Urea treatment of straw is a widely established method but because of longer incubation period adoption rate is low. Present study aims to determine minimum incubation period for optimum nutrient enrichment of rice straw. Straw was treated with 4

In this study, effect of two phytoadditive mixtures comprising Curcuma longa and Allium sativum (PAM-1) or Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum (PAM-2) were studied on nutrient utilization, growth, milk production, milk quality and milk fatty acids in Black Bengal goats (BBG). In this study, 21 female BBG with similar body weight (P = 0.853) and age (3–4 months) were split into three comparable groups namely, Control (no supplementation), T1 (15 g PAM-1 in per kg of dry matter of conc. mixture) and T2 (15 g PAM-2 in per kg of dry matter of conc. mixture). Statistical analysis revealed higher dry matter intake (P < 0.01) in T1 and T2 groups. Improved (P < 0.001) digestion of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and organic matter were reported in T1 and T2 groups with similar fiber digestion. Improved final BW, ADG, FCR and BCS (P < 0.001) was found in treatment groups. Treatment groups had higher milk production (P < 0.001) and MBRT minutes with similar milk composition. Higher (P < 0.001) total unsaturated fatty acids, CLA contents with reduced SFA content was observed in treatment groups. Therefore, it may be concluded that inclusion of phytoadditive mixtures PAM-1 and PAM-2 (15 g/kg DM of conc. mixture) improves nutrient utilization, growth performance, milk production, milk quality and milk fatty acids in Black Bengal goats. Not applicable.

Background: Rising costs of conventional calcium (Ca) sources like dicalcium phosphate (DCP) have prompted interest in alternative Ca sources. Marine conch (Turbinella pyrum) shell by-products, rich in bioavailable biogenic calcium, may offer a potential eco-friendly mineral supplement for small ruminant nutrition. Methods: Twenty-seven growing female Black Bengal goats were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments. A di-calcium phosphate (DCP)-based mineral mixture served as control (T-0), while DCP was replaced by conch shell powder (CSP) at 100% (T-1) or 50% (T-2), with phosphorus balanced using diammonium phosphate and triple superphosphate. All mineral mixtures were formulated to provide comparable calcium (similar to 21%) and phosphorus (similar to 11.5%) levels, ensuring uniform mineral supply across treatments. A growth trial with 195 days observation was conducted to test the potential of CSP-sourced Ca in growing goats. Result: CSP, an abundant industrial by-product in West Bengal, was evaluated as a sustainable alternative Ca source for goats. Complete (T-1) or partial (T-2; 50:50) replacement of DCP with CSP, balanced for phosphorus, produced diets with Ca, P and Ca:P ratios comparable to the control (T-0). CSP-based mineral mixtures improved dry matter and crude protein intake, indicating enhanced voluntary intake and feed efficiency. However, growth rate remained similar across treatments. Ca and P levels were unaffected, as reflected by comparable urinary excretion. Observed temporal variations were physiological rather than dietary. The study concludes that CSP can fully replace DCP, with balanced P supplementation, without adverse effects on intake, mineral balance, or growth performance in goats.

The marine-sourced conch shell (Turbinella pyrum) industries located in coastal districts of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, India, generate significant quantities of powdered by-products contributing to environmental pollution. This study evaluated the use of marine-sourced conch shell powder as a calcium (Ca) and trace mineral supplement for young Jersey crossbred heifers. The calcination process (heating at 650-700 degrees C) increased Ca content in Conch Shell Calcined Powder (CSCP) by 11.66 % compared to Fresh Conch Shell Powder (FCSP) while reducing phosphorus (P) by 97.39 %. Other mineral contents (Mg, Mn, Fe, Co) also increased, but Cu and Zn levels decreased. Fifteen young heifers (weight: 70.68 kg; age: 198 days) were assigned to three groups: a control (T-0) receiving standard Total Mixed Ration (TMR) with di-calcium phosphate (DCP) as the Ca and P source, and two treatment groups (T-1, T-2) receiving TMR with FCSP or CSCP and diammonium phosphate as an additional P source. Results showed that FCSP and CSCP improved feed intake compared to T-0. The treated groups exhibited enhanced digestibility of nutrients such as crude protein, cellulose, and hemicellulose, leading to greater availability of digestible crude protein in T-1 and T-2, and metabolizable energy (ME) per unit of metabolic body weight in T-1 compared to T-0. As a result, DCP value was higher (p < 0.001) in T-2 and ME was significantly greater (p = 0.008) in T-1 than in T-0. Despite consuming more feed with improved nutritive value due to the inclusion of either FCSP or CSCP, the young heifers' growth patterns remained similar to the control. It may be concluded that utilizing fresh conch shell powder can provide essential minerals (Ca, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Co) for livestock nutrition. This study highlights the potential of integrating marine-sourced conch (T. pyrum) shell industrial by-products into sustainable livestock feeding strategies.

This study evaluated the efficacy of vitamin E and a phytogenic (herbal) mix in mitigating oxidative stress and noxious effects induced by arsenic toxicity in young goats. Thirty weaned male Black Bengal kids (average body weight 6.21 ± 0.27 kg; age 180.50 ± 10.72 days) were divided into five groups in a completely randomized block design for a 30-week trial. The control group (T0) received a basal diet ad libitum. Group T1 received the same diet but was challenged with sodium arsenite [50 mg/kg feed dry matter (DM)]. Groups T2, T3, and T4 were also exposed to arsenic but were supplemented with vitamin E (250 IU/kg feed DM), a phytogenic mix (turmeric, ginger, and moringa in a 1:1:1 ratio at 400 mg/kg feed DM), or both, respectively. DM intake/kg body weight was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the arsenic-challenged group (T1) compared to the control and supplemented groups (T2–T4). Arsenic intake was lowest in T0 (11.52 µg/kg BW) and significantly greater (p < 0.001) in arsenic-exposed groups. Arsenic exposure markedly reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and elevated (p < 0.001) hepatic enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase). Supplementation with vitamin E, phytogenic additive, or both partially restored these enzyme levels and normalized daily body weight gain. Dietary arsenic exposure raised (p<0.001) blood arsenic levels in goats, but supplementation, especially with vitamin E alone or with a herbal mix, effectively reduced it. Arsenic negatively affected blood Ca (p<0.023) and Cu (p<0.012) levels, while Mg, Mn, Zn, and Fe remained unchanged. Arsenic toxicity also led to visible symptoms, such as keratinization around the mouth, dermatitis, diarrhea, and urine with a slightly reddish tint in experimental goats. These were partially alleviated by all interventions. Arsenic-challenged goats (T1) exhibited severe hepatic damages, marked by hepatocyte degeneration and vacuolation. The combined administration of vitamin E and the herbal mixture (T4) demonstrated superior efficacy in mitigating arsenic-induced toxicity in young goats.

Field burning of paddy straw in India is a significant contributor to air pollution, equating to an energy loss of around 786.73 Peta Joule of metabolizable energy (ME)/annum. Present experiments have explored utilization of value-added paddy straw aimed at optimizing its potential in ruminants and to reduce environmental impact of paddy straw burning. The in vitro rumen fermentation experiment was conducted to test the effect of different combinations of urea-molasses treated paddy straw (UMPS) based total mixed rations (TMRs) supplemented with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), or azolla (Azolla microphylla), or both. The experiment in calves tested TMRs composed of UMPS and other feeds (T1) or supplemented with yeast (2.5 × 107 CFU/gram TMR) and azolla (replaced 5

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three unexplored forest legume tree leaves—Terminalia tomentosa Roxb., Bauhinia variegata L., and Butea monosperma Lam.—on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane production. These tree leaves, along with Leucaena leucocephala (used as a control), were collected from the Ajodhya Hills Forest areas in Purulia, West Bengal, India. Total mixed rations (TMRs) were prepared as a basal substrate, comprising a concentrate mixture (40

Background: Negative energy balance (NEBAL) during early lactation is one of the important causes for reproductive failure in lactating cows. Energy dense fats helps in improving the energy status during early lactation. Fish oil containing Omega-3 fatty acids support the corpus luteum and reduced the early embryonic death. Beneficial effects of feeding bypass fatty acids for amelioration of infertility associated with negative energy balance are not explored much among dairy cows in India. Methods: To investigate the effects of palm and fish oil-based bypass fat supplementation, 24 anoestrus cows were divided into three groups namely, Control (AN-C), Bypass Fat of Palm Oil (AN-BPF-PO) and Bypass Fat of Fish Oil (AN- BPF-PO + BPF-FO). Cows in the control group were as fed as per farm practice, while AN-BPF-PO group were supplemented with palm oil-based bypass fat @ 100 g + 10 g/Kg milk and AN- BPF-PO + BPF-FO group were fed similar to AN-BPF-PO and additionally provided with fish oil-based bypass fat @ 300 g twice weekly over a period of 90 days. Onset of estrus, conception rate, changes in blood biochemical parameters were studied. Result: Cows under AN- BPF-PO + BPF-FO group had significantly (P less than 0.05) shorter days for onset of cyclicity when compared to AN-C and AN-BPF-PO group cows. Within the experimental period, 3(37.50%), 6(75.00%) and 6(75.00%) cows became pregnant with the overall conception rate of 27.27, 54.55 and 54.55 %, in the AN-C, AN-BPF-PO and AN- BPF-PO + BPF-FO groups. NEFA level in the AN-BPF-PO was significantly lower from day 42 to 77 compared to the control group. These findings suggest the potentially beneficial effect of palm and fish oil-based bypass fat supplementation on reproductive enhancement in anoestrus cows.

Rice straw pretreatment is an innovative strategy aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of inherent nutrients and supplementing those that are deficient, thereby converting rice straw into a nutritionally enriched feed resource for the livestock sector. This study evaluates a novel pretreatment strategy combining urea, lime, and molasses to improve the nutritional quality, mineral content, and physical properties of rice straw. 27 treatment combinations based on a 3×3×3 factorial design comprising three levels each of urea (0%, 3%, 4% w/w), lime (0%, 2%, 3% w/w), and molasses (0%, 2%, 4% w/w), under controlled ensiling conditions for 21 days. Results indicated that treatment combinations of urea (3% & 4%) with lime (2% & 3%) and molasses (2% & 4%) displayed high-quality straw with a brownish-yellow color, fragrant aroma, soft texture, and no mold. 4% urea treatment increased (P<0.001) crude protein from 3.94% to 7.37% while lime showed no significant effect on protein levels. Urea and lime treatments reduced (P<0.001) fiber fractions—NDF, ADF, and ADL—by 5.31, 2.96, and 2.01 units, respectively with 4% urea, and 5.61, 3.16, and 2.04 units, respectively with 3% lime. The 3% lime treatment increased (P<0.05) calcium content from 0.63% to 2.27%. Molasses (2% and 4%) significantly enhanced mineral content (P<0.001). Microscopic visualization revealed structural loosening of the straw matrix in pretreated samples. Overall, the synergistic use of 4% urea, 3% lime, and 2% molasses offers a sustainable solution for converting rice straw into a nutrient-enriched ruminant feed, potentially reducing feed costs, addressing feed scarcity, and mitigating environmental concerns.

Indian dairy farming systems face significant challenges from climate change, which negatively impacts milk production. Despite this, research addressing the issue remains scarce. Thus, this study aims to assess the climate vulnerability of dairy farming across three agro climatic zones in Jharkhand: Zone IV (Central and North Eastern Plateau), Zone V (Western Plateau), and Zone VI (South Eastern Plateau). Using a multidisciplinary framework based on the IPCC’s 2007 guidelines, the research evaluates the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of dairy farming systems to climate hazards. By analyzing 30 years of historical climate data, we identify trends and changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events impacting dairy production. Secondary data collection involves rigorous scrutiny of online sources and comprehensive field visits for firsthand insights. The findings reveal disparities in climate vulnerability across the zones, influenced by geographical, socio-economic, and dairy farming factors. Zone V is the most vulnerable, with a vulnerability index of 0.548, driven by high exposure (0.471) despite moderate sensitivity (0.492). Zone VI has the lowest vulnerability index (0.498) due to substantial adaptive capacity (0.481), despite high sensitivity (0.533). This vulnerability assessment highlights the need for context-specific adaptation strategies to enhance dairy farming resilience. From the study it can be concluded that, interventions including improving fodder and water management, bolstering veterinary services and extension programmes, promoting climate-resilient animal breeds, and optimizing subsidy mechanisms may be considered for building resilience against climate change impacts on dairy farming.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of vitamin E, yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and a combined supplement of both in alleviating the impacts of arsenic exposure on young goats. Alongside, we investigated feed consumption, carcass traits, arsenic levels in blood and organs, mineral distribution in different tissues, and potential human health risks from consuming meat from arsenic-exposed goats. Thirty healthy male Black Bengal goat weaned kids, averaging 6.15 ± 0.32 kg and 142.87 ± 9.28 days old, were involved in the trial. They were divided into five equal treatment groups. The diet consisted of chopped sorghum sudan grass as roughage and a concentrate mixture for growth and maintenance of young goats. Arsenic was administered through the concentrate as sodium arsenite, with T0 as the control (no arsenic). To prevent stress-related issues, kids under T1-T4 groups received gradually increasing arsenic doses over a three-week adaptation period, followed by a consistent 50 ppm dose for 17 weeks. Vitamin E and yeast culture were introduced concurrently with arsenic exposure, with DL-α-Tocopherol added to the concentrate at 250 IU/kg of feed dry matter for T2 and T4, and T3 and T4 received 4 × 109 colony forming units of yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) daily. High arsenic levels led to reduced feed dry matter intake (g/kg body weight) (p = 0.01) and crude protein consumption (g/kg body weight) (p < 0.001) in arsenic-challenged goats. However, supplementation with vitamin E, yeast culture, or both mitigated these effects and decreased blood arsenic levels (p < 0.001). Interestingly, neither arsenic exposure nor the mitigation strategies significantly impacted the levels of Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe in various organs and carcass components except for liver copper levels, which showed a negative correlation (p < 0.008) with arsenic concentration. Organs such as the liver, kidneys and testes accumulated higher (p < 0.001) arsenic levels compared to other body parts. Vitamin E, alone or with yeast culture, significantly reduced (p < 0.001) arsenic deposition in carcass components, while yeast culture alone showed no additional benefit. Despite supplementation, arsenic levels in meat and carcass parts from exposed goats (T1, T2, T3 and T4) remained higher (p < 0.001) than in the control group, posing a cancer risk exceeding acceptable thresholds value (1 × 10–6). Vitamin E supplementation, alone or combined with S. cerevisiae, partially mitigated arsenic deposition in various organs and body parts, offering a promising solution to the issue.

The effect of dietary inorganic and organic chromium (Cr) on body morphometry, carcass traits, and nutrient composition, including different minerals and fatty acids in meat and internal organs of Black Bengal goats, was studied. Thirty weaned Black Bengal kids of 3–5 months (5.40 ± 0.34 kg body weight) were assigned randomly into five groups and fed additional Cr for 150 days. The experimental diets comprised a basal diet supplemented with Cr at the rate of 0 (control; without Cr supplementation), 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg of inorganic Cr (Cr(III)-chloride), and 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg of organic Cr (Cr-yeast). The body morphometry such as body length, heart girth, paunch girth, loin width, leg circumference, and the carcass traits, namely, slaughter body weight, dressing percentage, hind quarter and forequarter weight, and rib eye area of goats, were not significantly (P < 0.05) changed due to inorganic and organic Cr supplementation. However, organic Cr supplementation (1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg) resulted in a reduction of breast and back fat thickness (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. The weights of internal organs including liver, lungs, spleen, kidney, testes, and heart and their weights as a percentage of slaughter weight were similar (P > 0.05) among different experimental groups. Dry matter, ether extract, and total ash concentrations of muscle and internal organs of Cr-supplemented groups were not affected (P > 0.05) by Cr supplementation. However, crude protein contents in the liver, muscle, kidney, and lungs were greater (P < 0.05) in the organic Cr groups than in the control and inorganic Cr groups. In meat (longissimus dorsi muscle), total saturated fatty acid concentration was lower (P < 0.05; 59.4

Frequent extreme weather events result in substantial economic losses for farming communities, posing a significant threat to the livelihood security of smallholder farmers in the Sundarbans region of India. Various agricultural enterprises in this area are continually at risk due to saline water intrusion, crop damage from heavy rainfall, and flooding. We examine the strategies farmers have adopted to sustain their livelihoods in the face of these extreme weather events. We collected primary data from a randomly selected sample of 1,200 farmers across six blocks in the Sundarbans region, focussing on farm households engaged in diverse agricultural enterprises, including field crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and fish farming. We used the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritize the coping mechanisms adopted by these farming communities. The assessment of coping mechanisms was based on four criteria: ease of implementation, cost, effectiveness, and durability for long-term application. Effectiveness got the highest weights of 0.492 followed by the durability of the coping strategy weights of 0.309. Coping mechanisms pertaining to managing soil health against soil salinity, raising livestock and fish species as well as cultivating field crops were identified and prioritized according to their perceived efficacy against extreme weather events. Our results can inform the formulation of robust and sustainable development policies for agricultural and allied sectors in the Indian Sundarbans.

This study investigated arsenic (As) concentrations in diverse environmental components and their potential impact on the health risks faced by residents of the arsenic (As)-contaminated Nadia district in West Bengal, India. A random selection of 182 cattle and 255 goats from 40 livestock farmers in the district revealed that both animals and humans were naturally exposed to elevated arsenic levels through contaminated drinking water, foods, grasses, concentrate feeds, various fodder tree leaves, and other food/feed resources. The mean As concentration in roughages (483.18 µg/kg DM) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in tree leaves (391.53 µg/kg DM), and concentrate feed/ingredients (186.66 µg/kg DM). Pond water exhibited higher arsenic levels (106.11 µg/L) compared to shallow tube well water (47.96 µg/L) and deep tube well water/tap water (10.64 µg/L and 10.04 µg/L, respectively). The mean arsenic concentration in soils DM of fodder fields, crop fields, and grassland was 10.25, 10.58, and 10.20 mg/kg, respectively. It was observed that protein-rich feeds had lower levels of arsenic accumulation (p < 0.048), while fiber-rich feeds containing more cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin had higher arsenic levels (p < 0.017). Goats consumed 73.46

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding conch shell (Turbinella pyrum) powder (either fresh or calcined) as a marine organic source of calcium (Ca) supplemented in the diet of crossbred calves on voluntary intake, growth performance, and blood biochemistry in growing crossbred Jersey calves. A growth trial of 90 days was conducted on 15 Jersey crossbred female calves (Av. weight, 70.68 ± 2.90 kg; Av. age, 197.73 ± 12.40 days), equally divided into three groups of 5 animals each, i.e., control (T0), treatment 1 (T1), and treatment 2 (T2). All animals were fed total mixed ration (TMR) prepared with a concentrate mixture, chaffed paddy straw, and green fodder at the ratio of 40:30:30 on DM basis. Calves under the control group were fed with TMR containing a standard mineral mixture having dicalcium phosphate (DCP) as a Ca source. Calves under T1 group were supplemented with TMR containing fresh conch shell powder (FCSP), and T2 calves were fed with TMR containing conch shell calcined powder (CSCP) as Ca source. We observed 11.66

The present study was performed to evaluate the influence of dietary inorganic and organic chromium (Cr) supplementation on blood biochemical constituents and mineral concentrations as well as the changes in the mineral composition of internal organs of Black Bengal goats. Thirty Black Bengal kids of 3 to 5 months (5.40 ± 0.34 kg body weight) were allocated randomly to five treatment groups. The five groups were control (without added Cr in a basal diet), 1.0, 1.5 mg/kg of inorganic Cr, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/kg of organic Cr added per kilogram of feed dry matter. The duration of the experiment was 150 days during which the changes in the blood biochemical and mineral concentrations at 0, 30, 60, and 150 days were evaluated. At the end of the trial, mineral composition in the muscle, skin, and internal organs (liver, lungs, kidney, heart, spleen, and testis) were analyzed. Any blood variables were not affected at or before 60 days of Cr supplementation. Both inorganic and organic Cr supplementation lowered (P < 0.05) concentrations of blood glucose, cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyric acid after 60 days of Cr supplementation. Organic Cr-supplemented groups exhibited higher (P < 0.05) blood insulin concentration and neutrophil activity compared to the control. Supplementation of Cr in either form had no substantial effect (P > 0.05) on the blood hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, total protein, albumin, globulin, immunoglobulin G, total antioxidant capacity, and liver enzymes (aminotransferases) concentration, and also blood minerals (zinc, iron, and manganese) concentration. Blood Cr and copper concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) due to both organic and inorganic Cr supplementation. Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese) concentrations of internal organs of Cr-supplemented groups were mostly not affected (P > 0.05) by Cr supplementation. However, the concentrations of Cr and copper in blood and Cr in all internal organs, skin, and muscle of organic Cr-supplemented groups were higher (P < 0.05) than in those fed the basal diet. In conclusion, dietary inorganic and organic Cr supplementation, especially the organic form, after long term supplementation (> 60 days) could be beneficial in regulating blood glucose and fat metabolism and the immune status of Black Bengal goats.

Breeding, feeding, health care and shelter management play a crucial role in maximizing the potential of dairy animals for milk production and protecting them from meteorological disasters. This study involved a sample of 180 dairy farmers, selected randomly from the Kakdwip, Namkhana and Sagar blocks in the Sundarbans region of India, to explore the management strategies they adopted. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents (74.45%) were rearing indigenous breeds. The majority (70.00%) of the farmers in the study area were in touch with local para vets for any immediate veterinary assistance. (71.67%) of dairy farmers utilized crop residues, tree leaves and grazing practices as alternatives used to cope with fodder shortages caused by the disaster and 20.56 percent of dairy farmers were feeding less concentrate and less green fodder as feed during the disaster conditions. Preventive measures, such as vaccination, were adopted by (61.11%) of the respondents to maintain the health of animals. Among animal sheds only, 6.11 percent of farmers built raised sheds from ground level to avoid injury or death. Therefore, the management of breeding, feeding, health care and shelter among dairy farmers in the Sundarbans region needs improvement. It can be possible by organizing awareness programs on breeding services, providing seeds of high-yielding varieties by dairy cooperatives for fodder cultivation, equipping veterinarians for timely health care and financial help for better shed construction.