Factors Affecting Conception Rate in AI Bred Cattle under Field Conditions of Maharashtra

Data on 98336 artificial inseminations (AI) performed during 6 years (January 2010 to November 2015) on 56037 field animals owned by 29097 farmers’ from 44 cattle development centres spread across two districts of Maharashtra state were collected and analyzed. Whole data set was classified according to districts (Beed, Jalgaon), economic status of farmers (APL, BPL), animal breed (HF cross, Indigenous, Jersey cross, Non-descript), parity of animal (heifer, first, second, third, fourth, fifth calvers), animal body condition score (no rib exposed, one rib exposed, two ribs exposed, three ribs exposed), heat stage (early, mid, late), season of AI (rainy-June to September, winter-October to January, summer-February to May), bull breed used for AI ( HF, HF crossbreed, Jersey, Jersey crossbreed, Indigenous), AI sequence number (1,2,3) and AI Year (2010 to 2015). Least square analysis was used to compute conception rate. The results revealed overall mean conception rate as 46.2 ± 0.51% and it was significantly (p les than 0.01) higher in Beed district, Jersey crossbreed animals, animals having fourth parity, animals exhibiting one rib exposed, early heat and animals inseminated with Indigenous breed bulls semen, first AI sequence number and during the year 2015 compared with respective groups of parameters under study. However, effect of season of AI and economic condition of farmers did not affect conception rate in animals under field conditions of Maharashtra.

Migratory Sheep Farming Practices in Cauvery Delta Zone in Tamil Nadu

Migratory sheep, due to its movement, poses threat of spreading diseases among small ruminants. Considering this, the study was carried out to identify the focus area of extension intervention among the migratory sheep farmers to disseminate scientifically recommended practices which minimize disease risk and enhance flock health. The study was conducted following ex post fact research design at Venganur village, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. Using a semi-structured interview schedule, data were personally collected from 30 migratory sheep farmers who were selected purposively. The findings were subjected to focussed group interview involving seven farmers. The results envisaged a wider difference among the farmers from 100 per cent non-adoption of balanced ration to 100.00 per cent adoption of deworming. Therefore, extension interventions need to be intensified to educate the farmers on technologies which help in disease prevention and control.

Congenital Hydrocephalic Monster in an Indigenous Gir Calf: A Case Report

There are several types of fetal dropsy (fetal ascites, fetal anasarca, fetal hydrocephalus), which have obstetrical importance preventing normal easy delivery of calf. Hydrocephalus is one of the fetal causes of dystocia. It is characterized by an accumulation of fluid which may be in the ventricular system or between the brain and the subarachnoid space. The swelling or enlargement of cranium occurs as a result of an imbalance between formation and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (Arthur et al., 2001). This congenital dropsical condition is associated with an autosomal recessive gene, whereas some cases are due to BVD-MD or bluetongue virus infection in bovine (Roberts, 1986). Though this dropsical condition is rare in Gir cattle, it is reported in many other species (Dhami et al., 2007; Kumar et al., 2010; Parmar et al., 2018). The present case report depicts an unusual instance of hydrocephalic monster in an indigenous Gir calf, causing dystocia, which was successfully managed by per vaginum.

Postpartum Uterine Prolapse in a Goat and its Successful Management

Postpartum uterine prolapse occurs in all animal species. It is most common in cows and ewe, less common in the doe and rare in the mare. It is an eversion of the uterus, which turns inside out as it passes through the vagina. Prolapse of uterus generally occurs immediately after or a few hours of parturition when the cervix is open, and the uterus lacks tone (Hanie, 2006). The prolapse is visible as a large mass protruding from the vulva, often hanging down below the animal’s hock. The etiology of uterine prolapse is not yet fully known. Hormonal imbalance, hypocalcemia, mineral imbalances, injuries or stretching of birth passage, excessive traction at assisted parturition, dystocia or forceful removal of fetal membranes may contribute to the occurrence of prolapse (Hanie, 2006; Jackson, 2004). Animals with uterine prolapse should be treated promptly; otherwise, it may lead to edema, ischemia, laceration, internal hemorrhage (Noakes et al., 2001), prostration, and shock making prognosis poor to hopeless. The success of treatment depends on the type of case, the degree of damage, and contamination. The present case highlights the successful management of postpartum uterine prolapse in a goat.

Relative Gene Expression Study on Casein Protein and its Regulatory Genes in Mammary Epithelial Cells of Surti Goat

This investigation was carried out to study the relative gene expression of casein proteins and its regulatory genes in mammary epithelial cells of Surti goats at 30 and 90 days interval postpartum. 10 healthy Surti goats were selected from Livestock Research Station, Navsari. The non-invasive method was used for the isolation of Mammary Epithelial Cells (MEC) from goat milk samples. The relative gene expression of CSN1S1 (αs1-casein), CSN1S2 (αs2-casein), CSN2 (β-casein), CSN3 (κ-casein) and its regulatory genes C/EBP and STAT5A genes and KRT14 (epithelial cell marker) gene were studied in MEC. The relative gene expression of CSN1S1, CSN1S2, CSN3 and C/EBP genes were significantly up-regulated with the advancement of lactation at 90 days postpartum. The relative gene expression of CSN2 was highly significant and had a positive correlation with its regulatory genes C/EBP and STAT5A at 30 days and 90 days, respectively. The relative gene expression of CSN1S2, CSN3, and C/EBP genes was positively correlated with protein percent at 30 days and 90 days postpartum in Surti goats.

Successful Retrieval of Fish Hook From Indian Flap-Shelled Turtle (Lissemys punctata) via Intra-oral Approach

Lissemys punctata, an Indian flap-shelled turtle is a fresh water species found widespread and common in South Asia. Injuries due to entangled fish hook is the most common affection reported in these species (Balazs and Poley, 1993). Because fresh water turtles are opportunistic scavengers and also take live prey, they are most likely vulnerable to capture with baited hooks set to catch fish (Howey and Dinkelacker, 2013). The present case report discusses the retrieval and management of an entangled fish hook in an Indian flap-shelled turtle.

Incidence of Reproductive Disorders in Cattle and Buffalo under Field Conditions in Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh

This study was conducted in the Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh on reproductive disorders in cattle and buffaloes under field conditions. The information was generated from 120 farmers, 20 farmers from each of six selected villages, who had at least one milking dairy animal at the time of the investigation. The information was generated regarding reproductive disorders of indigenous cattle, crossbred cattle, and buffalo due to improper feeding, breeding, and healthcare management practices and was analyzed to explore the incidence rate of reproductive disorders faced by dairy farmers in three categories of animals. The overall incidence rate of reproductive disorders among indigenous cattle, crossbred cattle, and buffalo in the area surveyed revealed maximum incidence in buffalo (76.05 %) and minimum in indigenous cattle (48.77 %), the crossbreds being intermediate (72.62 %). Late maturity was the major problem in indigenous cattle and anoestrus in buffalo. The incidence of repeat breeding was the highest in crossbred cattle. Dystocia, prolapse and stillbirth were more in buffaloes, while abortion, RFM, and uterine infections were more in crossbred cattle. Reproductive disorders like dystocia, prolapse, abortion and stillbirth were mostly treated by veterinarians; however, remaining reproductive disorders like anoestrus, repeat breeding, uterine infection etc. were treated by dairy farmers and quacks through their own experiences by using different type of indigenous technical knowledge. There is a need to create awareness about scientific animal husbandry practices among dairy farmers of the region studied.

Epidemiology and Haemato-Biochemical Changes in Mange Infested Camels

Mange in camel, also named as sarcopticosis is defined as an extremely contagious skin disease characterized by scab formation, pruritic dermatitis, thickening and corrugation of skin and hair loss. A total of 21 positive cases of mange infestation were selected from those presented at the Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College, in Anand and from surrounding villages. The affected camels were divided into 3 groups, viz., B, C, D each group comprised of 7 camels, while seven healthy camels in group A served as control. The maximum prevalence of sarcoptic mange among infected animals was found in the age group of >6 years (52.38 %), followed by 4-6 years (38.09 %) and in less than 3 years age groups (9.52 %), and also in females than the males (85.71 vs 14.29%). The levels of haematological values, viz., haemoglobin, total erythrocytes count, packed cell volume, neutrophils, basophils, MCV and MCH were found to be significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased, whereas the total leukocytes count, lymphocytes and eosinophils were increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in mange affected camel as compared to healthy ones. The biochemical constituents, viz., total serum protein, alanine aminotransferase and zinc concentrations were found significantly (p less than 0.05) lower. In contrast, serum creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and copper concentrations were increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in mange affected camels. The changes reflected that the mange infestation causes hepatocellular and renal damage, apart from general stress to the camel.

Ischaemic Necrosis of Pinnae in a Dachshund Dog – A Report

Ischaemic necrosis or thrombo-vascular necrosis of pinnae or pinnal margin vasculopathy is a slowly progressive idiopathic syndrome characterized by wedge-shaped devitalization and necrosis of the distal pinnae. It may occur either in unilateral or bilateral forms, bilateral affection being more common. Initially, an erythematous swelling and discoloration may be noted in the center of the medial aspect towards the apex of pinnae. Later, a necrotic ulcer may be seen in the center of the lesion, progressing to exudation and hemorrhage. In chronic cases, the areas of ulceration undergo complete necrosis resulting in deformity. Although there is no age, sex, and breed predisposition, certain breeds like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are commonly affected (Morris et al., 2013; Nuttall et al., 2005). This communication reports a case of ischaemic necrosis of pinnae in a Dachshund dog with its successful clinical management.

Effect of Weaning Age on Carcass Characteristics of Crossbred Piglets Reared under Intensive System and Slaughtered at 70 Kilogram Body Weight

This study investigated the effect of weaning age on carcass characteristics of crossbred piglets reared up to 70 kg body weight (BW) under intensive system. A total of 24 piglets were used in a completely randomized design. The experiment comprised three treatments: piglets weaned at 21, 28, and 35 days of age with four replicates each with two piglets (castrate and female). At 70 kg BW two piglets (castrate and female) were randomly selected from each replicate and sacrificed for carcass evaluation. Hot carcass weight (HCW) was measured and thereafter dressing out percentage was calculated. Carcasses were chilled at 7 0C for 24 hours to determine cold dressed weight (CDW). Carcasses were cut into the left and right halves along the median line. The left half of the carcass was used to measure carcass length (CRLTH), average backfat depth and longissimus muscle area (LMA) at the 10th rib, while the right half of the carcass was physically dissected into bone, muscle and fat and thereafter tissue ratios calculated. Longissimus muscle was removed at the 10th and 11th ribs from the left half of the carcass for chemical composition analysis. Data were analysed using General Linear Model. Weaning age had no influence (p > 0.05) on HCW, dressing percentage, CDW, CRLTH, average backfat thickness, average backfat depth, LMA and carcass lean percentage. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed on average percentages of bone, muscle and fat tissue and their tissue ratios. Weaning age did not influence (p > 0.05) moisture, protein, fat and ash contents of the meat. In addition, weaning age had no (p > 0.05) effect on carcass characteristics, physical and chemical body composition of meat. These results indicate that piglets can be weaned at 21, 28 and 35 days of age without detrimental effects on carcass characteristics, physical and chemical body composition of pork.