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ThesisItem Open Access SCROTAL INFRARED DIGITAL THERMOGRAPHY AS AN INDICATOR OF SEASONAL EFFECT ON SEMINAL ATTRIBUTES AND PHYSIO-BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF THARPARKAR AND KARAN FRIES BULLS(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) JASKIRAN KAUR; SOHAN VIR SINGHIn order to find out effect of scrotal temperature difference on semen quality and seminal biochemical parameters, five each of Tharparkar and Karan Fries bulls were selected from Artificial breeding research centre ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. All the experimental animal were maintained under standard conditions of feeding and management. The bulls were exercised in bull excerciser once a week to maintain sexual behavior and ensure quality semen production. The environmental variables in terms of minimum and maximum temperature, dry and wet temperature, relative humidity etc were recorded throughout experimental period for calculation of temperature humidity index (THI). Semen samples were collected from both the breeds of bulls at weekly interval during winter, spring and summer season. Just after collection semen sample were analyzed for Physical (semen volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, progressive motility, live sperm percent, HOST, acrosomal integrity and sperm abnormalities) and biochemical (seminal plasma malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species) parameters. Infrared thermography of different anatomical sites i.e. scrotum, ocular and muzzle temperature were recorded at weekly in both the breeds during different season. The physiological responses (RT and RR) of both the breeds were recorded at weekly interval during different season. Blood samples were collected at fortnight interval from both the breeds during different seasons. The plasma samples were analyzed for the levels of blood plasma testosterone and heat shock protein 70. The temperature gradient between proximal and distal pole of scrotum was significantly (P< 0.05) lower during summer season. The TG was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during summer season. No significant variation was found in the semen volume during summer season. The sperms mass motility, progressive motility, live sperm %, hypoosmotic swelling test and acrosomal integrity was found to be significantly (P< 0.05) higher during spring season than summer season in Karan Fries bulls. All these parameters showed significantly (P< 0.05) higher values in Tharparkar compared to Karan Fries bulls during winter, spring and summer season. Whereas, progressive motility was found to be significantly higher (P< 0.05) during spring season in Tharparkar bulls. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher sperm concentration was observed in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during all three seasons. Whereas, reverse trend i.e. lower total sperm abnormalities was found in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during different season. The seminal plasma MDA levels were observed to be significantly higher during summer season compared to spring and winter season in both the breeds. Further the levels of MDA showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during all three seasons. The ROS positive sperm cells were observed to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower during spring season compared to winter and summer in both the breeds. The ROS positive sperm cells are numerically higher in Karan Fries bulls than Tharparkar bulls during summer season. The rectal temperature and respiration rate were significantly (P < 0.05) higher during summer season in both the breeds. These values were found to be significantly higher in Karan Fries bulls than Tharparkar bulls during all the seasons. The blood plasma testosterone levels were found significantly (P < 0.05) higher during all the three seasons in Tharparkar compared to Karan Fries bulls. The blood plasma heat shock protein 70 showed significantly higher (P <0.05) levels during summer compared to spring and winter season. Among the breeds, the levels of HSP70 were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Karan Fries than Tharparkar bulls during different season. The scrotal temperature gradient showed significant (P<0.05) positive correlation with mass motility, progressive motility, live sperms %, HOST, acrosomal integrity and significant (P<0.05) negative correlation with sperm abnormality and level of testosterone. The THI was found to be inversely correlated with TG and positively correlated with testosterone and HSP 70. Based on the result obtained it can be concluded that lower scrotal temperature gradient in Karan Fries compared to Tharparkar bulls affected semen quality negatively and summer season was more stressful to Karan Fries than Tharparkar bulls. Since scrotal surface temperature gradient was less in Karan Fries bulls and correspondingly the semen quality was deteriorated and the level of stress markers (MDA, HSP70, ROS, RT, RR) was also higher indicating susceptibility of Karan Fries bulls to heat stress compared to Tharparkar bulls.ThesisItem Open Access MILK SOMATIC CELL COUNTS OF DAIRY ANIMALS REARED UNDER FARM AND FIELD CONDITIONS(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) GORE PRATAP LAXMAN; AJAY KUMAR DANGThe present study undertaken to study factors affecting the milk somatic cells of dairy animals reared under farm and field conditions. A total of 192 dairy animals were included from NDRI farm and adjoining villages (farm) of Karnal, Haryana and divided into 96 cows (48 Sahiwal and 48 KF), 48 buffaloes, 48 goats and further subdivided into 2 groups i.e. farm (n=24) and field (n=24). A proforma was prepared for survey on field which included different questionaries regarding managemental practices followed by farmers for clean milk production. Milk from different dairy animals was collected hygienically and evaluated for milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC). Changes in milk composition and somatic cell count were evaluated to observe the effect of different parity i.e., primiparous, and multiparous and different managemental practices. Milk somatic cell counts were significantly lower in primiparous as compared multiparous cows (Sahiwal and KF) in both farm and field conditions. While average range of milk somatic cell counts in Murrah buffaloes were significantly lower as compared to cows.Milk somatic cell counts in farm goats were higher than that of field.With increase in SCC there was no significant variation in fat percent of dairy animals. However, protein, EC and pH increased, whereas SNF and lactose decreased.Washing of animals, hands, udder and teats and collection vessels before milking were followed under field conditions, whereas washing of udder after milking, teat dipping and screening of udder for mastitis were not followed. This study indicated that milk SCC gets influenced by the different managemental practices that are being followed for lactating dairy animals. Further good health, hygiene and clean milking practices would help to maintain the quality of milk produced under farm and field conditions.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SODIUM BICARBONATE AND MAGNESIUM OXIDE ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF EARLY LACTATING CROSS BRED COWS(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) SHANMUGASUNDARAM, M.; GOUTAM MONDALThe present study was conducted to analyze the effect of various levels of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium on production performance of early lactating crossbred cows. The study was carried out in phase 1(In vitro) and phase 2 (in vivo). In phase, graded levels of sodium bicarbonate (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 %) and combination of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 %) (68:32) on rumen fermentation parameters were observed in 50:50 and 60: 40 roughages to concentrate ratio (R:C) substrates. All the rumen fermentation parameters (IVDMD, IVOMD, pH, NH3-N, acetate, propionate, butyrate, net gas, MBP) were similar among the groups. In phase 2, eighteen lactating cross bred cows were selected and divided into three groups, i.e., control, T1 and T2 based on parity, milk production, body weight and DIM. Each group had six animals and they were fed as per ICAR, (2013) feeding standard. T1 and T2 groups were additionally supplemented with sodium bicarbonate @ 1.5% dry matter and sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide (68:32) @ 1% of dry matter respectively. Feeding trial was conducted for 120 days. Blood samples were collected from experimental animals at monthly intervals for the analysis of plasma minerals, plasma biochemical parameters, and plasma IGF-1. Blood gas analysis was performed with whole blood at 90 and 120 days of the trial. Seven days digestion trial was conducted in middle of the experiment. In phase II, body weight and BCS values were similar in all groups. Overall dry matter intake increased significantly (p<0.05) in treatment groups than control group but DMI/ 100 kg body weight mean values were similar. Blood biochemical parameters (glucose, total protein, albumin, ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol, NEFA and BHBA) were similar in all groups. No noticeable difference was found in IGF-1 levels due to dietary treatments. Milk yield and 4% FCM yield were higher (p<0.05) due to dietary buffer treatments. Milk fat percentage in the treatment group is higher (p<0.05) than control group. On other hand, milk lactose, SNF and protein percentage were similar in all experimental groups. Nutrient (DM, OM, CP, CF, ADF, NDF and NFE) digestibility remained the same in all the experimental groups. Urine pH significantly higher (p<0.01) in treatment groups than control group but fecal pH was similar among experimental groups. Blood pH was higher (p<0.01) in treatment groups due to buffer inclusion. However, between T1 and T2 no difference found. Blood bicarbonate concentration increased in 1.5% sodium bicarbonate fed (T1) group than control and T2 groups. Plasma sodium (mmol/L) increased (p<0.01) in T1 and T2 than control. Plasma Ca, P, K, Mg, Cl-, Cu, Zn values were similar among experimental groups. Saturated fatty acid percentage increased (p<0.05) in treatment groups but mono unsaturated fatty acid percentage lower (p<0.05) treatment groups than control groups. Mono unsaturated fatty acids were similar among experimental groups. Saturated fatty acids like myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitic acid percentage increased (p<0.05) in treatment groups than control group. Mono unsaturated fatty acid like palmitoleic acid percentage decreased in both the treatment groups. But, Cis-9 Oleic acid (C18:1) significantly decreased in T1 group only not in T2. Based on the results, it may be concluded that 1.5 % of sodium bicarbonate in the ration of early lactating crossbred cows and sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide (68:32) combination 1.0% of the dry matter inclusion improved DMI without affecting digestibility of nutrients. Supplementation of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide increased Na+ and HCO3 - level in blood and urine pH while all the parameters remained same milk yield and fat percentage increase in the treatment groups than control group without affecting other composition of milk.ThesisItem Open Access ELUCIDATING THE VARIATIONS IN ENTERIC METHANE EMISSION, NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND MICROBIAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS ININDIGENEOUS AND CROSSBRED DAIRY CATTLE(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) VIBHOR AGRAWAL; NITIN TYAGITo determine the difference between indigenous and crossbred cattle under a similar environment and feeding regimen, 24-hour enteric methane production, diurnal variation in methane emission, nutrient utilization, and microbial crude protein (MCP) were estimated in native Sahiwal and composite Karan-Fries cattle. Totaling 16 animals, 8 of each breed, with almost similar parity and days in milk, they were divided into two groups with a mean body weight of 390.95 and 423 kg, respectively. Animals of both breeds were fed a conventional diet containing green fodder, wheat straw, and concentrate in a 50:45:5 ratio for 75 days, followed by a 7-day digestion trial. During this time, gas emitted by animals was collected and stored in canisters for 12 hours. Separate day and night readings in methane emission were taken in the morning (before feeding) and evening (after feeding) for 7 days in a row using the SF6 tracer technique. Two gas samples from each animal during the morning and evening were collected to estimate the diurnal variation in CH4 output. In between digestion trials, spot urine samples from each animal were collected after 2 to 3 hours of feeding and were analyzed for purine derivatives to estimate MCP. DMI and nutrient intake, in terms of per 100 kg BW, and per kg W0.75, were significantly (P<0.01) higher in Karan-Fries. The digestibility coefficients of DM% (64.33 and 62.65) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Sahiwal than Karan-Fries. Day (87.34 and 61.70 g/d), night (76.23 and 54.11 g/d), and total 24-hour methane (163.58 and 115.81 g/d) methane levels were higher (P<0.01) in Karan-Fries, while the ratio of Max/Min value (absolute diurnal variation) and % of day to night variation were nonsignificant. A linear regression of all data revealed a strong linear relationship between methane production g/d and DMI kg/d (R2 = 0.984) and NDFI/100Kg BW (R2 = 0.816), whereas MCP (g/d) showed a negative moderate regression (R2=0.68). Methane g/kg DDMI (21.38 and 19.94) and CH4 g/Kg FPCM (18.92 and 12.51) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in Karan-Fries than Sahiwal. In Karan-Fries, the % methane energy loss per GEI (3.95 and 3.62) was significantly (P<0.05) lower than Sahiwal. MCP was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Karan-Fries (590.04 g/d) than Sahiwal (753.75 g/d), while in terms of g/DOMI Kg (125.41 vs. 110.39), a reverse trend was observed. Feed conversion efficiency in terms of FPCM/CPI (6.37 and 7.46) and FPCM/DE (0.24 and 0.28 Kg/Mcal) was significantly (P<0.05) lower in Karan-Fries than Sahiwal.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF CASEIN DERIVED BIO-DEGRADABLE FILMS FOR WOUND DRESSING(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) SHAIK ROSHAN MOHIDDIN; RAJEEV KAPILACasein-based antibacterial films are attractive materials for wound dressing application because they possess chemical, mechanical, exudate absorption, drug delivery, antibacterial, and biocompatible properties required to support wound healing. Generally, gauze, lint and cotton wool are often used as wound dressings. However, the major drawback of such materials is painful removal which can cause damage to healed tissue. Their opaqueness also becomes a crucial issue for sensitive wound applications that requires visualization-based diagnosis and treatment methods. So, proteins like casein can be formulated into films, hydrogels and electro spun fibers for topical antibacterial therapy. The aim of this study was to to compare the properties of casein derived biodegradable films obtained from cow, buffalo and goat along with the in vivo wound healing trials on rats. For this study we had isolated casein from cow, buffalo, goat milk and prepared casein films using different cross-linking agents. The different cross-linkers used were aldehyde (glutaraldehyde), polysaccharide (alginate dialdehyde) and enzyme (tyrosinase). Films were made with and without glycerol. The bio-film properties were studied by comparing all the films made among the species along with different cross-linkers. Preparation of milk casein films using cross-linking agents (glutaraldehyde, alginate dialdehyde and tyrosinase) significantly (p<0.01) increased the water absorption, film expansion and tensile strength, respectively. Use of alginate dialdehyde in preparation of goat casein films significantly (p<0.01) improved the water absorption, oxygen permeability and moisture permeation properties. There is no major difference in film expansion ratio of casein films prepared from cow and goat milk using glycerol irrespective of the cross-linking agent used. Though this feature was significantly higher as compared to buffalo films. Biofilms prepared with buffalo casein have least water absorption and high moisture permeation in comparison to cow and goat films. Drug release property had revealed that there is slow and sustainable release of drug observed in case of alginate and tyrosinase cross-linked casein films. The prepared films were smooth, flexible, and transparent, which can aid in inspecting wounds without removing the dressing. The Goat casein cross linked with alginate dialdehyde had shown better properties and selected for in vivo trials. Herein, we fabricated films composed of casein and alginate dialdehyde (AD) loaded with gentamicin sulfate (GS) for application as a wound healing aid. In disk diffusion assay, the alginate cross-linked goat casein films demonstrated excellent antibacterial effect against E. coli, S. aureus. Overall, the findings suggest that GS-loaded goat casein alginate dialdehyde (CAD) films hold potential for further development as antibacterial wound dressing material.ThesisItem Open Access CHARACTERIZATION OF MUCINS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TYPICAL FERN PATTERNS OF BUFFALO SALIVA AT ESTRUS(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) MEET THUMAR; DHEER SINGHEstrus detection is a major problem in buffalo farming due to various physiological reasons and also because of the lower efficiency of the conventional estrus detection method, such as observing estrus-specific behavioural signs in farm conditions. As a result, detecting an estrus event is missed several times in buffaloes, especially during the summer season. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a simple and effective new estrus detection technique for buffaloes. Observing the typical fern-like crystallization patterns of buffalo saliva is one such estrus identification technique. Although fern-like crystallization patterns of the dried saliva are associated with the estrus stage, it is necessary to identify the molecules responsible for causing the typical fern-like patterns of buffalo saliva at the estrus stage for the development of a colour reaction. Hence, the present research work was focused on the identification of the molecules associated with the formation of the typical fern pattern, as it might help in developing a colourbased estrus detection kit. For this, the dried buffalo saliva smears containing typical and atypical fern pattern areas were scratched and the scratched powders were subjected to SDS – PAGE, followed by either silver staining or Coomassie brilliant blue staining. Two band shifts were observed in the SDS - PAGE, one was at 130 kDa molecular weight and the other was observed at 55-70 kDa molecular weight. The protein associated with the formation of a typical fern pattern was found to have a higher molecular weight as compared to the same protein associated with the formation of an atypical fern pattern. To identify the proteins expected to have Post – Translational Modifications (PTMs), MALDI MS/MS analysis was done from the SDS-PAGE gel plugs for two protein bands representing typical fern-like patterns and two protein bands representing atypical fern patterns. Analysis of four protein bands by MALDI MS/MS identified that Mucin – 1 (MW: 58 kDa) was the common protein found in the solutions of scratched powder of typical and atypical fern patterns. Considering a band shift at the 58 kDa region on SDS-PAGE, some, PTMs perhaps carbohydrate binding was expected. To confirm this expectation, SDS – PAGE gel was stained with ‘stains all’ dye and it was found that the protein associated with the formation of the typical fern pattern was glycosylated in nature as compared to the same protein which was associated with the formation of atypical fern pattern. To confirm this, three probable carbohydrates (not shown in the thesis because of the planning of a patent or technology to release) were estimated in the solution containing the scratch powder of the typical and the solution containing the scratch powder of atypical fern patterns obtained from the glass slide, on which buffalo saliva was smeared and dried. Also, the same carbohydrates were estimated in the cell-free saliva of the animals at the estrus stage and diestrus stage. The scratch solution of the typical fern pattern had a higher concentration of selected carbohydrates as compared to that of the scratch solution of the atypical fern pattern. Also, the concentrations of the same carbohydrates were higher in the saliva of the animals at the estrus stage than in the saliva of the animals in the diestrus stage. The conclusion of the research work is, Mucin 1 protein is one of the several proteins associated with the formation of the typical and atypical salivary fern pattern. But the Mucin 1 associated with the formation of the typical salivary fern pattern were glycosylated and those associated with the formation of the atypical salivary fern pattern were not. The difference in the concentration of these carbohydrates can be exploited further to develop a colour-based estrus detection kit.ThesisItem Open Access INHERITANCE OF LINEAR TYPE TRAITS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH BEHAVIOURAL AND PERFORMANCE TRAITS IN CROSSBRED CATTLE(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) ISHMEET KUMAR; Sabyasachi MukherjeeKaran Fries is a prominent milch breed of India. In order to bring about genetic improvement in indigenous cross breeds of cattle, we must adopt a holistic and balanced approach to selection as well as to breeding strategies. Including linear type traits for dairy cattle selection in our indigenous cross-breed cattle is scanty. Therefore, the present study was taken up with the objective to determine inheritance in cross-breed cattle such as Karan Fries on the basis of linear type traits. Other objectives were to estimate genetic parameters of behavioral, functional, and linear type traits, and their association with production performance in Karan Fries cattle. Using multi-trait selection procedure. Data was collected on adult Karan Fries (N=134), from our Institute herd and was analysed by using both Least Square Maximum Likelihood (LSMLMW) and Bayesian methods, considering either a fixed effect or a mixed animal model for the present study. Parity, season, period of calving, and stage of lactation were taken as non-genetic factors, and age at first calving as coverable Sire or animal was considered a random variable. The leastsquares means of objective linear type traits viz., Stature was 131.43±0.96 cm, Body length 145.20±1.13 cm, Chest girth 181.97±1.25 cm, Body depth 209.98±1.90 cm, Rump angle 12.89±0.47 cm, Rump width 19.75±0.27 cm, Udder depth 25.61±0.54 cm, teat length 5.20±0.17 cm, and Rear udder height 22.27±0.49 cm. On the other hand, least square mean scores of subjective linear type traits. Angularity 38.89±0.55-degree, (1-9 scale) viz. The rear leg side view was 6.73±0.19, Rear leg rear view was 5.82±0.23 score, Foot angle 6.65±0.24, Fore udder attachment 6.17±0.3, Central ligament 5.16±0.29, Front teat placement 3.95±0.27, and Rear teat placement was 5.35±0.25. It was observed that Parity has a significant (p˂0.05/ p< 0.01) effect on Stature, Chest girth, Body length as well as Rear udder height, while Season of calving had a significant (p˂0.05) effect on Rump angle and Rear udder height. For Stage of Lactation Rear udder height, Angularity and Front teat placement come out to be Significant at (p˂0.01) in Karan Fries cattle. Most of the linear type traits, milking temperament, and milking speed were found to be low to moderately heritable (ranging from 0.40±0.03 to 0.25±0 04, while days open was having low heritability (0.20±0.25) Among linear type traits, stature, body length, and chest girth were having high positive genetic correlation (ranging from 0.74±0.03 to (0.63±0.017) with total milk yield. Rear leg rear view, Central ligament was having a negative phenotypic correlation with total milk yield (-0.018± 0.081 and -0.050±0.099) respectively. Twelve Karan Fries sires from the present data set were selected for evaluation and ranking. Sires with three or more progenies were considered for estimation of breeding values in the present study. Sires were ranked based on estimates of breeding value on the basis of multiple traits (stature, body length, chest girth, body depth, Angularity first lactation 305 days milk yield, and total milk yield) Association of ranking of sites based on multiple traits were estimated by Spearman's Rank Correlation. Correlation between rankings of sizes was checked, for multiple traits viz., stature, body length, chest girth, body depth, Angularity, first lactation 305 day’s milk yield, and total milk yield and significance was tested using a 1-test. Top-ranked sires were recommended for further breeding. Our study showed that Karan Fries cows may be selected on the basis of a few important linear type traits (stature, body length, chest girth, body depth, and angularity) having a positive genetic correlation with production performance. The present study may be continued to include a larger data set for validation and better accuracy of results for the selection of Karen Fries cattle.ThesisItem Open Access IDENTIFICATION OF DIVERSIFIED SELECTIVE SWEEPS USING HIGH DENSITY SNP ARRAY IN SAHIWAL CATTLE(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) YASER MUSHTAQ WANI; Anupama MukherjeeBoth natural and artificial selection have resulted in cattle breeds that are specialized for particular uses. Several specific genomic regions have been under selection pressure, and it is widely accepted that these genomic sequences, or selection signatures, control or affect key phenotypes that are involved in some traits. Positive selection pressure can reduce or even eliminate the frequency of negative alleles in the offspring’s genome. Therefore, selection signatures in a population could provide genomic information to facilitate selection and provide insights into evolutionary history. The estimation of the population structure and genetic relatedness between individuals is important for uncovering the demographic history of the population under study. We analyzed 735636 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which were shared by 48 randomly sampled individuals to determine the genetic structure of Sahiwal herd. STRUCTURE reported maximum LnK (Mean of. Ln prob of data) at k=2 also confirmed by minimum ADMIXTURE cross validation error at same k value. Thus appropriate k value for Sahiwal herd is 2 indicating farm born animals and purchased animals. The effective population size was estimated to be 54 at one generation ago using GONE and 75 using SNeP 13 generations ago. Estimates from SNeP, built on equation, were lower than GONE estimates with the genetic algorithm both utilizing linkage disequilibrium data. In addition, the most rapid decline of population size was observed between 8 and 12 generations ago which suggests that the reduction in the population of Sahiwal cattle breeds began with herd formation at NDRI. We scanned the genome of Sahiwal cattle for selection signatures with 777 K SNP panel. A total of 284 extreme iHS values exceeded the empirical threshold level of 3 were calculated, with highest value at BTA 9 (iHS=4.26). Annotating the regions harboring clustered iHS signals revealed a panel of interesting candidate genes like NOL10,CXCL8,PDIA6, ATP6V1C2 and HPCAL1, in the context of Oxidative phosphorylation, IL-17 signaling, RIG-I-like receptor signaling and Synaptic vesicle cycle. The QTL present in iHS regions include Milk kappa-casein percentage, Milk yield, Milk fat percentage, luteal activity and clinical mastitis. By performing LASSI (Likelihood-based Approach for Selective Sweep Inference) a composite likelihood ratio statistic, we compiled a list of 561 selection sweeps described across 29 cattle autosome, which we subsequently grouped according to number of sweeping haplotype “m” with “m” = 1 indicating hard sweep (198) and “m”> 1 indicating soft sweep (363).For each selective sweep, we performed a candidate gene survey that identified 102 genes within the hard sweeps and 273 genes within soft sweeps regions. Genes identified were linked to milk fat yield, Immunoglobulin G level, Milk betalactoglobulin percentage and Milk protein yield in hard sweeps and Milk yield, triglyceride level, feed conversion ratio, age at first calving in soft sweeps. A complementary functional enrichment analysis of the selective sweep candidates highlighted other genes related to pathways underlying behavior, immune response, and reproductive traits.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC EVALUATION OF PRODUCTION AND LIFETIME TRAITS IN MURRAH BUFFALO THROUGH BAYESIAN APPROACH(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) ASHISH YADAV; RAJA, K.N.The aim of the present study was to genetically evaluate Murrah buffaloes for various production traits recorded throughout their lifetimes. The study relied on lactation records of Murrah buffalo, maintained at the record room (AGB Division) of ICAR-NDRI, Karnal from the period 1971 to 2020. Through Bayesian analysis utilising the BLUPF90 family of programmes, genetic analysis was carried out using animal models with a combination of random factors, such as the direct additive genetic effect of the animal, the direct maternal genetic effect, and the maternal permanent environmental effect. Using the most appropriate models (based on DIC value) that account for direct and maternal influences fitted to the majority of the traits, (co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated. The heritability estimates of FL305MY, TMY, LL, PY, PL and 305 MYAP in the most appropriate models were 0.49 ± 0.007, 0.20 ± 0.011, 0.04 ± 0.001, 0.10 ± 0.001, 0.10 ± 0.009 and 0.21 ± 0.003 respectively with repeatability estimates of TMY, LL, PY, and 305MYAP as 0.40, 0.20, 0.21 and 0.34. In comparison to the animal model with only additive genetic effects of the animal in each trait, lower error variance and higher additive variance were found for production and lifetime traits through various models based on partition of variance, indicating that it is crucial to use the best statistical model for elucidating genetic parameters that incorporate suitable random and fixed effects. The comparison of sires based on their breeding value (obtained from AIREML as well as the Bayesian approach) and ranking them, the correlation of which obtained using spearman’s rank correlation revealed that both approaches provide similar results as these all were normally distributed traits, with the best BV estimates for FL305MY, TMY, LL, PY, PL and 305 MYAP as 404.40, 415.99, 20.43, 1.39, 221.89 and 398.19 respectively using Bayesian approach. AIREML revealed estimates of BV of the given traits as 401.22, 409.02, 18.11, 1.37, 111.82, and 393.55. In terms of the accuracy of breeding values based on the standard error predicted, the Bayesian method provides a slightly better outcome with relative efficiency over the AIREML method as 0.73 %, 1.2 %, 7.2 %, 1.2 %, 42.94 %, and 0.78 % in respective traits. It is recommended to use the Bayesian method to estimate the breeding values of Murrah sires for production traits, which in turn can be used for ranking and selection of bulls.
