Background: The fruit samples of Phyllantus emblica (Indian gooseberry) from Phyllanthaceae family are rich in iron content, known for centuries. The fruit samples of Averrhoa bilimbi (Bilimbi) of&nbsp; oxalidaceae family are not much investigated for the iron content. Since these traditional fruits are consumed for a long time, their iron contents are not yet compared by any means. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The comparison of&nbsp; iron rich gooseberry with bilimbi was done by employing the spectrophotometric method. The extraction of iron from the samples was done by acid digestion and the quantification done spectrophotometrically by thiocyanate method. The calibration plot constructed by recording the optical density of standard iron(III) solutions was linear.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Result: The iron content of gooseberry is found to be 2.5 times more than that of bilimbi.

Spectrophotometric Comparison of Iron (III) in the Fruit Samples of Gooseberry and Bilimbi

<div>Background: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), also known as somatoliberin is a releasing hormone of growth hormone (GH). GHRH is a peptide hormone found mainly in the hypothalamus. The gene is significantly associated with increase milk yield in cattle. The objective of this study was to identify the polymorphism in the GHRH gene (GHRH/HaeIII) and to evaluate the relationship between the polymorphism with the breeding values for first lactation milk production and composition traits of Sahiwal cattle reared using PCR-RFLP.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A total of 130 animals were included in the study. PCR-RFLP analysis of each 297bp PCR product was carried out using HaeIII restriction enzyme. The single trait animal model was considered for the estimation of breeding values using WOMBAT software. To study the effect of genotype on the individual trait, PROC GLM (SAS 4.3) was used. 
 
Result: PCR-RFLP analysis of GHRH gene revealed three genotypes with genotypic frequencies as; 0.05 (AA), 0.42 (AB) and 0.53 (BB). The allelic frequencies for A and B allele were 0.26 and 0.74, respectively. Sahiwal cows with AA genotype have significantly higher (p&lt;0.017) fat percentage in milk while the cows with BB genotype; while the BB genotype cows characterized by significantly higher (p&lt;0.025) first lactation 305 day milk yield. Among the three genotypes, BB was most abundant while AA genotype was rarest in the screened Sahiwal samples. The identified potential genetic marker could be used for the development of Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) strategy for higher milk yield and milk composition traits in Sahiwal cattle.</div>

<div>Effect of Growth Hormone-releasing Hormone Gene Polymorphism (GHRH/HAEIII) on First Lactation Milk Yield and Milk Composition Traits in Sahiwal Cattle</div>

<div>The present study records ultrasonographic (USG) and pathological findings of grade III cervico vaginal prolapse in a buffalo. There was a rare involvement of urinary bladder and intestines in the prolapsed mass. Urinary bladder appeared as anechoic region surrounded by hyperechoic circumferential, whereas intestines appeared as brief hypoechoic area in USG. Intriguingly, the histopathological investigation correspondingly showed marked discontinuation of uterine musculature especially of inner circular layer of tunica muscularis. Hyaline degeneration characterized by swollen and eosinophilic fibres and early necrobiotic changes characterized by few mononuclear cells infilteration.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Ultrasonographic and pathological findings of grade III cervico vaginal prolapse in a pregnant buffalo</div>

In bovines, duplication of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DQ genes increase the advantage of high genetic polymorphism in the region multifold to produce better immune response and population fitness. In this study, the DQA gene duplication was explored at MHC class II locus in mithun (Bos frontalis, Bofr), a unique bovine of North-East region of India. A 776 nucleotide long genomic region encompassing hyper-variable exon 2 of &nbsp;Bofr-DQA was amplified &nbsp;in 79 mithuns and digested with Hae III restriction enzyme for PCR-RFLP analysis. The analysis revealed some of the restriction patterns, which were carrying the total fragment size of the alleles aggregating more than a heterozygous condition. Colony PCR-RFLP of clones of mithun DQA by Hinf I enzyme revealed a total of three DQA alleles in single PCR product. The RFLP of direct PCR and clone (colony) PCR products indicated the amplification of three DQA alleles at a time, suggesting duplication of the DQA locus in mithun. Further, the RFLP based typing of mithun DQA locus revealed the presence of five different DQA1 and DQA2 alleles in different combinations during duplication in mithun population. The duplication of DQA, carrying both DQA1 and DQA2 alleles gene was found to be present in nearly half of the mithun population. In mithun, similar to other bovines, DQA gene duplication may have much importance in creating more and diversified MHC class II molecules, thus conferring an advantage to bind with a more number of pathogenic antigens.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Hae III locus at Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II region hints duplicated DQA genes in Indian mithun (Bos frontalis)

<div>Background:&nbsp; Green gram is considered India&rsquo;s highly valuable pulse commodity, ranking third following chickpea and pigeon pea. Rajasthan is one of the leading green gram producing state along with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat. It is a leguminous crop known for fixing atmospheric nitrogen and contribute in improvement of soil fertility in term of organic matters. 
&nbsp; 
Methods:&nbsp; Demonstrations on green gram were conducted during Kharif season of 2021 and 2022 at partner farmers&rsquo; fields. The farmers actively participated in 125 demonstrations over a 50 hectare area (each demonstration was 0.4 hectare), with the goal of improving green gram producing technologies. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Two years demonstration results indicated that the maximum average yield (8.14 q/ha) of green gram in demonstrations than farmers practices (6.31 q/ha). The yield enhancement of 29.07 per cent was observed in the demonstration as results of integrated crop management. However, 2.86 q/ha technological gap, 1.83 q/ha extension gap and 25.33 per cent technology index were recorded. The highest net return (₹ 44,863 /ha) and B: C ratio (3.75) was observed in demonstration against to farmers practices (₹ 32,773 /ha and 3.23).</div>

Impact of Integrated Crop Management on Production Potential of Green Gram Varieties IPM02-14 and MH-421 under Semi-arid Condition of (III-A Zone) Rajasthan

Background: To investigate the efficiency of a novel nanocurcumin preparation in terms of solubility in water and effect on various biomarkers of bone development over untreated turmeric was the main objective of this study.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Osteoblasts were derived from rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) and cultured in laboratory. The samples were treated with curcumin and a novel nanocurcumin preparation. The treatment was continued for 7 days and samples were collected at different time intervals. cDNA was prepared from RNA. Expression of biomarkers was studied using primers for each osteoblast and osteoclast-specific marker gene. 
 
Result: The relative expression levels of osteoblast-specific markers like Runx2, OCN, OPN, ALP, Col-I and Col-III were significantly (p&lt;0.01) increased in nanocurcumin treated group. In contrast, the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific markers like RANKL, CAT-K, MMP9 and MCSF were significantly reduced in nanocurcumin treated cells as paralleled to control and curcumin. It was observed that the aqueous solubility of curcumin in the nanocurcumin was increased 6 times as compared to untreated turmeric. The effect of nanocurcumin on the expression of different biomarkers lasted for a longer duration than untreated curcumin under the same culture conditions. It has been decided from this study that nanocurcumin is more effective than curcumin for induction of osteoblast differentiation and inhibition of osteoclast differentiation suggesting potential of nanocurcumin as a drug candidate in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis as compared to curcumin alone.&nbsp;

In vitro Evaluation of Efficacy of Nanocurcumin Preparation on Primary Rat Osteoblast

<div>Background: Anestrus is one of the most commonly encountered infertility problems in cattle and buffalo in India. Jaffarabadi is one of the heaviest buffalo breeds of the world and is a native of Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The breed is known for poor reproductive efficiency. To improve its reproductive efficiency, this study was undertaken on acyclic Jaffarabadi animals employing double Ovsynch protocol and its assessment through ovarian dynamics and blood biochemical and endocrine profile on a farm.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study included acyclic post-pubertal Jaffarabadi heifers (age 42&plusmn;2 and 48&plusmn;2 months; Gr-I and Gr-II, n=6 each) and the postpartum lactating acyclic buffaloes (Gr-III, n=6) using a double Ovsynch protocol, which consisted of i/m injections of 20 &micro;g Buserelin acetate on days 0, 10, 17 and 26 and 500 &micro;g Cloprostenol sodium on days 7 and 24, with a timed insemination on day 27. Ovarian dynamics was monitored by performing ultrasonography using real-time B-mode ultrasound scanner together with blood sampling for hormonal and biochemical profile on each day of hormone therapy and then on days 0, 12, 21 and 35 post-AI. The animals inseminated at induced estrus/FTAI were followed for return to estrus, if any. Pregnancy was confirmed in non-return cases on day 35 by ultrasonography and on day 70 by per rectal examination. The findings on ovarian dynamics, plasma endocrine and biochemical profile were compared statistically between groups and periods and fertility rates between groups. 
 
Result: In animals of treatment group I and II, a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in numbers of small follicles was observed on day 26. Number of large sized follicles was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher on day 26 in comparison to day 0 and day 7 in group III animals. Large and subordinate follicular diameters increased gradually, but the differences between periods were significant (p&lt;0.001) only in group III with the highest diameter of large follicle on day 17. Plasma FSH and LH concentrations differed significantly (p&lt;0.001) among groups at all-time intervals. Plasma LH in group I and III differed significantly (p&lt;0.001). Plasma estrogen level was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in group II than group III. Plasma progesterone concentrations in group I and II animals were significantly higher on day 35 post-AI. Plasma insulin levels were significantly (p&lt;0.01) lower on all days for group III animals than group I and II. Blood glucose level was significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher in group I on day 17 as compared to group II and III. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in group III as compared to group I and II. The conception rates at first service/FTAI in double Ovsynch treated animals of group I, II and III were 66.66, 83.33 and 16.66 %, respectively. Thus it was concluded that ovarian structures and the plasma endocrine profile reflected the ovarian response to different hormonal injections and that double Ovsynch protocol could be a better choice for improving conception rate in post-pubertal acyclic Jaffarabadi buffalo heifers as compared to multiparous acyclic buffaloes.</div>

Evaluation of Double Ovsynch Protocol in Acyclic Jaffarabadi Heifers and Buffaloes with Respect to Ovarian Dynamics, Hormonal Profile and Fertility

Background: Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the commonly diagnosed acquired myocardial disease in dogs characterized by hypokinesis, eccentric myocardial hypertrophy. Activation of neurohumoral system (i.e., sympathetic and RAAS) is crucial in the pathogenesis of DCM with deteriorative effect on the failing heart. In current protocol, ACE inhibitors are being employed to counter RAAS through blocking of ACE pathway, however aldosterone breakthrough due to alternate tissue pathway render the treatment less effective. The natriuretic peptides (viz., ANP, BNP) produced in response to cardiac wall stress have beneficial natriuretic, diuretic and suppressed cardiac sympathetic effects, however, will be cleaved by the enzyme neprilysin limiting their activity. With this background, this study was aimed to study the effect of Sacubitril-Valsartan, an ARNi drug in management of canine heart failure due to DCM, evaluating its effects on clinical, echocardiographic parameters as well as on RAAS and natriuretic peptides. 
 
Methods: Dogs with confirmed DCM on echocardiography were randomly divided into two treatment groups, one with conventional protocol having ACEI (Group II) and another group with ARNi replacing ACEI in the protocol (Group III). Clinical signs, ECG, echocardiographic evaluation was done at monthly interval till 90th&nbsp;day of therapy. Radiographic evaluation as well as effect on RAAS by assessing plasma natriuretic peptides and urine aldosterone-creatinine ratio was done on 0th&nbsp;day and 90th&nbsp;days of therapy. Data was analysed using ANOVA and independent &lsquo;t&rsquo; test followed by LSD using IBM SPSS version 2.0. 
 
Result: In the study, group III dogs showed early resolution of clinical signs compared to group II. Group III showed a significant decrease in left atrial diameter and LA/Ao ratio earlier by 30th&nbsp;day of therapy, while in Group II, the same was noticed on the 60th day. Cardiac internal diameters were found to be significantly decreased in group III while group II showed a non-significant decrease. Systolic function was found to be significantly increased by 30th&nbsp;day in group III while group III has a non significant increase in ejection fraction. Significant decline of Uald:cre ratio was noticed in group III indicating its effective inhibition of RAAS. In the study dogs treated with sacubitril-valsartan was found to have faster resolution of clinical signs, greater reduction in cardiac dimensions and improvement in systolic function compared to ACEI treated dogs. 
&nbsp;

Therapeutic Evaluation of Sacubitril-valsartan (Arni) in Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

<div style="text-align:justify">
Background: To evaluate use of homologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) drop and leucocyte-platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) clot/membrane as regenerative therapy for healing of corneal ulcer in dogs and its subsequent comparison with conventional therapy. 
 
Methods: In this randomized study, 30 dogs were divided into three groups of 10 animals each. It was ensured each group had grade I, II and III ulcers. Group I received medicinal treatment with antimicrobial and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drop. In Group II PRP drops and in Group III L-PRF membrane was used to evaluate corneal ulcer healing. Homologous platelet concentrates were prepared in laboratory and used for assessment of healing on various grades of corneal ulcer on basis on reduction in size and depth of ulcer, presence of stromal infiltration, scleral involvement, corneal opacity and vascularization. 
 
Result: Post treatment, the size of corneal ulcer started to reduce gradually from day 7 onwards. Significant (p&le;0.05) reduction was observed from day 10 in group I after instillation of drops Moxifloxacin and Flurbiprofen and in group II after instillation of PRP. It was measured as 5.35 &plusmn; 0.63 and 5.20 &plusmn; 0.98 mm at day 0, which reduced significantly (p&le;0.05) to 3.90 &plusmn; 0.50 and 3.10 &plusmn; 0.98 mm at day 10 in group I and group II respectively. In group III there was significant reduction in size of ulcer from day 0 to day 7 measuring 7.80 &plusmn; 1.05 and 0.20 &plusmn; 0.11mm respectively. Thereafter, from day 10 onwards complete sealing of ulcer was observed in all the cases. Post treatment there was no significant reduction in corneal opacity from day 0 to day 30 in group I dogs and corneal opacity persisted specially in grade II and grade III ulcers. There was significant reduction (p&le;0.05) in opacity from 2.90 &plusmn; 0.35 to 2.10 &plusmn; 0.38 and 3.00 &plusmn; 0.37 to 2.40 &plusmn; 0.34 in group II and group III dogs from day 0 to day 10 respectively. In group I, II and III there was significant (p&le;0.05) reduction in vascularization from 1.50&plusmn;0.30 to 1.20&plusmn;0.13, 1.30&plusmn;0.37 to 0.60&plusmn;0.22 and 1.40&plusmn;0.31 to 0.40&plusmn;0.31 from day 0 to day 15 respectively. There was a significant reduction in vascularization on day 15 in group II and group III compared to group I animals.
</div>

​Evaluation of Homologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Drop and Leucocyte Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) Membrane for Corneal Ulcer Healing in Dogs

<div>Background: Affections of eye commonly encountered in all the species of animals. If these not treated in time, the vision may be hampered, this may impair the physical ability, utility and productivity of animals leading to economic loss to the animal owners. Corneal dystrophies like basement membrane dystrophy, stromal dystrophy, endothelial dystrophy, corneal erosions and corneal ulcerations etc., seen in the aged buffaloes. The current study was carried out to establish basic data and to provide authentic information to the clinicians on ageing changes in eyes of buffaloes. 
 
Methods: The study on age related changes in the cornea was conducted on 63 eye balls of locally available buffaloes of different breeds in and around Proddatur. These buffaloes were categorized into 3 groups based on their age i.e., group I (1-5 yrs), group II (6-10 yrs) and group III (11 yrs and above) buffaloes. The eyeballs were isolated and fixed with Davidson&rsquo;s fluid. The paraffin sections of cornea were subjected for routine histological study. 
 
Result: The mean total thickness (&micro;m) of cornea was increased from group I to III animals and it was 747.22&plusmn;13.57, 853.33&plusmn;11.05 and 897.22&plusmn;8.06. Hence, The mean thickness (&micro;m) of all five layers of cornea increased with advancement of age. Superficial corneal epithelial layer was made up of non keratinized stratified squamous epithelium with 6 to 7 layers at early age and 12-14 layers of cells in adult animals. The mean thickness (&micro;m) of corneal epithelium in group I to III animals was 117.04&plusmn;3.37, 122.59&plusmn;2.23 and 133.71&plusmn;3.55 respectively. Bowman&rsquo;s membrane of cornea was measured 12.97&plusmn;0.86, 17.22&plusmn;0.55 and 18.71&plusmn;0.68 in group I, II and III animals respectively. The mean thickness (&micro;m) of corneal stroma in group I to III animals was 600.75&plusmn;10.33, 672.22&plusmn;10.46 and 690.00&plusmn;5.32 respectively. This was mainly due to progressive increase in number of collagenous lamellae. The keratocytes became thin in old animals. Thickness of posterior band zone (PBZ) of Descemet&rsquo;s membrane was increased with advancement of age. The mean thickness (&micro;m) of Descemet&rsquo;s membrane and endothelium together was in group I, II and III animals was 16.48&plusmn;0.91, 41.29&plusmn;2.25 and 54.82&plusmn;1.44 respectively. The corneal endothelial cells were enlarged and increased in size in old buffaloes. The age related pigmentation was also noticed in epithelium and stroma of cornea in animals of group III. Density of sub basal nerve plexuses between the stroma and the corneal epithelium was not altered with advancement of age. &nbsp;</div>