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Studies on avian diversity, biology and behaviour along Beas river conservation reserve
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Sachin Kumar; Kler, Tejdeep Kaur
River Beas was declared as conservation reserve in year 2017 under section 36A of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 but no study is available on the avian diversity along river. Therefore, present study was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021along Beas conservation reserve to understand the avian diversity in various sub habitats present along the river by selecting three locations i.e. Location I (Talwara: In foot hills of Shiwaliks), Location II (Beas: near urban settlement) and Location III (Harike: near rural settlement). Each location was further divided as crop fields, riparian, shallow water, edge, island and river. Study revealed that river Beas provides shelter to 245 bird species where 228 species were recorded at Location I with 40 exclusive species, 126 at Location II and 202 at Location III with 13 exclusive species. Crop fields had avian diversity of 104 at Location I, 78 at Location II and 94 at Location III. Riparian zone of river harbours 143 at location I, 83 at location II and 117 at location III. Shallow water river zone had 110 at location I, 126 at location II and 58 at location III. During this study a total of 113 species were recorded to exploiting edge sub habitat and 85 species Island sub habitat for various activities while 126 in shallow water sub habitat of riverine system which shows that the edge and island habitats are equally important from avian conservation point of view. Both Island and edge habitat are made of relatively very small area as compare to overall river habitat zone therefore these sub habitats are easy to manage but need attention during conservation planning. Crop fields and riparian habitats support more single species roosters and single group roosters. Riverine habitats (Edge, Shallow water and Islands) supports more mix group roosters. A total of 527 nests were recorded during study period having 193 nests at Talwara, 115 at Beas and 219 at Harike. Nesting of birds was niche area specific where colony nesters were tree species specific including Baya weaver nesting was specific to Date Palm and Cattle Egret nesting was specific to Kikar. Riparian zone of Talwara was wide and had minimum anthropogenic activities therefore harbour maximum of 143 species in riparian zone while Harike had wide shallow water zone therefore maximum of 126 water dependent species as compare to other two locations. Location II had almost lowest values for all diversity indexes under study (Abundance, Richness, Shannon index, Simpson index) in comparison to Location I and III shows the effect of proximity of human habitation on avian diversity. Though the all six sub-habitats understudy were adjoining to each other still a clear distinction of niche area preference was recorded during study. The birds may enter the adjoin niche but overall abundance remains similar for preferred niche for each bird species. The study concludes that significant number of species recorded have specific niche area requirements that are completed by the river’s sub-habitats including feeding, foraging, roosting and nesting therefore conservation plans should be designed in such a way that whole area come under protection as a single unit while maintaining its sub habitat identity.
Open Access
Population status, feeding behaviour and breeding biology of Baya Weaver Bird (Ploceus philippinus) in Punjab
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Sukhpreet Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep Kaur
The present study on population status, feeding behaviour and breeding biology of Baya Weaver Bird was conducted for the period of February 2018 to January 2020. Three villages per district namely village Baranhara (nesting colony I), Raghunath enclave (nesting colony II) and Rattan (nesting colony III) in district Ludhiana; village Fatehpur (nesting colony IV), Mukarabpur (nesting colony V) and Manjitpur (nesting colony VI) in district Rupnagar; village Haraj (nesting colony VII), Wan (nesting colony VIII) and Toot (nesting colony IX) in district Ferozepur were selected. Relative abundance of Baya Weaver Bird ranged from 11.09% to 16.07% at all the selected locations. Present study on feeding and foraging behaviour of Baya Weaver Bird revealed the feeding on different crops (rice, wheat, pearl millet, sorghum) at different stages. During breeding season they fed their youngones on termites, grasshoppers, beetles, flies, moths, bees and wasps. Breeding season of Baya Weaver Bird was found to be ranged from May to September during both years. Nesting colonies of Baya Weaver Bird was found on trees Date Palm (77.77%), Royal Palm (11.11%) and Fishtail Palm (11.11%); which were located in residential premises (44.44%), village outskirts (22.22%) in crop fields (33.33%) and water bodies (77.77%). Chronological data showed the initiation of nesting varied from 2nd week of May to 3rd week of June during the year 2018 and 2019 at all selected locations. First and second batch of fledglings of Baya Weaver Bird were observed from 4th week of July to end of September month during both the breeding seasons. Clutch size was recorded 2 to 4 eggs per nest and nestling period was ranged from 13- 23 days. Hatching success and nestling success was ranged between 75.00% - 100.00% and 50.00% to 100.00% respectively. Thirteen eggs were examined for the morphometrical analysis which showed the average weight of eggs 1.77±0.13 g; maximum mean length (21.25±0.55 mm) and maximum mean width (13.52±0.55 mm) was recorded at location II and location I respectively. Six vertebrate predators (three avian species and three reptile species) were observed damaging and predating on the nests. Abandoned nest of Baya Weaver Bird were utilised by secondary nesters namely Indian Silverbill, Scaly-breasted Munia, House Sparrow and Yellow Wasp. Pesticide analysis for 16 organophosphates had shown the presence of Chloropyriphos and Triazophos in the excreta samples. Fifteen heavy metals were analyzed, As, Pb, Cd and Cr were recorded above normal range and below toxic range. Present study implicated that plantations of palm trees are required to be undertaken in agricultural habitat would help in establishing colonies of Baya Weaver Bird and to exploit their insect biocontrol potential during their breeding season. Present study provides valuable information on habitat structure, breeding and feeding activities of Baya Weaver Bird for the formulation of its species specific conservation programme.
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Eucalyptus oil based hybrid nanoemulsions as larvicidal agents against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus)
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Komalpreet Kaur; Vashishat, Nisha
The growing threat of vector-borne diseases and environmental pollution has prompted the nanotechnology based investigations. The present study aimed to use one of the nanotechnological applications with larvicidal potential against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) by preparing aqueous hybrid nanoemulsions of zinc and copper sulfide nanoparticles with non polar nanoemulsion of Eucalyptus globulosa oil by sonication. GC-MS analysis revealed presence of total 22 compounds with major composition of 1, 8-cineole (42.16%) and Pcymene (14.81%). 1:2 and 1:5 ratio of non polar oil emulsion and both nanohybrids were found to be most stable after thermodynamic stability tests. TEM studies of non polar oil nanoemulsion, CuS and ZnS based nanohybrids were found to have average size of 20-40, 80100 and 50-70 nm with spherical, globular and rectangular shapes respectively. The larvicidal activity of prepared nanoformulations were tested at different concentrations (in triplicate) and 70, 6.5 and 9.5 ppm of oil nanoemuslion, CuS and ZnS based nanohybrids were found to be the most effective concentrations as 100% mortality was observed within 24 hours. LC50 and LC90 values were calculated to be 51.95 and 64.21 ppm, 5.00 and 5.81 ppm, 7.63 and 9.22 ppm for non polar oil nanoemulsions, CuS and ZnS based nanohybrids after 24 hrs respectively. The toxicological data was assured by SEM, histological and biochemical results. Under simulated conditions, nanohybrids treatment demonstrated optimum larvicidal potency after 48 hrs of exposure. These nanohybrids did not show toxicity in Scapholebris kingi and Mesocyclops spp. Thus, the following research is a step towards safe and efficient approach against Aedes aegypti
Open Access
Diversity and risk assessment of parasitic infections harboured by commensal rodents in central zone of Punjab state
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Sukhmanpreet Kaur; Singla, Neena
Present study on diversity and prevalence of ecto and endo-parasites of commensal rodents was conducted in Ludhiana, Punjab from November 2017 to October 2019. A total of 300 rodents belonging to three species namely Rattus rattus (201), Bandicota bengalensis (90) and Mus musculus (09) were live trapped from residences/shops, poultry farms and fish market in three seasons. Fifty eight percent of the total rodents were found infested with 724 specimens of five ectoparasite species namely Xenopsylla cheopis (249), Polyplax spinulosa (394), Ornithonyssus bacoti (32), Liponyssoides sanguineus (41) and Haemaphysalis sp. (08) with infestation rate of 61.19% and 56.67% in R. rattus and B. bengalensis. No parasite was found in M. musculus. A significant effect of host species was found on prevalence of ecto and endo-parasites, however, season, study location, sex and age had no significant effect. Oocysts/trophozoites of protozoans, Cryptosporidium murisand Giardia sp. were also recorded in faecal samples. Overall prevalence of endoparasites was 65.67% with highest rate in B. bengalensis (72.22%) followed by R. rattus (65.67%). Amongst nematodes, highest prevalence was recorded for Capillaria hepatica (59.33%) followed by Strongyloides ratti (49.00%), Trichuris muris (34.33%), Syphacia muris (26.33%), Aspiculuris tetraptera (22.67%) and Heterakis spumosa (21.33%). Amongst cestodes, Cysticercus fasciolaris (64.68%) was the most prevalent followed by Hymenolepis nana (63.00%) and H. diminuta (52.00%).One acanthocephalan species (Moniliformis moniliformis) (8.60%) was also recorded. Significant effect of parasitic infection was observed on sperm parameters, estrous cycle, hormones, and biochemical parameters. Histopathologically, necrotic changes were observed in infected liver and intestine. The study suggests that proper rodent pest and vector management should be conducted in animal and human inhabitations to avoid the spread of zoonotic diseases caused by them
Open Access
Development of neem based formulation for management of Rattus rattus (Linn.) population
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Jasvir Kaur; Babbar, B.K.
Six different concentrations of NSP (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12%), nine different doses from stock solution of NSAE (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 ml) and six different doses from NSO (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 ml) were tested under laboratory condition to determine the effective dose with repellent effect against R. rattus. Results revealed antifeedant/ secondary repellent effect with the all doses and there was non-significance difference in antifeedant index (AI) among doses, therefore for the further studies, two dose each of NSAE ( 0.2ml and 2ml) and NSO (0.1ml and 0.6 ml) were selected. Testing of existence of primary effect revealed that rats avoided all the treated baits four first one to four hours after exposure. After that rats developed habituation to primary/olfactory repellent effect and started eating treated baits but consumption of treated baits remained low. Rats were not habituated for secondary repellent effect with the effective doses of NSAE (2 ml) and NSO (0.6ml) upto experiment period of 30 days. Six formulation (F1 to F6) were prepared using effective doses of NSAE and NSO and were tested under simulated storage conditions and in grain stores. Result revealed potential of F3 and F4 as repellent in preventing rodent damage for considerably long time as compared to other formulations tested. For using antifertility property of neem, seven different formulations (F7 to F13) were prepared using neem seed alcoholic hexane extract (NSAHE). As consumption of F11 was maximum, therefore antifertility effect was recorded in rats fed on F11 as well as in rats given oral dose of NSAHW. Results revealed potential of neem seed alcoholic hexane extract and its F11 formulation in reducing reproductive potential of rats. However there is need to further increase the acceptance of F11 based bait.
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In Vitro Effects of Anthelmintics on Histopathology of Some Nematodes of Sheep / GOAT
(Department of Zoology College of Basic sciecne And Humanities PAU, Ludhiana, 1992) Kaur, Manpreet; Sood, M. L.
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Habitat ecology and management of Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) in central plain and sub-mountainous undulating zones of Punjab
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Dar, Muzamil Hussain; Vashishat, Nisha
Birds have a special place in human science and culture: they capture our hearts, arouse our curiosities, and inspire a sense of wonder. We may revel in the diversity and simple beauty of their forms, but birds also fuel fascinations that drive us towards deeper scientific inquiries into their varied ways of life. The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is commonly known as a parrot and belongs to the family Psittacidae and order Psittaciformes. It is considered to be the worst avian pest throughout the Indian subcontinent. The present study was carried in central plain and sub-mountainous undulating zones of Punjab, aimed at feeding and roosting behaviour, assessment of damage caused to sunflower, maize and guava, evaluation of different management methods, estimation of the pesticide residues and heavy metals in feathers and fecal pellets of Rose-ringed Parakeet. The parakeets foraged in these crops in two sessions, each separated by a period of inactivity in the afternoon. The morning-forenoon sessions on an average lasted for 157 to 175 minutes for different crop while as afternoon-evening session lasted for 155 to 175 minutes. The average number of parakeets during morning-forenoon and afternoon-evening session in the sunflower varied between 33 to 178, in maize between 3 to 195 and guava 8 to 154. The morning-forenoon session started after 40 to 50 minutes for sunflower, 41 to 51 minutes for maize and 22 to 64 minutes for guava, while as the afternoon-evening session ended 16 to 17 minutes for sunflower, 25 to 27 minutes for maize and 21 to 29 minutes for guava before the sunset. The parakeets roost on the tall and old trees (Eucalyptus, Poplar and Acacia) at both the locations. The first early morning departure was recorded to take place a few minutes to 84 minutes before sunrise. The number of departing parakeets generally declined before sunrise, past which the number of parakeets returning to the roost casually increased. The damage caused to the control sunflower crop ranged from 5.8 to 19%. The average damage caused to the sunflower fields covered with the reflective ribbons, shining plates, CDs, scare crow was 0.7 to 4.5%, 0.9 to 5.20 %, 1.20 to 9.70% and 0.60 to 8.00%. The damage caused to the control maize fields ranged from 9.5 to 29.5% while as reflective ribbon installed fields have a damage in range of 4 to 12.5%. Guava had a damage of 14.69 to 16.76 % in control fields while as reflective ribbon installed fields have a damage of 5.67 to 8.51%. Ripened fruits were more preferred and the top canopy of trees was more affected. The pesticides viz. chlorpyriphos, triazophos were found to be present in concentrations of range 0.02-1.61 ppm. 0.02-3.08 ppm respectively and ethion (2.141 ppm). The Heavy metals were in the descending concentrations in the order: Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), and Cadmium (Cd). Cr, Cu and Mn was found above the threshold level at both the locations. The results of this study will contribute to environmental management at both the locations.
Open Access
Postanatal development of epididymis in murrah Buffalo
(College of Basic Sciences & Humanities PAU, Ludhiana, 1999) Kaur, Gurpreet; Bilaspri, G. S
Open Access
In Vitro Maturation of follicular oocytes and fertilization in goat (Capra hircus)
(Department of Zoology College of Basic Sciecnes and humanities PAU, Ludhiana, 1995) Cheema, satinder; Sidhu, K. S

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