Somatic cells are the most essential factors naturally present in milk, and somatic cell count (SCC) is used as an indicator of monitoring mastitis incidence in the herd and also to assess the quality of milk. In addition, SCC is frequently used to determine quality payments to dairy producers. The SCC is directly related to get maximum milk production from individual cow and a lower SCC indicates better animal health, as somatic cells originate only from inside the animal's udder. SCC monitoring is important because as the number of somatic cells increases, milk yield is likely to fall, primarily due to the damage to milk-producing tissue in the udder caused by mastitis pathogens and the toxins they produce, particularly when epithelial cells are lost. Keeping low SSC will allow good quality more raw milk and provide a better product to milk processors whether used as fluid milk or converted to milk based products. Somatic cells containing lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes lead to degrade major nutrients fats and proteins, respectively. Elevated SCC is related to udder inflammation, which leads to alter the normal microbial count and physicochemical parameters of milk, as well as the quality of heat treated fluid milk and milk based product. The objective of this review is to discuss on the SSC and endogenous enzymes released from somatic cells in raw milk as well as effect of somatic cells count and their endogenous enzymes in processed milk and milk based products.

Hearing loss is a common disorder and can be conductive, sensorineural or mixed types. It can be congenital or acquired. In pediatric population more than 50% of deafness is genetic in origin. The patients may present as Deaf, mute or hard of hearing. Literature review was carried out on the pathophysiology including genetics, clinical presentation, etiology, diagnosis and various management, using internet Google, search PubMed. Additional information was obtained by cross referencing, using text and journals in the medical libraries.

‘The Tree of Life' or 'Miracle Tree' is the name of the plant of Moringa oleifera (Shajna). Moringa oleifera is one of the important plants in plant kingdom. Its leaves and fruits are used as vegetable in Indian sub continent, at the same time each part of the plant rich with some important medicinal values. It is now considered as a valuable source of several unique products for the medicines against various diseases. The present review is to focus on the nutritive values, physico-chemical properties, phyto-chemicals and pharmacological activities of M. oleifera. Various parts of the plant like seeds, leaves, flowers, bark and fruits have been investigated for their significant pharmacological activity. Phyto-chemicals like flavanoid, anthraquinone, alkaloids, essential oils, tannic acid, carotene, glucose have been reported for significant antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, aphrodisiac, antiinflammatory, antihyperlipidaemic, antihyperglycaemic and antiulcer activities of Drumstick tree and emphasizes the need for further exploring available information.

Women have been fulfilling their reproductive responsibility of propagating human race, many have died and many more faced death in the process of delivering babies, but this can be prevented by taking appropriated antenatal care, clean and safe delivery and essential obstetric care. Antenatal care is the first phase to be encountered once a woman has conceived. The objective of the study was to assess the antenatal (AN) care practice and pregnancy outcome of ever-married women aged 18 to 49 years old having at least one pregnancy experience, residing in kampongs of Kudat area, Sabah, East Malaysia, Northern Borneo from December 2015 to October 2016. Cross–sectional analytical study, non-probability convenient sampling method was used and 300 eligible participants were interviewed face to face by trained interviewer using pretested questionnaire. 99.3% of all the women received AN care, and 97% of the women received AN care practice (AN visit of 4 times and above). Mean AN visit was 9 times. The study revealed that overall knowledge amongst the women with good knowledge was 47.2% and low knowledge was 52.8%. Additionally, there was significant association between education and knowledge, income and knowledge, AN care practices and knowledge. But there was no significant association between AN practice and complication. Despite these results, outcomes were good and all complications were properly and successfully addressed. This may reflect the effectiveness of current national maternal health programs.

Genotypes x environment interaction as well as stability of performance were determined for grain yield and yield contributes of 12 wheat genotypes under four salinity levels of environments (control, 8, 12, 16 dS/m). Significant genotype-environment interaction (linear) for days to heading, plant height, number of spikes per plant and grains per spikes, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plant at 1% level of probability when tested against pooled deviation. Both the environment (linear) and genotype x environment (linear) components of variation for stability were also significant indicating that prediction of the genotypes on the environment appeared feasible for all the characters. The variance due to pooled deviation was significant for only days to heading. Considering all the three stability parameter, genotype G11 was found most stable among all the genotypes for grain weight of wheat. Among the genotypes G11, G22, G24, G33 and G40 were most desirable for yield per plant. The genotype G32 showed more responsiveness to changing environment and was suited only for highly favorable environments. Based on three stability parameters, G11, G22 and G37 were the most stable and desirable genotypes with reasonable good yield among the all.

Aeromonas salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri are two common pathogenic fish bacteria responsible for furunculosis and Enteric Red Mouth disease (ERM), respectively. For the characterization of these two pathogens, a series of morphological (pigmentation, hemolyse, motility and body shape), biochemical tests (Gram staining, catalase, oxidase and API 20E strips) and a soft ionization technique (MALDI-TOF/MS) were performed in the laboratory. Pigmentation, motility, hemolysis and body shape was used as a preliminary identification of the bacteria. Both of the species were identified with the entire biochemical test without any doubt except API20E strips test. Although the API profile of A. salmonicida (0006104) was identified with high confidence (99.6%), but Y. ruckeri was misidentified as Vibrio mimicus. There are strong supports against Vibrio mimicus as it is a human pathogen, grow at a temperature more than 20^oC, motile and oxidase positive bacteria. The Y. ruckeri is a non-motile fish bacteria and oxidase negative which are consistent with the study results. Agglutination test with Bionor Mono kit was also identified the bacteria as Y. ruckeri. For rapid diagnosis of infectious disease, accurate identification of pathogen is very important for commercial aquaculture.

The study was conducted aiming at the isolation and identification of pathogens from poultry feed manufactured by four different brands namely A (broiler starter), B (broiler finisher), C (layer starter) and D (layer finisher) sold in retail stores of Rangpur city of Bangladesh. All these samples were collected from four randomly chosen outlets and analyzed by culturing in different culture media such as Nutrient broth (NB), Nutrient agar (NA), Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar, Eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar, MacConkey agar, Triple sugar iron (TSI) agar slant, Motility, Indole, Urease (MIU) and Saboraud Dextrose agar (SDA) media. The bacterial agents were isolated and examined under light microscope for their gross morphological and conventional biochemical characteristics. The bacteriological analyses were done at the Microbiology Laboratory of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period of January to June, 2014. Total bacterial colonies of all the samples were counted separately according to the American Public Health Association, using nutrient agar medium for total viable count (TVC), Eosine methylene blue (EMB) agar media for total E. coli count (TEC) and Salmonella-Shigella agar for TSC (total salmonella count). Saboraud Dextrose agar (SDA) media was used for detection of fungus. The virulence effect of the organism present in feed were observed by inoculating the organism in poultry. Recorded result showed that  average TVC of feed sample A, B, C and D were 5.45 x 10⁶, 3.28 x 10⁵, 5.14 x 10⁶ and 4.53 x 10⁵ CFU/gm (colony forming unit per gram) respectively. TEC of feed sample A, B, C and D were recorded 6.25 x 10⁵, 8.26 x 10³, 5.52 x 10⁵ and 5.65 x 10⁴ CFU/gm respectively. TSC of feed sample A, B, C and D were recorded 3.15 x 10⁴, 2.68 x 10³, 4.46 x 10³ and 1.19 x 10⁴ CFU/gm respectively. The highest TVC, TEC and TSC were found in broiler starter (feed sample A) and lowest TVC, TEC and TSC were found in broiler finisher (feed sample B). Fungal count was 1.85 x 10⁵ CFU/ gm in layer finisher (feed sample D) could be as a result of their high pathogenecity as reported by researchers elsewhere. These organisms can cause several poultry and farm animal infections specially mycotoxicosis having public health significance to both human and poultry. The presence of high numbers of E. coli and Salmonella spp. in poultry feed were indicative of poor hygienic practices during manufacture, post process contamination and unsatisfactory transportation and reservation. Therefore reinforce the need for preventive control measures, hygienic handling and processing of feeds to reduce the risk of potential human health hazards.

The survey was carried out to get present status of farmers, housing profile and feeding management of Black Bengal Goats. The study was performed in four districts of northern region of Bangladesh, namely Bogra, Sirajganj, Gaibandha and Rangpur. Middle aged people were more interested in rearing goat both traditional (53.75%) and commercial (60%) farming system. Males (100%) were dominant in commercial system and females (63.75%) in traditional farming system. Most of the traditional farming farmer’s houses were earthen wall (76.25%) and non paved floor (71.25%). Brick wall (50%) and slatted floor (66.67%) were practiced more in commercial farming. Hundred percent farmers of commercial farming system constructed their farm away from own residence and (77.25%) traditional farming farmers house were attached with their own house without maintaining proper direction and ventilation system. 85% farmers of traditional approaches provided roadside and fallow land grasses by tethering feeding system and all commercial farming farmers cultivated fodder and fed by cut and carry feeding system after processing. Most of the traditional farming farmers (85%) did not provide any kind of concentrate mixture to their goats. In commercial farming approaches all goats were fed concentrate feed through homemade or purchased readymade feed from market. Drinking water sources of tube well (48%) and pond (49.25%) were interchangeable in traditional farming and tube well water was the main source in commercial farming approaches. In conclusion, both traditional and commercial farming approaches are practiced for goat production in northern districts of Bangladesh. This housing and feeding management for goat production are absolutely unclear. So, this study will support researchers and extension workers to develop proper strategic policies and help to take correct steps for future betterment of the Black Bengal Goats raising farmers.

The improvement of productivity of indigenous chicken is a long desire in the country. Present research is a part of the long-term selection program being undertaken to evaluate the carcass characteristics and expected response to selection of second generation (G2) of indigenous chicken under intensive management in Bangladesh. A total of 1643-day-old chicks comprising of 3 types of chicken namely Naked Neck (NN), Hilly (H) and Non-descript Desi (ND) were hatched in a two batches for this study. In second generation (G2), selection was practiced at 3 (three) stages of birds life, firstly and secondly at 8 and at 16 weeks of age, selection was performed on the basis of breeding value for 8 and 16 week body weight. Thirdly, at 40-week of age, on the basis of an index comprising the parameters of age at sexual maturity (ASM), body weight (BW), egg production (EP) and egg weight (EW). Improvement target of egg weight was to increase by 1g and improvement target of egg production rate was to increase by 2 % per generation. The main target was the mean body weight in H, ND and NN chicken has to be gone up from the initial eight-week body weight of 375, 342 and 331g to 500 g at eight weeks of age. At 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age, six birds from each genotype were slaughtered to analyze the meat yield traits. Slaughter data were analyzed in a 3 (genotype) × 3 (slaughter age) factorial arrangement in CRD by General Linear Model (GLM) Univariate Procedure in SPSS Computer Program. Genotype and slaughter age had significant effect (p<0.001) on dressing percentage. Body weight at 8 weeks of age was expected to improve by 51.21 vs. 24.03; 37.74 vs. 15.47 and 26.26 vs. 9.65g; respectively for ND, H and NN males and females. In terms of body weight H genotype was superior and NN genotype was for dressing percentage. As a result of selection; EP, BW increased and ASM reduced in second generation than that of the foundation stock.

Pure breeding is necessary for the conservation and improvement of indigenous chicken genetic resources. Present research is a part of the long-term selection program being undertaken to evaluate the performance and expected response to selection of first generation (G₁) of three indigenous chicken genotypes under intensive management in Bangladesh. A total of 1439-day-old chicks comprising of 3 genotypes namely Naked Neck (NN), Hilly (H) and Non-descript Desi (ND) were hatched for this study. In first generation (G₁), selection was practiced on body weight at 8 and 16 weeks of age, on the basis of their breeding value. At 40-week of age, selection will be practiced on the basis of an index comprising the parameters of age at first egg (ASM), body weight (BW), egg production (EP) and egg weight (EW). At 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age, six birds from each genotype were slaughtered to analyze the meat yield traits. Data were analyzed in CRD by General Linear Model Univariate Procedure. Significantly (P<0.001) highest body weight of day-old chicks (28.65±0.12 g) and daily weight gain in all stages were found in H genotype than other two genotypes. Although there was significant (P<0.001) difference in live weight between ages at slaughter, dressing percent (65.87 - 66.89 %) of different ages was similar (P>0.05) but was affected (P<0.001) by genotype. Body weight at 8 weeks of age was expected to improve by 58.98 vs. 11.50; 81.56 vs. 40.91 and 53.81 vs. 15.82 g; respectively for ND, H and NN males and females. In terms of body weight and growth traits H genotype was superior and NN genotype was for dressing percentage. As a result of selection; chick weight, body weight at all stages increased and ASM reduced in first generation than foundation stock. These findings give an impetus for continuing the pure breeding research for more generations.

Selection is one of the vital tools for improving the indigenous chicken genetic resources. A total of 1585-day-old chicks comprising of 3 types of chicken namely Naked Neck (NN), Hilly (H) and Non-descript Deshi (ND) were hatched for this study to form foundation stock. Improvement target of egg weight was to increase by 1g and improvement target of egg production rate was to increase by 2 % per generation. In foundation stock, selection was practiced at 40-week of age, on the basis of an index comprising the parameters of age at first egg (ASM), body weight(BW), egg production(EP) and egg weight(EW). Data were analyzed in CRD by General Linear Model (GLM) Univariate Procedure. Significantly highest fertility (82.71%) and hatchability (82.20%) were found in ND genotype. Significantly (P<0.001) highest body weight of day-old chicks and daily weight gain was found in H genotype than other two genotypes. There was a non-significant (P>0.05) variation in FCR among the native chicken genotypes. NN genotype (3.46%) had non-significantly (χ² = 3.62; P > 0.05) higher chick mortality than ND (1.63%) and H (2.11%) at brooding period (0-4 weeks). Significantly (P<0.01) higher dressing percentage was found in NN (64.58) genotype than ND (60.26) and H (61.70) genotypes. Non-significantly higher egg production in selected group was found in H (70) genotype than ND (68) and NN (67) genotypes. Significantly (P<0.001) highest shape index and Haugh unit were found in H and ND genotypes, respectively. As a result of selection, egg production is expected to improve by 0.562, 0.932 and 0.755%, respectively for ND, H and NN genotypes. In terms of reproductive traits ND was superior, in terms of productive traits H genotype was superior and in terms of dressing percentage and breaking strength NN genotype was superior. These findings of the study also give an impetus for continuing the research for more generations to fulfill the objectives of the long-term programme.

The study was carried out to explore the impact of probiotics on shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in the Shrimp Research Station ponds during the culture period of 90 days. The experiment was set in 9 on-station ponds having an area of 0.052―0.064 ha. Three treatments of the experiment were: super Ps probiotics broadcast all over the ponds mixed with clay (T₁), probiotics broadca Zymetin st over the pond mixed with feed (T₂) and control (without probiotics) the ponds (T₃) and each treatments having 3 replicates. All Juvenile of shrimp were stocked at a density of 6.0 juv/m² and was fed with quality feed (gold plus-grower) twice daily at the rate of 10.3% of shrimp biomass. Water quality parameters namely temperature, water depth, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrate, total alkalinity and transparency were within suitable range for shrimp growth without finding any stress. Growth of shrimp was measured and feed was adjusted after every fortnight. The average weight of shrimp in T₁, T₂ and T₃ was 22.065 ±5.52, 19.87 ±4.98 and 11.01 ±0.86g, respectively. Higher growth was obtained from T₁ followed by T₂ and T₃. Day after 90 of husbandry, all shrimp were harvested. The survivality rate of shrimp production was reckoned 80%. The production of shrimp was found 760 kg/ha in T₁, 665 kg/ha in T₂ and 205.19 kg/ha. in T₃. So the highest production was found using super PS (T₁). Food conversion ratio (FCR) of prawn was found higher (2.48) in T₃ compared to T₁ (1.83) and T₂ (2.01). The result of the study is therefore revealed that probiotics paly a most important role in growth, survival and production of shrimp by maintaining good water quality environment throughout the culture period. It may be therefore concluded that probiotics can be utilized well the shrimp ponds to get higher growth and production keeping the congenial environment.

The present study carried on 16 sampling ponds in Rajshahi City Corporation, Rajshahi, Bangladesh during the period from August, 2005 to April, 2006. The main theme of this work was to find out the impact on present status of improved traditional culture and mixed culture in various pond. This study involved the observations made on physical characteristics, ownerships system, ponds preparation, stocking combinations of fish seeds, post stocking management and maintenance, harvesting and cost analysis of 16 improved traditional managed ponds in Rajshahi City Corporation. The primary data for the study was taken from the growers of these ponds. After collecting primary data, it was analyzed by suitable statistical method. Physical characteristics of the sampling pond were found. Water depth more or less sufficient, water colour greenish, presence of sunlight was sufficient, water source was mainly drain and rain and various shaped of pond was found. Pond was prepared by traditional method using pesticides (Phostoxin, Rotanone, Sumithion, Quick fume), lime and fertilizers (Urea, TSP., Cow dung). The fish seed were stocked in different ponds. In Sac fry was stocked in 4 nursery ponds. Post stocking management and maintenance were included inorganic fertilizer (Urea, TSP), organic fertilizer cow dung, applied weekly and supplementary feeds were used daily. It was observed that 15 ponds were made profit and one pond had loss. Two types of ownership were found (three years and five years) in the study period. During the study time two types of harvesting method were found. They were partial and final harvest. Mainly two types of production cost such as variable cost (lease, pond preparation, pesticide use, fertilizer etc.) and fixed cost (cost of net, net preservation, tax of pond etc.) were observed in the study period.

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of three most commonly used growth promoters from different pharmaceutical companies on growth performance of hybrid walking catfish (Clarias batrachus × Clarias gariepinus). The experiment was done in the wet laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture, BAU, Mymensingh, with a total of 10 aquaria and 160 fish having mean initial weight of 6.3 ± 0.48 g. The three growth promoters, “Charger gel” from Fishtech (BD) Ltd., “Growth gel” from Advance Agrotech (BD) Ltd. and “Hepaprotect-aqua” from Renata Animal health Ltd., were used in separate nine (9) aquaria at recommended, lower dose and higher dose respectively. One aquarium was used as control (diet without any growth promoter). The fish were fed with paragon nursery floating feed at 20% of body weight in each aquarium for 28 days. Doses of Charger gel were given as 80, 60 and 100 mg/20 g feed/day, that of Growth gel, 0.14, 0.12 and 0.16 ml/20 g feed/day and of Hepaprotect-aqua, 30, 15 and 50 mg/20 g feed/day. Re-circulatory system was used throughout the experimental period. By applying recommended, lower and higher dose of “Charger gel”, mean final weights were found as 23.0, 21.9 and 35.9 g; average daily weight gain as 0.60, 0.56 and 1.06 g and specific growth rate (SGR) as 2.01, 1.93 and 2.70% respectively. For “Growth gel”, mean final weights were found as 22.8, 17.3 and 31.1 g; average daily weight gain as 0.59, 0.39 and 0.88 g and SGR as 1.99, 1.57 and 2.48 % respectively. For “Hepaprotect-aqua”, mean final weights were found as 24.2, 17.5 and 28.2 g; average daily weight gain as 0.64, 0.40 and 0.78 g and SGR as 2.09, 1.58 and 2.32% respectively. In all the cases survival rates were 100%. All the three growth promoters showed better results at their higher doses in comparison to their results in lower and recommended doses. However, in average Charger gel showed the best result than the other two growth promoters. This information on the efficacy study of growth promoters needs to be disseminated to the farmers for improved fish production.

 The present study was conducted to know about the management of gid disease of goat at Upazila Veterinary Hospital, Rangpur Sadar and District Veterinary Hospital from July, 2011 to December, 2011 in Rangpur district at field level. A total of 12 goats were diagnosed based on history and presenting clinical sings. Furthermore, surgery was performed - in five cases. Circling movement, keeping the head downward to the affected side were major clinical sings. In all the cases, a half moon shaped incision was given at the operative site and after trephining the skull, the cyst was removed. The disease was predominant in female (91.66%) than male (16.66%). Among female goats, the prevalence of gid in pregnant and non-pregnant were 36.36% and 63.63% respectively. Black Bengal goats were more susceptible (91.66%) to this disease. The method of operation is considered to be useful as treatment in the field level. Alternative way of treatment using anthelmintics or other drugs have studied.

The aim of the investigation was to determine the effect of different food on growth and survival of Nandus nandus larvae. The experiment was conducted for 20 days in twelve (12) cisterns (9× 6×2.5ft) to assess the effect of Zooplankton, Artemia, Tubifex and Brand Nursery Feed on growth and survival of N. nandus larvae in cistern condition. The growth of N. nandus larvae varied significantly (P<0.05) with live feed and artificial feed. Zooplankton treatment showed the best growth performance and Brand Nursery Feed showed the poorest. There was significant difference in final weight of larvae fed with live and artificial feed. Final weight of live feed Zooplankton was 241.79±17.25g, Artemia-210.37±20.16g, Tubifex-226.36±15.72g and Brand Nursery Feedwas195.08±15.53g respectively. Specific growth rate (%) and percentage (%) weight gain were also best in case of Zooplankton fed N. nandus larvae. Different water quality parameters were more or less same in different treatments.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of aloe vera extract (w/v) on growth performance of broiler. The present study explored the potentials of medicinal plants Aloe barbedensis mixture in broiler performance. For this purpose, 120 day old chicks were randomly assigned into five treatment groups, namely T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄. Each treatment group contained 24 chicks. The chicks were purchased from a local chick hatchery named Nourish Poultry & Hatchery Ltd. Birds were brooded up to 10 days and then reared in separate flock for 35 days in an open sided house. Each treatment group was further replicated into three sub-groups and each contained eight birds. Experimental birds in T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ were provided with aloe vera extract (w/v) @ 05, 10, 15 and 20 ml per liter of drinking water while T₀ was maintained as control group. Relevant data were recorded throughout the experimental period and subjected to statistical analysis. The data on growth parameters (body weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, water intake) and feed cost and gross return per broiler were evaluated. The results of the study revealed that the aloe vera supplemented groups showed higher live weight gain than untreated group. Aloe vera supplemented groups showed more live weight gain in the terminal stages of the experiment. Aloe vera (w/v) extract supplemented groups performed the best feed efficiency. The live weight gain and feed efficiency were significantly (P<0.05) better in the broilers provided water containing 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract. Water intake, feed intake and abdominal fat deposition of broilers given aloe extract in drinking water were not different among each other. So, 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract may be given to the broilers drinking water.

This study was planned to clarify the recent milk and reproductive performances of high yielding dairy crossbreds based on various genotype, parity and location beside the Baghabari Milk Vita areas of Bangladesh. Performance records were collected from total 81 crossbred cows from both 15 households in Sirajgonj and Pabna districts, and six bathan areas at Sirajgonj. Genetic admixture of various breeds identified in the studied areas showed diverse performance. Milk production not varied statistically (16.27 to 19.33 liters per day as peak) either for genotype, parity or region but differed in number of AI services for last pregnancy in L×HF×SL (1) and L×HF×JE (2.18) genotypes at household level. Average 70 days observed between the day of calving and next fertile AI service in dairy farming. The study on bathan revealed about 23 months for age at first fertile AI in high yielding dairy cows with average 1.92 AI services per cow for last conceive. Peak milk production identified in HF crossed with local than HF×SL and JE genotypes. Screening, record keeping and controlled AI or mating with specific targeted breed could increase breed uniformity and productivity of high yielding crossbreds not only in Milk Vita region but also other milk pocket areas of this country. In addition, breed composition study is required for ensuring specific breed effects on production performance to design a planned breeding for sustainable dairy breed development in Bangladesh.

 A survey was conducted to study clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions in pigeons with naturally occurring Newcastle disease (ND). For this purpose, 45 pigeon farms of the Rajshahi, Natore and Pabna districts were conducted during from July 2015 to June 2016. Among these, 17(37.78%) farms showed clinical signs of Newcastle disease, including mainly greenish white mucoid diarrhoea and nervous signs with high morbidity and mortality. Morbidity was 90% and mortality was 100%. Diarrhoea, the most common clinical sign observed, was present in 48.28% of the affected pigeons, followed by nervous signs (27.59%), shivering (24.14%). Postmortem examination of affected birds showed lesions mainly in proventriculus, liver, lungs and kidneys. Histopathological changes were also observed in lungs, liver, and proventriculus. The results showed that the Newcastle disease virus was widespread in pigeons locally and caused high mortality rate. It is concluded that pigeon fanciers of northern Bangladesh do not maintain the regular preventive measures or vaccination against ND is being adopted to control the disease.

Effectiveness of six fungicides viz., Provax-200 (Carboxin+Thiram), Bavistin DF (Carbendazim), Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb), Secure (Mancozeb+Fenamidone), Antracol (propineb) and Daconil (Chlorothalonil) were evaluated to improve seed germination and seedling vigour of lentil variety BINA Masur-3. The experiment was conducted in the Green House of Seed Pathology Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Positive effect of seed treatment with fungicides on seed germination and seedling vigour of lentil was recorded. At 20 DAS, increased seed germination over control was observed in treated seeds with Deconil (10.40%) and Antracol (10.00%) followed by Dithane M-45 (7.20%). Seeds treated with Deconil and Dithane M-45 produced seedlings with higher shoot length, root length and seedling vigour. At 20 DAS, higher percent increased vigour index over control was found in Dithane M-45 (24.64%) and Deconil (22.44%), respectively.