Background: Heat stress adversely affects the physiological mechanisms responsible for thermoregulation and maintenance energy in dairy animals. In buffaloes, high ambient temperature and humidity during summer can affects health, productivity and welfare. Microclimatic modifications in housing systems may help to mitigate these effects. Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Livestock Production Management, LUVAS, Hisar, India. Eighteen lactating Murrah buffaloes were assigned to three loose housing treatments (six animals each): (T1) concrete flooring with corrugated asbestos roofing (control); (T2) concrete flooring with glass wool (50 mm) plus white painted roof; and (T3) concrete flooring with expanded polyethylene sheet (70 mm) plus white painted roof. Temperature-humidity index (THI) and haematological parameters (haemoglobin, packed cell volume, lymphocytes, monocytes) along with biochemical parameters (glucose, total protein, albumin, SGOT) were recorded and analyzed. Result: THI values were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in both T2 and T3 compared to T1. Haematological (haemoglobin, packed cell volume, lymphocytes, monocytes) and biochemical parameters (glucose, total protein, albumin) showed significant improvement (P less than 0.05) in T2 and T3 groups relative to the control, indicating better physiological status. Among biochemical indices, SGOT and glucose exhibited the strongest associations with THI. Microclimatic modifications, effectively reduced heat stress and improved the haematological and biochemical profiles of lactating Murrah buffaloes under summer conditions, thereby enhancing their overall performance and welfare.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of microclimatic modifications on the behavior of Murrah buffaloes under summer conditions in order to mitigate these effects. The research was carried out at the buffalo farm of the Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, India, between August and October 2024. Eighteen lactating Murrah buffaloes were allocated into three treatment groups, each consisting of six animals, within a loose housing system: (T1) Concrete flooring with corrugated asbestos roofing (control); (T2) Concrete flooring with 50 mm thick glass wool on the false ceiling and white paint on the upper side of the roof; (T3) Concrete flooring with 70 mm thick expanded polyethylene sheet on the ceiling and white paint on the upper side of the roof. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of microclimatic changes on the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and behavioral responses of Murrah buffaloes. THI levels were significantly reduced in both T2 and T3 treatment groups. Behavioral observations indicated an increase in lying time, sitting time, and time spent in covered areas during T2, whereas standing time, time in open areas, and aggressive behaviors were diminished in treatments with microclimatic modifications. The Buffalo Comfort Index (BCI) was highest in the T2 group, followed by the T3 group. THI exhibited a strong positive correlation with time spent in open areas, while showing a negative correlation with time spent in covered areas and the buffalo comfort index (BCI). In summary, the implementation of microclimatic modifications, specifically the use of glass wool and expanded polyethylene sheets, in conjunction with white paint on the roof, effectively mitigated heat stress, enhanced thermal comfort, and improved the overall behavioral response of lactating Murrah buffaloes. Based on these findings, we recommend the adoption of glass wool insulation (50 mm thickness) combined with white-painted roofing as an effective heat stress mitigation strategy for dairy buffaloes in tropical loose housing systems, particularly during summer months.

The purpose of this study was to assess how well roof modifications-more especially, false ceilings composed of glass wool and expanded polyethylene (EPE) sheets painted with reflective white paint-could reduce heat stress and enhance the microclimate in the loose housing system of lactating Murrah buffaloes in subtropical climates. The experiment was conducted at the Buffalo Farm, LUVAS, Hisar, India, for ninety days. An asbestos roof without any modifications (T1, control), an asbestos roof with a glass wool false ceiling and white paint (T2), and an asbestos roof with an EPE sheet false ceiling and white paint (T3) were the three treatments that were compared. The temperature of the internal shed, relative humidity (RH), upper roof temperature (URT), false ceiling temperature (FCT), and floor temperature (FT) were recorded on a fortnightly basis for 3 consecutive days, along with macroclimatic parameters. The findings indicated that T2 had the best thermal insulation and heat reflectance, maintaining significantly (P<0.05) the lowest interior, upper roof, false ceiling, and floor temperatures with the most stable relative humidity. T1 displayed the highest temperatures and the most heat stress, whereas T3 performed in the middle. T2 considerably moderated thermal load by achieving a temperature reduction of 4-7 degrees C in comparison to the macroclimate. According to the research, dairy buffaloes' thermal comfort is significantly increased by integrated roof insulation and reflective surfaces, which improves their welfare and productivity in hot climates.

The present study explores the usefulness of Infrared Thermography (IRT) as a non-invasive tool for assessing udder health in dairy goats. This study involved 50 lactating goats screened throughout lactation using conventional mastitis tests (CMT, SCC, and EC) alongside IRT and TLR2 gene expression analysis. A total of 600 thermograms (4 per goat: eye, rectal, left half, and right half) were analyzed. The results indicated significantly higher (p < 0.05) somatic cell count (SCC) and CMT scores in the affected halves of mastitic animals, with strong Pearson correlations supporting these findings. Surface temperatures of the udder halves in mastitis goats were elevated throughout lactation, with a significant rise (p < 0.05) observed in late lactation. Eye temperatures showed weak to moderate negative correlations with SCC, CMT, and EC, indicating that as these parameters increased, eye temperatures decreased slightly. Gene expression analysis revealed differences in TLR2 expression between healthy and mastitic goats, suggesting a link to subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, IRT proves to be a valuable, non-invasive tool for udder health assessment in dairy goats, effectively complementing traditional mastitis detection methods.

The present study was carried out to study the effect of Faba Bean (Vicia faba) as protein source on performance of Murrah Buffaloes. For this, eighteen Murrah buffaloes in transition phase were selected and divided into 3 treatment groups having six buffaloes in each group on the basis of milk yield, body weight and parity, following completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment 1 (control) was given concentrate as per ICAR standard 2013 (T0), in treatment 2; 15% of the CP of the concentrate of the control group was replaced with faba bean (T1) and Treatment 3 was given concentrate by replacing 30% of the CP of the control group with faba bean (T2). Production performance parameters were observed. It was reported that replacement of protein source with 15 and 30% faba bean did not have significant effect on average days taken to attain peak yield and persistency period. Overall, it can be concluded that replacement of high cost protein source with faba bean (cheap protein source) upto 30% level does not have any deleterious effect on performance of the animal and also economical to the farmers.

This research was designed to evaluate the effect of Soymilk on growth and economics of feeding in Murrah buffalo calves. Total 15 buffalo calves were randomly divided into three treatment groups. Whole milk/dam’s milk fed experimental calves were taken in control group. The experimental groups consist of Whole milk and Soymilk in 75:25 and 50:50 ratio. Standard feeding and management practices were followed throughout the experimental period. To assess the efficacy of Soymilk feeding on the growth performance, body weight and body measurements(body height, heart girth, abdominal girth and body length) were recorded at the start of the experiment and thereafter at fortnightly interval. The results of the study indicated that body weight parameters (average body weight, body weight gain, cumulative body weight gain and average daily body weight gain) and body measurements parameters (body height, cumulative body height gain, heart girth, cumulative heart girth gain, abdominal girth and cumulative body length gain) did not differ significantly among the control group and Soymilk fed treatment groups. The economics of feeding calculated at the end of experiment revealed that net profit in total feeding cost/kg weight gain was Rs. 106.92and 130.35 for 25 percent and 50 percent Soymilk replacement group, respectively. It can be concluded that Soymilk has similar effect on growth performance of calves as whole milk and more economical than whole milk feeding, therefore Soymilk may possibly replace whole milk up to 50 percent level.

Background: A feeding trial was conducted to find out the effect of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) supplementation on production performance, nutrient digestibility, mortality and cost of production of the layer chicken. Methods: Two hundred and twenty five laying chickens of twenty two weeks of age were randomly divided in to five treatment groups having three replications of fifteen birds each i.e. T0 (basal diet without antibiotic growth promoter, AGP-negative control group), T1 (basal diet with AGP-control group), T2 (T0+1% aloe vera), T3 (T0+2% aloe vera) and T4 (T0+3% aloe vera). Result: There was significant (P less than 0.05) difference in the average feed consumption (g/hen/day), hen day egg production, hen housed egg production, egg mass production, dry matter metabolizability and nitrogen retention upon supplementation of aloe vera in the diet of layers. The feed conversion ratio in terms of feed intake (kg) per dozen of eggs was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in the control and 1% aloe vera supplemented groups as compared to the negative control group. Thus, it can be recommended that 1% aloe vera can be supplemented in the diet of layers as a herbal feed supplement.

The study was conducted in Hisar, Bhiwani, Rohtak and Jhajjar districts of Haryana state in India to assess the socioeconomic profile, technology adoption and constraints of the farmers rearing Hariana cattle in its breeding tract. A total of240 respondents (60 respondents from each district) were purposively selected and interviewed individually. 84.58 % of the farmers belong to joint family. Occupation of majority of the respondents was agriculture (53.33 %) along with dairying. Most of the farmers were small (27.50 %), marginal (28.34 %) and landless (29.58 %) with an average land holding of 2.6 acres. 50% of them belong to medium (40000-150000 lakhs) annual family income group. The average herd size and lactation yield of Hariana cattle in study area was 1.56 and 1014.21 L respectively. Majority of the farmers have adopted all the technologies only few of them have not adopted due to lack of knowledge. The major constraints in Hariana cattle rearing is low productivity comparedto Murrah buffalo and CB cattle. The other prevailing constraints of farmers in the study areas were aggressive behaviour of Hariana cattle, sale of male calves, reduction in grazing land, lack of timely veterinary and AI services, dilution of breed arise from indiscriminate breeding and scarcity of feed and fodder.

After detorsion, incomplete cervical dilatation is major cause of dystocia. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of valethamate bromide and hyoscine butyl bromide on cervical dilation after detorsion and their effect on haematological and biochemical parameters of torsion detorted water buffaloes. A total of 18 buffaloes were selected for study which were divided into three groups of six animals each. After detorsion by Sharma’s Modified Schaffer’s method, animals with grade I and grade II cervix were selected for the study. Group I (control group) buffaloes were administered with dexamethasone (40 mg, I/M), cloprostenol (500 μg, I/M) and mifex (450 mL, slow I/V) after successful detorsion. Along with these drugs, in group II and group III, valethamate bromide (100 mg, I/M) and hyoscine butyl bromide (160 mg, I/M) were administered, respectively. The cervical dilation rate (CDR) of each group was calculated and compared. Blood samples were collected three times: before detorsion, after treatment and at parturition. Group III (2.17±0.07 cm/h) had significantly higher CDR followed by group II (1.39±0.21 cm/h), and control group (0.47±0.19 cm/h). Serum calcium levels were also elevated after treatment. Both drug combinations were found safe haematologically and biochemically.

Abstract The present investigation has been undertaken to study the effect of Moringa oleifera supplementation on performance of lactating Murrah buffalo under loose housing system. Eighteen lactating Murrah buffaloes were assigned to three dietary treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) resulting in six lactating buffaloes per treatment based on parity following factorial completely randomized design. The experiment was conducted for a period for 150 days postpartum (days in milk) to find the effect of supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in following treatments, namely, T1(control)- Feeding of lactating buffaloes as per Indian Council of Agricultural Research standards (2013), T2-75 g MOLM/animal/day in ration,T3- 150 g MOLM/animal/day in ration. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher milk yield (kg), 6% FCM (kg), and lactose (%) were reported in T3 treatment group as compared to T1. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher milk fat (%) and solid Not Fat (%) and total solids (%) were reported in T2 and T3 treatment group as compared to T1 while milk protein (%) remain unchanged. Peak milk yield was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T3 treatment groups as compared to T1 (control) but Days taken to attain peak milk yield did not differ significantly among different dietary treatments. Persistency period of peak milk yield were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in T3 treatment groups as compared to T1 (control). It is inferred that MOLM supplementation in ration up to 150 grams increases milk production and production traits as well as improved milk composition.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains endemic in domestic water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in India and elsewhere, with limited options for control other than testing and slaughter. The prescribed tuberculin skin tests with purified protein derivative (PPD) for diagnosis of bTB preclude the use of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-based vaccination because of the antigenic cross-reactivity of vaccine strains with Mycobacterium bovis and related pathogenic members of the M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC). For the diagnosis of bTB in domestic water buffaloes, we here assessed a recently described defined-antigen skin test (DST) that comprises overlapping peptides representing the ESAT-6, CFP-10 and Rv3615c antigens, present in disease-causing members of the MTBC but missing in BCG strains. The performance characteristics of three doses (5, 10 or 20 μg/peptide) of the DST were assessed in natural tuberculin skin test reactor (n = 11) and non-reactor (n = 35) water buffaloes at an organized dairy farm in Hisar, India, and results were compared with the single intradermal skin test (SIT) using standard bovine tuberculin (PPD-B). The results showed a dose-dependent response of DST in natural reactor water buffaloes, although the SIT induced a significantly greater (P < 0.001) skin test response than the highest dose of DST used. However, using a cut-off of 2 mm or greater, the 5, 10, and 20 μg DST cocktail correctly classified eight, 10 and all 11 of the SIT-positive reactors, respectively, suggesting that the 20 μg DST cocktail has a diagnostic sensitivity (Se) of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.72–1.0) identical to that of the SIT. Importantly, none of the tested DST doses induced any measurable skin induration responses in the 35 SIT-negative animals, suggesting a specificity point estimate of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.9–1.0), also identical to that of the SIT and compares favorably with that of the comparative cervical test (Se = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.55–0.98). Overall, the results suggest that similar to tuberculin, the DST enables sensitive and specific diagnosis of bTB in water buffaloes. Future field trials to explore the utility of DST as a defined antigen replacement for tuberculin in routine surveillance programs and to enable BCG vaccination of water buffaloes are warranted.

Two hundred and twenty-five, day old unsexed broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 3 replicates, each consisting of 15 broilers to study the effect of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) supplementation on the carcass characteristicsand proximate composition of broiler chicken meat. The chicks were fed with standard basal diets in three different growth phases i.e. pre-starter (0-7day), starter (8-21day) and finisher (22–42 day). The treatments included the control group (T1 - basal diet) and four groups with basal diet mixed with Shatavari powder @ 0.5% (T2), @ 1% (T3), 1.5% (T4) and @ 2% (T5) in feed, respectively. At the end of the experiment 9 birds per treatment (three from each replicate) were randomly selected. The birds were kept off feed for 12 hours prior to their sacrifice, but water was given ad libitum. Weight of the birds, before and after fasting, was recorded. Carcass yield of broilers did not differ significantly among various treatment groups. The mean value for dressing percentage, drawn percentage, eviscerated percentage and giblet percentage varied and were comparable among the different treatment groups. The meat bone ratios also had non-significant differences among different treatments. In thigh as well as breast portion moisture, protein, fat and ash values were non-significantly differ.

The present study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of Shatavari on the energy efficiency ratio (EER), protein efficiency ratio (PER), performance index (P.I) and production number (P.N) of broiler chicken. Two hundred and twenty-five, day old unsexed broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 3 replicates, each consisting of 15 chicks. The treatments included the control group (T1 - basal diet) and four groups with basal diet mixed with Shatavari powder @ 0.5% (T2), @ 1% (T3), 1.5% (T4) and @ 2% (T5) in feed, respectively. The results revealed that PER and EER values of broilers at 21st and 35th day remained significantly better (P

Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) is an aromatic, grassy and annual medicinal plant belonging to Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. It is mostly grown in areas like in Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and eastern India. In India mostly it is grown in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The name Ajwain originated from Sanskrit word Yavanaka or Ajomoda. It is known by various vernacular names such as Bishop’s weed (Sanskrit), Carom or Thyme seed (English name) and Ajowan or Ajwain or Omum (Indian name). Ajwain is highly esteemed as a remedial digestive agent for flatulence, flatulent colic, atonic dyspepsia, diarrhoea and as an antiseptic. The phytochemical studies on Ajwain have revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, fixed oils glycosides, tannins, saponin and flavonoids, cumene, thymene, amino-acids and dietary fiber essential oils like thymol, carvacrol, c-terpinene, p-cymene, etc. Thymol, the major phenolic compound present in Ajwain, has been reported to be germicide, antispasmodic and antifungal agent. Oil of Ajwain contains thymol and its specific gravity and odour resembles the volatile oil. The oil contains a liquid hydrocarbon, 1-methyl-4-isopropylbenzol, and another hydrocarbon which is isomeric with oil of turpentine. Ajwain, is reported to have platelet aggregation inhibitory action, antifungal potency and blood pressure lowering action. Ajwain can be promoted as a non-antibiotic growth promoter (NAGP) in broiler industry for producing quality meat without antibiotics in a very cost effective way.

Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) is an aromatic, grassy and annual medicinal plant belonging to Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. It is mostly grown in areas like in Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and east India. In India mostly it is grown in Rajasthan, Gujarat and M.P. The name Ajwain originated from Sanskrit word Yavanaka or Ajomoda. It is known by various vernacular names such as Bishop’s weed (Sanskrit), Carom or Thyme seed (English name) and Ajowan or Ajwain or Omum (Indian name). Ajwain is highly esteemed as a remedial agent for flatulence, flatulent colic, atonic dyspepsia, diarrhoea in short, as a digestive aid and also as an antiseptic (Bentely and Wrimen, 1999). Thymol, the major phenolic compound present in Ajwain, has been reported to be germicide, antispasmodic and antifungal agent (Murthy et al., 2009). Some researchers proved an increase in body weight and decrease in feed efficiency when using these herbal plants in broilers diets (Great head, 2003). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 02 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com