Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the impact of replacing soybean meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal on the growth performance and feed economics of broiler Japanese quails. Methodology: A total of 300 day-old Japanese quail chicks were procured and reared from 1 to 6 weeks of age. The birds were randomly allocated into five dietary treatment groups (M0, M0.5, M1, M1.5 and M2) with three replicates per group, based on the graded inclusion levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) of Moringa oleifera leaf meal. Results: The M. oleifera leaf meal was rich in crude protein and fibre. Significant improvements were observed on the growth traits, nutrient utilization, and serum biochemistry in quails fed on M. oleifera leaf meal based diets. The M. oleifera leaf meal based diets reduced feed cost per kilogram of live weight gain in quails by Rs. 9.80-45.84. Interpretation: An inclusion level of 2% Moringa oleifera leaf meal was found to be optimal for all the parameters analyzed, and may therefore be recommended in the diets of broiler Japanese quails to enhance economic returns. Key words: Broiler, Economics, Japanese quails, Moringa oleifera leaf meal

Mastitis is a multifactorial, economically detrimental inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, characterized by physical, chemical and bacteriological changes in milk along with pathological alterations in glandular tissue. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating cattle and to evaluate the associated risk factors in affected animals maintained under organized and unorganized sectors. The study was conducted over a period of six months at the Livestock Farm, Adhartal, various Gaushala and private dairy farms, Jabalpur (M.P.) where lactating cattle were screened for mastitis using the Modified California Mastitis Test (MCMT) and cattle positive for MCMT without clinical signs were further confirmed for subclinical mastitis (SCM) by Somatic cell count (SCC) estimation using somatic cell counter cum lactoscan (combo). A total of 209 lactating cattle were screened, of which 60 cattle were positive for subclinical mastitis, recorded a prevalence of 28.70%. A comparatively higher prevalence was observed among cattle maintained under the unorganized sector (36.36%). Multi-quarter involvement was commonly observed, with two-quarter involvement (10.52%) emerging as the predominant pattern. Crossbred cattle exhibited a higher prevalence (31.74%) compared to indigenous cattle (24.09%). Higher prevalence was observed in cattle age 7 years and above (29.83%) and during the early stage of lactation which was identified as a significant risk period (p<0.05). An increasing trend in prevalence was evident with advancing parity upto the 4th lactation followed by a marginal decline thereafter. MCMT grading indicated that the majority of positive quarters exhibited 1+ reaction, reflecting the predominance of lower grade subclinical infections. The findings indicate that subclinical mastitis remains a prevalent condition in lactating cattle, particularly under unorganized management systems, underscoring the need for routine screening and highlighting the importance of early detection and timely management to minimize production losses and disease transmission.

The current study aimed to investigate whether cathepsin B (cath B) inhibition in cumulus cells of morphologically graded buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) during in vitro maturation (IVM) could modulate apoptotic markers and enhance developmental potential. Cumulus cells from grade A and B buffalo COCs were collected at 0, 12, and 24h of IVM, with or without supplementation of the optimized cysteine protease inhibitor E-64. Cathepsin B and selected apoptotic regulators were quantified by qRT-PCR. Cathepsin B protein levels and apoptotic signals were assessed by immunostaining and TUNEL assay, respectively. Following 24h of IVM, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro culture (IVC) were performed, and developmental competence was evaluated based on oocyte maturation, cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and blastocyst quality. Expression of cath B and pro-apoptotic genes (BID, BCL2, BAX, caspase-3) was found higher along with lower expression of anti-apoptotic genes (BCL2 and XIAP) in the cumulus cells of B grade COCs. The addition of 10µM E-64 significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cath B and pro-apoptotic gene expression, lowered the BAX/BCL2 ratio, and decreased apoptosis signals in cumulus cells of both COC grades. E-64 supplementation improved blastocyst yield from grade A COCs and enhanced blastocyst quality in both grades, without affecting maturation and cleavage rates. E-64 supplementation during IVM modulates apoptotic markers in cumulus cells of different grades of buffalo COCs by inhibiting cath B, thereby enhancing the developmental competence and offering valuable insights for improving in vitro embryo production programs in this species.

Background: Dermatological disorders are among the most frequently encountered clinical conditions in domestic cats and significantly affect animal welfare. Region-specific epidemiological data from central India remain limited. Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the occurrence and associated risk factors of dermatological disorders in domestic cats. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in cats presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex and private clinics in and around Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 307 cats were screened, and dermatological disorders were diagnosed using clinical examination, deep skin scraping, flea comb test, Wood’s lamp examination, and tape impression smear. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: Out of 307 cats examined, 67 were affected, resulting in an overall occurrence of 21.82%. The occurrence was significantly higher in cats below 12 months of age (P &lt; 0.05) and in Persian cats compared to domestic short-haired cats (P &lt; 0.05). Gender-wise differences were not statistically significant. Alopecia (71.64%) and otitis externa (49.25%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Ectoparasitic infestations constituted the predominant dermatological disorder (52.23%), followed by fungal (20.89%) and bacterial infections (16.41%). Conclusion: Dermatological disorders are common in domestic cats, with age and breed acting as significant risk factors. Early diagnosis and effective parasite control strategies are essential for improving feline dermatological health.

Pyometra, a serious and potentially fatal uterine infection in intact female dogs, is a common reproductive disorder characterized by the accumulation of purulent material within the uterus. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of canine from June to November 2024. A total of 1,857 canine cases were presented during the study period, of which 27 cases (1.45%) were diagnosed as pyometra based on clinical signs and ultrasonographic findings. Among 174 recorded gynaecological cases, pyometra accounted for 15.51 per cent cases. The disease was more prevalent in the month of July and August, with the highest incidence observed in Labrador Retrievers (37.03%) and nulliparous females (55.55%). Both open (77.77%) and closed (22.22%) cervix forms of pyometra were identified, with severity classified via ultraso nography. Monthly and breed-wise variation, along with parity status, revealed patterns that may assist in early diagnosis and targeted intervention. The findings highlight the importance of routine reproductive health monitoring in at-risk breeds and non-breeding females. Enhanced diagnostic facilities, including ultrasonography, were crucial for timely detection and management, thereby reducing associated morbidity and mortality.

The experiment was conducted to investigate gross biometrical parameters of deep pectoral muscle of Kadaknath, Narmada Nidhi and Jabalpur Color birds at 6 and 10 weeks of age. The present experimental work was conducted on total 36 male birds of Kadaknath, Narmada Nidhi and Jabalpur color. The birds were categorized into two age groups: 6 weeks and 10 weeks of age of Kadaknath (G1 and G2), Narmada Nidhi (G3 and G4) and Jabalpur color (G5 and G6), respectively with six birds in each group. Birds were procured from All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry (AICRP), Livestock Farm, Adhartal, NDVSU, Jabalpur (M.P.). Gross biometrical parameters i.e. length, width, thickness and cross-sectional area of deep pectoral muscle was measured. The intensity of color of deep pectoral muscle was increased at the age of 10 weeks. The gross biometrical parameters were maximum in Narmada nidhi birds at 6 weeks of age showing its initial growth while at 10 weeks it was maximum in Jabalpur color birds. Among all birds, the highest cross-sectional area was noted in Jabalpur color birds at 10 weeks. All parameters in Kadaknath fowl were significantly lower than in the other two breeds, indicating reduced growth during this age group.

The comparative characterization of the complete mitogenome of three subspecies of the genus Rucervus duvaucelii revealed close genetic relationship among Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii, Rucervus duvaucelii branderi and Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhii. Three mitogenome of Rucervus duvaucelii branderi were sequenced by next generation sequencing without the use of mitogenome-specific primers and measured 16407 bp, 16412 bp and 16361 bp. These three sequences of Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii (n = 3) were compared with seven previously reported Rucervus mitogenomes derived by Sanger sequencing using specific primers. The length of coding genes (CGs) in all the three subspecies ranged from 11461 bp to 11403 bp accounting for 69.77-69.85% of the mitogenome. The A + T content of the 13 CGs in the mitogenome were comparable among the three subspecies. All transfer RNA gene sequences formed secondary cloverleaf structures except trn Ser2 and G + C content of the tRNA genes varied from 20.3% (trn Arg ) to 45.2% (trn Asn ). Two hepta nucleotide motifs (‘ttttccc’ and ‘gtacata’) were observed in the control region. The atp8 gene presented the highest evolutionary rate, with a dN/dS ratio of (0.348) whereas cox1 exhibited the lowest (0.0106). The phylogenetic tree highlighted the evolutionary significance of the genus Rucervus and all the ten whole mitochondrial genome sequences were clustered together.

Anaesthesia plays a vital role in veterinary surgery, providing unconsciousness, analgesia and muscle relaxation. This study evaluated isoflurane and sevoflurane for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs premedicated with atropine, butorphanol and diazepam, and induced with etomidate and maintained in one group on isoflurane and another group on sevoflurane. Both groups showed smooth induction, although laryngeal reflexes occasionally complicated intubation. Anaesthetic maintenance was stable in both groups, with no significant differences in depth or physiological reSpOnses. Recovery parameters such as extubation, head lift and sternal recumbency times were similar; however, standing and complete recovery were significantly faster with sevoflurane. Recovery quality was also non-significantly superior in the sevoflurane group. Physiological and haemodynamic variables remained within acceptable ranges, while haematological and biochemical values showed only minor fluctuations. Overall, both agents were safe and effective, though sevoflurane offered faster and smoother recovery, indicating clinical advantages over isoflurane.