A biological trial was conducted to study the effect of multi enzyme supplementation on ileal digestibilities of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), phytate phosphorus (PP) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in terms of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), hemicellulose and cellulose in broilers for a period of 0-6weeks. The broilers used in this trial were fed diets supplemented with enzyme at 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 g/ton of feed with a proportionate reduction in metabolizable energy (ME-1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5 %), crude protein (CP-0.75, 1.5, 2.25 and 3 %), methionine + cytine (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 %) and available phosphorus (2.2, 4.4, 6.6 and 8.8 %). The level of individual enzyme per gram of multi enzyme supplement was cellulase 146 IU, xylanase 241 IU, pectinase 98 IU, protease 74 IU, amylase 778 IU and phytase 33 IU. The ileal digestibility was conducted on 6 th week of trial. The ileal DM digestibility (%) was significantly (p<0.01) increased in 750 g and 1000 g enzyme supplemented groups than other treatment groups. The increase in ileal DM digestibility was significantly (p<0.01) higher (6.2 %) in the group fed with 750 g enzyme supplementation than control. The digestibility of ileal crude protein (%) significantly (p<0.01) increased in 500, 750 and 1000 g enzyme supplemented groups than control. The increase in ileal protein digestibility was 12.20 % in 500 g/ton, 9.90 % in 750 g/ton and 10.12 % in 1000 g enzyme supplemented groups than control. However a non significant difference was observed in ileal EE digestibility in all treatment groups. The ileal phytate phosphorus digestibility significantly (p<0.01) increased in all the enzyme supplemented groups (33.69 % in 250 g/ton, 38.75 % in 500 g/ton, 39.53% in 750 g/ton and 42.11% in1000 g/ton) than control (31.71%). A highly significant (P< 0.01) increase in ileal neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and hemicellulose was observed in 500 to 1000 g enzyme supplemented groups than control. Similarly significant (P<0.01) increase in ileal acid detergent fibre (ADF) and cellulose digestabilities (%) were observed in all enzyme supplemented groups than control. It was concluded that the multi enzyme supplementation at minimum inclusion level of 500 g per ton of feed increased the ileal digestibilities of CP, PP, NDF, ADF, hemicelluloses and cellulose by 12.20 %, 18.17 %, 13.57 %, 55.63 % 12.77 % and 52.64 % respectively than control in broiler diet than the control diet in broilers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate two different superovulation protocols for quality embryo production. Donor animals were selected (Day 0) and a progesterone device was inserted. The superstimulatory treatment was initiated in day 7 (D7) with follicle stimulating hormone from porcine (FSHp) in eight decreasing doses each at 12 hours interval. Along with the fifth dose of FSHp, 500μg cloprostenol was administered. The progesterone device was removed 12h (Treatments P12) and 24 h after the first application of cloprostenol (Treatments P24). Twelve hours after the eighth dose of FSHp (D11) 25µg of Buserelin was administered and the inseminations were done after 12 and 24 hours. Embryos were collected in the forenoon of D18. P24 presented better results than the P12 treatment.

A study was planned to analyze the changes in livestock population growth rates and its trends in Tiruvarur district. Tiruvarur shares 2.94 per cent of goat and 2.1 per cent of cattle population to the respective population of Tamil Nadu. The remaining livestock species (buffalo, sheep, pig and poultry) including poultry share of Tiruvarur to states respective species population was negligible, contributing less than one per cent. Recent 20th census, evinced a positive growth rate with highest favourable growth rate of 64.65 per cent for poultry, followed by 2.3 per cent in cattle and 1.44 per cent for goat population of Tiruvarur. Negative growth rates were recorded for other species, which was found to be similar to the state population growth trend. Tiruvarur had a decrease in total livestock population and species-wise too showing negative growth rates between inter census period. Percentage population change over from the base year was 3.23% for goat whereas this was on negative trend for all other species. Analyzing the compositional share of livestock population, goat had the highest share with 53.03±2.62 per cent. All other livestock showed a decreasing trend from 16th to 20th census in Tiruvarur livestock population change. Inadequate infrastructure facilities (77.3%) topped among the five constraints analysed, followed by non-availability of feeds and fodders, mortality and environmental factors. Least constraint was found to be marketing facility. It can be concluded that increasing demand for goat meat, which fetch high remunerative price along with easy managemental practices and favorable conducive environment than other livestock, makes goat farming a highly suitable farming system for Tiruvarur.

A total of 203 blood samples were collected along with data on age at first calving from Murrah / graded Murrah buffaloes maintained at different organized farms. Genomic DNA isolation and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were performed to amplify the PCR products and were digested with HpaI restriction enzymes overnight. Population genetic indices was calculated based on basic statistical tools. At the MTNR1A / HpaI locus, three genotypes viz., CC, CT and TT identified, with frequencies of 0.225, 0.505 and 0.270 respectively. The allele frequencies of C and T alleles were 0.478 and 0.522 respectively. The overall means of age at first calving was 1385.76 ± 24.31 days. Individuals with the CT and TT genotypes (1356.78 ± 33.03 and 1378.38 ± 37.66 days) had shorter age at first calving than CC genotype (1422.14 ± 53.01 days) and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Phylogenetic analysis of organisms not only offers crucial details on the genesis and evolution of genes, genomes, and species, but also helps with ecological and behavioural research while forecasting the magnitude and direction of future evolutionary trends in living things. In the present study, cytochrome b gene sequence of mitochondrial DNA obtained from captive Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) from the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, was phylogenetically analysed with reference sequences of cytochrome b gene of fourteen sequences of the genus Panthera obtained from NCBI gen bank database. The similarities and differences between the different sequences were studied and the use of phylogenetic analysis as a forensic tool for investigation was discussed. The phylogenetic tool can also be used for pedigree checking where the parentage details are maintained and the place of origin of the species can be traced in case of samples seized during animal poaching.

A five-year-old intact male non-descript dog was referred to the Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with a history of blindness, persistent fever, inappetence, lethargy and corneal opacity for a week. Clinical examination revealed pale mucous membrane, pyrexia, and enlarged superficial lymph nodes and ophthalmic examination confirmed bilateral corneal opacity (5/5) and related vision loss. Hemato-biochemical profile revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and elevated creatinine levels. The wet film examination was positive for Trypanosoma evansi (+++) and following which the animal was treated with Diminazene aceturate @ 3.5 mg/kg deep IM, tab. Prednisolone @0.5 mg/kg, oral hematinics and evaluated after 2 weeks. Corneal opacity cleared After 14 days of treatment; haemato-biochemical parameters were back to normal range, and after one week of clinical recovery, the dog showed neurological signs. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed mild splenomegaly, ocular ultrasonography revealed normal ocular structure. CSF was positive by PCR for Trypanosoma evansi upon which the animal succumbed to death.

In the present study, red acrylic delta traps were fabricated and evaluated in piggery and cattle farms to trap house flies. Two different pellet baits; one containing (Z)-9-Tricosene, fish meal and molasses (FMP) and other with added antioxidant, butylated hydroxy toluene (FMPB) were used in the traps. In piggery and cattle farms, the traps were suspended at a height of six feet from ground level using metal wires at a distance of three meters between each trap. Each trial was conducted for seven days and the trial was repeated six times continuously without replacement of baits. Trapped flies were counted after each trial. In piggery farm, a total of 1232 flies were trapped, out of which 454 and 778 flies were trapped in FMP and FMPB pellet baited traps, respectively. Total number of flies trapped in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth week of the study period was 308, 247, 196, 133, 204 and 144, respectively. In cattle farm, a total of 435 flies were trapped, out of which 160 flies were trapped in FMP pellet baited traps and remaining 63.21 per cent (275 flies) were trapped in FMPB pellet baited traps. Total number of flies trapped in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth week of the study period was 134, 96, 82, 55, 27 and 41, respectively. The variation in trap catches of flies in traps baited with FMP and FMPB pellets was highly significant in both piggery (χ2 value = 170.42** p<0.01) and cattle farms (χ2 value 60.80** p<0.01). Delta traps were found effective in luring house flies and can be used in livestock farms to control house flies. 

The study on the assessment of body weight gain in three indigenous chicken breeds viz., Aseel, Kadaknath and Siruvidai chicken were conducted in five poultry farms of Vendhoni village, Ramanathapuram district. The body weight gain both between the breeds and farms were statistically analysed for a period of 20 weeks. All the five selected farms were distributed with day old (0 Day) Aseel, Kadaknath and Siruvidai chicks (Each 10 Nos) and about 50 kg each of commercial chick mash (Nutrikraft®). The body weight gain was recorded and assessed every week until 20 weeks. Among the three breeds analysed, a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) existed with Aseel breed having higher body weight gain (1.441 kg) followed by Kadaknath (0.887 kg) and Siruvidai (0.737 kg) at 20 weeks of age.  The weight gain recorded during fourth and eighth weeks of age showed a highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) change among all the three breeds. The weight gain of Kadaknath and Siruvidai were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) during 12th and 16th week of age. Whereas the weight gain in Aseel was found to be non-significant (P ≥ 0.05) in the same period of study. During 20th week, Siruvidai showed highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) change in weight gain and Aseel and Kadaknath showed non-significant (P ≥ 0.05) change.  Overall, Aseel had higher body weight gain than Kadaknath and Siruvidai breeds. All the three breeds were found to be well adapted to the hot and humid climatic condition of this district.

A four-month-old male Labrador retriever puppy was presented to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, Indian Veterinary Research Institute with the history of anorexia, vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea and signs of hypovolaemic shock. The case was diagnosed as parvovirus gastroenteritis by rapid antigen detection test. Shock was managed by infusion of polyionic isotonic fluid.  Haematological examination revealed severe leukopenia with WBC count of 0.3×10³/µL, which was treated with administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (Filgrastim) at 5 mcg/kg subcutaneously along with supportive therapy. Dog showed elevated WBC count and improvement in clinical signs after 48 h. Administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor along with routine therapy enhanced the survivability in canine parvovirus gastroenteritis.

Fracture comprises one of the major surgical cases having serious impinge on small ruminants causing lameness. A retrospective study was undertaken on incidence of long bone fractures in reference to metacarpal and metatarsal in goats. Among 893 cases, 344 (38.5%) cases had fracture. Incidence according to the bone involved; metacarpal (28.4%), metatarsal (22.9%), tibia (15.9%), femur (14.2%), radius and ulna (11%) and humerus (8.13%). Fractures with special reference to the age, sex, nature, type, location in metacarpal and metatarsal were taken for the study. The age of animals with metacarpal fracture ranged from twenty days to 3 years and had a mean age of 9 months whereas metatarsal fracture ranged from one month to 2.5 years and had a mean age of 1.2 years. Out of 176 goats with metacarpal (98) and metatarsal (76) fractures, male goats (65.3%) and (68.4%) were mostly affected than female. Open fractures were 33% whereas closed fractures were of 67%. Fracture due to automobile accident in metacarpal (45.9%) and metatarsal (31.5%) was found to be the most common cause of fracture in goats.