Group T1 Research Articles

Effect of Turmeric and Aloe Vera Extract on Shelf-Life of Goat and Buffalo Admixture Milk Paneer during Refrigeration Storage.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate efficacy of turmeric and aloe vera extract in extending shelf life of goat milk paneer. The paneer was made by admixing goat milk and buffalo milk in the ratio of 60:40 so as to achieve a standard fat 4.5%. The treatment group, T1, was made by adding 5 mL/100 mL (v/v) of turmeric extract in heated milk before coagulation. Similarly, 5 mL/100 mL (v/v) aloe vera extract was added to heated milk for group T2 while T3 was prepared by adding both turmeric extract 5 mL/100 mL (v/v) and aloe vera extract 5 mL/100 mL (v/v), and the control was made without any additive. The extracts before incorporation were assessed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential by analysing total phenolic content, ABTS and DPPH percent inhibition and zone of inhibition. The developed paneer samples were evaluated for physico-chemical, oxidative and microbiological changes, and sensory attributes during storage at refrigeration temperature for ten days. The results revealed that paneer prepared with addition of extracts significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed physico-chemical deterioration. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower peroxide value, TBARS, FFA and microbial counts were noticed in T3 than T1, T2 and the control. The sensory attributes were also better (p < 0.05) maintained in T3 during storage. The results concluded that the combination of turmeric and aloe vera extract significantly improves the shelf life of paneer under refrigeration storage and these might be used as phyto-preservatives in paneer.

Effect of Dietary Incorporation of Chili (Capsicum annuum) Leaf Powder on Production Performance and Egg Quality Parameters of Rhode Island Red Laying Hens

The present experiment was planned to ascertain the effect of dietary incorporation of chili (Capsicum annuum) leaf powder on production performance and egg quality parameters of Rhode Island Red laying hens of 28 weeks of age for a period of 12 weeks. Hens were individually weighed and then randomly assigned into four treatment groups with three replicates of 6 birds each viz., T1: (control, containing basal diet); T2: Incorporation of 0.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet; T3: Incorporation of 1.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet; T4: Incorporation of 2.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet. The results indicated that egg production and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected. However, overall average feed intake significantly (P<0.05) reduced in hens supplemented with 2.5% chili leaf powder. Egg quality parameters viz., egg weight, shape index, shell weight percentage and shell thickness of eggs, egg albumen quality such as albumen height, albumen weight and Haugh unit were statistically similar among all the groups. The egg yolk quality parameters including yolk weight, yolk percentage, yolk index, yolk cholesterol and yolk triglycerides did not differ significantly among different treatment groups, however, egg yolk colour was significantly (P<0.05) improved in T4 group, compared to T1 group. While, egg yolk colour in treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 showed no significant difference. To conclude, supplementation of chilli leaf powder @ 2.5% can be used to improve egg yolk colour.

Effect of Feeding Rumen Bypass Fat on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Buffaloes under Field Conditions

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of bypass fat one month pre-parturition and three months of early lactation on milk production and reproductive performance of buffaloes. Thirty two multiparous pregnant buffaloes (2-3 lactation) were selected at farmers’ doorstep in Dahod District, Gujarat, and were divided into two equal groups, each of 16 animals, on the basis of their milk production and fat % during previous lactation. Animals in T1 group (n=16, control) were fed as per farmers’ feeding schedule, and those in T2 group were additionally supplemented with bypass fat @ 100 g/h/d during prepartum and 20 g/kg of milk yield during postpartum phase. The overall average whole milk yield (kg/head/d) of buffaloes was significantly (p<0.05) higher in bypass fat group T2 than control T1 (5.43±0.07 vs. 4.50+0.04). The fat percentage was significantly (p<0.05) higher (6.77±0.09 vs. 5.84±0.04) and SNF was lower (10.68±0.18 vs. 11.32±0.16) in bypass fat supplemented group. The average daily yields (kg/head/d) and cumulative yields (kg/head) of whole experimental period of fat, SNF, 6% FCM, SCM and ECM were significantly (P<0.05) higher in bypass fat group. However, average milk constituents, viz., total solids, protein, calcium and phosphorus were statistically similar in T1 and T2 groups. Daily feed cost (Rs. 101.66±0.45 vs. 92.98±0.64) and average realizable receipt from sale of milk (Rs. 231.12±1.46 vs. 165.88±1.39/head) were (p<0.05) higher in T2 group over control, and thus average daily profit increased per buffalo was Rs. 56.56 over control. Postpartum first heat was earlier by 14 days with significantly (p<0.05) reduced number of AIs per conception (1.63±0.13 vs. 3.88±0.20) and service period (129.46±9.61 vs 187.70±11.89 days) in bypass fat group compared to control group. The findings indicated that supplementing bypass fat to buffaloes @ 100 g/head/day one month before parturition and 20 g/kg milk yield during early lactation is advantageous in terms of increased milk yield, 6% FCM yield, with improved postpartum fertility and higher daily profit per buffalo.

Effect of amla fruit powder (Phyllanthus emblica) and turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) supplementation on growth performance parameters in caged broilers

The present investigation was conducted with an objective to evaluate the impact dietary supplementation of Amla fruit powder (Phyllanthus emblica) and Turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance in caged broiler. The trial was conducted in small animal lab of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying SHUATS, Prayagraj, India. The experimental day old chicks were divided into 4 groups. Each group consisting of 12 chicks was designated as group T0, T1, T2 and T3. Each group was divided into 4 replicates. Chicks in group T0 were fed basal diet, while group T1 were fed basal diet + Amla Fruit Powder @0.50%, T2 were fed basal diet + Turmeric Powder @0.50%, T3 were fed basal diet + Amla Fruit Powder + Turmeric Powder @0.50%. During four weeks experimental period. Mean initial and weekly body weight and gain in weight of birds for each group was determined and then body weight and gain in weight was calculated. A significant difference in the body weight and Gain in weight was recorded at fourth weeks of age due to treatments.

Can Honey Improve the Quality of Cryopreserved Cross Bred Ram Semen Added to Tris Egg Yolk Extender?

BACKGROUND: Honey can improve the quality of cryopreserved ram semen because of its multinutrient and cryoprotective nature added to standard tris egg yolk extender. OBJECTIVE: Different concentrations of honey were added to the standard tris egg yolk extender to improve the post-thaw quality of crossbred ram semen. METHOD: Thirty six (36) ejaculates from eight healthy cross bred rams were pooled and divided into four aliquots. Standard tris egg yolk extender without any alteration acted as Control (C) and was supplemented with different concentrations of honey, viz. T1 (honey 1.5%), T2 (2.5%), and T3 (3.5%). RESULTS: The percent (mean ± S. E. M) sperm motility at pre-freeze was significantly (P<;0.05) higher in Group T2 and at post-thaw in Group T3 in comparison to T1 and C treatment groups. The percent (mean ± S. E. M) HOST reacted spermatozoa at post-thaw was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in Group C and at pre-freeze the value was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in the same treatment group than Group T1. The mean MDA level (mean ± S. E. M) at post thaw was significantly (P<0.05) low er in Group T3 than the treatment groups C and Group T1. CONCLUSION: From this study it is concluded that the addition of 3.5% honey to the standard tris egg yolk extender provides better protection to ram semen than the addition of 1.5% honey (i. e., Control).

Studies on the Comparative Effect of Organic and Synthetic Feed on the Growth and Serum Metabolites of Broiler Chicks

Introduction: Modern broiler production efficiency is built on the improved feed for high growth and egg output. Growth performance of broilers greatly influenced by the feed contents. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of organic and synthetic feed on the growth, feed utilization and serum metabolites of broilers chicken. Material and Methods: This experiment was conducted for 28 days on broiler chickens. Broilers were divided into five treatments such as T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4. Control group T0 received basal diet. T1 and T2 received organic feed. T3 and T4 received synthetic feed. Results: All the feed were given at the levels of 3% and 6%. Feed were given orally in the form of pellets. Practical implication: Growth performance were observed and recorded at weekly basis. After the completion of trial, blood sample were taken for the analysis of serum metabolites. Conclusion: Results showed that value of WG, absolute weight gain and SGR were increased significantly (p<0.05) in combine treatment T2 (6% organic feed) with respect to T0 (control group). Feed intake and FCR was significantly (p<0.05) in treatment T2. Serum metabolites i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and total protein were significantly analyzed (p<0.05).The result of present study explained that T2 having organic feed showed better growth performance of broiler chickens. Keywords: broilers chicken, feed requirement, weight gain, FCR, serum metabolites,

First-Principles Study on the Structural, Electronic, and Lithium Storage Properties of Ti3C2T2 (T = O, F, H, OH) MXene.

The structures of bare Ti3C2 and functionalized Ti3C2T2 (T = O, F, H, OH) MXenes were constructed, and the effect of surface functional groups T2 (T = O, F, H, OH) on the structural, electronic, and lithium storage properties were investigated by first-principles calculations. The results show that the proximity of surface functional groups will induce some lattice distortion of Ti3C2T2 MXene. The degree of lattice distortion depends mainly on the adsorption position of functional groups and the types of surface functional groups. From the point of view of forming energy, the surface functional groups tend to be located at the CCP site. From the energy band and DOS results, the presence of surface functional groups has a significant effect on the valence band, while it has a slight impact on the conduction band. In terms of lithium storage, lithium atom adsorption starts from the HCP position for bare Ti3C2, while functionalized Ti3C2T2 starts from the CCP position. The double-layer lithium storage capacity of bare Ti3C2 and Ti3C2O2 were 639.78 mAh/g and 537.22 mAh/g, respectively. And the single-layer lithium storage capacity of Ti3C2F2 was 130.77 mAh/g.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Seaweed Formulations on Nutrient Utilization, Growth Performance, Serum Antioxidant Activity and Immunity in Crossbred Calves

Background: Seaweeds are rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins and low molecular weight nitrogenous compounds, lipids, organic minerals, vitamins and pigments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of seaweed formulations on nutrient utilization, growth performance, serum antioxidant activity and cell mediated immune response of crossbred calves. Methods: Eighteen male crossbred calves (130±7.56 kg body weight) were divided into 3 groups of 6 each based on complete randomized design. Concentrate mixture was formulated with crushed maize, de-oiled soybean meal, wheat bran, mineral mixture and common salt for feeding of calves in control (T0) group, while treatment groups T1 and T2 were supplemented with AF-KWP or AFRD-5 at the rate of 4% of concentrate mixture with 1% calcium carbonate and 1% dicalcium phosphate replacing mineral mixture and common salt offered in T0. Experiment was conducted for a period of 240 days. Blood was collected from each calve at 0, 100 and 200 days of experiment. At the end of the experimental feeding a metabolism trial was conducted and cell mediated immune response was asassed. Result: There was no significant difference between groups regarding nutrient utilization, total dry matter intake, gain in body weight and feed conversion ratio. However, significant (P less than 0.001) differences were observed in serum antioxidants status. Moreover, the mean values for skin thickness differed significantly (P less than 0.001) among different groups and values were 14.03, 15.54 and 16.62 in T0, T1 and T2 group, respectively. Hence seaweed formulations might improve antioxidant status and cell mediated immune response without affecting the nutrient utilization and growth performance of crossbred calves.

Nuclear and Morphological Alterations in Erythrocytes, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Genetic Disparities Induced by Brackish Water in Mrigal Carp (Cirrhinus mrigala).

Salinization of aquatic ecosystem, abrupt climate change, and anthropogenic activities cause adverse impact on agricultural land/soil as well as the aquaculture industry. This experimental study was designed to evaluate different biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and genotoxic potential of diverse salinities of brackish water on freshwater fish. A total of 84 fresh water mrigal carp (Cirrhinus mrigala) were randomly segregated and maintained in four groups (T0, T1, T2, and T3) in a glass aquarium under similar laboratory conditions at various salinity levels (0, 3, 5, and 7 parts per thousand) to determine the pathological influence of brackish water. All the fish in groups T1, T2, and T3 were exposed to various salinity levels of brackish water for a period of 90 days while the fish of group T0 served as the control group. The experimental fish reared in different groups T1, T2, and T3 displayed various physical and behavioral ailments. The results revealed significantly augmented quantity of different oxidative stress indicators including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in different visceral tissues (kidneys, liver, and gills) of exposed fish. Different antioxidant enzymes such as reduced glutathione (GSH), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) along with total proteins were remarkably reduced in the kidneys, gills, and liver tissues. Results showed significantly increased values of different nuclear abnormalities (erythrocyte with micronucleus, erythrocyte with condensed nucleus, and erythrocyte with lobed nucleus) and morphological changes (pear shaped erythrocyte, spindle-shaped erythrocytes, and spherocyte) in red blood cells of experimental fish. The results on genotoxic effects exhibited significantly increased DNA damage in isolated cells of liver, kidneys, and gills of exposed fish. The findings of our experimental research suggested that brackish water causes adverse toxicological impacts on different visceral tissues of fresh water fish at higher salinity level through disruption and disorder of physiological and biochemical markers.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Intramammary or Injectable Antibiotic Administration against Staphylococcal Mastitis in Ewes.

The objectives of the work were (a) to compare the efficacy of two routes for antibiotic administration in the treatment of mastitis in ewes and (b) to assess the potential importance of the timing of the initiation of the therapeutic regime on the outcome of the treatment. The ewes were allocated at random into three equal groups; intramammary inoculation with a Staphylococcus simulans isolate was performed, and clinical mastitis developed. The ewes in groups T1 (n = 6) and T2 (n = 6) were treated by the intramammary administration of ampicillin and dicloxacillin (two administrations with a 12-h interval). The ewes in group T3 (n = 6) were treated by the intramuscular injection of ampicillin and dicloxacillin (0.75 mL per 10 kg bodyweight, three injections with a 24-h interval). In the ewes in groups T1 and T3, treatment started immediately when the clinical signs of mastitis were first detected during the periodic examination of the ewes; in the ewes in group T2, treatment started 24 h after the clinical signs of mastitis were first detected. The animals were monitored clinically; mammary secretion samples were collected for bacteriological and cytological examinations. The median duration of the clinical signs was 4.75, 7.13, and 4.75 d for T1, T2, and T3; significant differences in clinical severity between the groups were seen until the 7th day post-treatment. The median duration of bacterial recovery was 3.25, 8.00, and 8.00 d for T1, T2, and T3; significant differences in the frequency of bacterial recovery between the groups were seen until (64.1%, 94.9%, and 96.2% of the samples) and after (2.9%, 16.7%, and 11.8%) the 7th day post-treatment. The median period required for the complete cure (clinical, bacteriological, and cytological) was shorter in the T1 than in the T2 and T3 ewe groups: 20.0, 32.0, and 24.5 d, respectively. The findings cover a gap in the available literature regarding the treatment of clinical mastitis in ewes. Early treatment resulted in the improved cure of the infection. The comparison of the intramammary and injectable routes for antibiotic administration indicated some benefit for the former, primarily in the post-treatment somatic cell counts.

Anthelmintic Activity of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Carica papaya Seeds in Naturally Infested Goats

Background: Gastro-intestinal parasitism is an important worldwide animal ailment causing heavy production losses in grazing animals and it is more prevalent in developing countries like India, mainly due to warm temperature in association with poor management practices and inadequate control measures. It can affect production through weight loss, diarrhoea, anaemia, reduction in milk and wool production, reproduction changes and mortality in case of heavy infestations. The current study was planned to evaluate the in vivo anthelmintic activity of extracts of Carica papaya seeds in naturally-infested goats. Methods: Twenty-four helminth-infested goats of either sex were randomly divided into four treatment groups (T1-T4); each having six goats and T1 served as untreated control while T2 received a single dose of albendazole @ 7.5 mg/kg body weight on day zero. Group T3 and T4 were respectively treated with aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Carica papaya seeds @ 100 mg/kg body weight orally daily for 30 days. Faecal egg count, haematological estimations and biochemical estimations were conducted on the zero, 10th, 20th and 30th day of the experiment. Result: Group T2, T3 and T4, showed a significant reduction in EPG count following treatment. All treated animals showed a significant increase in Hb, TEC, PCV and lymphocytes and a significant decrease in TLC, neutrophil and eosinophil levels on the 20th and 30th days of the experiment. The results indicated possession of good anthelmintic activity by both extracts with better results from the alcoholic extract of Carica papaya seeds. These herbal extracts can be a safe and therapeutically efficacious alternative to standard chemical drugs.

Lactobacillus casei (IBRC-M 10,711) ameliorates the growth retardation, oxidative stress, and Immunosuppression induced by malathion toxicity in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Abstract Probiotics can functionally improve fish wellbeing and are suggested as antioxidative agents to protect fish from xenobiotics toxicity. Herein, dietary Lactobacillus casei (IBRC-M 10,711) was included in the diets of goldfish (Carassius auratus) to protect against malathion toxicity. Fish (12.47 ± 0.06 g) were randomly allocated to six groups (triplicates), as follows: T1) control; T2) fish exposed to 50% of malathion 96 h LC50; T3) L. casei at 106 CFU/g diet; T4) L. casei at 107 CFU/g diet; T5) fish exposed to 50% of malathion 96 h LC50 + L. casei at 106 CFU/g diet; T6) fish exposed to 50% of malathion 96 h LC50 + L. casei at 107 CFU/g diet. After 60 days, goldfish fed T4 had the highest final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR), and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups (P < 0.05). However, the T2 group showed lower FBW, WG, and SGR and higher FCR than fish in T1 (P < 0.05). Fish in the T4 group had the highest blood total proteins, albumin, and globulin, while fish in T2 had the lowest levels (P < 0.05). Fish in the group T2 had the highest triglycerides, cholesterol, cortisol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the blood, while fish fed T4 had the lowest values (P < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed the highest activities in T3 and T4 groups, and the lowest SOD was seen in the T2 group, whereas the lowest CAT was seen in the T2, T5, and T6 groups (P < 0.05). Fish in the T5 and T6 groups had higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities than fish in T1 and T2 groups but T3 and T4 groups showed the highest values (P < 0.05). T2 group had the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) level, while T3 and T4 groups had the lowest MDA level (P < 0.05). Blood immunoglobulin (Ig) and lysozyme activity were significantly higher in T3 and T4 groups and lower in the T2 group than in the control (P < 0.05). The alternative complement pathway (ACH50) was significantly higher in T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 groups than in the T1 group (P < 0.05). Skin mucus Ig was significantly higher in T3 and T4 groups and lower in the T2 group than in the control (P < 0.05). The highest lysozyme activity, protease, and ACH50 in the skin mucus samples were in the T4 group, while the lowest values were in the T2 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary L. casei protects goldfish from malathion-induced growth retardation, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression.

Effects of pigeon pea leaves and concentrate mixture on feed intake, milk yield, and composition of crossbred dairy cows fed native pasture hay

Protein supplements are expensive and not easily accessible under small-scale livestock production systems in Ethiopia and other developing countries, which necessitates investigating the alternative protein sources for cost-effective livestock production. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp) leaves (PPLs) are rich in protein and are well-suited for feeding small ruminants; however, the effect of inclusion of PPL in the concentrate mixture (CM) on the performance of dairy cows was not well documented. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of PPL and CM to native pasture hay-based rations on feed intake, milk yield and composition, and blood metabolites of crossbred dairy cows (Holstein × Zebu). A 4 × 4 Latin square design with three replications, balanced for carryover effects, was used for this study. The treatments included native pasture hay provided ad libitum as a basal diet, supplemented with a CM alone (T1), the inclusion of 10% of PPL in the CM (T2), 20% PPL in the CM (T3), or 30% PPL in the CM (T4). Supplements were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Total DM intake (hay + supplement intake) was similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Hay intake was greater (P = 0.05) for T1 and T2 than for T4, while supplement intake was the least for T1 (P < 0.05). The treatment groups T2, T3, and T4, where PPL was included, had similar (P > 0.05) supplement intake. Feed intake, milk yield and composition, feed conversion efficiency, body condition score, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, triglyceride, urea N, creatinine, and cholesterol were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. The inclusion of up to 30% of PPL in the CM resulted in a comparable performance of crossbred dairy cows as supplementation with CM under the conditions of the current experiment. Therefore, further study is required to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of a higher level of PPL in the concentrate mixture on the performance of lactating crossbred dairy cows.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Neem Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters of Japanese Quail

A feeding trial was conducted to discern the influence of dietary incorporation of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder on growth performance and haemato-biochemical parameters ofJapanese quail for 6 weeks. A metabolic trial was conducted during the last week of the feeding trial to assess nutrient utilization. A total number of 144-day-old chicks of Japanese quail were randomly assigned into four treatment groups, with 36 Japanese quail per treatment having three replicates of 12 birds each. Birds of treatment T1 (control group ) were fed a basal diet (starter and finisher), whereas in treatment groups T2, T3, and T4, the basal diet was incorporated with 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00% neem leaf powder, respectively. Results showed supplementation of 0.25% neem leaf powder improved the performance of Japanese quail in terms of body weight gain and performance index during the whole trial period. Nutrient utilization among various treatment groups was similar. The hematological values showed no significant a lterations i n d ifferent groups. Th e biochemical attributes among the treatment groups were similar, but a considerable decrease in the level of cholesterol and glucose was observed with an increasing level of neem leaf powder in the diet. Activities of ALT, AST, and ALP were lowest in the T4 group. It can be concluded that 1 percent neem leaf powder can be supplemented in feed for good health status and desired performance of the birds.

Effects of aflatoxin B1 on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in ISA chicks.

The research evaluated the effects of Aflatoxin B1 on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in ISA chicks. In total, 240 7-day-old ISA chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. The control group comprised chicks fed a basal diet. The aflatoxin (AFB1)-treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) comprised chicks fed the basal diet supplemented with AFB1 at concentrations of 5, 8, and 10 μg/kg, respectively. The growth performance, antioxidant status, immune responses, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in all groups were measured. In the T1 treatment group (receiving the lowest AFB1 dose), a reduction in the Newcastle disease virus antibody (NDV-Ab) titer, and increases in interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA levels were observed on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05). Treatment with the higher AFB1 doses (groups T2 and T3) reduced the chicks' growth performance on days 21 and 42, measured as reductions in body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) compared with the control group. In the T2 and T3 groups, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG levels, and IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ levels were also lower than in the control group. On days 21 and 42, these two groups also showed increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, higher feed to gain ratio (F/G), and higher IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ mRNA levels than the control group (P < 0.05). The T2 and T3 groups also showed reduced T-AOC, NDV-Ab titer, IL-2 content, and GPx-1 mRNA levels on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05), increased IL-6 and IFN-γ mRNA levels on day 21, and increased F/G and MDA content on day 42 (P < 0.05) compared with group (T1). Increased MDA content and IL-6 mRNA levels in the liver and ileum were observed in group T3 compared with group T2 on day 21, and lower IgM and IL-6 levels were observed on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data showed that AFB1 exposure resulted in dose-dependent oxidative and inflammatory damage, immunosuppression, and a decline in the growth performance of chicks.

Effect of Feeding Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Powder on Quantity of Milk in Crossbred Cows

Background: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) recommended as a galactagogue in case of lactational insufficiency. Shatavari can also help to boost the immune system, ward off infection of the udder and reproductive organs in cows. It may also be used to reduce the stress of dairy cows and increase their producing ability, resulting in the production of clean and nutritious milk. Methods: The present research work was carried out at the Research cum Development Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist- Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Twenty physically fit milking crossbred cows have been selected for the study and divided into four equal groups, five having five animals each. All the cows from treatment groups were fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standard to meet the nutritional requirement. The experimental animals from group T1, T2, T3 and T4 were fed a diet containing shatavari root powder @ 0, 40, 80 and 120 gm/cow/day respectively for a period of 60 days. Result: At the time of milking, each cow’s daily milk output (kg) was recorded. The current study found that supplementing with shatavari root powder enhanced milk production significantly (P less than 0.05) over the control group (T1).

Deformation of implant retaining screws-Study with stereoscopic microscopy and microCT.

The prosthetic screw fixes the prostheses to the implants. Upon osteointegration, the untightening of the prosthetic screw is the most common problem in oral rehabilitation with implants. To study the deformation of the implant retaining hexagonal screw head. This investigation used two methods for evaluating the screw head's area of deformation (mm2 ): a stereoscopic microscopy and micro computed tomography (microCT). For stereoscopic microscopy, 16 titanium alloy (T) and 16 titanium gold-plated alloy (G) screws of the Zimmer Biomet™ brand were used, divided into eight groups: group 0 (control group), groups T1 and G1 (screws tightened 10 times to 20 Ncm), the groups T2 and G2 (screws tightened 20 times to 20 Ncm) and the groups T3 and G3 (screws tightened 10 times to 30 Ncm). In the study with microCT, one screw was randomly chosen from each of the groups described above to perform the scanning by microCT. When comparing the type of screw material using stereoscopic microscopy, no statistically significant differences were found (p > 0.05). Contrarily, different number of successive grips and different torque value showed statistically significant differences in the head section of the retaining screws (p < 0.05). The observation by microCT showed the torque applied is crucial to the head deformation in titanium screws. In gold-plated screws the successive tightening appears to be pivotal. Titanium and gold screws tend to behave similarly. By increasing the tightening cycles and the torque values of protocols greater levels of deformations can be expected. In general, microCT data showed better results for gold-plated titanium alloy. To control severe screw head deformation and the impossibility of untightening the implant's restoration, clinicians should avoid extreme torque values and prevent surpassing 10 tightening cycles.

Experimentally Discharged Spent Engine Oil (An Environmental Pollutant) on Soil Reduced the Growth, Yield, and Seed Proximate Content of Arachis hypogea L Under Equal Environmental Conditions

ABSTRACT Spent engine oil (SOE) has been indiscriminately disposed into the environment; yet, fewer records have focused on exposing the effect of the oil on food production. We investigated the effect of the oil (pollutant) on vegetative growth, yield, and proximate content of the seeds of an economic crop (Arachis hypogea). The upper layer of sandy-loam soil was collected in an area prone to indiscriminate emptying of the spent engine oil, mixed with poultry manure (4:1 kg), then transferred into polythene bags. Using a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of four treatments, Arachis hypogea were sown at a depth of 4 cm in the soil. After germination, vegetative parameters of the seedlings were measured before pollution. After pollution, vegetative parameters, including yield and proximate content of the plant were measured. Results indicate that vegetative indices of the control (0 ml SEO) group and the other treated groups T1 (100 ml SEO), T2 (200 ml SEO) and T3 (300 ml SEO) were not significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different before pollution. After pollution, there was a decline in plant height, yield (number of pods), number of leaves, stem circumference, and the leaf area. The moisture, ash, fat, carbohydrate, crude protein, and fiber of the plant were also reduced when compared with the control group. Indiscriminate discharge of spent engine oil could be hazardous to plants of the environment and food production.

Effects of Red Yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) on Growth, Innate Immunity, Expression of Immune-related Genes and Disease Resistance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) produced from crude glycerol, as a by-product of the biodiesel production process, on the growth, innate immunity, expression of immune-related gene, and resistance of Nile tilapia against challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae. Fish were fed diets supplied with different concentrations of S. pararoseus dried cells at 0.0 (control; T1), 5.0 (T2), 10.0 (T3), and 20.0 (T4) g kg-1 diets for 90days. The results showed that final body weight, weight gain, and average daily gain were significantly higher in fish fed T3 and T4 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Likewise, significant (p < 0.05) increases in total carotenoid content, liver superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and serum lysozyme and albumin were observed in Nile tilapia fed S. pararoseus, with the highest (p < 0.05) values displayed in fish fed the T4 diet. Moreover, up-regulation of IL-1β transcription in Nile tilapia spleen and liver was observed in fish feeding group T4. In a challenge test against S. agalactiae, the fish survival rate was significantly higher in fish fed red yeast compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The highest bactericidal activity found in the T4 group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in hematology, blood chemical, malondialdehyde (MDA), body chemical composition, organosomatic indices, and myeloperoxidase (p > 0.05) in all treatments. The present results suggested that red yeast S. pararoseus (20.0gkg-1) can be used as a potential supplementation on growth, immune response, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia.

Impact of dietary supplementation of cinnamon oil on the oxidative stress indices, immune response and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) on the oxidative stress indices, immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. Day old broiler chicks (n=180) were randomly allocated to six dietary groups. Control group (T0) was fed basal diet without antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), Group 2 basal diet with AGP (T1) while basal diet containing graded level of CEO (200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg) was fed to Groups T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Significantly lower concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA) was reported in birds fed CEO supplemented diet as compared to control. Significantly increased villi height was observed in histological section of duodenum and jejunum due to increase in concentration of CEO in T3, T4 and T5 as compared to control. No significant change in the histo-morphology of liver was observed due to supplementation of CEO at different levels in the diet of broiler chicken. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of cinnamon essential oil @ 400 mg/kg improved the immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens without any adverse effect.