National Dairy Research Institute

This study examines the relationship between communication apprehension (CA) and communication skill gaps among postgraduate students in higher agricultural education in India. Despite extensive research on communication competencies, limited studies have examined the psychological determinants, particularly communication apprehension, influencing communication skill development. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed using the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension-24 (PRCA-24) and a Training Need Index (TNI) to assess communication apprehension and skill gaps among 210 postgraduate students from three leading agricultural institutions. The findings indicate that most students exhibit moderate levels of communication apprehension, with higher anxiety observed in group discussions and interpersonal interactions. Writing and speaking skills emerged as the most critical communication gaps. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between communication apprehension and communication skill gaps (β = 0.635), suggesting that higher apprehension is associated with greater training needs. Grounded in Communication Apprehension Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, the study highlights the role of psychological factors in shaping communication behaviour. The findings underscore the need for targeted, experiential communication training interventions to enhance communication competence and professional readiness among agricultural graduates.

Mahua (Madhuca indica) flowers are rich in natural sugars, minerals, and bioactive compounds, yet remain underutilized in value-added beverage applications. Mahua tree has several chemical elements such as alkaloids, ethylcinnamate, sesquiterene alcohol, triterpenoids, b-carotene, xanthophylls, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, and tannins. The present study aimed to develop and optimise a non-fermented ready-to-serve (RTS) beverage from mahua flower extract fortified with ginger and mint at varying concentrations (5%, 7.5%, and 12%). Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale revealed that 7.5% ginger and 12% mint incorporation resulted in significantly higher overall acceptability scores (7.02 and 7.35, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). The optimised formulations were subjected to storage stability assessment under ambient and refrigerated conditions for three months. Physicochemical parameters, including total sugars, pH, and total soluble solids (TSS), were analysed at monthly intervals. A gradual decline in total sugars, pH, and TSS was observed during storage, with significantly greater deterioration under ambient conditions. Two-way ANOVA (n=3) indicated significant effects of storage period, storage condition, and their interaction (p ≤ 0.05). Microbial analysis showed earlier contamination in ginger-blended RTS under ambient conditions, whereas mint-blended RTS exhibited extended microbial stability. All samples remained microbiologically safe under refrigerated storage throughout the study period. The results demonstrate that incorporation of mint at 12% enhances sensory quality and shelf-life stability of mahua RTS beverage compared to ginger fortification. Refrigerated storage significantly improved physicochemical retention and microbial safety. By reducing enzymatic and metabolic activity, low temperatures most likely inhibited the growth of microorganisms. Essential oils and phenolic components with established antibacterial qualities may be responsible for the increased microbiological stability of mint-fortified RTS. These substances impede enzymatic function and damage microbial cell membranes. The developed mahua-based RTS beverage offers potential for commercial exploitation and value addition of this underutilised forest resource.

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.

The research work focused on the socio-personal, socio-economic, and extension participation traits of small-scale dairy farmers in the drought-affected Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. A survey research design was used, and primary data were gathered from 210 dairy farmers selected by multi-stage sampling from all seven blocks of the district. Personal interviews were conducted using a semi-structured pre-tested format. The results indicated that the majority of the farmers were in the middle-aged group, 45.71 per cent, and educational levels were generally low, with only 3.80 per cent having graduate-level education or above. The maximum number of respondents were residing in nuclear families, 57.15 per cent, and farming was a mixed occupation for 59.04 per cent of the respondents, which indicates that they had diversified livelihood sources. Socio-economic parameters showed that 40.49 per cent of the farmers were in the medium-income group, and semi-medium landholdings (2-4 ha) were predominant, 41.90 per cent. Milk production was mostly at the medium level, 50.48 per cent, indicating that they were rearing indigenous breeds and had not adopted improved practices to the fullest. Social participation was low for 39.53 per cent of the respondents, and extension participation was also low, with 42.37 per cent of the respondents reporting low participation. The findings of the study revealed that, despite dairy farming being an important livelihood support system in drought-affected areas, lack of extension contact and poor institutional participation had acted as constraints in adopting technology and increasing productivity.