Anand District Of Gujarat Research Articles

Perception of Agricultural Input Dealers and Challenges Faced by them in Selling Kitchen Garden Pouch in Anand District of Gujarat, India

Micronutrient deficiencies are a significant issue in countries like India, impairing physical and cognitive development. Therefore, overcoming this requires effective and efficient strategies that use available resources and have long term benefits are needed. Kitchen gardening, a traditional practice, is gaining popular as a solution. Kitchen garden seed pouches simplify gardening, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability, even in limited spaces. These pouches contain quality seeds of popular vegetables and herbs. This study was conducted with three objectives, to study profile of agricultural input dealers, their perception regarding kitchen garden pouch and identify challenges faced by them for selling kitchen garden pouch. It was conducted from January 15th to April 16th 2024 in Anand district of Gujarat and 120 agricultural input dealers were surveyed with the help of semi-structured schedule. Non-Probability sampling method and Convenience sampling was used. Statistical tool like percentage and henry garret ranking methods were used. It reveals that the majority of dealers are middle-aged, with significant experience in the field. Educational qualifications vary, but a significant proportion holds qualifications equivalent to Diploma. The majority operate as retailers, predominantly in urban areas, specializing in seeds and agrochemicals. Despite a high level of awareness about kitchen garden pouches among dealers, a considerable percentage were not actively sold this product. Consumer demand and product quality were key factors influence the dealers’ decision. Challenges faced during product ordering include credit facility and product replacement concerns, challenges at the time of selling product were customer debit behaviour and product price sensitivity.

ICT operational self-confidence of the farmers

Realizing the importance of ICT in the development of farmers in the present situation of Science and Technology, now a day, it is expected that farmers should have enough ICT operational or working self-confidence for taking advantages of ICT for their development. It is a fact that higher ICT working self-confidence more will be the chances of exploring ICT tools and services on the job. Considering the significance of ICT operational self-confidence in accelerating the use of ICT amongst the farmers, this study was carried out to understand the level of ICT operational self-confidence of the farmers and the factors responsible behind generation of that self-confidence to operate various ICT tools and services. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. This study was carried out in Anand district of Gujarat. Out of eight talukas of district, five random talukas viz. Anand, Petlad, Sojitra, Borsad and Anklav were selected. From the selected talukas, four random villages where numbers of practicing farmers were higher were selected randomly. Thus, the total selected villages for this study were twenty. Eight to fifteen farmers from each village were selected randomly from each selected village in such a way that total sample size become 200. Pre-tested interview schedule was prepared and personal interview method was used for collection the data from the farmers. Frequency, percentage, arbitrary method and coefficient of correlation were used as statistical tools. From the entire study, it was observed that more number of the farmers were having with medium to very low level of ICT operational self-confidence. Majority of the farmers were confident in operating smart phone, exchanging information through WhatsApp and using farm information source like YouTube. It was also observed that majority of the farmers had less confidence to get land records personally from online source, train other farmer to use internet, operate computer and getting information from I-Khedut portal.Education, annual income, all the selected communicational and psychological characteristics of the farmers had positive and highly significant association with their ICT operational self-confidence.

Comparative analysis of intradermal tuberculin test and γ-interferon assay for diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis

The present study was carried out in and around Anand district of Gujarat with the aim to assess the sensitivity and specificity of IFN-γ assay as compared to intradermal tuberculin test for diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis during the period 2011-12. The prevalence of bovine TB in the cattle was 26.19% by TST and 38.49% by IFN- γ assay. Breed wise, highest prevalence of bovine TB was found in Gir (38.96%), followed by Triple cross (23.95%) and Kankrej (16.45%) by TST; while by IFN- γ assay, highest prevalence was observed in Triple cross (42.70%). Age wise, highest prevalence of bovine TB was found in adults (37.90%) followed by calves (26.66%) and heifers (11.22%) by TST; while by IFN-γ assay, highest prevalence was observed in calves (66.66%) followed by adults (44.35%) and heifers (22.44%). Sex wise, more prevalence of bovine TB was found in males (56.25%) than in females (21.81%) by TST; while by IFN-γ assay, more prevalence was observed in females (39.25%) than in males (31.25%). Sensitivity and specificity of TST in detecting bovine TB were 27.27% and 57.52% respectively, compared to IFN-γ assay. ELISPOT assay showed 34.78% animals were found positive for bovine TB. IFN-γ assay showed better sensitivity in detecting bovine TB at younger age compared to TST, and hence can be useful in timely removal of the infected animals from the herd.

Retrospective Analysis of Suspected Clinical Cases of Human Brucellosis in Anand, Gujarat, India

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonosis that is emerging in some parts of the world. Although, brucellosis is a mandatory reporting disease and is not eliminated in Gujarat. The aim of the present study was to study the prevalence of human brucellosis in Anand district of Gujarat along with the trend of the disease over a period of 6 years. We also tried to study the common clinical presentations and diagnostic test used for confirmation of cases. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data available at the Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad during the past 6 years (2015 ± 2021) to get insight into the prevalence of human brucellosis in Gujarat. Results: According to the available data, 113 samples had positive serology for Brucella spp. The age of the patients enrolled in the study ranged from 12 to 78 years with an average age of 35.58. The majority were males 96 (85%), Out of 113 patient’s total 37 patients admitted to the hospital in year 2019. According to the available data, out of a total of 113, 55 patients were positive for Brucella abortus, while only nine patients were positive for Brucella melitensis. Conclusion: As this study constitutes a retrospective analysis, some of its methodological limitations relate to the lack of information that would allow a more comprehensive analysis of risk factors (e.g., occupation, risk factors, and area of residence of patients).

A hydrochemical and remote sensing approach to decrypt the groundwater salinization in the coastal district of Sabarmati basin, Gujarat

Coastal cities worldwide are witnessing large-scale salinity both inland as well as coastal salinity, especially in semi-arid regions. The economic aspiration and changes in land use associated with the excavation of unsustainable groundwater withdrawal is leading to saline up-coning as well as seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers. The present study has been conducted in Anand district of Gujarat, India, to evaluate the genesis of salinity in the coastal aquifers. In the current study, both conservative elements and stable isotopes are used to explain the controlling factors of groundwater salinization and its hydrogeochemical processes. LISS-IV (Linear Imaging Self-scanning) was used to map land use land cover to understand the impact of land use practices on groundwater conditions and salinity mapping. From 2006 to 2018, the surveying and mapping of saline soil showed an increasing trend, which indicates high salinity in groundwater regime and soil characteristic. The chemical constituents coming from reverse ion exchange mineral dissolution as well as anthropogenic sources of saline water are demarcated using saturation index and ionic ratio. The origin of water salinity is described using δ18O and δD, the relationship regression line below LMWL suggests significant evaporation of recharging water before infiltration.

Knowledge of Breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care Practices Among General Practitioners in Rural Western India.

Breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) are interventions to reduce neonatal mortality and undernutrition. We investigated the knowledge of allopathic and Ayurvedic, Yoga-naturopathy, Siddha, and Homeopathic (AYUSH) general practitioners in rural western India and identified attributes associated with awareness and knowledge on these topics. This cross-sectional study of general practitioners in the Anand district of Gujarat, India, used an anonymous self-reported survey. Multivariable regression models were used to identify practitioner attributes associated with awareness and knowledge. Among the 158 respondents, a quarter (26.0%) were trained in allopathic medicine and 63.0% had practiced for 5 years or more. The average score of breastfeeding knowledge was 8.0 of 13. Most (79.1%) did not have any awareness of KMC. After adjusting for potential confounders, knowledge of breastfeeding practices among AYUSH practitioners was 4-fold greater than that of allopathic practitioners (incidence rate ratio: 3.9; 95% CI: 3.2-4.6). By contrast, AYUSH practitioners had 80% decreased odds of awareness about KMC compared with allopathic practitioners (odds ratio: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3). This study demonstrates distinct knowledge gaps among allopathic and AYUSH general practitioners regarding breastfeeding and KMC. There is a need for tailored continuing medical education among general practitioners to enhance their clinical knowledge of newborn care practices to achieve improvements in neonatal health.

An Economic Analysis of Marketing of Eggs in Anand District of Gujarat

The present investigation was undertaken to study patterns and practices of marketing, price spread, and constraints faced by egg growers in Anand District of Gujarat. The data were the principal and dominant Channel of marketing for egg. The Producer's share in consumer's price was the highest in Channel-III (85.29 percent) followed by Channel-II (78.00 percent), Channel-I (76.63 percent). Marketing efficiency was highest in Channel-III (5.80) as compared to Channel-I (3.28) and Channel-II (3.55). The most crucial marketing constraints of selected poultry farmers were high price fluctuation, the low wholesale price of an egg, lack of grading, and lack of co-operative market facilities. An effective co-operative system can be introduced in the marketing of eggs, which would increase the Producer's share in collected from 80 poultry farms during 2018-19. The three marketing channels were identified in the movement of eggs The total number of marketed eggs was about 73 crore. Out of total marketed eggs, 90.18, 9.26 and . 0.56 percent of eggs were marketed through Channel-I, II, and III, respectively. Thus, producers to distant wholesalers to retailers to consumers were the consumer's price.

An economic analysis of production of layers in Anand district of Gujarat

The present investigation was undertaken to study economics and constraints of layer production in Anand district of Gujarat state. The data were collected from 80 poultry farms during 2018-19. The major analytical tools employed for the study were tabular analysis, percentage, ratios, break-even analysis, and Garrett ranking technique. The average cost of production per layer was Rs. 1101. It can also be found that variable cost formed 91.51 per cent of total cost, while fixed cost accounted for 8.49 per cent of total cost per farm and per layer. Average cost of production per egg was Rs. 3.42. The average gross returns per layer and per egg were Rs. 1203 and Rs. 3.94, respectively and the average net return per layer was Rs. 102. The benefit: cost ratio was 1.09 for the sample as a whole. The break-even analysis revealed that the layer had to produce a minimum of 146 eggs for the sample as a whole to meet the cost incurred in production of eggs. Production efficiency like feed conversion ratio was 1.84 and egg feed price ratio was 1.39 for the sample as whole. It was also observed that labour shortage, high cost of input, high cost of establishment and non-availability of chicks on time were the major production constraints encountered by the poultry farmers.

Mapping crop types in fragmented arable landscapes using AVIRIS-NG imagery and limited field data

ABSTRACT The fragmented nature of arable landscapes and diverse cropping patterns often thwart the precise mapping of crop types. Recent advances in remote-sensing technologies and data mining approaches offer a viable solution to this mapping problem. We demonstrated the potential of using hyperspectral imaging and an ensemble classification approach that combines five machine-learning classifiers to map crop types in the Anand District of Gujarat, India. We derived a set of narrow/broad-band indices from the Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) imagery to represent spectral variations and identify target classes and their distribution patterns. The results showed that Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) and Generalised Linear Model (GLM) had strong discriminatory image classification abilities with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.75 and 0.93 for MaxEnt and between 0.73 and 0.92 for GLM. The ensemble model resulted in improved accuracy scores compared to individual models. We found the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and Moment Distance Ratio Right/Left (MDRRL) to be important predictors for target classes such as wheat, legumes, and eggplant. Results from the study revealed the potential of using one-class ensemble modelling approach and hyperspectral images with limited field dataset to map agricultural systems that are fragmented in nature.

Study on Clinico-Haematol-Biochemical Alterations in Goats Suffering from Trichostrongylosis in Anand District of Gujarat

This cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the effect of trichostrongylosis on clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters in goats. The study included eight healthy control goats and 48 naturally infected goats from the Anand district of Gujarat. The cases having a history of diarrhea, anorexia, weakness, dullness, loss of weight, and not dewormed were selected. Fecal samples of infected goats were examined by direct smear method for the presence of Trichostrongylus spp. eggs and the infection was confirmed by quantitative evaluation and coproculture of the samples for the identification of larvae. The result indicated that the infected goats have significantly elevated rectal temperature, pulse rate, and respiration rate along with diarrhea, dullness, depression, emaciation, and loss of condition. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the mean Hb, TEC, PCV, lymphocyes, as well as serum total protein, calcium and phosphorus, and a significant increase in TLC, neutrophils, eosinophils, ALT, AST and ALP in infected goats.

Effect of Feeding Moringa (Moringa oleifera) as Green Fodder on Feed Intake, Milk Yield, Microbial Protein Synthesis and Blood Profile in Crossbred Cows

To evaluate the effect of feeding Moringa (Moringa oleifera) as green fodder on feed intake, milk yield, microbial protein synthesis, and blood profile, a study was conducted on twenty lactating crossbred cows in Anand district of Gujarat. Cows were divided into two groups of ten each, based on milk yield (9–10 kg/d), fat content (3.5–3.8%) and stage of lactation (av. 60 days in milk). Cows in control group were fed 3.0 kg each chaffed wheat and pulse straw, 15.0 kg green hybrid Napier grass and 5.0 kg cattle feed (23.0% CP; 4.0% EE), Whereas, cows in experimental group were fed 15.0 kg Moringa green fodder (by replacing 15.0 kg hybrid Napier) for 90 days. Nutrient requirement was adjusted by reducing quantity of cattle feed (3.5 kg). Study revealed that milk yield and fat content increased (P<0.01) by 9.17% and 7.41%, respectively in experimental group as compared to control group. Level of β-carotene improved by 37.76%, while level of cholesterol decreased by 17.60% in cows fed Moringa as green fodder. Feeding of Moringa fodder improved intestinal flow of microbial nitrogen from 112.67 to 159.53 g/d (P<0.01). Serum concentration of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) reduced from 0.28 to 0.22 meq/L (P<0.05) whereas, the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) increased from 442.73 to 849.44 (P<0.01) in experimental group. Level of serum immunoglobulin, IgM was higher by 22.19% (P<0.05) in experimental cows. Organoleptic properties of milk were not affected by feeding Moringa green fodder. The average net daily income was higher by 46.21 (P<0.01) by replacing hybrid Napier with Moringa fodder. It is concluded that Moringa oleifera is highly nutritious fodder, and palatable; thus can be used as green fodder for lactating cows under field conditions.

Viral Metagenomics of chickens with respiratory infection using MG-RAST

Respiratory tract infections in poultry flocks lead to increased rate of mortality and thereby increase economic burden to the poultry industry. The aim of the study was to identify variety of known and unknown microbial organisms participating in the respiratory tract infections in poultry. Infected samples from 8 different poultry farms located in the Anand district of Gujarat, India were collected. Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform Ion Torrent PGM, approximately 1.1 giga-bases of sequences by metagenomics pipeline were obtained. To understand the community of bacterial as well as viral sequences involved in the infection, MG-RAST, an automated online based approach was used. The taxonomical classfication resulted in sequences with 78.91% of bacteria, 9.35% of eukaryota, 8.17% of viruses, 0.10% of archaea, 0.02% of unclassified sequences, 0.45% of other sequences and 2.99% were unannotated. While functional classification of sequences resulted in 22.15% of predicted proteins with known functions, 77.74% of predicted proteins with unknown function, and very negligible 0.01% of ribosomal RNA genes. The most abundant virus families observed were Podoviridae, Myoviridae and Siphoviridae belonging to the Caudovirales order. This study is the first approach for annotating metagenomics of poultry having respiratory infection using MG-RAST approach.

Evaluation of accredited social health activists in Anand District of Gujarat.

Background:Accredited social health activist (ASHA) has the pivotal role to play in the whole design and strategy of national rural health mission (NRHM). The performance of ASHA is, therefore, critical for the success of NRHM and hence of the health improvement strategy of the government of India.Objectives:(1) To evaluate the knowledge and performance of ASHA. (2) To assess the factors affecting these two attributes of ASHA.Methods:Ten ASHAs were randomly selected from each of the eight administrative blocks of Anand District. Thus, a total of 80 ASHAs participated in the study. Knowledge of ASHAs was assessed by computing knowledge score which included 15 questions, while the performance was assessed through performance score which included 17 indicators. Each ASHA was ranked “Poor,” “Average,” and “Good” based on the performance score.Results:Out of 80 ASHAs, 49 (61%) were in the age group of 30–40 years. Majority of ASHAs(68%) belonged to other backward class (OBC). 73 (91%) ASHAs had education up to at least secondary level. 65 (81%) ASHAs were working for more than 4 years. About 84% of ASHAs had knowledge score between 12 and 15. Nearly 51% of ASHAs ranked average in performance, while 49% ranked poor. None of the ASHAs ranked good. Knowledge score and performance ranks were not associated with age, caste, education, and duration of service of ASHAs. Performance ranks were found to be significantly associated only with time lapse since the last training received.Conclusion:To strengthen the grass root cader of ASHAs, their evaluation should be conducted regularly. Additional refresher training should be provided to ASHAs with low knowledge and performance scores so that the engagement of rural community with the health system can be improved.

A Study of Bhadran Seva Sahkari Mandali Ltd. In Anand District of Gujarat- Some Economic Aspects

People of Bhadran are educated, cultured and rich. It was need of time to establish a cooperative store in such rich and reputed village, where Patidar of Charotar had very good reputation. Bhadran Seva Sahakari Mandali Ltd. (BSSM), Bhadran was registered as a Cooperative Society Act, 1961. The effort has been made to study the change in the trade of mandali during 1980-81 to 2012-13. The trade of “The Bhadran Seva Sahakari Mandali” is analyzed in four parts viz; (a) regular trade (b) irregular trade (c) ancillary service trade and (d) total trade. There are 4 items in Regular trade, 10 items in irregular trade, 3 items in ancillary trade, and total trade 17 items. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. A critical analysis of composition of trade reveals that diesel, petrol and chemical fertilizers in this study area contribute of the driving force at local development. There is a significant growth of BSSM trade in financial terms but in physical terms, the same is not very satisfactory.

Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity of Lungs and Dyspnea in Patient with Silicosis in Anand District of Gujarat

Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity of Lungs and Dyspnea in Patient with Silicosis in Anand District of Gujarat

Farmers’ perspective towards existing poultry contract farming model in Anand district of Gujarat

Contract farming in India can be seen in the production of various agricultural commodities. It has also been recognized in the poultry sector with Suguna Poultry pioneering in contract farming in this sector. Anand district in Gujarat has also witnessed rapid growth in contract farming in poultry. Many farmers who were earlier engaged in poultry farming as independent grower moved toward contract farming model. The paper has tried to study in detail the ‘modus operandi’ of poultry contract farming and the current scenario in Anand district of Gujarat, particularly what factors play role in entering into contract farming and the farmers’ satisfaction level towards the integrator.

Economic burden of diabetes mellitus in western India: a hospital based study

Background: Descriptive cost of illness study can provide an overall picture of diabetes in monetary terms in developing country, which may serve as a vital source of information for health care organizations and planning bodies to plan and prioritize local health policies and schemes. The aim was to explore cost description of diabetes in a tertiary care hospital in Anand district of Gujarat, India. Methods: This was an observational study with one year follow up. Ethical approval was taken from IEC. Patients were recruited and were divided into three categories according to duration of diabetes; newly diagnosed cases as category I, diabetes since last 5 year as category II and since last 10 years as category III. All these patients were followed up with 4 visits. Cost was calculated into three components; direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect cost. Descriptive and regression analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. Results: Total 90 patients were analyzed after 12 patients were lost to follow up, 30 in each category. Mean total cost was found to be 12391.84 INR. Contributions from direct medical cost, direct non-medical cost and indirect cost were 74%, 2% and 24% respectively. Maximum cost incurred was due to medicine cost (44.14%) followed by complication cost (43.34%). Conclusions: Heavy economic burden highlights the urgent need for the health care organizations to plan and prioritize policies and accordingly in prevention and management of diabetes and its complications.

Utilization of Medicines Available at Home by General Population of Rural and Urban Set Up of Western India.

In India, medicines are procured with prescription or without prescription by patients, which are kept at home and often are utilized in inappropriate manner. It may remain unused, get expired or may be repeated in the way of self medication. So there remains an increase chance of self-medication compared to prescribed drugs. This study was aimed to explore the utilization pattern of medicines available at home with special attention to the types of medicine (with or without prescription) and their appropriate utilization (dosage compliance) and intended self-medication. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Anand district of Gujarat, India during the year 2012- 2014 after Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval. Data were collected from 800 houses, 400 each from urban and rural areas and then analysed for the details of medicines available in the house as: (i) number of homes having medicines; (ii) number of formulations with and without prescriptions; (iii) number of formulations with package inserts & expired formulations; (iv) Dosage forms of medicines; (v) pharmacological class wise distribution of medicines; (vi) status of the medicine use whether for current use, future use or leftover; and (vii) Appropriateness of medicines with and without prescription in relation to dose and duration of treatment. Medicines were available in 93.75% houses. More medicine formulations (16.76%) were found without prescription in urban area than in rural (11.82%). Highest number of dosage forms found, were that of tablets (62%). Among the prescribed medicines, majority of medicines were from cardiovascular disease (19.88%) and from without prescription medicines, Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) were the major group available at houses (35.13%). The leftover medicines with prescription were 20.39% and without prescription medicines were 13.37%. Appropriate dose and duration of medicines were followed more significantly by urban people than the rural. Only 2.91% medicines were found along with package inserts and 2.94% crossed the expiry dates. The evaluation of utilization of medicines, in urban and rural population describes high drug storage, higher leftover medicines and inappropriate use of medicines and many self medicated by patients which suggests the need to educate the patients about proper and rational use of medicines.

Comparative economics of Banana cultivation in Anand district of Gujarat

The comparative economics of banana cultivation under drip and conventional irrigation methods was studied by collecting data from 60 drip farms and 60 non-drip farms of Anand district during 2009–10. Though the investment on drip irrigation system for banana crop was expensive ( 84115/ha), the total cost of cultivation in drip farms ( 150098/ha) was slightly less than that in non-drip farms ( 151735/ha). The yield (13.94 per cent) and net profit (52.76 per cent) of banana in drip farms were higher as compared to non-drip farms. Input-Output ratio over cost-c2 under drip and flood method of irrigation was 2.10 and 1.71, respectively. The Cobb-Douglas production function was employed to establish the input-output relationship. The sum of regression co-efficient (Σbi's) was 1.072 and 1.109 for non-drip and drip banana farms, respectively indicating increasing return to scale. MVP/FC ratios were also worked out to examine the resource use efficiency more reliably. It was found that the resources viz, plantlets (tissue culture), irrigation and area were underutilized in drip farms indicating these inputs were not optimum in context to other inputs in order to get maximum profit and therefore, there is yet some scope to increase productivity in the study area of drip farms of banana.

Effect of Feeding Balanced Ration on Solids-Not-Fat Content of Milk and Production Performance of Lactating Crossbred Cows

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of feeding a balanced ration on the solids-not fat (SNF) content of milk and production performance of crossbred cows (n=70) in Anand district of Gujarat, India. Out of 115 animals, 70 crossbred cows showed low SNF content. Milk yield, milk fat, SNF and net daily income of milk producers were recorded before and after feeding a balanced ration. Nutritional status of animals indicated that about 76% of the animals were given excess protein and energy in the ration, whereas, ration of 83% of the animals was deficit in calcium and phosphorus. On feeding a balanced ration for 8 weeks, there was improvement (P<0.01) in SNF content of milk from 7.88 to 8.65%. Average daily milk yield increased (P<0.01) from 10.60 to 11.77 kg and milk fat from 4.12 to 4.21% on feeding a balanced ration. This translated into an additional daily monetary benefit of about 45 per animal to the milk producers. Milk production efficiency of fat corrected milk (kg FCM produced/kg DMI consumed) increased from 0.69 to 0.90 and rumen microbial protein increased from 735 to 1197 g/d (38%) on feeding a balanced ration. The levels of serum immunoglobulins like Ig G, Ig M and Ig A increased from 21.42 to 26.73, 2.74 to 3.44 and 0.42 to 0.53 mg/ml, respectively whereas the level of Ig E decreased from 215 to 142 pg/ml on feeding a balanced ration. The study revealed that feeding of a balanced ration not only helped in improving SNF content of milk but also resulted in improved immune status, microbial protein synthesis and daily income of milk producers.