<div style="text-align: justify;">A study was conducted in the breeding tract of Red Kandhari cattle in Marathwada region comprising Latur, Parbhani and Nanded district to document the morphometric characteristic to know the present status of the breed. Total 535young Red Kandhari cattle were selected morphometric measurements were recorded by using measuring tape while physical characteristic were recorded visually.The overall LSQ means at 0-3 months of Red Kandhari for chest girth, abdominal girth, body length, height at wither, height at elbow, height at hip bone, height at pin bone, &nbsp;length of ear, width of ear, length of face, width of fore head, length of neck, width between hook bone, width between pin bone, tail length and body weight were &nbsp;70.56 &plusmn; 0.66, 72.27 &plusmn; 0.78, 64.06 &plusmn; 0.69, 69.00 &plusmn; 0.63, 42.93 &plusmn; 0.37, 69.44 &plusmn; 0.66, 65.13 &plusmn; 0.63, 13.66 &plusmn; 0.21, 7.54 &plusmn; 0.07, 23.21 &plusmn; 0.32, 11.25 &plusmn; 0.18, 25.02 &plusmn; 0.26 , 15.71 &plusmn; 0.16 , 9.08 &plusmn; 0.15, 41.66 &plusmn; 0.44 cm and 30.06 &plusmn; 0.83 kg and at 4-12 months of &nbsp;age were 116.21 &plusmn; 0.73, 122.86 &plusmn; 0.77, 99.89 &plusmn; 0.51, 102.32 &plusmn; 0.43, 60.49 &plusmn; 0.59, 103.71 &plusmn; 0.44, 97.51 &plusmn; 0.38, 18.38 &plusmn; 0.16, 10.28 &plusmn; 0.24, 35.55 &plusmn; 0.24, 18.11 &plusmn; 0.08, 38.50 &plusmn; 0.13, 26.43 &plusmn; 0.22, 14.83 &plusmn; 0.18, 60.90 &plusmn; 0.39 cm and 127.93 &plusmn; 2.42 kg, respectively. Majority of the Red Kandhari cattle have Brick Red coat color followed by Dark Red. The sex showed highly significant (P&lt;0.01) to significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on most of the traits for both the age group whereas district doesn&rsquo;t play any major role on these traits.The significant to highly significant effect of sex on some of body measurements and non-significant effect of district in all traits may lead to the concrete conclusion that these factors play a major role in exhibiting the specific body measurements only in Red Kandhari cattle at 4-12 and 0-3 months of age.</div>

Physical and morphometric characterization of young Red Kandhari cattle in their breeding tract

<div style="text-align: justify;">The productive performance of Red Kandhari cattle were studied at different locations in the breeding tract. The idea behind the collection of data in breeding tract of Red Kandhari cattle from the farmers and breeders herd of Red Kandhari rather than on the organized farm to obtain the real picture of productive performance of breed in the breeding tract. The productive traits often help in judging the economic value of the animal. The overall least square means for lactation milk yield (LMY) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 417.28 + 1.09 kg. The effect of block and season were found significant to highly significant on LMY whereas, the effect of colour was found non-significant. The overall least square means for peak milk yield (PMY) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 2.63 + 0.01 kg. The effect of block, colour and season were found non-significant on PMY. The overall least square means for days to reach peak milk yield (DRPMY) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 39.48 + 0.09 days. The effect of block, colour and season were found non-significant on DRPMY. The overall least square means for lactation period (LP) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 242.64 + 0.46 days. The effect of block was found highly significant on LP whereas, the effect of colour and season were found non-significant. The overall least square means for dry period (DP) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 180.79 + 0.56 days. The effect of block and colour were found non-significant on DP whereas, the effect of season was found significant. The improvement in productive characteristics of indigenous breeds has become essential to make the economically viable dairy animals.&nbsp;</div>

Studies on productive performance of Red Kandhari cattle in their breeding tract of Maharashtra

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Developing and propagating location-specific rural chicken varieties appropriate for the current circumstances in various regions of the nation is the goal of the AICRP on Poultry Breeding. In regards to this, the current study evaluated the production performance of Native &times; PB2 cross chicken, Dahlem Red and their crosses under an intensive management system in the Chhattisgarh region, with the goal of developing a new location-specific dual purpose breed.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>At the Poultry Demonstration and Experimental Unit, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, DSVCKVV, Durg, 240 day-old chicks from each group were raised under intensive management system. They were assessed for body weight (g) at day old, 4, 8, 12 and 20 weeks of age; shank length and keel bone length at 20, 32 and 40 weeks of age; age at sexual maturity (ASM); hen housed egg production (HHEP), hen day egg production (HDEP) at 28, 32 and 40 weeks of age; and egg weight at 28, 32, 36 and 40 weeks of age.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>There were significant (P&le;0.05) differences among all 3 genetic groups for body weights, shank and keel length, sexual maturity, egg production and egg weight. Body weights at different age differed significantly between three groups; irrespective of age Native X PB2 (1607.38&plusmn;9.24 g) crossbred recorded higher body weight compared to Dahlem Red (1185.17&plusmn;7.80 g) and Dahlem Red X ( Native X PB2) (1480.35&plusmn;12.16 g) crosses at 20 weeks of age. The age at sexual maturity differed significantly and lowest age of sexual maturity was recorded for Native X PB2 (166.25&plusmn;1.49 days) crossbred. Egg weight at 40 weeks of age differed significantly and recorded higher for Dahlem Red (61.73&plusmn;0.85g) followed by Dahlem Red X ( Native X PB2)&nbsp; (52.36&plusmn;0.88 g) than Native X PB2 (50.57&plusmn;0.10 g) crossbred. The hen day egg production up to 40 weeks of age was higher for Dahlem Red (54.63&plusmn;0.66) followed by Dahlem Red X (Native X PB2) (50.11&plusmn;0.76) crosses than Native X PB2 (31.69&plusmn;0.90) cross. The study concluded that Native X PB2 crosses may be useful for coloured meat birds and Dahlem Red X (Native X PB2) may be useful for dual purpose bird and Dahlem Red may be useful for layer type bird under same management and rearing conditions.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


<p>Evaluation of Comparative Performance of Native X PB2, Dahlem Red Chicken and Their Crosses under Intensive Management System in Chhattisgarh</p>


<p><strong>Background: </strong>Heat shock proteins (HSPs), particularly HSP70, are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed proteins that are synthesized in response to a variety of stressors. Among these, HSP70 plays a crucial role in cellular protection during heat stress by being rapidly up-regulated, thereby exerting a cytoprotective effect. Acting as molecular chaperones, HSPs help maintain the proper three-dimensional structure of proteins under adverse environmental conditions. As a result, they enhance cellular adaptability and contribute significantly to stress tolerance and thermal regulation. The present study aimed to examine the expression pattern of the HSP70 gene in Red Kandhari cattle across different seasons, with a particular focus on assessing relative thermal stress during summer in comparison to the winter and rainy seasons.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> In the present experiment, apparently healthy, male (n=12) and females (n=12) experimental animals of Red Kandhari cattle with the average age ranging from 1-4 yrs were selected from Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Parbhani. Blood samples (2 mL) were collected once for the three different seasons <em>viz.</em> summer: April-May (May: THI 83.36), rainy: June-September (September: THI 78.24) and winter: January-February (January: THI 67.84) during 2023. A quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) expression study was undertaken to evaluate the relative m-RNA expression pattern of the HSP70 gene during different seasons.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The study revealed that the relative mRNA expression of the HSP70 gene was significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) during the summer season compared to the winter and rainy seasons in Red Kandhari cattle. Additionally, expression levels were significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) in the rainy season than in winter. These findings suggest that fluctuations in ambient temperature and humidity lead to increased HSP70 gene expression. Notably, during the summer, the elevated expression of heat shock proteins in Red Kandhari cattle appears to support cellular adaptability, enhance stress tolerance and maintain thermal homeostasis.</p>


<p>Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) m-RNA Expression Pattern during Different Seasons in Red Kandhari Cattle of India</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">The body measurements and body weight of Red Kandhari calves at various stages of growth were studied for both male and female at different locations in the breeding tract. The idea is to obtain the real picture of the breed in the breeding tract. The body measurements play an important role in judging calves and often help in predicting probable value of the calves. Body length and height at withers are the measures of bone growth while chest girth is a measure of development of muscles, bones and fat and it has close relationship with the live weight.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Studies on linear body measurements of Red Kandhari calves in their breeding tract of Maharashtra</div>

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

<div style="text-align: justify;">Profiles of colour, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids in Asha, the triple cross (Ghungroo x Hampshire x Duroc) fattener pig variety</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of this study was to evaluate egg production in 40-week-old Hyline brown laying hens fed different forms of red ginseng marc (RGM) and fermented red koji (FRK) blend for 8 weeks. Two hundred and forty laying hens were distributed into four treatments (control, 1% RGM powder mixed with FRK, pelleted 1% RGM with FRK, and coated pellets of 1% RGM with FRK) with six replicates of ten birds each in a completely randomized design. Improvement in egg production was done by measuring hen-day egg production (HDP), egg weight (EW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg mass (EM) and Haugh unit (HU). There were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) among all treatments for HDP and FCR after 8 weeks, for EW and EM after 6 and 8 weeks, and for FI and HU from 4 weeks onward until 8 weeks of the experimental period. It was concluded that feeding coated pellet diet of 1% RGM with FRK to laying hens of 40 weeks of age improves their egg production (HDP, FCR, EM and HU) at the end of the laying period.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Egg production in laying hens receiving different forms of red ginseng and fermented red koji blend</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Pig farming is the integral component of farming system in the tribal dominated North Eastern region of India since pork is the most preferred meat among tribal population. However, pork still remains deficit and a high supply-demand gap exists due to low productivity of nondescript local pigs. In this context, popularization of crossbred pigs is the suitable option to enhance productivity. Thus, the study was carried out to evaluate the performance of crossbred pigs viz., Tamworth X Desi (T&amp;D), Hampshire X Niang Megha (H&amp;NM) in order to improve the pig productivity in the region.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Data was collected from crossbred pigs viz., Tamworth X desi (T&amp;D), Hampshire X Niang Megha (H&amp;NM) and Niang Megha (NM) pigs which is maintained in the Pig breeding farm of the institute. This data included the study of productive (n=778 piglets), reproductive (n =107 sows) and carcass traits (n =45 slaughters) over a period of about eight years (2005-2013) from the farm record books cum-pedigree sheet of the pig farm. The date was analyzed suitable statistical tools. &nbsp;<br /><strong>Result:</strong> The study recorded no significant differences (P&lt;0.01) in pre weaning body weight, growth rate and mortality rate between T&amp;D and H&amp;NM crossbred pigs however, both the crossbred pigs revealed significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher pre weaning body weight and growth rate than that of NM pig. Post weaning body weight were significantly (P&lt;0.05) highest in T&amp;D crossbred pigs followed by H&amp;NM crossbred pig as compared to NM pigs at all age groups. Farrowing rate were significantly (P&lt;0.05) highest in NM pigs and lowest in T&amp;D crossbred pigs. However, farrowing interval were significantly (P&lt;0.05) highest in NM pig and lowest in H&amp;NM crossbred pigs. Regarding litter size at birth and weaning, there was no significant (P&lt;0.01) difference between T&amp;D and H&amp;NM pig but both these pigs revealed significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher litter performance than NM pig. Back fat thickness and loin eye area were significantly highest in T&amp;D pigs and lowest in NM pig. However, NM pig has significantly highest lean meat content than T&amp;D and H&amp;NM crossbred pig. There was no significant difference (P&lt;0.01) observed of dressing percentage between T&amp;D and H&amp;NM crossbred pig but, both the genetic group yield significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher dressing percentage than Niang Megha pigs. Based on the productive, reproductive and carcass traits, the study concluded that T&amp;D pigs more suitable for fattener pig production due to their higher growth performance and carcass yield, whereas H&amp;M pigs can be utilized for breeding purpose in subtropical hill ecosystem of Northeast India.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">A Comparative Evaluation on Productive and Reproductive Traits of Tamworth X Desi and Hampshire X Niang Megha Pigs under Subtropical Hill Ecosystem in Eastern Himalayas Region of India</div>

<div><strong>Background:</strong> Bio-recycling of crop residues is contemplated as an environment friendly soil enrichment and conservation practice that sustains agricultural productivity in the long run. Legume residues are privileged by the unique nitrogen fixing capacity and rhizospheric properties that enhance soil fertility, thereby reducing the need for chemical nutrient inputs. The present study was conducted to evaluate the residual effect of red gram on fodder maize cultivated as succeeding crop in the southern laterites of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The field experiment to assess the effect of red gram residue incorporation on the growth and yield of fodder maize was carried out in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during June - August 2019. Fodder maize (African tall) was sown in the plots after incorporation of crop residues of red gram varieties (APK 1 and Vamban (Rg) 3) grown under different planting geometry (40 cm x 20 cm and 60 cm x 30 cm) and NPK doses (40:80:40, 30:60:30 and 20:40:20 kg NPK ha<sup>-1</sup>) and compared with the package of practices recommendation and in randomized block design (RBD) replicated thrice.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> Significantly higher quantities of red gram residues were realised and incorporated in the treatments involving a planting geometry of 40 cm x 20 cm and an NPK dose of 40:80:40 kg NPK ha<sup>-1</sup> in both varieties used, Vamban (Rg) 3 and APK 1 (T<sub>7</sub> and T<sub>1</sub>).&nbsp; Nutrient contents in the residues and decomposition in T<sub>1</sub> and T<sub>7</sub> resulted in the maximum additions in soil, available N, P and K status and dehydrogenase activity. Evaluation of the residual effects of the legume on fodder maize revealed the significantly highest growth and yields in maize raised with chemical fertilizers as per package recommendation and, among the residue incorporated treatments, maximum plant height and fodder yields were recorded in the treatment in which residues of Vamban (Rg) 3 raised at 40 cm x 20 cm spacing and fertilised with 40:80:40 kg NPK ha<sup>-1</sup>&nbsp; were incorporated, on par with variety APK 1 raised under same management practice. The green fodder yield with residue incorporation was 80-90 per cent that under chemical fertilizer managed treatment. Among the quality parameters, crude protein (9.30%) was the highest with chemical fertilizer application while carbohydrate content (66.23%) was the lowest.</div>


<p>Residual Effects of Red Gram [<em>Cajanus cajan</em> (L.) Millsp.] on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fodder Maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.)</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> The indigenous breeds of chicken remain as the preferred choice for the farmers because of their, attractive colour patterns, resilience, adaptability and meat quality. However, with the increasing trend of commercial farming exotic breeds and their crosses are also in demand for their higher production performances. Despite this, there is limited studies on the comparative assessment of their economic traits in various agroclimatic region of Bihar.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>The present study was done at the Poultry Research and Training Centre of BASU Patna on 500 birds divided into five genetic groups namely Assel, Kadaknath, Dhalem Red, Aseel x Dhalem Red, and Kadaknath x Dhalem Red having 100 birds in each group. These groups were maintained under deep-litter system. Economic parameters like weekly body weight up to 20 weeks followed by monthly body week up to 12 months along with the growth rate and feed consumption were recorded for data collection.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>On the basis of the present study, it was found that Aseel x Dahlem Red were heaviest among all the genetic groups in 20<sup>th</sup> weeks of age. The average body weight of Aseel x Red of male and female was found to be 1876&plusmn;16.5 and 1449&plusmn;14.9 gm, respectively. Dahlem Red was found to have significantly higher body weights at all age groups from 1<sup>st</sup> weeks to 20<sup>th</sup> weeks of age among the pure breeds. The average body weight of male and female at 20<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;weeks of age were recorded to be 1689&plusmn;14.50, 1420&plusmn;12.00 respectively. Similar trends for body weight were maintained at 52<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;weeks of age in which Aseel female having significantly heavier than all the genetic groups, however the difference was non-significant for its crosses with Dahlem Red (Aseel x Dahlem Red).<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Physical and morphometric characterization of young Red Kandhari cattle in their breeding tract

Studies on productive performance of Red Kandhari cattle in their breeding tract of Maharashtra

Evaluation of Comparative Performance of Native X PB2, Dahlem Red Chicken and Their Crosses under Intensive Management System in Chhattisgarh

Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) m-RNA Expression Pattern during Different Seasons in Red Kandhari Cattle of India

Studies on linear body measurements of Red Kandhari calves in their breeding tract of Maharashtra

Profiles of colour, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids in Asha, the triple cross (Ghungroo x Hampshire x Duroc) fattener pig variety

Egg production in laying hens receiving different forms of red ginseng and fermented red koji blend

A Comparative Evaluation on Productive and Reproductive Traits of Tamworth X Desi and Hampshire X Niang Megha Pigs under Subtropical Hill Ecosystem in Eastern Himalayas Region of India

Residual Effects of Red Gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

Evaluation of Growth Traits of Aseel, Kadaknath, Dahlem Red and their Crosses in the Agro Climatic Conditions of Bihar