2015

The present study was undertaken from January to June, 2014 to investigate the morphometric, productive and reproductive characteristics of Dwarf cattle available in Dinajpur District. The data obtained from 200 Dwarf cattle of different categories (yearling bull, adult bull, heifer, cow, male calf and female calf). A wide variety of coat colors among the cattle of the selected areas were found. The head length and width, ear length and width, horn length and diameter, neck length and width, body length at shoulder, wither height, heart girth, fore leg and hind leg length, tail length and diameter, teat length and diameter, distance between fore teats and rear teats, length and width of testis, weight of testis, live weight, daily milk yield, lactation length, gestation length, calving interval, dry period, post partum heat period, age at first heat and service per conception were recorded. The Dwarf cattle in Dinajpur District are comparatively smaller in size than most of the recognized breeds or types of cattle, however coat color showed remarkable variation. The data generated for Dwarf cattle in Dinajpur District would be useful to characterize them.

A descriptive study was conducted using secondary surveillance data of animal anthrax from the Epidemiology Unit of Department of Livestock Services (DLS) for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. The objectives of this study were to describe the pattern of animal anthrax in Sirajgong district of Bangladesh from 2010 to 2012 and to assess the current use of anthrax vaccine (Vaccine Coverage) based on animal, time and place. The study found that the disease was more prevalent in this district at the beginning of the early monsoon (Month of May, June when flood water enters) and the late monsoon (Month of September, October, when flood water recedes). Cattle were the predominant animal species affected with anthrax in this district followed by goats and sheep. The overall mean case fatality rate was 30.19%. The numbers of reported anthrax outbreaks in cattle had declined each year with 111 in 2010, 32 in 2011 and 20 in 2012. The annual mean vaccination coverage during the same years was 44.29%, 46.23% and 37.88% respectively. To reduce the number of outbreaks in animals and humans in Sirajganj district the annual vaccination coverage requires improvement. Behavior change through building greater awareness of anthrax is also needed at the farmer level for control and eradication of anthrax in animals as well as human.

The purpose of the present investigation was the preparation and evaluation of gastro-retentive floating drug delivery system for anti-diabetic drug metformin hydrochloride that would retain the drug in stomach and continuously release the drug in controlled manner up to a predetermined time leading to improve bioavailability. The microspheres were prepared by oil-in-oil emulsion solvent evaporation technique using ethyl cellulose, methacrylic acid copolymer (Eudragit RS100, Eudragit RSPO and Eudragit RLPO). The   dried   floating microspheres were evaluated for percentage yield (%), actul drug content (%), drug entrapment efficiency, floating behavior, scanning electron microscopy and in vitro drug release studies. The microspheres were found spherical, porous and free flowing with a size range.  Compatibility studies were performed by fourier transform infra-redand (FTIR) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. The DTA and FTIR data stated that drug and excipient were compatible. In-vitro release kinetics were studied in different mathematical release models following the zero order, Higuchi and Korsemeyer to find out the linear relationship and release rate of drug. The drug might be released by both diffusion and erosion as the correlation coefficient (R²) best fitted with Korsemeyer model and release exponent (n) was 0.45-0.89.  In most cases good in vitro floating behavior was observed and a broad variety of drug release pattern was achieved by variation of the polymer which optimized to match target release profile. The developed floating microspheres of metformin hydrochloride may be used in clinic for prolonged drug release in stomach for at least 8 hrs, thereby improving the bioavailability and patient compliance.

Seeds of 15 hybrid rice varieties viz. Durber, Agomoni, Meghna, Hybrid super, Moyna, Tia, Gold, Aloron, Jagoron, Suborno, Safollo, Hira-1, Hira-2, Hira-4 and Hira-6 were collected from five different seed producing companies of Bangladesh. BAU-Biofungicide (3%), extracts of Garlic (1:1), Allamanda leaf (1:1) Bavistin (0.3%), Thiovit ( 0.3%) and Provax (0.3%) were used for treating seeds to improve quality of hybrid seeds of rice. The moisture content of seed samples ranged 12.20% to 14.37%, where highest moisture content was found in variety Meghna and lowest in variety Moyna. 1000-seed weight of seed samples ranged from 20.00 to 26.00g, where highest weight was recorded in Hira-4 and lowest was recorded both in Aloron and Hira-1. Seed health test revealed 11 different seed borne fungi viz. Bipolaris oryzae (0.0 to 25.5%), Fusarium moniliforme (0.00 to 3.0%), Fusarium oxysporum (0.0 to 18.0%), Aspergillus flavus (0.00 to 11.0%), Aspergillus niger (0.00 to 5.0%), Aspergillus candidus (0.00 to 15.0%), Penicillium spp. (0.0 to 7.0%) , Alternaria padwickii (0.0 to 1%), Alternaria tenuis (0.0 to 11.0%), Curvularia lunata (0.0 to 40.0%) and Nigrospora oryzae (0.0 to 4.0%) . Germination test resulted normal seedlings from 26.00 to 97.00%, where highest was recorded in variety Jagoron that treated with BAU-Biofungicide resulting highest increase in number of normal seedlings by 239.28% over untreated control. BAU-Biofungicide significantly decreased (upto 90.00%) formation of abnormal seedlings over untreated control. Moreover, BAU-Biofungicide increased up to 713.78% Vigor index over untreated control.

 The study was conducted to investigate reproductive potentialities, meat yield and egg quality characteristics of indigenous dwarf chicken (IDC) of Bangladesh under intensive management condition. The experiment was conducted at BAU Poultry farm for a period of 26 months from March 2013 to April 2015.A total of 499 eggs were incubated to examine hatching performance, 64 eggs were used to determine egg quality characteristics and 33 birds of 24 weeks age were slaughtered to investigate meat yield characteristics. The mean of hatching egg weight and IDC chick weight were 39.81g and 26.68g, respectively. Estimated chick weight was 67.19% of the egg weight. The average mature body weight and age at sexual maturity of IDC was 1093.20 g and 166.53 d, respectively. The average hen day egg production of IDC up to 32 and 75 weeks of age was 55.22 and 37.43%, respectively. The estimated fertility and hatchability of IDC eggs were 78.36 and 71.80%. Among the meat yield parameters considered, dressed weight, breast weight and thigh meat weight varied significantly (P<0.05) between the males from IDC and the chicken with normal size shank (CNS). IDC also differed significantly (P<0.01) from CNS in terms of neck length (P<0.01) and drumstick bone length. Egg quality parameters like egg weight, shape index, yolk diameter and egg breaking strength varied significantly (P<0.05) between IDC and CNS. In addition, eggs of IDC and CNS showed significant (P<0.01) variation in dry albumen weight and albumen dry matter percent. In conclusion, the findings of the present study provided with some basic information about the potentialities of IDC which could be utilized in future breeding program.

The purpose of this study was to comparative histomorphological investigation of the non affected and affected liver by fascioliasis in Black Bengal goat. The average weight of affected livers was 511.20±14.10 gm which was significantly (p<0.001) higher than non affected livers (371.70±13.25 gm). The average length and girth of affected liver were 27.50 ±0.63 cm and 34.00±0.71 cm, respectively which were also significantly (p<0.001) higher than the length (21.80±0.61 cm) and girth (26.60±0.80 cm) of non affected liver of Black Bengal goat. The gross changes in acute form, affected livers were enlarged than normal. The livers were slightly swollen with rounded edges and the color became paler than normal. The capsule was more or less thick, opaque and rough than normal smooth thin capsule. The gross changes of the liver in chronic fascioliasis characterized by increase in the size of the organ due to inflammatory changes in the parenchyma and fibrosis of the bile ducts containing adult flukes. In acute cases microscopic changes were found mainly in the portal area. The grossly visible spots or tracks was represented by the presence of numerous eosinophils admixed with few lymphocytes and monocytes in the parenchyma of liver and accompanied by hemorrhage and edema. In chronic fascioliasis the hemorrhagic tracks or tunnels were represented by the areas infiltrated with fibroblasts admixed with neutrophils, lymphocytes and few mononuclear cells in the area previously migrated by young flukes. So it was concluded that liver of Black Bengal goats are mostly affected with fascioliasis which severely change the structure of that organ.

A case-control study was conducted in Chuadanga district of Bangladesh to investigate risk factors for Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that occurred during November-December 2014 in goat farms. A total of 37 farms were reported to be PPR cases based on active and passive surveillance from 4 villages of Chuadanga Sadar and Damurhuda sub-districts. Fifty-five ‘control-farms’ were selected from the same 4 villages. Farmers of both case and control farms were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire for data collection on potential risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between potential risk factors and disease outcome. Focus group discussions with farmers and livestock personnel in the selected villages were conducted using ‘participatory epidemiological’ (PE) approach to identify issues with PPR in the villages. The results showed that 27% of the case-farms (n=10) were vaccinated, 60% (n=6) of which were vaccinated two times and 40% (n=4) single time in a year. About 50% (n=20) farms used ‘perch/macha’ and the other 50% used ‘mud’ type of housing. The morbidity and case-fatality rate in case-farms were 15.49%, 54.54%, respectively. Adoption of single time annual vaccination and using perch/ macha housing were significant protective factors (OR=0.03, 95% CI=0.008-0.1, p<0.001; OR=0.29, 95% CI= 0.11-0.74, p=0.004 respectively). Vaccination done twice in a year significantly lowered infection when compared to one time vaccination (OR=0.21, 95% CI=0.05-0.79, p=0.02). The results from PE showed that proper labeling of PPR vaccines, logistics for mass vaccination and spreading awareness, are necessary for successful PPR prevention. In conclusion, control of PPR in this district may be achieved by single time annual vaccination with a maximum coverage along with adoption of perch housing in all goat rearing farms in the district.

The field study was undertaken between 2010 to 2013 by joint research team of Ecohealth Alliances and ICDDR’B and laboratory work was done during the period of June, 2013 to February, 2014 in Pharmacology laboratory of Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU), Chittagong, Bangladesh to find out the prevalence of haemo-protoza in blood smears of fruit and small bats. Giemsa was used to stain the pre-prepared slides and emulsion oil was used to visualize the protozoa under microscope. A total of 350 blood smears were included in the study and the prevalence of Babesia and Plasmodium were 2.65%, 2.32%, and 6.25%, 0%, respectively in fruit bats (Pteropus giganteus) and small bats (Megaderma lyra). The highest prevelence of Babesia was found in Khagrachari (6.90%) and lowest in Chakaria (0), Dinajpur (0) and Ramnagar (0) but the highest prevelence of Plasmodium was found in Faridpur (4.76%) and lowest in Khagrachari (0), Rangpur (0), Chakaria (0) and Dinajpur (0). The prevalence in both fruit and small bat were found no significant (p>0.05) variation. It is necessary to conduct more research on haemoparasties of bats due to public health concern.

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of common parasitic and infectious diseases of goat at Babugonj upazilla, Barisal, Bangladesh. The study was performed in Veterinary Clinic, ANSVM, PSTU and Upazilla Veterinary Hospital, Babugonj, Barisal during June, 2014 to May, 2015. The diseases were diagnosed on basis of clinical signs, owner’s statement, general clinical examinations and laboratory diagnosis. A socio-economic survey of 200 destitute women and marginal/poor farmers of Barisal district was also done using a semi-structured questionnaire on their household. 70% of the respondents were females while 30% were males. 65% respondents were involved in agriculture, 13% in own business, 3% in shared business, 2% in govt. service and 17% in non-govt. service. 39% respondents had knowledge about signs of health of goat followed by management (74%), goat diseases (24%), veterinary drugs (20%), animal vaccine (14%) and biosecurity (13%). 53% animal houses were kacha followed by tin (41%) and pukka (2%). Goat received feed from own fodder areas (52%), purchase concentrate (5%) and both (43%). Respondents used tube-well (24%), river (18%), canal (26%) and ponds (32%) as the source of water for their goat. The prevalence of parasitic diseases was 41.33% followed by infectious diseases (39.34%) in goat. The prevalence of parasitic diseases was highest in rainy season 51.28% followed by autumn (41.61%), summer (40.37%) and winter (27.98%). The prevalence of infectious diseases was highest in winter 52.60% followed by autumn (37.55%), summer (37.47%) and rainy season (32.42%). Among viral diseases, prevalence of PPR was highest 8.52% followed by FMD (6.81%), goat pox (2.68%), contagious ecthyma (1.76%) and rabies (0.25%). The prevalence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was highest in winter (15.86%). The prevalence of pneumonia was highest 8.71% in whole year among the bacterial diseases. The prevalence of fungal disease (ringworm) was 1.44% in goat. The prevalence of trematodiasis was 12.60% followed by nematodiasis (11.27%), babesiosis (2.18%), tape worm infection (2.03%) and coccidiosis (1.19%). The prevalence of ecto-parasitic diseases was 12.06% .The prevalence of trematodiasis was highest in rainy season (18.01%). The prevalence of babesiosis was highest in summer (3.81%) and coccidiosis in winter (3.81%). The prevalence of ecto-parasitic diseases was lowest in winter (8.88%). The results of the present study will be helpful for scientists, extension service providers and veterinary practitioners for designing appropriate control measures for such diseases of goat.

Cow’s milk containing pathogenic bacteria is an important threat to the consumers. The objectives of the present study were to identify the bacterial agents of public health importance in milk samples (n=35) of different locations and to determine their sensitivity to different antibiotics. The milk samples were collected and transported aseptically and subsequently allowed for culture in bacteriological media, Gram’s staining and biochemical tests for the identification of bacterial species. The bacteria identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, and their prevalence, in case of vendor milk specimens (n=28), were 96.43%, 53.57% and 35.71% respectively, and of brand milk specimens (n=7), were 42.86 %, 28.57% and 0%, respectively. This suggests that cautionary measures should be taken for quality milk production and consumption. The antibiotic sensitivity test was done by disc diffusion method and the average inhibition zones, in case of  Staphylococcus aureus, were 32 mm for oxytetracycline, 26 mm for amoxicillin, 35 mm for ciprofloxacin, 27 mm for cefotaxime, 30 mm for ceftriaxone, 30 mm for azithromycin, and 26 mm for erythromycin; in case of Escherichia coli, were 5 mm for oxytetracycline, 9 mm for amoxicillin, 22 mm for ciprofloxacin, 30 mm for cefotaxime, 31 mm for ceftriaxone, 15 mm for azithromycin, and 0 mm for erythromycin; in case of Salmonella typhi., were 25 mm for oxytetracycline, 24 mm for amoxicillin, 38 mm for ciprofloxacin, 31 mm for cefotaxime, 34 mm for ceftriaxone, 24 mm for azithromycin, and 0 mm for erythromycin. Therefore, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone may be the antibiotics of first choice, and cefotaxime and azithromycin may be the second choice among the test antibiotics for the treatment of illness caused by these bacteria.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological safety and the effect of some synthetic chemicals with comparison to natural additives such as rosemary extract in preventing microbial growth and as a source of antioxidant by maintaining GHP as well as GMP of Bangladeshi processed chicken sausages with low fat content to correlate some scientific evidence in producing cancer and cardiovascular diseases by the consumption of meat product. Two experimental batches of chicken sausage were prepared according to Bangladeshi standard using different parameters of ingredients. Then centesimal parameter, P^H and instrumental color of the product were analyzed according to standard protocol. A sensory parameter was also checked by ranking the acceptance level of consumers about different batches of chicken sausage. The sensory properties and the instrumental color parameter of two experimental batches of chicken sausage ‘A’ and ‘B’ were found almost similar in comparison to the commercial cured chicken sausage ‘C’ but quite dissimilar in comparison to commercial uncured sausage ‘D’. Total coliforms were observed 4.4 × 10 for sausage ‘A’ and 5.3 × 10 for sausage ‘B’, while the most probable number (MPN) for E. coli was 1.7 for both products. The counting of sulphite reducing Clostridium was 2 cfu/g and 3 cfu/g for both of the batches ‘A’ and ‘B’ consecutively. The coagulase-positive Staphylococci and lactose fermenting Salmonella was not found in any batches of chicken sausage.The results of this experiment clearly mentioned the possibility of producing safe and high quality chicken sausage with reduced fat content in Bangladesh by using natural pigments and antioxidants.

An experiment was conducted to observe the performance of the composted spent mushroom substrate (SMS) along with chemical fertilizers on the yield, fruit quality and nutrient uptake by tomato plant for using the mushroom waste through composting. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with seven replications. Treatments were T₁: no fertilizer and compost application (control), T₂: recommended dose of fertilizers (RFD), T₃: 25% SMC-N+ 75% fertilizer-N, T₄: RFD + 2.5 t ha^-1 SMC, T₅: 50% SMC-N + 50% fertilizer-N, T₆: 100% SMC-N and T₇: 100% SMC-N + 50% fertilizer-N. Application of SMS compost at 2.5 t ha^-1 along with recommended fertilizer dose showed the best performance for number of fruits, fruit yield, fruit quality (total protein, vitamin C, total sugar, reducing sugar) and nutrient uptake by tomato. This treatment showed significantly higher fruit yield, quality and nutrient uptake not only over control but also RFD, SMS compost alone and combination of SMS compost & RFD. Though SMS compost alone proved less effective, however combined application of SMS compost at 2.5 tha^-1 with chemical fertilizer of recommended dose had shown to be more effective.

Salinity causes cellular damage and limits crop productivity. Accumulation of organic compound is one of the major adaptive mechanisms for salinity tolerance in plants. The main objective of the present study was to mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity in rice through organic amendments like proline and organic manure. The field experiments were conducted at the farmer’s field of Batiaghata upazilla under Khulna district with aman rice. The soil was silty clay loam having pH 7.2, EC 6.6 dS/m, CEC 26 meq/100 g soil and organic matter 0.84%. Rice variety BR 23 was used as a test crop. There were 15 treatment combinations with different doses of proline and organic manures. Recommended doses of N, P, K, S and Zn fertilizers were applied to all the experimental plots. Proline was applied as foliar spray at seedling and/or vegetative stages. Organic manures were added to soils during final land preparation. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant reductions in growth and yield of rice were observed under saline conditions. Application of both proline and organic manures significantly increased growth, yield contributing characters, and grain and straw yields of rice under salinity conditions. There were no significant variations in growth and yield of rice due to use of different doses of proline and organic manure. Increased nutrient uptake and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio were observed in rice due to proline as well as organic manure application under saline conditions. The present study suggests that exogenous proline or organic manure confers tolerance to salinity in rice by increasing K⁺/Na⁺ ratio and nutrient uptake.

The present study was designed with a view to study the body weight and hematological parameters; total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and erythrocyte sedimentation rate of growing broilers fed with standard poultry ration. Broilers were kept under close observation for a period of 14 days and body weight was measured at each 7 days interval up to the end of the 35 days of experimental period. A total of 20 (7 days old) broiler chicks were reared throughout the entire period of study. These chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=5). Group A considered as control, fed only standard ration. Group B, C and D was considered as treated group. Group B with vitamin AD₃E 1 ml/5 liter drinking water. Group C treated with mineral 1 ml/5 liter dirking water and Group D treated with vitamin (AD₃E) 1 ml/5liter and mineral 1 ml/5 liter dirking water with standard ration. It was observed that body weight of broiler increased significantly (p<0.01) in group D compare to group A, B, & C. Total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values were significant (p<0.01) in the treated groups as compared to that of control group A. So it is concluded that vitamin (AD₃E) and mineral supplementation with standard ration is beneficial for broiler production and economically profitable.

Four edible mushroom species (Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus bisporus, Volvariella volvacea, Ganoderma lucidum) from different locations of Bangladesh, were analysed for their protein and metal content profile (K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Pb, As and Cd). Trace metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Na and K by flame emission spectrophotometer and protein by micro Kjeldhal method. All element concentrations were determined on a dry weight basis. The protein content of mushrooms varied from 13.8%–34.3% and the metal content of samples ranged from 0.54–2.25% for K and 12.6–81.6, 69.5–626.2, 39.2–163.4, 30.1–75.5, 52.9–104.5, 0.20–0.30, 0.13–0.59 µg g-1 for Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb, respectively. Arsenic and cadmium concentrations were below the detection limit of the method used. The detection limits of the method for As and Cd are 0.01 µg g-1 for each element. In general, K and Fe content were higher than other metals in all mushroom species. The levels of Cu and Zn in some mushroom samples were found to be higher than legal limits.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) contains the highest level of omega- 3 fatty acid available in any cultivated plant source. The objective of this research was to find out the suitable planting time for chia in Bangladesh and to study the effect of planting time on its growth and yield. An experiment was carried out at the field laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, during the period from November 2013 to July 2014 to study the growth, morpho-physiological yield contributing characters and yield of chia. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The collected data were analyzed statistically and the means were adjudged by DMRT using the statistical computer package program, MSTAT^_C. The tallest plant (136 cm), highest number of inflorescence plant^–1 (13.67), highest amount of total dry matter (305 g) and highest root length (7.767 cm) were recorded from November planting at harvest. However, leaf area plant^–1 (207.2 cm²) and LAI (1.891) had also significantly higher from November planting at 90 days after sowing (DAS) compared to other planting times. November planting further recorded the higher CGR (33.43 g m^-2 day^-1) at the stage between 76–90 DAS and thereafter they decreased. Higher seed yield (1033 Kg ha^–1), husk yield (888 Kg ha^–1), seed yield plant^-1 (4.773 g), husk yield plant^-1 (2.840 g) were also recorded from November planting. In December planting the seed yield, husk yield, seed yield plant^-1, husk yield plant^-1 were 681 Kg ha^–1, 340 Kg ha^–1, 2.350g and 0.9467g, respectively. Lower seed yield (159 Kg ha^–1), husk yield (166 Kg ha^–1), seed yield plant^-1 (0.6150 g) and husk yield plant^-1 (0.5383 g) were recorded from January planting.  Except total dry matter, other morpho-physiological characters, yield and yield contributing factors were less effective in January than other planting time. February and March planting did not produce any fertile spike resulting yield less vegetative growth. These results revealed that, November planting was found outstanding superiority for plant growth, yield and morpho-physiological characters of chia in Bangladesh.

An experiment was conducted at the research field of the Horticulture Research Center at Labukhali, Patuakhali during the period from January to March 2014 to find out the most suitable BARI mungbean variety and optimum rates of N concerning higher seed yield under the regional condition of Patuakhali (AEZ–13). Two BARI mungbean varieties namely BARI mung–5 (V₁) and BARI mung–6 (V₂) and five levels of N fertilizer including control viz. 0 kg N ha^–1 (N₀), 30 kg N ha^–1 (N₃₀), 45 kg N ha^–1 (N₄₅), 60 kg N ha^–1 (N₆₀), and 75 kg N ha^–1 (N₇₅) were used for the present study as level factor A and B, respectively. In case of variety, BARI mung–6 produced significantly longest pod (7.56 cm), maximum pods (9.14) plant^–1, maximum seeds (9.14) pod^–1, higher weight of 100–seed (4.48 g), highest seed weight (4.33 g plant^–1) and highest seed yield (1.56 t ha^–1) than BARI mung–5 at harvest. In case of N fertilizer, longest pod (7.96 cm), maximum pods plant^–1 (10.45), maximum seeds pod^–1 (9.70), higher weight of 100–seed (4.52 g), higher weight of seed (5.73 g plant^–1) and greater seed yield (1.85 t ha^–1) were also obtained in 45 kg N ha^–1 compare other N levels. The BARI mung–6 × 45 kg N ha^–1 for seed yield was found under the regional condition of Patuakhali (AEZ-13).

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Syphilis infection are the major public health problem, alarming the most developing countries like Bangladesh. These studies determined the prevalence rate and risk factors of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis among nonprofessional blood donors in multiple blood transfusion center of Chittagong. Information was collected by questionnaire to find out the relationship of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis infection with age, sex, socioeconomic status, residence and religious believes. The sero-prevalence of HIV, HBsAg (HBV), anti-HCV (HCV), VDRL (Syphilis) among the non-professional blood donors were 00.00%, 4.88%, 0.92%, and 0.70% respectively. So, the highest prevalence rate was HBsAg and the lowest was HIV. We didn’t find more than one positive case in the same blood sample. The prevalence of HBsAg among the study population, students (120/6) were 5.00%, service holders (73/3) were 4.11%, businessmen (40/4) were 10%, housewives (14/0) were 00.00%, others (farmers, immigrant workers) (40/1) were 2.50%. The highest prevalence of HBsAg was due to illiteracy and unsafe sexual behaviors.

The research work was conducted on 105 layer chicks with a view to determine the rate of distribution of neurotropic virulent Newcastle disease virus (NVNDV) in various organs following infection through natural (intranasal, intraocular and oral) and parenteral (intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous) routes of inoculation at different ages (7, 15 and 28 days of old). Each bird received a dose of 0.2 ml contained 300 ELD₅₀ of reference NVNDV. The highest body temperature (≥108⁰F) was recorded in the birds of almost all the experimental groups within 48 to 72 hours of PI. Appearance of clinical signs was observed earlier (48 to 72 hours of PI) in parenterally infected birds than those of inoculated through natural routes. The shortest duration (24-48 hours of PI) and longest duration (74-138 hours of PI) of death time were recorded in birds those inoculated through IV and oral routes of infection respectively. Isolation of NDV was positive from day 2 of PI and onward in all the groups with some minor variations in some cases. The CEF system was found more sensitive for the isolation of viruses compare to that of avian embryo. The highest HA titre of NDV was found in the brain tissue followed by lungs and kidney. Significantly (p<0.01) higher HA titre of NDV isolate was recorded in the birds of all the experimental groups inoculated through IV route. Following infection, the MDA titre decreased day by day in the birds with the increase of HA titres of NDV.

The main aim of this study was to analyze the comparative study on meristem culture of three important potato cultivars, diamant, cardinal and granula and their shoot formation using meristem tips. Apical meristems were isolated from shoot tips of 25-35 days old field grown plants. After surface sterilization the meristems (0.3 mm) were isolated from the shoot tips. After isolation the apical meristems were placed quickly on “M” shaped filter paper bridge in culture tubes containing liquid MS medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of different plant growth regulators. Meristems showed their first growth response by increase in size and became greenish white in colour. They continued their growth and developed shoots with roots. In the present investigation, among the three cultivars of potato, cardinal were the best responsive cultivars for the resuming new growth of cultured meristems on MS medium supplemented with  KIN (0.4 mg l^-1) + GA₃  (0.5 mg l^-1). Cultivar diamant showed comparatively better growth response in the primary culture and granula showed better results in shoot length formation in MS₀ medium. Cultivar cardinal proved to be best potato cultivar in case of meristem culture than diamant and granula cultivars.

The present study was conducted in three upazilla (Bagerhatsadar, Fakirhat and Rampaul) to investigate the shrimp diseases and culture strategies of Bagerhat district in 2012. Post larvae (PL-13/21) from hatchery and natural were used to stock in the study area. The highest mean stocking density was recorded in the ghers of Rampaul (16796±7729.69 PL/ha), where the maximum survival rate was also found (63.00±11.52 %). The highest dose of lime was recorded as 302.58±50.92 kg/ha at Bagerhat sadar; cowdung was recorded as  605.16±118.46 kg/ha at Fakirhat upazilla and urea was recorded as 29.02±5.84 kg/ha (Bagerhat sadar) respectively. The maximum doses of MP and TSP were recorded as 34.58±4.51 kg/ha at Bagerhat sadar and Fakirhat and 27.79±3.71 kg/ha at Bagerhat sadar respectively. No supplementary feed were fed to shrimp, in where culture dependent on natural foods. The highest shrimp production was found in Fakirhat upazila (667±307.05 kg/ha) and the lowest production was in Rampaul upazilla (497±268.97 kg/ha). Sudden change of p^H , low dissolved o₂ levels, salinity variations, nutritional deficiency and other environmental changes causes yellow head viral disease (YHD), white spot syndrome viral (WSSV), vibriosis, fusarium and protozoan were recorded during the experimental period.

Labeo bata is one of the important minor carps in Bangladesh with great demand as good table fish. The study was conducted to observe the breeding performance at different management practices in Mafatema, Rupali, Modhumoti and Anan fish hatchery and disinfection treatments of water, eggs and fry in Jessore, Bangladesh during 10 March 2014 to 15 May 2015. An improvement in broodstock nutrition and feeding has been shown to greatly improve seed production. Protein and lipid percentage of broodstock diet have been identified as major dietary factors. Protein level was 24.77%, 23.47%, 18.08%, 17.78% and lipid level was 11.07%, 9.50%, 7.74%, 8.14% in Mafatema, Rupali, Modhumoti and Anan fish hatchery respectively. Three concentrations of four chemical-formalin (10, 20, 30 mg/L), malachite green (1, 3, 5 mg/L), NaCl (1, 2, 3 g/L) and methylene blue ( 1, 3, 5 mg/L) treatment regimes and a control were compared for efficacy in treating L. bata eggs to prevent fungus and bacterial infection and improve hatch and survival rate of fry. Highest correlation value between absolute fecundity and body weight (r=.938, p<.05) and total length (r=.891, p<.05) and gonadosomatic index (26.2%) were found in Mafatema fish hatchery among four experimental hatcheries at 24.77% protein and 11.07% lipid level. Better fertilization rate (84.2±5.17%) and hatching rate (82.0±4.30%) were found in Mafatema and Rupali fish hatchery respectively that has significant difference (P<0.05) from that of Modhumoti and Anan fish hatchery at higher protein and lipid level. Lowest deformity rate (6.05+2.65) was observed in Mafatema fish hatchery that was significantly different (P<0.05) from that of Modhumoti fish hatchery. In case of disinfection treatment, methylene blue at 1mg/L bath treatment daily for 4 days showed significantly higher hatching rate (92.33±3.51%)  and survival rate (94.33±4.73%).

The present work was conducted to evaluate the variability in linear body measurements; to investigate the relationship between body linear measurements and live weight and to predict live weight of F1 Brahman crossbred cattle using body measurements. A total of 123 male and 87 female F1 Brahman crossbred cattle of 6-36 months age and weighing from 63 to 535 kg were used for the study over a period from 2010 to 2014. The study revealed that that most of the morphological measurements were linearly increased with the advances of age. The body weight had highest correlation coefficient with the heart girth around the chest (r=0.96, p<0.001) and lowest with canon bone length (r=0.49, p<0.001) compared with other body measurements. The correlations of body weight with tail length, ear length, canon bone length and canon bone width were at medium level (r=0.51-0.79). Grouping of data according to age indicated that heart girth in >24 months group had highest correlation coefficient (r=0.96) with body weight compared to ≤12 months (r=0.92) and >12-24 months (r=0.95) group. The stepwise regression models revealed that heart girth singly accounted highest variation (93%) in body weight for all animals. Thus, the general equation for prediction of live weight of Brahman crossbred cattle was Y=4.07HG–356 (±6.96) where Y=live weight (Kg), HG=heart girth around the chest (cm). The regression equations for the live weight were Y=2.71HG–191 (±13.5), Y=4.05HG–357 (±9.77) and Y=4.87HG–471 (±23.0) for ≤12, >12-24 and >24 months age groups. The best model for estimating body weight was obtained using HG and body length (BL) for all animals Y=2.83HG+1.80BL–392 (±6.69). These results suggested that prediction equations based on HG or in combination of HG and BL can be used efficiently in Brahman crossbred cattle to predict live weight.

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the commercially important and commonly cultured fish. In the hatchery intensive incubation leads to microbial overgrowth in C. carpio eggs that hamper egg development, hatchability and larval survivability. The aim of this study is to find out causes of mass mortality in C. carpio eggs during peak- breeding season between March to May 2015 at Mafatema fish hatchery, Chanchra, Jessore sadar upazilla. In the present study three disinfectants with three different concentrations in each such as methylene blue 1, 3 and 5mg/L., malachite green 1, 3 and 5mg/L., sodium chloride 1, 2 and 3g/L were used to observe the hatching rate of fertilized eggs and survival rate of larvae. Bacterial load of culture water was examined during the induced breeding of C. carpio with mycological examination of egg samples with different disinfectants. The total bacterial count fluctuated from 3.4 x 10⁸ CFU/ml to 32.7 x 10⁸ CFU/ml during the period of fertilization to 4days of hatching. The fertilized eggs infected by Saprolegnia spp. were appeared as tuft hairy like balls with a white cottony envelop. Among all the treatment 1mg/L methylene blue, 3mg/L malachite green and 1g/L sodium chloride showed significantly better (P<0.05) hatching rate 95·33±2·08, 88.00±2.64 and 92.33±4.04% respectively. The same concentration of methylene blue, malachite green and sodium chloride showed significantly better (P<0.05) better survival rate 95·00±4.35, 75.00±3.00 and 87.00±6.24% respectively. Finally among all the treatment 1mg/L of methylene blue showed significantly better (P<0.05) hatching and survival rate 95·33±2·08% and 95·00±4.35 % respectively. So 1mg/L of methylene blue is the best disinfectant for C. carpio fertilized egg treatment.

The experiment was conducted on in vitro regeneration of tomato at the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali. The objective was to develop an efficient regeneration protocol in tomato through callus induction for subsequent plantlet regeneration. Seeds were inoculated on MS medium where germination rate was 78.4%. The stems of in vitrocultured seedlings were used as explants. Different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators were added to MS medium to observe their efficacy on callus induction, shoot initiation and root formation. Stem explants cultured on MS medium fortified with 2 mg/L BAPgave the highest number of shoots (3.0) at 45 DAC. Among the concentrations of PGRs, 0.25 mg/L IAA produced the highest length (4.064 cm) of plantlets, number (5.0) of leaves and fresh weight (0.663 g) of plantlets with the stem explants at 45 DAC. The concentration of 0.5 mg/L IAA produced the highest number (21.00) of roots/plantlet, length (7.676 cm) of roots at 45 DAC, from the same explants. The highest survival rate of in vitro regenerated plantlets in the pot was 70.00 % with the stem explants. The results of the current study showed significant increase in the growth of callus of Solanumlycopersicon Mill. Indicating a good efficiency of the optimized media composition and the experimental model used in comparison to other studies of similar nature.

The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of aqua-drugs and chemicals on fish health and total production in Sherpur region, Bangladesh from July 2014 to June 2015. Forty nine different types of aqua-drugs and chemicals were recorded in the study area, among those sixteen types mainly ADDIC drugs and chemicals were widely used by the farmers for different fish disease treatment. It was recorded that GR Plus, Active Blue with Copper sulphate, ID Plus, Aqua c vit and H. vit plus were used for the treatment of EUS in Pangus, Shing and Thai koi which had an average recovery of 80-90%. For the treatment of Edwardsiellosis in Pangus and Thai koi, farmers used GR Plus, ID Plus, OTC power, Aqua c vit, H.vit plus and potassium permanganate which had an average recovery of 75-80%, and for the treatment of dropsy in Thai koi and Shing GR Plus, ID Plus, OTC power, Aqua c vit, H.vit plus and potassium permanganate were used which had an average of 75-85% recovery. Histopathology of liver and kidney of fishes were almost normal in control ponds, whereas, in drugs treated pond of fishes organs had pathological changes like necrosis, pyknotic cells, hemorrhage, fat droplet, ilets of langerhens, degeneration of kidney tubules and vacuums. However, total production of Thai koi, Shing and Pangus was 10,000 kg/acre, 10,000 kg/acre and 13,000 kg/acre in drugs treated ponds respectively. Whereas, it was 5,000 kg/acre, 4,500 kg/acre and 6,500 kg/acre in non-treaded ponds respectively in both upazillas. In control ponds, mortality rate comparatively high and production also low than drugs treated ponds. End of the experiment, it was observed that efficacy of drugs of Aqua Drug and Disease Information Centre (ADDIC) was excellent.

The research work was conducted for induced breeding of Vietnames Koi (Anabas testudineus) using carpPG extract and Ovaprim hormone at Tasty Fish and Feeds Industries Limited, Melandah, Jamalpur during March to May, 2015. Brood fishes were reared for 4-5 months in the brood rearing pond by providing farm-made artificial feed (containing 32% protein) for maturation before onset of breeding season. Two different hormones i.e., PG-PG (both for male and female), and PG-Ovaprim (PG for male and Ovaprim for female) were used as inducing agents for the purpose of induction of breeding A. testudineus. The broods were induced with PG-PG hormone at the doses of 2 mg PG/Kg body weight of male and 7 mg PG/Kg body weight of female and PG-Ovaprim hormone were used at the doses of 2 mg PG/Kg body weight of male and 7 ml Ovaprim/Kg body weight of female and designated as treatments T₁ and T₂, respectively. Ovulation rates (100%) were similar in both the treatments, whereas, fertilization, hatching, and survival rates were 78.11±3.24%, 70.22±3.40%, and 51.22±3.96% in T₁ and 71.00±3.97%, 60.89±4.20%, and 48.89±4.41% in T₂, respectively. Although comparatively better breeding performance was found for carp PG extract but these values were not significantly higher compared to Ovaprim. Therefore, comparing the breeding performance and considering the cost-benefit analysis it is suggested that Ovaprim could be used as an alternative of carp PG extract for the induced breeding of Vietnames koi.

The present study was conducted on layer birds of different age groups to determine specific antibody titer level against avian reovirus (ARV) by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) at Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. This study showed that ARV specific antibody positive cases were 84 out of 90 blood serum samples and the highest antibody titer was 26120 and lowest antibody titer was 288. The total 93.33% sera samples were showed positive result. The study showed that 100% sera sample were positive against ARV at 6 weeks of aged group and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 13917, 4895 and 10269 respectively. On the other hand 88.88% sera sample were positive against ARV at 10 weeks of aged group and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 9779, 288 and 5689.89 respectively. The sera sample collected from 14 weeks of aged group showed 88.88% positive and the highest, lowest  and mean antibody titer were 11727, 871 and 5250 respectively. The sera sample collected from 18 weeks of aged group showed 88.88% positive against ARV and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 24440, 1234 and 12648.89 respectively. The sera sample collected from 22 weeks of aged group were 100% positive against ARV and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 26120, 1752 and 11373.89 respectively. The sera sample collected from 26 weeks of aged group showed 100% positive against ARV and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 8566, 1630 and 4327.44 respectively. The sera sample collected from 30 weeks of aged group showed 100% positive against ARV and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 13431, 1989 and 5890.56 respectively. The sera sample collected from 40 weeks of aged group showed 77.77% positive against ARV and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 14618, 433 and 5103.22 respectively. The sera sample collected from 48 weeks of aged group showed 88.88% positive against ARV and the highest, lowest and mean antibody titer were 14553, 957 and 7436.5 respectively.  In conclusion it is evident that avian reovirus-specific antibody was successfully detected through commercially available avian reovirus antibody test kit (ELISA kit) and the virus induced a significant antibody titer indicating the affecting virus was absolutely ARV.

The study was performed to find out the existing status of livestock and poultry in the Saint Martin’s island, to determine the prevalence of parasitic and other infectious and non-infectious diseases of these, and to find out the existence of intermediate hosts of various parasites in the island. Prevalence of endoparasites in cattle, buffalo and goat was higher in winter than that of summer. Prevalence of stomach worm was highest in goat in both winter (50%) and summer (40%). 31.47% cattle harbored stomach worm infection in winter and 15.79% in summer. More than 20% buffaloes suffered from either single infection with Fasciola and Paramphistomum or in combination in both the seasons. Goat suffered from some extra species like Moniezia and Trichuris and the prevalence is just double in winter than that of summer. Morbidity rate of FMD in cattle is high, although mortality is low. But, in case of chicken, both morbidity and mortality rates were high enough to make a massive loss with respect to number and production due to Ranikhet/Newcastle Disease (ND), pox in the island. About 92.11% of total chicken population was lost every year due to outbreak of ND. Incidence of infectious disease in livestock and poultry in the island is very high as because the farmers cannot immunize the animals through routine vaccination. Even some farmers do not know about the immunization of livestock and poultry, and the veterinary service is not available in the island.

Effect of mehogoni, mehedi and allamanda extracts were tested to control seed borne fungi of okra seeds collected from 6 companies of notunbazar in Mymensingh district. Prevalence of seed borne fungi was studied by blotter method in the Seed Pathology Center (SPC) and MS Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The highest germination percentage was recorded from ACI seeds (88%), while lowest (70%) in BADC seeds. Six predominant fungal genera were identified. These species were Fusarium oxysporum (5.08%), Aspergillus flavus (4.50%), Aspergillus niger (6.50%), Colletotrichum dematium (4.67%), Rhizopus stolonifer (3.33%) and Penicillium spp. (3.00%). Germination percentage and fungal association varied from company to company. The germination was ranged from 70-95% and infections were recorded 0.80-6.1% in all the treated seeds. Mehogoni extracts at the rate of 1:1 showed best performance in increasing seed germination (96.00%) next to allamanda (70%). Vigour index of okra seeds were increased 19.14% over untreated seeds by the treatment of mehogoni seed extracts at the rate of 1:1. Mehogoniseed extract at the rate of 1:1 seemed to be adoptable at the farmer’s level as an organic management practice.

Histoarchitecture effect of cypermethrin was investigated in the gills and liver of freshwater catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (weight 60-70g) over an exposure period of 96 h as an endpoint of toxicity. The fish were exposed to five acute concentrations (0.00ml/L, 0.025ml/L, 0.050ml/L, 0.075ml/L and 0.10ml/L) and the 96 h LC₅₀ was 0.075 ml/L. The physical reactions observed in the treated fish were erratic swimming, discolorations of the skin, loss of reflex, hyperactivities, surfacing, increasing opercula ventilation and these effects increased with increasing concentration of the toxicants and duration of exposure. The most common changes in gills histoarchitecture at all doses of cypermethrin were curl shape gill lamellae, bulged with the fusion of secondary gill lamellae, severe epithelial necrosis in gill lamellae and hypertrophy. The changes observed in the liver tissues were cloudy swelling, focal necrosis and hypertrophy of hepatocytes, degeneration of hepatocytes and cytoplasmic, extensive vacuolation of hepatocytes and pyknotic nuclei. The results of this histoarchitecture analysis of gills and liver tissues indicate a direct correlation between cypermethrin exposure and the histoarchitecture disorders.

A research work was undertaken to evaluate the feeding effect of tree forages on performance of growing sheep. Twenty growing sheep (in 4 groups) were fed three different tree forage diets. Tree forages Melia azardirachta, Leucaena leucocephala and Artocarpus heterophyllus were supplied in three treatments except one consisted no tree forages which was considered as control. There were significant (p<0.05) differences among the animal groups in terms of total DM and ME intake, although there were no significant differences in the digestibility of DM, OM, CP and ADF. Feeding of tree forages had significant (p<0.05) effect on live weight gain of sheep.  Animals fed with tree forage based diets significantly increased weight gain (60.70 and 50.70 g/d for L. leucocephala and A. heterophyllus, respectively) compared to that (45.66 g/d) of control group fed with silage. Feed conversion efficiency (kg feed/kg gain) also showed that animals fed with tree forage of L. leucocephala and M. azardirachta based diets were having significantly (p<0.05) higher efficiency (11.33 and 11.47, respectively) compared to those of A. heterophyllus and control diet (13.77 and 13.33, respectively). The results of nitrogen balance of M. azardirachta and L. leucocephala tree forage had significantly (p<0.05) positive effect on the nitrogen retention in the body of the animals. Intake of all the tree forages was not similar which indicated that all of them were not accepted to the lamb in same level. So, diets with tree forages of L. leucocephala resulted better in terms of weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen balance compared to A. heterophyllu, M. azardirachta and silage (control).

Development of the nervous system involves specification of distinct classes of neurons at defined locations within the central nervous system (CNS). In the head–trunk-transitory region accessory nerve (XI) display a unique axonal trajectory in that they ascend along the lateral margin of the spinal cord and the medulla oblongata. At present, we lack a detailed description of early emergence and development of the accessory nerve (XI) in avian embryos. To know the early projection of accessory axons from the central nervous system (CNS) and formation of accessory nerve (XI), whole-mount immunostaining of chick embryos was performed. Our results showed that axons start to project from the CNS as early as Hamilton and Hamburger (HH) stage 18 at the level of occipital somites (1 to 5). In the succeeding developmental stages, the axons developed, united with each other and ran dorsolaterally along the longitudinal axis of the embryo. Finally, it formed a bent near the first occipital somite and passed along with vagus nerve. This study will give us an idea on the topographic anatomy of accessory nerve (XI) during development of chick embryos.