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A surging population in Karnataka State, a semi-arid region in India, poses a threat to both food security and livelihood sustainability, necessitating a concentrated effort to bolster agricultural efficiency and achieve United Naton’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 (zero hunger). Therefore, in order to address the pressing issue of food scarcity in Karnataka, this study meticulously examined the spatio-temporal variation of agricultural efficiency and irrigation intensity in Karnataka, uncovering its significant dependence of agricultural efficiency on irrigation intensity. Specifically, this study used a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to ascertain significant differences in the means of agricultural efficiency and irrigation intensity during 2004–2005 and 2018–2019. This study showed that the maximum improvement in agricultural efficiency index was recorded in Belgaum (40.24), Gulbarga (24.77), and Yadgir districts (22.92) between 2004–2005 and 2018–2019, which indicated the progressing trend and better scope for agriculture extension. On the contrary, some districts expressed threat (a decline of above 20.00 of agricultural efficiency index) and needed special care for the improvement of agricultural efficiency in four northern districts (Bagalkot, Bidar, Raichur, and Bijapur), three southern districts (Chitradurga, Chikballapur and Hassan), and two southern districts (Koppal and Gadag) in Karnataka. During 2004–2005, irrigation intensity varied from 3.19% to 56.39%, with the lowest irrigation intensity in Kodagu District and the highest irrigation intensity in Shimoga District. During 2018–2019, irrigation intensity changed from 0.77% to 72.77%, with the lowest irrigation intensity in Kodagu District and the highest in Dakshin Kannad District. Moreover, the research scrutinized the complex relationship between agricultural efficiency and irrigation intensity, with the correlation coefficient increased from 0.162 during 2004–2005 to 0.255 during 2018–2019. It implies that in both periods, a low positive correlation existed between these two variables. Over time, several factors (high-yield seeds and chemical fertilizers) other than irrigation intensity gradually became essential for agricultural efficiency. This research offers a wealth of valuable insights for regional planners and policy-makers contending with comparable challenges in various regions of India and other developing countries.

Stem cells exhibit pluripotency and self-renewal abilities. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells can potentially be used to reconstruct various tissues. They possess significant versatility and alleviate various aging-related diseases. Unfortunately, aging leads to senescence, apoptosis, and a decline in regenerative capacity in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. These changes necessitate a strategy to mitigate the effects of aging on stem cells. Ohwia caudata (O. caudata) has therapeutic effects against several illnesses. However, studies on whether O. caudata has therapeutic effects against aging are lacking. In this study, we aimed to identify potential therapeutic anti-aging effects in the crude aqueous extract of O. caudata on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Using 0.1 μM doxorubicin, we induced aging in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) and evaluated whether various concentrations of O. caudata aqueous extract exhibit anti-aging effects on them. The O. caudata extract exhibited significant antioxidant effects on hADMSCs without any toxicity. Furthermore, after treatment with the O. caudata aqueous extract, the levels of mitochondrial superoxide, DNA double-strand breaks, and telomere shortening were reduced in the hADMSCs subjected to doxorubicin-induced aging. The extract also suppressed doxorubicin-induced aging by upregulating klotho and downregulating p21 in hADMSCs. These findings indicated that the O. caudata extract exhibited anti-aging properties that modulated hADMSC homeostasis. Therefore, it could be a potential candidate for restoring the self-renewal ability and multipotency of aging hADMSCs.

The “jewel beetle” - Belionota prasina (Thunberg, 1789), is a polyphagous insect pest found throughout India and its neighboring countries. To develop semiochemical-based pest control strategies, we must first comprehend the entire morphological features of the insect’s antennal sensory structure. This is the first study report revealing the morphology and ultrastructure of antennal sensillae of male and female of B. prasine using light and scanning electron microscopy. Both antennae are serrated in appearance with 11 antennomers. In both sexes, Böhm sensilla, sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla chaetica, and multiporous grooved peg sensilla are common. Sexual dimorphism is present in the case of length and width (basal and distal) of entire antenna as well as each antennomer. Male antennomeres are larger and more robust. The antenna of B. prasina shows a high degree of sexual dimorphism. The C4 type aporous serrated sensilla chaetica, which serves a tactile function, are highly specific to male antennae. The sensilla basiconica subtype 4 is found in female antennomeres while multigrooved are pegs present only in male antennomerers. The number and type of sensillae are greater in males than females. Apical fossae are present dorsally and ventrally on each male antennomere. The function and distribution of all types of sensilla are explained and illustrated in this paper.

Twenty bitches with previous history of subfertility presented for breeding management at University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai were selected for the study. The stage of oestrous cycle was determined and breeding scheduled based predominantly on anuclear cell index (ACI) and serum progesterone assay, after giving due weightage to behaviour and clinical signs. First mating was considered as day 0 and the second as day 3. The mean ACI of the bitches under study was 56.4 ± 1.53 per cent and the mean serum progesterone levels was recorded as 2.82± 0.16 ng/mL three days prior to breeding (day 3). Since, ACI had highly positive correlation with serum progesterone level (Pearson’s correlation coefficient being 0.880) in subfertile bitches three days prior to first breeding, it could be inferred that, when the mean ACI reached more than 55 per cent, serum progesterone levels reach values corresponding to presumably the day of LH surge and by considering both the variables, the day of ovulation could be predicted. Hence, the correlation analysis of ACI and progesterone assay can be considered as reliable method to schedule optimum breeding time in subfertile bitches.

Canine pyometra is a hormonally mediated life-threatening uterine disease of canines, associated with bacterial infection and inflammation. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the uterus and systemic illness. The study was undertaken to assess the relevance of band cells in circulation and Doppler ultrasonography in the prognostic evaluation of medically managed canine pyometra. A significantly higher band of neutrophils were recorded among bitches presented with pyometra, which reduced to the physiologically normal range as treatment progressed in the animals which responded to the treatment. The resistive index, which was lower than the threshold value of 0.72, increased as the treatment progressed in the responsive animals and proved to be a reliable tool as a recovery marker.

This study aimed to evaluate the combined thickness of uterus and placenta, foetal heart rate and serum progesterone concentration in prepartum bitches. Eighteen pregnant female dogs in the last week of gestation were subjected to ultrasonographic examination and progesterone assay to evaluate changes prior to impending whelping. No significant difference was found in the combined thickness of uterus and placenta measurements in the last week of gestation. However, foetal heart rate showed oscillations and progesterone declined 12h prior to whelping.

View on Scopus Insect caste development and their morphological divergence are not yet studied well, especially in ants. However, the role of developmental and genetic integration in evolution is contentious. In our study, we tried to reveal the quantitative genetics selection responses, phylogenetic signal, and evolutionary origin of weaver ant female castes (queen, major and minor). The widening and lengthening of the head region, as well as the well-developed mandibular process, are the major heritable characteristics found in the major worker ants. We hypothesized that these conserved and heritable characteristics may help the major worker ants for defense, foraging purposes and other nest-building function aspects. However, in the case of minor worker, small heads and the reduced mandibular process are the more heritable characteristics. Compared to worker ants, in queen, the highly heritable and conserved morphological character is well-developed thoracic regions and large-sized abdomen. It is interesting to note that there is no detectable phylogenetic signal across the female cast of the Asian weaver ants, which suggests that the caste development and morphological divergence are environmentally modulated not evolutionary conserved. From this study, we concluded that caste-specific morphological shape and size are highly conserved traits and these traits are modulated by their niche preferences.

Postpartum diseases of uterus represent a foremost predicament in cattle farms affecting reproductive efficiency. Postpartum (PP) uterine diseases include metritis, endometritis and subclinical endometritis (SCE). Barring SCE, all other diseases project the clinical signs. Diagnosis of SCE at the early stage of PP has been a challenging task for many veterinarians. The present study aimed to validate and correlate the proficiency of transitional changes in uterus and cervix assessed by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and endometrial cytology (EC) in the diagnosis of SCE in PP cattle. The research was carried out in two phases i.e, 30th day postpartum (DPP) (n=74) and first exhibited oestrus after 45th DPP (n=24) (54.63 ± 1.13 d) to emphasise the proficiency of both the diagnostic modalities. Endometrial cytology could discriminate between cows positive and negative for SCE significantly at 30th DPP (20.54 ± 0.48 vs 5.55 ± 0.41). It was potent in diagnosing SCE after 45th DPP also, as a significant reduction in the per cent of PMN cells (20.54 ± 0.48 to 7.56 ± 0.32) was noticed. Uterine parameters assessed by TRUS like cervical and uterine diameter and endometrial thickness in both the phases of assessment did not correlate to the EC changes and also could not discriminate between SCE positive and negative animals. The results of the study signify that EC is efficacious in the diagnosis of SCE in cows, while TRUS is impractical as a sole diagnostic modality for SCE.

The study was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaves on reproductive performance in Malabari doelings. Apparently healthy Malabari kids (n= 32) of age three months were selected and randomly allocated to two different treatment groups. Control group (T1, n= 16) was fed with complete feed as pellets and experimental group (T2, n=16) was given complete feed pellets in which 50 per cent of concentrate was replaced with M. oleifera leaves on dry matter (DM) basis. The mean initial and final body weight and dry matter intake did not differ significantly but showed a linear increase in both the groups. Haematological parameters (Hb, Haematocrit, TEC, TLC) did not vary significantly between groups, however, mean total protein was significantly higher (p< 0.05) and mean ALT was significantly lower in T2. Post weaning mean progesterone profile remained less than 1ng/mL until fifth month of age, showed significant increase during sixth month (T1- 0.24 ng/mL, T2- 0.44ng/mL; p< 0.5) and was elevated more than 1ng/mL during seventh month in T2 (T1- 0.72 ± 0.22 ng/mL, T2- 1.14 ± 0.29 ng/mL). First behavioural oestrus was observed during sixth month age without any significant variation. The present study revealed safe and effective means of replacing 50 per cent concentrate feed with in M. oleifera leaves in Malabari doelings in advancing puberty without affecting the growth performance.

The aim of this study was to characterise the follicular dynamics in first two oestrous cycles of peripubertal Malabari goats. Transrectal ultrasonography was carried out on alternate days of oestrous cycles after first observed oestrus. Follicular studies revealed presence of two to five wave cycles with predominant three and four wave patterns. The interwave interval for ovulatory wave was longer than preceding waves in three and five wave cycles. The diameter of largest follicles in wave 1 was larger than follicles of subsequent waves of three, four and five wave cycles. The largest follicles in each wave could be observed from day 3 to day 13 of oestrous cycle. Majority of ovulations occurred on day 20 of oestrous cycles and short cycles were more in first oestrous cycle. The overall mean per cent of single and double ovulations were 56.3 and 43.8 and mean ovulatory follicle size was 6.59 ± 0.11 mm in peripubertal goats. The mean length of first and second oestrous cycle was observed as 17.72± 0.79 and 20.19± 0.43 days, respectively and mean duration of first and second oestrus was 36.88 ± 2.44 and 40.13 ± 1.84 h, respectively. The study revealed that predominant wave pattern was three and four waves in peripubertal Malabari breeds. The first oestrous cycle length was shorter and characterised by higher percentage of single ovulations with smaller periovulatory follicle size. Larger ovulatory follicles and double ovulations were observed in second oestrous cycle.

The objective of the current study involved assessment of correlation between the expression of oestrogen receptor (ERα) and Ki-67 by immunohistochemistry, in the genital borne neoplasms in 12 postpubertal bitches between 2 to 12 years of age, presented at University Veterinary Hospitals, Kokkalai and Mannuthy. The age group of 5-8 years had the highest incidence of neoplasia (50.00 %) in comparison with other groups. Episiotomy was performed for extraluminal tumours while local excision performed in all intraluminal tumours except canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT). A chemotherapeutic regimen involving intravenous infusion of vincristine sulphate at 0.025 mg/kg was administered to bitches with CTVT and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) until complete remission of the neoplasm. The tumours were histopathologically confirmed as myofibroma (n=6), CTVT (n= 3), leiomyoma (n = 1), SCC (n = 1) and fibroma (n = 1). Immunohistochemical staining of the neoplastic tissues was performed to evaluate ERα and Ki-67 expression status which could aid in estimating the malignancy potential and influence of ERα on the same. Spearman’s rank correlation between the immunohistochemical scores for the expression of ERα and Ki-67 in these tumours was highly significant (p

This study was conducted among 18 lactating crossbred cows that had clinical lameness associated with painful sole lesions. Claw dimensions were recorded using standard techniques from affected claws in selected animals before functional hoof trimming and compared with standard values. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in the toe height and claw diagonal of the affected claws of selected animals was observed when compared to the standard values. Toe angle and heel height were significantly (p < 0.01) lower when compared to the standard values. No significant changes could be recognised in the toe length of the affected claws. Functional hoof trimming revealed laminitis related sole lesions like sole ulcers and white line which caused lameness in selected animals.

A study was conducted among 18 lame cows from a herd of 114 cows in early lactation. Whole blood was collected from the lame cows on the first day of treatment and 20 days after therapeutic hoof trimming for analysis of haematological parameters. The number of red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration, platelet and volume of packed red cells increased(p> 0.05) on post trimming evaluation. The number of neutrophils and the percentage of neutrophils decreased with a concurrent increase in lymphocytes and monocytes which was not significant (p>0.05) in lame cows post trimming. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio decreased in the affected animals in the post trimming period. Therapeutic hoof trimming and treatment improved the healing of painful sole lesions and reduction in pain sensitivity was also observed in all the affected animals.

Twenty dogs presented for breeding soundness evaluation were selected for the present study. Based on previous six month breeding history and semen quality, these animals were grouped retrospectively into fertile (n=6) and subfertile (n=14) groups. Three semen collections were made from each of these dogs, two weeks apart. Semen evaluation parameters like volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, viability, morphologically normal sperms, total sperm output and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in the sperm-rich fraction were compared between the two groups. The mean values for progressive motility, sperm concentration, total sperm output and viability were 84.17 ± 1.54 per cent, 418.33 ± 36.64 million/mL, 645.11±98.43 million and 84.92 ± 1.56 per cent, respectively, in the fertile group, while the values for these parameters were 45.71 ± 3.47 per cent, 112.07 ± 24.36 million/mL, 190.24±32.45 million and 49.54 ± 2.35 per cent, respectively in the subfertile group. The values were significantly higher in fertile group when compared to subfertile group. The mean ALP (IU/L) was recorded as 168121.67 ± 22443.25 and 49605.86 ± 12669.68 IU/L, respectively in fertile and subfertile dogs. On statistical analysis, a highly significant difference (p˂0.01) was noticed between the groups. Though the concentration of ALP was more than 40,000 IU/L (below which is the proposed cut off value for incomplete ejaculation) in all the dogs under the present study, it was significantly higher in fertile dogs, suggesting a possible relation to fertility.

An experiment was conducted on early lactating dairy cows to study the effect of rumen protected choline (RPC) and methionine (RPM) on milk yield and composition. Fifteen crossbred dairy cows in early lactation (within 10 days of calving) were selected and randomly allotted to any one of the following three dietary treatments, T1 (Control)- with compound feed mixture containing CP- 20% and TDN- 68% , T2- T1 +20g RPM and 20g RPC, T3- with compound fed mixture containing CP- 17%, TDN- 68% + 20g RPM and 20g RPC. All the experimental animals were fed as per ICAR feeding standards (ICAR, 2013). Results revealed no significant difference (p>0.05) in milk yield and 4 per cent fat corrected milk (FCM) yield between the three treatment groups. Among the milk constituents, animals in T3 had significantly higher milk fat (p

Introduction: Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF1R) mediated survival signaling is a crucial mechanism for cellular endurance and a potential indicator of recuperation in deteriorating hearts. Objective: This study evaluates the impact of long-term exercise training in enhancing cardiac survival mechanism in D-galactose-induced toxicity associated aging rats. Methods: Forty-eight male SD-rats were segregated into 4 groups (n=9) and were named as control, exercise training groups, aging group and aging group with exercise training. Aging was induced by intraperitoneal (IP) D-galactose (150 mL/kg) injection for 8 weeks and for exercise training, the rats were left to swim in warm water for 60 min every day and 5 times/week. Western blotting of proteins from the left ventricles was performed to identify the modulations in the survival signaling. Tissue sections were analyzed to determine the extent of fibrosis and apoptosis. Results: Western-blot analysis performed on the excised left ventricles (LV) showed that proteins of the cardiac survival pathway including IGF1R and Akt and the pro-survival Bcl-2 showed significant decrease in the aging group, whereas the levels were restored in the aging rats subjected to exercise training. In addition, aging groups showed increased interstitial space and collagen accumulation. Further, TUNEL assay showed higher number of apoptotic cells in the LV of aging group, which was correlated with increase in the proteins involved in FAS-FADD-dependent apoptosis. However, these aging associated effects were ameliorated upon exercise training in the D-galactose-induced aging rats that showed elevated IGF1R/Akt signaling. Conclusion: The results suggest that IGFIR survival signaling cascadeis elevated in following long-term exercise training and thereby provide cardio-protective benefits in D-galactose induced aging rats.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the necessity of new,innovative medical devices to analyse and monitor the situation has become profound. With this in mind, we have developed an IOT based portable and cost-efficient heart rate and SpO2/level sensor device with efficient performance. The proposed system is equipped with an onboard OLED with simple internet connectivity, which publishes data on the OLED and to a HTML webpage. The salient features include its portability, user compatibility and is unique in its way of transmitting collected data online, making it achieve better results than the current available solutions in various ways. The system has on board a MAX30100 sensor(Pulse Oximeter sensor) and along with the IOT based microcontroller(WeMos D1 mini) enables the facility to monitor the real time health data of patients in real-time through a HTML page.

Hyperplasia of vaginal mucous membrane is an unusual reproductive disorder observed in canines. It is the protrusion of oedematous vaginal tissue into and through the opening of the vulva occurring during proestrus and oestrus stages of the sexual cycle. This study was aimed to find out the overall occurrence of canine vaginal hyperplasia and its occurrence based on breeds, age, parity and stage of oestrous cycle. The occurrence of canine vaginal hyperplasia was 1.02 per cent. The highest occurrence of vaginal hyperplasia within a breed was observed in Labrador retrievers (48.94%), while the lowest occurrence was in German shepherd, Spitz, and Dachshund breeds (2.13%). The highest occurrence was recorded in dogs of one to two years old (43.62%) and the lowest occurrence in dogs of above 4 years of age (13.83%). Highest occurrence of vaginal hyperplasia was found in nulliparous (60.71%) and in intact dogs (100%).

The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of endometrial cytology (EC) and uterine echobiometry by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) for the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis (SCE) in crossbred dairy. A total of 20 crossbred cows, at 30 and 40 days postpartum (DPP), without any clinical signs or abnormal discharge were subjected to transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and endometrial cytology (EC) examination. Among the TRUS parameters, uterine horn diameter (UD) was found to be least useful in the diagnosis of SCE. Cervical diameter (CD) also had poor to moderate sensitivity when compared to EC and less accurate in diagnosing SCE. Fluid in uterus (FIU) had more sensitivity than UD and CD for the diagnosis of SCE but its presence is dependent on the stage of oestrous cycle. Hence, when TRUS is used as a supporting diagnostic aid along with EC, it has promising value in the diagnosis of SCE.

Postpartum infertility due to negative energy balance is a major problem among the high producing cows, incurring a huge economic loss. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of bypass fat on the reproduction and production parameters of high yielding crossbred cows with or without postpartum hormonal induction of oestrus. The trial was conducted with four experimental groups of six cows each (GI – control, GII- 200 g bypass fat, GIII – 200 g bypass fat daily + Ovsynch protocol, GIV – Ovsynch protocol alone). The animals in GII and GIII were observed to be superior in milk production parameters viz. peak yield (P

The study was carried out to prepare a cost effective straw based densified complete feedblock (DCFB) using dhanwantharam oil residue and tapioca starch waste replacing conventionalbingredients on nutrient basis. Three complete feed blocks T1 (straw based DCFB), T2 (DCFB containing 20 per cent dhanwantharam oil residue) and T3 (DCFB containing 20 per cent tapiocabstarch waste) were formulated according to ICAR (2013) standards. Dry matter content was similar for all the DCFB. Higher crude protein, crude fat and neutral detergent fibre values were recorded in T2 compared to T1 and T3. Higher crude fibre was observed in T3. The cost of production per kgbblock of T1, T2 and T3 were Rs.17.25, 13.89 and 16.42, respectively. Based on the present study, dhanwantharam oil residue and tapioca starch waste can be incorporated in DCFB at 20 per cent inclusion level replacing conventional costly feed ingredients on nutrient basis for the production of low cost DCFB for livestock feeding.

With a view to study the disappearance of central luteal cavities of corpora lutea and its relation with conception rate in pregnant and non-pregnant animals, ultrasonographic studies were conducted in 16 crossbred dairy cows; 8 to 30 days post insemination. In both the groups, the luteal cavities were present on day 8 in all the animals at the commencement of the study except in three animals where luteal cavity was not found throughout the study. The study concluded that the luteal cavity disappearance was similar in both pregnant and non-pregnant animals and the mean day of disappearance in pregnant and non-pregnant animals were 16.44 and 15.55 days, respectively. The study also concluded that luteal cavities had no effect on conception rate of the animals

The study was envisaged to compare oestrual mucus spinbarkeit value and fertility in crossbred cattle during heat stress and at comfortable phase. A total of 24 apparently healthy cyclic crossbred cows in oestrus were selected for the study during the phase November – January (Group I), which was identified as comfortable phase. Another group of 20 animals in oestrus were also selected during March- May (Group II), which was identified as heat stress phase. Cervico- vaginal discharge during oestrus was collected and stretchability measured by spinbarkeit test. All the animals were inseminated 12 h after the onset of oestrus and pregnancy of non-returned animals was determined by rectal examination on day 45 post AI. Mean spinbarkeit values of conceived and non conceived animals in Group I were 16.56 ± 0.65 cm and 12.80 ± 0.50 cm respectively with overall mean of 14.20 ± 0.54 cm. The corresponding values of group II animals were 17.60 ± 1.43 cm, 16.53 ± 1.31 cm and 16.8 ± 1.03 cm. Significantly higher spinbarkeit values were obtained in conceived animals of the both the groups. Conception rates during comfortable phase and at heat stress were 37.5 and 25 per cent respectively.

A study was conducted in 24 crossbred cows and endometrial sampling was performed by uterine cytobrush (UC) on 30, 40 and 50 days postpartum (DPP) to diagnose subclinical endometritis (SCE). Out of which 10 cows were diagnosed to be positive for SCE and were treated with E.colilipopolysaccharide (LPS). Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells count byUC showed a significant reduction (P

The aim of the study was to evaluate the different ovulation synchronisation protocols for improving fertility in postpartum dairy cows. The work was conducted in 28 lactating crossbred cows at University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy starting on day 40 postpartum (day 0) in three experimental and one control group comprising seven cows each.The cows in Group I (Ovsynch group) were administered GnRH on day 0 followed by PGF2á on day 7 and a second dose of GnRH on day 9. Cows in Group II (Doublesynch group) were administered PGF2á on day 0, GnRH on day 2, a second PGF2á on day 9 and a second GnRH on day 11. Cows in Group III (CIDR group) were inserted with CIDR followed by administration of GnRH on day 0. The CIDR insert was removed and PGF2á administered on day 7 and a second dose of GnRH on day 9. Timed artificial insemination (TAI) was performed 18 h after the second GnRH injection in all experimental groups. Cows in Group IV (Control group) that showed natural postpartum oestrus after day 0 were inseminated at detected oestrus. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted 45 days post AI by transrectal palpation. The first service conception rate in animals of groups I to IV were 42.86, 28.57, 42.86, 28.57 per cent and the overall conception rates were 71.43, 71.43, 85.71, 57.14 per cent, respectively. The results demonstrated that the CIDR progesterone insert protocol with highest overall conception rate was superior to Ovsynch and Doublesynch protocols. However, Ovsynch and Doublesynch protocol had better overall conception rates than control. Hence it is recommended that ovulation synchronisation protocols viz., Ovsynch, Doublesynch and CIDR can be effectively employed for improving the fertility in post partum dairy cows.

Twelve normal healthy anoestrous bitches belonging to larger breeds between 2 and 4 years and at least 12 weeks after the onset of previous oestrus were selected for the study. These animals were assorted randomly into two groups of 6 animals each. While six animals in the group I were given 50 mg clomiphene citrate daily for 5 consecutive days, group II animals were kept as controls. In group I, three animals had slight vulval oedema without any other• signs of pro-oestrus. Even though one of them accepted the male dog it did not conceive. None of the animals in the control group showed any changes. Thus, clomiphene citrate could not induce fertile oestrus in anoestrous bitches when used in the dose rate and schedule of the present study.

With a view to ascertain the role of human chorionic gonadotrophin in the oestrus induction protocol using pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin in the bitch, a study was undertaken wherein hCG was provided or withheld after PMSG treatment. Eighteen anoestrous bitches were randomly allotted to three groups of six each. While group I received 20 IU/kg of PMSG for five consecutive days, group II received PMSG at the same rate as group I but followed by 500 IU of hCG on the fifth day. Group III served as untreated control. Natural service/artificial insemination with fresh semen was carried out during the induced oestrus based on external signs, exfoliative vaginal cytology and receptivity. Although conception rates of 66.7 and 50 per cent were obtained respectively in groups I and II, the whelping rates in these two groups were only 50 and 33.3 per cent respectively. None of the animals in the control group conceived. These results suggest that treatment with PMSG alone is preferred over a combination of PMSG and hCG. However, the requirement of hCG at later stages needs to be established after detailed studies

The effect of butter milk powders on some preparations of the resultant ice creams was studied. Titratable acidity and specific gravity of ice cream mixes containing butter milk solids were almost same as the control. Viscosity values of ice cream mix were significantly affected when butter milk powder was used. Over run as well as body and texture of tine resulting ice cream could be improved through the use of butter milk solids. Melting resistance of ice cream containing butter milk solids was nearly the same as the control. It is suggested that ice cream with partial replacement of 25% butter milk powder for MSNF could be rated as identical organoleptic quality with that of control ice cream.

The oestrous cycle of six bitches which did not conceive on previous two or more matings were monitored using exfoliative vaginal cytology. Four of the six bitches had one anuclear cell peak and the remaining two bitches had two anuclear cell peaks. Maximum anuclear cell peaks ranged from 51 and 83 per cent. When they were mated on the basis of anuclear cell peaks, four of the six bitches whelped with a mean litter size of 7.3 ± 1.9 (SD) pups. LH peaks were calculated retrospectively in all bitches after whelping. Based on the results of the present study it is recommended that bitches be bred two days after first anuclear cell peak and thereafter on alternate days (maximum two or three matings) for optimal fertility.

Abstract Background The advancements in DNA sequencing technologies have allowed researchers to progress from the analyses of a single organism towards the deep sequencing of a sample of organisms. With sufficient sequencing depth, it is now possible to detect subtle variations between members of the same species, or between mixed species with shared biomarkers, such as the 16S rRNA gene. However, traditional sequencing analyses of samples from largely homogeneous populations are often still based on multiple sequence alignments (MSA), where each sequence is placed along a separate row and similarities between aligned bases can be followed down each column. While this visual format is intuitive for a small set of aligned sequences, the representation quickly becomes cumbersome as sequencing depths cover loci hundreds or thousands of reads deep. Findings We have developed ANDES, a software library and a suite of applications, written in Perl and R, for the statistical ANalyses of DEep Sequencing. The fundamental data structure underlying ANDES is the position profile, which contains the nucleotide distributions for each genomic position resultant from a multiple sequence alignment (MSA). Tools include the root mean square deviation (RMSD) plot, which allows for the visual comparison of multiple samples on a position-by-position basis, and the computation of base conversion frequencies (transition/transversion rates), variation (Shannon entropy), inter-sample clustering and visualization (dendrogram and multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot), threshold-driven consensus sequence generation and polymorphism detection, and the estimation of empirically determined sequencing quality values. Conclusions As new sequencing technologies evolve, deep sequencing will become increasingly cost-efficient and the inter and intra-sample comparisons of largely homogeneous sequences will become more common. We have provided a software package and demonstrated its application on various empirically-derived datasets. Investigators may download the software from Sourceforge at https://sourceforge.net/projects/andestools.