cortex, 130 (89.6%) and 90 (88.2%) oocytes were viable, respectively in Protocol I and Protocol II. The number of oocytes found morphologically normal were 119 (82%) and 80 (78.4%), respectively in Protocol I and Protocol II and the values differed non-significantly (P>0.05) between the two protocols. Histological assessment demonstrated that the percentage of intact follicles was significantly (P≤0.05) high (91.97%±2.89) in fresh control group compared to both Protocol-I (26.67%±5.49) and Protocol-II (48.91%±5.80). However, the percentage of intact follicles was significantly (P≤0.05) better in Protocol-II (48.91%±5.80) compared to Protocol-I (26.67%±5.49). In experiment 2, vitrification techniques CV and DCV were compared for the viability and morphology of retrieved oocytes and histology of vitrified ovarian tissue. In CV technique, the tissue fragments were loaded into cryovials pre filled with 1 ml vitrification solution-II, followed by plunging into LN2 canister. In DCV technique the ovarian tissue fragments were loaded into empty cryovials and immersed into LN2 canister. In DCV and CV techniques, a total of 178 and 190 immature oocytes were retrieved from ovarian cortex. The number of viable oocytes following CV technique were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than DCV method {164 (86.3%) vs 129 (72.4%)}. The number of oocytes found morphologically normal were 132 (74.1%) and 135 (71%), after following DCV and CV techniques respectively and the values did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Histological assessment of the ovarian cortical tissue showed that the percentage of intact follicles in fresh control was significantly (P≤0.05) high in fresh control compared to those following DCV (28.46±8.09) and CV (47.61±12.39) techniques. However, the percentage of normal intact follicles was non-significantly higher for CV (47.61±12.39) than in DCV technique (28.46±8.09). In experiment 3, four different antioxidants i.e., Resveratrol (20 μM), ZnSO4 (500 μM), Curcumin (25 μM) and Quercetin (1 μM) were evaluated after their addition to the vitrification and warming media for the viability and morphology of retrieved oocytes and histology of vitrified ovarian tissue The number of oocytes retrieved from ovarian tissue from the above mentioned antioxidants and vitrified control were 34, 41, 26, 31 and 46 respectively. Among these number of viable oocytes were 24 (70.5%), 30 (73.1 %), 20 (76.9%), 26 (83.8%) and 33 (71.1%) and the number of oocytes found morphologically normal were 24 (70.5%), 26 (63.4%), 18 (69.2%), 21 (67.7%) and 34 (73.9%) for above mentioned different antioxidants and vitrified control respectively. Non-significant (P>0.05) differences were found between different treatment groups. Histomorphological evaluation of the ovarian cortical tissue showed that the percentage of intact follicles was significantly (P≤0.05) high in fresh control (84.19±3.89) than in other groups. Non-significant difference was found between Resveratrol (50.2±5.5), Curcumin (48.71±5.74), Quercetin (51.59±4.77) and Vitrified control (42.73±6.13) groups however the ZnSO4 supplemented group (23.1±8.54) differed significantly (P≤0.05) from other antioxidant groups but was non-significant (P>0.05) with vitrified control group (42.73±6.13). Thus from the present study it was concluded that: (i) short time exposure i.e., 10/5 (Protocol-II) preserved the follicular morphology significantly better than long time exposure i.e., 25/15 (Protocol-I). (ii) CV technique was non-significantly efficient for morphological integrity for sheep ovarian tissue vitrification than DCV. (iii) Addition of Antioxidants i.e., Resveratrol, Curcumin and Quercetin non-significantly improved the follicular integrity after vitrification.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) petals as feed additive on performance of broiler chicken(SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Malik, Naveed Ahmed; Sheikh, Gowher GullThe present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of saffron petals as feed additive on the performanceof broilers. In the experiment, 140 day-old chicks were randomly distributed in five treatment groups having four replicates of seven chicks each.Birds of treatment group T0 (control)were offered basal diet without feed additives. Birds of treatment group T1, T2 T3 and T4 were offered basal diet supplemented with grinded saffron petals as feed additive @ 0.5,1, 1.5 and 2g/kg feed on dry matter basis. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3000 Kcal ME/kg and 23.20% CP for pre-starters, 3100 Kcal ME/kg and 20.16% CP for starters and 3191 Kcal ME/kg with 18.00% CP for finishers. The overall temperature and humidity of experimental groups was recorded 23.43°C and 55.19% during day and 23.17°C and 56.01% during night throughout the experiment. The Saffron petals (Crocus sativus L.) used in the study as feed additive contained 85% DM, 11.94% CP, 5.03% EE, 7.85% CF, 52.81% NFE, 5.37% total ash, 1.33% acid insoluble ash, 36.10% NDF, 30.00% ADF, 6.10% hemicelluloses and 5.90% cellulose. The average weekly live body weights (g) of experimental birds subjected to different levels of saffron petals as feed additive in dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) had non-significant differences at the first and second weeks of age. However, the average body weight of birds at the end of 3rd, 4th and 5th week was significantly lower (P≤0.05) in the T0 (control) group as compared to T1, T2, T3 and T4, with T4 treatment group having significantly highest (P≤0.05) body weight followed by T3, T2 and T1 groups. During entire experimental period among groups supplemented with the feed additive feed intake were numerically higher as compared to control but could not reach to statistical significant difference. Initially, during the first week of the experiment there was no significant difference among the feed conversion ratio (FCR)and feed efficiency ratio(FER) values in the treatments T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4; however, as the age progressed, a significantly (P≤0.05) better feed efficiency (lower FCR and higher FER) was recorded in the birds of T3 and T4 groups as compared to control (T0). The overall FCR and FER of the experimental birds during entire experimental period were significantly better in supplemented (T1, T2, T3 and T4) groups as compared to control group (T0). The results of weekly performance index depicted that treatments T3 andT4 had significantly (P≤0.05) higher performance index as compared to control (T0), T1 and T2 groups. The overall performance index of broiler chicken was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T4 followed by T3,T2 and T1treatments with statistically (P≤0.05) lowest performance index values in control (T0). The results of average nutrient digestibility in experimental birds show significantly (P≤0.05) higher dry matter digestibility in treatment T2, T3 and T4 as compared to control (T0) and T1 treatment groups. Birds of treatment group T4 also had significantly(P≤0.05) higher digestibility of crude protein (CP) as compared to control group with no significant difference among T0, T1, T2and T3 treatments.There was nosignificant effect of feed additive supplementation on digestibility of ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). There has been no mortality reported of experimental birds during experiment. The production cost per kg live weight was least in treatment T4 and highest in control (T0). All the haemato-biochemical parameters were within normal range indicating no deleterious effect of saffron petal as feed additive in the diet of broiler birds. The blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration of birds of T3 and T4 group were significantly (P≤0.01) higher as compared to control (T0) and T1 group. However, there was no significant difference in Hb concentration among birds of T1, T2 and T3 treatment groups. Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values of birds of control (T0) and treatment groups could not reach to statistical significant difference.The blood glucose values of the experimental birds of group T0 and T1 showed significantly lower (P≤0.01) levels than the birds in T2, T3 and T4, with no significant difference between T2, T3 and T4 treatments. Significantly (P≤0.05) lower cholesterol and serum triglycerides levels were found in birds of T4 treatment as compared to control (T0) with nonsignificant difference between T1, T2 and T3 treatments. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and serum alanine transaminotransferase (ALT) activity among birds of control and treatment groups. The birds of group T4 produced a significantly (P≤0.05) higher antibody response than the birds of control (T0), T1 and T2 groups with no significant difference with birds of T3 treatment. Significantly (P≤0.05) lower dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB) values were reported in birds of control (T0)group as compared to birds of T2, T3 and T4 treatments with non-significant difference with birds of T1 group. The mean weight (g) of different immune organs of the birds of group T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 have no significant difference in average weights of bursa, caecal tonsils and ileum. However, a significantly (P≤0.05) higher mean spleen weight was recorded in birds of T4 treatment as compared to control (To). Significantly (P≤0.05) lower mean total oxidant status (TOS) values were recorded in birds of T2, T3 and T4 treatments as compared to control (T0), with non-significant difference between T0 and T1 group. The total antioxidant status (TAS) values in the treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) have significantly (P≤0.01) higher values as compared to control (T0). The thiobarbuturic acid reactive substances (T-BARS)-Breast values were significantly (P≤0.01) lower in T4 treatment as compared to T0, T1, T2 and T3. The T-BARS (Thigh) values were significantly (P≤0.01) higher values in control (T0) followed by T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatments respectively. The results of carcass parameters (%) of the birds of group T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 depicted that dressing percentage was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in birds of T3 and T4 groups compared to that of T0 group. Dressing parameters like feathering loss and bleeding loss of the experimental birds were without any statistical significant difference. The breast, back, drumstick, thigh, wing, neck and total giblet percentage of experimental birds of all treatment groups also could not reach to significant difference statistically.ThesisItem Open Access Nutritional status of dairy cattle in Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley(SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Rafiqui, Muteeb ullah; Reshi, Parvaiz AhmedThe current study was carried to assess the socioeconomic status of dairy farmers, livestock inventories, feeding practices, production status, chemical composition of feed and fodder fed to dairy animals and nutrient balance of dairy animals in district Ganderbal to suggest suitable measures for rearing of dairy animals on proper scientific guidelines for better economic returns. The study was conducted in three phases (survey, sampling and analysis). A comprehensive survey was carried in the three Animal husbandry blocks (Ganderbal, Kangan and Lar) of the Ganderbal district involving 15 villages, with 5 farm families from each block as per pre-tested approved questionnaire. A total of 151 cattle rearing farmers (respondents) were questioned which includes 51 from Ganderbal block, 50 from Kangan block and 51 from Lar block of the district Ganderbal. The feeds, fodders and milk samples, collected from different tehsils were labeled, stored and brought to laboratory for further analysis.The composite feed and fodder samples were analyzed for proximate principles and fiber fraction. To determine nutritional status of dairy animals, DCP, TDN values and body weight of the animals was determined. The data obtained in the experiment was analyzed using statistical procedures. The total irrigated land availability (kanal/ family) with dairy owners of District Ganderbal is 3.11±0.45 whereas total unirrigated land availability is 1.48±0.51. The average family size (members/ family) was 5.70±0.05 with 3.60±0.14 number of males and 2.10±0.08 number of females per family. The average percent literacy rate per family of district Ganderbal is 45.26±0.08 with 49.72±0.15 literacy rate of males and 37.62 ±0.13literacy rate of females.The monthly income of dairy farmers of district Ganderbal is rupees 6188.46±482.06, 3085.20±304.22, 2151.74±305.97 and 3882.09±403.13 from horticulture/agriculture, business, labour and employee. From different sources of income horticulture/agriculture was main source of income. The average number of lactating cows, dry cows, bulls, heifers and calves per family of dairy farmers was found to be 2.05±0.20, 0.40±0.03, 0.38±0.03, 0.53±0.05 and 0.65±0.07 respectively. The average body weight of lactating cows in district Ganderbal were found to be 194.71±3.45 kg with body condition score of 1.92±0.05. The average body weight of heifers and calves in district Ganderbal were found 69.20±0.98 and 36.75±1.33 kg respectively. Regarding feeding practices followed by dairy farmers of district Ganderbal 36.54% follow stall feeding, 18.90% were practicing grazing and 45.32% farmers were following both stall feeding and grazing with average grazing hours of 3.15±0.16hr, The 40.91% of dairy animals of district Ganderbal were fed on community pastures where as 48.90% of the farmers fed cultivated fodder to their dairy animals followed by naturally or orchard grown fodders (38.24%) and tree foliage (12.85%).During winters, animals are mostly stallfed with 60.16% and 39.84% of the farmers feeding hay and straw respectively to dairy animals. During summers, green fodders were fed by 44.48% of the dairy farmers, mixture of green and dry fodders was fed by 23.36% of dairy farmers, 23.50% of the farmers fed hay whereas straw was fed as a roughage source by 8.65% of the dairy farmers to dairy animals in the district. No single farmer fed silage to the dairy animals in their ration. Only 16.80% of the farmers fed chaffed fodders to the dairy animals in the district and 28.45% farmers were using supplementation in the form of minerals or vitamins. The dairy animals were fed 1.18±0.17kg concentrates per animal per day in the district Ganderbal with 7.15±0.29 kg daily intake of roughages/animal/day. Maximum number (88.87%) of the surveyed cattle of the district Ganderbal were in milking stage and only 11.13% were in dry stage with average milk yield of 4.58±0.32lt. /day. Among roughages the dairy animals were fedpaddy straw, oat hay and mixed grass. Among concentrates the dairy animals were fedRice bran, Wheat bran, Commercial pelleted feed, Mustard oil cake, Crushed maize and Homemade concentrate mixture. The chemical composition of all the feed/fodder resouces were within normal range. In overall district dairy animals were receiving excess dry matter of 0.28kg and TDN of 815.01g/day/animal with average deficit of DCP intakes by 69.95g/day as per ICAR 2013 requirements.ThesisItem Open Access Nutritional Evaluation of Aquatic Weeds from Water Bodies of Central Kashmir(SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Munibul Islam; Sheikh, Gowher GullThe present study was aimed to determine the proximate composition, fibre fraction, invitro digestibility, macro-mineral, micro-mineral content and heavy metal concentration of aquatic plants/weeds with potential of being used as animal fodder, collected from major water bodies i.e; Dal, Nigeen, Hokersar, Mansbal and Anchar lake of central Kashmir. The dry matter content of the major aquatic weeds from water bodies central Kashmir was in a range of 8.25% (Salvinia natans) to 11.07% (Dysphania ambrosioides). The CP % of these aquatic weeds was between 4.11% (Trapa natans) to 22.13% (Nymphoides aquatica). The EE percent of the aquatic weeds was from 0.70% (Trapa natans) to 7.44% (Dysphania ambrosioides).The lowest CF reported is 6.00% in Nelumbo nucifera and highest CF is 53.10% in Typha angustata. The ash content of these aquatic weeds was from 3.02% (Trapa natans) to 21.70% (Potamogeton crispus). The Total carbohydrates (TC) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) were found highest in Trapa natans (92.65% & 76.36%) and lowest in Dysphania ambrosioides (38.01% & 2.44%). The percent DMI, DDM, TDN, ME and RFV were found highest in Nelumbo nucifera and lowest in Nymphoides peltata. Highest DCP was found in Dysphania ambrosioides (21.18%) and lowest in Trapa natans.Among fibre fractions highest NDF was reported in Nymphaea tetragona (49.51%), Typha angustata (49.51%) and lowest percent of NDF was in Nelumbo nucifera (12.40%). The ADF percentage was in a range of 5.37% (Azolla cristata) to 50.34% (Nymphoides peltata). Lowest cellulose and hemicellulose percentage was found in Nelumbo nucifera (4.01) and (4.64) and highest in Nymphaea tetragona (14.29). All aquatic plants were having lignin ranging between 5.44% to 24.74% higher than lignin content of Oats hay (4.58%). Among the major aquatic plants collected from Dal, Nigeen, Hokersar, Mansbal and Anchar lake, the percent invitro digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and NDF was higher for Nelumbo nucifera (64.31, 79.20 and 69.19%), and lower for Typha angustata(35.40, 40.39and 30.45%). Among macro-minerals Ca, P and Na (g/kg) were found highest in Lemna minor (11.25, 5.34 and 20.46). Lowest Ca was found in Ceratophyllum demersum (1.16) and lowest Na (g/kg) concentration was found in Potamogeton lucens (0.42). Cladophora glomerata (30.11g/kg) had highest and Nymphaea tetragona (0.92 g/kg) had lowest Mg content. Lemna minor from Dal Lake (24.67g/kg) have high K concentration. Whereas, Potamogeton lucens (8.50 g/kg) had lowest K concentration among all major aquatic plants. Among micromineral Cu concentration was almost similar among maximum weeds with highest 9.16ppm in Nymphyoides peltata and lowest in Nymphoides aquatica (0.39ppm). Fe concentration was high in Nymphaea tetragona from different lakes (344.20 to 347.44ppm) and lowest in Rumex rupestris (40.05ppm) from Hokersar wetland. Similarly, there was variation in Zn concentration with highest (16.52ppm) in Nelumbo nucifera and Myriophyllum spicatum and lowest (1.92ppm) in Alternanthera philoxeroides. Nelumbo nucifera from Dal Lake also had maximum Mn concentration of 142.38 ppm and Alternanthera philoxeroides from Hokersar had minimum Mn concentration of 49.60 ppm. Among all microminerals Co was found in lesser concentration and was highest in Alternanthera philoxeroides (2.43ppm) and lowest in Myriophyllum spicatum (0.30ppm) from Dal Lake. In this study, Pb and Cr concentration was high in Myriophyllum spicatum (3.23ppm and 4.28ppm) and lowest Pb was found in Ceratophyllum demersum (0.43ppm) with lowest Cr in Typha angustata (0.44ppm). Lemna minor had high concentration of As (0.53ppm) and Potamogeton crispus (0.20ppm) from Dal lake with lowest concentration of As. Nelumbo nucifera from Nigeen lake had highest Hg concentration of 2.11ppm and Alternanthera philoxeroides from Nigeen lake and Ceratophyllum demersum from Mansbal lake had lowest Hg level of 0.81ppm among all aquatic weeds. On comparing with standard maintenance fodder (Avena sativa/Oats hay), the DM, EE Total carbohydrates, ADF, NDF, Cellulose of all the aquatic plants was found very low. The percent CP, Ash, NFC and lignin were found higher than oats hay. The predictable percent DMI, DDM, DCP, TDN, ME & RFV of all the aquatic plants were found higher than oats hay. The invitro digestibility of these aquatic plants were found almost similar to oats hay. The macro- and micro-mineral, heavy metal contents of majority of the weeds were found higher than the oats hay.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Organic Trace Mineral Supplementation on Performance of Broiler Birds Under Cold Stress(SKUAST Kashmir, 2021) Sheikh, Zaid Danish Abdul Mateen; Sheikh, Gowher GullThe present study was planned to study the effect of organic zinc and chromium supplemented diets on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, immune system and carcass traits of broilers. In the experiment, 120-day old chicks were randomly distributed into 5 dietary treatments each with 3 replicates. Out of 5 treatments, treatment one (T0) offered basal diet, without cold stress, whereas group T1 was offered basal diet, under cold stress. While, remaining 3 treatments consisted of T2, T3 and T4 were offered basal diet under cold stress, supplemented with Organic Zinc @ 100 mg/kg feed on DM basis, Organic Chromium @ 2 mg/kg feed on DM basis and combination of Organic Zinc @ 100 mg/kg and Organic Chromium @ 2 mg/kg feed on DM basis respectively. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3096 Kcal ME/kg and 23% CP for pre-starters, 3141 Kcal ME/kg and 20.26% CP for starters and 3181 Kcal ME/kg with 18.20% CP for finishers. The overall temperature and humidity of T0 experimental group was recorded 27.28°C and 25.16% during day and 27.85°C and 26.76% during night throughout the experiment. While, the average weekly temperature and humidity of T1, T2, T3, T4 experimental groups was recorded 14.50°C and 46.58% during day and 10.71°C and 44.23% during night, throughout the same experiment. The results of average weekly live body weights (g) of experimental birds subjected to different dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) had non-significant difference at first, second and third week of age. During 4th and 5th week, average body weight of birds was significantly lower (P≤0.05) in T1 group as compared to T0 and supplemented treatment groups (T1, T3 and T4). There was no significant difference observed in average body weight gain (g) among the treatment groups T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 throughout the experimental period. The average feed consumption did not show any significant difference between T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups, during the first and 4th week of the experiment. However, during 2nd and 3rd week, there was a significant (P≤0.05) increased feed consumption in the birds from the treatment group T1 (cold stress without supplementation) as compared to supplemented (T2, T3 and T4) groups with no significant difference among T0, T2, T3 and T4 experimental groups. Initially during the first week of experiment there was no significant difference in FCR and FER among the treatment groups T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 however, as the age progresses, a significantly (P≤0.05) higher FCR was recorded in the birds of group T1 (cold stress without supplementation) as compared to birds of thermoneutral group (T0) and supplemented (T2, T3 and T4) groups. During the 3rd and 4th week of experiment there were significantly (P≤0.05) higher FER values in the T4 as compared to that of T0, T1, T2, and T3 treatment groups. The FER values of treatment groups T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 at 5th week of experiment were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T4 treatment as compared to T1 without reaching to a statistically significant difference with T0, T2, T3 and T4 treatments.The results of weekly performance index in broiler chicken subjected to organic mineral supplementation under cold stress depicted significantly (P≤0.005) higher performance index in birds supplemented with organic zinc and chromium in combination (T4) followed by organic zinc (T2) and organic chromium (T3) then thermoneutral treatment group (T0) with lowest in cold stress group (T1). Significantly (P≤0.05) higher dry matter digestibility was observed in treatment T0 followed by T2, T3 and T4 with lowest in digestibility T1 experimental group. The digestibility of crude protein was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in the birds of T0 and T4 groups than that of T2, T3 groups with significantly (P≤0.05) lower digestibility T0 group as compared to birds of groups T0, T2, T3 and T4. The birds of treatment T0 and T4 reported significantly (P≤0.05) higher EE digestibility than the birds of T1 and T3. With no significant difference found in the EE digestibility among of birds of groups T2 and T4. The crude fibre (CF) digestibility was significantly (P≤0.05) higher digestibility of CF was observed in the birds of treatment T1 and T4 followed by the birds of T2, with significantly lowest digestibility in birds of T1 treatment. difference between birds of treatment T3 and T4. The digestibility of NFE was significantly (P≤0.05) higher T0 followed by T2, T3 and T4 with lowest digestibility in birds of T1 group. The overall percent mortality was 16.66% and 4.16% in the treatment group T2 and T4 respectively. The results of present study revealed that the cost of production per kg live weight in T0 was 129.41₹, T1 was 126.34₹; 118.65₹ for T2, 118.65₹ for T3 and 106.16₹ for T4. The results indicating that cost of production per kg live weight was least in T4 (106.16₹) followed by T3 (118.65₹). The cost of production per kg live weight was highest in T0 (129.41₹), followed by T1 (126.34₹) and T2 (118.65₹) groups. The serum total protein and albumin values of the experimental birds was comparatively lower than the reference values. The serum total protein values (g/L) of the chicks of T1 group were significantly lower (P≤0.05) than T0, and T2, T3 and T4 experimental groups with non-significant difference among T0, T2 and T3 groups. The serum albumin values of the birds of T4 and T2 groups were significantly higher (P≤0.05) followed by T3, T0 and T1 groups. The serum globulin concentration of group T0, T2 and T3 were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than T1 but significantly lower (P≤0.05) than T4 group. There was significantly (P≤0.05) lower serum albumin-globulin ratio recorded in T0 group than T1 group with non-significant difference with T2, T3 and T4 groups. The serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values of T1 group were significantly higher (P≤0.05) than zinc and chromium supplemented (T2 and T3) groups followed by T4 and then T0 groups. The experimental birds of group T2 showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum creatinine values than those of birds in T0, T1, T3 and T4 groups with no significant statistical difference among these groups. The experimental birds of group T0 showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) blood glucose levels than the birds in T1 and T2 followed by T3 and T4 groups. The birds of group T1 and T2 showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum AST enzyme activity than the birds of T0 and T3 group followed by T4 group. The birds of group T1 and T2 showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum enzyme activity than the birds of T0 and T3 group followed by T4 group. However, there was no significant difference in enzyme activity of birds of T1 and T2 experimental groups. The serum ALT activity of group T1 and T2 was found to be significantly (P≤0.05) higher than the birds of T0 followed by T3 and T4 groups. At 21st day, the birds of group T2 and T4 produced a significantly (P≤0.05) higher antibody response than the birds of group T1 with no significant difference was found among the immune responses of the birds of T0 and T3, T2 and T4 groups. But as the age of birds progressed, at 28th day, the birds of group T1 and T2 showed a significantly (P≤0.05) lower antibody response than the birds of group T0. Also, there was no significant difference observed in the immune response among the birds of group T0, T3 and T4. There was no significant difference observed in the average weights of spleen, caecal tonsils and ileum among all treatment groups. However, a significantly (P≤0.05) lower mean weight of bursa was observed in birds of T1 and T3 groups as compared to T0 group, with non-significant difference between T0, T2 and T4 groups. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher GPx and SOD activity was observed in the birds of T0, T2, T3 and T4 treatments as compared to birds of T1 treatment. The serum lipid peroxidase (LPO) activities in the experimental birds of T0 and T4 treatments showed significantly (P≤0.05) lower values as compared to T1 treatment with non- significant difference between T0, T2, T3 and T4 treatments. However, the serum catalase values in the experimental birds in the treatment groups T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 could not reach to a statistically significant difference. A significantly (P≤0.05) higher dressing percentage was observed in birds of group T2 (zinc supplemented) and T4 (organic zinc and chromium) compared to that of T0 (thermoneutral group) and T1 (non-supplemented and cold stress) experimental groups. The dressing percentage of birds of T0, T1 and T2 groups could not reach to statistically significant difference. A significantly (P≤0.05) higher bleeding loss was observed in the birds of T4 group in comparison to T0 and T1 groups, with non-significant difference in birds of T2 and T3 groups. The feathering loss (%) of the experimental birds was found significantly (P≤0.05) lower in T0 group compared to T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups. Organic mineral supplemented group in combination (T4) revealed significantly (P≤0.05) higher breast and drumstick percentage values compared to non-supplemented T0 and T1 groups. A significantly (P≤0.05) higher back and thigh percentage value was found in the birds of T2 and T4 group compared to T0, T1 and T3 groups. There was no statistically significant difference found among the respective mean values of wing, neck and total giblet percentage of experimental birds of all treatment groups.
