<div><strong>Background: </strong>The recovery growth of soybean after environmental stress, especially shade stress, is essential for soybean to alleviate the yield loss caused by shade. Although the mechanism of recovery growth on leaves has been intensely researched, little is known about the mechanism of compensatory growth on soybean nodule formation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> This study aimed to investigate the effect of recovery growth after shade on soybean nodule formation and the distribution of carbohydrates in root nodules. Four shade treatments, including vegetative period shade (VS), reproductive period shade (RS), total growth period shade (TS) and no shade as control (CK), were applied on monoculture soybean by using a black mesh shading net with light transmittance of 50%.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The aboveground dry weight, nodule number and weight and grains yield were lowest in TS and those values in VS were higher than in RS. Compared with RS, VS increased the nodule weight by 75.6% and the sucrose and starch content by 19.3% and 15.6%, respectively. We suggested that, compared with RS, VS improved the compensation growth of soybean and promoted the carbohydrate distribution into nodules, ultimately reducing the negative effect on soybean nodule formation and yield production.</div>


<p>Compensatory Growth of Soybean after Shade during Vegetative Promotes Root Nodule Recovery</p>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>During lactation, mammary epithelial cells exhibit a high metabolic rate and thus produce large amounts of ROS and lipid peroxides <em>in vivo</em> (Jin <em>et al.</em> 2014; Ganguly <em>et al</em>., 2016). A surplus of ROS and the absence of optimal amounts of antioxidants (which neutralize these free radicals or ROS) results in oxidative stress (Lykkesfeldt and Svendsen, 2007). A clinical study was undertaken on Bovine Mastitis in Kashmir valley to study the relation between oxidative stress and clinical mastitis. An attempt was also made to see the effect of supplementation of self-formulated anti-oxidant trace mineral mixture on recovery and prophylaxis of Bovine mastitis through amelioration of oxidative stress.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>The oxidative stress was assessed through estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). In addition, blood trace mineral status for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) were also assessed in mastitic animals and compared with normal healthy lactating animals. The utility of anti-oxidants in clinical management of mastitis was measured through response to treatment with trace minerals like Cu, Zn, Mn and Se in addition to conventional antibiotic therapy. Two groups of mastitic animals received two therapeutic regimens. Group I animals received antibiotics and self formulated anti-oxidant mixture at therapeutic doses while as Group II animals &nbsp;received only antibiotics (at same dose rate and frequency). Clinical recovery was assessed on the basis of CMT point score, milk somatic cell count and milk biochemistry. For prophylactic study, forty recently parturated lactating animals having susceptibility to occurrence of mastitis were divided into two groups of twenty animals each. One group of animals was supplemented with self-formulated anti-oxidant mixture at prophylactic doses for a period of thirty days so as to see the effect of supplementation on oxidative stress parameters and occurrence of clinical mastitis.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> A significant decrease was found in the values of SOD, catalase, GSH and Cu, Zn, Mn and Se but a significant increase was found in the values of MDA and NO in clinical cases of mastitis as compared to healthy control group. Therapeutic regimen I proved efficacious than the therapeutic regimen II in treatment of clinical mastitis with higher recovery rates and lesser number of mean days required for recovery in group I than group II animals. The efficacy of prophylactic treatment was monitored by occurrence of mastitis during the course of therapy and one month after therapy. Group I animals did not suffer from clinical mastitis and showed considerable improvement in oxidative stress parameters, milk SCC and blood trace mineral status as compared to group II.&nbsp;</div>


<div>Amelioration of Oxidative Stress Through Supplementation of Self- formulated Anti-oxidant Mixture for Early Recovery and Prophylaxis of Bovine Mastitis in Kashmir Valley</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Dairy cows during late pregnancy, parturition or early lactation may be subjected to oxidative stress or the production of reactive oxygen metabolites. An imbalance between increased production of ROS and reduced availability of antioxidant defenses near the time of parturition increases oxidative stress and may contribute to peri-parturient disorders in dairy cows therefore in present investigation, of biomarkers of oxidative stress during peri-parturient period in Gir cows were studied.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>Total 42 peri-parturient Gir cows were included in the present study. Ten apparently healthy Gir cows were also selected (which were outside the peri-parturient period) to have base line data on levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress for the comparison and analysis. The study was conducted in southern part of Rajasthan.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>The mean values of malondialdehyde (n mol/g Hb), super oxidase dismutase (U/mg Hb), reduced glutathione (mM) and catalase (&micro;mol of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> consumed /min/mg Hb) during pre-partum period and post-partum period in Gir cows was 227.34&plusmn;9.48 and 255.85&plusmn;11.15; 72.97&plusmn;4.96 and 56.13&plusmn;4.30; 2.72&plusmn;0.15 and 2.27&plusmn;0.15 and 139.85&plusmn;3.81 and 121.57&plusmn;4.65, respectively. Determination of levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress revealed that level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased during peri-parturient period in Gir cows whereas, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced Glutathione (GSH) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased. The level of catalase was also significantly (P&lt;0.01) decreased during peri-parturient period in Gir cows.&nbsp;</div>


<p>​Assessment of the Levels of Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress during Peri-parturient Period in Gir Cows</p>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>Quality seed is major input in increasing the productivity of agricultural crops. Seed after harvesting contains many undesirable materials and unfit for sowing. If the farmer is to be persuaded to pay for high quality seed, the seed he buys must be undeniably be pure and flow without difficulty through planter or drill. To separate different size seed material, many equipments have been developed which exploit the differences between the physical characteristics of seeds.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> An experiment was conducted to standardize the sieve size for seed grading in chickpea. The freshly harvested seeds of were graded using different sieve sizes. The screens used in this experiment were 7.0 mm R, 6.50 mm R, 6.0 mm R, 5.50 mm R, 4.75 mm R, 3.75 mm R and Bulk seeds (control). The seeds which retained over the screen were subjected to seed recovery and quality tests.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The results of the experiment indicated that the seed recovery ranged from 90.4 per cent to 97.82 per cent among the different size grades. As the screen size decreased from 7.0 to 4.75 mm, the per cent seed recovery was increased but seed quality parameters were decreased and well below the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standard (IMSCS). The positive association of seed size and seed qualities were recorded. The 5.5 mm sieve recorded 96.4% seed recovery as compared to 6.0 mm sieve (94.4%) and found to be better by considering two per cent higher seed recovery and other higher germination, vigour index although there is recommendation is 4.75 to 6.0 mm range. Hence, the seed producer is benefitted by higher seed recovery and profit and without compromising minimum seed certification standards.</div>


<p>The Effect of Seed Size on Seed Recovery and Quality in Chickpea (<em>Cicer arietinum</em> L.)</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">India has a rich diversity of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge on herbal medicine to treat the animals has both curative and preventive roles. Immunity of the animals affects the is production potential. Strengthening of non-specific immunity of the parturient animals can be used as an alternative approach to overcome the incidence of diseases in the peri and postpartum period where in these animals are more prone. One of the promising technologies is the use of immunomodulators to boost the immunity of animals during the transition period. Immunomodulators can be of natural or synthetic origin, which helps in boosting up the immunity for overcoming stress-related ailments, inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation and scavenging of free radicals to ensure the general wellbeing of animals. In the recent years, several different approaches have been examined to investigate the effect of various herb extracts and minerals as immunopotentiator separately. In literature many plants have been listed having immunomodulatory effect and some of them have been proved to have active principles with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antipyretic and antimicrobial properties. The present compilation deals with some of such medicinal plants like Anethum graveolens (Sowa), Elettaria cardamomum (Bari elaichi/Cardamom), Foeniculum vulgare (Saunf), Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain), Zingiber officinale (Sundh) and Trigonella foenun- graceum etc.</div>

Potentiating immunity of dairy animals during transition period through&nbsp;herbs - A review

<div><strong>Background: </strong>Weed populations reduce crop yields by influencing the pattern of crop growth and development throughout the season and by directly competing with the crop for limiting precious resources, like light, water or nutrients. A number of the factors that influence magnitude of crop yield losses from weed interference include the timing of weed emergence relative to the crop, weed density, pattern of weed growth and development. Weed management is one among the foremost critical factors influencing crop yield. By providing a window of weed-free growth early within the season, the size advantage that crop seedlings have over weeds can be utilized to reduce the intensity of direct competition for resources at the stages of crop development when yield is being determined. Weeds are identified as a significance drawback since they create biotic stress in realizing the genetic yield potential of this valuable crop.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> A field experiment was carried out during the rabi season of 2010-11 to 2014-15 at ICAR- National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan to estimate the yield losses because of weed infestation and to work out the critical period for weed control (CPWC) in fenugreek (<em>Trigonella foenum-graecum</em> L.). There were 14 treatments comprising of initial weedy periods of 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 days after sowing (DAS) and weed free period upto 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 DAS along with weedy till harvest (un-weeded check) and weed free till harvest (weed free check). The treatments were replicated three times in a randomized block design.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> Maximum pod length (cm), number of pods/plant, number of seed/pod, test weight (g), seed yield (kg/ha), straw yield (kg/ha) and harvesting index (%) to the tune of 9.47, 41.2, 16.67, 12.60, 2297, 4954 and 31.73 were recorded at weed free throughout growth period. Weed infestation up to 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 DAS and weedy throughout growth period reduced the seed yield significantly to the magnitude of 567.3, 801.7, 913.3, 1253.3, 1393.7 and 1736.3 kg/ha. Yield losses in fenugreek increase from 2.95 kg/ha/day at 15 days weed infestation to 12.31 kg/ha/day at 135 days weed infestation. Maximum gross return (<strong>`</strong>104248/ha), net return (`67018/ha) were obtained at weed free throughout growth period with the B:C ratio 2.80 among the weed free treatments. The employment of response curves with weed free or weed competition period showed that seed yield of fenugreek&nbsp;were&nbsp;the highest with the field&nbsp;free&nbsp;from weeds throughout the growth period and the critical period of weed/fenugreek competition was 32 days after sowing and lies between 30-45 days after sowing. In regression approach for fenugreek seed yield and weed free or weed competition period the quadratic function was fitted to estimate the expected yields which had the high significant with the data recorded and have the highest values of R<sup>2</sup>. If we predict the seed yield losses based on the quadratic model for weed free period model, it declined from 42.04 at 0 DAS to 0.0% at 135 days. Similarly, weed infestation period model predicted the seed yield losses increased from 0.00 at 0 days weed infestation to 73.42% at 135 days. Critical period for weed competition in fenugreek was found to be 32 days after sowing. The CPWC is helpful for making decisions on the necessity for and timing of weed control.</div>


<div>Yield Losses Due to Weeds, Critical Period for Weed-crop Competition in Fenugreek (<em>Trigonella foenum-graecum </em>L.)&nbsp;</div>


<div style="text-align: justify;">The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the duration of the dry period (DP) on milk yield, milk composition, and reproductive performance of Murrah buffaloes in the subsequent lactation. High yielding Murrah buffaloes (n=48) were assigned to either shortened (30 to 45 d (n=16); and 45 to 60 d (n=16)) or traditional (&gt;60 days (n=16)) dry period lengths. The buffaloes were fed individually according to the production status. The buffaloes in &gt;60, 45 and 30 d dry period groups had similar (P&gt;0.05) milk yield, 6% Fat corrected milk (FCM), milk fat, and total solids; however, the former groups had an increased (P&lt;0.05) 6% FCM yield change, and SNF percentage of milk. The mean service period (days) was least (P&lt;0.05) with the higher number of services required for conception in buffaloes allocated to traditional dry period length compared to those assigned to shortened dry periods. Further, 6% FCM had a negative correlation with Serum Glucose (SG) values at 30 d postpartum, followed by a significant positive (P&lt;0.01) correlation at 60 or 90 d postpartum. It is concluded that extended DP of more than 60 days is not advantageous and would be a costly affair for the farmers in both productive and reproductive backdrop. &nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Shortened dry period in dairy Buffaloes: Influence on milk yield, milk components&nbsp;and reproductive performance</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Higher serum Non Esterified Fatty acid (SNEFA) concentration associated with negative energy balance (NEB) around calving has been used to predict dairy animals at risk for metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the SNEFA, Altered Non Esterified Fatty Acid percentage (ANEFAP) levels and Service period (SP) in forty eight dairy buffaloes allotted to three dry period lengths (&gt; 60 d (n=16); 46 to 60 d (n=16); and 30 to 45 d (n=16)). The serum NEFA and ANEFAP levels were influenced by length of dry period and pre and postpartum periods of the entire experimental study. The NEFA concentration showed an increased trend from the time of drying to 60 days postpartum, followed by a decreased trend from 60 to 90 days postpartum, irrespective of the groups. The NEFA concentration has increased (P&lt;0.05) with higher postpartum ANEFAP levels (P&lt;0.05), either pre or postpartum in the buffaloes allotted to traditional dry period group. SNEFA concentration was negatively correlated with serum glucose (SG) concentration (P&lt;0.01) and 6% FCM (P&lt;0.05) at 30 and 60 d postpartum, respectively. The mean days required for postpartum conception were highest (P&lt;0.05) in first group (144.38 &plusmn; 5.62) followed by second (105.00 &plusmn; 5.07) and third group (86.25 &plusmn; 5.39) buffaloes. Additionally, the success rate of insemination was less in group I compared to the other shortened dry period groups. In the present study, it is concluded that the buffaloes in shortened dry period groups adapt well to the negative energy balance compared to those allotted to conventional dry period lengths (60 or &gt; 60 days).<br />&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Extent of adaptation of high yielding murrah buffaloes to negative energy balance in response to various dry period lengths</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of the study was to investigate the physical indicators of energy reserves mobilization (ERM) viz., Body weight (BW), Body Condition Score (BCS), altered BW percentage (ABWP) and altered BCS percentage (ABCSP) levels in forty eight dairy buffaloes allotted to three dry period lengths (60 or &gt; 60d; 46 to 60 d; and 30 to 45 d). Hybrid Napier and paddy straw, used as roughage, were supplied together with concentrate mixture; and the buffaloes were fed individually according to their requirements. The mean body weights of the group I, II and III buffaloes were 549.41 &plusmn; 4.36, 597.97 &plusmn; 6.20, and 584.54 &plusmn; 3.84, respectively. The BW, BCS, ABWP, and ABCSP levels were influenced by length of dry period, as well as pre and postpartum periods of the entire experimental study. The BW (kg) and BCS showed an increasing (P&lt;0.01) trend from the day of drying to calving with highest (P&lt;0.05) ABWP and ABCSP in traditional dry period group compared to shortened dry periods. Subsequently, the BW and BCS showed a decreasing trend (P&lt;0.01) from calving to 90 days postpartum with highest (P&lt;0.05) decrease of ABWP and ABCSP in group I. Further, 6% Fat corrected milk (FCM) production had a negative significant (P&lt;0.01) correlation with BCS at 30d postpartum, followed by positive (P&lt;0.05) correlation with BCS and BW at 60 or 90 d postpartum.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effects of shortened dry period on the physical indicators of energy reserves mobilization in high yielding Murrah buffaloes.</div>

<div><strong>Background: </strong>The Kankrej cattle is the heaviest and most priced of the Indian breeds of cattle. It is adapted to the geo-climatic conditions of North Gujarat and Kutch, which is normally hot and dry. It is reared in the district of Banaskantha in the state of Gujarat and also distributed in other parts of India and abroad. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of the summer season on the milk composition and physiological responses in lactating Kankrej cow compared to the thermoneutral period.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> For the experiment, total number of 16 clinically healthy Kankrej cows were randomly selected from Livestock Research Station (LRS), Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, Gujarat and categorized into two different groups according to seasons. Physiological responses <em>i.e</em>. respiration rate and rectal temperature were recorded and milk samples were collected from each animal during the summer and thermoneutral period at fortnight intervals. The milk samples were analyzed by using an automated milk analyzer.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The results demonstrate that fat, SNF and density were significantly higher in the summer season. The physiological responses include respiration rate and rectal temperature were found significantly higher during summer than thermoneutral period. Milk protein was significantly higher during the thermo-neutral period as compared to summer.</div>


<p>​Heat Stress-induced Changes in Milk Composition and Physiological Responses of Lactating Kankrej Cow during Summer Season as Compared to Thermo-neutral Period</p>


Compensatory Growth of Soybean after Shade during Vegetative Promotes Root Nodule Recovery

Amelioration of Oxidative Stress Through Supplementation of Self- formulated Anti-oxidant Mixture for Early Recovery and Prophylaxis of Bovine Mastitis in Kashmir Valley

Assessment of the Levels of Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress during Peri-parturient Period in Gir Cows

The Effect of Seed Size on Seed Recovery and Quality in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Potentiating immunity of dairy animals during transition period through herbs - A review

Yield Losses Due to Weeds, Critical Period for Weed-crop Competition in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Shortened dry period in dairy Buffaloes: Influence on milk yield, milk components and reproductive performance

Extent of adaptation of high yielding murrah buffaloes to negative energy balance in response to various dry period lengths

Effects of shortened dry period on the physical indicators of energy reserves mobilization in high yielding Murrah buffaloes.

Heat Stress-induced Changes in Milk Composition and Physiological Responses of Lactating Kankrej Cow during Summer Season as Compared to Thermo-neutral Period