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Bael (Aegle marmelos) is a commonly used medicinal and nutraceutical plant. Its leaves, fruits, stem, and roots have traditionally been used for a variety of medical purposes, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, antiasthmatic, and antiulcer qualities. In addition to conventional diet and medical interventions, identifying nutritious foods with potential functional benefits is critical to preventing metabolic problems. The purpose of current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Bael Fruit powder in the management of hypercholesterolemia in human male subjects. For this purpose the Bael fruit powder was firstly analyzed for the its chemical and phytochemical composition which showed that Bael Fruit powder contains following proximate content Moisture (1.84 ± 0.030)%, Dry matter (85.13 ± 0.06)%, Nitrogen (1.35 ± 0.02)%, Crude protein (2.21 ± 0.02)%, Crude Ash (1.52 ± 0.04)%, Crude fiber (8.21 ± 0.04)% and crude fat (2.16 ± 0.04)%.along with the appreciable amount of minerals like magnesium (28.73 ± 0.4), calcium (200.9 ± 0.2), potassium (175.9 ± 1.01) respectively. Furthermore, to check its hypercholesremic effect the hypercholesterolemic human male subjects were divided into the experimental and control group in the basis of their inclusion and exclusion criteria. The experimental groups (G1 and G2) were given Bael fruit powder capsules of 2g/day/kg/bw to the G1 group and 4g/day/kg/bw to the G2 group for the period of 60 days. Significant reductions in lipid profiles were observed in both the experimental group and G2. Notably, the 4g/kg/bw dosage demonstrated greater reduction compared to the control group by the end of the trial. The study concluded Bael Fruit powder exhibits anti-hypercholesterolemic properties and holds promise as a therapeutic option for managing cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slaughterhouse waste is capable of causing serious bacterial, viral and pathogenic diseases both in humans and animals. Slaughterhouse wastewater contains fat, proteins, suspended solids and diluted blood. Due to this, organic as well as nutrient profusion in wastewater is very high. These partially solubilized residues pose a real threat to human health if left out in riverbeds and other water bodies untreated. Processing of blood requires a high capital investment on heavy instruments for slaughtering and collection of blood. The hazard could be minimized by environmentally friendly and cost-effective disposal methods. This waste could be used for land application via composting, as it is a rich source of primary plant nutrients i.e. N, P and K as well as growth promoting microbes and organic substances. Keeping in view the above-mentioned facts, a pot trial was conducted in the wire house of the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences. We mixed the soil with slaughterhouse waste before sowing. Three seedlings of spinach were maintained after germination. Water was applied as needed by the plants. Recommended doses of N, P, and K fertilizers were applied. Data regarding physiological parameters, growth and yield was collected and analyzed at appropriate growth stages. After harvesting, plant tissues (root and leave) and soil samples was subjected to analysis for plant nutrients provision. Analysis of data was done following standard statistical procedure. Slaughterhouse waste improves the plant growth. Results showed that blood, intestine and dry matter significantly affect the plant growth parameter of spinach in natural soil. Plant height was increased up to 92 %, root length 194 %, shoot dry weight 60 % and root dry weight 169 % with blood at (120 ml), intestine (100 g) and dry matter (20 g) as compared to control. All the treatments significantly improved these parameters but blood, intestine and dry matter increased chlorophyll contents 84%, relative water contents 21 %, photosynthetic rate 91%, transpiration rate 95%, and stomatal conductance 58 %, and decreased electrolyte leakage up to 54% in spinach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out during the period of July 2022 to June 2023 with a total of 2012 milk samples to evaluate the effect of species on milk composition including fat, protein, solid not fat (SNF) and total solids (TS). The milk samples were collected from indigenous livestock species of Punjab Pakistan including cow, buffalo, sheep, goat and camel kept for milk purpose. The study was carried out at Livestock Production Research Institute (LPRI) Bahadurnagar, Okara. The objective of current study was to investigate the effect of species and breed on composition of milk. Milk samples were collected from pure Sahiwal cow, cross of Sahiwal cow with Friesian, local non-descript cow, Nili Ravi buffalo, Lohi sheep, goat and camels maintained at different livestock experiment stations under Livestock and Dairy development department Punjab Pakistan. Results showed highest milk fat in Lohi sheep 7.17 percent followed by camel 5.63 percent, buffalo 6.76 percent and goat 4.73 percent. Milk fat content of purebred Sahiwal, cross bred Sahiwal and local Qadirabad cow was 4.77, 4.52 and 5.19 percent respectively. Lacto meter reading (LR) was highest in Lohi sheep 30.02 followed by camel 29.59, buffalo 30.15 and then cow breeds. Solid not fat (SNF) content was highest in Lohi sheep 8.98 percent followed by Buffalo 8.84 and camel 8.51 percent. SNF content for goat was 7.55 percent and for purebred Sahiwal, cross bred Sahiwal and local Qadirabad cow was 7.50, 7.28 and 7.79 percent respectively. Total solids (TS) were found to be highest in Lohi sheep 16.12 followed by buffalo 15.83, camel 13.97 and then cow breeds ranging from 11.74 to 12.99 percent. The milk protein content was found to be highest for goat 4.82 percent followed by sheep 4.75, camel 3.95 p e r c e n t and then by cow and buffalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of non-genetic factors such as the period of calving, season of calving, and parity on economically important productive and reproductive traits in crossbred cows (Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal) maintained at livestock experiment station Qadirabad Sahiwal, Pakistan. The study ranged from 1995 to 2014 (20 years). The duration of 20 years was divided into 4 periods (P1, P2, P3, and P4) with each period consisting of five years. Each year was further divided into three seasons winter (November-February), summer (March-June), and spring (July-October) based on geo-climatic conditions prevailing in the region. The parameters used as indicators of reproductive performance in this study were age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), dry period (DP) and calving interval (CI). The overall least squares mean and standard errors for these reproductive parameters were 1235.23±45.81, 202.08±6.75, 178.4±6.85 and 482±5.97 days, respectively. While productive parameters were lactation milk yield 305 d(LMY), daily milk yield, and Lactation length (LL), and the least squares mean and standard errors of these were 2471.44±78.44 kg,8.07±0.27kg and306.22±4.84 days, respectively. Twenty years (20) data of 641 lactation records of crossbred cows representing the variance analyses indicated that significant (P≤0.05) effect of season of calving on age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), lactation length (LL), and lactation milk yield (LMY). Least-squares means illustrated that the period of calving also significantly (P≤0.00) affects lactation milk yield (LMY) lactation length (LL) and dry period (DP). Similarly, a significant (P≤0.00) effect of parity on lactation milk yield (LMY), dry period (DP), days open (DO), and calving interval (CI) was noted. It is therefore concluded that the reproductive and productive performance of these crossbred cows is affected by some non-genetic factors and breeders must consider the season of calving, period of calving and parity in the management program because they greatly affect the farm productivity and profitability and they must select animals with higher breeding values to be the parent of the next generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on the management of charcoal rot of maize caused by Macrophomia phaseolina, by using biochar made from rice straw, along with compost and Trichoderma viride (Biocontrol agent). Therefore, synergistic effect of 3 and 6% concentrations of rice straw biochar with T. viride and 10% of compost was used as a soil amendment to check the effect on growth of maize and charcoal rot disease suppression under glasshouse conditions. The percentage severity of charcoal rot was significantly reduced due to the effect of soil amendment with 3% rice straw biochar inoculated with or without T. viride. In vitro assays also revealed synergistic association of rice straw biochar with T. viride and resulted into maximum inhibition (69.67%) of M. phaseolina. The maximum nitrogen contents (20.26 g/kg) were recorded in rice straw biochar (3%) combined with biocontrol agent amended treatment. However, other than disease parameters, 6% rice straw biochar irrespective to the presence or absence of T. viride had a significant impact on growth of maize plants. The maize response were found to be dependent on the concentration of biochar (3 and 6%) and depicted varied effects of resistance in each treatments. Thus, our findings suggest that the combined application of biochar and T. viride holds significant potential for mitigating the detrimental effects of charcoal rot and enhancing the overall health and performance of maize plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For plants and other species alike, phosphorus (P) is the second most essential macronutrient. However, it becomes unavailable to plants because of its fixation with soil collisions, and hence cannot enter the food chain. In a pot trial, the impact of mycorrhizae and various organic amendments on P uptake and plant growth of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was assessed. Farmyard manure (FYM), biogas slurry (BGS), and compost were used as organic amendments at a rate of 1.5% w/w in each treatment, along with mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae and organic amendments applied together were found to boost plant growth and increase P uptake. FYM + mycorrhizae and BGS + mycorrhizae combinations resulted in increased root length, shoot height, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight and leaf area. BGS + mycorrhizae combinations also showed increased P absorption, leading to higher photosynthetic activity and biomass. Mycorrhizae and organic amendments were shown to increase P uptake by as much as 42.25% and plant growth by 57.39%. We concluded that using this strategy in the field can be an economically viable option while also lowering the potential for negative environmental effects caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency is a prevalent nutritional disorder that has a significant impact on a large population worldwide. Malnutrition can potentially be mitigated through the implementation of biofortification, a method aimed at enhancing the micronutrient content of staple food items. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) possess the capacity to enhance the iron concentration in consumable plant tissues by enhancing its availability through various mechanisms. A controlled experiment was conducted to evaluate the capacity of five bacterial isolates (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6) to promote plant growth and enhance the bioavailability of iron (Fe) in potato plants. The iron was administered via a solution that consisted of iron sulphate. The study's results demonstrate that the utilization of PGPR led to a notable enhancement in multiple growth parameters of the plants, encompassing plant height, root length, root fresh and dry weights, shoot fresh and dry weights, and iron content, in comparison to plants that did not undergo PGPR inoculation. The application of FeSO4 led to a significant increase in the concentration of Fe, with a respective rise of 100% and 173% observed in the grain and shoot, in comparison to the control group. The application of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in combination with iron led to a substantial improvement in the levels of iron in both grain and shoot tissues. Specifically, there was a notable increase of 78.64% in grain iron content and a 63.24% increase in shoot iron content, as compared to the control group. The results of this study suggest that the utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can augment the absorption of iron (Fe) by plants in the presence of supplementary Fe in the soil. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of microbial assisted biofortification in potato tuber holds promise for addressing micronutrient deficiency in human populations, particularly in regions with limited access to resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to examine the replacement of maize fodder with maize silage on dry matter intake, weight gain and feed efficiency in male buffalo calves. Total of 18 no. of young male buffalo calves with body weight of 250 + 20 kg and having age around 24 months were randomly distributed into three groups containing 6 in each group.A diet of 16% Crude Protein and 2.1 Mcal/kg energy was prepared and fed to calves at the rate of 1% of live body weight in all experimental groups. Apart from concentrate, 16 kg of maize fodder was offered to each calves of group A, 08 kg of maize fodder and 08 kg of maize silage to animals of group. Whereas 16kg of maize silage was individually given to buffalo calves of group C. The experiment was continued for 90 days followed by 10 days which were served for adjustment period. The group A, B and C had dry matter intake (DMI) of 4.82, 4.83 and 4.27 kg respectively. They posed a significant difference (P<0.0001) among three groups. Whereas the difference was non significant difference (P=0.39) in terms of daily weight gain. The average daily growth rate was 0.90, 0.92 and 0.91 kg for groups A, B and C respectively. The feed efficiency (feed intake per unit gain) of group C was the lowest i.e. 5.18 followed by group B 5.54 and highest feed efficiency value was 6.13, observed in group A. The difference was significant (P<0.0001) for feed efficiency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper suggested a fuzzy logic based flood adaptive control system for flood water management and to use this water for agriculture and generating electric power in Punjab, by using an online survey conducted in the month of August, 2013. The online survey, data about soil and water was collected in flood areas i.e. Mianwali, Chiniot and Bahawalpur. The collected data was in the form of soil which included EC, P, S and PH and samples of water included ECw, SAR and RSE. In fuzzy logic based flood adaptive control system, two spilled fuzzy logic controller, fuzzy logic controller-1 and fuzzy logic controller-2 were used. Fuzzy logic controller -1 was used to take four input parameters i.e. reservoir opening, reservoir opening time, water flow rate and water pressure to generate one output i.e. reservoir depth. Similarly, Fuzzy logic controller-2 was used to take three input parameters from fuzzy logic controller-2 i.e. reservoir depth, reservoir depth output and reservoir depth output time to generate two output variables i.e. cultivation and power generation. For validation of flood adaptive control system data, we developed a graphical user interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The data on age at first calving for 539 records of crossbred cows of different filial/genetic groups were considered for the present investigation. These crossbreds belonged to eight filial/genetic groups (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7 and F8) maintained at Livestock Experiment Station Qadirabad District Sahiwal from 1991 to 2014 (24 years). The duration of 24 year was divided into 6 periods (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6) of four years each. Each year was further divided into three seasons as winter (November-February), summer (March-June) and spring (July-October) on the basis of geo-climatic conditions prevailing in the region. The overall population mean of age at first calving was determined 1261.88±9.934 days. The analysis of variance revealed significant effect of period of calving on age at first calving. The finding of this study shows that age at first calving was subjected to non-genetic factor. Effect of season of calving on age at first calving was non-significant which indicate breed characteristic to adaptation with environment. Meanwhile effect of filial/genetic group was significant on age at first calving. Therefore, from the result of this investigation it can be determined that improving the feeding, health and other husbandry practices are essential to enhance the performance trait of this herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This trial was designed with the objectives to select best and economical feeding strategies to accelerate growth pattern for reducing age at maturity in buffalo heifers. Twenty Sahiwal heifers (Age = 24 ± 2-month and wt. = 200 ± 30 kg) were divided into four equal groups(n-5) on the basis completely randomized design, Control group (D) of heifers was fed on green fodder only and no ration was offered while test diets were comprised on TMR based on wheat straw (A), fodder(B) and silage(C) with crude protein 10-11 percent. Feed intake of each experimental animal were recorded daily. Animals were weighed at the start of experiment and fortnightly thereafter. Animals of group C gained higher body weight (averaged 580 grams daily) comparing with other groups while animals of group (D)fed on fodder only yielded very poorly growth. Dry Matter Intakes of all groups were similar and there was no effect of treatment of different plans of diet fed to animals. Dry matter, Crude protein and crude fiber digestibility values were higher in animals fed total mixed ration based on corn silage and dry ration as compared to those fed other diets. Blood urea nitrogen values were higher in group A fed on TMR wheat straw based diet while blood glucose values were higher in animals of group B and C fed corn silage or green fodder based diet as indicator for availability of nutrients for growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Most of the challenges of poultry production can be addressed by using smart technology, electronic devices, and operations-controlling gadgets in an organized, efficient, and easy way. Considering the reality that the prospects of using smart technologies in the poultry industry far outweigh its problems or challenges, this study reviews an impact analysis for the adoption and implementation of these technologies in poultry management systems. Drawing from the results of research studies, observations, intuition, and secondary data, this review paper stresses that smart technology poultry management is viable with several comparative advantages over the traditional poultry management system. The use of artificial intelligence in poultry production had shown multiple benefits such as reducing cost per unit production, reducing labor involvement, stress-free environment for birds' betterment, decreasing multiple losses and damages, etc. resulting in increased productivity, profitability, and efficiency of poultry, decision-making and control and the welfare/behavior of birds on the farm. Effective use of smart technologies in the poultry industry would usher in lots of prospects, revolution, and innovation in the poultry sector and hence will help to fulfil animal protein demand in the current recent scarcity era. However, until now this technology is not been fully exploited in developing countries as there is limited applicability and automatic operations. Therefore, it is recommended that sensor technology, smart networks, the internet of things and analysis tools, and big data analysis leading to a culture of rapid response to information should be imbibed in most poultry operations. Moreover, data protection rules and regulations should be improved to make fully operational and continuously efficient poultry production operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out to assess the pollution load in industrial effluent located at Hudiara drain and municipal wastewater collected from sewage drain passing through Shadman, Lahore and its treatment with heterogeneous species (Microspora sp., Rhizoclonium sp., Diatoms, Lyngbya sp., Dinoflagellates) of fresh water algae. Various compositions of industrial and municipal wastewater (20:80, 40:60, & 50:50) were prepared and phycoremediation process for effluent treatment was done in ponds of different dimensions to find out the optimum conditions i.e. wastewater composition (40:60) and pond size (P2). Accumulation of nitrogen (22.98 mg/g) and phosphorus (10.4ppm) in algal biomass. The maximum percent reduction for biological oxygen demand (99.8%), chemical oxygen demand (98.6%), total suspended solids (93.9%), total dissolve solids (96.5%), total kjeldhal nitrogen (97.7%), total phosphorus (99.2%), phosphate (99.2%), nitrate (98.9%) and dye (99.2%) was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of people regarding dengue fever in Samanabad Town, Lahore. Purposive random sampling was done to collect data from 560 respondents. Majority (90.5%) of the respondents had a fair knowledge about the vector. According to 41.4%, high grade fever was the most common and obvious symptoms, 97.1% knew that the fever was transmitted by mosquito from one individual to other and 72.5% considered pots and containers filled with water as the major breeding sites for the dengue mosquito. Only 34.5% perceived that Aedes mosquito bites mostly during evening and 47.5% believed that this fever is not contagious in nature. Community was well aware of fever as 228 (40.7%) of the respondents were relying on the insecticidal sprays to prevent mosquito bites and 340 (60.7%) reported TV/radio as the major source of knowledge about dengue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are one of the major disturbing factors in ecosystems, so their removal/degradation is the need of time. In the present research, 56 microbial strains were isolated from cotton growing areas of Punjab. Strain Ct27 (Klebsiella sp.) was most resistant/effective in chlorpyrifos degradation. Biodegradation potential of Klebsiella sp. was studied under different conditions like; concentration, carbon sources, pH and inoculum densities. Klebsiella sp. showed 90% chlorpyrifos biodegradation (200mgL-1) at pH8 and 105CFU/mL with addition of glucose in 18 days. Presence of other nutrients enhanced chlorpyrifos degradation probably due to high growth on easily metabolizable compounds which in turn favors biodegradation. This strain can be used for bioremediation and ecological restoration of sites, contaminated with chlorpyrifos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water samples were collected from River Ravi upstream and downstream to the city of Lahore to determine role of the city in spread of antibiotic and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the river. All the water samples collected upstream to the city was not contaminated with ciprofloxacin (CIP) and norfloxacin (NOR). Concentration of CIP and NOR in the river downstream to first wastewater drain was 0.032 μg L-1 and the concentration was raised up to 0.125 μg L-1 after the mixing of last drain from the city. Similarly concentration of NOR was raised from 0.026 to 0.093 μg L-1. No antibiotic resistant bacteria were found in the river water upstream to the city. Downstream to the city, the river was contaminated with both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae).Antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that both E. coli and V. cholerae were 83.3% resistant to CIP and 66.7% were resistant to NOR respectively. It was concluded that untreated wastewater from the city of Lahore is responsible to contaminate the River Ravi with the antibiotics and antibiotic resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste animal fat is considered a promising cheap alternative feedstock for biodiesel production that does not compete with food items. The objective of the study was to utilize waste animal fat (beef & mutton) for biodiesel production using different catalysts (Na, NaOH& KOH). Oil extracted from beef and mutton fat was analyzed by Gas Layer Chromatography for its fatty acids composition. Both mutton and beef fat showed 50-93% conversion rate of oil to biodiesel with 3:1 methanol to oil molar ratio with addition of 1% by weight of different catalysts (Na, NaOH& KOH) at 60°C. Transesterification of animal fat with KOH catalyst produced biodiesel of high quality with good conversion rate. Biodiesel produced after transesterification reaction was analyzed for flash point <145°C each, kinematic viscosity 2.74 & 2.59cSt, density 0.88 & 0.87kg/L, pour point 59°F & 57.2°F, calorific value 11568.7 & 10907.4BTU/lb and water content 0.03 & 0.04%vol for mutton and beef respectively. Properties of biodiesel were comparable to ASTM standards so it can be used as a fuel in vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Twenty Nili Ravi buffalo male calves of 11 to 12 months of age and weighing170-190 kg were enrolled for this study in a completely randomized design (CRD) to inspect the varying level of crude protein (CP) on nutrient intake, weight gain and feed efficiency of male buffalo calves on total mixed ration (TMR) based ration. Four experimental rations A, B, C and D were formulated containing 10, 12, 14 and 16% CP respectively while all diets contained 2.4 Kcal/kg ME.The animals were individually fed ad libitum intakes and all standard managemental standards were observed. The dry mater intake(DMI) was higher(6.81kg) in buffalo calves fed TMR containing 12%CP (group B) followed by those fed TMR A(6.73 kg),TMR C(6.08 kg) and TMR D(5.62 kg) respectively. Daily weight gain was statistically significant(P<0.05) higher (0.93 kg) in animals fed TMR B having 12%CP followed by those fed TMR A(0.86 kg),TMR C(0.85 kg) and TMR D (0.84kg) respectively. Similarly feed efficiency (feed intake per unit gain) in animals fed TMR B(7.90 kg).TMR C(7.90 kg) and TMR D(7.91kg).The feed efficiency was significantly lower(P<0.05) as compared to group A which have significantly higher(P<0.05) feed efficiency (8.49).It is thus concluded that TMR of 12%CP had good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The current study was undertaken to see the benefits of mixing /soaking of wheat straw with 20% corn steep liquor on palatability, growth and digestibility in buffalo calves. 18 buffalo calves having similar body weight with age of 16-18 months were distributed into two groups. Group -1(control) was fed on diet @ 3 percent dry matter on body weight containing 1.5% concentrate(Anmol wanda with CP 17.5% and ME 2.6 Mcal/Kg), 0.5% wheat straw and 1% fodder on dry matter basis while group - II(test) was fed on 1% of concentrate, wheat straw and fodder of body weight basis for each. Group feeding was practiced @ 3 percent during the 90 days of experimentation along with 10 days adjustment period. Fresh and clean water was made accessible during the whole duration of study. Body weights were measured at fortnightly basis and growth performance was worked out. Mean values of total growth of animals were 82.7+ 2.4 vs 78.1 + 3.1Kg while daily growth rate were 0.92+ 0.027 vs 0.87 + 0.035 Kg for both groups. But statistically difference was non-significant. Statistically the difference among dry matter and crude protein digestibility were non-significant. Economically diet containing wheat straw mixed with 20% corn steep liquor had lower cost of production(18%). It was proved that 20% corn steep liquor can be mixed with wheat straw to improve its palatability, growth and digestibility without any adverse effect on health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Donkeys and mules are neglected animals of livestock family. In donkeys and mules, brucellosis seroprevalence was checked in present study. A 22 mules and 160 donkeys serum samples were collected(Faisalabad and its surrounding area). After initial screening with Rose Bengal Plate test(RBPT), positive samples were again validated with Serum Agglutination test(SAT). A 4.4 and 3.75% brucellosis positive samples were recorded by RBPT and SAT, respectively in donkeys. However, this percentage was 9.1% by RBPT and SAT in mules. Source wise prevalence in donkeys was 0%, 33.3% and 3.2% from Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh and private animals, respectively. In mules, prevalence of 11.8%(male) and 0%(female) whereas in donkeys, seroprevalence of 1.35%(male) and 3.4%(females) was recorded. Seroprevalence of 3.27% was recorded in donkeys of 1-5 years of age while 4.1% was noted in 6-10, 3.44% in 11-15 and 0% above 15 years of age. Prevalence of 8.82%, 3.84% and 2.08% was recorded in good, fair, and poor body conditioned donkeys, respectively. Whereas prevalence of 14.28%, 12.5% and 14.28% was noted in good, fair and poor body conditioned mules, respectively. Brucellosis prevalence was 8.83% in donkeys of foaling 0, 8.70% of foaling 1, 8.57% of foaling 2, 10% of foaling 3 and 12% of foaling above 3. In donkeys, all tested parameters(body condition, age, parity and sex) excluding source of samples have non-significant influence at brucellosis prevalence. All tested parameters were nonsignificant in mules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding plan was undertaken in Nili-Ravi growing male buffalo calves having age of 6-8 months and 100-120 Kg live body weight to observe the effect of 2% alkali treated rice husk contained in the diet on feed and growth performance. Rice husk was treated with 2% NaOH solution (50% water to substrate; weight/volume). Four different types of TMRs (1.2.3.4) were formulated and TMR-1 served as control ration containing untreated 30% rice husk and TMRs-2,3,4 were test rations and contained 10%,20%,and 30% alkali treated rice husk. Calves were divided into four groups (n=5) and were allotted the diet randomly and stall feeding was practiced. Weighed quantity of each TMR was offered daily and refusal was recorded after twenty four hours to calculate the actual quantity of feed intake by the animals daily. In addition, 2 Kg of green fodder was also provided. The trial lasted for 90 days along with 10 days as feed adjustment period. At end, a digestibility trial was conducted on three animals of each group for three days. Blood samples were taken for BUN and blood glucose post feeding two times during the trial. Statistically there was non-significant difference on growth performance and feed efficiency in the animals of all groups. Digestibility of Dry Matter, CP, EE, Ash and OM also revealed non-significant difference. Mean values of blood metabolites were apparently higher in control group but statistically difference was non-significant. Results revealed some improvement on growth, FCR, Nutrient Digestibility in animals fed on treated rice husk based diet. Economically rice husk can be used in the formulation of diet for finishing the animals up to 30% safely and without any hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: Effect of optigen® feed intake and performance of growing calves While (Taylor et al., 2009) observed a slight decrease in DM intake for those steers fed Optigen® II compared to urea and corn silage-based diets and the difference was non-significant (P=0.53). (Pinoset al.,2010) fed a diet containing 1.1% Optigen® and found no difference in DM intake when compared with the control. Effect of urea feeding on feed intake and performance of male buffalo calves.