The present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative growth performance, morphometric traits and productive parameters of Khaki Campbell (KC), Kuzi and their crossbred (KC × Kuzi) ducks under a semi-intensive management system in Assam. A total of 403 birds (189 drakes and 214 ducks) were assessed up to 18 weeks of age under both farm and field conditions. Weekly body weight, morphometric measurements and reproductive traits were recorded and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and differences among groups were considered significant at P < 0.05. The results revealed that crossbred ducks exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight compared to the pure breeds during most weeks of growth. At 18 weeks of age, crossbreds attained the highest body weight (1958.25 ± 52.63 g), followed by Kuzi (1911.00 ± 35.75 g) and Khaki Campbell (1894.00 ± 59.04 g). Significant (P < 0.05) differences in growth were particularly evident during the early and mid-growth phases (3rd–10th week). Morphometric evaluation indicated that key conformation traits such as keel length, breast angle and chest circumference were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in crossbred ducks, suggesting superior body conformation. Additionally, crossbred ducks reached sexual maturity significantly (P < 0.05) earlier (126 days) compared to Kuzi (137 days) and Khaki Campbell (140 days). Body weight at sexual maturity differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the groups, with Kuzi recording the highest value (1991.00 g), followed by crossbreds (1958.25 g) and Khaki Campbell (1888.00 g). Egg quality parameters, including egg weight, shape index, yolk index, albumen index and shell thickness, did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the three genetic groups and were within acceptable ranges. In conclusion, the KC × Kuzi crossbred ducks demonstrated significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance, superior morphometric traits and earlier sexual maturity without compromising egg quality traits, making them a promising genetic resource for enhancing duck production under semi-intensive farming systems.

Rajapukhuri Pond, located in Rampur village of Kamrup District, Assam, is an important freshwater resource supporting local biodiversity and community needs. The present study evaluates the physico-chemical characteristics of the pond water and examines seasonal variations and anthropogenic influences on its water quality. Water samples were collected twice monthly from February to May 2025, covering pre-monsoon and early monsoon periods, and analyzed following standard APHA (2017) procedures. Key parameters assessed included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), free carbon dioxide (CO₂), total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC). The results revealed a gradual seasonal increase in temperature (19.8–24.0°C) accompanied by a corresponding decline in DO and CO₂, reflecting natural limnological processes. The pond water remained slightly alkaline (pH 7.32–8.21), while DO concentrations (6.19–8.74 mg/L) consistently remained above levels required to support aquatic life. Low TDS (43–47 ppm) and EC (86–102 µS/cm) values indicated minimal mineralization and limited anthropogenic disturbance. Comparison with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines confirmed the suitability of the pond water for sustaining aquatic ecosystems. Overall, the study indicates that Rajapukhuri Pond maintains good ecological health and stable water quality conditions. Regular monitoring, protection of the catchment area, and community participation are recommended to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable management of this freshwater ecosystem.

Silkworm nutrition plays a crucial role in determining larval growth, survival, and cocoon productivity in sericulture. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and soy protein on the growth performance and cocoon parameters of the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Fifth instar larvae were fed mulberry leaves fortified with graded concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%) of Vitamin C and soy protein, while a control group received untreated leaves. Key biological and economic traits including larval weight, cocoon weight, pupal weight, shell weight, and shell ratio were recorded. Supplementation significantly improved larval growth and cocoon characteristics compared to the control. Among Vitamin C treatments, 0.2% concentration produced the maximum yield, indicating optimal physiological and metabolic support at this level. In contrast, 0.4% soy protein supplementation resulted in the highest cocoon productivity, suggesting enhanced protein availability for silk synthesis. The results highlight the importance of targeted nutritional fortification of mulberry leaves and demonstrate that Vitamin C and soy protein supplementation can serve as effective strategies for improving silkworm productivity and sustaining sericulture efficiency.

This study documents the tri-trophic diversity of aphids, their parasitoids, and host plants in Manipur, where 50 aphidiine species (Braconidae) parasitise 44 aphid species on 82 host plants, forming 230 associations. This represents nearly one-third of the 157 aphidiine species recorded from India, underscoring significant contribution of Manipur to national parasitoid diversity. Marked interspecific variation in host breadth was observed. Several parasitoids, including Aphidius avenae, Aphidius colemani, Aphidius hortensis, Aphidius matricariae, Aphidius urticae, Binodoxys acalephae, Diaeretiella rapae, Ephedrus plagiator, and Lipolexis oregmae, exhibited broad host ranges, parasitising 5–11 aphid species across multiple host plants and contributing substantially to overall tri-trophic diversity. Aphidius matricariae emerged as the most polyphagous species, whereas Diaeretiella rapae showed strong associations with brassica-infesting aphids. Among aphids, Aphis gossypii supported the highest parasitoid richness (24 species) and formed 67 tri-trophic associations, followed by Myzus persicae with 14 parasitoid species and 40 associations. Host plants differed markedly in supporting aphid–parasitoid networks, with Brassica oleracea var. capitata and Solanum melongena serving as key tri-trophic hubs, while most plants sustained simpler associations. The complex network is driven largely by a few polyphagous parasitoids regulating aphids, alongside many host-specific species enhancing stability. The documented diversity highlights the ecological and applied importance of aphidiine parasitoids in integrated pest management and sustainable agroecosystem functioning in Manipur.

Engineered copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are increasingly released into terrestrial environments through industrial discharge, agrochemicals, biosolid amendments, and waste streams, raising concerns regarding their potential impacts on soil biota. Earthworms constitute ecologically significant detritivores that are widely utilized as bioindicators in terrestrial ecotoxicology. This study assessed the chronic toxicity of CuO nanoparticles to Perionyx sansibaricus, a tropical epigeic earthworm of ecological and vermicomposting importance, under a standardized 28-day artificial soil exposure. Test concentrations included 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg CuO kg⁻¹ dry soil. The present work deals with the impact of different concentrations of copper NPs on the survivability of earthworm Perionyx sansibaricus. Survivability rates decreased significantly with increasing concentration of CuO NPs. The average survivability was 87.25%,62%,52%,38.34% and 19.25% for doses 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg-1 respectively. A significant, dose-dependent and duration dependent toxicity of cuo nanoparticles on Perionyx sansibaricus was observed. Given the widespread agricultural use of CuO-based products, the study emphasizes the need for stricter environmental monitoring, responsible usage, and safe disposal practices to mitigate unintended harm to non-target soil organisms such as earthworms. The assessment of ecological danger and the management of CuO NPs utilized in diverse fields will benefit greatly from this study.

A survey and documentation of ichthyofaunal diversity were undertaken from April 2024 to December 2025 in the Sichi river, located within the Koyu circle of Lower Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India. With the help of local fishermen, specimens were sampled randomly along the length of the river at various times using locally available fishing gear and techniques. A total of 36 species of fish were recorded, belonging to 14 families, 5 orders, and 30 genera. According to the IUCN conservation categories, among the 36 species, 1 species comes under the category of Endangered (EN), 3 species are under the Vulnerable (VU) category, 5 species are under the Near Threatened (NT) category, 1 species is under the Data Deficient (DD) category and the remaining 5 species are under the Not Evaluated (NE) category. Under The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act (WPAA, 2022), one species, Cyprinion semiplotum, is listed under the Scheduled-I. The study also revealed that most of the fish species recorded from the river have high food value, recreational/sport fishing value, and ornamental value. Furthermore, the study also revealed that the fish population in the river has declined alarmingly over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate conservation measures.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors and is expected to meet the majority of future fish demand as the global population surpasses 8 billion. The sustainability issues with traditional fishmeal-based meals have prompted research on plant-based substitutes. This study summarizes studies on the use of unconventional plant resources in the diets of Labeo rohita (rohu), a significant large carp in India, such as sweet potato leaves, mustard oil cake, and Delonix regia leaf meal. We discussed impacts on growth, digestibility, enzyme activity, hematological parameters, immunological modulation, and anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). Plant feeds minimize environmental impacts, save costs, and promote fish health when processed adequately, with optimal inclusion levels of 10-40%. However, ANFs like tannins and phytates limit higher substitutions. Results back up plant feeds as practical, environmentally beneficial choices for sustainable rohu farming, along with processing suggestions.

This research explores the phenomenon of the Phintella family of spiders and their ecological distribution in Vaijanti Bagan, a specialized Canna lily garden located in the region of Prayagraj, India. Essentially, the main objective of this research was to understand the extent to which specialization takes place in urban environments regarding the predatory arthropods in the region. As natural habitats get disrupted, the indicator properties of Phintella spiders assume critical importance. Survey work was undertaken in the region of Chandrashekhar Azad Park employing three types of sampling methodologies, viz., manual sampling, sweep net, and pitfall, in the winter and summer seasons. As the focal species, Phintella vittata, was initially targeted to calculate the sexual dominance index, which was found to be 0.6912. But the greater objective of the overall endeavor was to carry out the community analysis of the spiders. The Simpson's Dominance Index for Phintella spiders was found to be 0.6912. Phintella spiders were found to be abundant within the ecological community, exhibiting a strong habitat association with the architecture of the host plant. This study provides crucial evidence for the role of ornamental gardens in urban biodiversity conservation.

The present study reports the first confirmed distribution record of Humerana humeralis from Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjoining Reserved Forest of Meghalaya, northeastern India, thereby extending the known range of the species within the eastern Himalayan biogeographic region. This record fills an important distributional gap between earlier reports from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and adjoining Bangladesh. Detailed morphometric measurements were taken from adult specimens, revealing pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males exhibiting relatively larger snout–vent length, head dimensions, tympanum size, and limb proportions compared to females. These measurements are largely congruent with previously published descriptions, confirming the taxonomic identity of the species while also highlighting minor regional variation. Habitat use further indicates that the species primarily occupies perennial streams, marshy pools, and forest-edge wetlands, preferably in semi-evergreen forest, emphasizing its dependence on stable aquatic and riparian microhabitats. This new record underscores the conservation significance of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, and its adjacent reserved forest highlights the need for continued habitat protection to conserve amphibian diversity in this landscape.

Helminth infection is the most common problem that causes economic and health losses, especially in equines. The present study aimed to identify and diagnose specific intestinal helminths that are responsible for causing diarrhea in horses and donkeys. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of these infections in various regions of Al-Najaf and Al-Diwaniyah. Additionally, the study investigated how the age and sex of the animals influenced the occurrence of the disease. The laboratory analysis of feces from 105 equines (84 horses and 21 donkeys) showed that 48 of them were infected with nematodes. Among the infected equines, 30 were horses (35% of the total horses) and 18 were donkeys (85% of the total donkeys). The specific types of nematodes found were Trichostrongylus axei (31% of the infections) and Strongylus spp. (14% of the infection). Overall, the percentage of equines infected with nematodes was 45%. The disparities in infection rates between Trichostrongylus axei and Strongylus spp. were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). The incidence of nematode infections was highest (60%) in equines aged 2 and 4 years old, and lowest (38%) in equines aged 6 and 8 years old. The prevalence of nematode infections was greater in female equines (48%) than in male equines (37%). Al-Manadera had the highest prevalence of nematode infection, with approximately 62%, while Al-Diwaniyah (known for its Arabian horses) had the lowest prevalence, at approximately 25%. Statistically, there were significant variations (P ≤ 0.05) between different regions. However, there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in infections based on animal age and sex, as they showed similar percentages of infection. The subclinical impacts of nematodes likely have a pervasive impact on the animal's health and productivity throughout its life. Hence, it is imperative for future research to examine the harmful consequences of nematodes.