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The present study aimed to identify novel biostimulatory compounds in boar seminal gel (SG), saliva and semen using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). SG alone and its combined application with saliva (SG+saliva) and semen (SG+semen) also studied to train young boars. SG alone and SG+Saliva investigated for estrus induction in gilts and sows. Distilled water (DW) exposure was kept as control. SG, saliva and semen screened for total 105, 96 and 89 compounds. The highest concentration was of alkanes followed by sugar alcohols, then hydrocarbons, amino acids and fatty acids. Elaidic acid is the novel compound identified in pigs. Other compounds were tridecenol, undecane, hexadecone, eicosane, tetracosane etc. Further, young males (64.86%) were able to get trained. Significant higher (p

ObjectiveOptimizing reproductive efficiency in terms of estrus induction and production performance using simplified hormonal intervention using GnRH, gonadotropins and progesterone at farmers’ field conditions to bred animals with superior quality semen and also to reduce the maintenance cost.MethodThe present study was planned for optimizing reproductive efficiency using four different easily available hormonal agents with simplified protocols at farmers’ field. A total of 126 females were used in the study. Hormonal protocols I, II, III and IV using GnRH + (PMSG+ hCG), (PMSG+ hCG), PMSG alone and prepared progesterone gel respectively were used for estrus induction in gilts and sows.ResultsThe estrus induction/rate was (77.77%, 81.36%, 78.57% and 50% respectively. The corresponding figures for interval (hrs) of heat exhibition from hormonal administration (121.33±4.93, 121.54±3.60, 78.52±4.52 and 192±24), conception rate (%) (72.22%, 81.25%, 68.18% and 33.33%) farrowing rate (55.55%, 68.29%, 68.18% and 33.33 %), total litter size at birth (7.2±0.64, 7.90±0.47, 8.90±0.47 and 7.00±0) and hormonal cost (Rs.) per animal (570, 335, 280 and 250 Rs.) were respectively. The easier to use protocol was III followed by II, I and IV.ConclusionIt was found that protocol II and III are effective and easier so can be used for optimizing reproductive efficiency in pigs at farmers’ field.

The research work was undertaken to compare the adoption of scientific pig production practices by small scale pig farmers in Assam in the adopted villages of ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati and the non-adopted villages. A composite adoption index was developed for measuring the adoption level of small-scale pig farmers. The primary data was collected from 360 small scale pig farmers equally from both the groups during 2020-2021. The data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney “U” test and observed a significant difference in adoption level between both the groups. In the adopted villages, 50.56 per cent of farmers were under high adoption category followed by 48.89 per cent in medium category whereas in non-adopted villages, about 88.33 per cent of the respondents were in the low adoption category and 10.56 per cent in medium adoption category. The independent factors like education, experience in pig farming, family size, herd size, annual income, extension contact and social participation were positively correlated with adoption level. It was observed that the adoption level of scientific pig production practices by small scale pig farmers in adopted villages is significantly higher than the adoption level of non-adopted villages.

Pig husbandry is the most valued and economically sustainable husbandry in the livestock farming system. The performance and productivity of the pig are chiefly dependent on the nutritional factor steered by gut beneficial bacteria. The swine gut microbiome has a direct relationship with feed efficiency. As a consequence, identifying microbial taxonomy and functional capacity is critical for proper nutrient digestion. In the present investigation, eighteen grower pigs aged 3 months and weighing 30±0.55 kg were allocated into three different groups using a randomized block layout and supplemented with QPM maize fodder of 0, 5, and 10% to the basal diet by substituting (wt/wt on DM) the maize grains, and named as T0, T1, and T2to probe the increase in gut beneficial bacteria found in the faecal contents. For comparison with T0, T1, and T2, a random faecal sample designated R was collected from six grower pigs of the same age group and bodyweight fed a maize-soya bean-based diet. The experiment is being carried out to investigate the effect of various maize fodder levels on the metagenomic profiles of pig gut microbiota using the 16S rRNA gene. All of the experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous, with protein content ranging from 18.37 to 18.63 per cent. The data generated by 16S rRNA amplicon analysis was 68, 56, 61, and 39 Mb in R, T0, T1, and T2 samples, respectively. From taxonomic distribution, bacterial phyla namelyFirmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, andSpirochetesare found in descending order of relative abundance in the R, T0, and T1 groups, respectively, whileSpirochaetes, Proteobacteria, Fibrobacteres, Bacteroidetes, andFirmicutesare found in descending order of relative abundance in the T2 group. The relative profusion ofFibrobacter succinogenesis 0.89% and 16.84% in the T1 and T2 groups. According to the findings, a higher level of maize fodder in the diet of grower pigs promotes the growth of fibre-degrading bacteria in the gut microbiota, particularlyFibrobacter succinogenes. Moreover, feeding green maize has decreased the population of methanobacteria in the gut of pigs, which in turn has limited the production of methane.

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are toxic N-glycosidases that depurinate eukaryotic and prokaryotic rRNAs and thus interrupt protein synthesis during translation. In the present study, a protein of around 32 kDa, supposedly a RIP isolated from Trichosanthes dioica, was assessed for its potential to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells. Cell viability assay was done to measure cell proliferation and survivability. It was observed that cells viability decreased with the increase of decrease in dilution, i.e. when the sample was an undiluted one, the viability decreased drastically and almost came to less than 10%. To further check whether the isolated RIP could induce apoptosis, HeLa cells were treated with the test RIP. Immunoblotting was carried out using PARP poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1), a 113 kDa nuclear enzyme, which is considered a hallmark of cells undergoing apoptosis. HeLa cells were further analyzed for loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with JC-1 dye, which is an early event during apoptosis. Increased PARP breakdown in the RIP treated cells indicates that cells undergoing apoptosis and progressive loss of red J-aggregate fluorescence indicate that the isolated RIP from Trichosanthes dioica induces apoptosis in HeLa cells. The ability of apoptosis induction is comparable to another known RIP from Momordica charantia, which was used as a positive control. Promising results from the present study warrants the isolated RIP to be further explored for anticancer activities.

Background: In the present study, a set of non-linear prediction equation was developed using records of body measurement traits, namely heart girth, punch girth, height at shoulder, height at back, height at fore leg, height at back leg and body length of pigs. Repeated measurement of traits at birth, 15 d, 30 d and weaning (42 d) of 394 piglets were used. Methods: The regression of body weight on body measurement traits showed non-linear relationship based on equation, Y = aXb. Correlation of heart girth with body weight (r2 = 0.968 for male and 0.969 for females; P less than 0.01) was highest among the traits studied. Result: Heart girth was found to be most suited among the traits to predict body weight in an exponential equation, Y = 0.00058 H2.49 and Y = 0.00061 H2.47 for male and females, respectively, explaining 96 percent of variation.

Udalguri district of Assam, North East India is endemic to malaria. There is a high prevalence of vector-borne diseases in this part of Assam, including malaria. In the present study, an epidemiological assessment was carried out for the period of 2008 to 2017 to understand the prevalence of malaria in the district in accordance with Intensified Malaria Control Project, Government of India. The databases for the study were collected from district NVBDCP unit under the establishment of Joint Director of Health Services, Udalguri. All the data were analyzed using Microsoft excel in statistical method (P≤0.05). The study found that the annual parasite index (API) drastically declined from 14.54 to 1.24 cases per 1000 population during 2008 to 2017. Among all the positive cases, two plasmodium species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax were found to be the major species followed by some mixed infection. The malaria cases caused by P. vivax were more (68.5%) than P. falciparum (31.5%). The disease prevalence by P. vivax cases are significantly decreased from 12.06 cases per 1000 population in 2008 to 0.28 cases per 1000 population in 2017. Similarly the P. falciparum cases also declined from 3.94 cases per 1000 population in 2008 to 0.96 cases per 1000 population in 2017. The decrease of disease prevalence of malaria cases may be because of effective implementation of vector and disease control strategies. The transmission starts from April onwards and reach peak during the month of June & July. LLINs were found to be effective strategies to control & prevent the disease transmission.

The present investigation was designed to study the effect of dietary supplementation of omega-3 (n-3) PUFA on endometrial expression of fertility-related genes in breeding sows. Sixteen crossbred sows were randomized to receive diets containing 4% (wt/wt) flaxseed oil as n-3 PUFA source (TRT group) or iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric standard control diet (CON group), starting from the first day of estrus up to 40 days and were artificially bred on the second estrus. Endometrial samples were collected during days 10-11 and 15-16 post-mating for studying relative expression profile of candidate genes viz. Prostaglandin F Synthase (PGFS), microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and Carbonyl Reductase-1 (CBR-1) using quantitative Real-Time PCR. Expression level of mPGES-1 gene transcript was 2.1-fold higher (P 0.05) during 10-11 days of pregnancy and 1.4-fold higher (P 0.05) during 15-16 days of pregnancy in TRT group as compared to CON group. Relative expression of PGFS gene transcript was significantly lower (P 0.05) during 10-11 days of pregnancy in TRT group while there was no significant effect (P 0.05) of dietary supplementation during 15-16 days of pregnancy. Endometrial mRNA level of CBR1 was significantly lower (P 0.05) with 3.93-fold decrease in TRT group during 10-11 days of pregnancy whereas 2.82-fold reduction in expression (P 0.05) was observed subsequently during 15-16 days of pregnancy as compared to CON group. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation can modulate gene expression of key enzymes in prostaglandin biosynthetic pathway during early gestation, which in turn might have beneficial impact on overall reproductive response in breeding sows. These findings partly support strategic dietary supplementation of plant-based source of n-3 PUFA with an aim to improve overall reproductive performance in sows.

Worldwide and in India, malaria elimination efforts are being ramped up to eradicate the disease by 2030. Malaria elimination efforts in North-East (NE) India will have a great bearing on the overall efforts to eradicate malaria in the rest of India. The first cases of chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance were reported in NE India, and the source of these drug resistant parasites are most likely from South East Asia (SEA). NE India is the only land route through which the parasites from SEA can enter the Indian mainland. India’s malaria drug policy had to be constantly updated due to the emergence of drug resistant parasites in NE India. Malaria is highly endemic in many parts of NE India, and Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of the cases. Highly efficient primary vectors and emerging secondary vectors complicate malaria elimination efforts in NE India. Many of the high transmission zones in NE India are tribal belts, and are difficult to access. The review details the malaria epidemiology in seven NE Indian states from 2008 to 2018. In addition, the origin and evolution of resistance to major anti-malarials are discussed. Furthermore, the bionomics of primary vectors and emergence of secondary malaria vectors, and possible strategies to prevent and control malaria in NE are outlined.

Globally, various estimates are available on the above-ground (plant parts) carbon (C) sequestering potential of agroforestry systems (AFSs). However, information on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration potential is limited for AFSs. Furthermore, the impacts of AFSs established for the restoration of C in degraded soils (prone to soil erosion, C and nutrients loss, etc.) of Himalayas are rarely investigated. Thus, a study was conducted on an agroforestry block established in 1989 at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Lembucherra, Tripura, India. The AFSs comprised of four multipurpose tree species viz., teak (Tectona grandis Linn), sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Ex DC.), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus L.), and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) in combination with pineapple (Ananas comosus L. merr.). Planted in three times replicated randomized block design. After 28 years of establishment, the impacts of these AFSs were assessed on SOC stocks and its fraction pools. Results revealed that sissoo + pineapple system stored the highest SOC stocks in 0–15 cm (22.1 ± 1.4 Mg/ha) and 30–60 cm (18.0 ± 4.3 Mg/ha) depths, whereas the SOC stocks in 15–30 cm (12.2 ± 1.2 Mg/ha) and 0–30 cm (34.0 ± 1.6 Mg/ha) were the highest under teak + pineapple. When considering the entire 0–100 cm soil profile, the SOC stocks ranged between 65.3 and 71.6 Mg/ha across the diverse AFSs which was significantly higher than that under cultivated land (52.8 ± 2.6 Mg/ha). The sissoo + pineapple system had the highest SOC stock in 0–100 cm (71.6 ± 5.8 Mg/ha). The share of passive carbon (PC, less labile + non-labile) pools to SOC stocks under AFSs followed the order of sissoo + pineapple > teak + pineapple > neem + pineapple > eucalyptus + pineapple. The PC or recalcitrant pools of SOC stocks at 0–100 cm were 54.2–60.6% under various AFSs. Results revealed that the establishment of AFSs with pineapple on degraded lands increased a significant amount of C and had a considerable effect on soil quality in comparison to C present in soils under cropland. Thus, a large scale adoption of AFSs may restore C lost through the cultivation of the crop in degraded lands and provide a feasible option for livelihood through concurrent cultivation of multipurpose tree species and agri-horticulture crops.

Summary: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are being promoted for malaria vector control in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the current residual bio-efficacy and durability of both the Olyset® and PermaNet®2.0 LLINs that were distributed earlier in 2009, 2011 and 2013 to help formulate informed policy regarding net procurement, supplies and replacement. The study was undertaken in three different malaria endemic blocks of Assam during the period of June to October of 2014. The residual bio-efficacies were ascertained using the WHO cone-bioassay method for mosquito mortality post-exposure and corroborated with the ring-net assay for the median knockdown times of both types of LLINs in use by these communities. Cross-sectional community surveys were distributed to assess net ownership, utilization, community practices and the physical conditions of the nets in terms of being torn and the numbers of holes per position. Both the Olyset® and PermaNet®2.0 LLINs that were distributed in 2009 (i.e., nearly after five years of community usage) were completely torn, worn out and obsolete. However, the LLINs distributed in 2011 (i.e., three years of community usage) retained their residual bio-efficacies in susceptibility ranges that varied from 57% to 79%. However, for the LLINs that were distributed in 2013, the observed residual efficacy was adequate and resulted in a mosquito mortality rate >80 percent. Of the two types of LLINs inspected, the Olyset®nets were more durable and robust in terms of being torn less frequently (37.1%, 39/105) compared with the PermaNet®2.0 nets (51.8%, 204/394). Regarding the LLINs that were distributed in 2013, all were physically intact and in good condition. The majority of the distributed LLINs (99.2%, 639/644) were still in the possession of the householders of the surveyed populations. This study revealed that the serviceable life of the nets was slightly less than three years in terms of waning residual bio-efficacy and durability that warranted replacement. The communities were aware of the benefits of the use of mosquito net for personal protection and regularly used the nets; thus, LLIN-based interventions for sustained vector control should be scaled up. Keywords: Malaria, Long-lasting insecticidal nets, Residual bio-efficacy, Vector control, Net durability, Northeast India

Ghungroo is the first registered pig breed of indigenous origin in India. The work was designed to develop a reference dissection method for carcasses by establishing bi-lateral symmetry and to determine whether or not differences exist between right and left sides of pig carcasses for some precisely measured physical and chemical traits. Carcass evaluation procedures could be simplified if selected measurements from one side accurately reflect the composition or meat quality of the entire carcass. Forty pigs of Ghungroo breed were selected to represent equally two sexes and two market weight groups. The pigs were slaughtered and after the carcasses were chilled they were carefully split into left and right sides. Least correlation coefficient (0.961) was observed for carcass length. The weights of all the five muscles evaluated differed slightly, but the left and right averages were not significantly different. Similarly, the mean difference for total intramuscular fat between left and right units of a muscle pair was not significant for any of the five muscles studied. Thus, the data obtained from left side of a Ghungroo pig carcass apparently was sufficiently accurate for most experimental purposes.

Carcass composition and meat quality were evaluated for Asha, a triple cross pig (Ghungroo x Hampshire x Duroc, G25H25D50), which was developed and released by ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig as a fattener pig variety. A total of 14 gilts and 20 barrows from triple cross pigs were slaughtered at the age of 10 months for evaluating the different parameters. Instrumental colour measurement indicated that the coordinates were in the following range: lightness (L*), 38.91 – 53.75; redness (a*, red ± green), 6.83 – 11.96; and yellowness (b*, yellow ± blue), 11.38 – 18.49. The mineral contents in the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum were in the following range: potassium, 268 - 334 mg/100g; zinc, 0.59 - 0.83 mg/100g; copper, 0.04 – 0.1 mg/100g; manganese, 0.01 - 0.06 mg/100g and magnesium, 4.53 - 7.74 mg/100g. Significant (P>0.05) differences were not observed in the concentration of any of the estimated amino acids between the sexes. Fatty acid profiling of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum indicated that saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were in the range of 31.14% - 38.65% and 60.27% - 69.49%, respectively. Results further indicated a concentration of 0.91% – 1.70% omega-3 fatty acids; 15.87% - 22.13% omega-6 fatty acids and 15.66% - 24.17% essential fatty acids in the muscle tissues.

A trial was carried out to assess the effect of controlled induction of farrowing on sow performance and piglet viability in sows with prolonged gestation. Thirty healthy pregnant Duroc sows were randomly assigned into two groups balanced across the treatment for parity and day of gestation. Group I (n = 13) received a single intramuscular dose of prostaglandin analogue (2 ml Cyclix® containing 263 µg/ml Cloprostenol) on day 114 of gestation. Sows in the Group II (n = 17) were allowed to farrow naturally and kept as control group. Treatment effects were significant (P < 0.01) on litter size and weight at weaning. Significantly higher litter weight at birth was also observed in Group I (9.8 vs 5.04 kg; P < 0.01). Parturition loss was comparatively lesser in induced farrowing and a relatively higher percentage of piglet survivability was observed in Group I (90.2% vs 80.0%). Treatment effects were significant (P < 0.05) on incidence of stillbirth (8.0% vs 24.4% in Group I and II, respectively). Relatively h...

The study was carried out on two different genetic groups of pig viz. Duroc and Hampshire maintained at pig breeding farm of National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati. Effect of different genetic group and non-genetic factors (year and season of farrowing and parity) were estimated by least squares analysis of variance for different litter production, weight and pre weaning growth rate. Genetic group and parity revealed highly significant (P less than 0.01) effect on all the traits under study. However, effect of year and season of birth was non significant in most of the cases. The pre weaning mortality of Hampshire pigs was found to be less than Duroc. The performance of litter production and weight traits of Hampshire pigs were found to be better than Duroc pigs in the farm.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of replacing concentrate mixture with leaf meal mixture of Leucaena leucocephala – Melia azedarach – Morus alba in equal proportion on growth, nutrient utilization, blood and rumen metabolites in growing goats using completely randomized design. Twelve male non-descript goats were divided into two groups, control and experimental, consisting of six animals in each group. The control group was fed concentrate mixture whereas in experimental group 50% of concentrate mixture was replaced with isonitrogenous leaf meal mixture. The duration of experimental feeding was 45 days. Weekly body weights were recorded to assess growth rate of goats. After 30 days of experimental feeding a metabolism trial of 6 days duration was conducted to determine digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. Blood samples were collected at 0, 7, 14, 21, 30 and 45 days of experimental feeding to study blood metabolites. Rumen liquor was also collected at 0 and 30 days to study rumen metabolites. The average daily gain (g) of control group (51.56) and experimental group (62.22) was statistically ( P > 0.05) similar. The goat of control and experimental group had statistically ( P > 0.05) similar intake (g/kg W 0.75 /day) of dry matter (60.70 vs 64.64), concentrate mixture (40.16 vs 41.60) and wheat straw (20.53 vs 23.05), respectively. The digestibility (%) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and ether extract was significantly ( P P P > 0.05) effect of collection period and diet composition on the blood biochemical metabolites (hemoglobin, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and urea nitrogen) of goats. The pH of rumen fluid at 0 and 30 days of experimental feeding was 6.60, 6.60 for control group and 6.69, 6.33 for experimental group of goats. There was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) in nitrogenous fractions (mg/dl) (ammonia nitrogen (19.27 vs 19.30), total nitrogen (101.52 vs 100.14), TCA-ppt nitrogen (50.24 vs 48.84) and non-protein nitrogen (50.06 vs 51.12) of rumen fluid collected at 30 days of experimental feeding of control and treatment group of goats, respectively. From present study it can be concluded that Leucaena – Melia – Morus mixture can replace 50% of concentrate mixture in the ration of growing goats without any adverse effect on growth, nutrient utilization, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation parameters.

The long-lasting insecticidal nets are ready-to-use, pretreated nets, which do not require retreatment for 4-5 years. Olyset nets that are made of high-density polyethylene monofilament yarn with 2% w/w permethrin incorporated (corresponding to 1 g/m(2)) are type-2 in which insecticide is incorporated into the polymers and are wash resistant. In these, insecticide migrates to the surface of the netting fiber to be bioavailable against mosquitoes and other insect pests. STUDY SITE AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was a village scale, field-based trial that was conducted in Plasmodium falciparum predominant area of Assam to assess feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of this intervention against vector populations and disease transmission. We here report the research findings of Olyset net as an intervention against Anopheles minimus-transmitted malaria in foothill area of Assam for the first year of observations beginning July 2005 till June 2006.An. minimus, the mosquito vector species, was observed to be fully susceptible to permethrin. Follow-up investigations revealed that An. minimus mosquitoes had virtually disappeared in Olyset net villages, which was corroborated by data on human bait mosquito-landing catches. There was a consistent decline in the malarial incidence in Olyset net intervention villages, and the overall impact on the malarial transmission was significant compared to untreated net and no-net control villages for the corresponding study period. The bioavailability of insecticide on Olyset netting fiber was consistent (100% kill effect) up to 10 months of monitoring, and was observed to be wash resistant even after the 20th wash at fortnightly intervals.The Olyset nets were safe to use, wash resistant, and assessed to be operationally feasible, community-based intervention for sustainable management of disease vectors against malaria. Community compliance and acceptance was high, and users reported decreased nuisance due to biting mosquitoes.

Six total mixed rations (TMR) containing 0, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12% tannin (TMR I-VI), using Accacia nilotica pods as a source of tannin, were used to study the effect of Acacia tannin on in vitro nutrient digestibility and gas production in goats. This study also investigated the degraded products of Acacia nilotica tannin in goat rumen liquor. Degraded products of tannins were identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at different hours of incubation. In vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD) and organic matter (IVOMD) were similar in TMR II, and I, but declined (p 0.05) during 24-48 h of incubation. Gallic acid, phloroglucinol, resorcinol and catechin were identified at different hours of incubation. Phloroglucinol and catechin were the major end products of tannin degradation while gallate and resorcinol were produced in traces. It is inferred that in vitro nutrient digestibility was reduced by metabolites of Acacia nilotica tannins and ruminal microbes of goat were capable of withstanding up to 4% tannin of Acacia nilotica pods in the TMR without affecting in vitro nutrient digestibility.

Curry products are ethnic spicy Indian food products prepared with meat, vegetables, spices, condiments etc. Different curry products prepared from pork, traditionally in Assam state of North Eastern India have been documented in this study. Formulation and procedure followed for preparation of five pork curry products viz., pork - thekera tenga curry, pork - fermented bamboo shoot curry, pork - elephant apple curry, pork - banana flower curry and pork - banana stem curry was gathered by undertaking survey and interacting with local processors of the region. These products were analyzed for standard quality parameters like physicochemical characteristics, microbiological quality and sensory acceptability. Storage stability of the products under aerobic refrigeration (4±1 oC) was also evaluated. Products were stable up to 20 days of storage under aerobic refrigeration condition. The study revealed that ingredients used in curry preparation like thekera tenga, fermented bamboo shoot and elephant apple contribute significantly to sensory attributes and also help in enhancing storage stability of the pork curry products.

Twelve crossbred (Hampshire × Ghungroo) grower pigs (about 3.5 months, 19.31±0.10 kg BW) of either sex were divided into 2 groups of six each in a randomized block design to study the effect of supplementation of Azolla (Azolla carolini) meal on production performance of crossbred pigs. The trial was conducted in two phases i.e. grower stage from 3–5 months of age and finisher stage from 5–8 months of age of the pigs. The treatment groups were T1G (control) and T2G (2% Azolla) in grower stage and T1F (control) and T2F (2% Azolla) in finisher stage. All the diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso caloric. The growth rate and feed conversion ratio, digestibility of nutrients and cost of production were similar in both the groups in two phases.

Cassava tubers are rich in carbohydrate and can be successfully used as an energy source for swine. cassava could be used in pig rations balanced for nutrients especially protein/limiting amino acids at levels of 50–70% in diets for growing finishing pig without adversely affecting production performance as well as carcass characteristics. Cassava tubers could be a cheaper energy source for swine feeding. The economic importance of cassava, its production and the technical aspects of the limitations are also discussed. The opportunities and prospects of cassava feeding in pig are briefly reviewed in this paper.

Pork nuggets were processed by incorporating fermented bamboo shoot mince and their physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics were evaluated during 35 day storage at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1 °C). Addition of fermented bamboo shoot significantly affects the pH, moisture, protein, fat, fiber, instrumental color values and texture profiles of nuggets, especially at 6% and 8% addition levels. Nuggets with 6% and 8% FBSM had significantly lower TBARS values at the end of the storage period (i.e. 0.39 and 0.33 mg malonaldehyde/kg respectively) compared to the control (0.84 mg malonaldehyde/kg). Bamboo shoot addition significantly improved the microbial and sensory qualities of the pork nuggets. Incorporation of fermented bamboo shoot at 8% level increased the shelf life of pork nuggets by at least two weeks i.e. from 21 days to 35 days at 4 ± 1 °C compared to the control.

In the Indian state of Assam, the current therapeutic efficacies of the drugs commonly used in the area for the treatment of uncomplicated, Plasmodium falciparum malaria were investigated. As is routine in this area, subjects found positive for P. falciparum malaria were initially treated with chloroquine (CQ). They were given sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) if this treatment failed, and subsequently quinine if the SP failed. The protocol of the World Health Organization's extended in-vivo test was used to follow parasite clearance and clinical cure. Therapeutic response was assessed by comparing the baseline (day-0) level of parasitaemia with that observed on day 3. Many (75.7%) of the 144 evaluable subjects were treatment successes after CQ, but six early (4.2%) and 29 (20.1%) late CQ-treatment failures were observed. Of the 34 CQ-treatment failures followed, 31 (91.2%) responded adequately to SP but the other three were early (one) or late (two) SP-treatment failures. Two (66.7%) of the SP-treatment failures responded adequately to parenteral quinine but the other (a late quinine-treatment failure) had to be given an artemisinin derivative to achieve a clinical cure. The foci in which multidrug-resistant cases of malaria are developing in India need to be identified quickly, so that such cases can be cured before the mutant strains of P. falciparum that are resistant to several drugs have a chance to become more widespread.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, Japanese encephalitis (JE), lymphatic filariasis and dengue, are major public health concerns in the north-eastern state of Assam, deterring equitable socioeconomic and industrial development. Among these, malaria and JE are the predominant infections and are spread across the state. The incidence of malaria is, however, gradually receding, with a consistent decline in cases over the past few years, although entry and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum remains a real threat in the country. JE, formerly endemic in upper Assam, is currently spreading fast across the state, with confirmed cases and a high case-fatality rate affecting all ages. Lymphatic filariasisis is prevalent but its distribution is confined to a few districts and disease transmission is steadily declining. Dengue has recently invaded the state, with a large concentration of cases in Guwahati city that are spreading to suburban areas. Control of these diseases requires robust disease surveillance and integrated vector management on a sustained basis, ensuring universal coverage of evidence-based key interventions based on sound epidemiological data. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of the status of vector-borne diseases in Assam and to address the key challenges.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of replacement of wheat straw by different levels of maize cobs in composite ration on in vitro degradation of dry matter, truly digestible organic matter and production of microbial biomass in order to determine its level of supplementation in ruminant ration. Wheat straw was replaced by maize cobs @ 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100% level to formulate composite rations. The different formulae of composite rations were used for in vitro gas production studies using goat rumen liquor with wheat straw. In physical treatment only soaking was done while under chemical treatment application of urea, molasses and combination of both urea and molasses were applied before conducting in vitro studies using goat rumen liquor. Proximate composition, fiber fractionation and calcium and phosphrous content of all the composite rations were estimated. The in vitro degradability of maize cobs based diets is better than wheat straw based composite ration. There was no significant (P>0.05) improvement in per cent IVDMD of maize cob based diet by water soaking irrespective of the soaking period, however, a significant (P