A study was undertaken to assess the effect of betel leaves (Piper betel Linn) extract on the physico-chemical, sensory and antioxidant properties of khoa made from cow’s milk and stored under room temperature. The physico-chemical parameters viz., pH, titratable acidity, fat, free fatty acids, sensory and antioxidant properties were evaluated periodically at an interval of 3 days upto 9 days. The  result revealed that sensory evaluation of khoa was not influenced by the presence of 0.5 per cent aqueous extract of betel leaves up to 9 days of storage period with an overall acceptability score of 6.83. The physico- chemical properties of khoa showed an increasing trend in acidity and decrease of pH as the storage period progresses. The free fatty acids levels were well within the prescribed limit because of antioxidant properties exhibited by the aqueous extract of betel leaves. From the study, it was concluded that khoa with 0.5 aqueous extract of betel leaves restricted the production of free fatty acid compared to control due to antioxidant property of betel leaves.

Animals of all ages are susceptible for chocolate toxicity affecting many organ systems. The case presented here is of male German shepherd aged 4 years was accidentally encountered with chocolate toxicity with excessive salivation, vomition, diarrhoea, restlessness and incoordination like systems. The dog was treated symptomatically using rehydrated fluids, atropine sulphate and dexamethasone along with other supportive medication immediately. The dog was recovered completely within week of post treatment. 

With the aim to examine the effect of rearing systems on major meat quality traits in native ducks, appropriate experimental investigation was conducted. Research material included a total of 160 day-old native ducklings. The experiment was organized in two treatments with two replications each. Two different rearing systems were employed the intensive (cages) and extensive system (free-range). The native ducklings belonging to same hatch were procured from a local duck farmer and reared simultaneously for a period of ten weeks. Twelve ducks (six male and six female) from each treatment were chosen randomly and slaughtered at the end of rearing period to study meat quality traits in native ducks. Differences were significant (P<0.05) among sexes and rearing systems on pre slaughter live weight, eviscerated weight and various cut up parts, the corresponding values are higher for intensively reared ducks. Regarding sex, both male and female ducks exhibited differences considerably higher weight gain, carcass and cut up parts yield than that of female ducks.

A clinical parameter study was conducted to file the reference serum bio-chemical values of Bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) reared under captivity. The animals were chemically restrained and six blood samples (3 males and 3 females) were collected from the saphenous vein and processed. In this study, the mean ± S.E. of estimated value of serum biochemical profiles were close to the normal range reported earlier. But, serum glucose level was less and serum level of phosphorus was comparatively high.

A comparison of milk yield and composition of various indigenous and crossbred cattle was undertaken to evaluate their performance in the subtropical high altitudes of Kerala. A total of 173, 95, 63 and 63 morning milk samples from 42 CBHF, 12 Vechur, six Sahiwaland six Kankrej cows of early second lactation were analyzed for total solids, fat, solids-not-fat, lactose, protein and chloride by conventional  methods. Least squares analysis revealed that breed and test-day climate significantly influenced the milk yield and composition (P >0.05). The mean lactation yield in Vechur, Sahiwal, Kankrej and CBHF were 514.62 ± 42.87 Kg, 1025.65 ± 358.15 Kg, 1102.45 ± 358.15 Kg and 1763.93 ± 128.16 Kg respectively. Kankrej had higher fat and total solids while Vechur had higher SNF, protein and lactose (P >0.05). Vechur had lesser seasonal fluctuations in major constituents, indicating it’s adaptability and climatic resilience as the native breed of Kerala.

A study was undertaken to evaluate carbohydrate and protein fractions of crop residue based complete rations as per the procedure of Cornel Net Carbohydrate and Protein (CNCPs) system.  Three iso-nitrogenous complete rations were prepared comprising of maize stover (T1) straw , red gram straw (T2) and black gram (T3) and concentrate mixture in 60: 40 ratio, respectively and were analyzed for CNCPS fractions. Maize stover contained lower (P<0.01) lignin (% NDF) compared to red gram or black gram straws. Lignin (% NDF) was lower (P<0.01) and starch (% NSC) was higher (P<0.01) in T1  when compared to T2 or T3. NDICP (% CP) was higher (P<0.01) and ADICP (% CP) was lower (P<0.01) in T1 when compared to other complete rations. Carbohydrate fraction CA (% CHO) was higher (P<0.01), while fraction CC (% CHO) was lower (P<0.01) in T1 when compared to other complete rations. Protein fractions PB1 and PB3 (% CP) were higher (P<0.01) in T1 while the fraction PC (% CP) was similar among the complete rations under study. Similar trend of higher (P<0.01) CA, PB2 and PB3 and lower (P<0.01) CC fractions were observed in maize stover than in red gram or black gram straw. The present study concluded that complete ration (T) comprising of maize stover was better in terms of carbohydrate and protein fractions with higher (CA, PB1and PB3) and lower CC and PC fractions when compared to other complete rations.

Gastrointestinal nematode parasitism is one of the major factors limiting sheep production worldwide because they cause heavy economic losses in meat and wool production. Gastrointestinal parasitism is the major cause for morbidity and mortality in ruminants. Severe anemia, reduction in functional gastric gland mass, severe damage to gastric mucosa and villous astropy caused by these worms are responsible for the death due to parasitic gastroenteritis. In India, the common nematode species encountered is Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants. This review throws light on the different mechanisms and contributory factors affecting the development of anthelmintic resistance, the diagnosis and means to prevent the resistance at field level. The emergence of multi-resistant nematode has shown that the previously used control strategies is no longer a chemically success method. The interpretation of fecal egg count reduction test has been modified and suggestions are made on its use with persistent anthelmintics. 

A 3 year old Spitz- Pomeranian mixed breed was presented with a history of bilateral hind limb lameness and walking in abnormal gait since birth. Radiographic diagnosis revealed bilateral lateral luxation of patella with deformity of both stifles. Surgical correction of congenital deformity was done on right hind limb using the technique of trochlear wedge resection sulcoplasty (TWRS) and transposition of tibial tuberosity (TT) which showed normal weight bearing and good functional outcome on 50th post-operative day.

A 6 year old female Afghan Hound dog was presented to the Small Animal Critical Care Unit, Madras Veterinary College, TANUVAS, Chennai with a history of dyspnea, coughing, weight loss and anorexia for 5 days with abducted gait. On physical examination, thoracic auscultation revealed muffled heart sounds and lung sounds. Low amplitude QRS Complex was observed on electrocardiographic examination. Thoracic radiography revealed pleural effusion. An echoic fluid accumulation around the heart, floating lung lobe and fibrin string was observed during the ultrasonography examination. Heamatological and biochemical parameters were within the normal value. Thoracocentesis was performed and removed around 450ml of milky white fluid intermittently. Based on pleural fluid analysis the case was diagnosed as idiopathic chylothorax. The dog was treated with intravenous fluid, antibiotics, tablet rutin, diuretics and steroids. After 1 week of treatment animal recovered gradually.

A two and half year old intact 19 kg female Doberman was referred to small animal medicine outpatient unit of Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with the history of lateral recumbency, dyspnoea, weight loss, inappetence, brownish diarrhoea for past 2 weeks. Clinical examination revealed fever, blanched mucous membrane, lymphadenopathy, dehydration > 5%. Hematology revealed severe anaemia, moderate thrombocytopenia and severe leukocytosis with neutrophilia. Ultrasonography evidenced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and peripheral blood smear cytology confirmed Hepatozoan canis gamonts in neutrophils. Emergency fresh whole blood transfusion was done and treatment initiated with a combination therapy including single dose of Imidocarb dipropionate @7.5 mg/kg and Doxycycline @ 10 mg PO for 28 days following which the dog showed progressive improvements.