Showing papers in "Pakistan Journal of Zoology in 2015"

Comparison of artificial neural network and decision tree algorithms used for predicting live weight at post weaning period from some biometrical characteristics in Harnai sheep.

Abstract: The present investigation deals with comparing performance of different data mining algorithms viz., CHAID, EXHAUSTIVE CHAID, CART and ANN, in order to predict body weight from biometrical characteristics for a total of 161 Harnai lambs changing in age between 6-9 months. Minimum numbers of lambs in parent and child nodes were set 20:10 for first three algorithms in order to improve their predictive ability. Considered as an outcome variable, body weight were predicted from explanatory variables, linear body measurements; namely, body length (BL), withers height (WH), chest girth (CG), paunch girth (PG), face length (FL), length between ears (LBE), length of ears (EARL), width (FTW) and length (FTL) of tail, and sex factor. To find out the best one among aforenamed four algorithms, model quality criteria like coefficient of determination (R 2 %), adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj-R 2 %), coefficient of variation (CV%), SD ratio (the ratio of SD of errors to SD of the actual dependent variable values), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Relative Approximation Error (RAE) and the Pearson correlation between actual and predicted values were estimated. All the qualified algorithms were very sufficient; therefore, the use of Exhaustive CHAID in the prediction of body weight presented the best fit in both model quality criteria and more proper decision tree diagram visually, which may provide some advantageous in exhibition of some breed standards of the Harnai sheep.

Effect of Organic Acid Supplementation on the Performance and Ileal Microflora of Broiler During Finishing Period

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of organic acid on the performance and ileal microflora of broiler during finishing phase. A total of 150 day old broiler chicks were divided into five experimental groups i.e., OA-0, OA-0.5, OA-1, OA-1.5 and OA-2.00 and were supplemented in drinking water at the rate of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% organic acid blend, Aciflex®, respectively. Aciflex® consisted of citric acid 80 g, lactic acid 52 g, CuSO4 10 g and phosphoric acid 92 g/l. Each group was further divided into three replicates having 10 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design. The birds were reared in separate pens for 22 to 42 days in an open sided house. At the end of the experiment, the results revealed that body weight, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield and liver weight increased significantly (P<0.05) in the treated groups showing linear improvement. Similarly, bacterial microflora including E. coli and Salmonella decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the treated groups. Best antimicrobial results were observed in OA-2 group. We concluded from the results that organic acid improved the production and decreased microbial population in broiler during finishing stage.

Resistance status of Musca domestica L. populations to neonicotinoids and insect growth regulators in Pakistan poultry facilities.

Abstract: House flies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) are mechanical vectors of many diseases on poultry facilities and have the ability to develop resistance to different insecticides. The aim of the present study was to assess the resistance status of house flies to neonicotinoids and insect growth regulators (IGR) from poultry facility populations in Punjab, Pakistan. M. domestica populations from five poultry facilities were studied for their resistance status to selected neonicotinoids and IGRs. For three neonicotinoids, the range of resistance ratio was 4.9-16-fold for acetamiprid, 2-14-fold for imidacloprid and 9.7-35-fold for nitenpyram when compared with the susceptible population. For four IGRs, the range of resistance ratio was 0.3-6.6-fold for pyriproxyfen, 0.8-18-fold for cyromazine, 1-22-fold for lufenuron and 1-14-fold for methoxyfenozide. Positive significant correlations were found among the toxicities of acetamiprid, nitenpyram and cyromazine. Regular insecticide resistance monitoring and integrated management plans on poultry facilities are required to prevent resistance development, field control failures and environmental pollution.

Histopathological changes in liver and kidney of common carp exposed to sub-lethal doses of malathion.

Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an organophosphorous pesticide malathion on histo-architecture of liver and kidney of common carp exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations (1.5 and 3.0 mg/L) for a period of 8 days. The 96 h LC50 value of malathion for common carp was 15.24 mg/L. Several morphological changes were observed in the liver after exposure to the malathion. Hypertrophy of hepatocytes, mild to severe necrosis and minor vacuolation was found in liver exposed to both concentrations. Similarly, a number of changes such as, pycknosis, necrosis, disintegrated renal tubule, vacuole, shrunk glomerulus etc were observed in the kidney exposed to both concentrations. The changes in these vital organs might have resulted in physiological and metabolic dysfunction. Therefore, the use of pesticide in the agricultural field may be a threat to fish health and their population in the aquatic environment.

Tissue specific heavy metals uptake in economically important fish, Cyprinus carpio at acute exposure of metals mixtures.

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to check the tissue-specific accumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Co and Cd) in the form of mixtures in 180-day old Cyprinus carpio (common carp) during the 96-h exposure period. The four waterborne heavy metals mixtures viz., Pb-Cd, Pb-Co, Co-Cd and Pb-Co-Cd were selected for these experiments to assess the acute toxicity (in terms of 96-h LC50 and lethal concentrations) and bio-accumulation patterns in various tissues of C. carpio. Toxicities of four metals mixtures followed the order: Co-Cd > Pb-Cd > Pb-Co > Pb-Co-Cd; Co-Cd > Pb-Co > Pb-Cd > Pb-Co-Cd for 96-h LC50 and lethal concentration exposures, respectively. Significant differences were observed for the accumulation of metals in selected fish tissues. Amassing of heavy metals in various tissues of fish followed the order: kidney > liver > gills > skin > muscles. In conclusion, results revealed higher level of all selected metals in kidney and liver of C. carpio while muscles showed least tendency for accumulation. However, the overall load of metals mixtures for their accumulation in fish followed the order: Pb-Co- Cd > Pb-Co > Pb-Cd > Co-Cd. Therefore, it is necessary to control the use of heavy metals because they are posing hazardous impacts to aquatic fauna which ultimately leads to serious human health concern.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasmosis in sheep and goats in Pothwar region, northern Punjab, Pakistan.

Abstract: Present study was designed to find out the prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats present in northern parts of Punjab province, Pakistan. For this purpose serum samples collected from 413 sheep and 419 goats were tested for detection of anti-Toxoplasma-IgG and IgM antibodies by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in sheep and goats was 18.16% (75/413) and 14.32% (60/419) respectively. Prevalence of IgG antibodies was 15.49% (64/413) in sheep and 11.93% (50/419) in goats while IgM antibody prevalence was 3.39% (14/413) and 2.86% (12/419) in sheep and goats respectively. Infection was more common in female and older animals. Other statistically significant risk factors in sheep were poor hygienic conditions (OR = 4.91, p<0.01), presence of cats (OR = 2.08, p<0.05), extensive farming practice (OR = 2.19, p<0.05), flock size larger than 50 individuals (OR = 4.24, p<0.01) and pregnancy (OR =2.50, p<0.05). Similarly statistically significant risk factors in goats were poor hygienic condition (OR = 2.06, p<0.05), usage of outdoor water source (OR = 2.06, p<0.01), presence of cats (OR = 2.03, p<0.05), extensive farming practice (OR = 2.25, p<0.05) and flock sized larger than 30 (OR = 4.24, p<0.05) and 50 (OR = 6.82, p<0.01) individuals. Seroprevalence was significantly high in salt range sheep as compared to other breeds of sheep (OR = 5.51, p<0.01). Results indicate that T. gondii infection is widely prevalent in sheep and goats of northern Punjab, Pakistan and may have important consideration for livestock industry and public health.

Heavy Metals Uptake by Cucurbita maxima Grown in Soil Contaminated with Sewage Water and its Human Health Implications in Peri-urban Areas of Sargodha City

Abstract: Accumulation of six different metals such as Cr, Mn, Fe, Mo, Pb, and Cd in a potential vegetable crop, pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), and its subsequent human exposure risks were determined at two peri-urban sites (Sahiwal and Shahpur) within the Sargodha city, Pakistan, where wastewater is used for irrigating most of the vegetables grown therein. The results demonstrated that the metal levels in the soil samples were relatively below the respective maximum permissible limits of various metals analyzed. The pattern of total metal concentration in vegetable was Mn > Fe > Cr > Mo > Pb > Cd. At both the peri urban sites, the transfer factor ranged from 0.01 to 71.295, with Cr having the highest transfer factor. The differences in uptake of these heavy metals can be ascribed to difference in tolerance to these metals by the vegetable species. The studies also showed dietary intake of Pb, Cd, Mn, and Mo via Cucurbita maxima was not free of risk for residents of investigated sites consuming this vegetable.

Diversity of intestinal parasites in male and female students and workers of Education Department of Swat, Pakistan.

Abstract: Fecal samples of 420 individuals including 263 males and 157 females were examined for parasites. The parasites were found in 227 (65.9%) individuals, 93.9% helminthes and 6.06% protozoans. The most common helminths were Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichura and Taenia saginata, while among protozoans Entamoeba histolytica had the highest prevalence. The infection with one parasite species was 40.7%, with two 19.2%, with three 5% and with four 0.95%. The prevalence rate of A. lumbricoides, T. trichura, Enterobius vermicularis, hook worm, T. saginata, Hymenolepis nana, E. histolytica and Giardia species were respectively 40%, 19%, 8%, 3.6%, 12.8%, 10%, 4.4% and 1.69%. Males were found to be more infected than females.

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Tissues of the Shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus (De Haan, 1844) From Jazan, Southern Red Sea Coast of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine levels of zinc, nickel, copper, lead, cobalt and cadmium, in gills, muscle tissue and exoskeleton of the shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus, caught from Jazan, southern Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, and to assess whether these metals are within permissible limits for human consumption. The analysis showed that occurrence of heavy metals were in the order Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni > Co in gills, Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni > Co in muscles and Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd > Co in exoskeleton. An overall ranking of average trace metal levels in the analyzed tissues resulted as gills > exoskeleton > muscles for Zn, Pb and Cd and; in case of Ni, Cu and Co the sequence was exoskeleton > muscle > gills. The highest mean Pb, Cd and Zn concentrations (21.33, 6.33 and 24.0 µg g -1 wet weight, respectively) were found in gills samples, but the highest level of Ni, Cu and Co (3.0, 11.67 and 1. 36 µg g -1 , respectively) was observed in exoskeleton. The results revealed that the heavy metal concentrations (except Pb and Cd) in the shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus are below the threshold levels associated with the toxicological effects and the regulatory limits. This study is the first on the shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus in this area and data are important as a background for the estimation of the future impact of metal concentrations in this area.

Efficacy of phytase supplementation on growth performance and mineral digestibility of Labeo rohita fingerlings fed on cottonseed meal based diet.

Abstract: Phytate, present in plant feed ingredients, act as anti-nutritional factor by chelating indispensable minerals and other nutrients making them unavailable to the fish. These undigested nutrients are excreted out causing pollution in the water bodies. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of phytase supplementation on growth performance and minerals digestibility of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Reference diet was made by replacing 30% of reference diet with cottonseed meal as test ingredient. Seven cottonseed meal based test diets were prepared by spraying graded levels of phytase (0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250 and 1500 FTU kg-1) to the basal diet. Chromic oxide was included as inert marker in the diets to assess the minerals digestibility. The results of present study showed improved growth and feed performance of fingerlings in response to phytase supplementation. Maximum performance was obtained by the fish fed on test diet-IV having 750 FTU kg-1 phytase level. Similarly, minerals digestibility performance was also positively affected by phytase supplementation. Again, maximum response of minerals absorption was recorded at the phytase level of 750 FTU kg-1 diet. It was concluded that the phytase supplementation to cottonseed meal based diet at 750 FTU kg-1 level is optimum to release adequate chelated minerals for maximum growth performance of L. rohita fingerlings. These results suggest that phytase supplementation to cottonseed meal based diet can help in the development of sustainable aquaculture by reducing the feed cost and minerals discharge through feces in the aquatic ecosystem.

A study on molecular detection of Theileria lestoquardi by PCR amplification in apparently healthy small ruminants from five districts of Southern Punjab.

Abstract: The present study was designed to detect the prevalence of Theileria lestoquardi in small ruminants of Southern Punjab and to determine the risk factors associated with the spread of theileriosis, if any. A total of 115 blood samples from small ruminants including goat (n=66) and sheep (n=49) were collected from five sampling sites (Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Multan and Muzaffargarh districts) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan from randomly selected herds. Data on the characteristics of the animals (species, gender, age, tick presence or absence and health status) and various herd characters (location, size, composition, dog presence or absence and tick association with the dog if present) was collected on sampling sites through questionnaire. Prevalence of the T. lestoquardi was recorded to be 3.47% (n=4) through PCR amplification of their 18S rRNA gene that produced a 730 base pairs DNA fragment. All positive samples were sheep blood samples collected from Multan indicating that sheep were more prone to this parasite (P = 0.03). It was observed that tick association with the animal was a highly significant (P = 0.00003) risk factor associated with the theileriosis in small ruminants.

A comparison of milk protein, amino acid and fatty acid profiles of river buffalo and their F1 and F2 hybrids with swamp buffalo in China.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare milk protein, amino acid and fatty acid content and composition among two breeds of river buffalo (Murrah and Nili-Ravi), and their hybrid F1 and F2 (crossbreeding with local swamp buffalo). The protein and fat content in milk from crossbreed F1 and F2 were significant higher than that of river buffalo, but the milk yield was still lower than Nili-Ravi and Murrah. The protein composition in crossbreed milk was similar to Nili-Ravi, except κ-casein. Most of amino acid profile of crossbreed milk was similar with river water buffalo, however, significant difference was found in three essential amino acids (Met, Leu and Phe) and four nonessential amino acids (Ser, Glu, Ala and Cys). The fatty acid profile of crossbreed milk was also similar with Nili-Ravi milk, but the content of SFA was lower and UFA content was higher than Murrah milk. However, PUFA content in crossbreed’s milk was lower than that of river buffalo. In brief, crossbreeding improved the milk quality and yield of Chinese swamp buffalo, but the crossbreed’s milk has similar nutrition to the river buffalo such as Murrah and Nili-Ravi.

Population dynamics of greater lizardfish, Saurida tumbil from Pakistani waters.

Abstract: Growth and mortality parameters of greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1975) from the Pakistani waters were estimated using length frequency data which were collected from five research trawl surveys during 2009 - 2010. The pooled data of both sexes of S. tumbil consisted of 824 pair of length weight and 2320 length frequency data. The length-weight relationship were at a = 0.011, b = 2.931. The von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were L∞ = 48.30 cm (FL) K = 0.320 year -1 using ELEFAN method and t0 = - 0.786. Based on the growth parameters the total, natural and fishing mortality were estimated at 1.160, 0.716 and 0.444 year -1 , respectively. The yield per recruit analysis indicates that, when tc was assumed to be 2, Fmax was estimated as 1.25 and F0.1 at 1.15; when c t was assumed to be 1, Fmax was estimated as 1 and F0.1 at 0.9. Currently we assume that the age at first capture was about 1 year and Fcurrent and was 0.444, therefore Fcurrent was smaller than F0.1 and Fmax. This indicated that the current fishery is in a sustainable condition. When using the Gulland formula biological reference point Fopt was equal to M (0.716). The current fishing mortality rate of 0.444 year -1 was lower than the biological reference point. The exploitation ratio (E) was estimated at 0.382 year -1 . In the view of the above results we may assume that the stock of S. tumbil fishery from Pakistani waters is in a sustainable state.

Efficiency of Metarhizium spp. (Sorokīn) Strains and Insecticides Against Cotton Mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley)

Abstract: We conducted a study to assess the insecticidal potential of the Hypocreales entomopathogenic fungi (epf) Metarhizium spp. strains, insecticides and their mixture for control of cotton mealybug (CMB) under laboratory, screen house and field conditions. The strain PDRL526 was the most effective amongst the strains of Metarhizium spp. at laboratory bioassays. It caused 50% mortality (LT50 value) of adult cotton mealybug at 5.2 days (LT50 value = median lethal time) after the application of 1.57x10 5 spore/cm 2 (6.3x10 12 spores/acre) inside the bioassay chamber. Therefore, the strain PDRL526 was selected to study at the screen house and field trials. The insecticide Lambda- Cyhalothrin was highly effective with 50% lethal concentration (LC50 value) (1.12 µg/ml) followed by Acetamiprid (1.17 µg/ml), Abamectin (1.62 µg/ml), Imidacloprid (1.67 µg/ml), Chlorpyrifos (2.09 µg/ml) and Bifenthrin (3.05). The insecticide Imidacloprid showed the best compatibility (95.2%) to the strain PDRL526; therefore, Imidacloprid was selected for screen house and field trials. The strain caused adult CMB mortality after (LT50) 13.8 and 19.6 days by using 6.3 x10 12 spores/acre, under screen house and field conditions, respectively. The strain's application in combination with insecticide Imidacloprid (20 g a.i. /acre + 6.3x10 12 spores/acre) showed a positive toxicity/virulence to CMB population at screen house and field trials with LT50 6.57 and 8.4 days, respectively. Along with the pest mortality, the yield of seed cotton/plant, increased with the spray of spores of the strain PDRL526, alone or in combination with Imidacloprid, at screen house and field trials as compare to control treatments. The study confirmed that M. anisopliae strain PDRL526 is effective against CMB.

Correlation of conducive environmental conditions for the development of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci population in different tomato genotypes.

Abstract: Relationship of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) population and environmental conditions were studied on five tomato cultivars. Environmental conditions had a significant contribution in development of whitely population during two years of study. Temperature and relative humidity contributed towards the whitefly population buildup. The whitefly population increased with increased in temperature while decreased with the decrease in relative humidity. The contribution of maximum temperature was explained by linear regression which showed 83 to 91% variability in whitefly development. The minimum temperature explained 75 to 85% whitefly population variability. Relative humidity exerted 78 to 85 percent contribution in the whitefly population development. The linear regression could not explain the contribution of rainfall and wind speed.

Insecticidal susceptibility and effectiveness of Trichogramma chilonis as parasitoids of tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera.

Abstract: Tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a serious pest of many crops tomato, cotton and okra in Pakistan. Experiments were conducted to find out effectiveness of the Trichogramma chilonis against Helicoverpa armigera in field and effects of commonly used insecticide on Trichogramma chilonis under lab condition. Experiments were conducted with three replicated trials at Faisalabad for three years in different villages. Egg card of Trichogramma @ 300, 400, 500 and 600 eggs/card were used once. Percentage of effectiveness of Trichogramma against tomato fruit borer was calculated, which was increased with the increasing of card numbers 65.00% (2010), 48.09% (2011) and 83.51% (2012) after 4th release of Trichogramma @ 600 eggs/card, but it was least (00.00%) in control conditions during whole trial period. Similarly study of adult emergence of T. chilonis was also studied during 2010-11 at Entomological laboratory, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad against frequently used field insecticides, Proclaim 1.9Ec, Steward 150 SC, Match 50EC, Talstar 10EC, Tracer 240SC, Advantage 20EC, Chlorpyrifos 40EC, Triflumuron 20SC, Imidacloprid 200SL and Abamectin 1.8EC. After one week adult emergence remained 42.50-63.50% during 2010 and 44.60-64.80% in 2011, which proved that Proclaim 1.9EC, Match 50EC, Triflumuron 20SC and Imidacloprid 200SL were found safe against T. chilonis adult emergence and can be used in fields with cards for management of H. armigera.

Vulnerability of different life stages of Bactrocera zonata (Tephritidae: Diptera) against entomogenous fungi.

Abstract: The pathogenecity of three entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Isaria fumosorosea was tested against different life stages of Bactrocera zonata under laboratory conditions using five different ways viz., contact bioassay, oral bioassay, inoculation of immatures and pupae and soil application for pupae. The results showed higher adult mortality in contact bioassay for all the fungi tested as compared to the other methods of application. The pathogenecity of B. bassiana was upto 20% in oral bioassay and 30-40% for I. fumosorosea and M. anisopliae, respectively. I. fumosorosea significantly affected the adult emergence, while 50-70% adult emergence was recorded in immatures inoculated with B. bassiana and M. anisopliae. Symptoms of dark, shrinked pupae, deformed adults and incomplete adult emergence from the pupae were also observed after immature treatments with insect pathogenic fungi.

The use of faba bean and sweet lupin seeds alone or in combination for growing lambs. 1. Effects on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood parameters.

Abstract: The study investigates faba bean and lupin seeds when used alone or in combination as protein supplements for growing lambs, and their effects on growth, carcass characteristics, and hematological traits. Twentyfour Gentile di Puglia male lambs were weaned at 38  2 days of age, and divided into three homogeneous groups, based on body weight (BW). For eight weeks before slaughter, the lambs were assigned to one of three isoenergetic and isonitrogenous dietary treatments, differing in the protein supplement: a faba bean diet (FB) containing 300 g/kg diet (on as fed basis) of faba bean seeds; a faba bean plus lupin diet (FB+L) containing 150 g/kg diet of faba bean seeds plus 150 g/kg diet of lupin seeds (both on as fed basis); a lupin diet (L) containing 250 g/kg diet of lupin seeds (on as fed basis). Individual body weights and feed intakes were recorded weekly to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio. In the 1st and 8th weeks of the trial, blood samples were taken in order to measure glucose, total cholesterol, NEFA, creatinine, urea and total protein concentration and respective electrophoresis fractions. Carcass traits and tissue composition of leg and loin were determined. Slaughter body weight was lower for lambs fed on diets containing lupin than for lambs fed on diets containing faba beans. In Group L, ADG was lower than FB and FB+L groups. Group L lambs had lower ADFI than the other two groups. For Group FB lambs, loin weight was a higher percentage of half carcass weight than for Groups L and FB+L lambs. Leg and loin dissection data showed Group L lambs to have a greater percentage of bone in the leg than Group FB+L lambs. Group L lambs had higher concentrations of urea than the other two groups at the end of the trial. The use of lupin alone was associated with lower growth performances whereas, when lupin is given with faba bean the results suggest positive effects.

The Antioxidant Effect of Morus alba Leaves Extract on Kidney, Testes, Spleen and Intestine of Mice

Abstract: The current study aims at determining the antioxidant properties of Morus alba leaves extract (MLE) on various organs of mice. Forty male Swiss albino mice were divided into control group and three different groups which received three different doses of MLE orally for 10 days. The glutathione, nitrite/nitrate, malondialdehyde levels were estimated in kidney, testis, spleen and jejunum of adult male albino mice. Also, the levels of urea, creatinine and uric acid were determined in blood plasma of mice. The oral gavage of M. alba leaves extract induced a highly significant increment in glutathione level while it caused a highly significant reduction of nitrite/nitrate and malondialdehyde in all studied organs. In addition, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid were improved. We speculated that, MLE scavenged the free radicals in different mice organs under investigation due to its antioxidant activity.

Screening and Characterization of Mercury-Resistant Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria and Their Use as Biofertilizers and for Mercury Bioremediation

Abstract: In the current study, mercury-resistant nitrogen fixing bacterial (NFB) strains were isolated by growing them on selective medium (NFM) to be used as biofertilizers and for the bioremediation of mercury from polluted soils and waters Bacterial strains isolated from the soil around root nodules were checked for resistance to mercury by growing on yeast extract mannitol (YEM) medium supplemented with different concentrations of HgCl2 Mercury resistant bacterial strains were primarily screened by well plate method Mercury resistant NFB strains were further checked for their H2S production by growing on lead acetate (LA) medium Selected nitrogen fixing and mercury resistant bacterial strains were characterized using different biochemical tests and found to belong to genera Pseudomonas, Cronobacter and Bacillus Quantification of detoxified mercury by selected bacterial strains was done by using dithizone method Cronobacter species were found to be significantly the most efficient in the detoxification of mercury that reached up to 95% (p<005)

Foraging and Bedding Site Selection by Asiatic Ibex (Capra sibirica) During Summer in Central Tianshan Mountains

Abstract: The Asiatic ibex (Capra sibirica) is typically found in the mountains of central Asia, studies on the habitat selection of this animal are few at present. We investigated the bedding and foraging sites selection by line census in the GuRenGuoLeng areas of Central Tianshan Moutains during summer, and assess how environmental factors affect their habitat use. Our results showed that there is no significant difference between foraging and bedding sites of ibex in distance to human settlements, vegetation height in summer, while altitude, slope, distance to road, vegetation cover, distance to water resource, distance to livestock, distance to summit of mountain, distance to hidden objects, hiding cover level and number of plant species have very significant differences. Slope location has no significant difference and landscape types have no significant difference but slope direction show very significant difference. Compared with foraging sites, ibex's bedding sites prefer a higher altitude, smaller slope, closer to water resource and summit of mountain, further distance to road and livestock, higher hiding cover level and lower vegetation cover, habitat in the upper bare rock cliff and sunny slope. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed a series of seven ecological factors play important role on distinguish the bedding and foraging sites, in accordance with the order of its contribution value: distance away from livestock, vegetation cover, hiding cover level, distance to summit of mountain, distance from the settlements, altitude, distance from the hidden objects.

Effect of STZ-induced diabetes on spleen of rats: improvement by camel whey proteins.

Abstract: Diabetes is the most prevalent disease, and the number of people affected by this disease is still increasing. This study was conducted to assess the effect of whey proteins (WPs) on the spleen tissues of diabetic rats. Data showed that a significant decrease in the total body weight was recorded in diabetic animals compared with the non-diabetic control ones. The extent of this weight loss was significantly less in the WP–treated diabetic group. Relative spleen weight in the diabetic animals revealed that splenic atrophy was more pronounced compared to those of control ones. Results showed that diabetes significantly up-regulated both the reactive oxygen spices FMO2 mRNA and Fas mRNA when compared with the control animals. Light microscopy showed white pulps that were greatly diffused with highly distributed trabeculae in the spleen tissue of diabetic rats. Moreover, Perl’s Prussian blue staining revealed impaired phagocytic activity in diabetic animals. Interestingly, feeding diabetic animals on WPs successfully restored the histological integrity of their spleens. Furthermore, induced diabetes was found to significantly upregulate both reactive oxygen spices, FMO2 mRNA and Fas mRNA in diabetic animals compared to the control ones. In addition, WPs were found to significantly down-regulate the Fas mRNA in both control and diabetic animals. In conclusion, the current study proved that WPs restored the oxidative stability and the splenic structural integrity and activity, which may be proposed as natural candidates for the treatment of diabetes and oxidative stress.

Additional Giraffokeryx Remains (Artiodactyla: Ruminantia: Giraffidae) from the Chinji Formation of Lower Siwaliks, Northern Pakistan

Abstract: Additional giraffid remains comprising upper dentition, recovered from the Middle Miocene localities of the Chinji Formation (Lower Siwaliks) in northern Pakistan, are discussed here. The remains are assigned to Giraffokeryx punjabiensis. The material is collected from the six Middle Miocene localities of the Pakistani Siwaliks nearby Chinji Rest House, Rakh Wasnal, Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon, Chabbar Sayadan, Bhelomar and Parrhewala. These localities represent three levels of the Chinji Formation: the lower Chinji (Wasnal, Chinji Rest House, Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon), the middle Chinji (Chabbar Sayadan) and the upper Chinji (Bhelomar and Parrhewala). Giraffokeryx punjabiensis is present 14.2 - 11.2 Ma in the Lower Siwaliks and reflects wide spread occurrence in the Middle Miocene of the Indian Subcontinent.

Effect of ration size and feeding frequency on growth, feed utilization, body composition and some haematological characteristics of juvenile snapper, Lutjanus johnii (Baloch, 1792).

Abstract: The effect of ration size and feeding frequency on growth rate, feed utilization efficiency, body composition and haematological characteristics of juvenile snapper, Lutjanus johnii (body weight 27.1−140.0 g) were examined. Fish were maintained in recirculating system (rearing tanks of 0.28 m3, water temperature 27oC) and fed with a test diet (protein 40%, lipid 18.4% and energy 321.0 kcal 100 g−1 dry diet) at six ration levels of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5% body weight per day (BW d−1) for four feeding frequencies per day. Each ration level and feeding frequency was randomly assigned to three tanks of fish with 10 fish per tank for 75 days. Significantly higher weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency were observed at ration level from 2.5 to 4.5% BW d−1 and feeding frequency of three to four times daily (P< 0.05). Broken-line regression on weight gain yielded an estimated ration requirement of 2.45% BW (Y = 0.52 − 0.007(R – XLR), R = 2.45 ± 0.33) with 2.9 times daily (Y = 0.41 − 0.005(R – XLR), R = 2.99 ± 0.21). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in protein efficiency and retention of protein and energy among treatments. Digestibility of protein, lipid and energy was significantly (P<0.05) higher at 2.0 to 2.5% BW d−1 and three to four meals daily. The moisture, protein and ash contents of fish whole body, muscle, liver and viscera were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by either ration level or feeding frequency. The highest lipid contents of whole body, liver and viscera were observed in fish at ration levels from 2.5 to 4.5% BW d−1 and feeding frequency of three to four times daily. The muscle lipids decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing feeding frequency, whereas that of liver increased. The cholesterol level, plasma triglycerides and haematocrit values remained similar (P>0.05) among the fish fed on different ration level and feeding frequency. Total plasma lipids of fish fed 2.5% BW d–1 showed the maximum level which statistically differed (P<0.05) only from that of fish fed 2.0% BW d–1 while total plasma lipids were similar in fish receiving one to four meals daily. The condition factor, viscerosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and mesenteric fat index were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in fish at ration levels from 2.5 to 4.5% BW d−1 and feeding frequency of three to four times daily. These results suggest that under similar culture conditions, the optimum ration level and feeding frequency of the juvenile snapper (from initial weight of 27.1 to 140.0 g) are 2.5% BW d−1 and three times daily, respectively.

Functional response of Oxyopes javanus (Araneidae: Oxyopidae) to Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in laboratory and mesocosm.

Abstract: Most spiders species are generalist predator and used as a biological control agent of insect pests in agroecosystems including rice. Predatory potential of the spider depends upon their interaction pattern with the prey. In present study, functional response of adult hunting spider, Oxyopes javanus (Araneae: Oxyopidae) against different densities of adult white back planthoppers (Sogatella furcifera) was assessed in laboratory and mesocosm. The proportion of prey killed at different densities of prey represents type II functional response both in laboratory and mesocosm. Handling time was low and the attack rate and efficiency of attack was high in laboratory as compared to mesocosm. In both experimental arenas, increase of prey density resulted decrease in total search time and search efficiency while handling time increased. The attack rate did not change with the prey density in both experiments. The observed feeding strategy of O. javanus suggested that its relationship with the prey is affected by the density of the prey and complexity of the habitat.

Insecticidal and repellent potential of citrus essential oils against Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Abstract: In this study citrus oils extracted from citrus seeds were tested on different growth stages of T. castaneum, an important pest of stored grains. On adults LC50 of different citrus seed oils were 5.47%, 7.70%, 10.79% and 11.79% for rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri), freutrall early (Citrus reticulate), kinnow (Citrus reticulate) and red blood orange (Citrus sinensis), respectively. While for grubs, LC50s were 11.27%, 17.31%, 106.85% and 111.20% for C. jambhiri, C. reticulate, C. sinensis and C. reticulate, respectively. Rough lemon (C. jambhiri) showed lowest LT50 of 6.89 h and 4.06 h against adults and grubs, respectfully. In case of repellency, C. jambhiri gave lowest RD50s value (4.40%) against adults when compared with other citrus cultivars. The presence of limonoids in citrus extracts is therefore a significant indicator for pest control that needs to be exploited further.

Ecological distribution modeling of two malaria mosquito vectors using geographical information system in Al-Baha province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: Malaria is considered as an endemic mosquito borne disease in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Previous investigations addressed the diseases incidences in KSA, however few studies highlighted the mosquito vectors habitats characterization in regards to ecological variables. Ecological models of mosquito vectors will help in defining potential suitable habitats for their spatial distribution and understanding how much the ecological variables contribute in delineating these suitable habitats. This information will help in developing targeted surveillance and control strategies. Ecological niche modeling was carried out using the evolutionary algorithms implemented in maximum entropy (MaxEnt) to predict the suitable larval habitats of two malaria vectors, Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. sergentii (Theobald) in Al-Baha Province, KSA. Climatic and topographical data layers from Worldclim databases and larval occurrence records were used to model the two malaria vectors. Six topographical and four bioclimatic variables were significantly predict An. gambiae larval suitable habitat. Both streams covered with vegetation and algae and elevation above sea level were strong predictors of distribution of this mosquito vector. However, for An. sergentii, four topographical and ten bioclimatic variables were found to be significant predictors of suitable habitat distribution. Soil and altitude were strong predictors of An. sergentii distribution. Also, the linear regression statistical analysis (LM) indicates non linear correlation between TDS/pH and abundance of these two mosquito species.

Rearing of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) on Different Artificial Diets and its Parasitization with Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii)

Abstract: Studies on rearing of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) on different artificial diets i.e., bean based diet (Diet-1) and gram based diet (Diet-2) and its parasitism with Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions of 27±2°C, 65±5% RH and 14:10 L:D during 2013. The results showed that feeding the 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd generations of the immature stage of S. litura on diet-2 resulted in highest % survival rates among all the parameters of immature stages of S. litura, lower total larval duration (15.8 days as against 17.2 days of control) and total duration from egg to adult stage (29.6 days as against 31.9 days for diet-1). The mature adult stage of S. litura showed almost same trend of better performance of S. litura fed on diet-2 in terms of higher oviposition period 5.7 days and higher female fecundity (total number of eggs 1612.3) compared with the oviposition period 5.2 days and female fecundity (total number of eggs 1541.86) recorded for diet-1. No significant difference was observed among the diets in the % parasitism rate of S. litura by T. chilonis. Increased trend of parasitism coincided with the increased time of exposure. Highest parasitism rate of 91.1% and 89.5 % was observed in the egg cards exposed to T. chilonis for 24 h in Diet-2 and Diet-1, respectively, while after 16 h exposure, 90 and 88.6 % was recorded for Diet-2 and Diet- 1, respectively. Diet-2 was found to be better compared with Diet-1 for rearing of S. litura. Comparatively higher parasitism was observed in 16 and 24 h of exposure time of egg cards of S. litura to T. chilonis.