This review covers the pre- and post-natal development of skeletal muscle of vertebrate animals with cellular and molecular levels. The formation of skeletal muscle initiates from paraxial mesoderm during embryogenesis of individuals which develops somites and subsequently forms dermomyotome derived myotome to give rise axial musculature. This process (myogenesis) includes stem and progenitor cell maintenance, lineage specification, and terminal differentiation to form myofibrils consequent muscle fibers which control muscle mass and its multiplication. The main factors of muscle growth are proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells in prenatal stage and also the growth of satellite cells at postnatal stage. There is no net increase in the number of muscle fibers in vertebrate animals after hatch or birth except fish. The development of muscle is characterized by hyperplasia and hypertrophy in prenatal and postnatal stages of individuals, respectively, through Wnt signalling pathway including environment, nutrition, sex, feed, growth and myogenic regulatory factors. Therefore further studies could elucidate new growth related genes, markers and factors to enhance meat production and enrich knowledge on muscle growth.

 Our objective was to study the sequence variations of melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene in obese/diabetic populations of the Kashmir region and workout association of such variations (if any) with the disease phenotype. No such study has ever been taken up in the Jammu and Kashmir State, despite the existence of a significant population of obese/diabetic patients. A total of 420 samples were taken in the present study. Among them 200 were obese and 220 were normal. The samples were divided into three groups i.e., normal (220), obese with non diabetics (150) and obese with diabetics (50). Allele frequencies were tested for Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium. The genotype and allele frequencies were evaluated using the χ2 tests or the Fisher exact tests. A novel heterozygous variation (Glu42Lys) was observed in all groups at a frequency of 10% in obese with non diabetics, 26% in obese with diabetics and 1.81% in healthy controls (BMI ≤ 23 kg/m2) which was significantly (p<0.05) higher in both obese or obese with diabetes groups. G to A substituting glutamic acid with lysine appeared to associate with both diabetes and obesity significantly (p< 0.05). Insilico predictions show that substitutions likely have an impact on structure and functional properties of protein making it imperative to understand their functional consequences in relation with diabetes and obesity. These results indicate that this novel genotype may have a possible bearing in the genesis of obesity or diabetes in Kashmiri population.

The study was conducted to determine the effects of layers‟ diets containing 0, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg vitamin C on vitamin A and C concentrations in serum of layers. A total of 80 Isa brown layers (28 weeks of age) were used in this study. There were a control and three treatment groups each containing 20 hens. The experimental period lasted 8 weeks. Serum vitamin A and vitamin C concentrations were determined twice at 32 and 36 weeks of age. Serum vitamin A and serum vitamin C concentrations increased as vitamin C supplementation increased in the diet. During the study, serum concentration of vitamin C was increased significantly (P<0.05) by the addition of 150 and 250 mg/kg vitamin C and serum concentration of vitamin A was increased significantly (P<0.01) in all treatment groups in increasing order as vitamin C supplementation increases in the diet. It has been concluded that vitamin C protected vitamin A against oxidation and increased serum vitamin A levels in parallel with increased serum vitamin C.

 An observational study was conducted in a peri-urban dairy establishment in Jos South, Plateau State Nigeria to determine immune response of dairy cattle to commercial inactivated foot-and-mouth disease vaccine serotypes (O and A). Thirty seven Friesian cattle aged ≥2years old with their crosses (15 selected pre-vaccination and 22 selected 21 days post-vaccination) were investigated for immune response to vaccination with an inactivated trivalent FMD vaccine containing serotypes O, A and SAT 2). Sera collected on day 0 pre-vaccination and 21 days post-vaccination was tested for structural protein antibodies to FMD serotypes O and A using the Solid Phase Competitive ELISA assay. The mean OD value for serum end point titre of FMD serotype O pre-vaccination was 11.64% with 6.67% (95%CI: 0.33 – 28.73) of the selected cattle being seropositive, at 21 days post-vaccination the mean OD value in selected cattle was 52.83% with 68.18% (95%CI: 46.95 – 84.89) of the selected cattle seropositive. For the FMD serotype A, 26.67% (95%CI: 9.10 – 52.53) of the selected cattle were seropositive pre-vaccination with a mean OD value of 29.21% and by 21 days post-vaccination, 72.73% (95%CI: 51.67 – 88.13) of the selected cattle were seropositive with a mean OD value of 61.70%. Serological response to vaccination improved in most selected cattle by 21 days post-vaccination. This study result has indicated that commercial inactivated FMD vaccines used for the prophylactic control of FMD in commercial dairy farm in Nigeria provoked immune response after a single shot.

This study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and identifying the potential risk factors associated with the disease among sedentary cattle in northern part of Plateau state, Nigeria. Two hundred and seventy cattle aged from 6 months to ≥3 years old were randomly selected and identified and whole blood collected from the jugular vein using plain evacuated tubes. Whole blood was processed and separated and sera were screened for foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 3D non-structural proteins using blocking enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, 55.9% (95%CI: 49.96-61.77) FMD seroprevalence was obtained from the study area. Seroprevalence was highest in Riyom (82.5%), followed by Barkin Ladi (66.2%), Jos South (55.5%) and Bassa (41.2%) (x2 = 17.21, P<0.05). Risk factors for age, management system and location were significant associated (P<0.05) with seroprevalence of FMD. However, there was no significant association with sex (P>0.05). The prevalence odd ratio of FMD was more in Riyom than in Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Bassa (P<0.05). Prevalence odd ratio of FMD was more in extensively managed system relative to intensively managed system, more in adult cattle aged >2 years old. This study has indicated that FMD is an important disease among sedentary cattle in Northern Plateau, however little is currently known about the economic impact of the disease on the local farmers and their livelihoods. As a control measure, efforts should be improved on animal movement during outbreaks while prophylactic control using vaccination should be considered as another option using vaccines containing virus representative of the region.

Cross-sectional study for investigating the prevailing field serotypes and predisposing factors for the occurrence and distribution of ovine pasteurellosis in Bonga sheep breed of different agro-ecology of Adiyo (highland), Gawata (lowland) and Debub Bench (Midland) of Kaffa and Benchi Maji in southern Ethiopia was conducted during July 2012 to June 2013. For this purpose, a questioner survey to identify predisposing factors and laboratory analysis on samples to investigate the prevailing field serotypes were performed. In these regard, a total of 210 farmers were interviewed and 70 blood samples from each agro-ecology (total of 210) was randomly collected following standard procedures. Laboratory analysis was performed by indirect haemagglutination (IHA) technique at National Veterinary Institute (NVI), Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. The finding showed that, 34.8% of the farmer’s household main sources of income were dependent on sheep production in which ovine pasteurellosis had 81% of occurrence. Management of sheep like housing and sanitation of the barn were predisposing factors. Irrespective of agro-ecology, M. haemolytica A2 (52.4%) followed by A7 (42.4%) and A1 (31%) were detected where as P. multocida serotype was not detected. Among identified serotypes, highest prevalence of M. haemolytica A1 (37.1%) were detected in lowland where as A2 (62.9%) in Midland and lowland with equal prevalence and A7 (85.7%) in midland. Therefore, ovine pasteurellosis was the major disease of sheep identified with multiple losses in the production and M. haemolytica is the most common cause identified. Measures such as, improving management practices by providing optimal sanitation in housing, providing good quality supplement feeding during rainy season and minimizing stress factors should be taken into account to reduce the prevalence. In addition, the currently use vaccine (P. multocida biotype A) not incorporate the identified serotypes so that may not protect the disease. As a result, use of multivalent vaccine by incorporating those identified serotypes is necessary to effectively prevent the disease.

The field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field of Sutiakhali, a village near the BAU, Mymensingh to investigate effect of integrated nutrient management on yield of cabbage and soil fertility during the period from 5th November 2013 to February2014. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and five treatments levels viz. T₁: Recommended Dose (RD, N₁₅₀P₅₃K₅₀S₃₀Zn_1.5Bo_.7Mo_0.5) T₂: Soil Test Base (STB, N₁₇₈P₆₅K₅₁S₂₇Zn_1.5B_0.7Mo_0.5) T₃: Integrated Plant Nutrition System (IPNS, N₁₅₈P₅₉K₄₂S₂₄Zn_1.5B_0.7Mo_0.5) + Cow dung (CD) @ 5.0 tha^-1, T₄: Farmer’s Practice (FP, N₆₅P₄₂K₇₁S₆) T₅: Control (no fertilizer). The Integrated Plant Nutrition System showed significant positive effect on the yield and yield components of cabbage cv. Atlas-70. The results of the present study showed that cow-dung with inorganic fertilizers have significant variation on all the parameters except number of loose leaves. The highest values for plant height (25.88cm), number of folded leaves per head (42.50), length of the biggest leaf (34.77cm), length of the lateral root (31.92 cm), length of stem (6.83cm) were recorded in T₃ treatments, on the other hand the highest values in case of number of loose leaves at the treatment of T5 (control). The yield of cabbage crop has increased significantly with application of inorganic fertilizer in combination of cow dung over the control. The highest values for fresh weight of cabbage was 89.16 t ha^-1, dry matter content of head (5.93%), dry matter content of loose leaves (9.72%), were recorded at T₃ treatments by the application of inorganic fertilizer (N₁₅₈P₅₉K₄₂S₂₄Zn_1.5B_0.7Mo_0.5) in combination with cow dung @ 5.0 tha^-1. The above results indicated that the integrated nutrient management had a remarkable effect in promoting soil fertility and increasing yield and yield components of cabbage.

Zinc deficiency is prevalent and affects nearly two billion people in the developing world, where mainly cereals are consumed as staple food by the people. It is essential to study the genetic characters of the rice genotypes containing genes responsible for zinc synthesis so that they can be used as breeding resource to develop nutrient rich rice varieties. In this study, 46 rice (Oryza sativa L., 2n=24) genotypes were studied for their Zinc biosynthesis ability using 3 Rice Microsatellite (RM) markers (RM23, RM217 and RM35) linked to Zn content at Biotechnology Laboratory of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) and Genetics and Plant Breeding Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during 5 August, 2013 to 30 April, 2014. The DNA samples were isolated by CTAB mini-prep method from 21 days older rice leaf samples followed by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Three markers (Rm23, RM35 and RM217) showed effective polymorphism in DNA band appearance for Zn content out of ten SSR markers. The alleles were separated on Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) system. After molecular analyses of DNA bands using Power Marker software, variation was found in allele number, allele frequency, polymorphism information content (PIC) and gene diversity for each genotype. Number of alleles (23, 19 & 13), PIC-polymorphism information content (0.946, 0.911 & 0.829), gene diversity (0.948, 0.917 & 0.846), rare allele (16, 12 & 8) and null allele (0, 16 & 2) were observed for 3 rice microsatellite (RM) markers viz. RM35, RM217 and RM23, respectively for the 46 rice genotypes. A total of 55 alleles were found by using 3 SSR primers for all genotypes. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 13 to 23 with an average of 18.33 out of total 55 alleles. The UPGMA Dendrogram categorized all the varieties into 7 distinct clusters based on 50% of average genetic distance among the 46 genotypes (Figure 2 and Table 7). Since the primers showed almost similar and highest PIC values, based on this study, the larger range of similarity values using SSR markers will provide greater confidence for the assessment of genetic relationships among the varieties. The information obtained from SSR profiling helped in identifying the varieties containing genes for Zn synthesis among the selected rice genotypes. Among all the rice genotypes, Kumra Ghor, Ghigoj, Tilek Kuchi contained high Zn content found in another chemical analysis. Most of the genotypes contained candidate gene for Zn synthesis and can be used as breeding materials to develop nutrient (Zn) rich rice varieties through different selective breeding methods in future.

A study was carried out to assess the ecological aspects of Balla beel ecosystem in Moulavibazar district and the affectivity of the ongoing biodiversity restoration program from July 2011 to June 2012. Seventy-four fish species belonging to 21 families were identified during the study period. About nine types of fishing methods and one type of fish aggregating device were identified in the surveyed beel. Increasing pressure of illegal current jal (gill net), ber jal (seine net) and FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) was detected as the reduction of almost all type of species. About 24 aquatic weeds were found in the Balla beel, among them both emergent and spreading were 29%,  followed by floating 21%, 13% were rooted plants with floating leaves and 8% were submerged. The dissolved oxygen content 5.22±1.60 mg/l inside and 5.70±1.38 mg/l outside of the Balla beel sanctuary were found to be congenial for aquatic life. pH of the beel water both inside and outside of the sanctuary were slightly acidic to moderately alkaline (7.0±0.68 inside and 6.88±0.43 outside the sanctuary). Lower values of alkalinity and hardness indicating beel water to be less nutrient enriched. The contribution of phytoplankton (79%) was larger than zooplankton (21%). The diversity of phytoplankton both inside and outside of the sanctuary was dominated by three group Chlorophyceae, Myxophyceae and Bacillariophyceae.

An experiment with 25 growing goats (in 5 groups) were fed four different tree forage based diets (B,C,D,E)  and control A showed that there were significant (p<0.05) differences in DM , ME and DCP intakes. Although there were no significant differences in the digestibility of DM, OM, CP and ADF but  intake of these nutrients were significantly (p<0.05) differed among the treatments. There were no significant differences in the digestibility of diets having different forages but they were significantly higher than that of grass based control diet. Feeding of tree forages had significant (p<0.05) effect on live weight gain of goats.  Animals fed tree forage based diets significantly (p<0.05) increased weight gain (60.03, 59.10, 57.75 and 55.57 g/d for Sesbania grandiflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Erythrina orientalis and Morus alba, respectively) compared to that of control group (39.25 g/d) . However, there were no significant differences in weight gain of the animals fed different tree forage based diets. Feed conversion efficiency (kg feed/kg gain) also showed that animals fed tree forage based diets presented significantly (p<0.01) higher efficiency (11.74, 12.05, 12.21 and 12.02) for L. leucocephala, E. orientalis, S. grandiflora and M. alba compared to that (16.00) of fed control diet. Nitrogen balance trial showed that there were significant (p<0.05) differences among the mean values in terms of total N intake (g/d), nitrogen retention (%) and nitrogen balance (g/d). It may be concluded that supplementation of diets with tree forages resulted in better weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen balance compared to green grass. So, the diets of goats may be supplemented with tree forages of S. grandiflora, L. leucocephala, E. orientalis and M. alba for improved growth performance.

The study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of obstetrical disorders (ODs) of 975 dairy cows in relation to genotype, age, parity, housing system, feed quality, rearing system, breeding systems and professional training of owners at Rajshahi, Bangladesh from the period 1 January, 2009 to 31 December, 2009. Extensive survey was conducted in 15 areas of Rajshahi and in each area 65 dairy cows were selected randomly. Individual farmers were interviewed to obtain information about ODs of dairy cows viz; abortion, dystocia, retained placenta, uterine and vaginal prolapse. Out of 975 cows, 117 animals were found to be affected by various ODs showing an overall prevalence of 12.00%. Among the ODs, retained placenta showed the highest prevalence (4.10%) followed by abortion (4.0%), dystocia (2.77%), uterine prolapse (0.66%) and vaginal prolapse (0.51%). The observation of genotype wise ODs in cows revealed that the maximum prevalence was in the Local × Friesian (15.97%), followed by Local (14.68%) and Local × Jersey (9.80%) while the minimum prevalence was in the Local × Sahiwal (5.55%). The age group (>48 months) showed highest prevalence (20.25%) of ODs while the lowest (6.66%) was recorded in < 24 months of age in cows. Parity-wise splitting of the data showed that the maximum prevalence of ODs was in the >5^th parity (15.35%) and minimum in the 1^st parity (6.15%) of cows. The traditional rearing and farming system revealed highest (17.26%) and lowest (8.51%) prevalence of ODs in cows, respectively. The quality of feed had effect on prevalence of ODs in dairy cows (P<0.05). The ODs were also increased in artificial inseminated cows (12.59%) than naturally service groups (11.90%). The training of farmers had significant effect among the non trained and trained groups for the occurrence of ODs in cows. The study revealed relatively low prevalence of reproductive disorders in cows at Rajshahi compare to other regions of Bangladesh, might be due to better management practices adopted by the farmers and efficient veterinary services as well as awareness among farmers.

An experiment was carried out both boro season (February–June, 2013) and aman season (July-December, 2013) in the permanent experimental field of the Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The objectives of present research work were tosee the effects of long-term fertilization and manuring on soil fertility and yield of boro and aman rice in flood plain (Subtropical) soil (AericHaplaquepts). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were 10 treatment combinations viz, Control, N, NP, NK, NPK, NZn, NS, NSZn, NPKSZn and NPK+FYM. The results indicated that the yield contributing characters and yield of BRRI dhan28 (Boro rice) and BR11 (Aman rice) were significantly increased due to different treatments. For boro rice, the highest plant height (cm), 1000-grain weight (g), effective tiller hill-1 and biological yield (t ha-1) were found in NPKSZn treatment. The highest grain yield and straw yield of boro ricewere also observed in NPKSZn treatment. Grain yield was increased by 71%, 119%, 127%, 132%, 133%, 144%, 161% and 200% over Control in NZn, NS, NK, N, NP, NPK+FYM, NPK, NSZn and NPKSZn treatments, respectively. Straw yield was increased by 82%, 83%, 98%, 110%, 112%, 139%, 145%, and 167% over Control in N, NP, NPK+FYM, NZn, NK, NPK, NSZn, NS and NPKSZn treatments, respectively. Again for aman rice, the highest number of unfilled grain panicle-1, grain yield (t ha-1) and harvest index (%) were recorded in NPKSZn treatment. Grain yield was increased by 79%, 85%, 87%, 97%, 116%, 117%, 159% and 165% over Control in NP, NZn, N, NPK, NPK+FYM, NK, NSZn, NS and NPKSZn treatments, respectively. Straw yield was increased by 119%, 121%, 135%, 142%, 149%, 152%, 200%, 217%, and 246% over Control in NP, N, NPK, NPK+FYM, NK, NZn, NPKSZn, NSZn and NS treatments, respectively.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease associated with high morbidity and mortality in goats of Bangladesh. Though there is no known effective drug against PPR virus, Animal Health Research Division (AHRD), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) has developed a treatment technology “antibiotic combined hyperimmune serum therapy (ACHST)” against the deadly PPR virus. This article described the management of a huge outbreak of PPR by ACHST at goat farm of BLRI regional station, Naikhongchari, Bandarban, a hilly area of Bangladesh. Seventy two goats out of 159 goats were infected with PPR virus naturally. The clinical history and necropsy findings were recorded and nasal swabs were collected for diagnosis of PPR virus by RT-PCR. Thirty goats among 72 goats were died before providing treatment and the rest alive 42 goats were received ACHST. Each of the goats was treated with PPR specific hyperimmune serum @ 4-5ml/goat slow IV for once, Amcicoli-D (Ampicillin trihydrate, Colistin sulfate and Dexamethasone acetate) @ 1ml/10kg body weight daily IM once for 3 days and metronidazole @ 500mg/35kg body weight orally thrice daily for 3 days. After treatment, 38 goats (93.23%) were recovered out of 42 goats. The comparative evaluation of ACHST at different stages of naturally PPR infected goat’s shown highest recovery rate in incubation (100%) and prodromal (100%) phases followed by pneumonic (91.67%) and diarrhoeal (81.25%) phases. It may be concluded that the ACHST could be used as therapeutic interventions for PPR infected goats.

Ground nut is one of the commonly used decorative nutritious relish seed around the world. Ground nut have hypocholesterolamic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, immune-modulatory and bacterial counting effects. In Bangladesh, limited research has so far been performed on the action of ground nut in biological system and its comparative efficacy with commercialized drugs that reduce blood cholesterol. The aim of this study was carried on the effects of PUFA on blood total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) and against artificial inoculation (I/N) Staphylococcus aureus infection of experimental rat by feeding of ground nut.  A total of fifteen long Evans rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used for this study. The rats were randomly divided into three equal groups (n=5) and numbered as A, B and C. Group A (control), Group B (50gm ground nut/ day/group), group C (100 gm ground nut/day/group). All groups were supplied with standard broiler pellet and fresh drinking water throughout the experimental period (January to June /2012). The blood samples were collected directly from the heart at the 1^st and 60^th day for biochemical test (TC, LDL, HDL and TG) and test was performed as per Memorial Diagnostic Centre, Charpara, Mymensingh. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in nutrient broth and 100 ml of their culture was inoculated into the rats through intranasal route. Among all the treated groups, the rats of group C exhibited the lowest TC value, TG and LDL and reduced blood cholesterol significantly than (control group A) followed by group B. In bacteriological examinations, it was found that the number of bacterial colony lowest in group C in comparison with the group of A and B. From the present experiment, it can be assumed that PUFA has significant effect on blood lipid profile and against bacterial infection.

This study was carried out for the evaluation of causative agents of dental plaques which leads to dental caries. A total of 76 samples collected from the dental caries patients of various age and sex were processed on different bacterial isolation media like Tryptose Soya Agar, Nutrient Agar, and MacConkey Agar. Total viable count of bacteria was ranged from 0.8×10⁵ to 2.9×10⁵. Out of total 184 isolates bacterial species were Streptococcus mutans (28.80%), Streptococcus mitis (23.91%), Staphylococcus aureus (28.26%) and Streptococcus salivarius (19.02%). The biochemical properties of the isolates were tested according to Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and UK Standards for Microbiology Investigation. Antibiotic Susceptibility testing of different species of bacteria were performed according to Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method on Muller Hinton Agar by using commercial antibiotic discs. Effect of the bacterial isolates on different age groups was studied where the age group of 26 to 35 years was found to have highest prevalence (32.60%) of infection while the lowest prevalence (10.86%) of infection was seen in the group of below 15 years of age. A relative study was also performed on caries patients according to their economic status and gender where Higher Middle Economic Class was in highest percentage (35.32%) of infection. Different species of bacteria showed various sensitivity patterns to several kinds of antibiotics. Regular use of tooth paste containing triclosan and fluoride may be beneficial for prevention of dental caries instead of using antibiotics presented in this study.

A research work was undertaken to find out alternative feeding practices for dairy cows in Baghabari milk shed areas. The trial was conducted in the village Alokdiar, Shajadpur, Sirajgonj. Twenty cross bred lactating dairy cows of 340 ±15.5 kg live weight were used for the trial. Animals were equally and randomly allocated dietary into four groups, T₀ (Rice straw + concentrate), T₁ (Napier silage + concentrate), T₂ (Khesari hay + concentrate) and T₃ (UMS + concentrate). There was no significant difference in total DM intake among the four groups. The DCP (kg/d) intake was significantly (P<0.01) differ among the treatment group. The highest DCP (kg/d) intake was observed in T₂ (0.824) followed by T₁ (0.739), T₃ (0.707) and T₀ (0.510). Higher CP content in Khesari hay which reflected DCP intake. The ME (MJ/d) intake was also significant (P<0.05) difference among the dietary groups. ME (MJ/d) was the highest 93.46 in T₂ afterward 92.21 in T₃ and lowest 77.56 in T₀. The average milk yield (l/d) was the highest in T₂ (10.76) followed by T₃ (10.13), T₁ (9.86) and T₀ (7.31), respectively. Apparent digestibility were significant (P<0.05) variation among the dietary groups of animals in case of DM, OM and CP. The highest DM digestibility was observed in T₂-Khasari based diet (74.00±1.54) followed by T₃-UMS (73.11±1.33), T₁-Napier silage (70.00±1.23) and T₀-rice straw (53.00±0.97) based diet, respectively. Introduction of legume hay as modified feeding practice may be an alternative feeding system to sustain milk production during lean period.

Physiological status-related changes in serum biochemical values are known to occur in many species. The aim of the current study was to evaluate total serum protein, albumin, glucose, calcium and phosphorus concentration and these parameters were measured by the serum analyzer for lactating (n=50) and non-lactating (n=50) dairy cattle in selected dairy farms of Chittagong district. The results (mean ± standard deviation) of the study showed that among serum biochemical parameters total protein (82.3 ± 2.15 gm/l), albumin (27.45 ± 5.06 gm/l), calcium (12.97±6.67 mg/dl) and phosphorus (7.26 ± 0.41 mg/dl) level in non-lactating cows were higher than the value of lactating cows as (81.28 ± 2.41 gm/l), (14.09 ± 2.05 gm/l), (10.05 ± 2.51 mg/dl) and (6.52 ± 0.30 mg/dl) respectively. Only glucose level in lactating cows (63.01 ± 6.67 mg/dl) was found higher than the non lactating cows (58.47 ± 3.84 mg/dl). In case of parity-wise parameters insignificant variation was noticed. It may be concluded that biochemical variation present between lactating cow and non lactating cow is important for interpretation of laboratory data and also for physiological diagnosis.

Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzaepv. oryzae (Xoo) bacteria, is a major biotic stress in the irrigated rice belts. Genetic modification is the most effective and economical control for bacterial blight disease. For high yielding, branching capacity is most important. Molecular survey was conducted to identify the presence of tillering specific gene in BLB resistant Binashail rice. Reproducible means of Binashail rice at 21 days was designed based on the timing of full expression of the leaf. PCR with primers specific for tillering specific gene was used in the study. The cDNA of Binashail rice synthesized by an improved RT-PCR technique, derived from the total mRNAs extracted from the plant leaf. Gel documentation showed that the size of the synthesized cDNA was 250bp and tillering specific gene was 201bp in length long. The identification of tillering specific gene in Binashal rice germplasm will help in accelerating the elite breeding program in future.

A pot experiment was carried out at the grill house of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from December 2013 to April 2014 to study the growth, morpho-physiological, yield and yield contributing characters of twenty sorghum genotypes. The experiment was consisted of twenty genotypes of sorghum viz., BD 700, BD 701, BD 702, BD703, BD704, BD705, BD706, BD707, BD708, BD709, BD710, BD712, BD720, BD721, BD722, BD725, BD726, BD727, BD728 and BD729. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The collected data were analyzed statistically and the means were adjudged by Duncan’s multiple range test at 1% level of probability. Among the genotypes, BD 725 showed significantly the best performance on growth, yield and morpho–physiological characters compare to other genotypes at harvest, while BD728 was less efficient among those parameters. As a result, highest plant height (251.20 cm), panicle plant^–1 (2.83), highest 1000–grain weight (27.10 g), highest grain yield (3.58 t ha^–1), straw yield (16.05 t ha^–1) and biological yield (19.64 t ha^–1) was recorded from BD 725 at harvest. However, number of leaves, leaf area plant^–1 and Leaf area index had also significantly highest (18.33 and 5542.0 cm² and 2.81, respectively) in BD 725 at 90 days after sowing. BD 725 further recorded the highest growth of cumulative growth rate (32.54 g m^–2 day^–1) at the stage between 60–90 days after sowing thereafter they decreased. All the above growth, yield and morpho–physiological characters were less effective in BD728. On the basis of these results, BD 725 was found outstanding for plant growth, yield and morpho–physiological characters of sorghum.

This investigation is made upon the plant Cuscuta reflexa, the flowers of it, to find out its Cytotoxicity property. The anti-oxidant property of this plant part was investigated using methanol extraction. Methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa.Was used to evaluate its cytotoxicity in Brine shrimp lethality bioassay where vincristine sulphate was used as standard drug. In Brine shrimp lethality bioassay, LC50 value of the extract was 36.72μg/ml and vincristine sulphate served as the positive control showed LC50 value 10.51μg/ml. So, compared to vincristine sulphate, it is evident that the methanol extract of flowers of Cuscuta reflexa was cytotoxic. In case of anti-oxidant the scavenging power (IC₅₀) of DPPH radical was 29.26, 17.07, 18.29, 19.55 and 54.87µg/ml respectively.

Milk is highly vulnerable to microbial contamination and consequently is easily perishable. The aim of the present study was microbial analysis of raw and pasteurized milk. For this, a total of 32 milk samples (12 from raw milk and 20 from pasteurized milk) were collected from 8 sources. Among them three were raw (R1 to R3) sources and rest five were pasteurized milk (P1 to P5) sources. Each of the collected samples was investigated during the period from May to December, 2012. All milk samples were subjected to total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), Total Staphylococcus count (TSC) and Gram’s staining to determine the loads of microbes in raw and pasteurized milk. Total viable counts (TVC) range of 12 raw milk samples (R, R2 and R3) were 1.3 x10⁶ to 7.4 x10⁵ cfu/ml. The presence of Escherichia coli in the  raw milk samples were from 2.3 x10² to 9.4 x10² cfu/ml, but the presence of Staphylococcus were from 5.9 x10² to 7.9 x10² cfu/ml. Whereas, the range of TVC for five brands of pasteurized milk (P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5) were from 1.8 x10⁴ to 9.8 x10⁴ cfu/ml, TSC were from 2.8 x10 to 8.6 x10² cfu/ml and TCC from 1.01 x10² to 9.1 x10 cfu/ml. Therefore, it can be concluded that high counts of bacteria were found in raw milk and pasteurized milk. The government therefore should conduct frequent inspection of the marketed milks to check whether they meet the minimum legal standards and should monitor the overall hygienic condition surrounding the production and handling of milk. Realistic standards for the raw milks need to be devised and appropriate training should be given to the raw milk producers in hygienic handling of milk.

One of the goals of the experiment is to standardization of HgCl₂ treatment for explants sterilization. The objectives also include developing a reproducible cost effective protocol for large scale production of Solanum tuberosum of Cardinal variety plantlets from selectively better clones through plant in vitro propagation methods. Selection of growth regulators for proper multiple shoots regeneration, elongation and root induction. To produce genetically uniform plantlets within a short time capable surviving in natural condition raised in in vitro environment. Shoot tip and nodal segment explants from field grown plants were used as experimental materials in this investigation. All explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog  medium supplemented with various plant growth regulators. For surface sterilization of explants, HgCl₂ (0.1%) for 2 minutes was found to be most effective for complete destroying of surface pathogens and getting healthy tissues. Shoot regeneration was observed from both shoot tips and nodal explants for the studied plant. Maximum number of shoot per culture (17) was recorded and it also obtained the highest average length of the shoot (5cm) in Murashige and Skoog medium containing no hormone. On the other hand 6-benzyl amino purine (0.2mg/l) in 3 media showed the highest rate of shoot multiplication (73%) and the highest average length (4cm). In case of Gibberellic acid (0.1mg/l) in Murashige and Skoog media showed its highest rate of shoot regeneration (82%) and the highest average length (4.5cm). From the overall experiment it was observed that shoot tips are more responsive for micro propagation. In root induction Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentration (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2mg/l) of indol-3-acetic acid and kinetin. Indol-3-acetic acid and kinetin (1.5+1.5 mg/l) showed its lowest rate of root regeneration (40%) and the average length of the root (1.5 cm). On the contrary Murashige and Skoog medium with no hormone showed the rate of root regeneration (96%) and the highest average length of the root (2.5 cm). The supplemented Murashige and Skoog media with no hormone showed the best performance for root regeneration.

An experiment was conducted at a farmer’s field in Bakergonj Upazilla of Barisal district from July 2014 to October 2014 to study the adaptive performance of six aman rice varieties. The varieties included in the study were BRRI dhan62, BINA dhan7, BINA dhan8, BINA dhan10, BINA dhan11, and Maloti (local). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Variety Maloti produced highest plant height (126cm) and BRRI dhan62 produced least plant height (93cm). Variety BINA dhan7 and BINA dhan11 produced highest LAI, total dry matter (g plant^-1). Yield of different rice varieties varied significantly. Variety BINA dhan11 gave the highest yield (5.033 t ha^-1) which was statistically at par with that of BINA dhan7 (5.00 t ha^-1) and BINA dhan8 (4.50 t ha^-1), BINA dhan10 (3.933t ha^-1), BRRI dhan62 (4.167t ha^-1). The highest grain yields of these varieties were obtained to the highest number of bearing tillers m^-2. The lowest grain yield (3.50 t ha^-1) and straw yield (4.840 t ha^-1) were found in Maloti. The shortest period for first flowering (66 days) was observed in BRRI dhan62. Among the varieties, the longest maturity stage (139 days) was observed in local var. Maloti. While the shortest period was observed in BRRI dhan62 (94.5 days). So, the experiment concluded that BINA dhan11 was the highest performing short duration variety followed by BINA dhan7, while BRRI dhan62 and, BINAdhan8, BINAdhan10 performed better among the short duration varieties respectively during aman season to evade cyclonic effect and for cultivating boro rice in Bakergonj Upazilla of Barisal district.

An experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the experimental field of Regional Horticulture Research Station (RHRS), Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), Lebukhali, Patuakhali during April, 2014 to October, 2014 for assessing the inbreeding depression, genetic parameters, gene action and segregation pattern of Okra [Abelmoschusesculentus (L.) Moench]. The experiment was comprised of five commercial hybrid Okra genotypes such as Tara sonali, Bimala, Juboraj, Suvo 1and Noor, their respective F₂ progenies along with a check variety named as BARI Dherosh 1. Results of the experiment indicated that there were considerable variability among the F₁ and their F₂. The yield were in-between 14.81 to 7.92 Kg plot^-1in case of F₁ generation, which deteriorate to 10.32 to 5.32 Kg plot^-1 in F₂ generation. Broad sense heritability computed through variance component method showed that all the quantitative traits were moderate to highly heritable. The trait yield per plot exhibited 68.83% broad sense heritability coupled with 50.96% genetic advance suggesting the existence of sufficient amount of genetic variability for improvement of this trait and also indicates that the trait is more amenable to selection and could be improved easily. In case of segregation pattern, plant height and pod pubescence content exhibit as polygenic trait. Leaf shape, fruit base shape and branching pattern showed complete dominance and fruit color displayed incomplete dominance. The present investigation thus provide information about the nature and magnitude of genetic variation, segregation pattern and inbreeding depression for yield and its components in okra so as to formulate suitable breeding strategy and isolate potential parents and promising crosses for further breeding program.

In order to investigate present status of aqua chemicals and drugs used in various aquaculture activities in Zakigonj upazilla, Sylhet. A survey was conducted, with carp polyculture, tilapia and catfish farmers, aqua-medicine sellers, representatives of pharmaceuticals companies, from July 2014 to November 2014. Each group consisted of 25 respondents. According to the survey the most common dose of lime used by the farmers during pond preparation (62.67%) and culture period (53%) is 0.5-1 kg/40m². Urea and TSP used by the farmers mostly during culture period with most common dose of 100-150g/40m²(37.3%) and 50-100 g/40m² (68%) respectively. Various categories of aqua drugs and chemicals were identified that were used by fish farmers for different purposes such as water quality management, disinfectants, improve dissolve oxygen level, disease treatment, antibiotics and growth promoter. Many pharmaceutical companies were found to provide these aqua drugs and chemicals with different trade names to fulfill the farmers demand. For pond and water quality management lime, urea and TSP are mostly used. Bleaching powder, Timsen, EDTA, Polgard, Virex, Aquakleen, Germnill, Pond safe were widely used as disinfectant. Health management and disease treatment were the major activities where farmers were seen to use a lot of chemicals. A range of chemicals including antibiotics were found available in market and being used in the aquaculture sector. Commonly found traditional chemicals in heath management included Potassium permanganate, Lime, Salt, Virex, Timsen, Aquakleen, Germnil, Pond Safe, Deletrix, Spa, Albez, Ablez were used regularly for disease treatment. Mostly used antibiotics are Renamycin, Oxysentin 20% Chlorsteclin Oxy-D Vet, Aquamycin, Orgamycin 15 %, Orgacycline-15% etc. Major active ingredients of these antibiotics were oxytetracycline, chlorotetracycline, amoxicillin, doxycycline etc. There are approximately fifty two pharmaceutical companies have been recorded to market around 300 products. Most of the products have been marketed from different countries like USA, Thailand, Malaysia, Belgium and China etc. The study also indicated some problems associated with the use of such chemicals due to lack of knowledge of farmers about the use of chemicals, appropriate dose, method of application and their indiscriminate use of chemicals. The study also highlighted the names and approximate price of aquaculture chemicals available with the chemicals sellers in Zakigonj, Sylhet.

Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) plays an important role of public service to animal welfare since the period of 1984. There are a lot of cattle with their proper records in this Institute’s cattle farm but previously no report regarding the dynamics of disease prevalence was published. So this research was conducted to determine the prevalence of clinical diseases and manifestations of cattle recorded and breed susceptibility to such diseases in different seasons during the period of January 2011 to December 2014. A total of 1558 cattle (where Pabna was 906 and Red Chittagong Cattle was 652) were included under this study. Diagnoses of clinical diseases and disorders were based on clinical history, clinical findings and different laboratory tests. Among the clinical cases, the highest prevalence was determined in case of ring worm (3.11%) followed by diarrhoea (1.86%), bovine ephemeral fever (1.08%), pneumonia (0.96%), alopecia (0.81%), mange (0.37%), tympany/bloat (0.69%), fever (0.64), lameness (0.53%), arthritis (0.40%), mastitis (0.39%), malnutrition (0.26%) and posthitis (0.19%). Infectious diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD), black quarter (BQ), anthrax and haemorrhagic septicemia (HS) were not found which may be due to regular vaccination and maintenances of strict biosecurity. In case of breed, higher prevalence (12.09%) was found in Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) compared to Pabna (11.13%). Among the seasonal cases, winter season (5.21%) had higher prevalence than rainy season (2.26%) followed by summer season (1.65%) in case of RCC, while summer season (3.85%) had higher prevalence than winter season (3.74%) followed by rainy season (3.30%) in case of Pabna. It may be concluded that several diseases and disorders occurred in the BLRI cattle farm but major infectious diseases did not take place owing to improved management of the farm.

Honeybee, Apismellifera L. was reared and maintained in bee box and placed in around Bangladesh Agricultural University campus in Mymensingh to study its life cycle, behaviour, pollen gathering activity, honey production and its effect on yield of mustard. There was no relationship between sunrises, sunset, first out from the box and last entrance into the box. But positive relationship was found with day temperature to first out and last entrance. The highest number of bees collected pollen in the 3rd week of March. Maximum pollen gathering activities were found at 12.00 to 1.00 p.m. The highest amount of honey production was 4.00 kg per box in mustard and there was positive correlation between percent pollen gathering activity and honey production. The highest number of queen cell was found in the month of March. The results showed that honey bee pollination had significant effect on increase in all the plant parameters and yield.

Global climate change has triggered the increased incidence of extreme disasters like cyclone, flood, soil salinity, etc. in the coastal region of Bangladesh. In the recent past, an amplified number of fatalities happened and the greater impact also acted upon the attitude of coastal people. Badarpur Union under Patuakhali Sadar upazila of Patuakhali District was the selected locale of the concerned study. Data for this research work were personally collected from a randomly sampled 121 farmers from different villages of Badarpur union by using an interview schedule. Attitude of the farmers was ascertained through a five-point-Likert type scale. Co-efficient of correlation (r) was computed to explore the relationships between farmers‟ attitude and their selected characteristics. The findings revealed that 51.2 percent of the farmers had moderately favourable attitude towards climate change effect while 42.1 percent had slightly favourable and 6.6 percent had highly favourable attitude. The correlation test showed that the education, farming experience, farm size, annual income, training received and agricultural knowledge had positive significant relationships with farmers‟ attitude towards climate change effect on agriculture while the rest of the characteristics had no relationship in the present study. The focus findings of the present study were that, the attitude of the farmers is changing due to changes in the climatic conditions and there was a positive effect of it on agriculture.