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ThesisItem Restricted A study on the repellent and antifertility potential of neem seed extract against female Bandicota bengalensis(PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY,LUDHIANA, 2018) Chawla, Ritika; Babbar, B.KFifteen different doses of Neem seed alcoholic (NSA) extract (1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.5, 8.0 and 9.0 ml out of 25ml stock NSA) were tested under laboratory condition to determine the effective dose with repellent effect. Results revealed antifeedant/ secondary repellent effect with all the doses and non-significant difference in antifeedant index (AI) among doses. Therefore for further studies, only three different doses (1.5, 7.5 and 9.0 ml) were selected. Testing of existence of primary repellent effect revealed that rats avoided all the treated baits for first five hours after exposure. After that rats developed habituation for primary/olfactory repellent effect and started eating treated baits which might had caused gastrointestinal malaise in rats resulting in development of secondary repellent effect among rats. However rats were not habituated for secondary repellent effect with all the selected doses of NSA extract upto experimental period of 30 days. There was also a significant increase in AI during treatment period Formulations F1 and F2 were tested under simulated field condition. Results revealed potential of F2 as repellent in preventing rodent damage for considerably long time as compared to F1. To use the antifertility property of neem seed, neem seed alcoholic hexane (NSAH) extract and its formulations as baits (F3–F7) were developed and fed to rats. Consumption of F7 bait was maximum. Results revealed potential of NSAH extract and its F7 bait in reducing reproductive potential of rats. However there is a need to increase the acceptance and application rate of F7 bait under field conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Prevalance of Indian Wild boar (Sus Scrofa Linnaeus) and its damage to agricultural crops in Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Ravinder Singh; Manoj KumarThe Indian Wild Boar (Sus Scrofa L.) is wide spread animal. The present study involves the observations on the prevalnce of Indian Wild Boar and its damage in agricultural crops in selected locations of Punjab (Site-1 New Orchard Area (PAU), Site-2 BISA and Seed Farm of Ladhowal and Site-3 Regional Research Station for Kandi areas of Ballowal Saunkhri. The study period ranges from December 2016- April 2018. They were found in all three selected locations. They are major vector of many parasitic diseases which transfers to domestic and wild animals as well as to human beings. The life activity of Indian Wild Boar was varied with seasons, conditions and availability of natural resources. Like, nocturnal activity during summer and diurnal activity in winter. The present time the population and damage of wild boar was more observed in those areas, which present near the forest areas, water resources and uncultivated areas. Increase the number of human population and decrease the area for sheltering is play an important role to increase the damage of agriculture crops. The study also revealed that on an average 15-20% of the crop were damaged by Indian Wild boar. More damage was observed to maize (Zea mays), Jawar (Sorghum vulgare), Rice (Oryza sativa), Brassica spp. and vegetables crops. On the basis of survey report 56% farmers agreed with moderate amount of damage (20-25%), 91% farmers agreed with more damage to crops which were present near the forest areas and 98% farmers agreed with the use of the traditional management methods to minimize the damage of animals.ThesisItem Open Access Abundance and breeding biology of Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) in village ponds of Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Sukhbirpal Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep KaurThe present study was undertaken to investigate the abundance of Indian Pond Heron and other water birds species in and around the village ponds of Punjab. In addition the breeding biology including the pair formation, nesting sites, egg laying, clutch size, hatching period and hatching success of Indian Pond Heron was also studied. The study was carried out in and around village ponds of District Barnala and Ludhiana from February 2017 to January 2018. A total of 54 bird species were recorded out of 17 bird species were water dependent. Indian Pond Heron was found less abundant in Punjab. The breeding period started from March to September. It preferred indigenous trees like Peepal, Banyan, Jamun, Dhek and Kikar for nest building. Nest was more commonly at upper and outer canopy of trees. Nest was unarranged, flat made of sticks and twigs and was always recorded at heights above 6 m. Clutch size varied between 2 to 5 eggs. Clutch of three eggs was most common. Eggs of were sea green, oval and without spots. Egg length and egg width varied from 26.34 mm to 43.56 mm and 18.37 mm to 34.45 mm respectively. Egg weight varied from 9.13 gm to 15.03 gm. Egg albumen ranged from 2.94 gm to 4.55 gm; egg yolk weight ranged from 5.22 gm to 8.15 gm; egg shell weight varied from 1.00 gm to 1.32 gm. Mean egg shell thickness recorded was 0.28 ± 0.01 mm. Percentage of calcium carbonate ranged between 63.96 per cent to 86.41 per cent. Mean calcium carbonate content in egg shells of Indian Pond Heron was 0.81 ± 0.01 gm.ThesisItem Open Access Fish scales as indicators of water quality in rearing of a major carp, Labeo rohita(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Vaid, Vibhu; Hudnal, H.S.The present study was undertaken with the objective to analyse the concentration of heavy metals in cycloid scales of major carp Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822), of two size groups (less than 40cm and above 40cm) collected seasonally (summer and winter) from three fish markets (Jagraon bridge, Sherpur market and Tajpur market) and private fish farm in Krodian village, Payal tehsil of district Ludhiana (Punjab). A significant rise (p<0.05) was observed in the heavy metals concentration of scales of fishes collected from market vis-a-vis control fish. Levels of chromium, copper, lead and zinc were higher than the permissible limits set by WHO/FAO (2011). A non-significant (p<0.05) difference was noticed in the heavy metal concentration of scales of fishes of two size groups (less than 40cm and above 40cm). A positive relation was observed between the fish size and the level of heavy metals in fish scales which might be due to higher pollution load in the market fishes collected from various sources. A significantly higher (p<0.05) accumulation of heavy metals in scales during summer season might be due to higher rate of evaporation of water source leading to higher concentration of heavy metals. Photographs of scales of fishes collected from market showed damaged radii, eroded circuli, broken focus, damaged tubercles and dispersed chromatophores. In addition, structural anomalies such as empty sockets, eroded surface, broken and removed lepidonts, distorted pattern of circuli, broken surface and tears in edges of the scales were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The elemental composition of fish scales collected from market studied using energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDS) indicated the presence of heavy metals. The present study, therefore, indicated that scales on the fish are effective indicators of water quality in which the fish has been reared.ThesisItem Restricted Effect of titanium dioxide nano-particles on reproductive parameters of Eisenia fetida Savigny (1826)(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Saggi, Diksha; Hudnal, H.S.The advent of nanotechnology has led to entry of enormous amount of nanoparticles in the environment. Earthworms being major soil inhabitants are continuously exposed to these nanoparticles. Present laboratory study focuses primarily on the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on reproduction rate and vermicomposting efficacy of Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826). The worms were exposed to artificial soil spiked with titanium dioxide particles of micrometre (0.45 μm) and nanometre (50 nm and 250 nm) range at different concentrations (250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg of soil) to check mortality and growth. The most suitable concentrations (750 mg/kg for 0.4 μm; 500 mg/kg for 50nm and 750 mg/kg for 250 nm) were selected to check their effect on reproductive parameters. It was found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly ameliorate the reproduction. Highest number of cocoons produced (100.66 ± 1.450), cocoon production rate (0.35± 0.005) and number of hatchlings produced per cocoon (2.66 ± 0.244) while the shortest life cycle (47.1 ± 0.244) was recorded for 50 nm sized titanium dioxide nanoparticles at concentration 500 mg/kg. To check the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on vermicomposting efficacy, the substrates (Paddy Straw and FYM and Sugarcane Bagasse: FYM in 1:1 ratio) were spiked with selected doses. The nutrient contents like nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH and organic carbon of all the three treatments was better than control. The most significant results were observed for 50 nm sized titanium dioxide nanoparticles at concentration 500 mg/kg. The nutrient analysis of the vermicomposts showed a general trend of increase in the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and decrease in the levels of pH and organic carbon (%). Among the two substrates studied, the nutrient composition was better in sugarcane bagasse:FYM than paddy straw:FYM. From overall analysis, it was inferred that 50 nm sized titanium dioxide nanoparticles at concentration 500 mg/kg was the most effective treatment for enhancing reproduction and biotransformation efficiency of Eisenia fetida. It exhibited a better efficacy in sugarcane bagasse than paddy straw.ThesisItem Open Access Nesting and breeding behaviour of Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) and Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicata) in rural areas of Ludhiana District(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Gursimran Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep KaurThe present study was designed to study the nesting and breeding behaviour of Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) and Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicata) in rural areas of Ludhiana district. The study was carried out for twelve months from January to December 2017 in the campus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana i.e. location A, village Baranhara (district Ludhiana) i.e. location B and village Ladiankhurd (district Ludhiana) i.e. location C. Common Babbler (5.65%) was the most abundant species in the bird community followed by the Common Myna (4.87%), Black Drongo (4.73%), Indian Peafowl (4.47%) and Blue Rock Pigeon (4.04%) at location A. House Crow was the most abundant species at location B. Blue Rock Pigeon (6.44%) was the most abundant species at location C. Nine nesting sites were observed in PAU campus (transects IA,IIA,IIIA,IVA and VA) out of which two were located on Indian Mahogany, two on Sukh Chain, one on Neem and four on Dhek. Five nesting sites were observed in the village Baranhara (transect IB and IIB) out of which two were located on Neem and three on Dhek tree. A total of four nesting sites were observed at village Ladiankhurd (transect IC and IIC) out of which two were located on Poplar and two on Dhek. Clutch size (3-4 eggs), incubation period (13±0.34 days), hatching and fledging success of Black Drongo were noted. It was observed that albumen, yolk and shell weights of Black Drongo ranged from 1.27 gm to 2.81 gm, 2.58 gm to 2.95 gm and 0.28 gm to 0.52 gm, respectively. The CaCO3 weight and proportion of eggs of Black Drongo ranged from 0.16 gm to 0.38 gm and 51.35% to 89.29% respectively. Six nesting sites of Indian Robin were observed in PAU campus out of which four ground nests were located in the undergrowth of hedges near roadside (transect IA, IIA and IIIA) and two ground nests were found in wild bushes (transect IVA). Five nesting sites were observed in the village Baranhara (transect IB and IIB) on the terrace of the underconstructed buildings. A total of six nesting sites were observed at village Ladiankhurd (transect IB and IIB) in the crevices of underconstructed buildings. The average incubation period of eggs of Indian Robin was 11.5±0.22 days. Albumen, yolk and egg shell weights of Indian Robin ranged from 1.35 gm to 1.60 gm, 3.27 gm to 3.79 gm and 0.39 gm to 0.51 gm respectively. The shell thickness ranged from 0.19 mm to 0.34 mm. The CaCO3 weight and proportion were ranged from 0.27 gm to 0.41 gm and 61.70% to 81.40% respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Diversity and breeding biology of common birds in urban landscape of Fazilka(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Dhuria, Samiksha; Khera, K.S.The main objective of the present research was to study the avian diversity, nesting and breeding biology of birds in Fazilka and to carry out morphometric analysis, egg parameters and eggshell calcium in eggs of common birds (Blue Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Myna, Red Wattled Lapwing, Cattle Egret, House Sparrow and Indian Chat) collected from two habitats one with high tree diversity and other with low tree diversity. It was observed that the bird diversity was high in the habitat that supported more tree diversity and low in the habitat with less tree diversity. In habitat with high tree diversity, nesting of total eight species was observed and in habitat with low tree diversity, nesting of total five species was observed. Egg shell thickness (mm) was maximum in Red Wattled Lapwing followed by Common Myna, Cattle Egret, Blue Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove and minimum in House Sparrow and Indian Chat. Maximum calcium content in eggshell was found in Blue Rock Pigeon followed by Common Myna, Cattle Egret, Eurasian Collared Dove, Red Wattled Lapwing and least in Indian Chat and House Sparrow. There was no significant difference among the morphometric parameters, eggshell thickness and calcium content of eggs of particular species collected from both habitats (p<0.05). It was concluded that area with high tree diversity provided a better habitat for diversity, nesting and breeding of birds.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of parasitic helminthic infestation on vegetables grown in polyhouses(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Chopra, Parul; Vashishat, NishaVegetables play an essential role for good health and they form a major component of human diet, but raw and minimally processed vegetables also serve as main agents of intestinal parasitic diseases. Vegetables get contaminated with these parasites throughout the process of planting to consumption. During the present study, vegetable samples of tomato, capsicum and cucumber collected from different polyhouses and open fields at Punjab Agricultural University and at local markets near P.A.U gate no. 3 and from the sources of contamination i.e. pre-harvest (irrigation water and soil) and post harvest (reservoir tank water) sources were processed and helminthic parasites (eggs/larvae) were extracted. Vegetables were found to be significantly less contaminated in polyhouses than in open fields and local markets. The helminthic parasitic incidence was found to be more in winter than in summer season. The maximum helminthic infestation during winter season in tomatoes from local markets was 58.33% followed by open fields (33.33%) and least in polyhouses (25%). In polyhouses, three types of parasitic helminths were found from samples of cucumber, capsicum and tomato and these were: Ascarid eggs, Strongyloides stercoralis (larvae) and Trichuris trichiura. Two more types of parasites were observed in the open fields these were: Fasciola spp. and Ancyclostoma duodenale. Four types of helminth parasites were found in local markets nearby PAU these were Ascarid eggs, S. stercoralis, T. trichiura and Fasciola spp. S. Stercoralis was the most prevalent helminth parasite >Ascarid eggs >T. trichuira >Ancyclostoma duodenale and Fasciola spp. was the least in tomato, cucumber and capsicum samples collected from polyhouses and open fields at P.A.U and local markets nearby P.A.U.ThesisItem Open Access Heavy metal accumulation in pond and farm cultured fish species of District Ludhiana(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2017) Harpinder Kaur; Hundal, S.S.In India, fresh water bodies in the form of naturally occurring ponds, form the lifeline in Indian villages. The present study was carried out to analyze the heavy metals in pond water and their impact on the water quality and fish species inhabiting these ponds. The water samples were collected for a period of one year (July’16- June’17) and the fish samples were collected seasonally (autumn, winter and summer) from three sites i.e. ponds of villages Kila Raipur and Lohatbaddi; and Fish Farm Complex in Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) of district Ludhiana. Analysis of physicochemical parameters of water samples revealed decreased dissolved oxygen and increased BOD, free carbon dioxide and total alkalinity, indicating high pollution load in ponds of villages Lohatbaddi and Kila Raipur. Heavy metal accumulation in water samples varied seasonally where zinc was maximally accumulated, while cadmium was least. The heavy metals were greatly accumulated in village pond of Kila Raipur as compared to the other sites. Though the presence of heavy metals was detected in gills, liver and flesh from fish species collected from all sites, samples collected from pond of Lohatbaddi showed highest bioaccumulation of metals in fish with the liver recording greatest value for heavy metals. The haematological indices TEC and Hb were found to exhibit significant decline (P<0.05) whereas TLC depicted significant increase (P<0.05) in all fishes inhabiting the ponds of two villages. Histological examination of gills showed ruptured secondary lamellae and severe necrosis and vacuolization was observed in the liver of fish species collected from ponds of Lohatbaddi and Kila Raipur, flesh of fish species also showed significant histopathological alterations. The present study, therefore, indicated that environmental contaminants systematically disturb the aquatic ecosystem, leading to accumulation of toxicants like heavy metals, which induce severe physiological and histological changes in fish tissues, posing a significant potential health risk to humans from fish consumption.