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Context Smallholder pig production systems in the north-eastern region of India are characterised by inefficiency due to use of unselected local pigs, and multiple breeding constraints such as paucity of superior germplasm, high mating costs, and poor access to artificial insemination (AI). Effective AI is the most viable option for genetic improvement and enhancing pig productivity. Aim The study was designed to assess the success rate and economic efficacy of four AI delivery models (Models I–IV): (I) AI at farmer’s doorstep through direct linkage to tribal farmers; (II) AI at farmer’s doorstep through trained, educated youth; (III) oestrus synchronisation and fixed-time AI; and (IV) mobile van-based AI delivery system. The study also sought to ascertain the benefits of adopting a crossbreeding program through AI over the existing use of local pigs for smallholder systems. Methods Semen collected from nine Hampshire boars was routinely utilised for AI after processing as per standard protocols. For Models I–IV, respectively, 259, 154, 183 and 284 sows from 75 villages/clusters were inseminated. Reproductive and litter performance as well as insemination cost were evaluated for each model. Growth performance of crossbred pigs obtained through AI was compared with that of local pigs in the smallholder production system. Key results Farrowing rate and mean litter size at birth were 74.90% and 8.57 ± 0.52 for Model I, 68.83% and 8.08 ± 0.37 for Model II, 80.87% and 9.31 ± 0.41 for Model III, 75.00% and 8.54 ± 0.64 for Model IV, and 81.58% and 6.81 ± 0.29 for natural service. Farrowing rate, litter size at birth and at weaning, and litter weight at weaning were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by AI delivery model in the order: Model III > Model I = Model IV > Model II. Litter weight at birth was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by AI delivery model in the order: Model III > Model I = Model II = Model IV. Lowest cost per insemination was found for Model IV (INR 319.00) followed by Model II (INR 449.00), Model III (INR 629) and Model I (INR 899). All models had lower cost than the natural service system (INR 2200). The growth performance of crossbred pigs obtained through AI was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than of the local pigs reared in the same production system. Conclusion The present study justifies the accessibility, feasibility and potential benefit of AI delivery models in smallholder/backyard pig production systems in the north-eastern region of India. Use of these AI delivery models will overcome the breeding constraints and reward farmers with more rapid genetic improvement in productivity with lower production costs. Model III (oestrus synchronisation and fixed time AI) shows best productivity and Model IV (mobile van-based AI delivery system) has lowest cost. Implications These AI delivery models will be effective for sustainable and economic piggery development and improve the socioeconomic livelihood of pig farmers in South Asian countries.

Goat is popularly known as ‘poor man’s cow’, rears mostly by the rural people due to better adaptive capability to harsh environment. Heat stress either hot or cold; negatively influence the goat productive and reproductive performance. Both survivability and reproductive performance of goat most often depend on its ability to cope with heat stressor. Goats can rears in a wide range of environment and geography may it be hilly terrain or undulating topography due to cope with the heat stress via combination of behavioral, morphological, physiological, biochemical, metabolic, hormonal and molecular changes at the gene level. All these adaptive mechanisms and genes are important for the assessment of heat stress, adaptability and strategies for management, production of heat-tolerant transgenic goat using advance biotechnological tools for sustainable goat production in challenged environment due to climate change.

In this study, the comparative serum proteome profile of Day 5, 12 and 16 of gestation, representing three early embryonic events, namely formation, elongation and implantation of blastocysts, and non-pregnant control were explored by a label-free quantitation-based mass spectrometric approach to identify early pregnancy biomarkers in pigs. A total of 131 proteins were identified with respect to different groups, out of which 105 were found to be differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Among the DEPs, 54 and 66 proteins were found to be up and downregulated respectively in early pregnancy groups (fold change >2) and the maximum number of upregulated proteins was observed in the Day 12 pregnancy stage. Functional classification and pathway analysis of the DEPs revealed involvement of most of the proteins in complement and coagulation cascades, metabolic processes and immune and inflammatory responses. Proteins such as glutathione peroxidise (GPX), pregnancy zone protein (PZP), thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), α-1-antitrypsin (AAT) and mannose-binding lectin C (MBLC) were differentially expressed during early pregnancy and actively involved in different pregnancy-related activities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on comparative serum protein profiling of different early pregnancy stages in pigs and our results provide a set of proteins that can be used as potential biomarkers for early pregnancy diagnosis in pigs.

Three years old crossbred bitch was presented with distended abdomen. The bitch was spayed two weeks back. Based on abdominal palpation and ultrasonography, it was diagnosed as a case of ascites. The animal was treated with a combination of Lasix, Aldactone, D10, Hermin, Dexona and Intacef upon regular monitoring assisted in successful recovery.

A Labrador bitch having fifty four days of pregnancy was presented at college clinics with the history of no sign of labor after birth of one pup. The bitch was found active with dilated cervix. Abdominal palpation and ultrasonographic imaging revealed presence of foetuses in the gravid uterus. The case was further diagnosed as incomplete uterine inertia. In the present case study it was noted that intravenous administration of oxytocin, calcium gluconate and dextrose saline as effective therapeutic agents to expelled the fetuses.