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Anand Agricultural University, Anand
Anand Agricultural University (AAU) was established in 2004 at Anand with the support of the Government of Gujarat, Act No.(Guj 5 of 2004) dated April 29, 2004. Caved out of the erstwhile Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU), the dream institution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. K. M. Munshi, the AAU was set up to provide support to the farming community in three facets namely education, research and extension activities in Agriculture, Horticulture Engineering, product Processing and Home Science. At present there seven Colleges, seventeen Research Centers and six Extension Education Institute working in nine districts of Gujarat namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Dahod, Kheda, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Mahisagar, Botad and Chhotaudepur
AAU's activities have expanded to span newer commodity sectors such as soil health card, bio-diesel, medicinal plants apart from the mandatory ones like rice, maize, tobacco, vegetable crops, fruit crops, forage crops, animal breeding, nutrition and dairy products etc. the core of AAU's operating philosophy however, continues to create the partnership between the rural people and committed academic as the basic for sustainable rural development. In pursuing its various programmes AAU's overall mission is to promote sustainable growth and economic independence in rural society. AAU aims to do this through education, research and extension education. Thus, AAU works towards the empowerment of the farmers.
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ThesisItem Open Access GROWTH PERFORMANCE, FEED EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMICS OF REARING PRE-WEANED LAMBS SUPPLEMENTED WITH NON-CONVENTIONAL CREEP MIXTURES UNDER FEEDLOT SYSTEM(AAU, Anand, 1999) Trivedi, Manojkumar Motibhai; Patel, Ashok M.A twelve week growth trial was conducted on 24 and 21 suckling lambs in Phase I and Phase n, respectively. In both the phases, the lambs were assigned to three dietary treatments on body weight basis when they were 21 days old. In Phase I, the dietary treatments were comprised of conventional (T1) or non-conventional I (T2) or nonconventional II (T3) creep mixtures plus ad libitum mature pasture grass and limited quantity of green NB21 fodder. In Phase II, the lambs were assigned to conventional (T1) or non-conventional III (T2) or non-conventional IV (T3) creep mixtures plus ad libitum jowar hay and limited quantity of green NB21 fodder. Each treatment group had Marwari, Patanwadi and Merino x Patanwadi lambs in both the phases. The lambs were fed individually the allocated creep mixtures and roughages. The dams of all the lambs in both the phases were fed to meet their energy and protein needs as per ICAR (1985) feeding standard. In Phase I, the non-conventional-I (T2) and non-conventional-II (T3) creep mixtures were comprised of Prosopis juliflora pods 23 and 22 per cent, babul pods chuni 14 and 22 per cent and mango seed kernel 16 and 19 per cent. In addition to these, non-conventional-I creep mixture contained GN cake and rice polish each 17 per cent while in non-conventional-II creep mixture boiled Cassia tora seeds (9%) and com steep liquor (15%) were incorporated. In Phase-ll, the non-conventional-IIl (T2) and non-conventionaHV (T3) creep mixtures comprised of Prosopis juliflora pods 24 and 21 per cent, babul pods chuni 12 and 19 per cent and mango seed kernel 18 and 12 per cent. In addition to these, nonconventional- IV creep mixture contained boiled Cassia tora seeds (9%) and com steep liquor (14%). In non-conventional-III creep mixture, the GN cake (18%) and rice polish (15%) were incorporated. In both the phases, the conventional creep mixture (T1) was formulated using maize (43%), GN cake (15%) and rice polish (29%). In all, five creep mixtures formulated to content, mineral mixture'3 per cent and jaggery solution/ molasses 10 per cent. In Phase I, the average daily dry matter intake of solid feeds during the entire experimental period in terms of g/day, per cent of body weight and g/kg W.75 in conventional (T1), non-conventional I (T2) and non-conventional II (T3) groups were recorded as 230.00 ± 50.23, 2.15 ± 0.28 and 38.67 ± 5.86; 228.44 ± 47.52, 2.16 ± 0.25 and 38.66 ± 5.38 and 226.17 ± 47.02, 2.10 ± 0.23 and 37.73 ± 5.17, respectively. The treatment means did not differ significantly from each other. In Phase II, the respective values for T1, T2 and T3 groups were 253.12 ± 50.69, 2.00 ± 0.26 and 37.55 ± 5.58; 261.76 ± 52.72, 2.16 ± 0.29 and 40.06 ± 6.06 and 254.56 ± 52.49, 2.14 ± 0.29 and 39.48 ± 6.10. The treatment means for dry matter intake expressed as per cent of body weight and g/kg W0.75 did not differ significantly.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING PRODUCTION OF CAPRINE EMBRYOS AND THEIR CRYOPRESERVATION TO KNOW PRE AND POST FREEZING MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES(AAU, Anand, 1999) Sarvaiya, Nitesh P.; Pathak, M. M.Totally 30 indigenous goats of Gujarat were superovulated with FoUtropin-V (FSH) and Folligon (PMSG) to see the elfect of gonadotropin during two season ( breeding and non breeding ) to see the effect of season, on superovulatory response, recovery of embryos and quality of embryos. Further to this in the same study effect of onset time for superovulation, duration of SOV oestrus, intensity of superovulation, flushing time and recovery of flushing media on embryo recovery and quality of embryo was also evaluated ctitically. Excellant and good quality embryos were processed for cryopreservation to see the effect of cryopreservation on morphological changes of embryos. An attempt was also made to establish pregnancy by transfering forzen - thawed embryos. Blood samples from donor and recipients were also analysed for hormonal and biochemical parameter. The results revealed that total response was 80 % ( 24 out of 30 ) irrespective of season and treatment. Average time for onset of SOV oestrus was 33.50 ± 5.82 hours with 17.25 :h 0.98 hours as time for duration.ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON CANINE ZOONOTIC HELMINTHS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO TOXOCARA CANIS(AAU, Anand, 1999) Brahmbhatt, M. N.; Pal, MahendraHelminthological examination of 614 faecal samples from pet dogs attending the O.P.D. of the Clinics of the Veterinary College, Gujarat Agricultural University Campus, Anand was undertaken for a period of 12 months from November 1997 to October 1998. In addition, 115 faecal samples collected from stray dogs in and around the Anand city of Gujarat were also investigated for various helminths. The overall helminth prevalence rate observed in pet dogs was 34.53 per cent with 32.23 per cent in male and 37.85 per cent in female animals. The overall prevalence of helminths in the dogs between the age of 13 to 24 months was significantly higher. No significant difference in the prevalence of helminthic infection in male and female animals within each age group would be recorded. Stray dogs showed the overall prevalence of 41.74 per cent. Monthwise prevalence of parasitic infection in stray dog and pet dog population revealed high prevalence in the months of winter season. The examination of faecal samples from pet as well as stray dogs revealed Ancylostoma caninum (24.59 and 26,96%) and Toxocara canis (9.61 and 19.13%), Dipylidium caninum (2.44 and 3.48%), Toxascahs leonina (1.79 and 2.61%), Uncinaria stetiocephala (1.98 and 2.61%), Echinococais spp. (0.65 and 3.48%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.65 and 1.74%)Diphyllobothrium latum (0.49 and 1.74%), Trichuris vulpis (0.0 and 1.74%) and Spirometra spp. (0.0 and 0.87%)). The infection rate was found almost similar in male and female animals for all the helminths Agcwise distribution of individual helminth did not reveal any definite trend. Monthwise and seasonal distribution of various helminths showed fairly high prevalence for each helminth during winter season followed by summer and monsoon. Single or multiple helminthic infection in pet and stray dog indicated single helminth infection in 28,34 and 21.74 per cent, two species infection in 5.86 and 17.39 per cent and three species infection in only 0.33 and 2.61 per cent samples respectively. Among the various sites of collection, the highest overall prevalence of helminths in stray dogs was observed in the samples from road sides. Epidemiological study of T.canis in pet and stray dog population showed the prevalence of 9.61 and 19.13 per cent, respectively. Monthwise and seasonal prevalence of T.cams in both the canine population was observed higher during the months of November-February and lowest in October. No significant difference was observed in sexwise prevalence of T.cams in pet dogs, and sitewise prevalence of T.canis in stray dogs, however, showed higher prevalence in the samples obtained from playgrounds. The prevalence of T.canis in 504 soil samples collected from various localities revealed overall prevalence rate of 26.39 per cent. Among the various sites of collection, highest prevalence was observed in the soil samples from slum area (45.83%) followed by playgrounds (37.50%)), rural area (27.78%), gardens/public places (26.39%), school compounds (22.22%), liuman dwellings (13 18%) and lowest in samples from road sides (11.11%). Monthwise prevalence of T.canis in soil samples indicated highest prevalence in December (36.09%) and lowest in October (11.90%) and seasonal prevalence showed higher values in winter season (29.17%). Haematological studies following the experimental infection with T.canis in laboratory mice revealed elevated eosinophilic count with peak after 2-3 weeks of postinfection. Higher values were recorded in mice with booster infection. Moderate leucocytosis and slight neutrophilia were observed throughout the study. Gradual decrease of haemoglobin and reduction in PCV was noticed after 24 day post-infection. Histopathological changes in the experimentally inoculated mice were noticed in the liver, muscle, lung, brain, kidney and spleen. The liver, lungs and kidneys showed fatty changes, congestion, cellular infilteration, granuloma formation and necrosis. Meningitis, focal liquefactive necrosis and gliosis were observed in the brain. No significant histopathological lesions were noticed except mild degenerative changes in the cardiac muscles. Seroprevalence study in human serum samples failed to demonstrate antibodies against T.canis in the specified group of persons such as staff members and students of Veterinary College. However, 8.57 per cent serum samples from 70 children showed positive reaction when tested by agar gel precipitation technique. Detailed clinical examination of positive cases showed leucocytosis, eosinophilia, fever, coughing, pneumonia and dyspnoea. Epidemiological investigation indicated that majority of positive cases had the habit of eating soil and history of contact with dogs. Blood smear examination of 159 children for the presence of eosinophilia along with the epidemiological information about the patient collected in a prescribed questionaire format revealed higher percentage of moderate, marked and severe eosinophilia in 0 to 5 year age group, association of dog ownership, poor socio-economic class, geophagia, habit of playing in soil, open school compound, improper personal hygiene and illiterate group with practically no educational background. It was concluded that the overall helminth infection was more prevalent in stray dog population as compared to pet dog population. No significant difference was observed in sex but the significant difference was observed in the various age group. Significantly higher prevalence was noticed in winter season. The prevalence for individual helminth was observed higher in stray dogs with more number of helminth. Single infection was found higher in pet dogs while mixed infection was noticed higher in stray dogs. Prevalence of T.canis was recorded higher in stray dogs as compared to pet dogs. Age group between birth to 4 months was more frequently affected with T.canis. Examination of soil samples for T.canis showed prevalence rate of 26.39 per cent with highest prevalence in soil samples from slum area. Experimental infection in mice is characterized by eosinophilia, and histopathological changes such as congestion, degeneration, cellular infiltration, moderate to marked fatty changes, necrosis and granuloma formation were observed in various organs. Seroprevalence study showed 8.57 per cent prevalence of T.canis antibodies in children who had contact with dog. On blood smear examination, eosinophilia was found as the constant feature in 152 children.ThesisItem Open Access FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE OF WEANER LAMBS ON AZOLLA BASED NON-CONVENTIONAL TOTAL MIXED RATION UNDER INTENSIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEM(AAU, Anand, 1999) Wadhwani, Kishankumar N.; Patel, Ashok M.The growth trial was conducted under feedlot system on twenty one farm born weaner lambs in two phases. The animals were assigned to 3 dietary treatments (T1,T2 and T3) on body weight basis which comprised of conventional (TMR I), non-conventional I (TMR II) and non-conventional II total mixed rations (TMR III) in phase I, the animals were individually fed. In phase II, the lambs were assigned to conventional (TMR I), non-conventional I (TMR IV) and non conventional II total mixed ration (TMR V) and group feeding was followed. Total mixed ration was fed ad lib in order to meet energy and protein requirement of lambs as per ICAR (1985). Each treatment group had Marwari, Patanwadi and Merino x Patanwadi lambs. In phase-I, the TMR I comprised of maize (22 % ) , groundnut cake (15 % ) , rice polish (15 % ) , molasses (10 % ) , mineral mixture (3 %) and urea treated wheat straw (35 %) the non-conventional I (TMR II) and non conventional II (TMR-III) total mixed ration comprised of AzollSy 10 % and 20 %, PJ pods 15 % and 17 % and corn steep liquor 12 % and 15 %, respectively. In addition to these TMR-II contained Rice polish 10 % and GN cake, 5 % to make it isonitrogenous. Both TMR II and TMR III contained same level of molasses, mineral mixture and urea treated wheat straw in TMR I. In phase II, the non conventional T (TMR TV) and non conventional II (TMR V) total mixed rations comprised of Azolla 15 and 25 %, PJ pods 20 and 17 % and corn steep liquor 12 and 15 %, respectively. In addition to these, GN cake to the extent of 5 % was added in TMR IV. The urea treated wheat straw was added at the rate of 35 % in TMR I and TMR IV and 30 % in TMR V. The growth trial lasted for 112 days during which the animals attained live weight acceptable in the local market. In phase I, the average daily dry matter intake during the entire experimental period in terms of g/day, per cent of body weight and g/kg W0.75 in conventional (TMR I), non conventional I (TMR II) and non conventional II (TMR III) groups was recorded as 721.60 ± 75.64, 3.46 ±0.18 and 73.81 ± 4.82, 757.28 ± 35.86, 4.04 ± 0.13 and 84.92 ± 3.26 and 671.63 ± 50.78, 3.80 ± 0.21 and 78.19 ± 4.38, respectively. The treatment means did not differ with each other. In phase II, the respective values for TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V were 642.29 ± 39.82, 3.32 ± 0.08 and 69.48 ± 1.90, 606.14 ± 30.68, 3.46 ± 0.05 and 70.60 ± 1.64 and 598.98 ± 31.14, 3.41 ± 0.07 and 69.78 ± 2.12, respectively. The treatment means were statistically similar. The average daily water intake (ml/day) during the entire experimental period during phase I was 3154.46 ± 327.2, 2735.92 ± 139.54 and 2454.62 ± 161.66 in treatment groups T1, T2 and Ta respectively. In phase II, the corresponding values were 2794.92 ± 254.12, 2662.08 ± 211.10 and 2654.91 ± 233.33 in TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V, respectively. The treatment groups in both the phases showed statistically similar values. In phase I, at the end of experimental feeding, the lambs in T1, T2 and T3 groups attained 25.24 ± 1.96, 23.51 ± 1.36 and 21.07 ± 1.12 kg live body weight, respectively. The body weight in all the treatment group did not differ each other but period effect was significant (P < 0.05). In phase II, the live weight was recorded 24.36 i 1.16, 20.34 ± 1.24 and 20.24 ± 1.49 kg in TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V groups, respectively. The difference between treatment groups was statistically non significant but period as well as period x treatment interaction was significant (P < 0.05). In phase I, the digestibility coefficient in TMR I, TMR II and TMR III respectively for dry matter (59.58 ± 1.72, 51.60 ± 0.52 and 51.98 ± 0.44), organic matter (67.22 ± 1.49, 63.53 ± 2.40 and 63.69 ± 1.42), crude protein (80.50 ± 1.94, 73.82 ± 1.47 and 73.40 ± 1.76), crude fibre (62.27 ± 0.87, 63.18 ± 1.32 and 59.10 ± 1.37), nitrogen free extract (60.37 ± 0.70, 57.48 ± 1.42 and 57.22 ± 1.64) and ether extract (58.82 ± 0.80, 59.69 ± 1.79 and 55.73 ± 1.57) were ascertained. The dry matter and crude protein digestibility of the TMR I differed significantly (P < 0.05) with TMR II and TMR III groups. In phase II, the corresponding values for dry matter (61.76 ± 2.10 , 53.27 ± 0.72 and 52.35 ± 0.99), organic matter (68.37 ± 1.17, 59.66 ± 2.09 and 59.61 ± 2.22), crude protein (79.94 ± 2.12, 78.54 ± 2.04 and 74.56 ± 1.58) crude fibre (61.85 ± 1.01, 63.44 ± 1.98 and 57.66 ± 2.01), nitrogen free extract (62.71 ± 0.77, 57.87 ± 2.26 and 53.08 ± 1.68) and ether extract (60.01 ± 0.71, 58.70 ± 1.37 and 56.20 ± 0.96) was recorded. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter organic matter and nitrogen free extract was significantly (P < 0.06) higher for TMR I than either of TMR IV or TMR V group. In phase I, the nitrogen balance (g/head/day) was 9.98 ± 0.40, 9.66 ± 0.28 and 8.70 ± 0.46 in lambs reared on T1, T2 and Ta rations, respectively. The treatment means did not differ significantly. In phase II, the respective values were 9.81 ± 0.50, 10.06 ± 0.28 and 12.21 ± 0.21 in lambs reared on TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V groups, respectively TMR I and TMR IV did not differ significantly but differ from TMR V. In phase I, the TMR I, TMR II and TMR III provided 13.52 ± 0.42, 11.34 ± 0.36 and 10.62 ± 0.13 per cent DCP and 61.81 ± 0.32, 57.72 ± 1.92 and 55.90 ± 0.55 per cent TDN, respectively. The conventional TMR provided significantly (P < 0.05) higher DCP and TDN than both the non conventional groups which did not differ among themselves. In phase II, the TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V provided 13.32 ± 0.34, 11.48 ± 0.30 and 11.10 ± 0.18 per cent DCP and 61.88 ± 0.23, 58.13 ± 2.11 and 55.48 ± 1.04 per cent TDN. The treatment means showed similar trend as that in phase I. In phase I, the dressing percentage on live weight basis and as the percentage of empty live weight under Ti (50.40 ± 0.83 and 59.63 ± 1.11) T2 (48.51 ± 1.05 and 61.89 ± 1.32) and T3 (48.08 ± 1.20 and 62.33 ± 1.06) group of lambs were calculated. In phase II, the corresponding figures were 47.5 ± 1.07 and 59.38 ± 1.11, 49.34 ± 1.12 and 62.93 ± 1.27 and 47.89 ± 1.03 and 59.96 ± 1.22 in TMR I TMR IV and TMR V groups, respectively. Similar was the trend with respect to primal cuts and edible and non edible organ weight. The feed efficiency in terms of DM, DCP and TDN intake (kg/kg live weight gain) in experimental lambs reared under TMR I, TMR II and TMR III groups was worked out as 8.10 ± 0.98, 1.11 ± 0.09 and 5.09 ± 0.45, 10.90 ± 0.87, 1.14 ± 0.07 and 5.82 ± 0.36 and 13.16 ± 1.1, 1.35 ± 0.13 and 7.13 ± 0.70, respectively. The feed efficiency in terms of DM intake was significantly (P < 0.05) high in conventional group as compared to non conventional groups which did not differ among themselves, but the treatment groups did not differ with respect to DCP and TDN intake per kg live weight gain. In phase IT, the respective values were 7.07 ± 0.97, 0.99 and 4,60, 12.56 ± 1,72 1.25 and 6.34 and 14.96 ± 3.44, 1.28 and 6.44 in TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V, respectively. The feed cost (Rs/animal) during the experiment was worked out as 623.55 ± 64.09, 352.50 ± 22.06 and 256.96 ± 16.42 for TMR I, TMR II and TMR III group, respectively. Both, TMR II and TMR III groups recorded significantly (P < 0.05) lower cost as compared to TMR I group. The total feed cost (pre experimental ± experimental) was worked out as Rs. 863.55 ± 64.09, 592.50 ± 22.06 and 496.96 ± 16.42 for T1 , T2 and T3 treatment groups, respectively. In phase IT, the experimental feed cost (Rs/animal) for TMR T, TMR IV and TMR V group was worked out as 472,82, 261.52 and 246.21 and the total feed cost (pre-experimental ± experimental) was Rs. 712.82, 501,52 and 486.21 per lamb. The trend of feed cost was same as in the phase I. Based on the enquiries from the retailers in the local market, the total realisable receipts (Rs/animal) in phase I were computed as 1292.15 ± 90.04, 1177.00 ± 60.48 and 1059.38 ± 49.32 respectively for TMR I, TMR II and TMR III group. The TMR I recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher receipt than the other groups. The feed cost per kg dressed weight worked out as Rs. 67.01 ± 0.86, 52.46 ± 1.84 and 51.04 ± 2.03 for TMR I, TMR II and TMR III group, respectively. The TMR II and TMR III groups recorded significantly (P < 0.05) lower feed cost per kg dressed weight when compared to conventional, though they did not differ from each other. In phase II, respective figures for TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V were 1133.89 ± 47.45, 1039.09 ± 57.48 and 1009.42 ± 68.32. The feed cost per kg dressed weight was calculated as 61.60, 49.95 and 48.72 for TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V, respectively. The contribution of experimental feed cost/kg dressed weight in phase I was Rs. 47.64, 31.02 and 28.35 in TMR I, TMR II and TMR III groups respectively. The TMR I group recorded significnalty (P < 0.05) higher contribution as compared to other groups. In phase II, the cost worked out as Rs. 40.86, 26.04 and 24.67 in TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V groups, respectively. The returns as per cent of feed cost in phase I was calculated as 150.12 ± 2.46, 198.59 ± 6.64 and 213.57 ± 9.31 for TMR I, TMR II and TMR III group respectively and the values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in non conventional groups as compared to TMR I group In phase II, the respective average values were 155.09, 207.18 and 207.60 for TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V group. During 06-18 hours of the day 75.05, 76.42 and 73.93 % of the total was feed consumed by the lambs in TMR I, TMR IV and TMR V groups, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access HORMONAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN FERTILE AND INFERTILE POSTPARTUM SURTI BUFFALOES(AAU, Anand, 1999) Shah, Rohit G.; Kavani, F. S.The study entitled "HORMONAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN FERTILE AND INFERTILE POSTPARTUM SURTI BUFFALOES" was conducted on 39 suckled postpartum Surti buffaloes of University farm, Navsari, in three experimental phases/groups (viz., Fertile-18Vs infertile-8; GnRH treatment-6 Vs control- 5 and PGF2α treatment-7 Vs control-4) to know their postpartum hormonal., biochemical and reproductive status, and to evaluate the effect of GnRH (Fertagyl, 250 µg i.m. on day 40 postpartum) and PGF2α (Prosolvin, 15 mg i.m. on day 10 postpartum) on reproductive efficiency as well as above profiles. Jugular blood samples (604) were collected at weekly intervals from the day of calving to at least 91 days postpartum in all animals, and additional collections were made in GnRH treated group at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes of injection and in PGF2α treated group at 0,1, 2 and 3 days of PG injection. Blood plasma stored at -20°C was used to determine hormonal profiles (Progesterone, P1 and estradiol- 17β, E2) , biochemical constituents (Total cholesterol, Total protein. Calcium, Inorganic phosphorus, Ca : P ratio, Ionized calcium) and trace elements (Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese) by standard procedures. The uterine involution and ovarian changes were evaluated with the help of rectal palpations. The reproductive attributes viz., placental expulsion time and weight, regression of pregnancy CL, initiation of ovarian activity, uterine and cervical involution, first heat/ovulation postpartum, service period and number of services/conception were also assessed.ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PERIPARTURIENT DISEASES IN BUFFALOES(AAU, Anand, 1999) Mandali, Ghanshyam C.; Patel, P. R.This study was carried out from June, 1997 to May, 1998 on 612 buffaloes in the five villages of Anand district by visiting rural herds at monthly interval. The epidemiological data on periparturient disorders of these animals in relation to season, meteorological factors, physiological status, nutritional status, body condition score, housing pattern and hygienic condition were analysed. An attempt was also made to study some blood biochemical changes in various peripartiurient disorders of buffaloes and to work out ecomomics ofi these disorders. The incidence of various periparturient disorders observed in descending order was : retention of fetal membranes (8.66%), postpartum metritis (7.84%), subclinical mastitis (6.86%). clinical mastitis (5.56%), postpartum prolapse of genitalia (5.23%), milk fever (4.09%), clinical ketosis (2.29%). dystocia (2.12%) and prepartum prolapse of genitalia (1.14%). The monthly incidence of retention of fetal membranes, postpartum prolapse of genitalia, milk fever and dystocia was highest in August, whereas postpartum metritis, subclinical mastitis, clinical mastitis and clinical ketosis was highest in September and prepartum prolapse of genitalia in July. The season had significant effect on the incidence of metritis, mastitis and clinical ketosis being highest in monsoon. Amongst the breeds, the highest incidence of retained fetal membranes, mastitis, genital prolapse and milk fever was recorded in Surti buffaloes, whereas Mehsani buffaloes had highest incidence of clinical ketosis. Postpartum metritis and dystocia was recorded to be the highest in Murrah crosses and Jafarabadi breed, respectively. The breed differences were significant for the incidence of all disorders studied, except retention of fetal membranes, prepartum genital prolapse and milk fever. The lactation order had significant (P<0.05) effect only on the incidence of milk fever. The highest (36.00%) incidence of milk fever was observed in third lactation and that of retention of fetal membranes, mastitis, ketosis and dystocia in fourth lactation. During the fifth and sixth lactation, the highest incidence of genital prolapse and postpartum metritis, respectively, was recorded. The incidence of all these disorders tended to increase with increase in parity. The correlation coefficients (r) of relative humidity with retention of fetal membranes (0.710), pre- and postpartum genital prolapse (0.729 and 0.616) and milk fever (0.608), as well as of average rain-fall with retention of fetal membranes (0.574) were significant,, (P<0.05) and positive, whereas the correlations of bright sunshine hours with retention of fetal membranes (-0.701), milk fever (-0.507) and Prepartum genital prolapse (-0.814) were significantly (P<0.05) negative. Nutritional status and body condition score , had significant effect on the occurrence of all the periparturient disorders studied, except mastitis. The incidence of retained fetal membranes, postpartum metritis, genital prolapse, milk fever, clinical ketosis and dystocia being highest in buffaloes of poor nutritional status and poor body condition score groups as compared to fair or good categories. Housing pattern of buffaloes also had significant (P<0.01) effect on the occurrence of retention of fetal membranes, subclinical mastitis and milk fever. The highest occurrence of metritis, mastitis, milk fever and dystocia was recorded in buffaloes of open yard system, whereas, the incidence of genital prolapse and clinical ketosis was highest in pakka housing system and that of retention of fetal membranes in kachha housing. Hygienic condition of animals showed significant (P<0.01) effect on the occurrence of all periparturient disorders, except for prepartum prolapse of genitalia. The incidence of metritis, mastitis, prepartum prolapse, clinical ketosis and dystocia being highest for buffaloes kept under poor hygienic condition. However retention of fetal membranes, postpartum prolapse and milk fever was highest for buffaloes with fair hygienic condition. The least occurrence of all periparturient disorders was observed for animals kept under good hygienic condition. Amongst the biochemical parameters studied, the level of serum calcium was significantly (P<0.01) lower in cases of retention of fetal membranes, milk fever, and pre- and post- partum prolapse of genitalia than the normal healthy buffaloes. Whereas, blood glucose level was significantly lower for buffaloes with retention of fetal membranes and clinical ketosis compared to healthy ones. Inorganic phosphorus was also significantly lower in milk fever and prer and post-partum prolapse of genitalia. The serum LDH activity was significantly higher in buffaloes with retention of fetal membranes and milk fever as compared to healthy buffaloes. Similarly significantly (P<0.01) higher levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and ketone bodies were observed in milk fever and ketosis, respectively. The levels of magnesium and alkaline phosphatase however did not differ significantly between affected and healthy buffaloes. The per day treatment cost worked out for various periparturient disorders in buffaloes varied from Rs. 96 to 317. The highest per day treatment cost being for postpartum prolapse of genitalia (Rs. 317) and the lowest for postpartum metritis (Rs. 96). The average milk lost per buffalo per day was 1.2, 0.8, 2.86, 5.35, 2.57, 3.57, 2.4 and 1.24 liter for retention of fetal membranes, postpartum metritis, subclinical mastitis, clinical mastitis, postpartum prolapse, milk fever, clinical ketosis and dystocia, respectively. It amounted to total loss of Rs. 66,776 for various periparturient disorders. There is ample scope to apply the changing pattern towards medicine - production - ecology - extension approach at rural level to increase profitability of farmers to sustain dairy industry.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF HERBOMINERAL TOXIN BINDER IN EXPERIMENTAL AFLATOXICOSIS IN BROILER CHICKEN(AAU, Anand, 1999) Patel, Nishant R.; Joshi, B. P.The present study on experimental induction of aflatoxicosis was undertaken with a view to investigate the effects of aflatoxin B1 on performance of broiler chicks at 0.5 and 1.0 ppm dose level as well as to evaluate the efficacy of Herbomineral Toxic Binder (HTB) at 1.25 and 2.5 kg per tonne of feed as an adsorbent and hepatoprotective agent. The experimental design consisted of 315 birds equally distributed into nine groups comprising of 35 birds in each group. Birds in-group A were fed with control diet. Birds from groups B and C received aflatoxin B1 at the rate of 0.5 and 1.0 ppm respectively in the feed. Groups D and E were treated with 0.125 and 0.25 percent level of HTB respectively along with 0.5 ppm of aflatoxin B1. Similarly, groups F and G were supplemented with 0.125 and 0.25 percent level of HTB respectively along with 1.0 ppm of aflatoxin B1. The last two groups H and I received HTB alone at the rate of 0.125 and 0.25 percent respectively in the feed. Five birds from each group were sacrificed at weekly interval for the period of six weeks and the detailed study was made for the evaluation of different set parameters. The experiment started with production of aflatoxin B1 on rice and its quantification in moudly rice as well as in feed prepared for dietary schedule. The different parameters included, weekly body weight, weekly weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio to evaluate the general performance of the birds. The biochemical parameters included total serum proteins, serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides. The gross and histopathological lesions of organs collected viz.. Liver, kidney and bursa of Fabricious were also recorded. The establishment of aflatoxicosis was confirmed on gross and histopathological lesions. This was further supported by significant decrease in the values of total serum proteins, serum cholesterol and triglycerides and an increase in the values of serum ALT and AST at both the levels of 0.5 and 1.0 ppm of aflatoxin B1. The body weight and body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion efficiency were also affected by aflatoxin during the study. The severity was dose dependent in nature. Liver appeared to be the target organ involved in aflatoxicosis. From third week onwards the gross lesions in the liver were characterised by enlargement and pale yellowish discoloration of the organ The liver also appeared fatty and fragile. From fourth week onwards, the kidneys showed mild enlargement and paleness while bursa of Fabricious revealed mild atrophy. Histopathological lesions in liver were marked by mild to moderate vascular congestion and hemorrhages, moderate to severe fatty changes, focal to diffuse areas of infiltration of mononuclear cells, and mild to moderate hyperplasia of bile duct epithelium. The kidney lesions comprised of mild to moderate congestion, focal areas of tubular hemorrhages, focal to diffuse tubular degeneration and infiltration of mononuclear cells. HTB + aflatoxin fed groups showed significant improvement over their respective aflatoxin fed birds. Marked improvement was observed on HTB supplementation at the rate of 2.5 kg per tonne of feed. A significant increase in body weight, weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion efficiency was noticed in HTB + aflatoxin fed groups. The biochemical parameters also showed a significant improvement in these groups over their respective aflatoxin treated groups. The histopathological lesions in the liver and kidneys showed the same trend of improvement characterised by mild lesions as compared to their aflatoxin treated groups. The findings suggested that by supplementation of HTB at 0.25 percent level there is restoration of damaging effects of aflatoxin Overall nature of the findings suggested that aflatoxicosis can be induced at both the levels of 0.5 and 1.0 ppm of aflatoxin but marked effects can be achieved at 1.0-ppm level. It has adverse effects on performance and general health of the birds. HTB supplementation was found to be effective in improving general health and performance by combating or restoring the damage caused by aflatoxin at the dose level of 2.5 kg per tonne of feed.ThesisItem Open Access CHARACTERIZATION OF DETERMINANT FOR TRANSFERABLE ANTIMICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE AND VIRULENCE ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF S. GALLINARUM(AAU, Anand, 1999) Patel, Ashvinkumar Ramabhai; Roy, A.In the present study characterization of antimicrobial drug resistance and its transferable nature in S. gallinarum isolates was carried out. Further curing of R-determinants and the effect of curing on virulence on virulence associated factros viz., colicinogeny and serum resistance was ascertained. Virulence of isolates were assayed by lethality and invasiveness assay and attempts were also made to isolate plasmid from S. gallinarum isolates. In vitro antimicrobial drug resistance against 10 commonly used antibiotics were detected. All the S. gallinarum isolates showed resistance against one or more drug tested. All the isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole while higher number of isolates showed resistance to nalidixic acid, gentamicin and enrofloxacin. Moderate number of isolates showed resistance against furazolidone, streptomycin, tetracycline and cotrimoxazole while resistance against pefloxacin was shown by lesser number of isolates. Least resistance isolates were observed for chloramphenicol. In vitro transfer of drug resistance was also studied. Out of 12 S. gallinarum isolates tested all (100 per cent) were found to transfer resistance against tetracycline, nine (75 per cent) isolates transferred en bloc resistance against tetracycline, gentamicin and sulfamethoxazole while three (25 per cent) isolates transferred resistance against only tetracyc1ine. In vivo transfer of drug resistance was carried out from two donor strains of S. gallinarum to recipient E. coli strain. Out of two S. gallinarum strains tested both revealed transfer of drug resistance from donor to recipient. Total 20 (57.1 per cent) isolates out of 35 isolates tested were found to produce bacteriocin. Twelve isolates were tested for transfer of colicinogeny, out of which six (56 per cent) were able to transfer of colicinogeny to recipient E. coli strain along with multiple drug resistance. Elimination of drug resistance (curing) markers in six strains of S. gallinarum were studied using different chemical and physical method. The chemical agents used for curing were ethidium bromide (EtBr) and novobiocin (Novo) ethidium bromide and novobiocin combination and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). In present study the elimination of drug resistance by chemical agents observed frequently. Use of EtBr and SDS resulted in curing of drug resistance in all six strains while five and four strains were cured by EtBr and Novo combination and novobiocin alone respectively. In physical method of curing, 3 out of six S. gallinarum strains were eliminated drug resistance on 1 day of incubation at 45°C and higher number of curing frequencies, was observed on subsequent days. Thus resistance markers were more readily eliminated by incubation at 45°C for prolonged periods of time rather than by chemical agents. Resistance of six strains of S. gallinarum wild and their cured derivatives to bactericidal effect of chicken serum was studied. The study revealed that all the wild and cured strains tested were resistant to chicken serum. To know the role of virulence associated factors like colicinogeny and serum resistance, virulence assay of six selected wild and their cured derivatives was carried out by determining their lethality as well as invasiveness ability in day old chicks. In lethality assay wild strains (S-21, S-4 and S-27) caused mortality 66.66, 60.00 and 46.66 per cent respectively, while their cured derivatives caused mortality of 46.66, 20.00 and 20.00 per cent respectively. At the 15th day post infection (PI) surviving birds revealed infection as per the CFU count method. In invasiveness assay there was no significant difference in the CFU count among S. gallinarum wild. isolates and their cured derivatives was observed upto 12 day CFU count, but by the 16th day none of the chicks survived in wild strains. Thus it indicates that wild strains were more invasive and lethal as compared to their cured derivatives. All the surviving birds in cured group revealed infection at 16th PI. There was no apparent difference found between lesions of wild and the cured derivatives during virulence assay. Isolation of plasmids from 10 wild and their eight cured derivatives of S. gallinarum were carried out. Majority of the strains showed a plasmid of molecular weight 56 Md. In addition other small plasmids found were of 2.8 Md and 1.79 Md molecular weight.ThesisItem Open Access DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL SHEEP HEALTH SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM INCLUDING EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ECONOMY RECORDS FOR PRODUCTION(AAU, Anand, 1999) Patel, A. J. Kachhia; Patel, P. R.Sheep plays an important role in our national economy thriving in arid and semi-arid region and providing meat, wool, skin, manure and milk which contributing financial support to the rural people. The present study was carried out from 1st September, 1997 to 31st August, 1998 in one six villages of the Kutch district, which embodies results of endeavours directed towards development of rural sheep health surveillance system for generation of data on production/reproduction performance, disease profile, mortalities and culling patterns among rural sheep and for economic analysis of losses due to diseases. A total of 1,744 sheep screened through surveillance indicated an overall prevalence of disease to the extent of 67.49 per cent. The highest prevalence was recorded due to parasitic diseases (22.13%), majority in Patanwadi breed (69.07%), in the age group of adult sheep (69.72%). The overall high prevalence of disease was recorded in male animals (68.88%), with poor health status (92.06%), in large flock size (71.68%), which were husbanded in poor hygienical condition (79.62%), along with fair plan of nutrition (68.34%). The prevalence indicated significant high peak level during July-August months (25.92%), especially in monsoon season (34.46%), positively correlated with high humidity and rainfall. Amongst the different disease groups, the parasitic diseases (22.13%) ranked high followed by diseases of miscellaneous group (13.99%), digestive disorders (13.02%), bacterial diseases (12.27%), reproductive disorders (3.27%), fungal diseases (1.49%) and viral diseases (1.32%). Amongst these, the predominant disease conditions prevailed in the rural area were gastrointestinal nematode (8.72%), ectoparasite (6.25%), pneumonia (6.02%), enteritis (4.47%) and wound (3.10%). The overall mortality and case fatality rate were recorded as 9-29 and 13.76 per cent respectively. The higher mortality was in miscellaneous disease group (4.93%) followed by bacterial diseases (2.35%), digestive disorders (1.78%), parasitic diseases (0.17%) and viral diseases (0.06%). Of the major causes of mortality, pneumonia (1.20%), debility (1.20%), enteritis (0.80%), toxaemia (0.80%) and predation (0.75%) were found predominantly. Mortality was found higher in Patanwadi breed (9.83%), specifically in lamb group (16.04%), in male animal (13.78%), having poor health status (18.69%) and poor plan of nutrition (11.65%). Also the higher mortality was observed in small size flock (11.89%) and having fair hygienic condition (10.19%), similarly during July-August months (4.01%) and during rainy season (4.76%) compared to lower mortality during November- December months (0.46%) in winter season (1.43%). The projected economical losses due to treatment cost, reduction in wool production and growth rate, reduction in reproductive efficiency, losses due to mortality and culling were also calculated in the present study. The average treatment cost, reduction in wool production, poor growth rate, decline in reproduction efficiency, losses due to mortality and culling were quantified to be Rs.17=65, 1=90, 37=61, 190=44, 57=31 and 32=34 per sheep per year respectively in the present study. The use of computer programme for data recording, its storage, analysis and retrieval in present epidemiological surveillance proved much useful since sizable number of data was handled and analysed in shortest time with high accuracy. Advice and recommendations were made to initiate suitable control measures and prophylaxis against major sheep diseases by regular health care, deworming, better husbandry and nutrition with good hygienical approach to minimize the losses. Review of literature, modalities of techniques used at a rural level, the achievements, constraints and suggestions for future through the development of rural sheep health surveillance system using epidemiology and economy of records are detailed.