Evaluation of two Indian native chicken breeds for reproduction traits and heritability of juvenile growth traits

The present study was conducted to evaluate two Indian native chicken breeds, namely, Aseel and Kadaknath for fertility, hatchability, genetic parameters of juvenile growth traits, and semen quality traits at the onset of sexual maturity. The fertility was similar in Aseel (86.96%) and Kadaknath (85.15%); however, a relatively higher hatchability was observed in Kadaknath (77.94%) than Aseel (70.74%). Heritability estimates of body weights at 4 weeks of age were almost similar in Aseel (0.37) and Kadaknath (0.39), while the estimate of body weight at 6 weeks of age was higher in Aseel (0.42) than Kadaknath (0.31). The heritability estimate of shank length at 6 weeks of age was lower in Aseel (0.16) compared to Kadaknath (0.35). The age at first egg in the flock was comparable in Aseel (148 days) and Kadaknath (150 days). Aseel breed with significantly (P ≤ 0.001) higher body weight, absolute and relative testes weights had significantly higher semen volume (P ≤ 0.05) and sperm motility (P ≤ 0.01) but had lower seminal plasma cholesterol level (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to Kadaknath. It can be concluded that there is a scope for genetic improvement of these two native breeds for juvenile growth traits since heritability estimates of these traits were relatively high.     

Epibulbar melanoma in a foal

A case of epibulbar melanoma in a 6-month-old, gelded, chestnut Hanoverian foal is reported. The location and clinical appearance upon initial presentation led to the tentative diagnosis of staphyloma or a congenital mass of unknown origin. An attempt was made to surgically excise the mass under general anesthesia, but due to its infiltrative nature and intraoperative appearance, most, but not all was removed without compromising the integrity of the globe. Histopathological evaluation revealed a multinodular to packeted, poorly demarcated, unencapsulated, infiltrative exophytic melanocytic neoplasm composed of bundles and nests of plump spindloid to polygonal heavily pigmented epithelioid neoplastic cells interspersed with pigment-laden macrophages within a fine fibrovascular stroma. Upon examination after enucleation, neoplastic cells were found to infiltrate into the lateral cornea, sclera and the choroid. This is a unique case of an epibulbar melanoma with choroidal invasion in a foal. Based on the sudden onset and rapid growth as well as the histological evidence of invasion, well-differentiated features, heavy pigmentation, and no apparent mitoses, this neoplasm was considered to be a low-grade malignant melanoma. At 14 months after excision there is no evidence of recurrence.     

Effect of gamma-irradiation on the lipid profile of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

The effect of gamma-irradiation on the lipid constituents of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) was examined at radiation doses between 2.5 and 10 kGy. The fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerol, the major lipid component, was found to be made up of myristic (90%), palmitic (6%), lauric (3%), petroselinic (0.13%), and stearic acids (0.5%) as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A dose-dependent decrease in the triacylglycerol content and a concomitant increase in free fatty acids characterized the lipid profile of the irradiated spice. This suggested a breakdown of acylglycerols during radiation processing, resulting in the release of free fatty acids. These changes were found to be significant at doses above 5 kGy. The impact of the above changes on the flavor of the spice is discussed. These studies suggest that radiation processing of nutmeg should be limited to a dose of 5 kGy.     

Vaginal Neurofibroma in a Hysterectomized Poodle Dog

A 15‐year‐old, spayed, female poodle dog was presented for evaluation of a mass of tissue prolapsed from the vulva. The dog had been hysterectomized when it was 5 years old. A vaginal mass had been removed approximately 10 months before presentation. Haematological and serum biochemistry analyses demonstrated mild leucocytosis and glycaemia. A vaginal smear was predominantly made up of parabasal cells and intermediate cells with no neoplastic cells. Thoracal and abdominal radiographic findings were unremarkable. The ovaries could not be identified using abdominal ultrasonography. A midline exploratory laparotomy identified both ovaries that were surgically excised. The vaginal mass was also removed following an episiotomy procedure. Histopathological examination of the mass demonstrated that it was a neurofibroma. Both ovaries had cystic changes. Four months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a vaginal neurofibroma after an incomplete ovariohysterectomy in the dog.     

Sonographic characteristics of goat testis on water bath based ultrasonography

Assessing the health of the testes in domestic animals is an important aspect of the breeding soundness examination and selection. The aim of the present study was to develop a simple method for scanning and to establish ultrasonographically the gross anatomic structures of the goat testes. Six adult male goats were examined to study the sonographic appearance of normal testes and epididymides using a water bath based ultrasound scanning technique. The ultrasonographic examinations were done using a 5–9 MHz/60 mm (7.5 MHz) linear-array transducer and a B-mode scanner. The ultrasonographic examination was performed in goats after standardizing the procedure on six testes collected from slaughter house. Results showed that in live goats when the probe was placed directly over the scrotum it gave distorted and unclear image. In water bath method the entire scrotum was dipped into a container filled with water and linear probe was used to observe the sonographic features of the testis. Each testis was viewed vertically, resulting in longitudinal image which was frozen, measured and printed through a thermal printer. The results of the ultrasonogram revealed that the testicular parenchyma was homogenous and moderately echogenic throughout. The diameter (mean±se) of the right and left testes was 4.47±0.14 and 4.42±0.07 cm respectively and no significant difference was observed between the testes. The mediastinum testis was a 1.50±0.22 cm wide linear structure of greater echogenicity than the testicular parenchyma when viewed in the transverse plane and nearly circular echogenic “spot” in the midline of the testis when viewed horizontally. The head and tail of the epididymides were easily identified on all the testes, but the epididymal body and ductus deferens were difficult to identify consistently. The tail of the epididymis was easily identified on the distal end of the testis with sonolucent tubules and appeared sonographically as a ‘peaked cap’ upon the testicular parenchyma. The diameter (mean±se) of the tail of right and left epididymis was 2.11±0.18 and 1.92±0.06 cm and no significant difference was observed between epididymides. The vascular pampiniform plexus (1.42±0.18 cm) was easily identified on the proximal end of the testes. The tunics of the testes appeared as a bright echogenic line. Inter-testicular septum appeared between testes as a hyperechoic line. It is concluded that ultrasonography permits a noninvasive evaluation of the internal structure of the scrotum and testes and water bath based sonographic examination may prove to be a valuable simple diagnostic methodology for evaluating physiopathologic conditions of goat testes and can be employed as a routine investigative method during breeding soundness and clinical examination.     

Characterization of Agro-diversity by Seed Storage Protein Electrophoresis： Focus on Rice Germplasm from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

The characteristics of 48 rice varieties from Uttarakhand Himalaya,India were detected by morphological and biochemical markers.The grains of the selected rice varieties varied in their morphological(grain length,grain width and grain weight)and biochemical characters(sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis,SDS-PAGE).Based on the presence of 70,65,60,57,37-39,22-23,13 and 10 kDa protein bands in the 48 rice varieties,seven types of profiles were identified.An unweighted pair group average ...     

Demand for Processed Potato Products and Processing Quality Potato Tubers in India

Potato processing in India has shown a tremendous growth in the recent past, creating a proportionate increase in demand for processing quality potatoes. Reliable annual demand estimates of processing quality potato tubers in India were not available; hence, the current study was undertaken to provide such estimates. The study was based on a survey of 442 households in the state Maharashtra in India, which was regarded to be representative for India in the consumption of processed potato products. The annual expenditure on potato products during 2006–2007 in Maharashtra was estimated to be INR 5,254 million (€ 93.82 million), which was equivalent to 28,148 Mg of physical processed potato products and 83,333 Mg of processing quality potato tubers (0.38% of national potato production during 2006–2007, i.e. 22.09 million Mg). When the estimates were generalised to a national level, the requirement of processing-quality potato tubers in 2006–2007 was equal to 4.04% of national potato production. The forecasted annual demand of potato products in Maharashtra during 2011–2012 was 75,375 Mg and the corresponding demand of processing quality potato tubers was 230,760 Mg (0.75% of the estimated national potato production during 2011–2012, i.e. 30.89 million Mg). When generalised at national level, the demand of processing quality potato tubers during 2011–2012 was found to be 8% of the estimated national potato production.     

Molecular prevalence and characterization of Hepatozoon ursi infection in Indian sloth bears (Melursus ursinus)

Hepatozoon species are parasites that infect a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. The objective of the study was to detect the occurrence of Hepatozoon ursi in Indian sloth bears and to characterize the parasite based on phylogenetic analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence. Hepatozoon infection could be detected in 38 (70%) out of fifty-four blood samples of Indian sloth bears (captive and wild), suggestive of high prevalence of Hepatozoon infection in Indian sloth bears. Sequencing of partial 18S rRNA gene of the positive samples and BLAST analysis indicated that the nearest phylogenetic neighbour was H. ursi with which they exhibited 99-100% similarity. Additionally, Hepatozoon sp. isolated from wild sloth bears of India were identical to those in captive sloth bears and phylogenetically related to H. ursi reported from Japanese black bears from Japan. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular characterization of H. ursi infection in Indian sloth bears.     

Immunohistochemical markers augment evaluation of vaccine efficacy and disease severity in bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinated cattle challenged with Mycobacterium bovis

Development of necrotic granulomas in response to Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle is pathognomonic for bovine tuberculosis. Previously our laboratory reported on M. bovis granuloma classification by stage of lesion advancement within bovine lymph nodes and developed immunohistochemical markers to further characterize these granulomas. In this study of bovine lymph node granulomas we applied this classification system to assess the dynamics of vaccination challenge. Lymph nodes collected from cattle vaccinated with M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and subsequently challenged with virulent M. bovis were compared to lymph nodes from unvaccinated, challenged cattle. Expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), type I procollagen and cell marker identification of T cells, B cells, macrophages and WC1(+)gammadelta TCR+ cells were assessed. Granulomas formed in vaccinated cattle were greatly reduced in number, area, degree of necrosis and peripheral fibrosis and contained fewer Langhans' giant cells, acid fast bacilli, WC1(+)gammadelta TCR+ cells and less TGF-beta expression in comparison to controls. B cells clustered intensely along the outer granuloma margins within vaccinated calves, with significantly more IFN-gamma producing cells identified in the medullary regions of lymph nodes from BCG-vaccinated animals compared to unvaccinated controls. This may be indicative of immune activation and surveillance in regions not directly associated with ongoing disease. Lymph node evaluation using light microscopy and immunohistochemical markers is useful to assess the immune response and discriminate granulomas to determine vaccine efficacy and disease severity.