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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 GENETIC STUDY OF PARTIAL AND FULL RECORD OF TWO STRAINS OF WHITE LEGHORN CHICKEN(AAU, Anand, 2013) Meshram, Anushree Yuwraj; Joshi, R. S.The present study was undertaken to investigate inheritance and association of various economic traits in IWN and IWP strains of White Leghorn which has completed nine generations of Osborne Index selection for improvement of egg production. A total of 849 and 862 pullets of IWN and IWP strains, were generated by mating of 50 sires and 300 dams of each of the two strains and were maintained under All India Coordinated Research Project on Poultry Breeding at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science and Animal husbandry, Anand Agricultural University Anand. Various traits like body weight (BW) in g at 16, 20, 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age, age at first egg (AFE) in days, total egg number produced up to 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age (TEN), egg weight (EW) in g at 28, 40, 56, 64 and 72 week of age, total egg mass produced up to 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks (TEM) in kg, feed consumption per dozen of egg (FCDE) produced (kg) and feed consumption per kilo of eggs (FCKE) produced (kg) upto various stages were measured for estimation of Least Squares Means (LSMs), heritability (h2), genetic and phenotypic correlations and genetic gain in the egg production . [The least squares means for body weight (g) at 16, 20, 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age were 978.21 ± 7.00, 1250.47 ± 4.55, 1412.59 ± 7.93, 1462.98 ± 9.41, 1477.26 ± 6.81 and 1526.05 ± 9.60g for IWN strain and 1000.84 ± 5.61, 1280.41 ± 6.14, 1483.76 ± 8.48, 1543.62 ± 9.94, 1534.44 ± 10.97 and 1616.10 ± 12.82g for IWP strain, respectively. The body weight at all stages were significantly (P<0.05) higher in IWP strain as compared to IWN strain. Least squares means for AFE (days) were found to be 134.50 ± 0.78 and 138.13 ± 0.59 days in IWN and IWP strains, respectively. Age at first egg was significantly earlier (P<0.05) in IWN than IWP strain.) The LSMs for total egg number produced up to 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age were 119.26 ± 1.03, 210.51 ± 1.03, 251.75 ± 1.56 and 286.39 ± 1.42 eggs in IWN and 115.55 ± 0.79, 205.69 ± 1.33, 243.59 ± 1.35 and 277.70 ± 1.53 eggs in IWP strain, respectively. IWN strain has produced significantly (P<0.05) more eggs number than IWP strain during all stages. The least squares means for egg weight (g) at 28, 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age were 44.84 ± 0.15, 50.36 ± 0.13, 51.68 ± 0.15, 51.62 ± 0.13 and 52.01 ± 0.12g for IWN strain and 46.26 ± 0.12, 52.52 ± 0.12, 53.48 ± 0.15, 53.57 ± 0.15 and 54.51 ± 0.14g for IWP strain, respectively. The mean egg weight recorded at all ages were significantly (P<0.05) higher in IWP strain as compared to IWN strain. The least squares means for egg mass (kg) upto 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age were 6.002 ± 0.048, 10.909 ± 0.062, 12.997 ± 0.082 and 14.893 ± 0.072 kg in IWN strain while 6.061 ± 0.038, 10.986 ± 0.695, 13.040 ± 0.076 and 14.638 ± 0.083 kg in IWP stain, respectively. The LSMs for feed consumed to produce a dozen of eggs (kg) were 1.718 ± 0.016 , 1.782 ± 0.011, 1.804 ± 0.012 and 1.864 ± 0.011 kg in IWN strain whereas 1.735 ± 0.140, 1.784 ± 0.012, 1.842 ± 0.012 and 1.895 ± 0.012 kg in IWP strain during the period of 21- 40, 21-56, 21-64 and 21-72 weeks of age, respectively. The LSMs for feed consumption per kilo of egg up to 40, 56 ,64 and 72 week of age were 2.850 ± 0.026, 2.874 ± 0.221, 2.921 ± 0.020 and 2.995 ± 0.017 kg in IWN and 2.758 ± 0.020, 2.785 ± 0.018, 2.873 ± 0.019 and 3.011 ± 0.019 kg in IWP strain, respectively. No significance difference have been observed between two strains for egg mass and feed consumption either per dozen or kilo of egg produced. Heritability estimates for BW at different ages varies in magnitude from low to high in IWN strain and IWP strain. The estimate of heritability for AFE was high in IWN strain while of moderate magnitude in IWP strain. Heritability estimates were high in IWN strain and lower to moderate magnitude in IWP strains for egg number. Heritability estimates of egg weight at all stages were low to moderate in both the strains. Whereas, the h2 estimates of egg mass shown higher to lower magnitude as the age advanced. Inheritance of feed efficiency trait (FC/DE and FC/KE) has shown erratic trend from higher to lower in IWN strain while it was moderate in IWP strain. Genetic and phenotypic associations of AFE with TEN were found negative and high in magnitude. The genetic correlation of AFE with TEN in IWN strain was beyond parametric range which might be due to sampling error. Association of TEN and BW at various stages were positive and high in magnitude suggesting unfavourable trend in IWN strain while they were negative and varied in magnitude suggesting favourable trend in IWP strain. The genetic association of TEN with EW at various stages was in general negative and moderate to high in magnitude in both the strain. Genetic and phenotypic correlations of TEN with TEM were all positive at each stage and high in magnitude and many were found beyond the parametric range. Correlation between the TEN and FCDE and FCKE were negative which is favourable in direction and high in magnitude at all stages. Genetic correlations between age at first egg and egg weights at different ages were, in general, positive and showed increasing trend from low to high with advancement in age in IWN strain, where as they were positive and high in IWP strain. Genetic association of AFE with BW was negative in both strains indicates low body weight at time of housing increases the age at sexual maturity. Phenotypic correlations shown erratic trend of weakly positive or negative association found in both strain. Genetic association of AFE with other traits such as egg mass, feed consumption per dozen of egg and per kilo of egg in general were negative and high in magnitude Expected genetic gain was highest at 64 weeks age in IWN strain and at 56 weeks age in IWP strain. High relative efficiency to get maximum genetic gain for egg numbers produced was found at 40 weeks of age in both the strain, therefore selection on the basis of 40 weeks egg production seems to be most efficient in improving annual production than direct selection for annual records.ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF WHEAT STRAW BASED TOTAL MIXED RATION IN SHEEP(AAU, Anand, 2013) Vaghamashi, Dilipkumar G.; Pandya, P. R.An experiment of 90 days duration was carried out on fourteen adult sheep to study the effect of wheat straw based total mixed ration on their digestibility and nutrient utilization. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase I, In vitro DMD (Dry Matter Digestibility) and OMD (Organic Matter Digestibility) of TMR (Total Mixed Ration) with different roughage (wheat straw) concentrate (Amuldan) ratio (40:60, 50:50 and 60:40) were studied. The highest in vitro DMD (52.01%) and OMD (62.79%) were observed at 50:50 (roughage:concentrate) ratio in TMR. Hence, it was further evaluated by in vivo study. The sheep under control group (T1) were fed wheat straw and concentrate separately where as sheep under treatment group (T1) were fed wheat straw based total mixed ration in the ratio (50:50). Quantity of feed offered was adjusted at weekly interval according to change in body weight of sheep. Individual feeding of all the sheep was carried out during the study period. The nutrient requirements of sheep in term of DCP and TDN were met as per ICAR (1998) feeding standards.ThesisItem Open Access Transcriptome Analysis of Paramphistomum cervi of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using next generation sequencing(AAU, Anand, 2013) CHOURASIA, REETIKA; PATEL, P. V.Rumen flukes are economically important parasites (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda: Digenea) that attack livestock adversely thereby affecting their productivity. In spite of its economic importance, molecular biology of the Paramphistomum cervi and its interaction with its hosts is still unknown. Advances in transcriptomic and bioinformatics provide biologically relevant insights into parasites, their developmental stages and their relationships with their hosts at the molecular level. The present study elucidates the first transcriptome and gene expression profiling of the adult stage of Paramphistomum cervi using next-generation (high throughput) sequencing and advanced in silico analyses. Expression level for predicted proteins of Paramphistomum cervi of buffalo were determined and classified based on homology, gene ontology and pathway mapping. These findings are expected to provide new insights into the genetic architecture and pathophysiology of Paramphistomum cervi and for the development of improved interventions for disease control. It will also facilitate a more fundamental understanding of Paramphistomes biology, evolution and the host-parasite interplay. Moiphological characteristics of adult fluke were identified as conical shape, elongate, curved ventrally, with evenly curved dorsal and ventral borders. Cuticle is provided with prominent tubercules/papillae on anterior l/3rd to half of the body. Tubercles are more extensive ventrally. Acetabulum is subtemiinal. hitestinal caeca have 7 nearly identical bends with ventrally directed temiinal part. Testes are tandem, oval or angularly oval or spherical and are deeply lobed. Gross examination of affected rumen showed, anaemic rumen with atrophied, degenerated and sloughing tips of villi. Removal of flukes revealed marked knobs at the attachment sites. Histopathology of rumen revealed proliferation of epithelium in the vicinity of flukes, along with villous atrophy and infiltration of macrophages and eosinophils. Transcriptome analysis of adult stage of Paramphistomum ceni was carried out at Department of Animal Biotechnology. Total RNA was extracted from parasites using TRIzol® (Invitrogen, UK)/ RNeasy® mini kit and mRNA isolation from the total RNA was carried out by using mRNA isolation kit. The quality and quantity of RNA and mRNA checked by running the sample on NanoDrop ND-1000 spectrophotometer. Concentration of RNA of adult fluke was 2,608 ng/µl and mRNA was 100 ng/µl. The cDNA library was constructed using the Ion Total RNA-Seq Kit v2. According to Qubit®Fluorometer, concentration of cDNA was 1.19 ng/µl and based on Aligent 2100 Bioanalyzer concentration of cDNA is 1.25 ng/µl.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ENZYMES SUPPLEMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BROILERS(AAU, Anand, 2013) SHINDE, OMPRAKASH SHAMRAO; MISHRA, R. K.The experiment was conducted to study effect of enzymes supplementation on performance of commercial broilers. One hundred and sixty (160) day old commercial broiler chicks were distributed randomly into four treatments. T1 ration was considered as control (without enzyme). T2, T3 and T4 ration contains enzymes at the rate of 25g, 50g and 75g per 100 kg feed, respectively in broiler starter as well as in broiler finisher ration. The each gram of commercial enzymes mixture used in the experiment contains: Xylanase (2,000 IU), Amylase (400 IU), Protease (4000 IU) and Cellulase (500 IU). Each treatment was having 4 replicates of 10 birds each. The initial mean body weight (g) of day old age chicks (BWQ) was found to be 49.67 ± 0.11, 49.61 ± 0.05, 49.67 ± 0.07 and 49.68 ± 0.08 which was non-significant and finally reached to average body weight (g) of 1975.53 ± 23.28, 2011.75 ± 12.73, 2054.41 ± 17.95 and 2093.02 ± 43.98 at the end of experiment (6th week) under treatment rations T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations, respectively. The mean body weight gain (g) of birds during 0-6 weeks of age fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be 1925.85 ± 23.39, 1962.10 ± 12.75, 2004.74 ± 17.91 and 2043.38 ± 43.94, respectively. The birds fed with T4 ration recorded significantly higher body weight gain than control (T1). The mean body weight gain of birds during 0 to 4 weeks (starter phase) and 0 to 6 weeks of age was significant but non-significant differences were observed during 4 to 6 weeks of age (finisher phase). The significant increase in average body weight and body weight gain on enzyme supplementation clearly indicates the beneficial effects of supplementing enzymes in improving the nutrient utilization required for the growth. The mean total feed consumption (g/bird) during 0 to 4 weeks of age fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be 1752.9 ± 10.84, 1756.02 ± 10.23, 1777.12 ± 10.99 and 1707.83 ± 21.02, respectively. Feed consumption of birds fed with T1, T2 and T3 rations was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T4. The differences in feed consumption among different treatment rations were non-significant during 5 to 6 weeks and during 0 to 6 weeks of age. The feed conversion ratio of birds from 0 to 4 weeks of age fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be 1.873 ± 0.011, 1.835 ± 0.032, 1.803 ± 0.035 and 1.659 ± 0.015, respectively. Feed conversion ratio of birds fed with T4 ration was significantly (P<0.05) better than T1,T2 and T3 rations. However, the differences in feed conversion ratio among different treatment rations were found to be nonsignificant during 5 to 6 weeks of age. The feed conversion ratio of birds from 0 to 6 weeks of age fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be 1.975 ± 0.036, 1.890 ± 0.018, 1.872 ± 0.030 and 1.789 ± 0.036, respectively. Feed conversion ratio of birds fed with T4 ration was significantly (P<0.05) better than T1 and T2 but differ non-significantly with T3 ration. The significantly improved feed conversion ratio in enzyme supplementation clearly indicates the beneficial effects of supplementing enzymes in improving the nutrient utilization from rations. The livability in the birds fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was 97.5% 100%, 97.5% and 100%), respectively. Enzyme supplementations do not have any adverse effect on the livability of the birds. Economy in terms of Return over Feed Cost (ROFC) of birds fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be (Rs./bird) 58.12, 62.67, 64.73 and 69.66, respectively. Economy calculating in terms of European Performance Efficiency Index (EPEI) of birds fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations at 6th week of age (42 days) was found to be 232.01, 253.37, 254.90 and 279.18. Birds fed with T4 ration were having higher EPEI than T3 followed by T2 and control (T1) ration. Profit increases as the level of enzymes supplementation in broiler ration increased and highest profit was noted @ 75g/100 kg feed of enzymes supplementation than other treatment rations. The carcass characteristics like pre-slaughter live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, liver weight, heart weight, gizzard weight, giblet weight, abdominal fat, kidney weight and intestinal length were found to be non-significant among birds fed under different treatment rations. For better growth performance, feed efficiency, profitability and livability, the enzymes should be supplemented @ 75g/ 100kg of feed in the broiler ration.ThesisItem Open Access AUGMENTING FERTILITY IN ANOESTRUS AND REPEAT BREEDING BUFFALOES USING CONTROLLED BREEDING TECHNIQUES(AAU, Anand, 2013) SAVALIA, KETANKUMAR KANJIBHAI; DHAMI, A. J.This study was carried out at 5 villages of Anand district under the AMUL milk shed area on 50 buffaloes, comprising 20 acyclic-true anoestrus,. 20 cyclic-repeat breeders and 10 normal cyclic buffaloes (exhibiting oestrus within 90 days postpartum). The objectives were to evaluate clinical response and monitor peripheral plasma progesterone, biochemical and macro-micro minerals profile at different time intervals in anoestrus (CIDR and Ovsynch protocol) and repeat breeding (Al+GnRH and Mid-cycle PGFaa inj.) buffaloes treated with different hormonal preparations. The effect of these protocols was evaluated by comparing oestrus induction response, oestrus induction interval and induced/first cycle (with fixed time AI) as well as overall of three cycles conception rates, and monitoring plasma progesterone by RIA, total cholesterol, total protein, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium by assay kits on auto-analyzer, and micro-minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu,. Co, Mn) profile using wet digested samples on atomic absorption spectrophotometer at different time intervals of treatment in anoestrus (day 0, 7, 9/10-Al) and in repeat breeding (day 0 and day of oestrus/Al) as well as normal cyclic control buffaloes and on day 21 post-Al in all the buffaloes. Ten true anoestrus buffaloes were inserted with i/vaginal CIDR (containing 1.38 g progesterone in silastic coil) for 7 days, it was removed on day 7 together with i/m Inj. of PGF2α 25 mg (Inj. Lutalyse, 5 ml) and FTAl was done on day 9 with i/m Inj. of GnRH 10 μg (Inj. Receptal, 2.5 ml). All the 10 (100 %) buffaloes exhibited induced ovulatory oestrus within stipulated time with moderate to prominent oestrus signs. The conception rates obtained at induced/first, second, third cycle and overall were 40.00 (4/10), 50.00 (3/6), 00.00 (0/3) and 70.00 (7/10) per cent, respectively. The interval from PGF2α injection to induced oestrus was 63.60 ± 6.46 hrs (n=10) and the fertile oestrus interval was 10.25 ± 3.94 days (n=7) among CIDR treated conceived buffaloes.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of Gender Pre-selection through Sperm Enrichment Techniques Using Real-Time PCR in Bovines(AAU, Anand, 2013) ROY, LATISH CHANDRA; Panchal, M. T.The present work was undertaken to assess the efficiency of the classical X and Y sperm enrichment methods, viz., sperm swim-up, gravity sedimentation, Sephadex filtration, and discontinuous Percoll density gradient centrifiigation, using the modem molecular technique of Real-Time PCR or qPCR in buffalo and cow bulls, in the Department of Animal Biotechnology and Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science & AH, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. Total of 12 semen ejaculates six each from buffalo and cow bull, diluted at the rate of 1:10 with Tris-fructose-yolk- glycerol (TFYG), were collected from the breeding bulls stationed at Semen Station, Amul Research and Development Association (ARDA), Ode, Anand and subjected to the different enrichment techniques. In sperm swim-up four time bound fractions were collected using a special swim-up tube. Similarly with gravity sedimentation, three fractions, with Sephadex filtration four fractions and with discontinuous Percoll density gradient centrifugation the bottom sperm pellet was collected. DNA was extracted from all the collected fractions and the control semen samples and was further used for Real-Time PCR. Four different neat semen dilutions were taken as standards for the Real-Time PCR, viz., 100.00, 75.00, 50.00 and 25.00 per cent, consisting of 50.00, 37.50, 25.00 and 12.50 per cent X-chromosome bearing sperms,' respectively, considering the theoretical ratio of 1:1 for X and Y sperms in an ejaculate. With gravity sedimentation, the X-chromosome bearing sperm percentage in the three collected fractions of semen samples, ranged from 19.96 to 43.99 (31.90±4.44), 41.10 to 46.93 (45.01±1.32) and 38.90 to 48.07 (43.67±1.40) per cent, respectively and 21.09 to 51.32 (35.22±4.00), 35.46 to 51.32 (43.26±2.19) and 34.86 to 42.31 (39.19±1.14), respectively, in buffalo and cow bulls with an overall mean Xchromosome bearing sperm percentage of 40.19±2.08 and 39.22±1.67 in buffalo and cow bull semen, respectively. In the four semen fractions obtained post-filtration through Sephadex (G-lOO) gel, X-chromosome bearing sperm percentage values ranged from 42.51 to 52.08 (46.08±1.42), 42.75 to 52.51 (47.69±1.68), 41.43 to 50.20 (45.96±1.22) and 42.36 to 49.17 per cent (44.80±0.98) as compared to control semen samples having the range of 46.76 to 50.20 per cent (48.48±0.4) in buffalo bull and 27.82 to 48.00 (41.99±3.00), 33.02 to 52.59 (43.75±2.67), 35.09 to 52.79 (43.48±2.35) and 33.32 to 50.15 (42.50±2.20) per cent, compared to the control with the range of 45.94 to 50.11 (47.67±0.76) in the cow bull semen samples. The overall mean was obtained to be 46.13±0.67 and 42.93±1.21 per cent, in buffalo and cow bulls, respectively. The X-chromosome bearing sperm percentage in the three swim-up fractions retrieved ranged from 42.00 to 59.57 (48.62±2.60), 42.16 to 50.61 (45.91±1.29) and 30.13 to 51.93 (44.09±3.15) per cent, respectively, and 33.60 to 45.84 (42.30±1.80), 34.61 to 47.28 (42.86±1.84) and 31.23 to 62.58 (44.07±4.17) per cent, respectively, with an overall values of 46.21± 1.41 and 43.08±1.54, in buffalo and cow bulls, respectively. For control buffalo and cow bull semen samples the X-chromosome bearing sperm values ranged from 46.76 to 50.20 (48.48±0.48) and 45.94 to 50.11 (47.67±0.76) per cent, respectively. With discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation, the X-chromosome bearing sperm percentage obtained in the bottom pellet ranged from 43.79 to 51.83 (48.93±1.93) percent against the control value of 45.07 per cent in buffalo bulls and 48.20 to 56.89 (52.42±1.23) per cent, compared to the 50.56 per cent of the control, in cow bull semen samples. No detrimental effect was observed on individual motility of the sperms following any of the sperm enrichment procedures. None of the four methods evaluated proved efficient enough in altering the sex ratio of the sperms. No significant differences in X-chromosome bearing sperms were observed in any of the methods as compared to control, except in gravity sedimentation, where, a highly significant difference was found between the different fractions, both in buffalo and cow bulls.ThesisItem Open Access AUGMENTING REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY OF INFERTILE BUFFALOES USING CONTROLLED BREEDING TECHNIQUES IN TRIBAL AREAS(AAU, Anand, 2013) PARMAR, BHARGAVSINH NATVARSINH; PATEL, D. M.The present study entitled "Augmenting reproductive efficiency of infertile buffaloes using controlled breeding techniques in tribal areas" was carried out in tribal areas of Dahod district of Gujarat on 16 postpartum anestrus, 15 repeat breeder and 7 normal cyclic buffaloes. The objectives were to evaluate clinical response and monitor peripheral plasma progesterone, biochemical and macro-micro minerals profile at different time intervals in anestrus (CIDR and Ovsynch protocol) and repeat breeding (AI+GnRH and Mid-cycle PGF2α inj.) buffaloes treated with different hormonal preparations. The effect of these protocols was evaluated by comparing estrus induction response, estrus induction interval and AI at estrus as well as pregnancy rates. Also the plasma progesterone profile was studied using RIA technique. Serum total cholesterol, total protein, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium by assay kits on autoanalyzer, and micro-minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, Mn) profiles using wet digested samples on atomic absorption spectrophotometer at different time intervals in all buffaloes and controls. Nine true anestrus buffaloes were inserted with intravaginal CIDR on day 0, upto day 7 and were given i/m Inj. of PGF2α 25 mg (Inj. Pragma, 2 ml) to all the buffaloes. FTAI was done on day 9 and Inj. GnRH, 10 μg (Inj. Gynarich, 2.5 ml) was given to all the buffaloes. All the 9 (100 %) buffaloes exhibited estruses within stipulated time. The inseminations were done at first, second, third estruses and overall conception rates found to be 33.33, 33.33, 25.00 and 66.66 per cent, respectively. The interval from PGF2α injection to induced estrus was 69.44±1.32 hrs (n=9) and the fertile estrus interval was 16.66±6.94 days (n=6) in treated buffaloes.ThesisItem Open Access CLINICAL STUDIES ON INTERDIGITAL HYPERPLASIA IN CATTLE(AAU, Anand, 2013) GOSAI, ROHITKUMAR K.; TANK, P. H.The present clinical work entitled "Clinical studies on interdigital hyperplasia in cattle" was carried out to evaluate clinical and epidemiological status of interdigital hyperplasia in cattle at different Panjarapoles and Gaushalas belonging to North Gujarat and Saurashtra region of the Gujarat State. A total 36 selected cases of interdigital hyperplasia in cattle were randomly allotted to three groups of 12 each, In Group-I conventional surgical excision was performed whereas, in Group-II and III animals were subjected to liquid nitrogen cryotherapy and thermocautery followed by conventional surgical excision, respectively. The relevant information was collected based on history, clinical symptoms, prevalence rate, breed, age, sex, methods of clinical management and rate of recurrence etc. and analyzed for defining the clinical status of interdigital hyperplasia in cattle. Different pathological stages of the interdigital hyperplasia in cattle recorded during the above clinical survey were documented. The pattern of its occurrence was categorized on the basis of etiology, location and degree of lameness to design the therapeutic and clinical and or surgical management of the malady. The overall incidence of interdigital hyperplasia was 0.49 per cent out of the total 8495 animals surveyed. The agewise incidence of interdigital hyperplasia in cattle was highest in animals between 10-12 years (1.20%). The highest occurrence of interdigital hyperplasia was found in Kankrej cattle (0.76%) followed by Gir (0.31%). The incidence of interdigital hyperplasia was higher in males (0.72%) than in females (0.17%). Majority of the cases of interdigital hyperplasia were seen in open yard with kachcha floor because of unhygienic conditions. The predisposing factors of interdigital hyperplasia in cattle were chronic irritation of interdigital skin due to poor hygienic condition, secondary bacterial infection and splayed claws. The occurrence of interdigital hyperplasia was higher (93.10%) in forelimbs than in hind limbs (6.89%). All the animals were kept off feed and water for 12 hours prior to anaesthetic induction and were given Inj. Benzathine penicillin 48 lakh lU i.m. and Inj. Melonex @ of 0.5mg/kg body weight i.m. 30 minutes before anaesthetic induction. After preoperative preparation, all the animals were restrained in lateral recumbency under mild sedation using Inj.Xylazine @0.01 mg per kg body weight i.v. Later on intravenous retrograde analgesia was achieved using 20 ml of 2% Lignocaine hydrochloride through radial vein in forelimb and tarsal vein in hind limb to provide adequate surgical anaesthesia. Fixing of wire loop at the tip of claws facilitated better exposure of lesion by widening the interdigital space and thus ease of surgical procedure in all the three groups. In conventional surgical excision, after surgical excision of fibrous mass profuse bleeding was noticed and controlled by applying pressure bandage and soaking of the bandage with tincture of benzoin. While, in liquid nitrogen cryotherapy after surgical excision bleeding was controlled by overlapping freezing followed by autothawing, whereas, in thermocautery after surgical excision. Cauterization of wound surface using hot firing irons was effective to control the bleeding and was found more efficient as it expedited healing without any recurrence. In all the three groups, interdigital space could be reduced by tightening of the claw wires, which additionally compressed the site and reduced the bleeding. The toe wiring was found dislodged on 2nd, 3rd and 4th week in some of the animals, during the postoperative observations. Histopathological examination of the interdigital growth showed classical features of fibroma characterized by excessive hyperkeratosis, capillarization, aggregation of lymphocytes around the capillary and epidermal thickening. In group-Ill animals, the time required for wound healing was significantly (p< 0.05) lesser than Groups-I and II animals. The bleeding was observed in three of the cases of group-I animals, whereas, in the group-II and III animals, there was no bleeding during the postoperative observations. Four animals showed mild degree of lameness up to six postoperative weeks which included 2 cases of Group-I, one case each of Groups-II and III. The rate of recurrence was 5.55% in Group-I animals, while Groups-II and III animals did not show any recurrence.ThesisItem Open Access Diagnosis of Tropical Theileriosis in cattle and buffaloes using advanced molecular tools(AAU, Anand, 2013) KUNDAVE, V. R.; PATEL, P. V.The study on "Diagnosis of Tropical Theileriosis in cattle and buffaloes using advanced molecular tools" was carried out to effectively diagnose Theileria annulata by Poljmierase Chain Reaction and its quantification by real-time PCR assay in infected and carrier animals. Bovine tropical theileriosis caused by Theileria annulata is a tick-borne disease, associated with high morbidity and mortality rate in the livestock and pose a great threat to the farmers and dairy industry in India. The diagnosis by microscopic examination, has low sensitivity and it is difficult to detect the piroplasms in the carriers, while the PCR based assays are more sensitive. In this study a total of 116 samples, were collected from infected as well as apparently healthy cattle and buffaloes, 74 samples (63.79 per cent) were positive for Theileria annulata by PCR, which includes 15 samples that were positive by giemsa staining. The primers were designed to amplify the Tamsl gene encoding the 30- kDa major merozoite surface antigen of T. annulata. A product size of 430-bp afi:er amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Highestprevalence was recorded in cattle above 5 years of age (82.35 percent) and the lowest prevalence was recorded in calves less than 1 year of age (14.28 per cent). A SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay was carried out to quantify the load of parasites in positive samples. The parasitic load ranged from 1000 to 34,00,000 and 300 to 29,000 per microlitre of blood in cattle and buffalo samples, respectively, indicating the sensitivity of the diagnostic assay and also the degree of infection in the infected as well as carrier animals. The clinical signs suggestive of tropical theileriosis were more prominent in the acute phase of infection, which was also characterized by high levels of parasitaemia while their occurance in low level was found in the blood of carrier animals. The study undertaken suggests that the difficulties faced in detection and differentiation of Theileria piroplasms by conventional staining method could be overcome by the molecular methods like PCR. Real-time PCR assay could be used as a sensitive and accurate method to detect and quantify the parasitic load in the blood of cattle and buffaloes. PCR assays are advantageous since it has the ability to detect the disease in carrier animals and animals in chronic phase of theileriosis.