Central Agricultural University

About: Central Agricultural University is a education organization based out in Imphal, Manipur, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Agriculture. The organization has 1116 authors who have published 1157 publications receiving 9217 citations.

Effect of different feeds on the growth, survival and reproductive performance of zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract: Present experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different feeds with varying protein levels on the growth, survival and reproductive performance of zebrafish, Danio rerio. The control diet (T1) was wild-collected zooplankton from local fish ponds, while test diets with 350 g kg−1 protein (T2), 400 g kg−1 protein (T3) and 450 g kg−1 protein (T4) were formulated and fed to fish for a period of 210 days. The significantly (P 0.05) differences were observed in brood survival rate, fertilization and hatching rate among the dietary treatments. The highest (P < 0.05) fry survival rate was recorded in T1, followed by T3 and T4. Thus, it is suggested that control diet i.e. mixed zooplankton exhibited better growth, reproductive performance and fry survival rate. However, diet containing 400 g kg−1 crude protein also gave comparable results in terms of growth, survival and reproductive performance of zebrafish.

Carbon stock potential in Pinus roxburghii forests of Indian Himalayan regions

Abstract: Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) is the most important tree species used for afforestation programs in the Himalayan regions. In the present study, fourteen forest stands were selected in four different altitudes, i.e., 1801 masl in Garhwal Himalayan of Uttarakhand, India, to assess carbon stock potential of the forest. The study was conducted during 2013–2015. Among the study sites, the maximum tree density (575 ± 90.14 ind. ha−1) was reported in New Tehri (altitude: > 1801 masl) and minimum (135 ± 5.00 ind. ha−1) in Daddi (altitude: 1001–1400 masl). The highest (96 ± 18.36 t ha−1) above-ground carbon stock was estimated in Kandikhal where bole, branch, and foliage contribute 89.93 ± 19.47, 5.17 ± 1.04 and 0.90 ± 0.14 t ha−1, respectively, while lowest (26.68 ± 9.48 t ha−1) was in Gumkhal, and contribution from the same component was found as 20.72 ± 7.84, 4.50 ± 1.58, and 1.47 ± 0.11 t ha−1, respectively. Further, highest value of below-ground carbon was in Kandikhal (28.58 ± 4.81 t ha−1) with an altitude range between 1001 and 1400 masl and the lowest in Gumkhal (9.19 ± 2.87 t ha−1) between 1401 and 1800 masl. Besides, litter production was found higher in the summer season followed by winter and rainy seasons. The study concluded that the density, height, basal area, and volume of Pinus roxburgii varied with altitude, but it was not directional. However, growth patterns and tree density were the key factors in estimating total carbon stocks and further to know the behavior of carbon dynamics (source/sink). Litter production had an inverse relation with altitude; however, increase in litter biomass at > 1801 masl was observed due to new plantations of pine. This study will be highly helpful to the forester and policy-makers in planning carbon mitigation strategies (e.g., catchment area treatment, afforestation activities) at regional and global scales.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing multidrug resistance Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella pneumoniae in pig population of Assam and Meghalaya, India.

Abstract: Aim The present study was conducted to record the prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae from pig population of Assam and Meghalaya and to record the ability of the resistant bacteria to transfer the resistance genes horizontally. Materials and methods Fecal samples (n=228), collected from pigs of Assam (n=99) and Meghalaya (n=129), were processed for isolation and identification of E. coli and Salmonella spp. All the isolates were tested for ESBLs production by double disc synergy test (DDST) followed by screening for ESBLs producing genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, and blaCMY) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Possible transfer of resistance encoding genes between enteric bacterial species was carried out by in vitro and in vivo horizontal gene transfer (HGT) method. Results A total of 897 enteric bacteria (867 E. coli and 30 Salmonella) were isolated and identified. Altogether 25.41% isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers by DDST method. Majority of the isolates were E. coli followed by Salmonella. By PCR, 9.03% isolates were found positive for at least one of the target resistance genes. blaSHV was absent in all the isolates. blaCMY was the most prevalent gene. All the E. coli isolates from Assam were negative for blaTEM. A total of 2.76% isolates were positive for blaTEM + blaCMY. On the other hand, 0.67% isolates were positive for blaCTX-M + blaCMY genes. Only 0.33% isolates carried all the three genes. Altogether, 4.68% bacteria carried the resistance encoding genes in their plasmids. blaTEM gene could be successfully transferred from Salmonella (donor) to E. coli (recipient) by in vitro (5.5-5.7×10-5) and in vivo (6.5×10-5 to 8.8×10-4) methods. In vivo method was more effective than in vitro in the transfer of resistance genes. Conclusion The pig population of Assam and Meghalaya are carrying multidrug resistance and ESBLs producing E. coli and Salmonella. The isolates are also capable to transfer their resistance trait to other bacterial species by HGT. The present finding could be considered as a serious public health concern as similar trait can also be transmitted to the human commensal bacteria as well as pathogens.

Climate change scenario of hydro-chemical analysis and mapping spatio-temporal changes in water chemistry of water springs in Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract: Monitoring and mapping physicochemical properties of springs water are very crucial in Upper Kosi watershed as natural springs, and spring-fed streams are the only source of drinking water for thousands of inhabitants living there. Understanding of hydro-geochemical characteristics and water quality of the springs in perched aquifers of the basin provides useful information for sustainable use of spring's water with climate change scenarios. For this purpose, a total of 65 springs were inspected and investigated for their significant particle scenario to evaluate their water quality, potential origins, and hydro-chemical evolution. Groundwater samples were collected from springs under consideration and are examined for an aggregate of 14 water quality physicochemical parameters during pre- and post-monsoon season. Two types of hydro-chemical complexions were observed during pre-monsoon sample analysis. One is Ca–Mg–HCO3−, and the other is a mixed Ca–Mg–Cl−paradigm. It perceived that hydro-chemical facies Ca–Mg–Cl− was shifted into Ca–Mg–HCO3− in post-monsoon. Higher deviation in turbidity, magnesium, and sulphate indicated that geochemistry of the study area is not homogenous. A significant degree of seasonal variations in the concentration water quality parameters like pH, Cl−, F−, SO42− K+, total alkalinity, and bicarbonate was analysed using one way ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). As per concern of quality, groundwater emanating from these springs is apposite for drinking as per drinking water specifications provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500:2012).

Pattern of induced estrus and conception rate following Ovsynch and Ovsynch based gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatments initiated on day 6 of estrous cycle in repeat breeding crossbred cows.

Abstract: Aim: The aim was to evaluate the estrus response, incidence of accessory corpus luteum formation and fertility following different hormonal protocols in repeat breeding crossbred cows. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 24 repeat breeding crossbred cows allotted into four groups. Cows of Group I was not given any treatment, Group II was treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection on day 6 post-estrus, Group III was treated with Ovsynch protocol, and Group IV was treated with Ovsynch based GnRH treatment. Estrus responses such as duration, onset, percentage, and intensity of estrus were recorded during the study. The incidence of accessory corpus luteum was recorded per rectally on day 7 after first and additional GnRH of Ovsynch treatment. The conception rate for all groups was calculated by the absence of estrus and on day 45 after artificial insemination (AI) per rectum. Serum samples were collected at AI and day 12 post-AI in Group I and II. Serum samples were also collected at GnRH, Prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ), timed AI (TAI) and day 12 post-TAI in Group III and IV. Results: Ovsynch and Ovsynch based GnRH treatments are resulted in 100.00% induction of estrus after the PGF 2α injection. Onset of induced estrus after the PGF 2α injection for Group III and IV was recorded as 48.750±0.713 and 51.472±1.989 h, respectively, and it was not significant. There was no significant difference in duration of estrus among the groups. The incidence of intermediate estrus intensity was found to be highest. All the cows showed the incidence of formation of accessory corpus luteum subsequent to GnRH treatment on day 6 of the estrous cycle in Group II, III, and IV. The conception rate was 0.00%, 16.67%, 50.00%, and 50.00% in Group I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Conclusion: Ovsynch and Ovsynch based GnRH treatments initiated on day 6 of estrous cycle capable of responding with a higher percentage of ovulation and formation of accessory corpus luteum which helped in higher conception rate over single post-AI GnRH treatment in repeat breeders. These treatments responded with better estrus response but did not significantly improve estrus intensity.