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OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess poultry farmers’ knowledge and practices regarding antibiotics, antimicrobial usage (AMU), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and to identify the sociodemographic factors of inappropriate use of antibiotics in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh. METHODS: A qualitative survey of 140 farmers in Bangladesh was conducted from March to May 2019. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics. RESULTS: 47.1% of farmers were unable to explain antibiotics, 42.9% used antibiotics for preventive purposes, 4.3% used them as growth promoters, 25.7% used them as suggested by veterinarians, 42.9% used leftover antibiotics, 50% did not maintain antibiotics residual withdrawal period, and 98.6% did not know about AMR. In bivariable regression analysis, sex and primary occupation of poultry farmers, their knowledge about withdrawal periods for antibiotics, and no contact with veterinary surgeons (VS) were found to be significantly associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics, while only ‘no contact with VS’ was identified in multivariable regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest an urgent need to improve understanding of antibiotics and AMR. Adequate supervision by veterinarians would ensure adherence to appropriate AMU patterns, and would limit the misuse of antibiotics and associated AMR development in farms.

Background: Approximately three thousand plastic goods manufacturing factories (PGMF) are currently operating in Bangladesh involving numerous workers. Associated health problems of these workers are largely unknown. The key objectives of the current study were identifying plastic chemical exposures related health outcomes in these workers and comparing these outcomes before and after their joining in PGMFs. In addition, we aimed to investigate the relationships between work duration and the prevalence of health ailments among workers. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among factory workers (n=405) at six PGMFs in Gazipur district in Bangladesh. A simple random sampling method had been applied to select participants and data on their self-reported exposures to chemicals and associated respiratory, neurological, and other multiple health outcomes were collected through a validated questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed using different descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The categorical variables and continuous variables were interpreted using frequency distribution and standard deviation (SD) respectively. A Pearson chi-square (χ2) test was applied to evaluate the correlation between work duration and health outcomes. A p-value

The important trematode species in small ruminants: Paramphistomum sp., Fasciola spp. and Schistosoma spp. seriously affect the productivity of domestic ruminants in endemic areas.In the present study, we identified the potential risk factors associated with trematodes infections in small ruminants in seven topographic zones of Bangladesh using simple sedimentation and modified Stoll' ova counting technique.A total of 2440 samples were examined, where 965 were found positive with one or more trematode species with an overall prevalence of 39.5% (95% CI, 37.6%-41.5%) and intensity of infection was 264.77 ± 9.86 egg per gram of faeces. Three trematode species were identified namely Paramphistomum sp. (34.1%, 32.2%-36.0%), Fasciola spp. (7.5%, 6.5%-8.6%) and Schistosoma spp. (2.7%, 2.1%-3.5%). Prevalence of co-infection was 4.8%. The spatial distribution of trematode infections varied from 29.5% to 53.6%. Univariate analysis revealed that physiological condition of females, body condition, farming system, deworming and season were significantly (p 0.05) associated with trematodes infections in small ruminants. By multiple logistic regression model, three factors such as physiological condition of females (pregnant and lactating), poor body condition and animals without deworming were identified as potential risk factors for trematodes infection in small ruminants.Trematode infections are prevalent in the study areas and Paramphistomum sp. is most common in different areas among the identified trematodes species. Government should take necessary action to appraise an effective control strategy of trematode infections in small ruminants.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging viral disease of cattle that negatively impacts livestock by reducing animals' production and increasing management costs. Like other countries, Bangladesh has also faced the ominous effects of LSD. Because of this pressing concern, the present study was undertaken to determine the attack rate and risk factors along with economic losses of the recent LSD outbreaks from October 2019 to June 2020 in Bangladesh's Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts. A total of 1187 cattle from 150 randomly selected cattle farms were surveyed. The diagnosis was made both clinically and molecularly. The overall attack rate, mortality and case fatality were 34%, 1.10% and 3.23%, respectively, but in calves up to 1 month of age, the attack rate, mortality and case-fatality were 41.6%, 12.5% and 30%, respectively. In risk factor analysis using multiple logistic regression, the following factors were significantly (p.05) associated with LSD occurrence: no administration of goat pox vaccine, frequency of goat pox vaccination - single dose, introduction of new cattle, land type (low land and medium-high land), use of common syringe and needle, and use of common utensils. The average economic loss per case was 9384.41 BDT (110.40 US $). The higher economic loss per case was accounted in Mymensingh district (10248.91 BDT ≈ 120.58 US $) than Gaibandha district (8211.52 BDT ≈ 96.61 US $). The loss was higher in crossbred cattle (9709.58 BDT ≈ 114.23 US $) compared to indigenous cattle (7595.94 BDT ≈ 89.36 US $). The total estimated annual loss due to LSD in Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts was 7763.25 million BDT (91.33 million US $). In Gaibandha district, the estimated annual loss was 2666.20 million BDT (31.37 million US $) while in Mymensingh district it was 5097.05 million BDT (59.97 million US $). Findings of the study could provide useful epidemiological data with losses incurred due to LSD to the livestock owners, field veterinarians and government-level livestock regulators, which will help to formulate prevention and control strategies and minimize the negative impact of LSD's probable return or spread.

Oral and periodontal diseases (OPD) is considered one of the main problems of dentistry worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral and periodontal pathogenic bacteria along with their antimicrobial resistance pattern in 131 children patients aged between 4–10 years who attended in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during October 2019 to March 2020. OPD pathogens were identified through isolation, cultural and biochemical properties, and nucleic acid detection. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility to 12 antibiotics commonly used in dentistry. In addition, the isolates were analyzed molecularly for the presence of six virulence and three antibacterial resistance genes. Five pathogens were identified, of which Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (49%) and S. salivarius (46%) were noticed frequently; other bacteria included S. mutans (16.8%), S. sobrinus (0.8%) and L. fermentum (13.7%). The virulence genes—clumping factor A (clfA) was detected in 62.5% isolates of S. aureus, and gelatinase enzyme E (gelE) gene was detected in 5% isolates of S. salivarius, while other virulence genes were not detected. All the tested isolates were multidrug-resistant. The overall prevalence of MDR S. aureus, Streptococcus spp. and L. fermentum was 92.2%, 95.1% and 100%, respectively. It was observed that a high proportion of isolates were found resistant to 5–8 antibiotics. A majority of S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., and L. fermentum isolates tested positive for the β−lactamase resistance genes blaTEM and cfxA, as well as the methicillin resistance gene mecA. Phylogenetically, the resistance genes showed variable genetic character among Bangladeshi bacterial pathogens. In conclusion, S. aureus and S. salivarius were major OPD pathogens in patients attended in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh, and most were Beta-lactam and methicillin resistant.

Abandoned land and mansions are always a matter of curiosity to the human beings. They are treated as haunted places in many societies. In the present research, three decrepit abandoned mansions from the southern Bangladesh were investigated to measure their floral diversity, physico-chemical properties of soil and the soil-plant interrelationship which is responsible for the diversification of wild flora within the regions. From Shannon and Simpson diversity indexes, it can be deducted that the floral diversity within the abandoned mansions has a positive relationship with their territory size. The high values of Margalef’s and Menhinick’s species richness indexes confirmed that these areas are a rich source of a large number of plant species. A great variation in soil physico-chemical properties has been observed during the analysis. Soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium & moisture contents were varied significantly from one quadrat to another in every site. Biplot analysis showed that the distribution of plant species in abandoned mansions is primarily determined by the organic matter, pH, moisture and potassium contents of soil. As these factors were present in versatile distribution within the studied regions, a great number of plants can grow in the same area simultaneously. So these areas should be protected from human intervention to process natural selection and in situ conservation of plant species.

The study was carried out to determine the economic assessment of lemon-based agroforestry systems established in the Madhupur Sal forest during the period from May 2017 to September 2018. The study selected five lemon-based agroforestry systems viz. Lemon-Mango-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Banana-Aroid, Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Mango-Turmeric-Red amaranth and Lemon-Litchi-Papaya-Banana along with three replications having 0.13 ha area for each sample plot. The control plots (without lemon plant) for each of the five lemon-based agroforestry systems were also selected. In order to calculate the economic profitability of respective agroforestry systems as well as sole cropping performance, data related to incurred cost, total yield and income from lemon and crop components were collected through practical observation, key informant interview and focus group discussion. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and land equivalent ratio (LER) for each of the selected agroforestry systems were also determined. From the study, it has been found that all of the lemon-based agroforestry systems were profitable than their sole cropping in respect of income, BCR, and LER. The net profit (460032 Tk/ha) indicated that the Lemon-Litchi-Papaya-Banana based agroforestry systems were financially more profitable followed by Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Banana-Aroid, Lemon-Mango-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Mango-Turmeric-Red amaranth based agroforestry systems. But the BCR and LER (3.515 and 1.73) revealed that Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Banana-Aroid based agroforestry system was more productive followed by Lemon-Litchi-Papaya-Banana, Lemon-Mango-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Mango-Turmeric-Red amaranth based agroforestry systems. Prior to considering the obtained results from the study, it can be concluded that lemon-based agroforestry systems are more profitable than the cultivation of sole cropping. Progressive Agriculture 31 (1): 45-55, 2020

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) emerged in Bangladesh in mid-2019, leading to great economic losses for cattle farmers. This study describes the recent occurrence of the LSDV in Bangladesh and examines the clinical manifestation of the disease in local cattle breeds, characteristic epidemiological features, and pathological findings in affected animals. In addition, a full-genome sequencing of two local LSDV isolates was carried out. A total of 565 animals from 88 households were investigated, and 165 samples (skin lesions, saliva, nasal discharge, feces, and milk) were collected for virus detection. Pathology and immunohistochemistry were performed on nodule biopsies. Fever, nodular skin lesions, and swelling of the joints were the most common clinical manifestations. Skin lesions had a higher concentration of viral DNA compared to other sample types and were therefore selected for virus isolation and characterization. Pathology of the LSD skin nodules comprised a granulomatous reaction in the dermis and hypodermis that extended to the surrounding tissues. Development of the skin lesions started with swelling of keratinocytes with cytoplasmic vacuolation, vasculitis, panniculitis, thrombosis, and infarction. Altogether, the LSDV produced transmural, hemorrhagic, necrotizing, proliferative and ulcerative dermatitis. The LSD viral antigen was detected occasionally in the macrophages, epithelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. The complete genome sequence analysis revealed that the two Bangladeshi field strains (BD-V392.1 and BD-V395.1) were distinct from the contemporary field strains and were closely related to the ancestral African Neethling strain. The findings of this study will improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and control of LSD in Bangladesh.

Background: Calf morbidity and mortality are of great concern for dairyman all over the world including Bangladesh. A mobile Veterinary Clinic (MVC) was established to identify the diseases associated with morbidity and mortality and provide veterinary services at farmers’ doorstep to promote calf health. Methods: A MVC was established and run from October 2011 to October 2014 to promote calf health. A total of 500 farmers from small and large holder private farms having at least two crossbred cattle were selected. A motorcycle and a mobile phone were provided to each research assistant (RA). The farmers were linked with RAs through mobile number. The ULO/VS were linked with the RA of the respective upazila for immediate treatment of the affected animal(s). The farms were under routine surveillance of the RA. In case of sickness or mortality, RA immediately contacted ULO/VS and project coordinator (PC) /principal investigator (PI) at Bangladesh Agricultural University. Necessary advice was given by ULO/VS/PC/PI to solve the problem as required. Health cards were distributed to the selected farmers for recording the health status of cattle. Diseases were confirmed by clinical and laboratory methods. Farmers were trained on better calf health management. Early disease diagnosis and treatment, routine deworming, and vaccination of cows and calves were performed regularly. Results: Before implementing MVC services, the overall mortality at herd level was 11.5% which was 8.2% and 14.7% in Muktagacha and Shahjadpur respectively. The overall morbidity was 48.5% which was higher in Shahjadpur (57.94%) than Muktagacha (33.81%). The most common causes of calf mortality were pneumonia (66.2%), unknown (17.4%), adverse drug effect (5.3%), FMD (2.6%), and sudden death (2.4%). Due to MVC at farmers’ doorstep, the overall herd level mortality reduced significantly from 11.5 to 2.9% which were 8.2 to 2.3% in Muktagacha and 14.7 to 3.6% in Shahjadpur. Conclusion: Measures to control pneumonia and FMD in calves should be undertaken. The unknown etiology of mortality should be explored. Cautions should be taken before administering drugs to calves. As MVC was successful in reducing calf mortality, we recommend replicating in other parts of the country.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among foodborne bacteria is a well-known public health problem. A sink survey was conducted to determine the AMR pattern of common foodborne bacteria in cloacal swab of broiler chickens and sewage samples from five wholesale chicken markets of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. Bacteria were identified by culture-based and molecular methods, and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Resistance genes were identified by multiplex PCR and sequencing. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 93.2% of E. coli, 100% of Salmonella spp., and 97.2% of S. aureus from cloacal swab samples. For sewage samples, 80% of E. coli, and 100% of Salmonella and S. aureus showed MDR. Noteworthy, 8.3% of S. aureus from cloacal swab samples showed possible extensively drug resistance. Antimicrobial resistance genes (beta-lactamase—blaTEM, blaSHV; quinolone resistance gene—qnrS) were detected in a number of E. coli and Salmonella isolates from cloacal swab and sewage samples. The methicillin resistance gene (mecA) was detected in 47.2% and 25% S. aureus from cloacal swab and sewage samples, respectively. The findings envisage the potential public health risk and environmental health hazard through spillover of common foodborne MDR bacteria.

Tree stock parameters and soil nutrient status were affected due to forest encroachment in the Madhupur Sal forest of Bangladesh from September 2015 to April 2016. The study was investigated through 120 sample plots of 10 m × 10 m in sizes taken randomly from three sites such as high, medium, and low encroached forest. Prior to objective, tree stock parameters were measured having a diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 10 cm and necessary soil samples were collected. The collected soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory to determine the organic matter, total N, available P, exchangeable K, available Ca, Mg, S, Fe, B and Zn. The results revealed that the tree stock parameters such as stand density, basal area and dbh were measured the highest (650 trees/ha, 30.17 m2/ha and 26 cm) in the low encroached forest and the lowest (75 trees/ha, 4.47 m2/ha and 21 cm) in the high encroached forest sites. Accordingly, the higher content of organic matter (1.60%), total N (0.18%), available P (12.97 ppm), exchangeable K (0.25 ppm), available Ca (3.38 ppm), Mg (1.47 ppm), S (20.34 ppm), Fe (234.06 ppm), B (0.68 ppm) and Zn (2.3 ppm) were found in soils from low encroached forest site and lower (0.65%), (0.09%), (8.09 ppm), (0.10 ppm), (1.09 ppm), (0.92 ppm), (10.60 ppm), (180.85 ppm), (0.28 ppm) and (1.22 ppm) in the high encroached forest site soils. Therefore, it can be concluded that tree stock parameters and soil nutrients status were remarkably affected due to the forest encroachment in the Madhupur Sal forest of Bangladesh.

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different sources of water on feed intake and growth performance of growing bull. For this study, sixteen indigenous bulls (Bos indicus), around two years age (132.5±20.5 kg of LW), were divided into four groups having four animals in each treatment group. The animals were supplied with four different sources of water viz. Deep Tube Well Water (DTW =T1), Supply Water from reserve tank (SW = T2), Pond water (PW = T3) and River water (RW = T4). All the animals were fed German Grass (Echinochloa polystachya L.) and concentrate mixture. All the animals were free access to water. Live weight was recorded initially and week interval till end of the feeding trial (12 weeks). The results revealed that animal belonging T1 treatment group showed best growth performance was better in comparison to other treatment groups. Dry matter intake (DMI) was highest for T1 group (3.08 ± 0.08 kg/d) and lowest for T4 group (2.81 ± 0.18 kg/d). The digestible nitrogen free extract (DNFE) and total digestible nutrient (TDN) were higher (P

A field experiment was conducted at the Agroforestry Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2017 to March 2018 to evaluate the effects of agroforest tree leaf biomasses on yield and yield contributing characters of wheat cv. Akbar. Eight different treatments viz. T1= Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) tree leaf biomass, T2 = Minjiri (Cassia siamea) tree leaf biomass, T3 = Kalokoroi (Albizia lebbeck) tree leaf biomass, T4 = Sadakoroi (Albizia procera) tree leaf biomass, T5 = Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) tree leaf biomass, T6 = Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) tree leaf biomass, T7 = Mahogoni (Swietenia macrophylla) tree leaf biomass were used along with a recommended fertilizer dose referred as control (T0) in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results reveal that tree leaf biomasses significantly influenced the yield and yield contributing characters viz. plant height (cm), effective tillers/hill, spike length (cm), number of spikelets/spike, number of filled grains/spike, number of non-filled grains/spike, 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield (t/ha), straw yield (t/ha), biological yield (t/ha) and harvest index of wheat. The highest (2.83 t/ha) grain yield was recorded in the recommended fertilizer dose. Among the tree leaf biomasses, ipil-ipil tree leaf biomass produced the highest (2.47 t/ha) grain yield which was 12.71% decrease over control followed by 2.36, 2.21, 2.02, 1.89, 1.84 and 1.77 t/ha obtained in minjiri, sadakoroi, kalokoroi, eucalyptus, akashmoni and mahogany tree leaf biomass, respectively. However, it seems that the ipil-ipil tree leaf biomass would be possible to substitute of or apply in combination with inorganic fertilizer although there was some yield loss (12.71%) which was less significant compared to recommended fertilizer treatment. Therefore, it can be elucidated that for wheat production tree leaf biomass could use as a source of organic matter which is available in the agroforestry system, significantly reduces the considerable amount of chemical fertilizer. Progressive Agriculture 30 (1): 32-38, 2019

Turmeric is a good source of income for hilly people of Bangladesh. The study estimated the profitability and technical efficiency of turmeric cultivation in Khagrachhari district. In total 150 turmeric farms located in Khagrachari Sadar, Panchari and Matiranga Upazilas of Khagrachari district, were surveyed. Data were collected, using a pre-tested questionnaire during January, 2015. The study revealed that turmeric farming is a profitable farming with some dominating variable costs like seed (rhizome) and sowing, harvesting and carrying. As the net return was Tk. 112139 per hectare and the BCR of sampled farmers was 2.20, this indicates that turmeric farms with a BCR greater than 1 have greater benefits than costs as well as positive net benefits. Seed (rhizome) and fertilizer showed significant positive effects on the turmeric production in the stochastic frontier production model. Turmeric farming displayed a mean technical efficiency of 82%, which suggested a substantial 18% of potential output of turmeric can be recovered by removing inefficiency. Besides improving technical efficiency, potential also exists for raising turmeric production through higher education and extension services. For a land scarce country like Bangladesh this gain could help increase income and ensure better livelihood for the hilly farmers. The policy implication of the analysis is that investment in education and extension service would greatly improve technical efficiency that contribute to income of the hilly people. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 44(1): 43-58, March 2019

Nodal explants of three accessions namely BD-101, BD-122 and BD-8001 of hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) were cultured for four weeks on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of NAA (0, 0.1 mgl-1) and BAP (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 mgl-1) for plant regeneration. The highest shoot initiation was observed in 0.5 mgl-1 BAP while the lowest shoot initiation was found in 2.5 mgl-1 BAP with 0.1 mgl-1 NAA. Earlier shoot initiation was exhibited in 0.5 mgl-1 BAP with 0.1 mgl-1 NAA. The highest number of leaflets and higher shoot lengths were observed in MS medium. Comparatively higher number of shoots was found in BAP (0.5-2.5 mgl-1). The highest percentage of callus was initiated in medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl-1 BAP. Earlier callus initiation and larger callus size were found in combination of BAP (0.5-2.5 mgl-1) with 0.1 mgl-1 NAA. BD-122 cultured in MS medium was found superior for shoot regeneration through node culture. Four different concentrations of IBA (0.1-1.5 mgl-1) were used for rooting. The highest percentage (86.67 %) of rooting was found in MS medium containing 0.1 mgl-1 IBA at four weeks. Rooting frequency decreased with the increasing concentration of IBA. The accession BD-8001 had 99.60 % rooting in 0.5 mgl-1 IBA. The highest number of longest roots was exhibited in 0.1 mgl-1 IBA. The regeneration protocol developed from nodal explants has applicability in improvement of hyacinth bean. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 44(1): 27-42, March 2019

Infections by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are continuously expanding within the community. Chicken meat is usually contaminated by MRSA, and this contaminated chicken meat is an important source of foodborne infections in humans. In this study, a cross-sectional supershop survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of MRSA in 113 domestic frozen chicken meat samples purchased from nine branded supershops available in five divisional megacities of Bangladesh. The study also focused on the determination of methicillin resistance gene in MRSA isolates. S. aureus was identified by standard culture-based and molecular methods, and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. MRSA was screened by cefoxitin disk diffusion test. Methicillin resistance gene was identified by PCR. Of samples, 54.9% were positive for S. aureus, and, of these, 37.1% isolates were identified as MRSA. All the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR): 52.2% were resistant to 6−8 antimicrobial classes, and 47.8% isolates to 9−12 classes. Three (3.2%) isolates of S. aureus were possible extensively drug resistant. The highest rates of resistance were observed against cefoxitin (100%), followed by nalidixic acid, ampicillin and oxacillin (97.7%), colistin (91.3%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and amoxicillin (87%), penicillin-G and cloxacillin (82.6%), oxytetracycline (78.3%) and cefixime (73.9%). Screening of methicillin resistance gene revealed that 43.5% isolates of MRSA were positive for mecA gene. The high prevalence of MDR MRSA in frozen chicken meat samples in this study emphasizes the need for better sanitary education of food handlers in hygienic practices focusing on their potential role as reservoirs and spreaders of MRSA.

Background: The Brahma is a breed of cattle which grows very rapidly and suitable for high quality meat production. The breed originating from native cattle dwelling at unfavorable climate of India has adapted with scarcity of food, external and internal parasitism, infectious diseases and weather extremities. There is very limited study on adaptation and performance of Brahma cattle particularly in the context of Bangladesh where meat production is a crying demand. In this study, we evaluated the comparative performance of Brahma and indigenous cattle in terms of body weight gain and disease resistance in Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 10 Brahma calves and 10 indigenous calves were monitored for a period of 18 months during June 2018 to November 2020. Body weight gain and occurrence of diseases in both breeds were recorded. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA with Bonferroni post-tests was performed to compare the growth of both Brahma and indigenous calves. Results: At birth, both Brahma (15.75±0.19 kg) and indigenous (17.55±0.35 kg) calves had overall similar body weight. However, the Brahma calves gained significantly higher body weight than the indigenous calves over the next months. For example, the Brahma calves had higher body weight at 6 months (85.5±2.50 kg vs 70.75±0.43 kg), 12 months (160.3 kg±5.667 vs 120.4±0.89 kg) and 18 months (237.5±4.58 kg vs 169.8±1.72 kg) than the indigenous calves. An average daily body weight gain was 410.6±7.7 g and 282±2.9 g for Brahma and indigenous calves, respectively. Analysis of the disease records also showed a decreased number of diseases in Brahma than the indigenous cattle. Conclusion: Our study indicated a better adaptation and growth of Brahma cattle in comparison to the indigenous breed. Therefore, the Brahma breed can be a very promising source to reduce the deficiency of animal proteins in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) developed four garlic variety viz., BAU Garlic-1; BAU Garlic-2; BAU Garlic-3; and BAU Garlic-4 were tested under two cultivation systems viz., zero-tillage and tillage to find out a suitable variety for zero-tillage system. This study was conducted following randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results showed that planting system had significant influenced on growth, yield contributing traits and bulb yield of garlic. It was also observed that all the studied traits were higher in zero-tillage condition as compared to tillage system. There were significant variations noticed among the garlic varieties on plant growth and yield traits. However, in combination of planting system and variety, it was found that BAU Garlic-3 performed superior on plant growth and bulb yield of garlic under zero-tillage system. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that BAU Garlic-3 could be useful technology for cultivation of garlic in zero-tillage system.

Background: Bovine Milk fever (MF/hypocalcaemia) and ketosis (CK/hypoglycemia and hyperketonemia) both in clinical and sub-clinical forms are the most important metabolic diseases caused by metabolic disorders of calcium and carbohydrate respectively that affect mainly high milk yielding dairy cows worldwide. Sub-clinical form may be more costly due to comparatively high prevalence and consequence of high risk of decreased productive and reproductive performances with increased reproductive and other disorders. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sub-clinical hypocalcaemia (SCHC) and sub-clinical ketosis (SCK) and to investigate important potential risk factors for SCHC and SCK with their therapeutic management in lactating cross-bred dairy cows. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 220 dairy crossbred (HF  L = 190, SH  L = 20 and JS  L = 10) cows maintained in nine dairy farms and one smallholder farm during the period from July to November 2016. The parity (1 to 8), lactation stages (1 to 13 weeks), body condition score (BCS), breed (3 crossbreds), age (3.5 to 14 years) and milk yield (liter/day) were evaluated as possible risk factors. The serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and glucose concentrations of the 220 dairy cows were determined by using imported commercial kits. Dairy cows with serum calcium concentrations  8.0 mg/dl and serum glucose  44.0 mg / dl with positive ketone tests but not showing any clinical signs were considered SCHC and SCK respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of SCHC was 30.0%, of which 32.11% were recorded in HF  L, 15.0% in SH  L and 20.0% in JS  L cross-bred cows. The overall prevalence of SCK was 25.0%, of which 27.37% in HF  L, 10.0% in SH  L and 10.0% in JS  L cross-bred cows. The SCHC was recorded 10 times greater than MF and SCK 6 times greater than CK in Bangladesh. The hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia with hypermagnesemia status were recorded in SCHC affected lactating cows which were more significantly (p < 0.05) higher (46.67%) at 4th parity and lower (16.67%) at 1st parity. The significantly (p < 0.01) higher prevalence of SCK was recorded at the 4th (53.33%) in comparison to other parity especially lowest at 1st (2.78%) and 2nd (4.0%) parity. The significantly (p < 0.1) highest prevalence of SCHC and SCK were recorded at high milk yield during the 1st (94.44%; 77.78%) and 2nd (66.67%; 56.67%) weeks of lactation period than the higher lactation stages respectively. The effects of BCS on the milk yield and the prevalence of SCHC and SCK are presented and discussed. Encouraging results with increased blood calcium and glucose levels were obtained on the therapeutic response of SCHC with oral calcium and SCK with oral propylene glycol. Conclusions: The SCHC and SCK have detrimental effects on cow health, productivity and reproduction and also predisposes to other diseases and disorders. The efficient balanced ration, periodic screening blood, milk and urine for determination of concerned biochemical constituents and ketone bodies considering risk factors could help to early detection of SCHC and SCK to limit their effects in dairy cattle. The high prevalence of SCHC and SCK recorded in this study should be viewed as a potential health risk to the transition cows that requires further research. Keywords: Sub-clinical milk fever, Sub-clinical ketosis, crossbred cows, prevalence, risk factors, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, glucose, ketone bodies, therapeutic management, Bangladesh

Escherichia coli is known as one of the most important foodborne pathogens in humans, and contaminated chicken meat is an important source of foodborne infection with this bacterium. The occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec), in particular, in chicken meat is considered a global health problem. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of E. coli, with special emphasis on ESBL-Ec, along with their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance pattern in frozen chicken meat. The study also focused on the determination of ESBL-encoding genes in E. coli. A total of 113 frozen chicken meat samples were purchased from 40 outlets of nine branded supershops in five megacities in Bangladesh. Isolation and identification of E. coli were done based on cultural and biochemical properties, as well as PCR assay. The resistance pattern was determined by the disc diffusion method. ESBL-encoding genes were determined by multiplex PCR. The results showed that 76.1% of samples were positive for E. coli, of which 86% were ESBL producers. All the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Resistance to 9–11 and 12–13 antimicrobial classes was observed in 38.4% and 17.4% isolates, respectively, while only 11.6% were resistant to 3–5 classes. Possible extensive drug resistance (pXDR) was found in 2.3% of isolates. High single resistance was observed for oxytetracycline (93%) and amoxicillin (91.9%), followed by ampicillin (89.5%), trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, and pefloxacin (88.4%), and tetracycline (84.9%). Most importantly, 89.6% of isolates were resistant to carbapenems. All the isolates were positive for the blaTEM gene. However, the blaSHV and blaCTX-M-2 genes were identified in two ESBL-non producer isolates. None of the isolates carried the blaCTX-M-1 gene. This study provided evidence of the existence of MDR and pXDR ESBL-Ec in frozen chicken meat in Bangladesh, which may pose a risk to human health if the meat is not properly cooked or pickled raw only. This emphasizes the importance of the implementation of good slaughtering and processing practices by the processors.

Multidrug resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli is considered a serious concern to public health worldwide including Bangladesh, and chicken meat is recognized as an important reservoir of ESBL-Ec dissemination to humans. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, and phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance pattern of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) in frozen chicken meat. A total of 113 frozen chicken meat samples were purchased from 40 outlets of 9 branded supershops in five megacities in Bangladesh. Isolation and identification of Escherichia coli were done based on cultural, biochemical properties and PCR assay. The resistance pattern was determined by disk diffusion method. ESBL-encoding genes were determined by multiplex PCR. The results showed that 76.1% samples were positive for Escherichia coli, of which 86% were ESBL producers. All the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Resistance to 9–11 and 12–13 antimicrobial classes was observed in 38.4% and 17.4% isolates, respectively while only 11.6% were resistant to 3–5 classes. The possible extensively drug resistance (pXDR) was found in 2.3% isolates. The high single resistance was observed for oxytetracycline (93%) and amoxicillin (91.9%), followed by ampicillin (89.5%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and pefloxacin (88.4%), and tetracycline (84.9%). Most importantly, 89.6% of isolates were resistant to carbapenems. All the isolates were positive for blaTEM gene. However, the blaSHV and blaCTX-M-2 genes were identified in two ESBL-non producer isolates. None of the isolates were carried blaCTX-M-1 gene. This study provided evidence of wide dissemination of MDR and existence of pXDR ESBL-Ec in frozen chicken meat in Bangladesh. Our data clearly indicated that frozen chicken meat is, at the present time, the most significant known food source of ESBL-Ec to which peoples are regularly exposed.

The world searching for hope has already experienced a huge loss of lives due to COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 started in Wuhan, China. There are speculations that climatic conditions can slowdown the transmission of COVID-19. Findings from the early outbreak indicated the possible association of air temperature and relative humidity in COVID-19 occurrence in China. Current study focused on whether climatic conditions (temperature and relative humidity) are having any influence in the occurrence of COVID-19 when the outbreak has been classified as pandemic. To determine the effect of daily average temperature and average relative humidity on log-transformed total daily cases of COVID-19, polynomial regression as a quadratic term and linear regression were done. Linear regression analysis was also carried out to explore the same effect on selected countries. Present study observed no correlation between the climatic conditions (the daily average temperature and relative humidity) and the number of cases of COVID-19. Similar result was found in relation between daily average temperature and average number of cases per day in country-wise analysis. However, about 93.5% cases of COVID-19 occurred between 1°C to 16°C and the average number of cases per day was lower in high temperature country than low temperature country with exceptions. The minimum effect of summer temperature may not be effective to control the pandemic rather need to apply the control measures of COVID-19.

Goats greatly influence the economic sustainability of rural communities. However, parasitic diseases, especially gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a major constraint on profitable small ruminants' production worldwide. During July- 2015 to June- 2016, we conducted a cross sectional study within seven topographic zones of Bangladesh to explore the level of infection and associated risk factors of GINs infections of goats. The study followed standard flotation and modified McMaster techniques. Among 1998 samples from goats; 1241 (62.1%) were found to be infected with one or more species of GINs by fecal examination for nematode eggs. The identified nematodes were strongyles (51.9%), Strongyloides sp. (19.0%) and Trichuris spp. (2.9%). By coproculture, we identified Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Bunostomum spp. in the different topographic zones. According to univariate analysis; young age, other breed than Black Bengal, animals in poor condition, backyard rearing system, muddy housing, illiterate farmers and rainy season were found significantly associated with GINs infections. Besides, other breed than Black Bengal, animals in poor condition, backyard rearing system, muddy housing and illiterate farmers were identified as the risk factors of GINs infections in goats. This is the first detailed epidemiological investigation of GINs of goats in Bangladesh. The epidemiological findings are expected to help formulate effective control strategies against GINs infections in goats by improving health status of animals, management system and education level of the farmers.

The trial was conducted at Multi Location Testing (MLT) site under On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Kushtia during the last week of February, 2015 to second week of February, 2017 at farmers’ field condition to cover two cropping cycle of four crops. The main objectives of the trial were to verify the feasibility of growing improved cropping pattern Mustard-Mungbean-T.Aus-T.Aman rice and to compare its productivity and profitability with existing cropping pattern Lentil-Sesame-T.Aman rice. The varieties BARI Sarisha-15, BARI Mung-6, BRRI dhan48 and Binadhan-7 were used for the crop Mustard, Mungbean, T.Aus and T.Aman rice, respectively in the improved cropping pattern, while in case of existing pattern, the varieties were BARI Masur-6, BARI Till-3 and Binadhan-7 for Lentil, Sesame and T.Aman rice, respectively. Findings revealed that the mean crop duration of 340 days were required for one cycle in a year in improved cropping pattern which implied that four crop based cropping pattern was agronomically feasible to replace existing cropping pattern. Total seed/grain yield in terms of REY of improved cropping pattern was 14.85 t ha-1 year-1 which was 44% higher than that of existing pattern (10.30 t ha-1 year-1). Mean production efficiency (35.78 kg ha-1 day-1), land use efficiency (93.15%) and labour employment (589 mandays ha-1 year-1) of improved cropping pattern was 51%, 16% and 62%, higher, respectively than that of existing cropping pattern. The mean net economic advangaes of improved cropping pattern was Tk 12677 ha-1 year-1 which implied that the improved cropping pattern was economically viable. Moreover, the improved cropping pattern increased cropping intensity, farmers knowledge, skill, and income as well as employment. It also maintained soil health by incorporating mungbean stover and T.Aus rice straw in the soil. Therefore, farmers in Kushtia region of Bangladesh could follow the improved cropping pattern in their high and medium high land for higher productivity and profitability as well as employment generation over existing cropping pattern.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(4): 587-598, December 2018

Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular bacteria causing chronic disease which may persist for the whole life of the affected organism. In animals brucellosis affects reproduction, fertility and reduces newborns survival and also milk production. The present research was carried out to estimate the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of brucellosis along with determination of genetic diversity in Bangladesh. In CCBS&DF (government farm) out of 191 cows the MRT prevalence (positive) was 7.85% and RBT prevalence (positive) was 7.33%. In Rangpur out of 238 cows the MRT prevalence (positive) was 1.88% and RBT prevalence is 1.56%. In Jamalpur out of 201 cows the MRT prevalence was 1.49% and RBT prevalence 0.05%. In Gaibandha out of 93 cows the MRT prevalence was 1.07% and RBT prevalence 0%. In Mymensingh out of 320 cows the MRT prevalence was 1.88% and RBT prevalence 1.56%. Among the five groups of cows the high prevalence of MRT and RBT prevalence was in Government Farm 7.85% and 7.33%. On the other hand the lower prevalence in cows of Gaibandha which was MRT and RBT 1.07% and 0% respectively and followed by Jamalpur MRT 1.49% and RBT 0.50%, in Rangpur MRT 1.68% and RBT 1.26%, and in Mymensingh district MRT 1.88% and RBT 1.56%. The prevalence of brucellosis was significantly (p

The study was undertaken to find out the profitability and export potentialities of pumpkin cultivation in the char lands of Rangpur and Gaibandha district of Bangladesh. A total of 120 pumpkin growers taking 60 farmers from each district were randomly selected for the study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze cost and return of pumpkin. The Cobb-Douglass production function was used to estimate the coefficients of the various variables analysed and MPP, MVP and resource use efficiency were also used to estimate the efficiency of resource use in the study area. The study revealed that net returns were positive for pumpkin cultivation. However, the higher net return was estimated for Rangpur district (Tk 105,299/ha) compared to Gaibandha (Tk.93, 936/ha). Bangladesh had comparative advantage for producing pumpkin as the estimates of domestic resource cost (DRC) was less than one. The value of DRC for pumpkin was less than unity implied that the production of pumpkin would be highly efficient for export promotion. The estimated results of the Cobb-Douglass production function showed increasing returns to scale. The results of the efficiency computation indicated that inputs were underutilized. Farmers in the study area used too little input to cultivate pumpkin that means the cost of using inputs is less than the value of marginal product. This suggests that farmers can incur more cost for these inputs to be efficient and then production will be increased.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(4): 647-663, December 2017

An experiment was conducted to determine the effective dose of formalin killed (FK) fowl cholera (FC) vaccines prepared with virulent avian Pasteurella multocida (PM 38) serotype 1 (X-73) collected from the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, BAU, Mymensingh. To determine the effective dose of vaccine, 7 weeks old 30 pigeons were immunized and each group consists of 5 birds. The groups are represented by A, B, C, D, E and F. The birds belonging to groups (A-E) were vaccinated with different doses of vaccine, after two weeks of first, second immunization and challenge experiment, blood was collected from all vaccinated birds, and serum was analyzed to determine antibody titer against P. multocida by passive hemagglutination test (PHA). The PHA titer after two weeks of first vaccination were 16±3.92, 17.6±3.92, 25.6±3.92, 32±8.76, 35.2±7.84 of group A,B,C,D and E, respectively at the dose of 0.2ml (0.26×108 CFU)/birds, 0.4ml (0.5×108 CFU)/birds, 0.8 ml (1.04×108 CFU)/birds, 1ml (1.3×108 CFU)/birds, respectively. The PHA titer of prevaccination and control birds was

Mechanical intervention in crop production is increasing rapidly in Bangladesh. Researchers are finding ways to manage weeds in rice field using suitable mechanical devices instead of conventional hand weeding. A study was conducted to evaluate the field performance of BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) power weeder compared to BRRI weeder and hand weeding in the farmers’ field at Rashidpur in Mithapukur upazila under Rangpur district during boro season of 2014-15. Three treatments: T 1 = BRRI weeder (BW), T 2 = BRRI power weeder (BPW) and T 3 = Hand weeding (HW) were used in the experiment. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated in four farmers’ plots. Rice variety BRRI dhan28 was selected for the experiment. The effective field capacity of BW and BPW was found to be 0.06 and 0.09 ha hr -1 , respectively. The weeding efficiency was the highest in HW (92%), followed by BPW (78%) and BW (73%). It was found that BW damaged the lowest number of plants (9%) compared to BPW (11%) during weeding operation, although the damaged plants recovered after a few days. BW and BPW reduced 74 and 85% of labor requirement in weeding operation compared to HW. The highest weeding cost was involved in HW (Tk. 4287 ha -1 ) compared to BW (Tk. 1103 ha -1 ) and BPW (Tk. 950ha -1 ). Weed control methods exerted insignificant effect on grain yield. BRRI power weeder and BRRI weeder reduced weeding cost, enhanced weed control and improved the labor efficiency without sacrificing grain yield. The highest BCR was obtained in BPW (1.22) followed by BW (1.16) and HW (1.11). BRRI power weeder and BRRI weeder appeared to be economic, easy and also environmentally safe weed control device in low land rice cultivation. The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 40-48