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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 B-Mode Ocular Ultrasonography in Dogs and Horses(AAU, Anand, 2012) Kumar, Dharmendra; PARIKH, P. V.The present clinical study entitled "B-Mode Ocular Ultrasonography in Dogs and Horses" was undertaken in 135 dogs (4 months -15 years) and 50 horses (1-15 years) of either sex from 01st April, 2011 to 31st March, 2012 at university clinic, Anand. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the normal and affected eyes was done using linear transducer (7.5-18 MHz) by transcomeal (129 dogs) and transpalpebral (six dogs) approaches. In 50 horses ocular ultrasonography (US) was performed by transpalpebral approach. In all animals corneal anesthesia was achieved with proparacaine HCl 0.5% instilled directly on cornea. Age wise distribution of canine cases revealed maximum incidence of ophthalmic affections in the age group of 5-10 years (39.26%, 53) followed by 10-15 years (28.89%, 39), 1-5 years (22.22%, 30) and 0-1 years (9.63%, 13). Breed wise ophthalmic affections were maximum in Pomeranian (59.26%, 80) followed by Labrador retriever (13.33%, 18), German shepherd (11.11%, 15), Beagle (5.18%, 7), Dalmatian, Golden retriever (2.96%, 4 in each), Doberman (2.22%, 3), Lhasa apso (1.48%, 2), Boxer and Pug (0.74%, 1 each). Sex wise distribution showed more affections in male (57.03%, 77) than females (42.97%, 58). Age wise distribution of equine cases revealed maximum ophthalmic affections in 5-10 years (36%, 18) followed by 10-15 years (30%, 15), 1-5 years (24%, 12) and 0-1 years (10%), 05). Breed wise incidence of ophthalmic affections was maximum in Kathiawadi and Marwari horses (40%, 20 each) followed by Sindhi (20%, 10). Sex wise distribution showed more affections in females (54%, 27) than males (46%, 23). In dogs and horses different ophthalmic parameters like anterior chamber depth, anterio-posterior depth of the lens, latero-medial diameter of the lens, vitreous depth and axial length were studied according to age, sex, breed, left and right eyes and normal and abnormal eyes. Different parameters of eye increased in dogs of age group greater than five years than 0-1 year. Parameters of eye like anterior chamber depth, vitreous depth and axial length were significantly longer in male dogs than female. Whereas anterioposterior depth and latero-medial diameter of the lens differed non significantly. According to breed, anterior chamber depth and latero-medial diameter of lens differed nonsignificantly, but anterio-posterior depth of the lens in Dalmatian and German shepherd differed significantly. Axial length in Dalmatian differed significantly than German shepherd and Labrador retriever. An insignificant difference was observed for different parameters between left and right eyes. In normal and abnormal eyes, anterior chamber depth differed nonsignificantly, but all other parameters like anterio-posterior depth of the lens, latero-medial diameter of the lens, vitreous depth and axial length differed significantly. Among types of canine cataracts, different ophthalmic parameters differed non significantly in 5-10 years age group, but all the eye parameters in morgagnian cataract differed significantly fi-om immature, mature and hypermature cataracts in 10-15 years of age group. Out of 50 horses, five were of 0-1 year age group, 12 of 1-5 years, 18 of 5-10 years and 15 of 10-15 years. Anterior chamber depth, anterio-posterior depth of the lens, latero-medial diameter of the lens, vitreous depth and axial length increased with age. Different parameters of eyes in male and female, breed, left and right eye and normal and affected eyes varied non significantly. In dogs ophthalmic affections like cataract, luxation of lens, vitreous degeneration and (RD) were diagnosed. Secondary luxation of lens was seen in five cases of which two had anterior luxation and rest posterior luxation. Detached vitreous revealed multicurved lines with different varying reflectors in 18 dogs; of which, four dogs had bilateral vitreous degeneration and in the rest (14) unilateral. Vitreal syneresis was observed in one dog. Vitreous degeneration was more in males than females. Fourteen cases of RD were diagnosed on US, of which five cases were in Pomeranian, with bilateral involvement in one case; four cases in Labrador retriever with bilateral involvement in two cases, one case each in Pug, Beagle, Golden retriever and German shepherd. In four cases close- close type of RD was found and in nine cases open-close type. In horse, five cases of RD were diagnosed, of which four were Kathiawadi and one Marwari. All cases revealed open-close type of RD. Eight horses diagnosed with Setaria eye worm in anterior chamber (6 cases) and vitreous body (2 cases). Thus ultrasonography is a safe and non-invasive method which can be used m diagnosis of ocular disorders as complementary to routine ophthalmic examinations in dogs and horses. Further this study established ocular echobiometry dimensions for certain breeds of dogs and horses bred in India.ThesisItem Open Access REPRODUCTION IN MARES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY(AAU, Anand, 2012) KUMAR, NISHANT; Patel, D. M.The present study on "Reproduction in Mares with Special Reference to Endometrial Biopsy" was carried out on mares of different police head quarters like Anand and Kheda districts. The mare visiting Teaching Veterinary Clinical Service Complex, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Anand, were also included in the study. The research work included study of normal and abnormal estrous cycle of mare. In this study special emphasis was given on collection of endometrial biopsy for histopathology and blood for different hemato-biochemical parameters. A detailed histopathological study was carried out on endometrial biopsies to know the reproductive status of mares. The research work was carried out on 18 police mares and privately owned mares of Anand and near by Anand area. Each of the three groups had 6 animals and were divided on the basis of reproductive status, viz.. Group 1- Mares with normal estrous cycle, Group 2- Mares with abnormal estrous cycle. Group 3- Mares with infertility. These mares were studied for normal and abnormal estrous cycle, histopathology of endometrial biopsy and hemato-biochemical studies. On the basis of study in 172 mares it was found that mare is a seasonal polyestrous animal with breeding seasons in the months of spring and summer. As day length increases in spring mares show signs of heat and as day length decreases in winter mare were found to be going into deep anestrous condition. The mean estrous cycle length of mares during breeding seasons were found to be 21 ±0.58 days with estrus period of 5-7 (6.07 ± 0.87) days. The signs of estrus include frequent urination, deviating tail away from the perineum, standing still with the hind limbs spread apart, clitoral winking (rhythmic eversion of the clitoris), squealing, kicking and sensitivity over the flanks, hindquarter, and abdomen. The recently parturited mares were showing foal heat between 7-13 (9.38 ± 2.57) days of parturition. The mean estrous cycle lengths of abnormal cyclic mares was 10 ± 2.32 days (Short) and 32 ± 3.6 days (Long) during breeding season of spring and summer months. The abnormal cyclic mare were also shown wide range of estrus period of 3- 10 (5.6 ±2.8) days. Endometrial biopsy and histopathology studies indicated normal endometrium exhibiting mild to moderate neutrophil infiltration, specially in case of estrus period. In estrus the epithelial cells were tall cuboidal to low columnar and progressing to high columnar during diestrus. Acute endometritis was characterized by accumulation of inflammatory cells (neutrophils), mild to moderates stromal fibrosis, stromal oedema, congestion of blood vessels and accumulation of inflammatory exudates which may be temporary in nature. Chronic endometritis was characterized by moderate to severe endometrial gland atrophy, extensive fibrosis (i.e., more than five layers of fibrocytes around endometrial glands) and mononuclear cell (specially lymphocytes) infiltration. In some cases diffiisely less density of endometrial glands were found The serum calcium levels of normal cyclic, abnormal cyclic and infertile mares were 12.09 ± 0.14, 11.04 ± 0.15 and 10.62 ± 0.10 mg/dl, respectively and was found to differ significantly to each other. The serum magnesium levels of normal cyclic, abnormal cyclic and infertile mares were 2.13 ± 0.06, 1.96 ± 0.03 and 1.85 ± 0.03 mg/dl. The serum phosphorus levels of normal cyclic, abnormal cyclic and infertile mares were 3.86 ± 0.07, 3.22 ± 0.10 and 2.63 ± 0.11 mg/dl. Both serum magnesium and serum phosphorus levels were significantly lower in infertile than normal and abnormal cyclic animals.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 STUDIES ON GASTRO-INTESTINAL PARASITES OF POULTRY IN ANAND DISTRICT(AAU, Anand, 2012) Gupta, Yogesh Kumar; Hasnani, J. J.Studies on prevalence of GI parasites on commercial poultry farms under deep litter and cage system of housing with it's effect on haemato-biochemical profile and histopathology were imdertaken during July 2011 to June 2012. Studies involved 600 birds dropping, 30 carcasses and 100 blood samples from 30 Commercial layer and broiler farms in 6 talukas of Anand district. The overall prevalence of GI parasites on the farm basis was found 46.67 % m 30 farms of 6 taluka. Out of these overall taluka-wise prevalence was found 20% in layer farms, while 26.67% in broiler farms. However, incidence was lowest overall and among the farm and bird basis in Anand taluka, while it was highest in Umreth and Petlad taluka. Among the layers, lower incidence was observed on birds-basis in Anand and highest in Borsad taluka. The overall prevalence was found higher in deep litter than the cage reared birds/farms and also in broilers as compared to layers. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic eggs/oocyst in chickens in commercial layer as well as broiler was 9.17% on the basis of faecal/litter dropping among 600 samples. Out of these 7.67% prevalence was in layers and 10.67% in broilers. The prevalence of GI parasitic infection was higher in overall poultry birds during monsoon season (12.50%), followed by winter season (8.50%), and summer (6.50%), whereas month-wise prevalence was found to be the highest in the month of July (17.07%), while lowest incidence was found in the month of April (5.66%). A total of 4 species of gastrointestinal parasitic eggs/oocyst were identified. All of these Coccidia were the most predominant parasites followed by nematode and cestodes. The following Parasitic eggs/oocysts were found in layer birds: Eimeria spp. (3.33%), Ascaridia galli (1.33%) and Heterakis gallinarum (0.67%). some cestodes identified were: Raillietina spp. (2.33%). The following Parasitic eggs/oocysts were found in Broiler birds: Eimeria spp. (4.33%), Ascaridia galli (3.33%)), Heterakis gallinarum (1.33%) and Raillietina spp. (1.67%). No significant differences in the intensity of endoparasitic infection was observed between broiler and layer chickens. Among the layer birds the prevalence of GI parasites in the age group of 0-8, 9-20 and 21-72 weeks was 1.33, 4.67 and 1.67 %, respectively on the basis of faecal samples examination. The findings revealed that the incidence was highest in the age group of 9- 20 weeks, lowest in the age group of younger birds of 0-8 weeks and intermediate in the 21-72 weeks age group on the basis of faecal samples examination. Among the broiler birds, the prevalence of GI parasites was found to increase gradually with the advancing age from 1-4 weeks in the range of 4.00% and 5-6 weeks was 6.67 %, respectively. Overall incidence was higher for broiler birds in the age group of 5-6 weeks as compared to those in 1-4 weeks. Haematological studies revealed the haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume significantly lower in GI parasitic infected group compared to the healthy groups of birds (9.02±0.13 vs 10.93±0.20 gm% and 24.83±0.28 vs 31.60±0.31%) irrespective of type of birds or system of rearing; where as total leucocytes count and different leucocytes count were increased significantly. The overall mean total leucocytes count (TLC) for the healthy and infected group of birds was 28.58±0.22 and 31.74±0.32 thousand/mm^, respectively. In overall GI parasitic infected cases, heterophils were significantly (P< 0.05) higher (41.82±0.19%) when compared with that of uninfected (37.13±0.25%) birds. The percentage of lymphocytes (34.03±0.20) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in overall helminths affected birds than uninfected (47.26±0.33) birds. Statistical analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) eosinophilia (13.03±0.21%) in GI parasitic infected birds. The average percentage of eosinophils in uninfected birds was 7.82±0.17. The average monocyte count in birds affected with helminths was 9.60±0.20 % and in uninfected birds was 5.92±0.11 %. Studies on biochemical profile revealed significantly (P< 0.05) lower serum total protein concentration due to GI parasitic infection as compared to healthy birds. The overall mean total serum protein recorded in GI parasitic infected birds was significant (P<0.05) lower as compared to healthy birds (2.64±0.7 and 3.71±0.04 gm %). The overall mean value of AST and ALT in GI parasites infected birds was 72.36±0.25 and 8.51±0.09 U/I, and in healthy birds 68.41±0.42 and 6.71±0.10 U/I, respectively. The overall mean serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity recorded in infected birds was 814.54±4.39 and in healthy birds it was 764.09±1.91 KAU/100 ml. The overall mean serum acid phosphatase (ACP) activity recorded in infected birds was 35.22±0.28 KAU/100 ml and in healthy birds it was 23.28±0.30 KAU/100 ml. A non-significant increase in AST, ALT, AKP and ACP activities was noticed in infected birds as compared to healthy birds. The overall means A: G ratio recorded in infected birds was 0.61±0.01 and in healthy birds it was 0.75±0.04. Histopathologically, gross lesions in Raillietina spp. infection was characterized by nodule formation on duodenal mucosa. Necrotic foci, pin point haemorrhages, rough and pale mucosa of duodenimi. Microscopical lesions included villous atrophy, desquamation of epitheliimi, catarrhal enteritis, granuloma formation in duodenum, congestion, cellular infiltration, desquamation of submucosal glands and haemorrhagic exudate were observed. In case of Ascaridia galli infection, lesions were characterized by haemorrhagic enteritis, anaemia, severe diarrhoea, young parasites penetrate the duodenal or jejimal mucosa, inflammation and thickening of intestinal mucosa were found due to continuous penetration done by young larvae. Necrotic foci were seen over the intestinal mucosa whereas the embedded larvae cause haemorrhage and extensive destruction of the glandular epitheliimi. hi case of Heterakis gallinarum, the macroscopical lesions were thickening of caecal wall, hemorrhagic exudate and cheesy core in caecal lumen. Severity grades of microscopical lesions were: severe hyperplasia of tunica muscularis, massive lymphocyte, heterophil and macrophage infiltration with coagulative necrosis. In case of intestinal coccidiosis, the exterior of intestine showed reddish white pinpoint foci on its wall, especially in the initial part of the small intestine. The intestinal contents were liquid and mixed with variable quantity of mucous, while some show streaky haemorrhages. Catarrhal enteritis with blood tinged mucous exudates during moderately heavy infections of coccidia in birds and diffused or localized areas of coagulation, necrosis and sloughing of the mucosa in severe infections. In case of caecal coccidiosis, gross lesions were characterized by distention of caecal pouches with blood clots and reddish brown contents in haemorrhagic type of infection. Caecal walls were thickened, congested, extensive vacuolations in the glandular epithelial cells with increased goblet cells activity were observed. Histopathologically, intense hyperaemia of the caecal mucosa and patchy areas of haemorrhages were observed.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF EGG YOLK AND SOYA BASED EXTENDERS FOR REFRIGERATION (5 °C) AND CRYOPRESERVATION (-196 °C) OF BUFFALO SEMEN(AAU, Anand, 2014) CHAUDHARI, DINESHKUMAR V.; Dhami, A. J.The present investigation was undertaken during the favourable breeding season (November-February) of the year 2013-2014 on six mature Surti buffalo bulls at Central Sperm Station of Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of the Veterinary College, AAU, Anand. The study covered evaluation of seminal characteristics in neat semen and then comparative efficacy of egg yolk based standard TFYG (Tris-citric acid-fructoseegg yolk-glycerol) extender and soybean based commercially available extenders (Bioxcell® and Optixcell®, IMV, France) using split-ejaculate technique through various morphological and functional attributes of spermatozoa extended/preserved/ processed in these extenders for refrigeration preservation (at 5°C up to 72 hrs) and cryopreservation (-196°C), including interrelationships of quality sperm parameters of fresh, refrigerated and cryopreserved semen. Immediately after collection, the ejaculates (8 per bull) were evaluated for routine physico-morphological attributes, including motility, viability, morphology (eosinnigrosin), acrosomal integrity (Giemsa stain) and plasma membrane integrity (HOST 150 mOsm/L; an in vitro fertility test) through standard procedures and using phase contrast microscope.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.