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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 IMMUNOTOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES OF SUBACUTE ACEPHATE EXPOSURE IN WHITE LEGHORN COCKEREL BIRDS(AAU, Anand, 2006) TRIPATHI, SYAMANTAK MANI; THAKER, A. M.Acephate (Ace), a water-soluble insecticide, belongs to the phosphoramidothioate group of organophosphate (OP) insecticides. Acephate is an organophosphate foliar spray insecticide of moderate persistence with residual systemic activity of about 10-15 days. It is being widely used for the protection of vegetables and fruits due to its activity against lepidopterans and aphids. As this insecticide is in use as crop protectant, it is likely to cause indirect exposure in poultry through contamination of feed, soil and ground water (in very low amount) and hence, the present study was conducted in Day old White Leghorn Cockerels birds; approximate medium lethal dose (ALD50) of Acephate taken into consideration for the study was 852mg/kg. One hundred twenty five birds were divided into five different groups each comprising 25 birds. The birds of group Ci were given no treatment and served as control. Group C2 were administered groundnut oil (Iml/kg) and served as control (vehicle). Group T1 was put onl/40th of ALD50 (21.3 mg/kg), while group T2 received 1/30th of ALD50 (28.4 mg/kg) and group T3 was administered withl/20th of ALD50 (42.6 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 before sacrificing the birds on day 15 (after 14 days oral dosing) and day 29 (after 28 days oral dosing) of the study and were analyzed for hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. Organ (liver, spleen, bursa and thymus) weights were recorded and organs (liver, spleen, bursa thymus, lung, and kidney) 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. During the study period 6-8 birds died. 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 Acephate 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 Oxaloacetate Transaminase and Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase and non significant increase in Lactate Dehydrogenase level of the birds treated with the Acephate indicates its systemic effect. A significant decrease in serum proteins during study was observed. A significant decrease in serum albumin and globulin were observed on 28th day of study. During the experimentation, Acephate had dose dependent immunosuppressive effect on Humoral immune response of birds from 28th day of experimentation. These findings indicate significant effect on protein metabolism and humoral immune response at the administered doses of Acephate. Cellular immunity was not affected as tested by DNCB dye test. Present study revealed that Acephate at administered doses seems to be toxic for multiple systems in growing WLH birds. 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. liver, lung, kidney spleen, thymus and bursa were of typical to organophosphate insecticide poisoning. Though, Acephate has been reported mild to moderately toxic to the birds; it seems that doses of Acephate given in the present study produce mild toxicity to multiple body systems of growing birds including immune system.ThesisItem Open Access DETECTION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF MAREK'S DISEASE VIRUS SEROTYPES BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) AND CHARACTERIZATION BY DNA SEQUENCING OF THE PCR PRODUCT(AAU, Anand, 2006) KALYANI, IRSADULLAKHAN HABIBULLAKHAN; Purohut, J. H.Marek's disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disorder of chicken characterized by oncogenic transformation of T cells that infiltrate lymphoid tissues, peripheral nerves and visceral organs, resulting in a complex pathogenesis that usually leads to death of the affected chicken. The causative agent of MD, Marek's disease virus (MDV) a cell associated herpesvirus, is ubiquitous in almost all poultry population raised under commercial conditions. The present study was under taken to assess incidence of MD as per the farm records on the basis of clinical signs and post mortem lesions, detection of MDV from clinical cases exhibiting frank lesions of MD by PCR, comparing the efficacy of different primers in detecting the MDV as well as differentiating the serotypes in tissues and feather follicle and genetic characterization by sequencing of the PCR amplified fragment carrying 132 bp repeats. During June to November 2005 outbreaks of MD were suspected in flocks of egg type birds on farms situated in and around Anand district located of central Gujarat as well as from farms around Mahuva located in Saurastra region of Gujarat state. The strength of individual affected flocks varied from 4500 to 25000 birds with a total population of 4,26,991 birds. Of these, 14110 birds died due to MD (as per the farm records of history, symptoms and postmorterm lesions) with an over all mortality of 3.30 per cent during the months of June to November 2005. During the investigation, a total of thirty six commercial poultry farms and forty nine batches of layer birds suffered from mortality due to MD, in addition to Central Poultry Research Station (CPRS) Veterinary College Anand, where mortality occured in layer birds. Mortality in commercial poultry farms ranged between 0.6 to 7.3 per cent. A total of 34 clinical samples (17 feather follicles and 17 spleen ) from 27 birds suspected of MD were collected by making visits to the various commercial poultry farms and also from CPRS Veterinary College Anand. Suspected clinical samples and four MD vaccine strains, including three HVT (MDV-3) vaccines and one SB-I(MDV-2) vaccine were processed for DNA extraction. DNA was extracted from samples of feather follicle using proteinase K mixture, where as DNeasy Tissue Kit (QIAGEN Pvt. Ltd) was used for tissue samples. Sample showing acceptable purity and concentration were subjected to PCR amplification using six different primers. Total of six pairs of primers were used, which were selected to amplify different gene segments. The primer pair BamHl/BamH2 specifically amplifying a 434 bp segment from BamHI fragment (of MDV-1) containing 132 bp repeats located in TRL and IRL region of MDV genome, detected 32 samples positive indicating presence of double 132 bp repeats in the amplified segment. All the three HVT vaccines and one SB-1 vaccine failed to produce the amplification as the selected primer is specific for MDV-1 only. Primer pair AGAM1/AGAM2 and P1/P2, both targeting the antigen A gene (UL44) produced 314 bp and 199 bp products respectively in 30 out of 34 clinical samples tested, however, none of the HVT vaccine or SB-1 vaccine yielded positive result, suggesting the specificity of these primers for MDV-1. Primer set M1.1/M1.8 amplified a 318 bp product as against expected 247 bp product in 30 samples. To confirm the result, these primers were subjected to NCBI BLAST, and it was found that the primer specific segment of 318 bp does exist in pubhshed sequence of Md5, and Mdl IBAC. None of the HVT as well as SB-1 vaccine produce any amplification indicating the specificity of primer in detecting MDV-1. Only two field samples produced expected amplicon of 505 bp when tested with MDV-3 specific HVT1/HVT2 to detect the vaccine virus (HVT). All the three HVT vaccines produced the amplicon of 505 bp, whereas SB-1 vaccine was negative, proving specificity of this primer pair for HVT. Out of the six primer pairs, BamHl/ BamH2 and AGA1/AGA2 detected MDV in maximum number (32) of field samples. Primers AGAM1/AGAM2, P1/P2 and Ml.l/M.1.8 detected the same number (30) of samples positive. Primer pair HVTl/ HVT-2 detected MDV-3 in two feather follicle samples indicating possible excretion of the vaccine virus. PCR products (434 bp) of MDV genome amplified by BamHl/BamH2 primers from two field samples (M3, M4) having good quality DNA (i.e. 1.7-1.9 OD at 260/280 nm) as detennined by spectrophotometry were used for sequencing by ABI PRISM® 310 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA), using BigDye® Terminator v3.1 Cycle sequencing kit (Applied Biosystems, USA). The sequence obtained revealed two 132 bp repeats in the 378 bp stretch indicating virulent nature of the field MDV. The alignment of 378 bp sequence of M3 and M4 with previously published sequences of the MDV isolates Md5, Mdll, HPRS-16 and CDs of tumourogenicity associated m-RNA and CDs published from BamH gene family revealed that the field isolates of present study shared complete homology (100%). Results of sequencing along with history of vaccination in the affected birds and involvement of different organs on postmortem examination indicated about the increase in virulence of MDV circulating in field causing recent outbreaks.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMIC RAISING OF GIR ( Bos indicus ) CALVES BY FEEDING MILK REPLACER(AAU, Anand, 2006) ODEDRA, MULRAJ DEVABHAI; RAVIKALA, K.An experiment of thirteen weeks duration was conducted on eighteen weaned Gir calves randomly divided into three groups of six each. The first group received whole milk feeding, while the second group received milk replacer feeding replacing 25 per cent of milk and the third group received milk replacer feeding replacing 50 per cent of whole milk. Milk replacer was more or less similar to milk in composition and could sustain tiie growth rate of weaned Gir calves as appeared from the acceptability. The results revealed non significant differences in average daily gains under three treatment groups though the periodical changes in body weight were linear in nature. Milk replacer fed groups recorded poor growth compared to whole milk fed group. Changes in biometry were also non significant due to treatment effect. Overall liquid feed consumption, concentrate intake, roughage intake, total DMI (g/day), per cent DMI and DMI per kg metabolic weight did not differ significantly among three treatment groups. Though the consumption pattern of DMI was at par in all the three treatment groups, body weight gain was poor in T-2 and T-3 due to negative growth recorded in the second week of the experiment. Feed efficiency was at par in all the three treatment groups and it was higher in T-1 followed by T-3 and T-2 indicating the superiority of natural milk to that of milk replacer. Overall difference in the cost of feeding/kg body weight gain was also non significant in three treatment groups. Cost of feeding/kg gain was the lowest in T-3 followed by T-1 and T-2.ThesisItem Open Access THE STUDY OF CANINE MAMMARY TUMORS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MUTATIONS IN p53 TUMOR SUPPRESSOR GENE BY PCR-SSCP(AAU, Anand, 2006) DHAYGUDE, VITTHAL SHRIRANG; Joshi, B. P.The present study entitled "The study of canine mammary tumors with special reference to mutations in p53 tumor suppressor gene by PCR-SSCP" was conducted to know the prevalence of canine neoplasms as well as mammary tumors by analyzing the data available at Department of Pathology, Veterinary College, Anand and to investigate the role of p53 gene in molecular pathogenesis of canine mammary tumors by mutational analysis using molecular technique PCR- SSCP. Epidemiological studies on canine neoplasms with special reference to mammary tumors were carried out by obtaining the autopsy/ biopsy records of last five years (January 2001- December 2004). Information like breed, age, sex and histopathological type was analyzed and classified year wise, age wise and breed wise to acertain the susceptibility of the canine mammary tumors. For study of mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene a total of sixteen cases of spontaneously occurring canine mammary tumors were collected by personal visits at clinics, hospitals and Dept. of Surgery at Veterinary College, Anand as well as Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai with detailed history and gross observations of individual case. The tumor tissues were collected in two sets of vials from each individual case; one in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathological examination and other in liquid nitrogen (- 196°C) for DNA extraction and subsequent PCR- SSCP studies for detection of mutations in Exon 5, Exon 6 and Exon 5 to 7 of p53 tumor suppressor gene using gene specific primers. During the period from January 2001 to December 2005, a total of 124 autopsy / biopsy samples of various canine neoplasms were recorded. Among these, tumors of skin and soft tissues were recorded highest 74 (59.67 %) followed by mammary gland tumors 43 (34.67 %), transmissible venereal granulomas 3 (2.4 %) and tumors each of ovary and testes 2 (1.6 %). Among different breeds of canines, these neoplasms were recorded highest in Alsatian 27.41 % followed by Pomeranian 21.77%, Labrador 12.90 %, Mongrels 12.10%, Doberman 8.87 %, Spitz 8.5 %, Great-Dane, Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Mastiff each of 2.42 % and Daschounds 1.6 %. Majority of tumors (70.15%) were recorded between 5-12 years of age. Overall there were 67.7 % tumors of benign nature while remaining 32.3 % tumors were malignant. A total of 43 mammary gland tumors were recorded during the period January 2001 to December 2005. All the tumors were recorded in female dogs with near equal frequency during last five years. Among different age groups the canine mammary tumors were recorded highest in the age group of 5 to 8 years (41.9%) followed by 9 to 12 years (37.2%), 13 to 16 years (11.6%) and 0 to 4 years (9.3%). Majority of the neoplasms (79.1%) were recorded between 5 to 12 years of age. Alsatian 37.2 % was found to be most susceptible to develop mammary tumors followed by Pomeranian 25.6 %, Doberman 13.9 %, Labrador 9.3 %, Spitz 6.9 % and Mongrels 6.9 %. Histopathologically out of a total 43 mammary tumors 48.8% were of benign nature while remaining 51.2 % were malignant. Benign neoplastic conditions recorded were adenoma simple & papillary (4), fibroadenoma (5) and mixed tumors involving myoepithelial cells, bone, cartilage and fibrous connective tissue (12). Malignant neoplastic conditions were adenocarcinoma solid, tubular and papillary (16) and mixed malignant tumors involving bone, cartilage and fibrous connective tissue (6). Out of a total 16 cases of mammary tumors collected for study of p53 gene mutations; majority of dogs (13/16) developed mammary tumors between the age of 8 to 10 years. Only three were spayed previously while in other 13 cases ovariohysterectomy was done at the time of surgical removal of the tumor. There was variation in size of the mammary tumor ranging between 2 cm X 1.5cm X 1 cm to 21cm X 15cm X 14cm. Shape of the tumors varied from ovoid, elongated, rounded to irregularly nodular. Maximum tumors were hard and firm in consistency. Mammary glands of the right side were found affected more in comparison to left side. The fourth (caudal abdominal) and fifth (inguinal) pairs of mammary gland were found more suscep*:ibie to develop mammary tumor. Histopathologically all the 16 tumors revealed six conditions of benign nature while remaining ten were of malignant nature. The benign neoplastic conditions diagnosed were mixed benign tumor involving myoepithelial cells, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue and glandular epithelial cells (5) and fibroadenoma (1). The malignant neoplastic conditions were diagnosed in 10 cases. They were adenocarcinoma (solid and papillary) in nine cases and squamous cell carcinoma in one case. DNA was extracted from 15 out of total 16 tumor samples by proteinase K and phenol method. PCR amplification of exon 5 and exon 7 of p53 tumor suppressor gene was obtained in all the 15 samples with separate gene specific primers for respective regions. The amplification of exon 6 could not be made by PCR with different annealing temperatures of 50 °C, 55 °C, 60 °C and 66°C. PCR using Hot start Taq Polymerase was also not successful. PCR- SSCP profile revealed aberrantly migrating bands suggestive of mutations in amplified exon 5 (codon 117-175) of p53 tumor suppressor gene in 20% cases of spontaneous canine mammary tumors. Sequencing in one case of papillary adenocarcinoma out of three with mutant bands revealed four mutations. These were represented as two silent mutations; one on codon No. 117 (CTC-> CTT), second on codon 137 (CCA—> CCG) as well as two missense mutations on codon 157 (ACC—>ACA) and codon 158 (GAG—>AAG) which resulted amino acid change from threonine to lysine and glutamine to lysine. All the above changes in nucleotides were heterozygous. Screening of amplified exon 5 (from codon 165) to exon 7 (upto codon 241) of p53 gene segment for detection of mutations with PCR-SSCP revealed similar band pattern for all samples suggesting no mutations when primer E 5-7 was used. The PCR-SSCP studies suggested that mutations in p53 gene might be invariably involved leading to its inactivation in canine mammary neoplastic condition.ThesisItem Open Access USE OF NEOSTIGMINE AS AN ADDITIVE TO LIGNOCAINE AND BUPIVACAINE FOR EPIDURAL ANAESTHESIA IN COW CALVES(AAU, Anand, 2006) KULKARNI, SHEETAL VIVEK; BARVALIA, D. R.A study on epidural anaesthesia was conducted in 24 cow calves allotted to 4 groups of 6 each by injecting the drug(s) into the first intercoccygeal site. In group A, 2% Hgnocaine hydrochloride @ 0.2mg/kg b.wt.; in group B, combination of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride @ 0.2mg/kg b.wt. with neostigmine 250µg; in group C, 0.5% bupivacaine @ 0.1mg/kg b.wt. and in group D, combination of 0.5% bupivacaine @ 0.1mg/kg b.wt. and neostigmine 250µg were injected epidurally through first intercoccygeal site. The total volume for epidural injection was kept constant (2ml) by adding normal saline solution in all the individuals. The efficacy of each drug alone and in combination was evaluated by observing induction time, return of reflex, duration of anaesthesia, heart and respiration rates, rectal temperature at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes interval after injection. Onset of anaesthesia was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) early in animals of group D as compared to animals of groups B and C, however, inspite of longer time for onset no significant difference was observed in animals of group A as compared to the animals of group D. Duration of anaesthesia was found to be significantly longer (P < 0.05) in animals of group D as compared to animals of other groups. Moreover, duration of anaesthesia also significantly differ (P < 0.05) in animals of groups B and C as compared to animals of group A, however, no significant difference was observed in animals of groups B and C.Return of pinprick reflex was earliest in the animals when lignocaine HCl was used alone (group A) whereas it was almost similar when lignocaine-neostigmine combination (group B), and bupivacaine alone (group C) were used. However, it was much delayed when bupivacaine-neostigmine combination (group D) was used. Animals developed loss of hindlimb co-ordination i.e. ataxia whenever lignocaine HCl alone (group A) was used, however, all the animals of this group were standing throughout the period of study upto 60 min. post injection, whereas, animals of other groups did not showed any signs of ataxia. Analgesia was restricted only to the base of tail when pin prick reflex made in animals of group D where bupivacaine was used in combination with neostigmine, whereas, analgesia was present on entire tail in animals of other groups. In all the groups, alterations in mean heart and respiration rates and rectal temperature observed at various time intervals were non-significant and remained within the normal physiological limits throughout the period of study. Side effects such as ataxia was seen in some animals wherein lignocaine HCl was used. The present study infers that epidural neostigmine in combination with Hgnocaine HCL and bupivacaine is safe, effective and well tolerated by cow calves and as caudal additive to lognocaine HCl and bupivacaine increased the duration of analgesia vis-a-vis when used alone.ThesisItem Open Access FEASIBILITY OF FEEDING DETOXIFIED CASTOR CAKE (Ricinus communis) TO COMMERCIAL LAYERS(AAU, Anand, 2006) PATEL, D. K.; Parnerkar, SubhashThe experiment was designed to evaluate effects of feeding detoxified castor seed cake at various stages of laying cycle, by simultaneously selecting four age group birds age 20, 34, 51 and 60 weeks. All the age group birds were fed experimental diets for 9 weeks following 3 - days pre-experimental period. A total of 2000 White Leghorn (BV 300) layer birds under each of four age groups i.e. 2000 birds per group were housed in California cages in 668 compartments, each having space for 3 birds and only one bird was housed in last compartment for both the treatment groups for various age groups. One thousand birds were divided into 10 replicates each of 100 birds and in each individual cage three birds of each treatment were placed and only one in last compartment in each age group. Layer birds of four different age groups (1-20 weeks, II- 34 weeks, III-51 weeks and IV-60 weeks) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment, viz. T1-(control) and T2: 5 per cent detoxified (4 % lime treated and extrusion cooked) castor cake (CCK). The layer mash formulated was isonitrogenous and isocaloric and was offered adlib. The observation on egg production, egg weight, egg quality, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded for 9 weeks. The metabolic trial was conducted at the end of experiment to find out balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium and metabolizable energy content of each diet. The economics of feeding was calculated from the record of feed consumption on egg production. The results revealed that the total number of egg / bird in age group (I, II, III and IV) was 43.07±0.47, 55.49±0.55, 50.70±0.52 and 50.60±0.51 in control and 40.7310.45, 53.53±0.53, 50.02±0.51 and 49.16±0.49 in treatment groups, respectively. The means of treatment and control groups did not differ significantly in age group-Ill but differed significantly (P < 0.05) for II and IV and were highly significant (P < 0.01) for age group-I. The hen housed egg production in control group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in age group-II, III and IV; whereas the hen day egg production was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in age group-II and IV as compared to CCK fed birds. The average egg weight for control birds under 1, II, III and IV age groups was 46.83+2.85, 46.65±1.54, 54.34+0.06 and 53.68±1.45 whereas 53.40±].67, 52.65±l.03, 49.57±2.44 and 54.03±1.03 for treatment birds, respectively. The average egg weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatment group of age group II. In the birds given treatment diet egg weight was, though non-significant, was higher in age group I and IV while lower in age group III as compared to control group. The different egg quality traits viz. Albumin Index, Yolk Index, Haugh Unit and shell thickness were similar in both control and treatment groups. In age group-II the albumin index and shell thickness were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treatment group. Daily feed intake of birds in age group I, II, III and IV was 103.91 ±0.61, 108.37 ±.83, 113.53 ±0.98 and 115.70 ± 0.90 in control whereas 103.35+ 1.00, 107.59 ± 0.94, 107.94 ± 0.1.00 and 117.66 ± 1.26 in treatment group, respectively were (P < 0.01). The feed consumption / dozen egg produced in group I, II, III and IV was 2.36 ± 0.18; 1.48 ± 0.013; 1.70 ± 0.016 and 1.73 ± 0.016 in control and 2.82 ± 0.28, 1.53 ± 0.014, 1.64 ± 0.016 and 1.82 ± 0.022 in treatment group, respectively. The change was non significant in age group I, significant (P < 0.05) in age group II and highly significant (P < 0.01) in group III and IV. The overall mortality (2.69 %) was very low during the entire experimental period. It was 2.2, 1.2, 7.4 and 2.9 % in control and 1.6, 0.9, 4.3 and 1.0 % in treatment group in age groups I, 11, 111 and IV, respectively. The average cost of feeding (Rs. / dozen eggs) of birds in age group 1, 11, 111 and IV was 15.62 ± 1.16, 9.80 ± 0.09, 11.22 ±0.10 and 11.46 ±0.11 in control and 18.41 ± 1.80, 9.96 ± 0.09,10.69 ± 0.11 and 11.88 ± 0.14 in treatment group, respectively which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in age group III and IV whereas non significant in age group I and II. The average balance of nitrogen ranged between (0.24±0.021 and 0.41±0.03), calcium (0.48±0.015 and 0.88±0.23) and phosphorus (0.12±0.04 and 0.29±0.13) were more or less similar in all the four age groups in control and treatment groups. The metabolizable energy consumed also did not differ significantly in age groups I, III and IV, but was higher (P < 0.05) in age group-II of treatment group as a result of high dry matter intake. Thus, the inclusion of detoxified (4 % lime treated and extrusion cooked) castor cake at 5 per cent level in layer mash had no any adverse effect on over all performance of caged layer birds and can be used as alternate feed resource without any economic benefit.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON CRYOSURGICAL OOPHORECTOMY IN BITCHES(AAU, Anand, 2007) MANKAD, MANAN YOGESHBHAI; TANK, P. H.Cryosurgical oophorectomy (Group - I; n=6) and conventional surgical oophorectomy (Group - II; n=6) following standard midline laparotomy were compared in a clinical trial on twelve healthy bithces. The ovaries were cryofrozen to -20° C by liquid nitrogen spray under cryogaurd protection employing double freeze-thaw cycles. The cryosurgical oophorectomy was bit quicker (31.53 ± 0.9 minutes) as compared to conventional surgical oophorectomy (34.24 ± 0.64 minutes). There was significant fall in the rectal temperature following both the methods of oophorectomy. Additionally, there was mild but nonsignificant fluctuations within physiological range in the physiological parameters viz., pulse rate, respiratory rate and haemoglobin oxygen saturation as a combine effect of general anaesthesia and surgical and cryosiirgical procedures. The haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume did not differ significantly in the animals during perioperative observations but it showed significant difference between the animals of both the groups. The variation in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate remained nonsignificant during perioperative observations in the animals of both the groups. The total erythrocyte count fluctuated nonsignificantiy within the physiological range at different time intervals, but this variation was significant statistically between the animals of both the groups. The nonsignificant variation of total leucocyte count observed between the animals of both the groups indicated that none of the procedures has specific influence on this vital cell count. The neutrophils rose initially up to 48 hours, which then got substituted by the lymphocytes. Hence, an almost reverse trend was observed for the lymphocyte during the present study. A transient post-operative elevation in serum Cortisol level following the procedures in both the groups of animals with tendency to resume normalcy at later phases was suggestive of temporary pain and / or stress imposed by surgical as well as cryosurgical oophorectomy. Cryosurgery remained uneventful during post-operative observations with absence of systemic reflections, which indicated local damage limited to the frozen ovaries only. Laparoscopic as well as histomorphological assessment of cryodamaged ovaries a month later confirmed their complete nonvitality. The cryosurgical oophorectomy was found simple, quick, bloodless, stressfiree, safe and equally effective as compared to conventional surgical oophorectomy. Additionally, it was cost-effective as well as its clinico-surgical execution was feasible.