Author Archives: aajbb

Bangladesh is in danger area of the world because of its geographic location and the coastal zone of Bangladesh is worldwide recognized as an extremely vulnerable area. For determining disaster related losses and possible disaster management options, the south-west coastal belt Manirampur upazila and Abhaynagar upazila of Jessore district were selected. The survey was conducted by pre-structured questionnaire among six villages from Bagutia union of Abhaynagar upazila and Haridaskati union of Manirampur upazila, during January-June, 2015. A total of 100 households were randomly selected from the six study villages which were based on mainly livelihood pattern of the households (crop production, shrimp culture and others). The average income of the respondents was found 2001-4000 Tk. per month. Average land holding capacity per household was about 80 decimal. About 90% respondents of the study area said the intensity of disaster was more than before. Most of the respondents thought they were vulnerable to disaster. Most of the respondents were experienced with water logging condition. This study attempts to develop a proposed solution for enhancing DMS which reducing loss and copes with all kind of disaster in Bangladesh. In the study area 80% people to wanted TRM and 20% people do not want TRM; they thought TRM might be the probable solution of disaster vulnerability. It can be concluded that number of victim people caused by disaster decreases because of technological advancement but disaster occurrence increases from past to recent due to climate change impact.

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy field, Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Patuakhali during the period of May 2013 to August 2013. The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of seed rate on nodulation of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) under non-saline agro-ecosystem. The experiment comprised of seven different seed rates viz. 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 kg ha^-1. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The seed rates had significant influence on different parameters of dhaincha plant. It was found that (30 kg ha^-1) recorded the tallest plant (4.11 m) followed by (45 kg ha^-1) while (60 kg ha^-1) gave the smallest plant (3.66 m). Recorded maximum plant diameter was (0.92 cm) at harvest while the lowest plant diameter was obtained from (55 kg seed ha-1) (0.79). The highest plant population (336.0) was found in (60 kg ha-1) while (30 kg ha-1) showed the lower plant population (114.0). The maximum number of branches (23.93 plant^-1) at harvest while (60 kg ha^-1) produced the lowest number of branches plant^–1 (7.93 plant^-1). It was recorded that (60 kg ha^-1) produced the highest fresh weight m^-2 (4.10 kg) and was statistically different from other treatments. On the other hand, (30 kg ha^-1) produced significantly the lowest fresh weight of plants m^-2 (1.93 kg) which was also statistically different from other treatments. The higher below ground biomass production m^-2 (1.00 kg) was found in (30 kg ha^-1 ) followed by (35 kg ha^-1 ), (40 kg ha^-1 ) and (45 kg ha^-1 ) while (50 kg ha^-1 ) observed the lower below ground biomass production m^-2(0.19 kg) at (60 kg ha^-1). Production of pods branch^-1 was maximum (22.00) at (30 kg ha-1) followed by (35 kg ha^-1) while the lowest number of pods branch^-1 (17.07) at (60 kg ha^-1). It was found that (30 kg ha^-1) produced the maximum number of seeds pod^–1 (32.73) which was significantly different from other treatments. On the other hand, (60 kg ha^-1) recorded the significantly minimum number of seeds pod^–1 (25.40) which was also statistically similar with (60 kg ha^-1).

A field experiment was conducted at The Agronomy Field, Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Patuakhali during the period of May 2013 to August 2013. The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of seed rate on nodulation of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) under non-saline agro-ecosystem. The experiment comprised of seven different seed rates viz. 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 kg ha^-1. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The seed rates had significant influence on different parameters of dhaincha plant. The maximum plant height was (4.109 m), maximum plant diameter was (0.9200 cm), maximum dry weight of nodule was (5.59 g plant^-1) were observed at the seed rate of 30 kg ha-1.In study period the maximum numbers of nodule plant^-1 (39.60) at harvest and T₇ (60 kg ha^-1) showed minimum number of nodules plant^-1 (30.33). It was observed that the highest number of abnormal nodules plant ^-1 (19.87) while (30 kg ha^-1) gave the lowest number of abnormal nodules plant ^-1 (12.47). It was found that the (30 kg ha^-1) observed the maximum dry weight of nodules (5.59 g plant^-1) and the minimum dry weight of nodules (3.61 g plant^-1) was found from (60 kg ha^-1). The highest plant population (336.0) was found in T₇ (60 kg ha^-1) while T₁ (30 kg ha^-1) showed the lower plant population (114.0). This result indicated that higher seed rate produced the maximum plant population than lower seed rate which ultimately resulted in higher production of biomass.

This study investigates the causes of salinity intrusion by disaster (such as SIDR) in the south-western parts of Bangladesh. The present research work was conducted in the Khulna and Satkhira district‟s rivers like Rupsa, Vadra, Sibsa, Betna, Kholpetua and Morischap and other specific study area was at Gabura and Buri Goalini union of Shyamnagar upazilla under Satkhira district of Bangladesh from June to November, 2015. Salinity intrusion is a major problem and is found increasing day-by-day in the south-western parts of Bangladesh. For this study, data are collected from Bangladesh water development board (BWDB, Dhaka), and through reconnaissance survey with focus group discussion (FGD) in the Gabura and Buri Goalini union under Shyamnagar upazilla of Satkhira district. The data show that the EC and Chloride value in the study area were in the increasing state after SIDR because of the increasing temperature and decreasing rainfall and these values exceed the standard level of Bangladesh and WHO guideline. Further research is to be directed to acquire and quench pursuing to the crucial causes through factorization in a relation to salinity intrusion and disaster issues in the south-western parts of Bangladesh.

The study was conducted on Bergobindapur baor at Chaugachha upazila under Jessore district. The study period was February to June, 2015. Data were collected by using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools and personal observation. Stocking densities of silver carp, catla, rohu, mrigal, grass carp, common carp (size 5-6 inch) were 48, 15, 35, 28, 16 and 10 kg/ha and composition were 31%, 10%, 23%, 19%, 10% and 7% in the fiscal year 2013-2014, respectively. In 2014-2015 stocking densities of silver carp, catla, rohu, mrigal, grass carp, common carp (size 5-6 inch) were 28, 9, 23, 9, 9 and 14 kg/ha and composition were 30%, 10%, 25%, 10%, 10%, and 15%, respectively. Total stocking density of carp species was 152 kg/ha in the fiscal year 2013-2014 and 92 kg/ha in 2014-2015. Production of carps and SIS were 345.62 and 258.065 kg/ha in 2013-2014 and 323.065 and 276.50 kg/ha in 2014-2015, respectively. In the study area, seine net was used for komor and kochal (local name) fishing. Carp species harvested by komor and kochal fishing in 2013-2014 were 276.50 kg/ha, 69.12 kg/ha and in 2014-2015 were 274.61 and 48.43 kg/ha, respectively. Marketing channel started from the fishermen and carp fishes were supplied to three markets namely Chaugachha, Jessore and Jhenidah. The findings of this study assumed that production of fish could be increased 25% through an effective management practices.

The present study was undertaken to detect and quantify the left over residue of Fenvalerate and Acephate in bean and tomato and comparison between the detected residue levels with Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) set by FAO/WHO. Two supervised field trials (one for Fenvalerate and another for Acephate) were carried out sprayed with the field dose of Fenvalerate (1.0ml/L of water) and Acephate (1.0gm/L of water). Samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 days after spray. The left over residue of Fenvalerate was detected up to 14 DAS, of which up to 3 DAS the quantities of residue were above MRL (1 ppm) in both the vegetables (bean, tomato). This insecticide remained 0.601-0.035 ppm residue in bean and 0.443-0.014 ppm in tomato which were below MRL at 4 to 14 DAS. The high amount of Acephate was detected for a longer period than Fenvalerate and it was found up to 14 DAS in which MRL values (0.5 ppm) were found above up to 9 DAS with 0.623 ppm in tomato and 0.928 ppm in bean. Samples of 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 DAS of Acephate contained residues 0.289-0.032 ppm in bean and 0.465-0.029 ppm in tomato which were below MRL. At 15 DAS, no residue was detected. Therefore, bean and tomato can be harvested safely at 4 days after spray for Fenvalerate and 10 days after spray for Acephate.

This research was carried out to isolate and identify lactobacilli from yogurt and vegetables sample from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Twenty five Lactobacillus strains were isolated and identified as Lactobacillus species based on cultural characteristics, biochemical tests, and sugar fermentation. The results showed only four among twenty five isolates were highly responded to probiotic criteria such as low pH tolerance (2.5), bile salt tolerance (2%), gastric juice tolerance (0.5% bile salt, 0.2% NaCl, 0.32% pepsin pH 2.5) in-vitro and were identified strains as Lactobacillus plantarum imy-21, Lactobacillus plantarumimy-22, Lactobacillus plantarum imv-26 and Lactobacillus acidophilus imy-37 according to Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and 16s rDNA sequencing. All of the strains were showed protease activity on skim milk agar. These strains were sensitive to ampicillin, doxycycline, erythromycin and tetracycline; also have antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogen such as ATCC of Salmonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella flexneri, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli (environmental isolates). Four isolated Lactobacilli strains were able to maintain their probiotic properties in freeze dried condition over 90 day’s storage. This study concludes that these strains may be used as potential candidate as probiotic food.

Studies were conducted to investigate the health condition of a small indigenous fish Channa punctatus through clinical and histopathological observations for a period of six months. The samples were collected from different fish markets of Mymensingh District. Water quality parameters viz., temperature and dissolve oxygen were recorded and, clinical and histopatlogical study were done at monthly intervals. Normal appearances were observed during the months of October to November and also February to March from the fish samples of three fish markets. In the months of December and January, fishes were more affected having scale loss, red spots, deep dermal ulcer in Sankipara Railway Crossing and Gollpukurpar markets. Histopathologically, marked necrosis, pyknosis, haemorrhage and fungal granuloma were observed in skin and muscle. Gills of fishes from Sankipara Railway Crossing and Gollpukurpar markets had found monogenetic trematode, hypertrophy, clubbing and pyknosis in December and January. Livers of the examined fishes had no pathogen and showed less pathological signs compared to other organs. Fungal granuloma, necrosis, haemorrhage and vacuoles were found in the kidney of fishes collected from Gollpukurpar market and Sankipara Rail Crossing market. The investigated species C. punctatus was found more affected in Gollpukurpar and Sankipara Rail Crossing market than the fish samples of K-R market during the month of December and January. In the other months there were reduced clinical and histological symptoms in fish of all the markets.

This study was conducted to find out the effect of feeding Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal on growth performance and digestibility of nutrients in growing rabbit and to know the cost of rabbit production. For this purpose, a total of twelve unsexed New Zealand White rabbits at 42 days of age were distributed randomly in three treatment groups, i.e. control (T₀), adding 10% Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (T₁) in concentrate diet and adding 15% Leucaena leucocephala  leaf meal (T₂) in concentrate diet. All diets were iso-energic and iso-nitrogenous. Various aspects of the study, measurements taken in a 56 days experimental period were final body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feeding cost of rabbit production. Results show that the final body weight of rabbits was 1200±30, 1325±85 and 1114±136g_, for the treatments of T₀, T₁ and T₂, respectively. The body weights of rabbits were significantly higher in T₁ over T₂ and T₀ groups. The average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were 109, 75.55, 83.57g and 9.55, 5.48 and 8.51 for the respective diets/treatments. The growth rate of T₀, T₁ and T₂ treatment groups were 1.05, 1.44 and 0.99, respectively. There was significant effect of different treatment groups on growth rate, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The digestibility of dry matter (DM) was the highest in diet T₀ followed by diet T₂ and T₁, respectively. The digestibility of CP was slightly higher for treatment T₂ containing 15% Leucaena dry leaf than that of treatment T₀ and T_1. The digestibility of crude fiber (CF) and ether extract was significantly (P<0.01) difference among the treatment groups. The highest NFE digestibility was recorded for diet T₀ and lowest for diet T₁. The costs of these three concentrate mixture were 24.43, 21.48 and 20.21Tk/kg for diet T₀, T₁ and T_2, respectively. The reduction of feed cost of producing 1 kg live weight was by 53% in T₁ and by 31% in T₂ group from T₀ group. It may be concluded that Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal at 10% inclusion level may be used as an alternative source of protien in the diet of rabbit as there was no adverse effect (toxicity) on feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. It may be recommended that adding 10% level of Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal of the diet for economic rabbit meat production.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the organoleptic, specific gravity, chemical and microbiological qualities of morning and evening milk which collected from Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm, Mymensingh. In this purposes, six Holstein Friesian crossbred cows were selected for this study. Milk samples were collected every morning and evening immediately after milking and then subjected to test all mentioning parameters. Morning milk showed less yellowish than evening milk whereas flavor, body and texture were found normal in both intervals of milk. Specific gravity was found higher (1.030 ±0.000) in morning milk than evening and significantly (p<0.01) higher fat content observed in evening milk sample due to the more exercise the whole day. Again, total solids, solids-not-fat, protein and lactose content of milk showed significant difference at p<0.05. Other parameters like acidity percent and ash did not show any significant difference. Significantly (p<0.05) higher coliform count was noticed in morning milk than evening milk and non-significant (p>0.05) difference found in total viable count of both intervals milk. Considering the research findings, it might be said that evening milk was better than morning milk.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of energy on growth performance of crossbred (Indigenous × Holstein Friesian) bull calves. Feeding trial was conducted for sixty days long with twelve numbers of crossbred bull calves having almost similar body weight (115±5 kg) and age (1 year and 9 months). The parameters of energy requirements for crossbred bull calves were feed intake (DM), nutrient intake, changes in body weight, daily live weight changes, feed conversion efficiency, co-efficient of digestibility of different nutrients, nutritive value and requirements of energy for maintenance and growth. Four levels of dietary energy (T_0, T_1, T₂ and T₃) were supplied to the experimental animals for this purpose. The level of ME was T₀ = 17.4 MJ/d as maintenance ration, T₁ = 20.22 MJ/d for 200 g/d targeted LWG, T₂ = 23.37 MJ/d for 400 g/d targeted LWG, T₃ = 27.29 MJ/d for 600 g/d targeted LWG. It was found that the average daily live weight gain in T₁ (290 g) fulfills against the targeted live weight gain (200 g/d). On the other hand, the expected live weight gain for T₂ and T₃ (400 g/ d and 600 g/d) were not fulfill at the end of experiment. The energy requirement for 100 kg body weight of crossbred bull calves was 17.4 MJ d^-1 as maintenance and 15.44 MJ d^-1 required for growth of 200g/ d.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the productive and reproductive performances of Black Bengal Goat (BBG) under farming condition. Data were collected from Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) goat research farm during 2006 to June 2013. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 17.0 statistical computerprogram. The mean of birth weight of kid irrespective ofsex was 1.31 kg. Live weights at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 5.65, 9.63, 14.20 and 17.70 kg, respectively. Weaning weight was heavier in second generation (G₂) (5.34 kg) followed by 5.15 kg in first generation (G₁), 4.87 kg in third generation (G₃) and 4.17 kg in foundation stock (G₀) with an overall mean of 4.88 kg. Body weight gain at 0-3 month, 3-6 month, 6-9 month, and 9-12 month ages were 66.34±1.69 g/d, 41.54±2.02 g/d, 49.97±3.10 g/d and 39.28±4.35 g/d, respectively. Body weight gain from 0-12 month age was 56.31±1.40 g/d. Average daily milk yield, lactation length and total milk per lactation were 287.7 ml/d, 61.5 days and 19129.40 ml, respectively. Average age and weight at puberty were 182.7±7.25 days and 9.81±0.34 kg, respectively. Age and weight at 1^st service were 187.56±8.33 days and 9.91±0.39 kg, respectively. Number of services per conception was 1.37±0.03. Average litter size, gestation length, post partum heat period, days open and kidding interval were 1.75±0.03, 142.45±0.31 days, 33.39±1.82 days, 46.62±2.86 days and 188.01±2.14 days, respectively. The results indicate that despite of having promising prolificacy and breeding and reproductive efficiency of BBG, still there need to be improved for birth weight, weight gain and milk yield of dam.

The field experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during Aman season of 2014 to study the influence of different levels of zinc applied from two sources on the yield and Zn uptake of BRRI dhan49. The soil was silt loam in texture having pH 6.8, organic matter 2.72%, total N 0.151 %, available P 4.00 mg kg^-1, available K 0.08 cmol kg^-1, available S 15.9 mg kg^-1 and available Zn 0.90 mg kg^-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were seven treatments with different rates of Zn viz. T₁: Zn0, T₂: Zn1 as ZnO, T₃: Zn2 as ZnO, T₄: Zn3 as ZnO, T₅: Zn1 as ZnSO₄, T₆: Zn2 as ZnSO_4, and T₇: Zn3 as ZnSO₄ where 0, 1, 2 and 3 represent the rate of Zn in kg ha^-1. Recommended doses of N, P, K and S fertilizers were added to all plots and they were used in the form of urea, TSP, MoP and gypsum, respectively. Addition of Zn had significant effect on the grain and straw yields of BRRI dhan49. Application of ZnO at 3 kg ha^-1 (T₄) produced the highest grain (5294 kg ha^-1) and straw (6567 kg ha^-1) yields. The control treatment (Zn0) produced the lowest grain (3183 kg ha^-1) and straw (3614 kg ha^-1) yields. The other plant parameters such as panicle length, tillers hill^-1 and grains panicle^-1, but not plant height and 1000-grain weight were also influenced significantly by the application of zinc. Zn concentration and uptake by BRRI dhan49 were also influenced by the addition of Zn. The total Zn uptake by the BRRI dhan49 varied from 173 g ha^-1 in control to 353 g ha^-1 in T₄. Thus, results suggest that application of ZnO @ 3 kg ha^-1 along with NPKS at recommended rates needs to be applied for achieving higher yield of aman rice in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain Soil.

An extracellular protease producing bacteria was isolated from poultry waste deposited site at Dhamrai, Dhaka. The isolated bacteria was confirmed as Pseudomonas aeruginosa after performing different morphological and biochemical tests The extracellular protease from the isolated P. aeruginosa was partially purified and characterized. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and DEAE cellulose column chromatography. SDS-PAGE was performed and the presence of protease enzyme was confirmed and the molecular weight of protease was determined as 66 KDa. Dehairing treatment with the isolated protease enzyme showed higher activity comparing with some available protease of other bacterial sources as well as conventional chemical method. Effect of pH, temperature, salt-ions and other effector molecules on protease from isolated P. aeruginosa was also examined. The enzyme showed higher activity at pH 8.0 and optimum temperature was found as 35-45˚C. The activity of the enzyme slightly decreased in presence of salt-ions (Mg⁺⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Zn⁺⁺, Mn⁺⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) and inhibitors (EDTA, 2-mercaptoethenol, DMSO, SDS, Ethanol, Methanol). The deactivating effect of 2-marceptoethanol indicated the enzyme as cystine protease.

The purpose of this research work was to improve the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of carbamzepine by solid dispersion (SD) technique. Polyethylene Glycol 6000, Polyethylene Glycol 4000, poloxamer 407 and povidone k 30 were used as water soluble polymer for preparing solid dispersion. Solid dispersions were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. Methanol was used as solvent. Drug-carrier physical mixtures were also prepared to compare the rate of dissolution. Effects of different polymer were studied for solid dispersion formulation as well as physical mixtures. A significant increase, almost 100% in the release of carbamzepine within one hour was observed in case of the solid dispersion formulations containing PEG 6000 in combination with poloxamer 407 at the ratio of 1: 1: 5. By far, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic studies showed the stability of carbamazepine and absence of well-defined drug-polymer interactions. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies indicated that the incorporation of polymers transforms crystalline carbamazepine into amorphous state, thus increasing its solubility and dissolution rate.

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed treatment and foliar spray with four different plants extracts viz. Lawsonia alba, Adhatoda vesica, Swertia chirayaita, Calendula officinalis, two chemicals viz. Provax-200 WP (0.4%), Bavistin (0.3%) and BAU-Biofungicide (a Trichoderma based preparation) on disease severity, yield and yield contributing characters of wheat cv. Kanchan during the period from March, 2014 to April, 2015. The highest seedling number/m² (168.0) recorded in case of seed treatment + foliar spray with Bavistin and the lowest (133.0) in case of Lawsonia alba leaf extract at 30 DAS. The highest plant height (112.69 cm) and panical length (11.86 cm) were recorded in case of seed treatment + foliar spray with BAU-Biofungicide and the lowest in untreated control. The maximum disease severity was recorded in untreated control at all counts, but minimum disease severity was recorded in case of using seed treatment + foliar spray with BAU-Biofungicide at 4^th count. The highest 1000-grain weight (41.590 g) was found in case of seed treatment + foliar spray with BAU-Biofungicide followed by seed treatment + foliar spray with Bavistin (41.340 g) and the lowest (39.073 g)  in untreated control. The highest grain yield/ha (4769.85 kg) was found in case of seed treatment + foliar spray with BAU-Biofungicide and the lowest (3069.85 kg) in untreated control. Seed treatment + foliar spray with BAU-Biofungicide resulted 35.64% increase of yield over untreated control. The maximum number of grade-0 seeds (89.90 %) was recorded in case of seed treatment + foliar spray with BAU-Biofungicide and the lowest (80.1%) in case of untreated control. Therefore, BAU-Biofungicide can successfully be used for eco-friendly management of leaf blight disease of wheat for obtaining higher yield by avoiding chemicals.

To determine the effect of milking hygiene on keeping quality of milk at room temperature, 15 “Red Chittagong” milking cows were randomly and equally distributed under three different milking hygiene conditions (just previous to milking) such as T₁=Washing and disinfection of udder and teats, milkers’ hands, and a sanitary rinse of milking pails with home-made calcium hypochlorite solution (200ppm Cl); T₂=Washing of udder and teats, milkers’ hands, and milking pails with normal farm water; and T₃=dry milking without any preparation of cows’ udder and teats , milkers’ hands and milking pails. Microbial study revealed an average Standard Plate Count (million cfu/ml) respectively for T_1, T₂, and T₃ of 0.057±0.014, 0.708±0.8 and 0.161±0.037 at 0 hr; 0.263±0.080, 2.548±0.780 and 0.746±0.170 at 4 hr; 1.820±0.370, 18.711±5.050 and 5.578±1.840 at 8 hr; and 20.478±4.050, 25.578 ±2.200 and 22.367±3.400 at COB+ve. Average coliform count (thousand cfu/ml) were 0.038±0.024, 0.359±0.092 and 0.123±0.022 at 0 hr; 0.166 ± 0.100, 1.754±0.450 and 0.510±0.110 at 4 hr; 0.990±0.500, 12.810±4.010 and 3.350±0.850 at 8 hr; and 20.456±8.610, 25±5.440 and 24.440±5.460 at COB+ve respectively for T_1, T₂, and T₃. Microbial counts up to 8hr were significantly (p<0.01) different among treatments. The methylene Blue Reduction Time were significantly (p<0.01) different at different holding and a reduction time of 5.5 hr or more (>330 min.) was retained for at least 6 hr by milk of T­₁, for only 2 hr by T₂ milk and for 4 hr by T₃ milk. There were non-significant differences in MBRT at COB+ve. Average acidity percentage were 0.1584, 0.1622 and 0.1611 at 0 hr; 0.1667, 0.1778 and 0.1683 at 4 hr; 0.1800, 0.2103, and 0.1846 at 8 hr; and 0.240, 0.258 and 0.240 at COB+ve respectively for T₁, T₂ and T_3. There were no significant differences in acidity percentage initially and at COB+ve. Average COB+ve time were 12.39, 8.83 and 11.94 hr, and normal smell of milk retained on an average up to10.83 , 6.22 and 8.83 hr, respectively for T₁, T₂ and T₃. Both the COB+ve time and normal smell hr of T₁ milk were significantly higher (p<0.01). Keeping quality time calculated by averaging the results of COB+ve time and evaluation of milk smell (hr) were on an average 11.67hr, 8hr and 10.08 hr respectively for T_1, T₂ and T₃. Milk produced with better milking hygiene showed longer keeping quality time.

The study was conducted to determine the level of accumulation of arsenic concentration in lungs, intestine, gizzard and skin of broilers. Forty eight apparently healthy day-old “Star-bro” broiler chicks (already vaccinated with Marek’s disease vaccine in the hatchery) were reared up to 34 days. All chicks were reared in the same brooder up to 7 days of age and then all broiler chicks (48) were divided into 4 different groups; Group-A, Group-B, Group-C and Group Control each consisting of 12 chicks. Birds of Group-A, B, and C were given 1, 0.5, and 0.25 ppm arsenic, respectively mixing with drinking water (distilled water). No arsenic treatment was given in the Control Group. Two birds from each group were selected randomly for slaughter at the day of 14, 21, 28, 30, 32 and 34, respectively. Body weight was noted down and external examination was performed before post mortem examinations. After collection, the samples were prepared by a series of steps such as, washing, drying and digestion; finally arsenic was detected by atomic absorption spectophotometric method. The mean highest arsenic concentration in lungs, intestine, gizzard and skin were 1.027±0.1265 ppm in Group-B, 0.422±0.0228 ppm in group-A, 0.2885±0.032 ppm in group-B, 0.3198±0.057 ppm in group-A (in all case n=6), respectively. In this study it was found that the level of arsenic in lungs, intestine, gizzard and skin is greater than that of the maximum permissible level in drinking water (0.05ppm, WHO). From the findings of the present study gives an indication of severe human health hazards caused by arsenic through animals as well as agro based human food which is still unnoticed.

An outbreak investigation was conducted in poultry farms of two Upazilas (Bograsadar & Sherpur) of Bogra district of Bangladesh to identify potential risk factors associated with occurrence of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD)/Gumboro during February-March 2015. A total of 75 farms were recruited under a crosssectional study of which 40% (n=30) „infected farms‟ and 60% (n=45) „non infected farms‟ from the 2 Upazilas. The infected farms were included from active and passive surveillance data of two Upazila Livestock Offices and District Veterinary Hospital (DVH), Bogra. The non-infected farms were included by convenient sampling technique from the same areas of the two Upazila. The data were collected from the poultry farms using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 75 farmers were interviewed of which 87% (n=67) male farmers, 11% (n=8) female farmers with an average age of 38(±9) years. Sixty percent (n=45) famers were rearing Sonali type of bird with a flock size 1554(±745) and 40% (n=30) farmers with broiler type of bird with a farm size 828(±263). Among the infected farms, 86.67% (n=26) farms were infected in Sadar Upazila and 13.37% (n=4) farms infected in Sherpur Upazila. The case fatality rate in Broiler and Sonali were 47.47%, 30.32% respectively with an average 33.26%. The study found that 26.67% (n=20) farms had practiced daily disinfection and 34.67% (n= 26) farms did not allow visitors in the farms. The potential risk factors relating to biosecurity aspects were found significant in this study at level of p≤0.05, were, “not practicing all in all out”(OR= 11.15, 95% CI= 2.03-61.16, p= 0.006), “not practicing cleaning and disinfection daily”(OR=7.92, 95% CI=1.2-52.28, p=0.03), “having partial netting of the farm” (OR= 36.97, 95% CI= 3.40-402.40, p=0.003) along with “inappropriate gap between two production cycle” (OR= 15.40, 95% CI= 2.27-99.57, p=0.005). The results from PE presented that good quality chicks (DOCs), farm bio-security, detection of antibody titerat day 1 in conjunction with implementing proper vaccination schedule to be followed for successful IBD prevention and control at the farm level. In conclusion, proper bio-security measures with strict vaccination protocol should be maintained mandatorily to control of IBD at the poultry farm in this district.

The present study was conducted at the Artificial Insemination Center under the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University and 3 selected regions of Mymensingh district (Bhabakhali, Boera and Douhakhula) to find out the reproductive performance of indigenous cows using Brahman cross-bred bull in a participatory breeding program. Semen characteristics of Brahman cross-bred breeding bulls were ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm concentration and live sperm percentage were evaluated. A total of 1087 indigenous cows and four Brahman cross-bred breeding bulls (Bull ID ABG011, ABG012, ABG013 and ABG014) were used. Data on ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm concentration and live sperm percentage of Brahman cross-bred breeding bulls were analyzed by SAS computer program. The pooled values of ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm concentration and live sperm percentage were 4.00±0.06 ml, 69.19±0.29%, 1144.59±5.73 million/ml and 83.55±0.97%, respectively. The ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm concentration and live sperm percentage were differed significantly (p<0.05) among the bulls in different seasons. Individual bull had significant (p<0.01) effect on the ejaculate volume, mass motility and sperm concentration. Season also had significant (p<0.01) effects on the ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm concentration and live sperm percentage. Highest non-return rate (87.31%) was found on bull ABG012 in Bhabakhali where maximum conception rate (71.60%) was observed in Bhabakhali. The highest calving rate (96.29%) at second parity was obtained in Boera. Variations on ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm concentration and live sperm percentage of Brahman cross-bred breeding bulls indicated that there is further scope to select breeding bull on the basis of semen production potential which would be use to upgrade indigenous cows for improving their beef production.

The aim of this study was to examine whether the positive response in milk production and nutritional quality of milk in local dairy cows in Khulna fed with sugar beet silage. 18 dairy cows of local breed and cross-breed were used in as 2x2 Latin square design experiments with 2 rations: (1) control with wheat bran as energy source and (2) treatment group with sugar beet silage as energy source. A total of 72 milk samples were collected to evaluate fat, solids not fat, (SNF), total solids (TS), protein, lactose. The milk production and nutritional quality of sampled milk for both group 1 and 2, milk yield (2.04%±1.20 and 2.28%±1.52%),fat (3.47%±1.64% and 3.49%±1.71%), SNF (8.20%±0.69% and 8.17±0.95), TS (12.39%±1.89% and 12.37%±2.20), protein (3.61%±0.50% and 3.66%±0.90%), lactose (4.55%±0.53% and 4.52%±0.78%), were not significant (p>0.05).The correct lactometer reading for both locations was 29.83%±2.11% and 29.41%±3.16%, respectively. Nutritional composition of sample milk in local and cross breed, milk yield (1.31±0.18 and 3.86±1.09), fat (4.101±1.43 and 2.26±1.42), SNF (8.31±0.87 and 7.94±0.66), TS (13.11±1.91 and 10.91±1.41), Protein (3.62±0.78 and 3.67±0.60), Lactose (4.67±0.52 and 4.26±0.83) were statistically significant ((p>0.05).) In conclusion, sugar beet silage feeding has no negative effect and milk production and milk quality. Feeding ensiled sugar beets as an alternative energy-rich, highly palatable feedstuff to ruminants in Bangladesh seems therefore to be promising.

The productive and reproductive performance of indigenous buffaloes at Kawkhali Upazilla under Pirojpur district was studied. Fifty seven (57) buffalo owners were interviewed by written interviewed paper from Kawkhali Upazilla under Pirojpur district in 2010. Out of 57 families 30 containing 45 milch cows, 34 dry cows, 42 heifer calves, 23 bull calves and 17 bull which were counted for calculation. The study demonstrated that the distribution of buffalo populations were scattered and the average buffalo populations were 5.37 per house-holds, age at puberty 45.03 ± 6.97 months, lactation length 242.60±41.46 days, milk yield 2.35±0.703 liters/day, gestation period 317.47±6.57 days, body weight 23.77±5.20 kg/calf, age at first calving 55.33±7.20 months, calving interval 650.93±79.57 days and average post partum heat period was 235.90±52.24 days. These data will be helpful for future research and also give a guideline for buffalo development in Bangladesh.

This review presents the idea of phytoremediation which is a generic term given to a set of technologies that uses different plants to contain, extract, degrade or immobilize contaminants from soil and water. Being a cost saving procedure compared to conventional treatments it has become an interesting method in remediation technology. Moreover, for developing countries like Bangladesh, along with the cost effectiveness, phytoremediation is also suitable for its environmental friendly and aesthetically pleasing approach. This paper reports about the mobility, bioavailability and plant response to the presence of harmful contaminants in our environment. It also gives an insight into the work done by authors, which focuses on modifying plants to have increased phytoremediation properties, studying the expression profile of miRNAs and their target genes responsible for phytoremediation. Thus, this paper attempted to provide a concise review on recent progresses in research and convenient applications of phytoremediation for environmental resources.