DETERMINATION OF RACE PERFORMANCE’S FACTORS OF ARABIAN PUREBRED TUNISIAN HORSES AND THE IMPACT OF INTRODUCTION OF OCCIDENTAL PUREBRED HORSES INTUNISIA

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of age, sex, running distance and origin of horse on racing speed for Purebred Arabian horse in Tunisia. Although the occidental type is known to be more successful in racing than the Tunisian type, we undertook this study to try to confirm or deny this supremacy for a sample of racehorses born in Tunisia from occidental father. A total of 333 racing records were considered for race performance. The effects of environmental factors on (sex, age, father’s origin, race distance, number of race seasons) race performance were analyzed using the least-squares method(LSM).The racehorses studied were all Arabian Purebred horses in operation at the racecourse of Ksar Said from 2010 to 2020. They are 180 horses, 90 horses born of a Tunisian father, and 90 horses born in Tunisia ofthe occidentalfather. These horses are the best and most successful in their category. The study revealed that the gender and age effectswere statistically insignificant onracingperformance. Race performance was significantly influenced by the distance and the origin of the father which affirms the improving role of the occidentalhorse in the Tunisian population.

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON NON-GENETIC FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN SWINE

This review studies several factors affecting the reproductive performance of swine chiefly focusing on sow-related factors, which have significant economic importance. A sow’s productivity is determined by different reproductive attributes, including litter size, litter weight at weaning, farrowing rate, the return of oestrus, and many more. The increase in number of pigs born alive and weaned piglets per sow is an aim for swine husbandry.Various factors such as parity, housing, feed, gestation length, season, and temperature are considered in this paper. Sows of differing parities have performed differently.The performance was influenced by various feeding systems, comfort, spacing, aggressiveness, and disease transmission in the housing system. Feeding intake and nutrition uptake are directly connected with milk secretion as well as other traits. Season and temperature are correlated with feeding intake, time of puberty, hormonal production, and seasonal infertility.Scientists are globally working for productive breeds. However, the rearing of swine will necessitate the consideration of different non-genetic factors of their reproduction from an economicpoint of view.The goal of this study is to understand non-genetic factors that affect sow reproduction and to advise swine farmers on how to create a better environment for swine to improve productivity.

ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION STATUS OF FISH IN FISH ZONE MAHOTARRI, NEPAL

This study was conducted in June, 2020 to know the current status of production of fish subsector in fish zone, Mahottari district. For the study, the primary information was collected from 60 households via predetermined semi structured interview schedule. Simple random technique was used to select the respondents. Virtual interview was carried out to confirm the data collected from household as primary data. Different research journal, articles, reports, books, and the publication of national and international agency, government and non- government organization was consulted to collect secondary data. Collected data was verified and entered in Ms-Excel software for descriptive analysis. Problem indexing was done to rank the major problems. Study revealed socio economic preview with production. Majority of the respondents were found adopted fish farming as major source of income and majority of the respondents engaged in this subsector were from Madhesi community. However, it was found that the farmers were adopting traditional practices for fish production. Unavailability of quality seeds and feeds was found the major problems in the commercial fish farming. Farmers supplying traditional feeds (MOC) only were found dominant. Application of chemical fertilizer was less than the Nepal government’s recommended quantity. Farmers were found applying more quantity of DAP than Urea. Argulosis and E.U.S were the most commonly found diseases in fish. Use of equipment like aerator, pH meter, DO meter to maintain water quality was found very less by farmer. Total production of table fish was found to be 4158.09 qts whereas average production per household was found to be 70.47 qts. B/C ratio was found 1.43 which suggested fish farming was a profitable agricultural business in fish zone, Mahottari and was economically viable to run forward in future.

STATUS OF FISH HATCHERY AND NURSERY MANAGEMENT IN, DHANUSHA, NEPAL

The study was conducted to overview status of fish hatchery and nursery management. The main occupation of owners is hatchery business and 23% owners run as side business. 23% of respondents reared fifteen species including major seven species Rupchand, Puntius, Basai, Bhagi, Bata, Magur and Black carp. 30.8% respondents use brood stock from other hatchery of different place for cross breeding to reduce stress, inbreeding depression and to increase disease resistance, growth, performance and production. 61.53% respondents do not monitor the pond to check water quality pararameters like DO, pH and turbidity of water. The average hatchlings, fish fry and fingerling survivality was found 31.10%, 57% and 64% respectively. The problem encountered were flood, predator, unavailability of feed, hormone, fertilizer, skilled manpower and water shortage. The B/C ratio in private hatchery was 1.59 and 1.31 in government hatchery. Most of the respondents use motorcycle (53.8%) as means of transportation of fish seed. The main severe disease was learnaea followed by argulus. The inputs used in nursery management were less than that of recommended dose. High stocking density of fingerlings found (546.15kg/kattha). 69.23% of respondents sold fish, fry and fingerlings to distant market and 30.8% of fish farmers sold their fish seed products in local market. About 75%, 20% and 5% of hatchery fish seed production transferred through channel 1, channel 2 and channel 3 respectively. The problems faced in market were trader monopoly followed by open boarder, road inaccessibility, transportation loss and lack of market information

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF NEPALESE INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF CHICKEN IN RELATION TO EGG PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE

Indigenous poultry (Gallus domesticus) is one oldest domesticated bird contributing 55% of total poultry production in Nepal. The indigenous breeds of poultry of Nepal are Sakini, Ghanti Khuile (Naked Neck), and Puwakh Ulte. Sakini is the most adapted indigenous breed of Poultry of Nepal, covering more than 50%. At present, various kinds of literature including journals, research reports, annual reports, proceedings, and master thesis regarding the egg production performance of indigenous breeds were reviewed mainly aiming the comparative evaluation of indigenous breeds of chicken of Nepal with respect to the egg production performance. Egg weight (EW), Egg production per year, Clutch per year, Hatchability, and Age at first laying were the parameters compared. The egg production per year of Sakini and Ghanti Khuile was higher than that of Puwakh Ulte. Also, the hatchability of Sakini was significantly higher than that of Naked Neck. This was due to high feathers in Sakini as compared to Naked Neck. Sakini matures earlier than others and start laying earlier. However, there was not much difference in the egg weight of the indigenous breeds. The clutch per year and of Sakini and Ghanti Khuile was also not significantly different. Sakini starts laying eggs earlier than Ghanti Khuile and Puwakh Ulte. There is a need for increased researches in the indigenous breeds besides Sakini and diseases are major constraints reducing the returns to farmers. Government and concerned agencies should step up and help the farmers to maximize the returns.

MUCUNA SEED POWDER SUPPLEMENTATION VALUE ON BROILER CHICKENS PERFORMANCE, ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES, MEAT CHOLESTEROL, PEROXIDATION, AND SERUM METABOLITES

This study examined the effect of Mucuna seed powder (MSP) supplementation on performance, meat, and health status of broiler chickens. A total of 300 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 5 treatments with 6 replicates of 10 birds each, as follows: Diet 1 (control), Diet 2 (diet supplemented with 1.1% oxytetracycline, OXYT), Diet 3 (diet with 0.5% MSP), Diet 4 (diet with 1.0% MSP) and Diet 5 (diet with 1.5% MSP). The dietary MSP supplementation significantly (P<0.05) increased the daily body weight gain of the broiler chickens, compared to those fed the control diet at the starter phase and overall (1-42 days) period of the feeding trial. No significant differences were observed in the measured aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) among the treatments. The broiler chicken fed diets supplemented with MSP had higher (P<0.05) total serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase compared to those fed the control diet. The concentration of muscle cholesterol and lipid peroxidation reduced significantly (P<0.05) in the birds fed MSP supplemented diets compared to those fed the control diet. In conclusion, this study has shown that MSP can be used up to 1.5% as a potential phytogenic feed supplement in a broiler diet to enhance the growth performance, maintain the carcass traits, boost endogenous antioxidants and reduce meat cholesterol level and lipid oxidation.

VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF FISH IN KARAIYAMAI RURAL MUNICIPALITY, BARA DISTRICT OF NEPAL

The research entitled “Value chain analysis of fish in Karaiyamai Rural Municipality, Bara district of Nepal” was conducted in 2020 focusing on the chain of actors involved in supplying inputs to the farmers and thereby supplying finished product to the ultimate consumers through various market intermediaries. The survey research design was used for the study where respondents (60 farmers of Karaiyamai Rural Municipality and 15 traders of Jeetpursimara Sub-Metropolitan City) were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and secondary data were obtained from various articles and related documents. Descriptive statistics and indexing techniques were used for the analysis of data for which MS-Excel and SPSS-23 were used. Average cost of production was NRs. 996516.92/ha. The average productivity of fish in the study area was highest (7024.42 Kg/ha) than the national average productivity (4920 Kg/ha), and district average (5298 Kg/ha). Various production and marketing problems were faced by respondents as untimely availability of inputs, poor water supply units, and poor storage facilities. Despite these problems, the fish production was a profitable business (B: C ratio: 2.01) with high gross margin value. The marketing channel of input suppliers – producers – wholesalers – retailers – consumers was found effective. There was a low marketing margin and higher producer share on the retail price that indicates an efficient market system. Hereby, the study of value chain actors and construction of value chain map symbolizes; there are good prospects of fisheries business with commercialization and risky but profitable enterprise.

PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF GOAT ECOTYPES IN NORTHWESTERN TUNISIA

The study aimed to identify and characterize the phenotype of goat genetic resources in NorthWestern Tunisia. Observation of physical attributes and morphology and morphometrical measurements were employed for data collection. Five hundred fifty adult heads including 440 females and 110 males from three governorates (Bizerte, Beja, and Jendouba) were studied. Twenty-six parameters were evaluated. The results showed that 67.3% of the females and 7.11% of the males had a straight profile and 61.68% of the females had curled horns. Besides, we found that 83.41% of animals do not have pendants, 82.94% have a goatee and 80.28% of them are horned. The average length of the head was 22.22 ± 2.29 cm. The length of the body was 62.13 ± 6.54 cm, the length of the pelvis was 16.55 ± 2.05 cm, and the length of the tail averaged 9.84 ± 2.91 cm. The width of the hips was 13.10 ± 1.75 cm, the width of the ischium was 10.16 ± 6.75 cm. While the width of the chest was 40.93 ±4.65 cm. Besides, sex is a very highly significant factor of variation for the majority of studied traits. Finally, regarding the studied traits, Multiple Factorial Analysis (MFA) and Hierarchical Ascending Classification (CAH) identified five classes in the studied population.

FARMER’S KNOWLEDGE ON ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTANCE, THEIR PRACTISE OF ANTIMICROBIALS USAGE AND BIOSECURITY STATUS OF POULTRY FARMS IN KATHMANDU VALLEY AND CHITWAN DISTRICT, NEPAL

The poultry industry has transformed into one of the vibrant economic activities in Nepal, contributing to almost 4% of the national GDP. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the poultry farmers of Kathmandu valley and Chitwan district to assess the knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among the farmers; their practice of antimicrobial use in poultry productions and the biosecurity status of their poultry farms. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a total of 112 respondents, 56 each from the study sites. Nineteen percent (11/56) of the farmers from the Kathmandu valley and 16% (9/56) of that of Chitwan district knew about the antimicrobial resistance (AMR). About 53.6% (30/56) of farmers from Kathmandu valley and 60.7% (34/56) from Chitwan district followed the drug’s withdrawal period. About 33.9% (19/56) of the farmers of Kathmandu valley and 41.1% (23/56) of Chitwan could tell the names of antibiotics they used in their farms. Doxycycline (25.9%, 29/112) was the most used antibiotic followed by Tylosin (21.5%, 24/112), Colistin (18.75%, 21/112), Ciprofloxacin (13.4%, 15/112) and Neomycin (12.5%, 14/112) in both districts. On average of 41.05% (46/112) farmers knew about the harmful effects of drug residues present in the poultry products. 69.6% (39/56) of poultry farms in Kathmandu valley 53.6% (30/56) of Chitwan district had fences. All the farmers of both districts had separate boots for their farms (100%). 8.9% (5/56) of farms in Chitwan district and 16.1% (9/56) of farms in Kathmandu valley disinfected vehicles entering the farms. Nearly 53.6% (30/56) of the farms in Kathmandu valley and 46.4% (26/56) in Chitwan were in close contact with wild birds. Identifying the critical gaps in knowledge and practice of antimicrobials and improving the farms’ biosecurity status could address the issues of AMR in poultry. We suggest a reduction of antimicrobials in the poultry production by adopting alternative measures.

EVALUATION OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF GOAT FARMS IN THE NORTH-WESTERN REGION OF TUNISIA

Background: Sustainability issues are of particular importance for the goat sector in The North-southern of Tunisia, where many local populations are reared, ensuring livelihoods for vulnerable populations in rural areas, including those in marginal zones. Even though in recent decades there has been great progress in research aimed at increasing goat productivity, there is still great work to be done, namely in the sustainability of this sector Methods: The study aimed to assess the sustainability of goat farming in the North-West of Tunisia. Twenty farms practicing goat farming were involved. Sustainability was assessed using the IDEA method (Indicateurs de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles or Farm Sustainability Indicators). Results: The analysis of the three scales of sustainability (the agro-ecological scale, the socio-territorial scale, and the economic scale) permitted the identification of four classes of farmers in the agro-ecological scale, five classes on the socio-territorial scale, and five classes in the economic scale. The socio-territorial scale that had the lowest value (59.3 points/100) defined global sustainability. At this scale, the components, product territorial quality, ethics, and human development must be improved and optimized. While the highest performances are recorded by the economic scale (70.35), whose transmissibility indicator has the highest score (20 points). It was concluded that the most limiting factor of sustainability for all the farms is the socio-territorial scale, while the highest score of sustainability was found for the economic scale. Improvements should be implemented on all three scales.