<div>Backround: Egg shell plays role in the respiration, regulation of humidity, protection against diseases and integrity of egg. Therefore thickness of egg shell is an important feature. Many factors contribute to the formation of the shell thickness. The effect of altitude is still the subject of research. 
 
Methods: 103 eggs were randomly collected from locations at 915 m, 920 m, 931 m, 935 m, 939 m, 960 m, 968 m, 995 m, 1150 m and 1.350 m altitudes laid out between Tuz Lake and Hasan Mountain and the thickness of the shell at the Blunt end, Equatorial part and Sharp end of the eggs were measured.&nbsp; 
 
Conclusion: The average thickness of the shell at the blunt end, equatorial part and sharp end were 0.54 mm, 0.58 mm and 0.60 mm respectively. These differences were statistically significant. When considering the effect of altitude on these three points and general egg thickness, the average values for general thickness varied from 0.53 mm to 0.60 mm, this was 0.51 mm - 0.56 mm for blunt end, 0.53 mm to 0.61 mm for equatorial part and 0.54 mm to 0.62 mm for sharp end. The differences according to altitude noted among equatorial part and sharp end were statistically significant. The correlations between the altitude with Blunt end, Equatorial part, Sharp end and General were insignificant. The results indicated that these altitudes had no obvious effect on eggshell thickness and that the difference detected in thickness could be caused by other factors that are ought to be determined by further studies.</div>

A Study on the Effect of Altitude on Shell Thickness in Goose Eggs

<div>Background: Leh-Ladakh is situated at an altitude of 3500 m above mean sea level which poses many climatic challenges to the dwellers and animals of this region including the chickens. Chicken rearing is a huge challenge keeping in view the fact that Leh does not have a native chicken breed of its own that is adapted to this conditions. It is necessary to have an high-altitude adapted chicken breed in order to meet the demands of fresh chicken meat and eggs for the locals and the armies deployed in Ladakh. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate growth performances like body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), hematological and serum-biochemical parameters of broiler chicken reared at high altitude.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: During the experimental period the birds were fed according to the rations scale formulated by DIHAR for broiler chicken at high altitude. Body weight was taken weekly up-to 28th week and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated up to 7th week. Blood samples were collected on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th week of the birds age. Whole blood was used to study different hematological parameters while serum sample was used to study various biochemical parameters. 
 
Result: It was found that broiler reared at high altitude attained 701.3 g at 7th week of their age whereas lowlander broilers are known to attain the equivalent weight by 4th 5th week. Mean FCR by 7th week was found to be 2.38. Among various hematological parameters, hemoglobin (%) increased with the age of birds. Red blood cell also increased with the age. Drop in hematocrit (%) and mean corpuscular volume (fl) value was observed at 14th week and then it increased by 21st and 28th week of age. There was increase in value of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration at 14th and 21st week. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate value also dropped with age. Among biochemical parameters; calcium, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase and uric acid was observed to increase with age of the birds whereas triglyceride decreased from 7th week to 28th, thus indicating that the birds are adapting to the environmental condition of high altitude.&nbsp;</div>

Age Dependent Growth Performance and Blood Profiling of Broiler Chicken Reared at High Altitude

Background: This study examines how altitude affects the physicochemical characteristics of milk by examining samples taken from three different altitude ranges in Kosovo: low altitude (below 600 m), medium altitude (600-800 m) and high altitude (above 800 m). Identification of changes in milk&rsquo;s physical and chemical properties brought on by altitude variations was the goal. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Between April and June 2021-2023, 85 farmers in 13 municipalities in Kosovo provided samples, which were then examined for factors such fat, protein, casein, SNF, TS, density, freezing point, acidity (Dornik, Soxhlet Henkel, Th&ouml;rner), lactose, galactose, glucose, organic acids and urea. In compliance with ISO 9622:2013 and AOAC 972.16 standards, measurements were made using the MilkoScan FT device (FOSS, Hilleroed, Denmark) with accuracy &lt; 1% CV and reproducibility &lt;0.25% CV. SPSS was used to conduct statistical analysis, evaluating height group differences using the LSD test and ANOVA. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Differences in freezing point, lactose, galactose, glucose and lactic acid were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). The freezing point was lower and the quantities of lactose, galactose and glucose were higher at high altitudes, indicating a strong correlation between the two variables. However, no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) were found for urea, fat, protein, casein, solids non-fat (SNF), total solids (TS), citric acid, or free fatty acids (FFA). This suggests that altitude has less of an impact on these parameters than genetics and animal food.

Exploring the Effects of Altitude on Milk Composition: Insights from Kosovo&rsquo;s Diverse Localities&nbsp;

High altitude environments pose unique challenges for both humans and animals, necessitating a range of adaptations for survival. Livestock species indigenous to mountainous regions, such as Yaks, Tibetan sheep, Ladakhi cattle and Himalayan goats, have evolved specialized physiological, morphological and biochemical mechanisms to cope with extreme conditions like hypobaric hypoxia, temperature fluctuations and limited forage availability. These adaptations are crucial for their survival and the livelihoods of mountain communities that depend on them for resources like milk, meat and wool. Omic studies have revolutionized our understanding of high altitude adaptation in livestock. Genomic analyses have revealed genetic signatures of adaptation, such as higher heterozygosity rates in Yaks and positive selection of genes related to energy metabolism and hypoxia response. Transcriptomics studies have uncovered gene expression patterns and pathways underlying high-altitude responses, including those related to oxygen transport, immune function and stress tolerance in sheep and goats, comparative RNA molecule analyses have identified key regulators of hypoxia adaptation and cellular metabolism. Skin transcriptomics studies have highlighted genes involved in coat color, UV protection and fiber quality adaptations. Overall, leveraging omics methods such as genomics, transcriptomics and comparative analyses provides valuable insights into the genetic, molecular and physiological basis of high altitude adaptation in livestock. These findings contribute to the development of targeted breeding strategies and sustainable management practices essential for livestock resilience and food security in mountainous regions amidst climate change challenges. 
&nbsp;

High Altitude Adaptation in Livestock and Poultry: Exploring Morphological, Physiological, Biochemical and Omic Insights: A Review

Background: Soil fungal communities significantly contribute to the health and productivity of plants, with their compositions influenced by plant disease presence at various altitudes. This study compares the variations in soil fungal diversity between healthy and diseased duku (Lancium domesticum Corr.) plantations in Jambi, Indonesia. 
 
Methods: This study examines the potential fungal indicators on soil health, concentrated on four sites representing various altitudes: Kumpeh (10,32 m asl), Rano (5,80 m asl), Koto Rami (623,46 m asl) and a location of the Diseased site (194,01 m asl). The fungal communities were analyzed using DNA sequencing and the NCBI ITS RefSeq database. 
 
Result: The dominant fungal phyla across all sites were Ascomycota, most abundant in the low-altitude from Kumpeh and Basidiomycota, primarily present in the high-altitude from Koto Rami. Mucoromycota and smaller groups like Zoopagomycota were also identified. The high-altitude site at Koto Rami showed high water content and organic matter, which may have supported a unique soil microbial community. The low-altitude site at Rano exhibited a neutral pH and well-balanced Phosphorus levels, both of which encourage fungal activity. In contrast, the low-altitude samples from Kumpeh displayed higher levels of Calcium and Magnesium, low organic matter and a sandy texture, which may have restricted the fungal community. In the Diseased site, stress was detected as indicated by reduced moisture levels and heightened microbial activity, suggesting that certain microbes might adversely affect plant health. Overall, increased moisture and good organic matter in the soil can enhance fungal growth, while a neutral pH, adequate phosphorus and suitable soil texture can facilitate fungal diversity. 
&nbsp;

Comparative Analysis of Soil Fungal Profiles in Healthy and Diseased Duku (Lansium domesticum Corr.) Plantations at Different Altitudes in Jambi Province, Indonesia

<div style="text-align: justify;">Depletion of nitrogen and phosphorus in terraced hilly areas of Rwanda has lowered maize (Zea mays L.) production. Trials were carried out in 2017 and 2018 in four-year-old-terraced Lixisols and Acrisols of medium and high altitudes to determine effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application rates on maize yields. A factorial arrangement of four levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha-1) and phosphorus (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg P2O5 ha-1) in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications, was used. Results showed that combinations of 120 - 180 kg N ha-1 and 80 - 120 kg P2O5 ha-1 resulted in significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher increases in plant height (45 &ndash; 60 % and 56 &ndash; 70 % over the control), stem collar diameter (63 &ndash; 74 % and 43 % over the control) and grain yields (3 times over the control; i.e. 6.40 &ndash; 6.46 t ha-1 and 6.02 - 6.12 t ha-1) in medium and high altitude sites. The optimum fertilizer rates are 176.6 kg N ha-1 and 96.2 kg P2O5 ha-1 in terraced Lixisols of medium altitude area. Land use needs to adjust fertilizer application to these optimum rates for enhanced maize yields in this area and other regions with similar agro-ecological characteristics. Further studies on integrated effects of N and P fertilizers are recommended.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth and Yields in Terraced Lands of Medium and High Altitude Regions of Rwanda</div>

<div>Background: An experimental study was conducted to examine growth performance and economic feasibility of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) and Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) vis-&agrave;-vis their improved strains viz. Amur carp and Jayanti rohu, in synchronously integrated rice-fish system at high altitude terraced paddy-fields (HATPF).&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experimental fields were stocked with carp fingerlings (6.95&plusmn;0.67 g) at a density of 0.6 no. m-2 having common carp (T1), rohu (T2), Amur carp (T3) and Jayanti rohu (T4) under monoculture system, common carp+rohu (T5) and Amur carp+Jayanti rohu (T6) under polyculture. The study period was 120 days (July to November, 2022). 
 
Result: The study recorded average weight gain of 55.72&plusmn;5.58 g and 57.08&plusmn;4.05 g in monoculture and polyculture systems, respectively. Amur carp performed significantly better (p&lt;0.05) than other species/strains. Survival rate ranges from 72% to 85% with Amur carp and common carp recorded higher survival than rohu and its strain. Through integration, about 243.2 to 350 kg ha-1 of fish can be produced without supplementary feed and earn about Rs. 60,800 to Rs. 87,500 ha-1 in a single crop. Amur carp and common carp were found more suitable for rearing in integrated rice-fish culture system at HATPF.</div>

Relative Growth Performance of Cyprinus carpio and Labeo rohita vis-&agrave;-vis Their Improved Strains in Integrated Rice-fish Culture System at High Altitude Terraced Paddy Fields

Background: Treatment failure of multiple cases becomes a source of attention toward mycosis infections at Uttarakhand hills. Antifungals found almost ineffective against dermatophytes in several cases and their pathogenic genes (i.e SQLE), enhance drug failure due several kinds of genetic modifications. Due to a biogeography of this area prevalence of humidity is favorable climatic conditions for dermatophytes and consistent use of antifungals as well as OTC medicines became a cause of recalcitrance of pathogen. 
 
Methods: Monsoon is a favorable climate of dermatophyte in which they grow vigorously, so during this seasons (July-Oct 2024) almost 550 samples (all 5 locations) of dead stratum corneum from margins of tinea rashes were collected , heat fixed with 10% KOH(potassium hydroxide) + DMSO (di-methyl sulfonic acid). Presence of filaments confirmed under trinocular and sent for culture at PDA (potato dextrose agar). Fungal species identified under trinocular and confirmation was done through ITS1 and 4 regions (Internal transcribe spacer). Disc diffusion along with 90 well microdilution CLSI M61, ed.2 (Clinical and standard laboratory institute) was performed to analyse AFST (Antifungal susceptibility test). Finally SQLE and MEP1-5 was multiplied ,sequenced and biofilm was also analyzed of higher MIC (minimum inhibitory conc) of dermatophytes. 
 
Result: MIC of Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum (5-25 &micro;g/ml) for terbinafine, for Itraconazole (0.09-1.5 &micro;g/ml) and for Fluconazole (0.03-0.5&micro;l/ml) found much more higher than previously reported data. Point mutations previously reported were observed in SQLE (squalene epoxidase). MEP-3 (metalloprotease)was prominently found in all the genera followed by MEP-5 and MEP-4 was in least amount in most of the genus isolated from this area. Biofilms deplete by increasing conc (0.2-1.0) of SS14 in microtiter wells; found more effective with SS14 ,R-70, when studied under trinocular and spectroscope.

Multilocus Phylogenetic Study Defining Resistance by Biofilms, Metalloprotease and SQLE of Dermatophytes Isolated from Various Altitudes of Uttarakhand

<div>Background: Early detection of pregnancy can perk up the reproductive competence of dairy animals and decreasing the interval between two successive AI. Several methods of pregnancy diagnosis both direct and indirect are being practiced; but to date, none of these technologies qualifies as the ideal pregnancy detection method due to its limitation. The present study was designed to learn about the changes of hormonal and blood metabolites during early bovine pregnancy. 
 
Methods: A total of 30 numbers of crossbred cows at 2nd to 5th lactation was selected for the study. Clinico-gynaecological examination was carried out in all the cows and those have devoid of ill health, having a regular estrous cycle and estrus period were inseminated at mid to late estrus. Ten milliliter&nbsp; of blood samples were collected aseptically from all the cows (6 samples from each cow and a total of 180 samples) on day 1, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 of post-A.I. From the obtained serum, levels of glucose, cholesterol, BUN, total protein and hormonal profile estrone sulphate, progesterone were analysed. All the cows were observed for the absence of external signs of estrus after AI and pregnancy was confirmed by using ultrasonography and per rectal examination on day 30 to 40 of post insemination.&nbsp; 
 
Result: It was observed that level of glucose, BUN, cholesterol and progesterone was significantly increased during early pregnancy (P&lt;0.01). While, the serum level of estrone sulphate significantly decreased while advancing the pregnancy. There was positive correlation&nbsp;between the level of progesterone (P&lt;0.01) and negative correlation of estrone sulphate (P&lt;0.05) with serum glucose, BUN, cholesterol at different days of post A.I. The blood biochemical constituents i.e. glucose, BUN, cholesterol and hormone estrone sulphate, progesterone possibly will used as an ideal marker of early pregnancy in cattle. Thus blood biochemical constituents like glucose, BUN, cholesterol and hormone estrone sulphate, progesterone possibly can be used as a tool for diagnosis of non pregnant dairy cattles with very high accuracy at around 30 days of post insemination.&nbsp;</div>

A Comparative Study on Certain Blood Metabolites and Hormonal Indices for Detection of Pregnancy of Crossbred Cows of High Altitude: Mizoram

<div style="text-align: justify;">Zanskar pony is a native breed of high altitude region of Ladakh namely Zanskar valley and Nubra valley. These ponies are commonly used for load carrying by locals and defence personnel due to their adaptability in rugged terrain and rocky track. Therefore, high enduring ponies are in great demand for ride and load carrying at low maintenance cost. So far to the best of our knowledge no studies have made attempt to evaluate different physio-biochemical indices of exercise performance in Zanskar pony, so that selection of elite pony could be made based on these indices. Hence, present study was conducted to evaluate the physiological responses, biochemical, cytokines, hormones, and antioxidant related parameters to performance in Zanskar pony at two geographic areas namely Leh (3500 meter msl) and Nubra valley (3291 meter msl) with different altitude. For this study, total of 6 adult mares ponies were selected for sampling at Leh and 8 adult mare ponies were selected at Partapur. Ponies at different altitude did not exhibit significant difference in physiological responses, and biochemical, cytokines, hormones, and antioxidant related parameters, except aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Though the all the parameters were within the normal ranges towards higher side. These findings indicated that there was no effect of altitude within the entire home tracks of Zanskar pony namely Zanskar Valley and Nubra of Ladakh region. Hence, these parameters may be useful if evaluated during load carrying trials and associated with the performance.&nbsp;</div>

A Study on the Effect of Altitude on Shell Thickness in Goose Eggs

Age Dependent Growth Performance and Blood Profiling of Broiler Chicken Reared at High Altitude

Exploring the Effects of Altitude on Milk Composition: Insights from Kosovo’s Diverse Localities

High Altitude Adaptation in Livestock and Poultry: Exploring Morphological, Physiological, Biochemical and Omic Insights: A Review

Comparative Analysis of Soil Fungal Profiles in Healthy and Diseased Duku (Lansium domesticum Corr.) Plantations at Different Altitudes in Jambi Province, Indonesia

Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth and Yields in Terraced Lands of Medium and High Altitude Regions of Rwanda

Relative Growth Performance of Cyprinus carpio and Labeo rohita vis-à-vis Their Improved Strains in Integrated Rice-fish Culture System at High Altitude Terraced Paddy Fields

Multilocus Phylogenetic Study Defining Resistance by Biofilms, Metalloprotease and SQLE of Dermatophytes Isolated from Various Altitudes of Uttarakhand

A Comparative Study on Certain Blood Metabolites and Hormonal Indices for Detection of Pregnancy of Crossbred Cows of High Altitude: Mizoram

Evaluation of different physio-biochemicals indices of exercise performance in Zanskar ponies