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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 RESPONSE OF RABI MAIZE (Zea mays L.) TO METHODS OF IRRIGATION AND NITROGEN LEVELS UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2005) PATEL, JASHBHAI BHAGWANBHAI; Meisheri, T. G.An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during two consecutive rabi seasons of the year 2002-03 and 2003-04 with a view to study the "Response of rabi maize (Zea mays L.) to methods of irrigation and nitrogen levels under middle Gujarat conditions". The experiment consisted of twenty treatment combinations comprised of four methods of irrigation (flat bed, all furrow, alternate furrow and skip furrow irrigations) and five nitrogen levels (75, 100, 125, 150 and 175 kg ha-1). The field experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications, wherein, methods of irrigation were relegated in the main plots and nitrogen levels were assigned to the sub-plots. The soil of the experimental field was loamy sand in texture having good drainage capacity. It was low in organic carbon and total nitrogen and high in available phosphorus and potassium. The results revealed that methods of irrigation showed significant influence on growth and yield attributes viz., periodical plant height (except at 90 DAS) and number of leaves plant-1, stem girth at bottom and middle portion of the plant at 60 DAS, periodical leaf area index (except at 30 DAS) and periodical dry matter accumulation plant-1 (except at 30 DAS), crop growth rate between 30-60 and 60-90 days of the crop, days to mid tasseling, number of cobs plant-1, length and girth of cob, number of grains and their weight cob-i and weight of 100 grain. These attributes were higher either in all furrows or in flat bed irrigation than alternate furrow and skip furrow irrigation. Like-wise chemical parameters such as chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll contents in fresh flag leaf (except chlorophyll-b content at 30 and 90 DAS), uptake of N, P and K by grain and stover also showed the similar response. Methods of irrigation failed to exhibit their significant influence on stem girth at top portion of the plant and also harvest index as well as protein content of grain. The total nitrogen content of the soil was not significant, while available soil phosphorus and potassium were significant and these nutrients were drained out in sizeable amounts under all furrow and flat bed irrigation over alternate and skip furrow irrigation. Field water use efficiency was maximum under alternate furrow irrigation followed by skip furrow irrigation. Significantly higher grain and stover yields (5165 and 8297 kg ha-1) were obtained under all furrow irrigation than alternate and skip furrow irrigation but it was at par with flat bed irrigation which recorded the grain and stover yields of 4917 and 8018 kg ha-1, respectively. All furrows irrigation registered the highest net realization (Rs. 19044 ha-1) with the maximum CBR of 1: 2.41. The periodical plant height, number of leaves plant-1, stem girth at bottom, middle and top portion of the plant, periodical leaf area index and dry matter accumulation plant and crop growth rate between 30-60 and 60-90 days of the crop, days to mid tasseling; yield attributes like number of cobs plant-1, length and girth of cob, number of grains and their weight cob-1 and weight of 100 grains were significant due to nitrogen levels and these attributes were tended to increase with the increase in the levels of nitrogen from 75 to 175 kg N ha-1. Chemical parameters viz. protein content, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll, uptake of N, P and K by grain and stover were also increased with the increase in levels of nitrogen except stem girth at middle and top portions of the plant and P uptake by grain which were improved upto application of 150 kg N ha-1. Harvest index, total soil nitrogen and available soil phosphorus were not significantly influenced due to nitrogen levels but available soil potassium was found to be significant due to nitrogen levels and higher amount of applied nitrogen depleted higher quantity of potassium from the soil. Field water use efficiency was also increased with the increase in levels of nitrogen. Application of 175 kg N ha-1 (N175) recorded significantly higher grain yield (5077 kg ha-1) than the rest of the nitrogen levels except 150 kg N ha-1, which recorded the grain yield of 4960 kg ha-1. Similarly, 150 and 125 kg N ha-1 were also at par. The stover yield (8465 kg ha-1) was significantly higher under the highest level of nitrogen (175 kg N ha-1) than others, but was comparable to 150 kg N ha-1 (8283 kg ha-1). Net profit was increased with each successive increase in nitrogen levels and maximum net realization of Rs. 18362 ha-1 was accrued with the application of 175 kg N ha-1 with the CBR of 1:2.33 followed by 150 kg N ha-1 (Rs. 17911 ha-1) and 125 kg N ha-1 (Rs. 17049 ha-1), which recorded the CBR of 1:2.33 and 1:2.29, respectively. The interaction effect between methods of irrigation and nitrogen levels also brought out significant variations in plant height at 60 DAS, number of leaves plant-1 at 90 DAS, stem girth at bottom, middle and top portions of the plant at 60 DAS, leaf area index at 60 and 90 DAS, dry matter accumulation planH at 30 DAS, chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b at 60 and 90 DAS and total chlorophyll at 90 DAS, protein content of grain, uptake of phosphorus and potash by grain, total soil nitrogen, available soil phosphorus and potassium status of soil. The correlation studies indicated that grain yield had highly significant positive correlation with almost all the growth and yield attributes and chemical traits. From the above findings, it is concluded that for accruing maximum economic advantage, rabi maize variety GM 3 should be irrigated by adopting all furrow method of irrigation and fertilized @ 150 kg N ha-1 along with 50 kg P2O5/ha.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED RENAL BIOPSY USING 14 AND 16 GAUGE TRU-CUT BIOPSY NEEDLES IN ADULT DOGS.(AAU, Anand, 2005) PATEL, SUDHAKAR SUBHASH; PARIKH, P. V.An experiment was conducted on ultrasound guided renal biopsy using 16 gauge (Group I, n=12) and 14 gauge (Group IL n =5) needles in 17 clinically healthy dogs of either sex. The biopsy procedure was carried out under general anaesthesia using combination of ketamine (10 mg/kg bodyweight, i.v.) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg body weight, i.v.) and premedication with acepromazine @ 0.05 mg/kg body weight, i.m. The renal biopsy was performed by routine ultrasound guided technique. The biopsy sample in group I was obtained by 16 gauge Tru-cut biopsy needle and in group II by 14 gauge Tru-cut biopsy needle with spring loaded gun. Pre-biopsy, immediate post-biopsy and 48 hrs. post-biopsy arterial blood and urine samples were obtained from animals of either groups for biochemical study and urinanalysis. Clinical observations and biopsy samples quality was recorded following biopsy in both the groups. Under post-biopsy clinical observation, general health, appetite, water intake and urination were found normal in all 17 animals. The anaesthetic protocol was found safe with smooth induction and uncomplicative recovery. The ultrasound images in either group were observed with use of 5.0 MHz Mechanical Sector Transducer with B-Mode. Renal cortex was having intermediate echogenicity, medulla was seen hypoechoic and renal pelvis was highly echognic. The cortex was hyperechoic relative to the medulla and a distinct demarcation between them was present and echogenic rim separated cortical from the rnedullary tissue. The needle were seen parallel to the dotted line in hyperechoic image. The biochemical study with arterial blood sample revealed a nonsignificant alteration in the determinants of glomerular filtration rate such as blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine and also in arterial blood gases like blood pH, partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide, total carbon dioxide and haemoglobin oxygen saturation percentage in either groups after biopsy. The plasma electrolytes such as sodium and chloride in group II and potassium in group I revealed a significant decrease and increase at 48 hrs. post-biopsy, respectively. The urinanalysis in both the groups recorded non-significant variations in urine pH and specific gravity, urine creatinine, urinary sodium and protein as well as in urine protein/urine creatinine ratio and urinary fractional excretion of sodium after biopsy. A significant increase in enzymuria like urinary N-acetyl-beta-DGlucosaminidase in either groups and urinary alanine aminopeptidase in group II was observed at immediate and 48 hrs. post-biopsy. Urinary gamma glutamyltransferase non-significantly increased at immediate post-biopsy in either groups followed by a non-significant decrease observed in group I at 48 hrs. post-biopsy. The histopathological findings revealed that the samples obtained using 16 gauge needle (Group I) yielded an average of 10.77 number of glomeruli per sample while the samples using 14 gauge needle (Group II) yielded an average of 7.75 number of glomeruli per sample. The cell morphology of the samples in both the groups was found to be normal. The average size of the biopsy sample obtained by using 16 gauge needle (Group I) was 1 X 0.1 cm. and biopsy sample obtained by using 14 gauge needle (Group 11) was 0.75 X 0.1 cm. The medulla content obtained in samples using 16 gauge needle (Group I) was 5 to70 per cent and samples obtained using 14 gauge needle (Group II) were found have 70, 50, 30, 20 per cent of medulla. Samples analyzed histopathologically for crushing and fragmentation of tissue obtained. One sample crushing using 16 gauge needle (Group I), while four sample obtained using 14 gauge needle (Group II) were found to reveal either crushing (1), fragmentation (1) or both (2) samples. The present study concludes that using ultrasound guided renal biopsy technique, 16 gauge Tru-cut biopsy needle still gives adequate quality biopsy sample, cell morphology and glomeruli number with less renal injury as compared to 14 gauge needle, hence useful, especially in dogs with high risk for renal failure.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION SCHEDULES (IW : CPE RATIO) AND MULCHES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SUMMER GREENGRAM UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2005) PANCHAL, HIRENKUMAR D; PATEL, J. J.A field experiment was conducted during summer season of the year 2003 at the College Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to study the, "Influence of irrigation schedules (IW : CPE ratio) and mulches on growth and yield of summer greengram under middle Gujarat conditions". The soil of the experimental field was loamy sand in texture having good drainage, low in nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and high in potash with pH 7.5. Sixteen treatment combinations consisting of four levels of irrigation schedules (IW : CPE ratio) viz.,I0- control critical growth stages. I1- 0.5 IW : CPE ratio, I2- 0.7 IW : CPE ratio and I3- 0.9 IW : CPE ratio and four mulches viz., control-no mulch (Mo), organic mulch i.e. Bajra Bhusa @ 5t ha-1(M1), black polythene sheet (M2) and silver colour sheet (M3) were tested under split plot design with four replications. The results indicated that the seed and dry fodder yield as well as most of the growth and yield attributes of summer greengram were significantly influenced due to different irrigation schedules. The results further revealed that treatment I2 (0.7 IW : CPE ratio) recorded significantly higher av. plant height at 20 and 50 DAS and at harvest, av. number of branches per plant, av. number of pods per plant, av. number of seeds per pod, av. pod length (cm) and test weight (1000- seed weight in g). Treatment I2 (0.7 IW : CPE ratio) secured the highest seed yield (1234.03 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield (2303.47 kg ha-1) of summer greengram. The seed and dry fodder yield increase under the same treatment was to the tune of 110.86 and 34.35 per cent, respectively over treatment lo (Control- critical growth stages). Significantly the highest nitrogen uptake (49.21 kg ha-1) by seed was observed under treatment I2 (0.7 IW : CPE ratio), while same treatment recorded significantly higher phosphorus uptake (4.06 kg ha-1) and was being at par with treatment I3 (0.9 IW: CPE ratio). The consumptive use of water was increased with increase in IW : CPE ratio, whereas the water use efficiency was higher with lower IW : CPE ratio. The highest net realization (18515 Rs. ha-1) was secured under treatment I2 (0.7 IW : CPE ratio), followed by h (0.9 IW : CPE ratio) and Ii (0.5 IW : CPE ratio), while the lowest net realization (6354 Rs. ha-1) was found under treatment lo (Control- critical growth stages). The highest net ICBR (1:7.17) was secured under treatment h (0.7 IW : CPE ratio), followed by the treatments I1 (0.5 IW : CPE ratio) with net ICBR of 1: 5.68 and I3 (0.9 IW: CPE ratio) with net ICBR of 1:3.63. Among the various mulches, application of organic mulch i.e. Bajra Bhusa @ 51 ha-1 (M1) resulted in the maximum growth and yield attributes which ultimately resulted in higher seed and dry fodder yield of summer greengram. Application of organic mulch i.e. Bajra Bhusa @ 51 ha-1 (M1) secured significantly the highest seed yield (1128.47 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield (2076.39 kg ha-1). The seed and dry fodder yield increase under the same treatment was to the tune of 41.79 and 17.48 per cent respectively over treatment Mo (Control-no mulch). Treatment M1 (organic mulch) recorded significantly the highest nitrogen uptake (42.89 kg ha-1) in seed. Apart from this, it secured the highest consumptive use of water and water use efficiency. The highest value of net realization (16289 Rs. ha-1) and net ICBR 1:1.52 were observed under the same treatment. During the course of investigation, interaction effect of irrigation and mulches revealed that treatment combination of I0M2 (Control: at critical growth stage and black polythene sheet) recorded significantly lower toted weed count and dry weight of weed at harvest. For securing higher seed yield and net realization from summer greengram crop Cv. GM- 4 raised on loamy sand soils of middle Gujarat, it is advisable to apply nine irrigations, 2nd irrigation of 25 mm depth and rest of the irrigations, each of 50 mm depth to be scheduled at an IW : CPE ratio of 0.7. The first irrigation should be applied immediately after sowing, second at seven days after first irrigation and remaining irrigations at an interval of seven days with application as organic mulch i.e. Bajra Bhusa @ 5 t ha-1 (M1) for securing higher seed yield and maximum net realization over control i.e. no mulch.ThesisItem Open Access TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES OF SHROT TERM EXPOSURE OF BANTAMIZED WHITE LEGHORN BIRDS TO ACEPHATE(AAU, Anand, 2005) PATEL, NILENKUMAR P.; Thaker, A. M.The present study was conducted in 8 to 10 week old Bantamized White Leghorn birds; approximate medium lethal dose (ALD50) of Acephate use for the study was 852mg/kg. Ninety birds were divided into six different groups. The birds of group Ci was given no treatment and served as control. Group C2 was administered groundnut oil (1 ml/kg) and served as control (vehicle). Group T1 was given l/10th of ALD50 (85.2 mg/kg). Group T2 was put on 1/20th of ALD50 (42.6 mg/kg), while group T3 received 1/30th of ALD50 (28.4 mg/kg) and group T4 was administered with 1/40th of ALD50 (21.3 mg/kg) of Acephate suspended in 1 ml of groundnut oil. Once daily oral dosing was carried out for 28 days. All the birds were monitored for any observable toxic symptoms throughout the experimental period and they were also weighed weekly to monitor body weight gain. The blood samples were collected from wing vein at weekly interval and were analyzed for haematological and biochemical parameters. After 28 days of administration of Acephate birds were sacrificed and organs (lung, liver, spleen, heart, kidney, brain and testes) were collected for histopathological examinations. Severity and extent of the clinical signs varied according to dosage administered to the birds. The clinical symptoms observed were sudden onset of depression, reduced feed intake, dullness, ruffled feathers, cyanosis of comb, green diarrhea and severe limb weakness and some time paralysis. Mortality was observed from third week which was in dose dependent manner. Nervine symptoms like tremor, head down condition and torticolis were noticed only for few minutes before death. There was a reduction in the body weight of the insecticide treated birds. No alteration had been recorded in haematological parameters (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count and total leukocyte count) due to Acephate exposure. Dose dependent significant increase in blood glucose due to administration of Acephate was observed. A significant dose dependent increase in Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase and Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase level of the birds treated with the insecticide after 7 days of treatment indicates their systemic effect. Increase in the triglyceride was observed in treated birds. A significant decrease in serum proteins during study was recorded. Dose dependent increase in the alkaline phosphatase was observed. During the experimentation, Acephate at all the doses inhibited acetylcholinesterase indicating neurotoxicity due to administration of Acephate. Present study revealed that though Acephate is moderately toxic to the birds; it seems to be toxic for multiple systems in growing birds at given dosage. Gross postmortem and histopathological changes in various organs of birds treated with Acephate were observed with typical organophosphate dose dependent toxicity signs. Microscopic changes observed in different organs viz. lung, liver, spleen, heart, kidney, testis and brain which were typical to insecticide poisoning. Though Acephate has been reported moderately toxic to the birds at the doses administered in this study produce toxicity to multiple systems of growing birds used in the studyThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON CANINE PYOMETRA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CLINICALDIAGNOSIS, HAEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND UTERINE PATHOLOGY(AAU, Anand, 2005) DABHI, DINESHKUMAR M.; DHAMI, A. J.This investigation was taken up on 14 pyometric (10 open; 4 closed pyometra) and 10 normal bitches presented for ovario-hysterectomy at the College Clinic including screening of past two years records of all canine clinical cases attended to know the incidence of various reproductive disorders particularly pyometra. Other objectives were to evaluate clinical and radiographic diagnostic modalities, haematological, blood biochemical and sex steroid profile, bacterial isolates of uterine content and their antibiogram, and surgical therapy by ovariohysterectomy in cases of canine pyometra, and to study the gross and histopathological structures in the genital organs of pyometric and normal bitches. Of the total 5024 clinical cases attended in canines during the year 2003-05, 224 (4.46 %) and 28 (0.56 %) were of gynaecological and andrological nature, respectively. The highest incidence was of pyometra (27.23 %), followed by mammary tumours (16.52 %), pro-oestrus (12.50 %), pregnancy diagnosis (11.61 %), spaying (11.61 %), CTVG (7.14 %), misalliance (3.12 %) and others (10.26 %). Among the andrological cases, the highest incidence was of scrotal dermatitis (32.14 %), followed by castration (25.00 %), venereal granulomas (14.28 %), orchitis (10.71 %), prostatic hyperplasia (10.71 %) and balano-posthitis (7.14 %). The breed most prone to gynaecological disorders was Pomeranian (42.85 %). The highest occurrence of gynaecological cases was found in young bitches 0-5 years old (49.11%). Of the 14 pyometric bitches, incidence of pyometra was higher in 9-12 years age group (42.85 %), followed by 5-8 years (28.57 %) and in < 4 years and >13 years age groups (14.28 % each). The age range of affected bitches was 2.5 years to 13 years with a mean of 8.36 ± 0.82 years. The age of bitches presented for spaying ranged from 1 to 6 years with a mean of 3.60 ± 0.46 years. Further, the highest incidence of pyometra was observed in Pomeranian breed (8 cases) and nulliparous bitches (64.29 %). Oestrous cycle was irregular in 42.86 and 30.00 per cent of pyometric and normal bitches. The general condition of bitches with closed pyometra was poor, whereas it was fair in cases of open pyometra. The distension of abdomen was apparent in 57.14 per cent cases and on palpation, uterus was also found distended. Inappetance, fever and vomition was observed in 78.57, 64.28 and 28.57 per cent of pyometric bitches, while toxaemia, polyuria and polydipsia was present in 50.00, 42.86 and 57.14 per cent of pyometric bitches, respectively. Vaginal discharge sticking to the hair of tail and perineum was present in all cases of open pyometra and it's colour varied from gray to chocolate with foul odour. Abdominal palpation was clear in 5 cases and unclear in 9 cases. Radiography done in 5 selected cases of pyometra revealed clear picture in 3 and unclear in 2 cases. A significantly lower mean haemoglobin (Hb) and total erythrocyte count (TEC) was found in pyometric bitches (11.21 ± 0.91 g % and 5.86 ± 0.45 million/cmm) than in healthy bitches (14.26 ± 0.49 g % and 7.92 ± 0.17 million/cmm). The mean PCV value was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (40.34 ± 1.87 vs 34.35 ± 2.70 %) and that of ESR lower (2.60 ± 0.31 vs 9.53 ± 1.33 mm) in healthy bitches as compared to pyometric ones. There was slight improvement in the Hb, TEC and ESR post-operatively, but not in PCV, in pyometric bitches. Pyometric bitches showed a marked leukocytosis as compared to healthy ones (26.61 ± 3.13 vs 14.10 ± 0.82 thousand/cmm). Neutrophil count was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (74.30 ± 1.75 vs 57.80 ± 0.76 %) and lymphocyte lower (22.07 ± 1.59 vs 37.70 ± 0.58 %) in pyometric bitches than the normal ones. The levels of both serum urea and creatinine were three times higher (P < 0.01) in pyometric bitches than the normal ones (54.79 ± 6.12 vs 16.60 ± 1.25 and 2.67 ± 0.34 vs 0.84 ± 0.08 mg/dl, respectively). Serum cholesterol concentration observed in pyometric bitches was significantly greater than that in normal bitches (263.86 ±21.54 vs 190.70 ± 18.79 mg/dl). Moreover, the levels of all three constituents, particularly serum urea and creatinine, declined in all cases of pyometra following ovario-hysterectomy. Serum total protein concentration was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in pyometric bitches than the healthy ones (7.75 ±0.51 vs 5.71 ±0.13 g/dl), but were identical for close and open pyometra. Moreover, the serum albumin concentration of pyometric bitches was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (2.27 ± 0.20 vs 3.17 ± 0.21 g/dl) and globulin higher (5.48 ± 0.49 vs 2.54 ± 0.25 g/dl) than that in healthy bitches, thus drastically reducing the albumin-globulin ratio (0.47 ± 0.06 vs 1.42 ± 0.21) in pyometric bitches. The mean activities of serum ASAT and ALAT were markedly increased in bitches affected with pyometra (69.43 ± 3.98 and 77.86 ± 7.70 IU/1) as compared to those in normal bitches (33.60 ± 2.85 and 30.80 ± 1.39 IU/1). Serum ALP activity was also found markedly elevated (P < 0.01) in pyometric bitches than the normal ones (81.14 ± 7.93 vs 40.40 ± 3.87 ICAU %), and the levels were insignificantly higher in cases of closed pyometra than the open ones but not the ASAT or ALAT, and the levels of all 3- dropped a little following surgery in affected animals. Serum progesterone profile was three times elevated (9.42 ± 2.20 vs 3.53 ± 1.07 ng/ml) and oestradio-17(3 was only one-half (364.14 ± 68.71 vs 615.00 ± 170.15 pg/ml ) in pyometric bitches than the normal ones. Moreover, the mean progesterone concentration was significantly higher in cases of closed pyometra than the open ones (18.90 ± 3.41 vs 5.63 ± 1.83 ng/ml), but not the oestradio-17p, and it's levels declined significantly (P < 0.05) following ovario-hysterectomy in all animals. Uterine horns of bitches affected with pyometra ranged between 10 and 30 cm, with the identical mean lengths of right and left horns (16.62 ± 1.31 and 16.29 ± 1.48 cm). The mean weight of intact organs of pyometric bitches was 469.28 ± 143.73 gm and in healthy bitches 80.50 ± 24.79 gm. Endometrium of pyometric bitches was found to be smooth in most cases and thickened in 3 cases. In cases of open pyometra, uterine walls were found thickened as compared to closed pyometra. In few cases oedema, thickening, corrugation or velvety appearance with roughened endometrium were observed. In majority of the cases endometrial surface was necrosed, ulcerated, eroded with focal to diffuse thickened cystic areas due to endometrial hyperplasia. The quantity of uterine content ranged from 8 ml to 1900 ml with a mean of 223.43 ± 132.97 ml in pyometric bitches, being greater in closed pyometra (220-1900 ml). It's colour was blood mixed reddish brown (chocolate) to grayish white with watery to thick creamy consistency. Ovaries revealed corpora lutea, cysts and follicles in majority of pyometric bitches. Histopathological examination of uterine tissues from pyometric bitches revealed CEH and inflammatory reaction classical of CEHPC. Out of 14 pyometric cases. 13 (92.86 %) were found positive for different bacterial isolates. Of these, gram-positive cocci were observed in 9, gram-negative bacilli in 1 and mixed isolates in 3 cases. Whereas all samples of 10 healthy bitches were negative for any pathogen. Drug sensitivity pattern revealed norfloxacin the most effective antibiotic. No fungal growth _could be seen in any of the cases studied. Judiciously performed ovario-hysterectomy was found uneventful to grace life to the pyometric bitches.ThesisItem Open Access OVARIAN STEROIOS AND BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF POLLICULAR FLUID IN RELATION TO FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS GOATS(AAU, Anand, 2005) PATEL, SANJAYKUMAR B.; Pathak, M. M.The present investigation was carried out on non-descript adult female goats of Gujarat State with the objective to study the ovarian steroid and biochemical constituents of follicular fluid of different categories of follicle. Follicular fluid of small (2-3 mm), medium (> 3-5 mm) and large (> 5 mm) sized follicle was collected from 60 goats slaughtered at slaughter house and follicular fluid from preovulatory and anovulatory follicles was collected by laparotomy of adult goats of the farm. Collection of follicular fluid from preovulatory follicle of the normally cyclic goats was made by laparotomising the goat after detection of the animal in heat. Follicular fluid from anovulatory follicle was collected after 72 hrs. of heat in superovulated goats. Superovulation was carried out by PMSG (Folligon®) and all treated goats were subjected to laparotomy operation, 72 hours after breeding and the follicular fluid was aspirated from follicles present on the ovaries at the time of operation. Follicular fluid samples collected from such different stages of follicular development were analysed for hormones (estradiol-17β, progesterone and testosterone) by standard RIA technique and biochemical constituents (total protein and cholesterol) by standard analytical procedure. The results revealed that the level of estradiol-17β increased significantly (P < 0.05) at every stages of follicular development. The smallest follicle (2-3 mm) had lowest concentration of estradiol-17β in follicular fluid (8.95 ± 0.89 ng/ml) which rose gradually with the development of follicles. Preovulatory follicle had significantly higher (32.40 ± 0.78 ng/ml) level of estradiol-17β than small, medium and large sized follicle, whereas the anovulatory follicle showed the highest level (53.00 ± 3.01 ng/ml). Estradiol-7β concentration of follicular fluid showed a significant and positive correlation between different stages of follicular development (r= 0.96). Progesterone concentration in follicular fluid of different developmental stages of follicle varied remarkably. The level of progesterone increased as the follicle grew (small: 3.98 ± 0.40 ng/ml; medium: 8.40 ± 0.35 ng/ml and large: 16.15 ± 1.05 ng/ml) but the differences were statistically nonsignificant. The variation in progesterone concentrations in preovulatory (128.50 ± 5.87 ng/ml) and anovulatory (728.00 ± 33.52 ng/ml) follicles were statistically highly significant (P < 0.05) compared to all developing follicles. Follicular fluid progesterone concentration was positively but nonsignificantly correlated with different stages of follicle (r = 0.83). The level of testosterone in follicular fluid decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as the follicle size increased. The highest value of testosterone (5.68 ± 0.50 ng/ml) was observed in small sized follicle and the lowest value in preovulatory follicle (0.55 ± 0.03 ng/ml). The differences were statistically significant for small and medium sized follicle only (P < 0.05). Testosterone values were negatively correlated with different stages of follicular development (r = -0.66). Ratios of different hormones were also analysed statistically. It revealed that there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in estradiol-ivp/progesterone ratio in follicular fluid as the follicle increased in size except small and medium size follicle. The highest ratio of estradiol-17β/progesterone (2.66 ± 0.53) observed in small sized follicle whereas the lowest ratio (0.07 ± 0.01) was observed in anovulatory follicle. Estradiol-lyp/progesterone ratio had significant and negative correlation with follicular development (r = -0.99). The differences of progesterone/testosterone ratio for small (0.63 ± 0.01), medium (6.87 ± 0.34) and large (26.08 ± 0.05) sized follicle were statistically nonsignificant but these ratio differed significantly from that of preovulatory (228.07 ± 14.78) and anovulatory (982.43 ± 87.18) follicle. Progesterone/testosterone ratio correlated positively with follicle development (r = 0.85). The results revealed that there was progressive increase in estradiol- 17β/testosterone ratio in follicular fluid as follicle developed. Lowest value of estradiol- 17β/testerone ratio was observed in small (1.67 ± 0.19) sized follicle, while highest value of ratio was observed in anovulatory follicle (69.51 ± 4.88). Ratio of estradiol- 17βand testosterone was correlated significantly (P < 0.05) and positively with the different categories of follicles (r = 0.93). The studies on biochemical constituents indicated that the differences observed in cholesterol concentrations in follicular fluid of different category of follicle were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Follicular fluid cholesterol levels showed significant and positive correlation with various stages of follicular development (r = 0.90). The variation of total protein content of follicular fluid of different categories of follicle was found statistically significant (P < 0.05). Average total protein content ranged from 3.13 ± 0.20 gm/dl in small sized follicle to 12.59 ± 0.31 gm/dl in anovulatory follicle. Follicular fluid protein concentration correlated positively but nonsignificantly with different stages of follicle development (r = 0.80). Overall, it was found that follicular fluid concentration of steroid hormones and biochemical parameter has important relative association with the physiology of follicle and oocyte development, their maturation and ovulation.ThesisItem Open Access MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF KATHIAWARI HORSE USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS.(AAU, Anand, 2005) BHUPENDRABHAI, RAVAL KETANKUMAR; Brahmkshtri, B. P.Genetic diversity can be described as genomic variation among individuals within and between breeds. Characterization of breed is the very first step for its conservation. Microsatellites have been found very useful as genetic markers for characterization. This study is an attempt to characterize Kathiawari breed of horse using six sets of microsatellite markers. A set of five bovine and six equine origin microsatellite primers viz. ILSTS-005, ILSTS-011, ILSTS-030, ILSTS-033, ILSTS-034, LEX 025, LEX 027, LEX 032, LEX 034, LEX 035, and LEX 041 were tested for PCR amplification on randomly collected Kathiawah horse DNA samples. Out of these, six microsatellites viz. LEX 025, LEX 027, LEX 032, LEX 034, LEX 035, and LEX 041 were selected based on their ability to amplify chosen genomic regions. Out of fifty-three DNA samples, forty-six responded well to PCR amplification after optimisation of their quality. The PCR products were electrophoresed on 2% agarose along with lOObp DNA ladder to judge the size of different PCR products. Tine sizes of different PCR products were found to be approximately 145 bp, 195 bp, 260 bp, 250 bp, 252 bp and 155 bp for microsatellites LEX 025, LEX 027, LEX 032, LEX 034, LEX 035, and LEX 041 respectively. The amplified PCR products were further subjected to electrophoresis on 6% denaturing urea polyacrilamide gel (Denaturing PAGE) for allelic typing. Microsatellite LEX 025 exhibited five alleles in 6 different genotypic combinations. Allele # 3 was predominant in Kathiawari breed with maximum gene frequency (0.435). This allele was mainly expressed in heterozygous form. Allele # 1 was observed at least frequency (0.043). Microsatellite LEX 027 exhibited five alleles in nine different genotypic combinations. Allele # 2 occurred at maximum frequency i.e. 0.326. This allele mainly exhibited in heterozygous form. Allele # 1 occurred at minimum frequency i.e. 0.044 which was observed in only 3 animals. Microsatellite LEX 032 exhibited five alleles in ten different genotypic combinations. Allele # 1 occurred at maximum frequency i.e. 0.348, which was mainly exhibited in heterozygous form. Allele # 5 occurred at minimum frequency i.e. 0.054 which was observed in only 5 animals. Kathiawari horses exhibited four alleles in six different genotypic combinations at LEX 034 microsatellite locus . Allele # 4 occurred at maximum frequency (0.696), which was mainly exhibited in homozygous form. Allele # 3 occurred at minimum frequency i.e. 0.011, which was observed in only 1 animal. Microsatellite LEX 035 exhibited four alleles in eight different genotypic combinations. Allele # 1 occurred at maximum frequency (0.446). This allele mainly observed in heterozygous form. Allele# 4 occurred at minimum frequency (0.13). Kathiawari horses exhibited six alleles in eight different genotypic combinations at LEX 041 microsatellite locus. Allele # 5 occurred at maximum frequency of 0.402 in contrast to minimum frequency of 0.022 for Allele# 2 . The heterozygosity values at different loci were 0.684, 0.760, 0.755, 0.476, 0.702, and 0.717 for microsatellites LEX 025, LEX 027, LEX 032, LEX 034, LEX 035, and LEX 041 respectively. Microsatellite LEX 027 was highly polymorphic while microsatellite LEX 034 was the least polymorphic locus among all six microsatellites. The average heterozygosity of all six loci was 0.682. The polymorphic information content (PIC) was calculated from number of alleles and heterozygosity. The values were 0.621, 0.709, 0.704, 0.427, 0.645 and 0.662 for microsatellites LEX 025, LEX 027, LEX 032, LEX 034, LEX 035, and LEX 041 respectively. Microsatellite loci amplified in present study were found to be polymorphic with 4 to 6 alleles in Kathiawari horse. The heterozygosity and PIC ranged from 0.476 to 0.760 and from 0.427 to 0.709 respectively.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON FEEDING OF DETOXIFIED CASTOR SEED CAKE (Ricinus communis) IN COMMERCIAL BROILERS(AAU, Anand, 2005) SHARMA, RAVINDER; KHANNA, KULDEEPFour hundred twenty straight run "Cobb" day-old commercial broiler chicks of same hatch procured from Charotar hatcheries, Pansora, Anand, were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments viz. Tl: control broiler ration, T2: 5% detoxified castor seed cake based broiler ration and T3: 10% detoxified castor seed cake based broiler ration. There were 140 chicks in each treatment having fourteen replications (10 chicks in each replication). The isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental rations formulated for two phases of growth were: Broiler Starter (0-4 weeks) and Broiler Finisher (5-6 weeks). The Crude Protein and Metabolizable Energy content of the broiler rations was decided keeping in view the genetic growth attained by "Cobb" during last twelve years. The rations were fortified with adequate vitamin supplements and coccidiostats. The birds were reared in the cage system of housing during the entire experimental period. The average initial body weight of day old chicks of the three treatment groups i.e. T1, T2 and T3 were 44.30±0.249, 43.67±0.291 and 43.90±0.365g, respectively that finally reached to 1513.77±12.315, 1508.96±15.876 and 1497.64±14.663g, respectively in T1, T2 and T3 at the end of 6 weeks. In this respect the treatment groups did not differ (P<0.05) from each other. The respective average body weight gain at the end of 4th week for T1, T2 and T3 was 750.82±6.680, 770.94±8.442, and 704.99±7.864g, respectively, while overall 0-6 week average body weight gain was 1467.99±11.165, 1458.47117.348 and 1452.99±14.479g for treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The total average feed consumption during 0-6 week in Tl, T2 and T3 groups were 2549.74+18.444, 2653.87±16.008 and 2570.45±20.983g, respectively. The intake of broilers in Tl and T3 groups was statistically (P<0.05) similar but both differed from T2 group. Similar was the trend for the overall (0-6 week) average feed conversion ratio (kg/ kg weight gain), which was 1.69±0.011, 1.76±0.020 and 1.72±0.017 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The average percent livabilty of broilers in Tl, T2 and T3 groups was 96.4, 96.4 and 98.5, respectively. The European performance efficiency index for treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 during starter phase was 209.81+4.178, 214.5713.422 and 211.63±4.304; and the same during finisher phase respectively was 213.50±2.781, 204.05±4.323 and 207.77±3.667. The dressing yields observed were 1.06±0.04, 0.98±0.03, and 0.99±0.04kg in T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively. The organs weight in treatment groups Tl, T2 and T3 with respect to Liver (37.61±1.76, 39.71±1.22 and 37.73±1.89g), Gizzard (33.81±1.83, 31.48±0.90 and 28.60±1.25g), Heart (7.79±0.50, 8.25±0.16 and 7.08±0.25g), Spleen (2.81±0.37, 2.66±0.16 and 2.76±0.28g) and Kidney (11.35±1.34, 11.63±0.54 and 11.88±0.49g) were more or less similar. The results of this study indicated that inclusion of detoxified castor seed cake up to 10% level in the broiler ration has no any adverse effect on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, Livability, carcass characteristics and European performance efficiency index.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF QUALITY FEED AND LITTER MATERIALS ON BROILER PERFORMANCE(AAU, Anand, 2005) SHARNAM, KUMAR SHAMBHU; Patel, Ashok M.A field bench mark survey was carried out to study the basic problems faced by the farmers on quality feeds, suitability of litter materials and optimum floor space required for broiler production in nearby villages embarrassing 20-25 km radius of Veterinary College, Anand, Gujarat state. The experiment was conducted on 887 straight run day old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb) obtained from M/S Venkey's hatcheries Pvt. Ltd., Anand and the growth trial was conducted in layer house, poultry unit of the Instructional Farm, Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat) from 03-09-03 to 08-10-03. The experimental birds were randomly distributed in eight equal floor spaced cells (125 sq.ft/cell). The two litter materials viz Rice husk (L1) and wheat straw + saw dust (L2) in equal weight based proportion were spread uniformly with one inch thickness initially in all eight cells and fed two different rations Ri (BS-I: 24.18 % CP and 2999 Kcal/Kg ME with 124:1 energy: protein ratio and BF-I: 22.22 % CP and 3108 Kcal/Kg ME with 140:1 energy: protein ratio) and R2 (BS-II: 22.12 % CP, 2879 Kcal/Kg ME with 130:1 energy: protein ratio and BF-II: 19.87 % CP and 2941 Kcal/Kg ME with 148:1 energy: protein ratio) in order to form four combinations viz. L1R1, L1R2, L2R1 and L2R2 of litter materials and rations. Broiler starters were given upto 3rd week after that broiler finishers rations were given to birds along with broiler starter in ratio of 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 for two days consecutively in 4th week and during 5th week birds were fed on solely broiler finishers upto 35th day.