Showing papers by "National Dairy Research Institute published in 2002"

Folliculogenesis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): a review

Abstract: The urgent need for improving the reproductive performance of buffalo necessitates a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling ovarian follicular growth and development Attention needs to be focused on improving superovulation responses and conception rates, and reducing the variability in ovulation rate and embryo loss Application of ultrasonic imaging has revealed that follicular turnover during an unstimulated oestrous cycle occurs in waves, with each wave involving synchronous development of a group of follicles, one dominant and several subordinate follicles There is a predominance of two waves with the first wave beginning around Day 0 (day of ovulation) and the second wave around Day 9 or 10 Primary reasons for a lower superovulation response in buffalo compared with that in cattle is a lower number of primordial and antral follicles, a slower shift from small to large follicles during superovulation, a higher incidence of deep atresia and inability of several large follicles to ovulate, especially when superovulation is induced by equine chorionic gonadotrophin treatment There is near complete lack of information in Bubalus bubalis on the factors controlling the selection of the dominant follicle, the period of functional dominance and the effects of environmental factors, such as climate and nutrition, on follicular dynamics

Physico-chemical properties of instant Kheer mix

Abstract: Proprietes physicochimiques de melange instantane de Kheer. Certains desserts traditionnels indiens a base de cereales sont composes d'un melange sucre et cuit de lait partiellement concentre et de farine de riz. Ces produits ont cependant une duree de vie limitee qui ne permet pas leur exploitation commerciale sur le marche. Dans le but d'obtenir un produit stable, il a ete transforme en une poudre apte a la reconstitution a l'aide d'un equipement pilote de sechage par atomisation avec un lit fluidise integre et un systeme de recyclage des fines vers la chambre de sechage. Le procede a implique la standardisation du lait de bufflesse suivie d'une concentration sous vide, l'addition de farine de riz broye et d'une partie du sucre, le pre-chauffage du melange pour gelifier l'amidon et finalement le sechage par atomisation (tour de sechage: temperature d'air d'entree 170 °C et d'air de sortie 86 °C; lit fluidise: temperature d'air d'entree 88 °C et temperature d'air de sortie 80 °C). La poudre etait ensuite melangee a sec avec le sucre en poudre. Le melange instantane de kheer ainsi obtenu etait analyse pour ses proprietes physicochimiques. Immediatement apres preparation, la poudre avait une bonne fluidite (angle de repos 40,09°) et des masses volumiques en vrac et tassee relativement elevees (0,69 g.cm -3 et 0,81 g.cm -3 respectivement) correspondant a une masse volumique particulaire de 1,25 g.cm -3 , une teneur en air inclus de 6,63 cm 3 .100 g -1 , une teneur en air interstitiel de 45,00 cm 3 .100 g -1 et une porosite de 44,80 %. Elle avait un index de solubilite de 4,00 mL, une mouillabilite de 2,00 min et une dispersibilite de 75,38 %.

Changes in blood glucose, plasma non-esterified fatty acids and insulin in pregnant and non-pregnant goats

Abstract: The blood glucose and the plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin concentrations were estimated in jugular blood samples from 18 Alpine x Beetal and Sannen x Beetal goats during pregnancy and compared with samples from non-pregnant goats and from goats during the periparturient period The blood glucose levels in the pregnant goats rose to a peak of about 60 +/- 136 mg/ml at 42-56 days and then declined to about 46 +/- 237 mg/ml at 112-126 days In non-pregnant goats, the blood glucose levels were significantly (p < 001) higher than in pregnant goats, except between days 42 and 70 (59 +/- 136 mg/ml) On the day of kidding, the levels declined significantly (p < 001), increasing again thereafter The plasma NEFA concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant than in non-pregnant goats from days 56 to 126 The NEFA concentration increased on the day of kidding, followed by a transient fall by day 3 The plasma insulin concentration was usually higher in pregnant than in non-pregnant goats, except between days 56 and 70 and from day 126 onwards The insulin concentration fell late in pregnancy, but there was a transient increase 2 days after parturition The blood glucose and plasma NEFA concentrations can be used as indices of nutritional status during pregnancy in goats

Hormone profile of crossbred goats during the periparturient period.

Abstract: The plasma hormone profile of progesterone, 17β-oestradiol, prolactin, growth hormone (GH), cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and insulin were estimated by radioimmunoassay in jugular blood samples from 10 Alpine×Beetal crossbred goats during the periparturient period. The plasma progesterone concentrations declined from day 20 prior to kidding to the day of kidding and then remained at a basal level. 17β-Oestradiol concentrations declined from day 20 to day 4 prepartum, followed by a continuous increase to reach a peak at kidding. Plasma oestradiol declined abruptly on day 1 postpartum and remained low throughout the postpartum period. The plasma prolactin concentrations increased continuously from day 20 to day 10 prepartum but then increased to a peak on the day of kidding, followed by a transient decline by day 5 postpartum. The plasma GH concentrations varied significantly (p<0.01) on the different days of sampling but were highest on the day of kidding. The plasma cortisol concentration declined from day 20 to day 2 prepartum, after which it abruptly increased on day 1 prepartum to reach a peak on the day of kidding. The concentrations of plasma T3 remained similar during the prepartum period but were minimal on the day of kidding and increased during postpartum period. The concentration of plasma T4 was also lowest on the day of kidding and increased during the postpartum period. Plasma insulin concentrations were low in the day of kidding.

MHC-DRB exon 2 allele polymorphism in Indian river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Abstract: The polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DRB gene of riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) was studied. Second exon sequences from the buffalo DRB locus, homologous to the cattle DRB3 gene, were amplified and characterized. A combination of single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and heteroduplex analysis (HA) in a non-denaturing gel was used to identify new DRB second exon sequences. SSCP, HA and finally sequencing allowed the identification of 22 MHC-DRB exon 2 alleles from 25 unrelated Indian river buffalo. These are the first river buffalo DRB second exon sequences reported. A high degree of polymorphism in the sequences encoding the peptide binding regions was observed and some amino acid substitutions were found unique to the river buffalo.

Purification, characterization, antibacterial activity and N-terminal sequencing of buffalo-milk lysozyme.

Abstract: Lysozyme from buffalo milk was purified to homogeneity and its N-terminal amino acid sequence, biochemical properties and antibacterial spectrum were determined. The purification procedure, comprising ion-exchange chromatography using CM-cellulose and size-exclusion chromatography using Sephadex G-50, conferred 8622-fold purification and 39.3% recovery of lysozyme. The purified enzyme migrated as a single band on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and native PAGE. Immunological purity of lysozyme preparation was confirmed by immuno-electrophoresis. Molecular weight of buffalo-milk lysozyme as determined by SDS-PAGE was 16 kDa and its amino acid composition was determined by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The sequence of 23 amino acid residues at the N-terminal end showed 56.5% homology with bovine milk lysozyme and 30.4% with equine milk lysozyme. The specific activity of buffalo milk lysozyme was ten-times that of bovine milk lysozyme. Buffalo-milk lysozyme was active over a wide range of pH and its activity was strongly influenced by molarity of the medium. Antibacterial activity of buffalo-milk lysozyme was determined against 11 species of bacteria; out of seven Gram-positive bacteria tested, four were inhibited, while Gram-negative bacteria were resistant.

Moisture sorption characteristics of dudh churpi, a traditional milk product in India.

Abstract: Dudh churpi, a shelf-stable traditional milk product, iswidely manufactured in a cottage scale in several countries ofthe Indian Subcontinent. It is recognised as a classical mediumfor preservation of milk solids, especially milk proteins [1].Sensory, textural and chemical properties of market samples ofdudh churpi widely differ which in turn influence quality attri-butes and limit shelf stability of the product [1, 2]. The param-eters encountered in the market samples of dudh churpi inrespect of shelf stability were optimised by the application ofhurdle technology [3–5]. The pronounced gumminess, chew-ability, shelf stability and convenience make the product attrac-tive to all classes of consumers to use it as a chewing gum, andthus encourage the production of dudh churpi. Leistner [6] cri-tically reviewed and recommended that dudh churpi is anexample of application of combined methods (hurdle technol-ogy) among shelf-stable products. Heating, acid coagulation,addition of sugar and sorbate, smoking, drying, and packagingin a closed container make the product more stable [7].Water vapour sorption isotherms are the fundamental char-acteristics of materials in relation to stability of a food product.The information from moisture sorption data reveals deteriora-tive reactions in foods. It also provides an easy way to evaluatephysical, chemical and microbiological parameters for thedetermination of stability of dehydrated foods [8, 9]. Moisturesorption isotherms of numerous food products including wheyproteins, cheese, yoghurt and khoa have been established [10–14]. The objectives of this study were to provide reliableexperimental data of the sorption characteristics of standard-ized dudh churpi, investigate the water binding mechanisms,and suggest simple mathematical models which describe thesorption data.

Dark neurons in the ageing cerebellum: their mode of formation and effect of Maharishi Amrit Kalash.

Abstract: Dark neurons are considered a manifestation of neuronal injury and although they cover various grades of damage their mode of formation is not yet clear. Age-dependent alterations in a dark purkinje neuronal population of guinea pigs (10 months and 32 months old) and rats (3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15 months and 28 months) were studied. Light microscopical and electron microscopical observations revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the number of dark purkinje neurons with age in both the guinea pigs and rats. Extraction of lipids from the cerebellum sections before processing for histochemical reaction resulted in a reduction of the dark neuronal population. In an other set of experiments, significant age-dependent increase in the cathepsin-D activity and lipid peroxidation was documented in the guinea pig cerebellum. Treatment of guinea pigs with Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) (500 mg/kg body wt/day, for two months) significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) the activity of cathepsin-D and lipid peroxidation, and decreased the number of dark neurons. These findings suggest that the number of dark neurons increases with age and MAK prevents the conversion of light to dark purkinje neurons due to its inhibitory effects on cathepsin-D activity and antioxidant properties. We suggest that the conformational changes in the normal protein structure due to higher proteolytic activity and peroxidation of lipid in the aging cerebellum endangers a redundant capability for various staining agents and the Osimic acid molecules to react with proteins, lipids and other molecules, leading to an intensified cyto- and karyoplasms electron density.

Improved psychological status in a modified therapeutic community for homeless MICA men

Abstract: An adaptation of the drug-free therapeutic community (TC) model to homeless men with comorbid mental illness and chemical addiction (MICA) was evaluated with respect to change in psychological status over the course of a six-month residential treatment. Psychological status was assessed by: the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL90-R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Shortened Manifest Anxiety Scale (SMAS), and Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS). A total of 52 out of an original study cohort of 124 residents were followed in longitudinal analyses to treatment midpoint, with a subset of 34 assessed through treatment completion. Significant, widespread psychological improvements were found during both the first and second half of treatment; it would appear that distress reduction was ongoing throughout treatment, with intrapersonal preceding interpersonal relief. The premise of applying a socially-based treatment to this population is discussed in light of these findings.

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of follicles from Indian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with reproductive problems.

Abstract: WOOD), P. DISSANAIKE., S. & NIITChIELL, C. F. (198' ) A niionoclonal aitilods -based inIlILltinnoradioieletric assav for detectioni of circulating anitigen in 13anciottiain tilariasis. Ituciinal c)f liintmolOiyni 134, 1172-1177 (RAUER, G. F., CULHANM, (. N., (CO LE, . J., POFF, B. (-., BERL EY, T. D., 13ROW\ NFIEL 1), M. S. & (GRIEV E, R. B. 1987) Clinicopatliologic anid histologic ev alciation of ]) iiinltls-iniduiced nephropaths inldogs. AiliCricall Joil itio ol71-opica1l Mc//Ic l i( itl FzvglcH giicl 3, 588-'96 IANF T. H. c\ SIAL)ER, 1). IR. 1996) Parasitologs. In Reptile Sledicine anid Sirgers. Ed I). R. Ilader. Philadelphia, W5. B. SaLntiders. pp 185-29i3 M1O1LINA, J. IM.. OROS, J., FERRER, O., FERNANDEZ, A. & HERNASNDEZ, S. 1995) Deteccion iInIinLiIhistoqliniica de L 1 de L)iriofiliiai iutiSiis mediante lill StieIr policloiial aniti-ES (prodUctos de excrecioni-secrecion) de sertiocs adciltos. lirocceediigs Congreso Ilherico de Parasitologia. Salitiago de ornpostela, Spain, juis 24 to 28, 995. p 173 NIOLINA, A. J. NI., OROS, I., FERRER, O., RODRIGUE[7, F., GUTIERREZ, A. C. & HERNANIDEZ, S. 199 Immcinci1011histochenical detectioni of DirtifilarMi iiiii)litiS LISinig a rabbit polyclonIal aniti-sercim against adtlt somilatic anitigenis anid exciett rs -secretiors prodcicts. Piiiissittologil 39, 441-444 0131.M11VE, B. A. & EKEN\AN, C. C. 1987) Speciatioi of Folicycllii (iigliiic Filal-iniel) infecting wild Agioitn itii ing Nigeria. Hc1nliiiltclc1ogiia 24,257268 OBIAMIWE15F, 13. ., OfINIAG, 1. E. & UB(M,130OIKO, E. S. (1995) Mlorphologi aInd CN tologg\ studs oif hcl(ci lia tigoiitiii' complex (Nemilatoda: Filaritnae) inifectilig the agamllic liczard Agiiiiaii iig(iim in Nigeria. Piiisitology Resc'ircli 81, i271-0(1 OROS, I., NINAFSfilTA, A., N ROD)RI(,GEZ, J. L., RODtRIGUFZ, F. & FERNAN Z I)F7, A. 1996) EDemonstirationi of rat CAR hacillus Lisiig a labelled strepitas cdiii hiotini ([,S,-\1s inmetlhod. jourt iail ci( t ecriiar'yMcdcalti f Si ciiic 58, '1'3-l22 SC 11 HNER, 1. F & CRANS., W. J. 19731) Folycilla fiuiciiuiifa sp 1 Nenliatoda: Filarioidea) tfio ii Rtib1caoitcbic1ania in Ness Jerses, wsith a res iessw of the gentis anId crectioil of tio ieissc\ ihgenera. Jouriiniil o-fPoiuutusutoluogp' 59, 68-i 691 SUGINIMOTO, J., LNE, ., SHIROTA, K., IlIARAKI, J. & NONIMRA, Y. (198-5) G.lonerUilopathies iii dogs natuiralls inifected iswith D iiulntiutis. Vella casvae synclroiite ct dili-ofilariasis. iBllleitit of tlii'tc Ailii I tetirlliary Collc'gc 5, 1l5112 T, \NAKAK K. 1. & NI S'FIL, R. 13. (19911) Itminiluioperoxidase staininig charactCi istics of 1) iiiiutus in the dog. Rescarchf iii ietci titar i' Sc ietice 50, 33-37 THOINAS, ( C. 1,\RTNV'OHL, J. F., PF NRL, R. K. & GARDINER, C. H. (1996) Ssolleit edlid .issociated sith Folcyclla sp inifectiioi in a chaiticleon. Jiitiritiil of ilt Nut cooiii) I citci ialc SItI(licalNAssociiitiii 209, 972-973 SWLEIL, (G. J. MI SIANE, NI., POSERS, K. C. & SALENTON-B3LAFIR 1985) MolinoclonIal anitibodics to parasite anitigenis fotlild in the serotlsl of D) tiittictis inifected dc3is. lout nil ofltfiitliitiologli 134, 118-i-1191 /tU( HOWSKAN F. 1987) 1Filal iasis of lizards. Aicifii(1nat focicryiiu itryna 43, 73941)

HIV risk behaviors by gender and ethnicity among substance abusers entering treatment

Abstract: Despite the prevalence of public information about the transmission and prevention of HIV infection, substance abusers entering drug treatment programs still report many behaviors that are related ...

Knowledge of farm women towards clean milk production practices

Abstract: The research study was conducted by personal interview in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal Slate. The 120 respondents were selected from 12 villages by simple random sampling technique. It was found that majority of the dairy farm women had medium knowledge level towards clean milk production practices.

Farm women in commercial dairy farming

Abstract: Role of women in dairy farming is worthy enough. Farm women having dairy farms with a herd size of minimum three milch animals and registered with co-operative members of dairy co-operative were considered. Farm women participated in different operations namely feeding, milking, preparation of milk products, cleaning of dairy sheds, utensils and dairy animals. The constraints expressed by women were low price of milk, non availability of greed fodders in summer, lack of transport facilities, lack of financial resources and non availability of veterinary health care.

CLONING, CHARACTERIZATION, AND EXPRESSION STUDIES IN ESCHERICHIA COLI OF GROWTH HORMONE cDNAs FROM INDIAN ZEBU CATTLE, REVERINE BUFFALO, AND BEETAL GOAT

Abstract: The growth hormone cDNAs from three different economically important animal species of indian origin viz., indian zebu cattle (Bos indicus), indian reverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), and beetal goat (Capra hircus) were isolated by the RT-PCR technique. The amplified product was then cloned into phagemid pBluescriptIIKS- and the nucleotide sequence of the entire 573 base coding region for each product was determined. The genetic sequences as well as the translated protein sequence of these ruminant species were compared to that of closely related species like taurine cattle (Bos taurus) and sheep (Ovis aries). A very high degree of nucleotide sequence homology, ranging between 97-98%, was observed. Subsequently, the buffalo and goat cDNAs were used for expression studies in Escherichia coli. Very low levels of expression resulted when the growth hormone cDNAs were directly placed under the strong E. coli (trc) or phage (T7) promoters with the approximate level being less than 0.1% and 1% of the intracellular E. coli proteins, respectively. The nearly 10-fold enhancement of the level of expression as observed was attributable to the nature of the untranslated leader sequence donated by the individual expression element. High level (about 20% of soluble E. coli protein) expression of buffalo/goat growth hormone was achieved as a fusion protein with glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in pGEX-KT. Further, although attempts at converting the GST-GH fusion protein system to a two-cistronic gene expression system were unsuccessful, the utilization of a short synthetic first cistron in the two-cistronic mode of expression resulted in high levels (approximately 30% of soluble protein cell fraction) of GH polypeptide with a native N-terminus in E. coli for all three cDNAs.

Factors affecting linkages among research, extension and farmers - a review

Abstract: The effective link among research, extension and farmers depends on multiple factors. In one stance, the linkage strength is influnenced by the personal and psychological factors of the concerned personnel. Also the organizational factors like goal of the organization, organizational climate, etc., external factors like government policy, donor agencies, farmers group etc., and varieties of the constraining factors have limiting effects on the linkage strength. The present review aptly highlights all such factors influencing the linkage strength.

Constraints analysis ofdairy farmers in Bihar

Abstract: The study was conducted in Kalwari, Nariyar, Pilki, and Mohammadpur villages of Muzaffarpur district and Mahuawa, Bisunpurwa, Pipradih and Bela villages of East Champaran district of North Bihar. Data were collected from a total of 128 dairy farmers belonging to Beneficiaries (64) and non-Beneficiaries (64) of Tirhut Milk Producers' Co-operative Union Limited. Majority of the respondents were found to be experiencing moderate level of constraints in adoption of SDFPs. The extent of constraints were 50.48 and 46.08 per cent as experienced by beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, respectively. Extent of constraints was maximum in breeding and minimum in management among both categories of respondents.

Daily Activities of Cocaine-Dependent Methadone Patients

Abstract: This is an exploratory study of 18 inner-city methadone patients who reported on their hourly activities across nine consecutive days. Subjects were 56% male, unemployed, 89% used crack, 28% used intranasal cocaine, and 22% injected cocaine. The most frequent daily activities were: sleeping, watching TV, substance and/or alcohol use, socializing, food preparation/eating, and attending the methadone program. On days cocaine was used, mean number of hours spent smoking crack, sniffing, and/or injecting was 2.2. Drug usage was highest on Saturday and lowest on Sunday. Cocaine use occurred over most of the day, increasing after 5 pm and remaining elevated until about midnight. In addition to substance abuse, these patients' days are limited to mostly passive activities (e.g., sleeping, eating, watching TV). Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

Constraints faced by the extension personnel in implementation of training programmes

Abstract: The study was conducted in Dausa district of Rajasthan state. There were 22 extension personnel in study area, which were purposively selected for knowing the problems faced by trainers in making the in-service training programme more effective. The study revealed that technical competency of instructor, existing staffing pattern of the directorate of agriculture, senior-subordinate relationship, co-operation of different departments, and lacks of supervision over training institution were the major problems. Where as lack of proper response from farmers, lack of sincerity among the administrators who were directly concerned with the training organizations and lack of sincerity of extension personnel were minor problems in view of majority of the extension-personnel.