Author Archives: aajbb

Adult butterflies lay their eggs on specific plants that serve as the primary food source for caterpillars once they hatch. This study, conducted from March 2023 to April 2025, aimed to develop a comprehensive checklist and evaluate the distribution of butterfly species in Kaptai National Park (KNP), Bangladesh. A total of 103 plant species from 41 families were identified as larval host plants for 87 butterfly species belonging to 9 families. Of these plant species, 17 were classified as Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List 2024 for Bangladesh, while 86 species remain unclassified. The study covered eight sites (S1-S8) in Ram Pahar and Sita Pahar within KNP, emphasizing the distribution of 26 important larval host plant species that are ecologically significant and commonly utilized by butterflies. The 26 key plants include Syzygium cumini, Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentale, Annona squamosa, Alstonia scholaris, Calotropis gigantea, Aristolochia indica, Mikania micrantha, Terminalia catappa, Delonix regia, Butea monosperma, Saraca asoca, Mimosa pudica, Tamarindus indica, Senna alata, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Bombax ceiba, Abelmoschus manihot, Ficus benghalensis, Moringa oleifera, Jasminum auriculatum, Passiflora foetida, Neolamarckia cadamba, Citrus aurantiifolia, Mimusops elengi, and Curcuma longa. These findings underscore the urgency of protecting butterfly habitats, including native plant species. The study also highlights the importance of habitat restoration and sustainable conservation initiatives in the Chittagong Hill Tracts area.

Antimicrobial residues in food products of animal origin represent a significant public health concern that requires careful consideration due to their harmful effects on consumer health. The presence of antibiotic residues in animal-derived food poses challenges for international trade involving animals and their products. Public health issues related to antibiotic residues in food include the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), allergic reactions, cancer risks, genetic mutations, birth defects, bone marrow damage, and disruption of normal gut microbiota. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock can lead to residue levels that exceed permissible limits, resulting in adverse health effects for humans. Limiting antibiotic use is crucial for the safety of animal products. This review examines the administration of antibiotics to food animals, the presence of antibiotic residues in animal-origin foods, and the various factors that influence these residue levels in animal-derived food products in developing countries. It underscores the urgent need for improved regulatory control and surveillance of antibiotic use in food-producing animals to ensure public health safety. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening residue monitoring systems, enforcing withdrawal periods, and promoting responsible antibiotic stewardship to reduce contamination in animal-derived foods.

Temperature and humidity play a crucial role in shaping the feed and water intake as well as mortality rates of layer chickens. This study examined the influence of these environmental factors on chicken survival in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh, using data collected from two commercial layer farms over multiple years (2017–2020) and across different chicken strains. Variations in temperature and humidity were monitored in sheds L2, L3, and L4 at PHL, and L1 to L7 at DEL. The data were analyzed to calculate mean values and correlations among temperature, humidity, feed and water intake, and mortality rates. The results showed that elevated internal and external temperatures, combined with high humidity levels in sheds, were associated with increased water and feed intake as well as higher mortality rates among layer birds. A statistically significant difference was observed in shed L1 of DEL in 2020 (P = 0.0006), where significant correlations among the variables were also identified. Specifically, at PHL, a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.61) between internal temperature and mortality suggested that higher internal temperatures contributed to bird deaths due to heat stress. In contrast, at DEL, internal temperature exhibited only a weak positive correlation (r = 0.29) with mortality, implying that while heat stress played a role, it may not have been the dominant factor. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining optimal environmental conditions in controlled housing systems to safeguard the health, welfare, and productivity of layer chickens. The study also provides practical guidance for farmers and policymakers to implement improved environmental management strategies aimed at enhancing poultry production efficiency and minimizing economic losses in Bangladesh.

Abstract not available

Newcastle disease (ND) now seems endemic in commercial poultry industry of Bangladesh with continuous significant high prevalence and regular outbreaks. High morbidity, up to 100% mortality rate and high economic loss of ND makes it major constraints of poultry industries. We find out the prevalence of ND in dead, sick and apparently healthy poultry at Bogura district of Bangladesh. From July 2020 to June 2021, we observed a total of 500 birds including 31 sick and dead birds randomly from 10 commercial poultry farms of Bogura district. The prevalence was assessed through clinical observations and the documented history of individual birds. For pathological analysis, 31 samples from sick and deceased birds were collected, and detailed examinations of gross lesions and histopathological changes in the cecal tonsils and proventriculus were conducted. Wide ranges of clinical signs are observed in affected birds and it can be diagnosed based on clinical signs and pathological studies. The prevalence of Newcastle disease was 14.20% in apparently healthy birds and 26.6% in sick and dead birds. ND prevalence increased in summer (56%) and decreased in rainy season (11.5%) and highest at the age group of (5-36) weeks of age. Grossly, numerous infected birds had lesions such as pin-point hemorrhage on proventriculur gland, hemorrhage in the trachea, congested and consolidated lungs, button-like ulcers in the caeca, and hemorrhagic caecal tonsils. Microscopically, there was hemorrhage in the lamina propria associated with lymphatic nodules of the caecal tonsil, sloughing of glandular epithelial cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lumen of the proventriculur gland, congestion around the lobule of the proventriculus, and hyperemia on glandular epithelial cells of the proventriculur gland. This research revealed Newcastle disease remains endemic in Bangladesh's poultry industry, causing high prevalence, seasonal outbreaks, and severe economic losses.

Escherichia coli is a significant foodborne pathogen, frequently linked to hemorrhagic diarrhea, especially in developing nations, where it presents considerable public health concerns. This study was conducted to examine the virulence gene profiles and antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli strains isolated from piper betel leaves. A total of 100 betel leaf samples, including fresh (n = 60) and ready-to-eat (n = 40) specimens, were collected and tested for the presence of E. coli using standard diagnostic techniques, such as selective culture methods, staining, latex agglutination, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Further, the identified E. coli isolates underwent PCR-based testing for virulence genes and disk diffusion assays to assess antibiotic susceptibility. Among the 100 samples screened, 4% (n = 4/100; 95% CI: 1.57–9.84; P = 0.1126) were identified as E. coli O157, and 33% (n = 33/100; 95% CI: 24.56–42.69; P = 0.4011) were classified as non-O157 isolates. The virulence gene stx₁ was found in 10.81% of isolates, while stx₂, eaeA, and hlyA genes were not detected in any samples. Antibiotic resistance analysis showed that all isolates (100%, 37/37) were resistant to amoxicillin and erythromycin, with 75.68% (28/37) demonstrating resistance to tetracycline. Notably, all isolates were fully susceptible to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. A majority (72.97%, 27/37) of isolates were sensitive to streptomycin, and 67.57% (25/37) were sensitive to gentamicin. Additionally, 86.48% of the E. coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), showing 10 resistance patterns, including 8 MDR patterns. The most common MDR pattern was AMX-TE-E, observed in 56.76% (21/37) of isolates. One isolate demonstrated resistance to six of the eight tested antibiotics across four distinct classes, with the resistance pattern AMX-TE-GEN-S-E-AZM. The MAR indices for E. coli isolates ranged between 0.25 and 0.75. These findings highlight the significant threat posed to global public health by multidrug-resistant shiga toxin-producing E. coli found on piper betel leaves in urban environments.

In Bangladesh, feed costs account for 70% of dairy farming expenses. High-yielding fodder (HYF) varieties, such as the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) developed Napier variety 3 (BN-3), offer significant potential for reducing these costs. This study conducted two agronomical trials, one on-station at the Experimental Plot of BLRI, Regional Station, Baghabari, Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, and one on-farm at the Experimental Plot in the village of Tiar Bondor shahjadpur, Sirajganj during the economic year of 2018-2019. The objectives of this study were to assess the production performance and proximate composition of BN-3 at both the on-station and farmer community levels. Each trial plot measured (20×10) square feet and was prepared according to BLRI's fodder cultivation guidelines. Data from five consecutive harvests over approximately one year were collected and analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software. Results indicated a higher fresh biomass yield was (57.66±4.68 tons/ha/harvest) at on-station compared to the farmer community level (54.89±1.20 tons/ha/harvest), though the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). On-station trial also showed superior tiller numbers (30.72±4.27 per hill) and stem perimeter (6.68±0.06 cm). Leaf length and plant height were significantly better (P<0.05) at on station trial. The nutrient composition of BN-3 exhibited non-significant variations between on-station and on-farm conditions. These findings suggest that, while on-station cultivation of BN-3 may provide slight advantages in specific growth parameters, its nutrient composition remains consistent across different farming conditions, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective feed option for Bangladeshi dairy farmers.

Abstract not available

In Bangladesh, a comprehensive study was conducted over one year to compare the reproductive and productive performance of Black Bengal, Jamunapari, and crossbred goats. The study involved a sample size of 226 goats and provided insightful information on the distinctive capabilities of each type of goat breeds. Most of the doe were 21–30 months of age, and their weight was 21–30 kg. The feed supply for the doe was concentrated green grass, whereas the kids got supplementary feed like rice bran. Among the reproductive traits, age at puberty, age of first kidding, and age of the first conception were significantly (P<0.001) higher in Jamunapari goats, whereas aerial kidding intervals were found in 263.77 ± 54.26 days in crossbreeds. Postpartum heat periods were highest at 68.50 ± 5.53 days in Jamunapari goats at 1st and 2nd parity, though at 3rd parity, 22.96 ± 26.66 days were uppermost in Black Bengal. There was no significant effect of parity on lactation length or milk production. Though Jamunapari goats show the highest lactation length at 1st and 2nd parity, at 3rd parity, 2.56 ± 2.89 kg was the largest in Black Bengals. The mortality of kids was high in the second parity in Black Bengal and crossbreeds, whereas in Jamunapari, it was higher in the first and second parities. The mortality rate of kids under 20 days was high, which gradually decreased with the advancement of age. Different periparturient and postpartum diseases, like abortion, dystocia, retained placenta, etc., decreased the reproductive performance of goats. The Black Bengal goat exhibited superior productive and reproductive performance to Jamunapari and crossbred goats. The study's findings suggest that, in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, prioritizing Black Bengal goats for breeding programs could potentially enhance both productive and reproductive traits compared to Jamunapari and crossbred goats.

Recording systems are important to maintain data properly with a view to justifying the merits of productive and reproductive parameter as well as pedigree evaluation, towards any decision making pathway. Considering this, the current research was conducted to assess the computer and mobile software based animal recording system, which have important effect on production and reproduction on Red Chittagong cattle and their graded cattle. For this reason, this survey was conducted at well-developed pre-tested questionnaire through mobile application software under thirteen study areas. The study areas were selected based on the density of Red Chittagong Cattle population in those areas. After data collectionollected data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software and mean comparisons were estimated by LSD and Duncan method. Numbering (highest-11.32% at Godagari, lowest at Naikhongchari-4.25%), Artificial Insemination (highest 20% at Godagari and lowest at Naikhongchari-1%), service per conception rate (highest at Sylhet-1.37 and lowest at Swandip-1.14), calving rate (highest 12.34% at Anowara and lowest 4.20% at Keshobpur) and birth weight (highest 16.50±0.57 kg at Hathazari and lowest 12.79±0.49 kg at Godagari) were different in each regions. Lactation length, milk yield, and growth rate of two category cattle were found statistically significant (P<0.05) between two groups of cattle. These three productive parameters were higher for Red Chittagong Cattle (230±5.16 days, 3.10±0.13 L/day, 0.197 kg/day) respectively. The software based recording system helps to get proper data which will help for selection of superior sires and dams with high genetic merit as well as data can be restored anytime from this software based recording system.

Bacterial wilt of tobacco caused by Ralstonia solanacearum poses a significant threat to tobacco cultivation in Bangladesh. In this study, fourteen tobacco growing areas of Bangladesh were surveyed to assess the status of bacterial wilt disease in tobacco. The result revealed that the higher level of bacterial wilt incidence and severity was recorded in Bandarban followed by Naikhonchari, Lama, Rangpur, and Lalmonirhat and the lower level was in Chakaria, Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, and Jhenaidah. However, a moderate level of incidence and severity was recorded in Manikgonj, Khagrachori, and Tangail. After estimating the bacterial population in the soil of respective regions it was observed that the highest bacterial population was counted at 22.4 x 10⁷ CFU/g soil in Chakaria and the lowest was counted at 4.3 x 10⁷ CFU/g soil in Tangail. Among the seed samples, sample no BWT Seed 21 had the highest level of infection (93%), sample no BWT Seed 37 had a medium level (39.46%), and sample no BWT Seed 57 had the lowest level of infection (5.14%) with R. solanacearum as detected by plating tobacco seed samples by TTC agar medium. Biovar and races of R. solanacearum were identified through the sugar oxidation test and pathogenicity test and it was found that R. solanacearum isolates from all the fourteen growing areas were grouped into race 1 and biovar 1, biovar 2, biovar 3. Genetic diversity of R. solanacearum analysis was done by using REP and ERIC primers where both primers showed three clusters (I, II, and III) at 60% similarity.  The results are very crucial for the development of sustainable management of bacterial wilt of tobacco and for future population analyses of R. solanacearum.

Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI), known as DNA barcodes, can be employed for the identification of an unknown specimen at the species level. The present study was aimed at performing COI gene-based identification of butterflies using butterfly caterpillars. Consecutively, ten caterpillars of ten different butterfly species from the families Papilionidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae were taken from respective host plants and used to generate COI gene sequences that were about 650 bp long. After BLAST analysis, the sequenced gene revealed 96–100% similarity to the same species from different regions. Then, sequences were submitted to NCBI's GenBank and obtained ten accession numbers. In order to elucidate genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among ten species of butterfly caterpillars, pairwise distance analysis and the construction of a phylogenetic tree were performed using MEGA10 and BioEdit software. In the analysis, the interspecific genetic divergence among the caterpillars of butterflies was between 0.101-0.164%. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the assistance of the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) algorithm, which identified two major clades, A and B, as well as indicated that butterflies caterpillars shared a common ancestor. All the species are included in these two clades, except Catopsilia pomona. This species is under the family Pieridae, and the phylogenetic position of Pieridae compared to other butterfly families is ambiguous, necessitating additional research to resolve this issue. The study demonstrated the general applicability of DNA barcoding for rapidly and accurately distinguishing butterfly species, even when using larval stages, as in the present study. Furthermore, it may disclose a higher taxonomic hierarchy of butterfly families.

The objectives of this study were to determine the farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, livestock population dynamics, and breeding practices followed by the farmers. Out of 1487 farmers, a major proportion (53.12%) of farmers was middle-aged. Most of the farmers (71.22%) were associated with agricultural activities and had low income per month (52.32%). Livestock keeping patterns of farmers were cattle, goats, buffalo, and combinations of these animals. Female animals were inferred to be more prevalent in different districts (cow 85.08%, doe 81.29%) than males (bull 14.92%, buck 18.71%). In case of cattle and goats, the highest number of farmers maintained a medium size herd, whereas buffalo farmers had a large herd size. In terms of breeding practices, the majority of the farmers (75.55%) performed artificial insemination (AI) in cattle and found it convenient to service their cows. When considering buffalo, and goat, the majority of the farmers (94.12% and 98.50%, respectively) practiced natural services. The findings also demonstrated that the majority of the farmers (73.8% and 82%, respectively) raised crossbreed cattle and buffalo, while just a tiny portion (26.18% and 18%, respectively) raised indigenous breeds. However, this situation was vice versa in case of goat. For choice of the breed according to the farmers, 39.17% of farmers preferred Black Bengal goat, 60.83% preferred cross breed.  This study represents a comprehensive overview of livestock status and existing breeding practices employed by the farmers in different districts of Bangladesh, which may be utilized to implement relevant livestock improvement programs in Bangladesh.

Pesticide residues in different crops, including food grains and vegetables are burning issues in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze organophosphorus pesticide residues in three popular vegetables (cauliflower, hyacinth bean and yard long bean) collected from five local markets of Narsingdi district of Bangladesh. The collected vegetable samples were extracted and cleaned up using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction technique and analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) equipped with Flame Thermionic Detector (FTD). A total of 45 vegetable samples were analyzed. Among the 15 analyzed samples of hyacinth bean, three samples (20 % of the total samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRL and the remaining samples did not contain any detectable residues of the selected organophosphorus pesticides. In case of cauliflower, out of 15 analyzed samples, two samples (13% of the total number of samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRL. In case of yard long bean, of the 15 analyzed samples, four samples (27% of the total number of samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRLs. This study reveals the present status of pesticide residue contamination in the selected vegetables.