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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access AVENUES OF EMPLOYMENT AND WELFARE FROM PIG FARMING IN AIZAWL, MIZORAM(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Fanai, Vanlalhmangaihi; Saharia, K. K.ThesisItem Open Access ETHNICITY IN LIVESTOCK REARING AMONG THE NYISHI TRIBES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Yadik, Nich; Borgohain, A.An investigation was undertaken to study the ethnicity in livestock rearing among the Nyishi Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh .Two predominantly Nyishi dominated districts namely Papum Pare and Lower Subansiri district were purposively selected. Four villages were selected and 15 respondents from each village were selected, making the sample size 120.Only the farmers having at least one animal were selected for the study in consultation with the officials of Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy, Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the study purpose. Two sets of variables viz., independent and dependent variables were chosen for the study in consultation with available literature, faculties in college of veterinary science AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam. Data were collected by personally by interviewing the respondents. Study revealed that majority of the respondents, 65.84 per cent belonged to middle age group, and about 62.50 per cent of them were male and 100.00 per cent were married. Majority 75.83 per cent had nuclear family type with 70.80 per cent medium family size. Almost 54.20 per cent were illiterate educational level and majority 73.30 per cent of the respondents were involved in agriculture as their main occupation. Majority of the respondents 70.00 per cent had medium herd size of livestock other than mithun,75.83 per cent had medium mithun herd size .Most of them had medium family income (rupees 90000-190000) of which majority of the respondents 79.17 per cent belonged to medium category. Majority 85.00 per cent of the respondents had medium income from livestock (rupees 60000-90000).About 55.83 per cent of the respondents had medium extension contact and 62.50 per cent of the respondents had social participation. As regards to socio-cultural practices associated with livestock rearing, 100 per cent of the respondents used mithun and poultry during festivals, 100.00 per cent the respondents used mithun, pig and poultry during marriage, 100.00 per cent of respondents used poultry in rituals, 100.00 per cent in birth ceremony, 95.00 per cent of the respondents used mithun in barter system and 95.00 per cent of the respondents used mithun in legal laws. The study revealed that larger herd size enhances livelihood (89.17 per cent), more numbers of livestock increase social status (74.17 per cent), availability of transportation facilities enhances livestock rearing (77.50 per cent), animal husbandry provides supplementary income (76.66 per cent) and livestock provides social status (70.83) were the different type of assets which played major role in livelihood support of the farmers. As per the preferred means of identification of livestock in order to avoid disputes 60.00 per cent of the respondents responds practiced ear notching, followed by 50.08 per cent of the respondents by different colour pattern and 50.08 per cent by horn. Majority of the respondents 95.83 per cent preferred means of processing of livestock meat and followed 63 per cent by drying. In respect of ethno-veterinary practices leaves, roots and stems of different plants like garlic, guava, ginger, taro, mugorut, white seed, fern, banana etc were used by Nyishi tribe for treatment of different ailments of livestock. Constraints such as non availability of labourers, lack of fodder and good quality seed and lack of proper marketing channel has been identified as sever constraints perceived by the Nyishis’ in performing their livestock rearing practices.ThesisItem Open Access TRANSITION IN ETHNO-CULTURAL LIVESTOCK PREFERENCES AMONG FARMERS IN KAMRUP (R) DISTRICT OF ASSAM(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Das, Gayatri; Saharia, K. K.ndia is predominantly an agrarian society where animal husbandry is an integral part of the agricultural system and as such helps forming the backbone of national economy. The scale of production in animal husbandry has been subsistent in nature and method of rearing, traditional in nature. Commercial or market oriented production systems have not developed much. The composition of livestock population of Assam consists of 63.3 percent cattle followed by goat (21 percent). Buffalo accounts for 5.8 percent while the share of pig is 8.62 percent and sheep is the lowest, i.e. 0.66 percent. Assam does not have any economically important breeds of livestock except the indigenous bullock (2.06 million) on which most of the agricultural operations depend. Because of constantly changing atmosphere in addition to many other factors, animal husbandry in the traditional society in the state has been in transition necessitating the preferences in the farmers’ priorities. therefore a study entitled as “Transition in ethno-cultural livestock preferences among farmers in Kamrup (Rural) district, Assam “was taken up to study with the objectives- (i) Personal profile and the traditional livestock reared by the farmers. (ii)The ethno-cultural values the farmers endow to livestock (iii) The change in number and pattern of animals reared and the transition, if any since the time of his/her father (iv) The reasons of perceived transition among the farmers in livestock rearing (v) The relationship among the ethno-cultural values, transitions of livestock rearing and the reasons behind such a situation. The study was conducted in four selected developmental blocks of Kamrup (Rural) District of Assam situated to the East, West, North and South directions from the headquarters. These four blocks were Bejera, Hajo, Rangia and Boko. Twenty five farmers having at least one milch cow were selected randomly as respondents from each of the blocks thus making the sample size 100. A pre-tested, reliable and valid interview schedule was used for data collection by the researcher personally and the responses were collected on the interview schedule comprising of independent and dependent variables. Based on the data collected and the results obtained the conclusions were drawn and findings were expressed. The salient findings were- Majority of the farmers belonged to middle age group (38-50 year), Majority of respondents were male (72.00 percent), Quite a high majority of the respondents were married (94.00 percent),Quite a good number of the respondents had low educational status (46.00 percent), Majority (79.00 percent) of the respondents had medium sized families (4-7 number) Majority of the respondents belonged to nuclear family type (84.00 per cent), Majority (51.00 percent) of the respondents were medium land holders (3-5 bighas), Quite a good number had agriculture as their primary occupation (43.00 percent), Majority (81.00 percent) of the respondents belonged to middle income group (Rs.48,000-217000) of family income from all source, Majority (83.00 percent) of the respondents belonged to middle income group of (Rs. 4000 to 10,000) of family income from animal husbandry or livestock sector, A good number of the respondents (49.00 per cent) had medium (Rs. 3000- to Rs. 5000/-) respondent’s own monthly income, Majority of farmers (75.00 per cent) had maintained medium herd size (3-6 numbers) presently. Majority of farmers (77.00 percent) had maintained medium herd size (2-3 numbers of equivalent cattle units) 5 yrs. back. Quite a good number (47.00 percent) respondents had medium level of social participation. Majority of farmer (54.00 per cent) were categorized ABSTRACT in medium extension contact, Among the farmers, 34.00 per cent respondents had high level of exposure to various information sources. Highest respondents (6.08 percent) reared livestock for agricultural purposes mainly for draft and manure. Cattle were highly preferred (40.83 percent) among the various farm animals, Majority (87.00 percent) of farmers had kutcha type of house, Majority of farmers (61.00 per cent) were categorized in medium risk orientation group towards animal husbandry practices. Quite a good number (49.00 percent) had medium level of attitude towards animal husbandry. Highest respondents (4.73 percent) kept animals let loose throughout the day &gave shelter at night, Highest respondents (8.90 percent) fed colostrum to the new born calves followed by regular vaccination against infectious diseases. In ‘t ‘test mean number of livestock between the two phases of study i.e. five years back and at the time of conducting the study, significantly differed and showed increase from earlier,(6.84 p=<.01),In relational analysis age of the respondents was positively and high significantly related (r=0.29, p=<.01)to mass media exposure. Whereas it was positively and significantly correlated (r=0.20,p=<.05) with earlier (5 years back) herd size , Educational qualification had positive and high significantly related (r=0.31,p=<.01) to annual family income from all sources and mass media exposure ,Whereas it had positive and significant correlation (r=0.20,p=<.05) with earlier (5 years back) herd size. Family size was found to be positively and high significantly related(r=0.27, p=<.01) to land holding, whereas it was found to be negatively and high significantly related to mass media exposure, Land holding was positively and high significantly related to occupation and risk orientation, Annual family income from all sources was found to be positively and high significantly related to educational qualification , Annual family income from livestock was positively and high significantly related to with annual family income from all sources, Social participation was positively and high significantly (r=0.31, p=<.01) related to annual family income from all sources, herd size, preference of livestock ,Mass media exposure was positively and high significantly related to age, educational qualification and social participation, whereas it had significant correlation with respondent own income per month ,Risk orientation was positively and high significantly related (r=0.25, p=<.01)to land holding ,Purpose of livestock rearing was positively and high significantly related to respondent own income per month, Preferences of livestock was positively and highly significantly(r=0.18, p=<.01) related to annual family income from all sources and annual family income from livestock, Herd size (5 yrs. earlier) was positively and high significantly(r=0.79, p=<.01) related to herd size (at the time of data collection). Whereas it had significant correlation with Age, Educational qualification, annual family income from all sources and Social participation, In multiple regression out of 12 independent variables, family size, occupation, Extension contact, and risk orientation had positive and significant influence on purpose of livestock rearing. The coefficient of determination R square =0.98, indicating that 98.00 percent variation in the purpose of livestock rearing was explained by 12 independent variables taken together. ‘F’ value for R= 4.41** which is highly significant.ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BLADDER WORM DISEASES OF PIGS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH WITH SPECIAL REFRERENCE TO Taenia Solium TAENIASIS IN MAN(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Biswakarma, Badal; Deka, Dilip Kr.ThesisItem Open Access ECTOPARASITES OF POULTRY IN KAMRUP DISTRICT OF ASSAM: AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Bora, Sanjana; Das, ManoranjanA study was conducted to record the prevalence of different ectoparasites of poultry in Kamrup (rural and metro) districts of Assam from March, 2016 to February, 2017. Out of 6514 birds; 1896 fowl(local), 4450(broilers), 108 ducks and 60 pigeons, lice infestation was 58.24% in intensive system and 64.09% in free range system, arachnids both tick and mite together was 48.61% in free range system. The lice, Menopon gallinae (52.32%); Lipeurus caponis(45.44%); Menacanthus stramineus (38.88%) and Goniodes gigas(3.68%) and no arachnids could be encountered in intensive system. The lice in free range system were Menopon gallinae (47.21%); Lipeurus caponis(46.59%)and Menacanthus stramineus (27.09%), mites were Dermanyssus gallinae(14.24%); Cnemidocoptes mutans (36.38%); Sarcoptes spp. (6.81%) and some other mites (8.20%) with significant differences amongst seasons and systems of rearing. A hard tick, Haemaphysalis spp. could be found for the first time in India with 3.10% prevalence rate. The ectoparasites of ducks recorded were lice Columbicola columbae (30.56%); Lipeurus caponis (28.70%) and some other mites (30.56%). The ectoparasites encountered in pigeons were Dermanyssus gallinae (20%); Columbicola columbae (50%) and dipteran fly Pseudolynchia canariensis (65%). Myiasis due to Chrysomyia bezziana in broiler chickens of 5-7 weeks old had a prevalence rate of 1.34% in pre-monsoon and monsoon and not in the winter season, this being the first report in North East India. Skin of fowl naturally infested with Dermanyssus gallinae revealed destruction of the superficial layer of epidermis, mild spongiosis in dermal layer characterized by vacuolation alongwith infiltration of eosinophils and heterophils histopathologically. Heavy infiltration of mononuclear cells in the dermis and areas with haemorrhages alongwith congestion were observed. Perakeratosis of stratum corneum in certain areas of the epidermis without affecting the deeper layers of the skin were noticed. Histopathologically, birds infested with Cnemidocoptes mutans, showed sloughing of the stratum corneum and cross sections of the mite in the affected areas of the epidermis, abnormal thickening of stratum granulosum indicating hyperkeratosis. Infiltration of eosinophil, heterophils and mononuclear cells and focal areas of necrosis were observed in the dermis. Skin sections of fowl infested with Cnemidocoptes mutans showed no reaction in epidermis with Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH),intense reaction in dermis with Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH),Alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) and Acid phosphatase (ACPase) and moderate reaction with AKPase and ACPase in the dermis. Chrysomyia bezziana completes its life cycle in 13 to 18 days in room temperature (28-32°C). The molecular characterization of Chrysomyia bezziana revealed 99% similarity with established database sequences of NCBI in BLAST analysis.ThesisItem Open Access FILARIAL PARASITES IN LIVESTOCK WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO Onchocerca armillata(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Rabha, Nidarsana; Islam, SaidulA study was conducted to record the prevalence of filarial nematodes in cattle, buffalo and goat in Kamrup district of Assam (Metro and Rural) in local abattoirs in and around Guwahati from January 2016 to January 2017. A total of 792 animals comprising cattle (n=430), buffalo (n=262) and goat (n=100) was examined for this study. In cattle 3 species of adult filarial parasite (Setaria labiato-papillosa, S. digitata and O. armillata) and in buffaloes 2 species (S. labiato-papillosa, S. digitata) of adult filarial parasite could be recorded. Light microscopic morphological studies of these parasites were conducted. Based on the presence of lesion, Stephanofilaria assamensis could be encountered in 16.00% cattle. Setaria species infection was 62.50% in buffaloes. Prevalence of Onchocerca armillata in cattle was 68.40%, more in female Jersey cross bred animals (83.09%). Skin nip examination of cattle revealed presence of O. armillata microfilariae in 28.57% cases of O. armillata infection-positive cases. The molecular identification of ITS1-5.8S rDNA gene of Onchocerca isolate of the present study revealed 95% similarity with O. fasciata which complemented the light microscopic identity of the parasite. The molecular identification of 16S rDNA gene of Wolbachia revealed 99% similarity with O. volvulus, O. ochengi, O. cervicalis and O. gutturosa. Studies on the pathology of O. armillata infected aortae could reveal three major lesion types viz., parasitic migratory tracts in the intimal layer, nodular lesions in both intimal and adventitial layer and umbilical cord-like lesions in the intimal layer. These three lesion types appeared in the aortae either as a single or in combinations. Generally there was mild infiltration of inflammatory cells particularly mononuclear cells admixed with polymorphs and a few giant cells with thickening and edema of intimal layer. Migratory tracts showed empty spaces lined by fibrous connective tissue and proliferation of collagen fibers. Nodular lesions consisted of necrotic parasites and microfilariae inside them and inflammatory cell infiltration predominated by eosinophils. Umbilical cord like lesions exhibited edematous and massive fibrotic areas with calcification. In the present attempt, developmental stages of larvae and pupae of Simulium metatarsale and S. bhutanensis were encountered at 12 different breeding sites, with predominance of the former species. Presence of Wolbachia in Simulium metatarsale could be detected through a molecular identification of Wolbachia specific 16S rDNA gene. The results revealed 99% similarity with Wolbachia of other species obtained from different geographical regions. The Wolbachia obtained from S. metatarsale had 100% similarity with Wolbachia of O. armillata of the present isolate.ThesisItem Open Access INVESTIGATION ON PARASITES OF DUCK IN UPPER ASSAM WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HAEMOPROTOZOA(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Borah, Nanswita; Phukan, Sulekha ChoudhuryA survey was conducted in seven districts of upper Assam for a period of one year from June, 2016 to May, 2017 to study the prevalence of parasites of domestic ducks in upper Assam. Out of a total of 675 numbers of ducks examined, 467 ducks were found positive for different ectoparasites showing the overall prevalence of 69.19 per cent. Ducks from Gaurisagar of Sibsagar district had highest 92.86 per cent and Lahowal of Dibrugarh district had lowest 58.82 per cent prevalence for ectoparasites. Five different lice and two different types mites were recovered from different body parts of duck, of which infestation with Lipeurus caponis (13.33%) was highest followed by Menopon gallinae (12.74%), Menacanthus stramineus (10.67%), Columbicola columbae (8.44%), different feather mites viz. Dubininia melopsittaci, Megninia ginglymura and Bdellorhynchus sp. (5.19%), Goniodes sp. (3.70%) and larva of Trombiculid mite (0.89%), respectively. The three feather mites, larva of the Trombiculid mite and Columbicola columbae were first time reported from Assam in duck. Examination of 724 faecal samples collected from different localities of upper Assam revealed 333 samples to be positive for helminthes with overall prevalence of 45.99 per cent. Out of the positive samples, 314 samples were positive for single and 19 for mixed infection with incidence of 94.29 per cent and 5.71 per cent. Samples from Gaurisagar of Sibsagar district had highest 68.96 per cent of helminthic infection. Helminthic infections of ducks were not recorded from samples collected from Baghchung of Jorhat district and Joysagar of Sigsagar district. Faecal samples collected from ducks reared under free range system had highest prevalence of 57.84 per cent for helminthes followed by semi intensive system of rearing (35.34%) and no helminthic infections were recorded from faecal samples of ducks reared under intensive system. Season wise prevalence of helminths in ducks on the basis of faecal examination revealed highest during pre monsoon (73.56%) and lowest during winter (20.92%). Out of 724 faecal samples examined, 20 samples were positive for Coccidia (Isospora sp.) with the overall prevalence of 2.76 per cent. Post mortem examination of 774 carcasses of ducks from different localities of different districts in upper Assam revealed 518 carcasses to be positive for helminthic infections. The overall prevalence of helminthes was recorded as 66.93 per cent. 232 carcasses were found positive for cestodes (44.79%), 241 for trematodes (46.52%) and 45 for nematodes (8.69%). Carcasses from Demow of Sibsagar district had highest prevalence of 86.05 per cent and lowest from Kakopathar of Tinsukia district with 50.00 per cent prevalence for helminthes. Post mortem examination of ducks reared under free range system revealed highest 78.21 per cent for helminthes followed by semi intensive system of rearing (70.33%). Helminthic infection was not recorded from ducks reared under intensive system. Seasonal prevalence of helminthes on the basis of post mortem examination revealed highest during monsoon (72.28%) and lowest during winter season (51.43%). On the basis of morphological studies, 7 different species of cestodes and 1 larval stage of cestode, 8 different species of trematodes and 5 different species of nematodes were identified and recorded. Highest incidence of cestodes was recorded with Hymenolepis collaris (35.78%) followed by Hymenolepis carioca (35.34%), Fimbriaria fasciolaris (22.41%), Hymenolepis lanceolata (1.74%), Raillietina tetragona (1.29%), Raillietina echinobothridia (1.29%) and Raillietina cesticillus (1.29%) and lowest with plerocercoid (0.86%). Highest incidence of trematodes was recorded with Echinostoma revolutum (24.07%), Hypoderaeum sp. (18.67%), Psilorchis sp. (18.67%), Echinostoma paraulum (16.60%), Paryphostomum sp. (10.79%), Prosthogonimus sp. (8.30%), Tracheophilus cymbius (2.07%) and Psilochasmus sp. (0.83%). Highest incidence of nematodes was recorded with Tetrameres sp. (57.78%), Heterakis gallinarum (17.78%), Heterakis dispar (17.78%), Strongyloides avium (4.44%) and Porrocaecum sp. (2.22%). Hymenolepis carioca, Hymenolepis lanceolata, Raillietina tetragona, Hypoderaeum sp., Echinostoma paraulum, Prosthogonimus sp., Psilochasmus sp. and Heterakis dispar were first time reported from Assam in duck. Seasonal prevalence of helminthes according to breeds of duck revealed highest prevalence of helminthes in monsoon season (82.54%) and lowest in winter (26.67%) from Patihanh, highest in pre monsoon (85.26%) and lowest in monsoon (54.29%) from Khaki Campbell, highest in pre monsoon season (85.37%) and lowest in winter (56.52%) from Chara ducks and prevalence of helminthes in Muscovy ducks during monsoon season was 80 per cent. Overall prevalence of helminthes was recorded highest in adults (76.73%) and lowest in young ducks (54.41%). Seasonal prevalence of helminthes according to age of ducks revealed highest prevalence of helminthic infection during pre monsoon (67.83%) and lowest during winter season (34.88%) in youngs and highest prevalence during post monsoon season (85.29%) and lowest during winter season (61.29%) in adults. Overall prevalence was recorded highest in female (67.44%) and lowest in male (66.41%). Seasonal prevalence of helminthes according to sex revealed that males had highest helminthic infection during monsoon (80.41%) and lowest during winter season (43.14%). Similarly, females had highest during pre monsoon season (73.88%) and lowest during winter season (57.41%). Prevalence of haemoprotozoa in ducks revealed that, out of 300 thin blood smears prepared, only 4 showed the presence of Haemoproteus sp. infection in RBC. The overall prevalence of infection was 1.33 per cent. Haematological changes observed due to helminthes and haemoprotozoan parasites of duck revealed decrease in Haemoglobin (9.38±0.13), PCV (27.98±0.36) and TEC (1.69±0.08) with increase in TLC (43.18±1.76) in infected ducks. On post mortem examination, various pathological lesions were found associated with Hymenolepis sp. and Echinostoma sp. in intestines and Tetrameres sp. in proventricles of ducks. Intestines of duck showed catarrhal enteritis and congestion in the mucosal surface of the small intestine for Hymenolepis sp. and haemorrhages and catarrhal enteritis for Echinostoma sp. Microscopic examination revealed marked thickening of intestinal villi with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Some villi showed haemorrhagic patches, degeneration and necrosis. Desquamated epithelial lining of intestinal villi were found to be deposited in the lumen of the intestine. Cross section of Hymenolepid parasite was found attached to the superficial epithelium surrounded by infiltrating cells. Gross examination of infected proventiculus revealed small blackish elevated spots visible from the luminal surface. Microscopic examination revealed cut sections of female parasite inside the proventricular gland. Glandular epithelium surrounding the parasite exhibited pressure atrophy and the lumen of the gland was found dilated. Tunica muscularis around the glands was found thickened and inter glandular spaces was found enlarged and thickened with proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and was found infiltrated with monocytes and polymorphs. The genera Echinostoma sp. (Identified as Echinostoma revolutum on the basis of morphological characteristics) and Hypoderaeum sp. were identified as Echinostoma friedi and Hypoderaeum conoideum on the basis of ITS2 sequence identity. The present isolate of Echinostoma sp. showed 100 % identity with Echinostoma friedi the isolate of Hypoderaeum sp. showed 99% identity with Hypoderaeum conoideum The Molecular characterization of either Echinostoma friedi or Hypoderaeum conoideum could not be accomplished due to unavailability of more than one ITS2 sequence of these species in NCBI database. Probably it might be the first report of Echinostoma friedi in India. The ITS2 sequence based species identification of Psilorchis sp. could not be accomplished due to absence of Psilorchis ITS2 sequence in NCBI database. This might probably be the first report of ITS2 sequencing of Psilorchis sp. either in India and abroad.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON TICKS AND HAEMOPARASITES OF CATTLE IN INDO-BHUTAN BORDER DISTRICTS OF ASSAM(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Mushahary, Dipanjali; Bhattacharjee, KantaTicks and tick-borne blood parasitic diseases are recognized as a major constraint to livestock production causing clinical and subclinical parasitism and greatly hamper the health of animals worldwide including India. The present study was carried out to record the tick infestation and tick-borne blood parasitic diseases (haemoprotozoal and haemorickettsial) in crossbred and indigenous cattle of four Indo-Bhutan border districts of Assam, viz. Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri for one calendar year from April 2016 to March 2017. A total of 533 cattle were examined of which 266 (49.90%) were found infested either with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (23.45%) or Haemaphysalis bispinosa (15.75%) or with both the ticks (mixed infestation) (10.69%). Crossbred cattle were found having higher prevalence of tick (53.50%) compared to the indigenous (49.34%) which was statistically non-significant. Tick infestation was the highest in adult cattle of > 3 years of age (56.61%) and the lowest in calves of < 1 year of age (41.74%) while in young cattle of 1- 3 years it was 52.89 %. Higher prevalence of tick infestation was recorded in female cattle (53.57%) than the males (44.80%). Also, tick infestation was recorded higher in indigenous cattle which were free ranged (49.34%) than that of the stall fed crossbred cattle (41.55%). According to the distribution of ticks on different body parts of cattle, infestation was observed highest in inguinal region including udder and scrotum (82.70%) followed by neck (71.42%) and lowest seen in back region (22.55%). Prevalence of haemoparasites determined by microscopic examination of Giemsa stained blood smear followed by confirmation in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) revealed presence of three species, Theileria orientalis (62.85%), Babesia bigemina (1.87%) and Anaplasma marginale (2.62%) with an overall 67.35% haemoparasite prevalence. However, no case of Babesia bovis, Theileria annulata and Trypanosoma evansi was detected during this study by microscopy and PCR. Haemoparasite infection was higher in crossbreds (77.92 %) than the indigenous animals (65.57 %). Adult cattle > 3 years age were found more susceptible to blood parasitic diseases (80.42%) than young (68.11%) and calves (54.85%). Females had higher prevalence (74.02%) compared to the male animal (58.22%). PCR amplified parasite DNA of T. orientalis, B. bigemina, A. marginale showed clear band at 776 bp, 1124 bp and 160 bp respectively. Demonstration of T. orientalis DNA in the eggs laid by female engorged R (B). microplus obtained from T. orientalis positive case suggested the tick species as the vector of the parasite and transmitting it transovarially to the subsequent generations. Screening of 100 sera samples by Indirect ELISA revealed presence of Trypanosoma evansi antibodies in 7 samples with O.D value of 0.45. Phylogenetic analysis of MPSP gene of Theileria orientalis isolate revealed 99.00% similarity with the isolate reported from Thailand and Myanmar. Anaplasma marginale isolate in the present study bear 93.46% similarity with isolates reported from USA and Mexico while the Babesia bigemina isolate has been found to be very distinct molecular type in terms of 18S rRNA gene. The high level of unrelatedness could be due to lack of interaction between the present isolate reported and other isolates. Quantification of Babesia bigemina organisms by Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) revealed presence of 8.01 x 1011 DNA copies µl-1 of B. bigemina. Haematological estimation in both crossbred and indigenous cattle infected with haemoparasites revealed anaemia in terms of lowered Hb and PCV values. This study fairly suggests that R. (B). microplus and H. bispinosa infestation are highly endemic and the blood parasitic diseases, Oriental theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis are prevalent in subclinical state in cattle in the study areas.ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BLADDER WORM DISEASES OF PIGS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH WITH SPECIAL REFRERENCE TO Taenia Solium TAENIASIS IN MAN(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Biswakarma, Badal; Deka, Dilip Kr.