Cattle Sheds Research Articles

Effects of Livestock Grazing in Pastures in the Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepalese Himalaya

Livestock herding is a widespread practice in the mountains of Nepal, and grazing in the forest and pastures within protected areas is a main source of cattle fodder. Given the implications of grazing on biodiversity conservation and the need for sustainable management of pastures in the Manaslu Conservation Area of Nepal, we assessed grazing intensity along an elevational gradient following the Budhi Gandaki valley. The data set consisted of grazing intensities recorded every 250 m along a transect from 1400 to 5200 m above sea level and farmer interviews, after an initial satellite data analysis. Grazing and herd size were found to increase with increasing elevation, reflecting local livelihood dependency on cattle herding. Species richness was then analyzed along a grazing disturbance gradient at 7 goths (summer cattle shed) in heavily grazed areas. Disturbance was found to be moderate at intermediate distances, where species richness was found to be higher; the results agree with the generally accepte...

Interaction of Bovine Peripheral Blood Polymorphonuclear Cells and Leptospira Species; Innate Responses in the Natural Bovine Reservoir Host.

Cattle are the reservoir hosts of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo, and can also be reservoir hosts of other Leptospira species such as L. kirschneri, and Leptospira interrogans. As a reservoir host, cattle shed Leptospira, infecting other animals, including humans. Previous studies with human and murine neutrophils have shown activation of neutrophil extracellular trap or NET formation, and upregulation of inflammatory mediators by neutrophils in the presence of Leptospira. Humans, companion animals and most widely studied models of Leptospirosis are of acute infection, hallmarked by systemic inflammatory response, neutrophilia, and septicemia. In contrast, cattle exhibit chronic infection with few outward clinical signs aside from reproductive failure. Taking into consideration that there is host species variation in innate immunity, especially in pathogen recognition and response, the interaction of bovine peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and several Leptospira strains was evaluated. Studies including bovine-adapted strains, human pathogen strains, a saprophyte and inactivated organisms. Incubation of PMNs with Leptospira did induce slight activation of neutrophil NETs, greater than unstimulated cells but less than the quantity from E. coli P4 stimulated PMNs. Very low but significant from non-stimulated, levels of reactive oxygen peroxides were produced in the presence of all Leptospira strains and E. coli P4. Similarly, significant levels of reactive nitrogen intermediaries (NO2) was produced from PMNs when incubated with the Leptospira strains and greater quantities in the presence of E. coli P4. PMNs incubated with Leptospira induced RNA transcripts of IL-1β, MIP-1α, and TNF-α, with greater amounts induced by live organisms when compared to heat-inactivated leptospires. Transcript for inflammatory cytokine IL-8 was also induced, at similar levels regardless of Leptospira strain or viability. However, incubation of Leptospira strains with bovine PMNs did not affect Leptospira viability as measured by limiting dilution culture. This is in contrast to previously reported results of innate inflammatory activation by Leptospira in human and other animal models, or the activation and interaction of bovine PMNs with Escherichia coli and other bacterial pathogens. While it could be hypothesized that variations in innate receptor recognition, specifically variance in toll-like receptor 2, could underlie the observed reduction of activation in bovine PMNs, additional studies would be needed to explore this possibility. Reduction in neutrophil responses may help to establish nearly asymptomatic chronic Leptospira infection of cattle. This study emphasizes the importance of studying host-pathogen relationships in the appropriate species as extrapolation from other animal models may be incorrect and confounded by differences in the host responses.

Cow's urine as a yellow gold for bioelectricity generation in low cost clayware microbial fuel cell

Treatment of cow's urine was first time explored in clayware microbial fuel cell (MFC) by varying dilution to have different chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the feed. Improvement in power output of MFC was attained with increase in feed concentration from 1.5 to 3 kg COD/m3; however further increase in influent COD up to 30 kg COD/m3 decreased the power. Maximum power of 5.23 W/m3 was attained in MFC fed with diluted urine of cow with COD concentration of 3 kg COD/m3, which was seven-fold higher than MFC fed with raw urine. Nitrate removal of 77± 4.1% and carbohydrate removal of 80± 3.9% were achieved in MFC fed with 3 kg COD/m3. Electrochemical analysis showed that electrogenic activity of anodic biofilm boosted at optimum feed concentration (3 kg COD/m3) of cow's urine in anodic chamber. Using two MFCs, fed with diluted cow's urine, maximum voltage of 1.36 ± 0.05 V in series connection and maximum current of 48 A/m3 in parallel connection were achieved. Thus, cow's urine can serve as sustainable yellow gold to harvest bioelectricity using low cost clayware MFC, and to curb the water pollution likely caused from cattle sheds.

Community-based Detection of Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) and its Risk-Factors in an Endemic Region of Bihar, India

There have been relatively few large-scale studies of spread of Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) and factors that affects its prevalence. Consequently, little is known about the dynamics of PKDL, or the confounding factors that may give rise to its spread. A large-scale survey-based study of PKDL prevalence was conducted in the endemic region of Araria in Bihar, India. The results of the study indicate a sample prevalence of as high as 7.9 cases per 10,000 individuals. Socio-economic and demographical factors were recorded for each study participant, and the influence of these factors on PKDL and non-PKDL incidence in the sample populations was analysed. Our results suggest that factors of caste, cattle shed proximity, and gender all contribute to the characterization of the PKDL-afflicted population. The mean household size for PKDL households was found to be 4.9, almost doubled the number observed for non-PKDL households. Individuals in the age-group 10-19 years old, Hindus, or those belonging to Schedule Caste are more likely to get PKDL than others in the population. Consideration of these factors can provide a clear starting point for further in-depth examination of their contribution to PKDL patterns.

Study on Culex Mosquitoes of Bhelukhel, Bode and Tathali of Bhaktapur District, Nepal

An entomological study was carried out in Bhelukhel, Bode and Tathali of Bhaktapur district to compare fluctuation in population size of Culex mosquitoes in relation to relative humidity and temperature. Mosquitoes were collected during July-December 2012 around the pig enclosures and cattle sheds by means of dark activated rechargeable CDC light trap. The study resulted 73.41% of Culex mosquitoes out of the total mosquitoes collected (884). Total eleven species of Culexmosquitoes were recorded namely Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. fuscocephala, Cx. gelidus, Cx. vishnui, Cx. pseudovishnui, Cx. bitaeniorhynchus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. edwardsi, Cx. hutchnsoni, Cx. whitei and Cx.whitmorei. Distribution of Culexspecies was abundant in July and August. Cx. quinquefasciatus, the principal vector of Lymphaticfilariasis (LF) was recorded to be the most dominant species in all the three sites. Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, the principal Japanese encephalitis (JE) vector was collected in higher number during August from Tathali and Bode site and during July from Bhelukhel site. Significant variation was not observed in abundance of Culex mosquito in three study sites in six different months.J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 28, 2014: 118-126

Environmental aspects of pneumonia control in calf units on British dairy farms

Calf pneumonia is a major cause of disease and mortality in British cattle rearing units and the aerial route is a major method of transmission of infection between calves. Central to adequate ventilation is the provision of fresh air at the correct height for the cattle. In the case of young calves, air flows may need to be limited to prevent the air temperature inside the shed falling below the animal's lower critical temperature. Where high enough temperatures cannot be maintained, then techniques, such as encouraging ‘nesting’, providing ‘calf jackets’ and raised planes of nutrition, can be used. The airborne survival of the common pneumonia pathogens is lowest at mid-range humidities (40–60% relative humidity), but in the winter the humidity in calf sheds rarely falls this low. The commonest form of ventilation in cattle sheds is natural ventilation with the stack effect and cross drafts responsible for bringing fresh air into the shed. In many youngstock builds there is insufficient heat production to drive the stack effect and cross drafts will vary with the external wind direction and speed and will be reduced by the ‘wind shadow’ of neighbouring buildings. Forced ventilation systems can be used; negative pressure systems require careful build design, construction, maintenance and use and are most commonly suited to new builds. Positive pressure systems can work better in existing building stock but need careful design, building and installation and cannot be altered to accommodate seasonal variation.

A shift in resting habitat and feeding behavior of Anopheles fluviatilis sibling species in the Keonjhar district of Odisha, India.

Anopheles fluviatilis exists as a complex of sibling species S, T, U and V exhibiting distinct variations. Sibling species S is considered as the main vector and anthropogenic whereas T, U and V are zoophagic non-vectors. This study was performed in a forested village of Keonjhar district, Odisha to identify the status of An. fluviatilis sibling species. Mosquito collections were made from cattle sheds (CS), human dwellings (HD) and mixed dwellings (MD) from June 2012 to May 2013. The proportion of An. fluviatilis collected from different habitats was compared with An. culicifacies. PCR assays were conducted to reveal their sibling species composition, host preference and sporozoite rate. Anopheles fluviatilis was the dominant species followed by An. culicifacies. The relative proportion of collection was high in MD and HD for An. fluviatilis and An. culicifacies respectively. PCR assay confirmed 9.4% S and 75.5% T. Mean collection of sibling species T and S were significantly high in MD and HD. Human blood index (HBI) of 0.88 and 0.61 was confirmed for sibling species S and T respectively with 13% sporozoite rate for S. High density of the sibling T was found in the study site with a shift in resting habitat and blood feeding preference. GenBank submissions: KJ451071.1, KJ451072.1, KJ451073.1, KJ451074.1, KJ451432.1, KJ451433.1, KJ451434.1, KJ451435.1, KJ451428.1, KJ451429.1, KJ451430.1, KJ451431.1.

Participation of rural women in agricultural and allied activities

of social research was used. A sample of 100 rural women as respondents were drawn and information was obtained from them which was considered for tabulation and analysis of data. Findings revealed that the majority of the rural women were middle age, illiterate, married, landless, medium family size and joint family. The higher percentage of rural women were with annual income upto Rs. 25000/-. Majority of the respondents always participated in cleaning of the field, sowing, weeding, thinning, harvesting/ cutting/picking, winnowing, drying of grains and cleaning of grains as related to agricultural activities. In case of dairy activities only 45 respondents were found. Out of them majority were participated in dairy activities like cleaning of cattle and cattle shed, collection of cow dung. Regarding household activities all the selected activities like washing clothes, rearing of children, cooking related activities, cleaning and decoration of home, fetching of water and buying of cooking ingredients, fruits, vegetables etc. were performed by the majority of rural women. Majority of the rural women expressed their problems in participation of agricultural and allied activities like less wage rates received, health problems and poor economic condition.

Prevalence of mosquitoes (diptera: culicidae) in and around Bangladesh Agricultural University campus of Mymensingh in Bangladesh

Mosquitoes are the small insects belonging to the order diptera. They are familiar parasitic vectors of a number of transmissible and life menacing diseases. The study was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus and its surrounding areas in Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January to June, 2013 detect adult mosquito species and their status. Adult mosquitoes were collected using light traps (LTs), insect collecting nets, and human bait (HB) from households, cattle sheds, rice field, botanical garden, dairy farm and poultry farm and staff residential quarters. A total of 2,750 adult mosquitoes were collected from these places. Ten species of mosquitoes under two genera were identified. Among the two genera Culex (84.3%) was the leading group dominated over Anopheles (15.7%) in all areas. In case of Culex species, the most prevalent mosquito species was the Cx. quinquefasciatus (39%) followed by Cx. fuscocephala (23.7%), Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (15.8%), Cx. gelidus (4.0%), Cx. whitmorei (1.2%), Cx. vishnui (0.3%) and Cx. whitei (0.3%). On the other hand, among Anopheles species, An. bengalensis (11.1%) was found in the highest percentage followed by An. vagus (3.8%) and An. jayporiensis (0.8%). Among the studied areas, the highest prevalence of mosquitoes were collected from cattle sheds (40.7%), followed by households of Balashpur (16.2%), Boyra (14.9%) and Kewatkhali (12.4%). Though Culex species was found as dominant species in all areas, the highest percentage (96.7%) was found in staff residential area in BAU campus, whereas, the highest prevalence of Anopheles species (28.7%) was found in cattle shed. We found that two genera were prevalent together in almost all areas, however, though Culex was the dominant one. In conclusion, our survey provided useful information on the prevalence of mosquito species regarding the distribution and diseases control.Progressive Agriculture 26:60-66, 2015

Surveillance of Mosquitoes Larva at Selected Areas of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

Mosquito borne diseases have a great impact on human and animal health throughout the world including Bangladesh. An entomological survey was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus and its surrounding areas from January to June, 2013 to identify the mosquito larvae and to investigate the different breeding site preferences of mosquitoes. Mosquito larvae were collected using dipper, ladle spoon, dropper and pipette from rice field, botanical garden, dairy farm, poultry farm, drains, lakes, ponds, staff quarters, residential halls and cattle sheds. A total of 1397 mosquito larvae were collected from the places. Ten species of mosquitoes under three genera were identified. The recorded genera were Anopheles (An.), Culex (Cx.) and Aedes (Ae.). The collected species were An. bengalensis, An. vagus, Cx. fuscocephala, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. gelidus, Cx. vishnui, Cx. whitmorei, Cx. sitiens and Ae. albopictus. Among the collected larvae, Culex was found most prevalent (64.3%), followed by Anopheles (26.7%) and Aedes were the least prevalent (9.0%). The results of this study provide evidence that drains were the most common aquatic habitat of Anopheles and Culex larvae in Boyra, Kewatkhali and Balashpur. In BAU campus, agronomy fields were found having the highest percentage (35.2%) of mosquito larvae than the other places of the campus. This study suggests that although drains and rice fields are the richest habitats, since Anopheles and Culex can breed in all available breeding habitats. This larval survey will help us to conduct future mosquito control activities and provide us useful information to schedule larvicide’s application to control the mosquito borne diseases in the study areas as well as throughout the country.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v13i1.23962Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2015). 13 (1): 79-88

The within host dynamics of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis infection in cattle: where time and place matter.

Johne’s disease or paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), occurs in domestic and wild animals worldwide, causing a significant economic loss to livestock industries. After a prolonged incubation time, infected cattle shed MAP bacilli into feces and spread the disease to an uninfected animal population. It is largely unknown how (or whether) the interplay between the pathogen and the host immunity determines timing of shedding after the long incubation time. Such information would provide an understanding of pathogenesis in individual animals and the epidemiology of MAP infection in animal populations. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of bovine Johne’s disease pathology, pathogenesis, immunology and genetics. We discuss knowledge gaps that direly need to be addressed to provide a science-based approach to diagnostics and (immuno)prophylaxis. These knowledge gaps are related to anatomical/clinical manifestation of MAP invasion, interaction of bacteria with phagocytes, granuloma formation, shedding, establishment and kinetics of adaptive immune responses in the pathogenesis of the disease. These topics are discussed at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels with special attention to the within host dynamics including the temporal and the spatial context relevant for the various host-pathogen interactions.

Optimizing insecticide allocation strategies based on houses and livestock shelters for visceral leishmaniasis control in Bihar, India.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most deadly form of the leishmaniasis family of diseases, which affects numerous developing countries. The Indian state of Bihar has the highest prevalence and mortality rate of VL in the world. Insecticide spraying is believed to be an effective vector control program for controlling the spread of VL in Bihar; however, it is expensive and less effective if not implemented systematically. This study develops and analyzes a novel optimization model for VL control in Bihar that identifies an optimal (best possible) allocation of chosen insecticide (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT] or deltamethrin) based on the sizes of human and cattle populations in the region. The model maximizes the insecticide-induced sandfly death rate in human and cattle dwellings while staying within the current state budget for VL vector control efforts. The model results suggest that deltamethrin might not be a good replacement for DDT because the insecticide-induced sandfly deaths are 3.72 times more in case of DDT even after 90 days post spray. Different insecticide allocation strategies between the two types of sites (houses and cattle sheds) are suggested based on the state VL-control budget and have a direct implication on VL elimination efforts in a resource-limited region.

Temporal distribution and behaviour of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a cutaneous leishmaniasis focus of the Kani Tribe settlements in the Western Ghats, India

The temporal distribution of sand flies in relation to environmental factors was studied in the Kani tribe settlements located on the southernmost part of the Western Ghats, Kerala, India, between June 2012 and May 2013. This area is known for occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases. Employing hand-held aspirator, light trap and sticky-trap collection methods, a total of 7874 sand fly specimens, comprising 19 species was collected. Sergentomyia baghdadis was predominant species, followed by Phlebotomus argentipes. Sand fly abundance was significantly higher indoors (χ2=9241.8; p=0.0001) than outdoors. Mean density of P. argentipes in human dwellings, cattle sheds and outdoors was 7.2±2.9, 27.33±21.1 and 0.64±0.2 females/per man-hour (MHR), respectively. No sand fly species other than P. argentipes was obtained from cattle sheds. Although, sand fly populations were prevalent throughout the year, their abundance fluctuated with seasonal changes. Multiple regression analysis with backward elimination indicated that the increase in precipitation and relative humidity contributed to a significant positive association with the increase in sand fly abundance, while the increase in temperature showed no association. Fully engorged female sand flies tested for blood meal source showed multiple host-blood feeding. Analysis of resting populations of sand flies collected from human shelters indicated that the populations were found maximum on interior walls at 6–8 and >8ft height, including ceiling during summer (F=83.7, df=6, p=0.001) and at the lower half of the wall at 0 and 0–2ft height, during monsoon season (F=41.4, df=6, p=0.001). In cooler months, no preference to any height level (F=1.67, df=6, p=0.2) was observed. Proportion of females sand flies with Sella's classification of abdominal stages, namely full-fed, half-gravid and gravid females did not vary significantly (t=1.98, p=0.13827) indoors, confirming their endophilic behaviour. Risk of CL transmission in these tribal settlements is discussed.

Long-lasting insecticidal nets to prevent visceral leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent; methodological lessons learned from a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Long-lasting insecticidal nets to prevent visceral leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent; methodological lessons learned from a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Extraction of Heavy Snowfall Vulnerable Area for 3 Representative Facilities Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques

This study is to analyze the heavy snowfall vulnerable area of snow load design criteria for greenhouse, cattle shed and building using ground measured snow depth data and Terra MODIS snow cover area(SCA). To analyze the heavy snowfall vulnerable area, Terra MODIS satellite images for 12 years(2001–2012) were used to obtain the 2014년 10월 20일 접수 Received on October 20, 2014 / 2014년 12월 4일 수정 Revised on December 4, 2014 / 2014년 12월 31일 심사완료 Accepted on December 31, 2014 * 이 논문은 2010년도 정부(미래창조과학부)의 재원으로 한국연구재단의 지원을 받아 수행된 연구임(NRF2010-0029194). 1 건국대학교 사회환경시스템공학과 Dept. of Civil & Environmental Systems Engineering, Konkuk University 2 한국수자원공사 K-water 연구원 수자원연구소 Water Resources Research Center, K-water Institute, Korea Water Resources Corporation ※ Corresponding Author E-mail : kimsj@konkuk.ac.kr Extraction of Heavy Snowfall Vulnerable Area for 3 Representative Facilities Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques 2 characteristics of snow depth and snow cover areas respectively. By comparing the snow load design criteria for greenhouse(cm), cattle shed(kg/m2), and building structure(kN/m2) with the snow depth distribution results by Terra MODIS satellite images, the facilities located in Jeolla-do, Chungcheong-do, and Gangwon-do areas were more vulnerable to exceed the current design criteria.

Fungal biological control agents for integrated management of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of livestock.

Aim:Entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana had wide host range against insects and hence these are being exploited as fungal bio-pesticide on a large scale. Both fungi are proved pesticides against many crop pests and farmers are well acquainted with their use on the field. Thus, research was aimed to explore the potency of these fungal spores against larval and adult Culicoides midges, a pest of livestock.Materials and Methods:In-vitro testing of both fungal biological control agents was undertaken in Petri dishes against field collected Culicoides larvae, while in plastic beakers against field collected blood-engorged female Culicoides midges. In-vivo testing was undertaken by spraying requisite concentration of fungal spores on the drainage channel against larvae and resting sites of adult Culicoides midges in the cattle shed. Lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values and regression equations were drawn by following probit analysis using SPSS statistical computerized program.Results:The results of this study revealed LC50 values of 2692 mg and 3837 mg (108 cfu/g) for B. bassiana and M. anisopliae, respectively, against Culicoides spp. larvae. Death of Culicoides larvae due to B. bassiana showed greenish coloration in the middle of the body with head and tail showed intense blackish changes, while infection of M. anisopliae resulted in death of Culicoides larvae with greenish and blackish coloration of body along with total destruction, followed by desquamation of intestinal channel. The death of adult Culicoides midges were caused by both the fungi and after death growth of fungus were very well observed on the dead cadavers proving the efficacy of the fungus.Conclusion:Preliminary trials with both funguses (M. anisopliae, B. bassiana) showed encouraging results against larvae and adults of Culicoides spp. Hence, it was ascertained that, these two fungal molecules can form a part of biological control and alternative to chemical control and, therefore, can be inducted in integrated management programs.

The impact of livestock on the abundance, resting behaviour and sporozoite rate of malaria vectors in southern Tanzania.

BackgroundIncreases in the coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have significantly reduced the abundance of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto in several African settings, leaving its more zoophagic sibling species Anopheles arabiensis as the primary vector. This study investigated the impact of livestock ownership at the household level on the ecology and malaria infection rate of vectors in an area of Tanzania where An. arabiensis accounts for most malaria transmission.MethodsMosquito vectors were collected resting inside houses, animal sheds and in outdoor resting boxes at households with and without livestock over three years in ten villages of the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. Additionally, the abundance and sporozoite rate of vectors attempting to bite indoors at these households was assessed as an index of malaria exposure.ResultsThe mean abundance of An. gambiae s.l. biting indoors was similar at houses with and without livestock. In all years but one, the relative proportion of An. arabiensis within the An. gambiae s.l. species complex was higher at households with livestock. Livestock presence had a significant impact on malaria vector feeding and resting behaviour. Anopheles arabiensis were generally found resting in cattle sheds where livestock were present, and inside houses when absent. Correspondingly, the human blood index of An. arabiensis and An. funestus s.l. was significant reduced at households with livestock, whereas that of An. gambiae s.s. was unaffected.Whilst there was some evidence that sporozoite rates within the indoor-biting An. gambiae s.l population was significantly reduced at households with livestock, the significance of this effect varied depending on how background spatial variation was accounted for.ConclusionsThese results confirm that the presence of cattle at the household level can significantly alter the local species composition, feeding and resting behaviour of malaria vectors. However, the net impact of this livestock-associated variation in mosquito ecology on malaria exposure risk was unclear. Further investigation is required to distinguish whether the apparently lower sporozoite rates observed in An. gambiae s.l. at households with livestock is really a direct effect of cattle presence, or an indirect consequence of reduced risk within areas where livestock keepers choose to live.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-014-0536-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of Orientation, Ventilation, Floor Space Allowance and Cooling Arrangement on Milk Yield and Microclimate of Dairy Shed in Goa

Ten farmers consisting of large, medium, small and marginal from each of six talukas ie Pernem, Bicholim and Ponda taluka of North Goa district; Salcete, Canacona and Sanguem talukas of South Goa district in total sixty farmers were considered based on cattle population for this study. Farmers were interviewed for collecting information on housing and production aspect of dairy cattle. Subsequently farmers were grouped according to type of dairy house. Data on microenvironment of cattle shed and milk yield of cows were recorded on daily basis. Data analysis revealed that the orientation, ventilation, floor space provision and cooling arrangement had a significant effect on average daily milk yield and microenvironment of dairy shed. Significantly higher milk yield and lesser heat stress were observed in east – west orientation, good ventilation and standard floor space of minimum 5 m2 per cattle. Further cooling arrangement in cattle shed had a highly significant (P < 0.01) effect on average daily milk yield and microenvironmental parameters revealing that if false ceiling is made inside cattle shed besides manual and mechanical cooling animals would feel more comfort resulting in higher milk production.

Seasonal abundance & role of predominant Japanese encephalitis vectors Culex tritaeniorhynchus & Cx. gelidus Theobald in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.

Background & objectives:Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. The first major JE outbreak occurred in 1978 and since 1981 several outbreaks had been reported in the Cuddalore district (erstwhile South Arcot), Tamil Nadu, India. Entomological monitoring was carried out during January 2010 - March 2013, to determine the seasonal abundance and transmission dynamics of the vectors of JE virus, with emphasis on the role of Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. gelidus.Methods:Mosquito collections were carried out fortnightly during dusk hours in three villages viz. Soundara Solapuram, Pennadam, Erappavur of Cuddalore district. Mosquitoes were collected during dusk for a period of one hour in and around the cattle sheds using oral aspirator and torch light. The collected mosquitoes were later identified and pooled to detect JE virus (JEV) infection by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:A total of 46,343 mosquitoes comprising of 25 species and six genera were collected. Species composition included viz, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (46.26%), Cx. gelidus (43.12%) and other species (10.62%). A total of 17,678 specimens (403 pools) of Cx. gelidus and 14,358 specimens (309 pools) of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus were tested, of which 12 pools of Cx. gelidus and 14 pools of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus were positive for JE virus antigen. The climatic factors were negatively correlated with minimum infection rate (MIR) for both the species, except mean temperature (P<0.05) for Cx. gelidus.Interpretation & conclusions:High abundance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. gelidus was observed compared to other mosquito species in the study area. Detection of JEV antigen in the two species confirmed the maintenance of virus. Appropriate vector control measures need to be taken to reduce the vector abundance.

Participation of Rural Women in Dairy Activities

A survey based study was carried out to know the participation of rural women in various activities at Hoshiarpur district of Punjab state. A simple random sampling technique was used in the selection of dairy farm women using interview schedule by personal interview for sample size of 150 rural women in Mahilpur and Bhunga block of Hoshiarpur district. The data revealed that the participation of majority of women was high in activities such as cleaning of cattle shed, watering, milking, feeding the animals and disposal of cow dung. The farm women participation was least in dairy related record maintenance, getting loans or credits from the banks, taking animals for grazing, fodder collection and harvesting the fodder crops. Thus there is need to educate them about scientific management practices for increasing livestock production.