Showing papers in "Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences in 2012"

Role of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in enhancing P availability and promoting cotton growth.

Abstract: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) mediate the soil processes such as decomposition, nutrient mobilization, mineralization, solubilization, nitrogen fixation and growth hormone production. Microorganisms having the phosphate solubilizing capacity can convert the insoluble phosphates into soluble forms through the production of organic acids. Inoculation of seed with P-solubilizing microorganisms is a promising technique which may alleviate the deficiency of phosphorus. This bioavailability of soil inorganic phosphorus in the rhizosphere varies considerably with plant species and nutritional status of soil. A field experiment was conducted at Fiber Crops Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad to assess the ability of P-solubilizing rhizobacteria to enhance the growth and yield of cotton. Isolation and screening of P-solubilizer on Pikovskaya’s medium was carried out at the Soil Bacteriology Section Faisalabad. The trial was conducted on clay loam soil with pH 8.3, EC 2.8 dSm, N 0.040 %, organic matter 0.75% and available P 10.3 mg kg with three fertilizer levels viz. 120-30, 120-60, 120-90 kg NP ha with and without P-solubilizer (Bacillus sp.) inoculum. Results revealed that bacterial inoculum produced significantly higher seed cotton yield 1630 as compared to 1511 kg ha. The highest seed cotton yield was observed at highest fertilizer level i.e. 1733 kg ha with inoculum. The physical parameters like plant height, number of bolls per plant and boll weight and soil available P determined at regular intervals (30, 60, 90, days after sowing) was also found higher in the inoculated treatments. More exploration of this area of research should be carried out in different ecologies to compensate the mineral fertilizers

Rhus coriaria linn, a plant of medicinal, nutritional and industrial importance: a review

Abstract: Rhus coriariaLinn. (Anacardiacea), commonly known as sumac, has been used as aspice, condiment, appetizer ,and as a souring agent for centuries.A broadrange of nutritionally and medicinally significant p

The effect of salinity on growth, hormones and mineral elements in leaf and fruit of tomato cultivar PKM1.

Abstract: Tomato cultivar PKM 1 were subjected to 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl stress and response of tomato plant to saltstress were determined by assessing the variability of different biochemical parameters In this present study endogenouscontent of growth hormones IAA and ABA in leaves, proline and mineral (Na+ and K+) content in leaves and maturefruits were estimated Leaf area and dry matter content of tomato fruits under salt stress were determined to study theeffect of salinity on photosynthetic yield Results showed that leaf area and dry matter content of tomato fruits decreasedwith application of elevated salt stress, however endogenous content of IAA, ABA and proline was found to beincreasing with increase in salt treatment Application of NaCl caused increase in Na+ content, while K+ content andK+/Na+ ratio decreased with increase in salt stress Another striking point is that increase in proline and Na+ contentwas more in leaves than fruits, which suggests that leaves are more sensitive than fruitsKeyword: Salt stress, IAA, ABA, Proline, Na+, dry matter

Role of foliar application of salicylic acid and l-tryptophan in drought tolerance of maize

Abstract: Yield of maize is adversely affected by drought. Exogenous application of different chemicals may reduce stress induced inhibition of plant growth. A pot experiment was conducted to determine drought mitigating effect of Salicylic acid and L-Tryptophan. Maize seeds were sown in pots filled with soil. Salicylic acid and L-Tryptophan were sprayed at 3-4 leaves stage @ 100, 150, 200 ppm and 5, 10, 15 ppm, respectively. Drought stress was induced by with holding water after five days of Salicylic acid and L-Tryptophan application. Significantly higher relative water content, leaf membrane stability index, chlorophyll and potassium content were found in plants treated with 100 ppm Salicylic acid and 15 ppm L-Tryptophan compared with other treatments and control plants. Results suggest that foliar application of Salicylic acid and L-Tryptophan can play a role to reduce the effect of drought in maize.

Foliar application of potassium under water deficit conditions improved the growth and yield of wheat ( triticum aestivum l.)

Abstract: Study to find out the response of wheat ( Triticum aestivumL.) cultivars (Lasani-2008, Auqab-2000)to foliar application of 1 % potassium at different growth stages ( tillering, flower initiation and milking ) was carried out under water limited environment, at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad during 2008 -09.The wire house experiment was laid out in completely randomized design. Data regarding various agronomic traits (plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, 1000 -grain weight and grain yield per plant) of crop were recorded using standard procedures. The data so collected were analyzed statistically by using the Fishers analysis of variance technique and LSD at 5% probability was used to compare the differences among treatmentsmeans. Drought stress at all three criti cal growth stages adversely affected plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, 1000 -grain weight and grain yield of wheat plant. Foliar application of K at all three critical growth stages improved the drought t olerance of plants and improved the growth and yield components, however, grain filling stage was found more responsive.

Impact of temperature and precipitation on rice productivity in rice-wheat cropping system of Punjab province.

Abstract: Pattern of temperature and precipitation are changing due to global warming, resulting inhaving impact on crop productivity.The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of climat ic variableson rice productivity in the rice - wheat cropping system of the Punjab. Aggregatedtime series data were used for rice cropCobb Douglas type production function wasemployedwith rice yield as dependent variable and climatic factorsas independent variables. Results showed thatan increase intemperature by 1.5 o C and 3 o C would enhance rice yield by 2.09% and 4.33%, respectively compared to the base year regression estimates. However, an increase in precipitation by 5% and 15% duringSeptember-Octobercould adversely affect rice productivity by 5.71% and 15.26%,respectively. However, its decrease ispositively related with rice yield. Evolving and disseminating rice varieties having adaptation to climate change should be the focus of future research and development. Improved farm management practices,creating awareness among farmersabout climate change and strengthening extension department are some measuresto be taken for adaptation to climate change in the rice region .

Use of Aloe Vera gel as biopreservative for ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Red Chief’ apples

Abstract: The aim of this work was to study effects of Aloe vera gel (0, 1, 5 and 10% w/v) coating on green-coloured ‘Granny Smith’ and red-coloured ‘Red Chief’ apples those were stored at 2 °C for 6 months. Aloe vera gel treatments substantially suppressed the increase in weight loss for ‘Granny Smith’ apples but did not affect weight loss for ‘Red Chief’ apples. Apples from both cultivars softened at definite rates over time, and these rates were not affected from any of the gel treatments. Aloe vera gel treatment suppressed the green colour loss for ‘Granny Smith’ but remained unaffected for ‘Red Chief’ apples. Soluble solids content and percentage titratable acidity was recorded higher for ‘Granny Smith’ apple fruit treated with Aloe vera gel (5 and 10%) during most of the storage period while no Aloe vera gel effects on colour for ‘Red Chief’ apples was recorded. The pH values for ‘Granny Smith’ fruit slightly decreased while slightly increased for ‘Red Chief’ fruit over time, yet values for both cultivars remained unaffected by Aloe vera gel treatments. The results indicated that Aloe vera gel treatment may be used as biopreservative on ‘Granny Smith’ apples for retarding quality losses.

SCREENING OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor Var Moench) FOR DROUGHT TOLERANCE AT SEEDLING STAGE IN POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL.

Abstract: Twenty different accessions of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor var Moench) were evaluated for their genetic potential to drought tolerance at seedling stage. Water stress was simulated by non-ionic water soluble polymer polyethylene glycol of molecular weight 6000. After fourteen days data were recorded for easily measurable seedling traits as shoot length, root length, fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, fresh root weight and dry root weight under control as well as water stress conditions. Significant differences were observed among the accessions, treatments and their interactions for evaluated plant traits suggesting a great amount of variability for drought tolerance in sorghum. Differential sensitivity of seedling traits was noted due to water stress created by PEG. However, shoot related traits were the most sensitive against the water stress. Proportional contribution of RL, SL, FSW, DSW, FRW and DRW was 56.6%, 20.2 %, 10.5%, 8.5%, 3.5% and 0.7% to drought stress as measured by Principle component analysis. Root length (56.6%) was the highest towards drought tolerance, indicating root length was least effected by water stress among all the seedling traits. The most promising drought tolerant accessions (80353, 80365, 80199, 80204 and 80319) were screened through multivariate scoring index.

Post emergence chemical weed control in direct seeded fine rice.

Abstract: Direct seeding of rice isa promising resource conservation technology for rice -wheat cropping system but its adoption is impeded due to heavy weedinfestation.A fieldstudy was conductedduring summer 2008to evaluate the efficacy of post emergence herbicides in three fine rice cultivars viz. Super Basmati, Basmati 385 and Shaheen Basmati under direct seed rice culture at Agronomic Research Area, Un iversity of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Bispyribac sodium, ethoxysulfuron ethyl and penoxuslam were used as early post emergence (15 days after sowing; DAS) atlabel dose of30 and 15 g a.i. ha -1 , respectively . A weedy check andmanual weeding (15 and 25DAS) were maintained for comparison. Bispyribac sodiumsuppressed bothweed density(75%)and dry weight(80%) over control that was highest among all herbicides.Higher rice grain yield and maximum marginal rate of return was also associated with this her bicidein all ricecultivars. Despite of its effectiveness against weeds and scoring higher rice yields, manual weeding was uneconomicalprimarily due to higher costs involved .Post emergence application of bispyribac sodium appearedto be a viable strateg yfor weed control in direct seeded rice with higher economic returns.

Composition analysis of some selected legumes for protein isolates recovery.

Abstract: Four different legumesi.e.chickpea, lentil, broad and kidney beans were evaluated for chemical components, antinutritiona l profilingandprotein isolates recovery includingyield.In tested legumes, antinutritional compounds like phytates and trypsin inhibitor activit ieswerehigher in kidney bean whereas, haemagglutinin -lectin contentin broad bean.However,trypsin inhibit oractivity waslowest in lentil after hydration followed by cooking treatment .Proximate composition revealed that lentilcontained crudeprotein content 31.12±1.68%, followed by chickpea (22.83±1.0 7%), broad bean (22.61±1.24%) and kidney beans ( 20.09±0.52%).The isoelectric precipitation method was usedforthe recovery ofrespectiveproteinisolatesfrom defatted legume samples .Lentil and chickpea showed higherprotein isolates recovery,andyieldas comparedto other legumes .Electophoretic identificat ion explicatedthat legumeprotein isolates polypeptide bandsfall within the range of 4-70kDa.It is deduced that lentil and chickpea had betterprotein isolates recovery and yield thus suitable for the preparation of protein enriched food formulations .

Assessment of aflatoxin b1 in commercial poultry feed and feed ingredients

Abstract: A total of487samples(77and 410of poultry feed ingredients andpoultry feed,respectively) received from various parts ofthe countrywere analysed f or detection of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB 1).Overall incidence of AFB1 in feed ingredient swas 60percent.The average contamination and maximum level sof AFB1were 37.62 and 56μg/kg, respectively ,whereas, the incidenceinpoultryfeed sampleswas 44.39percentwithaverage contamination and maximum level sof23.75 and 78μg/kg, respectively. However, maximum level of AFB1 washigher (78μg/kg)inpoultryfeed samplesascompared to feed ingredients (56 μg/kg).Furthermore,higherincidence and average contaminatio n level ofAFB1 were recorded in mash feeds(49.68percentand 25.12μg/kg, respectively) thanin crumbfeeds (41.32percentand 22.37μg/kg, respectively). A higher incidenceof AFB1 was observedduring therainymonths i.e. July & August in 2009(53.85 & 60.86percent,with contamination level sof 56 & 56μg/kg,respectively)andin 2010 ( 68.18 & 69.44percent with contamination level sof78 & 56μg/kg, respectively) than inother monthsof these years .

Effect of age on milk fatty acids in dairy bufffaloes

Abstract: Milk quality has been an issue of public health concern and changes occur in milk composition with the changing physiological and management states. An experiment was conducted to investigate changes in milk yield and fatty acids profile with advancing age and lactation stage in dairy buffaloes. A total of 12 multiparous lactating dairy buffaloes were divided into two groups younger (1-4 lactation number) and mature (8-10 lactation number) having six animals in each one, which were further subdivided into early (1-3 months) and late (7-10 months) lactation stage. All the buffaloes were stall fed, green fodders were provided ad libitum and concentrate mixture at the scale of 1 kg/2 lit of milk production. The experiment continued for six weeks starting from November upto mid of December 2009. Milk samples were weekly collected for analysis of fatty acids profile. Saturated FAs (SFAs) showed the highest concentration out of the total milk fatty acids and averaged 70.41 g/100 g ranging from 64.96 to 78.83 g/100 g. The concentration of C14:1, C16:1 and C18:3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher in younger buffaloes while C18:1cis, medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and long chain fatty acids (LCFA) were higher in older ones (P <0.05). The ratio of Δ9 desaturase activity was significantly (P <0.05) higher in younger animals (0.11) compared to older (0.07) while it was not affected by lactation stage. It was concluded that the milk fatty acids quality was better in younger animals at early lactation.

Identification and nutritive vale of potential fodder trees and shrubs in the mid Rift Valley of Ethiopa

Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify potential browsespeciesin the midRift Valley of Ethiopia andtoassesstheir nutritive value .A total o f 120 householdfrom four districts inthe midRiftValley of Ethiopia were interviewedto identify locally important browse species .Herbarium samples werecollectedforidentification and/or confirmation of thescientific name s. Sampleswere also takenforchemical composition analysis .A total of18different browsespecies were identified ,whichareregarded as being important for different classes oflivestock. The CPvalue of the edible componentranged between 8.95-20.9%,theNDF valuesrangedfrom30.41-78.55%,theADF valuesrangedfrom19.4247.5%.,and the ADL valuesranged from7.16to 24.68.Generally t he differencesin chemical composition between different browse species were significant.These results indicate that there isa number of promisi ng browse species in the indigenous flora. However, apart from chemical composition, theyneed to be characterized further in terms of palatability, digestibility, feed intake, animal response trials and anti -nutritional factors, in order to be able to enh ance

Ethnobotanical study about medicinal plants of Poonch valley Azad Kashmir.

Abstract: This study contributes to ethnobotanical knowledge of Poonch valley, Azad Kashmir (Northern Pakistan). In the area studied, medicinal plants play significant role among farmers, shepherds and other people who live in villages and remote areas. The plants collected, indicated by the locals, were identified according to “Flora of West Pakistan”. The voucher specimens were deposited in Quaid-i-Azam University Herbarium. A total 56 medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families are listed in this paper. The botanical and vernacular names, their respective family names, part of the plant used and their uses are indicated. Acanthaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceace, Liliaceae, Ranunculaceae and Verbenaceae are the families most frequently present in study area, while Brassicaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Mimosoideae and Cyperaceae are almost absent. The uses of the recorded species relate to minor ailments mainly those of the urinary tract infection (UTI) and kidney stone (13 species), diarrhoea (12 species), respiratory disorder (10 species), Asthma (9 species) and rheumatic (6 species). The results of this survey suggest that the indigenous knowledge related to the recorded species uses came from women aged between 29-50 years whereas in this study the folk medicinal uses come from men.

Combined effect of Beauveria bassiana with neem on virulence of insect in case of two application approaches.

Abstract: Biological control, particularly by entomopathogenic fungi is important for reducing the population density of pests in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. The compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi with crop production techniques such as the use of insecticides is needed to understand, which may inhibit to a smaller or larger extent the development and reproduction of pathogen. The efficacy of microbial control agent could be enhanced by applying them in conjunction with reduced rates of insecticides. The interaction between these control agents could be additive, synergistic or antagonistic. Synergistic interactions would enhance the effectiveness of the microbial control agent while reducing the adverse effects of pesticides. In this review, we will describe the compatibility of entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana and botanical insecticide, neem.

Predominance and detection of different eimeria species causing coccidiosis in layer chickens

Abstract: Poultry sector is not only the source of animal protein it also plays a vital role in the employment generation. This organized and vibrant sector is adversely affected by the protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria which causes Coccidiosis. During the months of July 2009 to June 2010, 500 gut samples of layer chickens along with 250 faecal droppings (litter samples) were collected for the detection of different Eimeria species (coccidian parasite) predominance in the different localities of district Muzaffar garh. Four different species of Eimeria i.e. E. maxima, (30.20%), E. tenella, (39.93%), E. mitis, (19.13%) and E. necatrix (10.74 %) were isolated from 298/500 (59.60%) infected gut samples. The results also indicated that young layer chickens (60.16%) have greater infection ratio as compare with adults (37%). In addition to this it was also observed that highest predominance of coccidiosis was scrutinized during the month of September (73.33%) while lowest during April (42.86%).

The role of extension in changing the dairy industry in Pakistan: a review.

Abstract: Pakistan is primarily an agricultural based country, and livestock plays a pivotal role in its economy by providing essential items of the human diet in the form of milk, meat and eggs. The population of the country is nearly1 80 million, and 36 million in the rural areas depend directly on the livestock and dairy sectors. Pakistan has recently been ranked as the worlds third largest milk producer, with the recent growth in per capita milk production being driven by an increase in the number of dairy animals rather than by milk yield improvement. The current growth in population and increasing demand for food has created the need to produce more milk. Pakistani dairy farmers need to be aware of the key drivers of future change s o that they can plan for increasing demand. This review is focused on the key factors influencing the change in the dairy industry and the role of extension in the change process. The important factors influencing the dairy sector from extension profession als point of view is capacity development through participatory principles . From dairy farmers � perspectives, shift from traditional practices towards improved sustainability and food security. Government and NGOs need to invest in the sector and avoid dup lication and infiltration of dairy programs across the country. The

Agricultural extension in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: difficult present and demanding future.

Abstract: Agriculture is not environmentally ideal for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ye tagricultural sector receives great importance. The state has been making concerted efforts through its five -year development plansto develop its agriculture to en sure food security. Due to the supportiveand encouraging policies of the government, and able guidance from the extension service, farmers were able to enhance agricultural production andachieve self -sufficiency, at least to some extent.A voluminous litera ture indicates the state now exports its products such as wheat, dates, watermelon, poultry and fresh eggs and milk. The kingdom also produces some cereals like: wheat, sorghum, barley and millet in the regions rich in waterresources.Tomatoes, watermelons, eggplants,potatoes, cucumbersand onions arealso grown.

Immunostimulatory effect of ivermectin on macrophage engulfment and delayed type hypersensitivity in broilers.

Abstract: Some studies show that i vermectinenhancesthe immune response in human and animals. An experimental model of broiler chicke ns was designed and developed using ivermectin to evaluate its immunomodulator y response at different doses.Experiment wasdone onmacrophage engulfmentpercentageandtheskin thicknessin the broilers. They were divided into six major gro ups A through F , having ten broiler s in each group. Groups B, C, D, E and F were given ivermectin at the dose rate of 0.15, 0.3, 1, 3 and 5 mg/kg body weights of birds, respectively. Whereas group A was kept as control i -e without iverme ctin.Macrophage engulfment percen tage, in terms of phagocytosis was significantly high in groups E and F.The mean skin thickness values in broiler s of Group F (Highly medicated) was significan tly (P<0.05) higher than in broiler s of all the groups. Skin sensitivity at 24 hrs.and 48hrs.was highest in the broiler s administered with 5 mg/kg body weight (the highest dose) of ivermectin. Our study indicated that immunostimulatory effect of ivermectin ca n also be achieved in broilers for the treatment ofviral/bacterial disease problemswithimmunosuppression

Performance traits study of Holstein Friesian cattle under subtropical conditions.

Abstract: Performance traits of Holstein Friesian maintained at Agricultural University Dairy Farm Peshawar from 1999 to 2008 were studied to investigate the effect of sire, parity, season and year of calving on the traits under study. Heritability and repeatability estimates of various traits were worked out by data analysis. Mean lactation milk yield (LMY), lactation length (LL) and dry period (DP) were 3438±887.19 kg, 366.5±76.71 days and 100.26±61.38 days, respectively. Heritability estimates for LMY, LL and DP were 0.255±0.328, 0.184±0.161 and 0.171±0.204, respectively and repeatability estimates for these traits were 0.261±0.088, 0.194±0.073 and 0.198±0.085, respectively. Significant effect of calving season on the studied traits and low to moderate heritability and repeatability estimates depicted that these traits were highly influenced by non-genetic factors and efforts to improve subtropical environmental conditions will bring an improvement in these traits.

Evaluating the performance of three mungbean varieties grown under varying inter-row spacing.

Abstract: A field trial was conducted to establish the proper inter -row spacing and suitable variety evaluation in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Three mung bean va rieties V

Allelopathic plant water extracts tank mixed with reduced doses of atrazine efficiently control Trianthema portulacastrum L. in Zea mays L.

Abstract: The study was taken up to assess the nutritional status of dairy animals in peri-urban dairies in Punjab State of Indi a.The stateGovernment has established 7 peri -urban dairies; 2 each in Ludhiana and Amritsarand 1 each inJalandhar, Ferozepur and HoshiarpurDistricts.About 30 dairy houses were selected randomly from each complex. Buffaloes predominated in almost all

Pathogenicity of citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans) on Citrus jambhiri.

Abstract: Citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans) causes severe damage to citrus. In the present study the relationship between different initial densities of T. semipenetrans and reduction in growth parameters of Citrus jambhiri and nematode infestations was examined in pot experiment under greenhouse conditions using completely randomized design. Seedlings of C. jambhiri were inoculated with T. semipenetrans at the rate of 0, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 and 8,000 second stage juveniles/pot in the greenhouse. Data were collected on fresh and dry weights of the shoot and root, shoot length, nematode populations in the roots and soil and reproduction factor. All the data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5%. The relationships between number of galls and growth variables and nematode infestations were determined using regression analysis. It was observed that all the inoculum densities caused reductions in growth parameters and were found directly proportional to the inoculum density. Similarly, a direct relationship was observed between root and soil populations of the nematode and inoculum levels. On the other hand, the nematode build up was the maximum at lower inoculum level and an inverse relationship was observed between reproduction factor and inoculum densities of the nematode.

Influence of priming techniques on emergence and seedling growth of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.).

Abstract: Seed priming is a technique which improves the germination andearlygrowth under prevailing environmental conditions. However, the inf ormation on seed priming in sorghum is lacking in Pakistan. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of different seedpriming techniques, un -soaked seed (control), Hydro -priming (soaked with distill water), Halopriming with KNO3andCaCl2(1% solution), on seed emergence and seedling growth of three sorghum genotypes (Hegari, JS -263 and JS-2002). Experiment was conducted inwire house under natural climatic conditions during 2008. All the priming treatments significantly affected the fres h weight, shoot length, number of roots, root length, vigor index, time to start emergence, time to 50% emergence and energy of emergence of forage sorghum. The interactive effect of varieties and priming techniques were not significant for mean emergence time and coefficient of uniformity of emergence. It is concluded that seed priming may serve as an appropriate treatment for accelerating the emergence of sorghum genotypes studied.

Chemical evaluation of weed seeds mixed with wheat grains at harvest

Abstract: Phytochemical potential of fifteenweeds associated with wheat crop was evaluated.Qualitative andquantitative phytochemical analysis of w eed seedextractswas made.Alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, anthraquinine, steroids, flav onoids and tanninswere detectedfrom the weed seeds .Tannins and alkaloids were in high conc entration. Tannins ranged from 7.97 to 24.17%, alkaloids0.88 to 4.00 %, saponins 0.54 to 1.29 % and flavonoids 3.91 to 15.55 %. Wheat weeds care medicianlly important but their phytochemical potential needs to be further investigated .

Prevalence of aflatoxin B1 in finished commercial broiler feed from west central Pakistan.

Abstract: Aflatoxin contamination of poultry feed results in heavy economic loss and a potential risk for human being. Finished commercial broiler feed (n=96) samples collected fromdifferentbroiler farms for theperiod June 2009 to May 2010 fromsouthwestPakistanwereanalyzed foraflatoxinB1(AfB1)by using thin layer chromatography with a detection limit of 3µg/kg.Analysis rethat91.66% sampleswere positivewith a range10 to 166µg/kg and mean 47.64±2.55µg/kg.Highestlevelof AfB1was found in the month of September ranged from 42 to 166 µg/kg with mean of 83.25±16.11µg/kg. Categorically 82.30% samples were above the p ermissible limit recommenced byUnited States Food and Drug Administration .A significant(P<0.05)effectof season onaflatoxinproductionwas noted.The prevalence of AfB1may beattributedto poor harvesting technique, insect infestation, storage or env ironmental conditions.

Gentetic variability, correlation and diversity studies in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm.

Abstract: Forty one bread wheat genotypes grown in Peshawar, Pakistan during winter 2009-2010 were evaluated for variability parameters and correlation for number of grains/spike, number of tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight, flag leaf area, grain yield per plant and spike density. Significant genotypic differences were observed for all the traits studied indicating considerable amount of variation among genotypes for each character. The estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were high for grain yield per plant, flag leaf area and number of tillers per plant. The remaining traits exhibit moderate to low PCV and GCV estimates. High heritability estimates were recorded for all the traits studied. These traits also indicate high expected genetic advance except spike density and number of tillers per plant. Grain yield per plant showed highly significant positive correlation with number of tillers per plant and number of grains/spike and significant positive correlation with 1000-grain weight. Based on Euclidian dissimilarity distance, the cluster analysis separated the 41 wheat genotypes into eight different clusters.

Storage performance of apple cultivars harvested at different stages of maturity

Abstract: 2 ) but also the bitter pit (14.22 %) and soft rot (15.52 %) incidence, while titratable acidity (0.56 %) was observed in cultivarMondial Gala. The percent weight loss, total soluble solids, total sugar, bitter pit incidence and soft rot increased while, juice content, ti tratable acidity, ascorbic acid and firmness declined with increase in storage duration. The juice con tent (47.68 %), total soluble solids (10.07), total sugar (9.31 %), ascorbic acid (10.11 mg/100g) and soft rot (9.52 %) recorded with early mature fruit, increased to juice content (59.33 %), total soluble solids (12.92), total sugar (12.98 %), ascorbic ac id (12.50 %) and soft rot (15.22 %) accordingly in late mature fruits, while weight loss (3.34 %), titratable acidity (0.59 %), firmness (5.88 kg/cm 2 ), and bitter pit (11.69 %) recorded at early maturity stage, declined with delaying the harvesting to weig ht loss (1.93 %), starch score (3.21), titratable acidity (0.49 %), firmness (4.81 kg/cm 2 ), density of fruit (4.81 g/cm 3 ) and bitter pit (6.63 %) at late maturity stage.

Biochemical studies and serodiagnosis of haemonchosis in sheep and goats

Abstract: Haemonchosisis a serious health problem which causes lower production due to high m orbidity, mortality ,and cost of treatment and control measures. Therapeutical trials to control and treat haemonchosis were conducted by using various allopathic, homeopathic, herbal and biological products. A total of 120 sheep and goats were randomly di vided into groups A, B, C, D, E & F and animals in group A, B, C and D were treated with Ivermectin, Azedarachta indica(neem Leaves) Powder,Trematox(a homeopathic drug), EM -Biovet(Effective micro -organisms) respectively. Whereas E and F were kept as in fected untreated and uninfected control respectively. A total of 264 sheep and goat out of 300 blood samples (88%) were found positive for the Haemonchuscontortus.A range of haematological measures were significantly different between infected groups and uninfected controls at one or more time points. The concentrations of serum albumin, packed cells volume (PCV), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), blood eosinophil number were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the concentration haemoglobin,totalRBCs,total serum proteins, Albumin Globulin Ratio (A/G Ratio) were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in haemonchus infected animals. There were no significant differences among infected and control groups in total WBC counts, but it was relatively high in i nfected animals compared to healthy animals. The percentage of n eutrophils was low while lymphocytes count,number of basophils and monocytes number in percentage were high. It was concluded that decreased hemoglobin concentration, total serum proteins, to tal RBCs, and A/G ratio were important indicators of haemoncho sis in sheep and goats.

Sulfonamide residues determination in commercial poultry meat and eggs

Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the residual level of sulfonamides in poultry meat and eggs. This drug isfrequently used in poultry and suspected residues present in meat and eggs may be injurious to human health. A total of30 egg samples, each consisting of 3 eggs, and 30 breast meat samples, collected randomly from sale points at differentlocations and poultry farms of Rawalpindi/Islamabad were used to detect the sulfonamide residues. These egg and meatsamples were stored at 4°C and -20°C, respectively, until the time of analysis. Extraction of sulfonamides from eggs wasperformed using liquid-liquid extraction procedure with acetonitrile and n-hexane while acetonitrile was also used formeat samples followed by clean up with solid phase extraction columns (C18). Detection of sulfonamide residues weremade by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detector set at 265 nm using C 18 column (25cm×0.46, 5 µm) under isocratic conditions and using 0.01 M potassium di-hydrogen phosphate (KH