2016

The placenta is a temporary vital organ for sustaining the development of the fetus throughout gestation. Although the fatty acid composition delivered to the fetus is largely determined by maternal circulating levels, the placenta preferentially transfers physiologically important long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), particularly omega-3 (n-3) FAs. The precise mechanisms governing these transfers were covered in a veil, but have started to be revealed gradually. Several evidences suggest fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs), placental specific membrane bound fatty acid binding proteins (pFABPpm) and fatty acid translocases (FAT/CD36) involved in LC-PUFAs uptake. Our studies have shown that the placental transfer of omega-3 FAs through the trophoblast cells is largely contributed by fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3). Recently there are considerable interests in the potential for dietary omega-3 FAs as a therapeutic intervention for fetal disorders. In fact, prenatal supply of omega-3 FAs is essential for brain and retinal development. Recent findings suggest a potential opportunity of omega-3 FA interventions to decrease the incidence of type 2 diabetes in future generations. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanism of transportation of omega-3 FAs through the placenta and how omega-3 FAs deficiency/supplementation impact on fetal development.

Data were collected to study the feeding and breeding management system of goat from the villages of Mymensingh, Barguna and Patuakhali districts in Bangladesh through direct interviewing method using a pre-structured questionnaire. The research work was conducted from June to July 2014. Most of the goat rearing farmers in central and southern region of Bangladesh reared goats in semi-intensive system and kept their goats at goat’s house. Farmers took winter care and took bath of their goats during summer. Maximum farmers (82%) of central region supplied concentrate feed but 61% farmers of southern region did not supply concentrate to their goat. Farmers (82%) of central region provided particular feeder but 67.7% farmers of southern region did not provide feeder during concentrate feeding. Tube well (84%) was the main source of water of goat at central part of Bangladesh. But main sources of water in southern region were (46.3%) tube well and (51.2%) pond. All farmers of central region did not keep buck but only 19.5% farmers of southern region kept buck for breeding their female goat. Ninety two percent famers of central part of Bangladesh and 70.7% farmers of southern region used village buck for breeding their does. All buck keeping farmers at central region received service charge during breeding and they also practiced close breeding method. Most of (73.2%) the buck keeping farmers at southern region of Bangladesh received service charge of buck and they did not practice close breeding system. So, the present study might be suggested that farmers at central region were more careful of their goats in terms of feeds, feeding, water sources selection and watering but farmers at southern region were more aware about buck keeping and inbreeding depressions in their goats.

An investigation was carried out to study the seroprevalence and risk factors for Brucella seropositivity in sheep in Bangladesh. For this, highly sheep populated ten different districts including all seven divisions of Bangladesh were selected where sheep of Panchagarh (151), Naogaon (101), Tangail (83), Noakhali (56), Sunamganj (52), Patuakhali (119) and Dhaka (75) were tested but sheep of Chapai Nawabganj, Khulna, Noakhali and Feni has under tested for Brucellosis. In the present study, seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis was tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). About 5% sheep might have got Brucella infection. The highest Brucella antibody was observed in sheep of Tangail district (8.4%) followed by the sheep of Savar (8.0%), where as sheep of Subarna Char and Kala Para were free from Brucella antibody. In relation to age and sex, adults (6.5%) were more positive than young (3.6%) and female (5.3%) were more susceptible than male (3.8%).

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the nutritive value and shelf life of five strawberry genotypes. It was found that under fresh condition the highest ascorbic acid (45.76 mg/100g) was obtained by Rabi-3 and the highest b-carotene (15.09 IU/100g) by Festival. The maximum amount of reducing sugar (6.373 g/100g) and non-reducing sugar (2.947 g/100g) was recorded in Camarosa and Festival respectively. The maximum amount of calcium (0.480%) in BADC Strawberry, iron (93.50 ppm) in Rabi-3, phosphorus (0.081%) and potassium (0.854%) in BARI Strawberry-1 was recorded. Under different temperature and packaging conditions, polyethylene package at 4⁰C proved to be superior to others in all respects. The highest shelf life (47.00 days) and ascorbic acid (42.76 mg/100g) after four days of storage was obtained by Camarosa in this condition; whereas the lowest shelf life (2.33 days) and ascorbic acid (10.12 mg/100g) was recorded in BADC Strawberry in plastic punnet package at 25⁰C.

Tubificids are aquatic oligochaete worms (F- Naididae, O- Haplotaxida, P- Annelida) distributed all over the world. The worms are very important as they are used as live food for fish and other aquatic invertebrates. A step was taken to identify the genera of tubicifid worms that exist in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh on the basis of some external features including the shape of their anterior (prostomium) and posterior end, number of body segment and arrangement of setae. The study result indicated the existence of three genera among the tubificid worms. These were Tubifex, Limnodrilus and Aulodrilus. All these three genera possessed a cylindrical body with a bilateral symmetry formed by a series of metameres. The number of body segments ranged from 34 to 120 in Tubifex, 50 to 87 in Limnodrilus, and 35 to 100 in Aulodrilus. In Tubifex, the first segment, with the prostomium, was round or triangular bearing appendages, whereas, in Limnodrilus and Aulodrilus, the prostomium without appendages was triangular and conical, respectively. Three types of setae i.e., hair setae, pectinate setae and bifid setae of various sizes were found in Tubifex, whereas, Limnodrilus possessed pectinate setae and bifid setae of more or less similar size and shape; and Aulodrilus possessed only hair setae and bifid setae of different size.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious, economically important viral disease of goats with high morbidity and mortality. To control the disease effectively a live attenuated vaccine is available in Bangladesh which is produced by Livestock Research Institute (LRI), Mohakhali, Dhaka. The study was carried out to determine the immune status and immune response against PPR in field and experimental Black Bengal goats. Sero-surveillance of PPR was conducted by using c-ELISA in non-vaccinated 240 goats in Gazipur, Sirajgonj and Barisal. Out of the 240 goats tested, of which only 39 (20.31%) goats had positive level of PPR antibodies while 16.25% (13 out of 80 goats) in Gazipur, 28.75% (23 out of 80 goats) in Barisal and 3.75% ((3 out of 80 goats)) in Sirajgonj. In case of sero-monitoring of PPR, the result revealed that vaccinated goats from Rajshahi showed high positive result and have higher seroprevalence where 75% (60 out of 80 goats) were seropositive and only 25% (20 out of 80 goats) are seronegative. These result indicated that vaccinated Rajshahi goats is more resistant for PPR virus than non vaccinated goats. In experimentally to perform sero-monitoring, 10 seronegative goats were selected and divided into two equal groups (A and B).The immunization study against PPR with a commercial PPR vaccine was conducted on 5 goats of group A by inoculating @ 1.0 ml vaccine / animal subcutaneously and group B kept as non-vaccinated. The antibody titres against PPR in goats were determined at 0 day on vaccination and after 21DPV, 180DPV and 365DPV. The results found that 100% (5 out 5goats) seronegative in both vaccinated goats of group A and non-vaccinated goats of group B at 0 day on vaccination. The mean negative titres± SD were 79.285±13.921 and 76.707±9.265 in vaccinated group A and group B, respectively. The mean positive titers ±SD were 20.201±2.480, 8.630±4.970 and 11.382±1.419 at 21DPV, 180DPV an 365DPV, respectively in group A (100% seropositive). In case of non-vaccinated group B, the mean negative titres±SD were 74.258±7.793, 77.726±9.142 and 82.965±7.492 at 21DPV, 180DPV and 365DPV, respectively (100% seronegative). As it is observed, the antibody titres remain at the level over the period of time that indicates the immune response against PPR. From this finding, it is said that PPR vaccine could produce immune response in goats for about one year or 365 days.

The effect of arsenic trioxide along with tannic acid, di-sodium hydrogen phosphate (DSHP), alum and effects of sand-charcoal-iron-filter (SCIF)-bed filtrated water along with alum on body weight and some hematological parameters were carried out on a total of 30 (01 month old) adult Newzealand white rabbits. The Rabbits were randomly divided in to 6 equal groups (A,B,C,D,E & F) at the ratio of three males and two females in each group, rats of group A was kept as control without giving any treatment, rabbits of group B received arsenic trioxide@100 ppm, group C received arsenic trioxide @ 100 ppm plus tannic acid @100 ppm, group D received arsenic trioxide @ 100 ppm plus di-sodium hydrogen phosphate @100 ppm, group E received arsenic trioxide @100 ppm plus alum @100 ppm orally daily for 60 days in all cases and group F received alum @100 ppm in SCIF-bed filtrated water orally daily for 60 days. The result showed that body weight gain of control group (A) per week per rabbit was found to increase but in treated group B (arsenic trioxide@100ppm orally daily) the mean body weight of group B were decreased gradually and significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight was observed at 40 days of feeding and at day 60 it was highly significant (P<0.01). Rabbits of group C, D and E were apparently normal and mild body weight reductions were observed which was statistically insignificant. No body weight loss was observed in rabbit of group F. TEC, Hb and PCV were slightly reduced in group C, D, E and F but highly significant (P< 0.01) reduction of TEC, Hb and PCV were observed in group B. ESR values were slightly increased in group C, D, E and F but highly significant (P< 0.01) increased of ESR value was observed in group B. Leukocytosis was observed in rabbits of group B. In this study, it was concluded that treatment with arsenic oxide at low doses has harmful effects on experimental animals including hematological alterations.

The cattle fattening programme was represents an important component of the agribusiness sector with great economic, income, poverty alleviation and social implications. The present study was performed at Barisal district in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 220 women and farmers on their household during the period June, 2013. Among them, 54 destitute women and poor farmers were identified and making groups of them for beef fattening. 54 cattle of each destitute women and poor farmers were randomly divided into nine groups (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I), each consisting of six (6) cattle. Endex^®, Aldazole^® and Tetranid^® were administered orally to the cattle of group A, B and C, respectively. Cattle of group D received subcutaneously Oxynil^®. Cattle of group E received orally Peraclear^® and Urea Molasses Straw (UMS). Cattle of group F received orally Endex^® and lugols iodine intravenously. Cattle of group G were treated orally with Endex^® and Metaphos^® intramuscularly. Cattle of group H were treated orally with Endex^® and A-Sol^® intramuscularly. Cattle of group I was kept as control without giving any treatment. Body weight was examined before trials (day 0)  and on 10^th day, 20^th day, 30^th day, 40^th day, 50^th day, 60^th day and 70^th day. Out of the 220 women and farmers 56.36% were involved in agriculture, 10.45% in own business, 3.64% in shared business, 6.36% in govt. service and 23.18% in non-govt. service. 18.18% women and farmers had the knowledge of animals characteristics used for beef fattening. The knowledge of feed, animal diseases, veterinary drugs, animal vaccine, and drugs used for beef fattening was 18.64%, 47.73%, 25.45%, 25.45%, and 19.55%, respectively. About 7.73% respondents have training on cattle fattening. The body weight was increased significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.05) after Endex^®, Aldazole^®, Tetranid^®, Oxynil^®, Peraclear^®+UMS, Endex^®+loguls iodine, Endex^®+Metaphos^® and Endex^®+A-Sol^® treatment in group A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, respectively. Highest percentages of body weight gain in Endex^® + Metaphos^® (19.79%)  treated cattle followed by Endex^®+A-Sol^® (10.06%), Peraclear^® +UMS (9.97%) and  Endex^®+loguls iodine (8.68%) treated cattle. The results of the present study will be helpful for farmers and researchers for beef fattening in Bangladesh.

Drinking water from natural sources in coastal region of Bangladesh has been contaminated by varying degrees of salinity which have detrimental effects on the health. Pregnancy itself is a crucial time for women and the salinity increases its vulnerability regarding the raising of blood pressure. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of saline water intake on the health status of pregnant women at Barguna and Patuakhali districts, Bangladesh. Sodium (Na) concentration in urine samples was analyzed and corresponding blood pressure was taken in the diagnostic laboratory. Descriptive statistical analysis showed that Na concentration, systolic and diastolic pressure (BP) was the highest in 2nd trimester followed by 3rd trimester and 1st trimester. Water intake and urine production were the highest in 3rd trimester and increased with age. Na concentration, systolic and diastolic pressure (bp) was the highest in 3rd parity followed by 2nd parity. Water intake and urine production did not very among parities. Correlation matrix express that sodium concentration has the significant association with the age and the highly significant association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In Logistic Regression Model, odds ratio (OR) estimate showed that women with systolic bp≥120 had 1.109 times greater sodium concentration than with systolic blood pressure of <120 and, with diastolic bp ≥ 80 contain 1.064 times greater sodium concentration than with diastolic blood pressure of < 80.

This study was carried out to reveal the animal agriculture status of the dairy farmers. The survey was conducted by random sampling on 100 dairy farmers (50 from Shahzadpur upazila and 50 from Bera upazila). A pretested questionnaire was developed and multiplied for data collection. The data collected were brought to the headquarters of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka for analysis. After analysis it was found that the education level of the farmers of Shahzadpur upazila was better than that of Bera upazila, where 74% farmers of Shahzadpur and 66% farmers of Bera were engaged in agriculture. The average annual income and expense of the farmers of Shahzadpur were greater than that of Bera. The average total land, cultivable land and total livestock population per farmer were also higher in Shahzadpur upazila than in Bera upazila. In case of diversity of different genotypes of dairy cattle, except Jersey cross the number of Pabna, Sindhi cross, Shahiwal cross and H-F cross was much greater in Shahzadpur than in Bera. Most of the farmers purchase concentrate feeds and produce roughages in both the locations, where feed scarcity was seen mostly during rainy season. About 56% farmers treat their cattle with the help of veterinary surgeon and 44% farmers provide treatment with the help of veterinary field assistant in Shahzadpur, while the scenery was almost opposite in Bera. About 90% farmers of Bera upazila and 95% of Shahzadpur upazila used anthelminitics to deworm their animals. Most of the farmers in both sites dewormed their cattle every three months. About 78% farmers of Shahzadpur and 76% of Bera vaccinated their animals. About 85% farmers of Shahzadpur had been found to properly dispose the carcasses, where as only 48% farmers had been found to do it in Bera. Almost all the farmers washed their hands, equipment and udders of the cows with clean water before milking in both Shahzadpur and Bera. Approximately, all the farmers of both the locations milked their cows twice a day, did not perform milk testing and sold the raw fresh milk to the cooperative societies. All farmers used cow dung as fuel. Overall, it was revealed that Shahzadpur upazila was more advanced than Bera upazila in almost all aspects of animal agriculture.

Study was conducted to know the socio-economic condition of the fishermen and intermediaries of fish marketing chain in Cox’s Bazar area, Bangladesh. Socio-economic condition of the fishermen and intermediaries were not so good in the study area. It was found that about 35% fishermen and intermediaries were illiterate, 16% fishermen and intermediaries were semiliterate who only could write their names. 55% household of the fishermen and intermediaries had tin shed house with tin wall. Average income for most of fishermen and intermediaries was about Tk. 400-500 and 66% were found to borrow money from different source for continuing their business. Poor road and transport facilities, lack of credit facilities, insufficient supply of ice, inadequate training facilities and large number of intermediaries in the chain were the main problems of the marine fish marketing chain. It is therefore necessary to provide institutional and organizational support, government support, extension service and training facilities to the market operators for sustainable fish marketing systems.

To explore the possibility of using methyl jasmonate (MeJA) for alleviation of salt stress, the present study was conducted where six rice varieties (BRRI dhan31, BRRI dhan46, Gota, Kajalsail, Pokkali and Pengek) were grown in non saline (0 dSm^-1), saline (12 dSm^-1), saline (12 dSm^-1) + 10 µM MeJA and saline (12 dSm^-1) + 20 µM MeJA conditions at germination stage (till the 9 days). MeJA was applied by imbibing seeds in it for 24 hours. To evaluate the effect of MeJA on saline stressed plant at germination stage, change in growth parameters namely germination percentage, shoot and root length, fresh and dry wt. of shoot, fresh and dry wt. of root and biochemical component- activity of alpha-amylase were monitored. Salinity had a minimum effect on final germination percentage (FGP) of rice varieties, but delayed in attaining it. MeJA had least positive effect. Salinity significantly reduced the shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of all the varieties. MeJA had more decreasing effect in susceptible varieties while increasing effect in moderately tolerant and tolerant. Activity of alpha-amylase in germinated seed varied from 0^.051 mg to 0^.111 mg mal./mg tissue. At 12dSm^-1 salinity, susceptible and moderately tolerant varieties showed significant reduction but tolerant showed significant increase. MeJA intensified the negative effect further in susceptible varieties. In tolerant and moderately tolerant varieties, increment in activity took place and 10 µM had a better effect over 20 µM MeJA.

The present study was selected as infectious coryza is one of the major problems affecting poultry industry in the developing country like Bangladesh and the reports regarding infectious coryza are yet not be documented considering epidemiological investigation, proper isolation, identification and pathogenicity study. The epidemic behavior of the etiological agent of this disease were studied based on age, sex, breed, spatial and temporal differences after collection of samples suspected to be infected with infectious coryza in layer chicken of Bangladesh. The incidence rate of infectious coryza from field cases were recorded as per information received from farmers by using a structured questionnaire and also clinical signs and symptoms. The disease was very high in laying hen (18.38%) in Sylhet and growing birds (7.25%) in Khulna in comparing with prelaying stage (2.07%) also in Sylhet region of Bangladesh. In this study no significant differences was observed as their location variation except Sylhet (9.2%) in comparison with other areas (Rangpur – 8.76%, Rajshahi -8.82%, Khulna - 8.83%, Dhaka – 8.72 and Chittagong - 8.65% respectively) of Bangladesh but significant differences was observed as their age group. However, the incidence rate of this disease was found to be very high during winter (8.77%) in compare with summer (0.42%) season. Moreover, during investigation a total of 122 samples were collected from different areas of Bangladesh for the period of March 2011 to February 2014. The higher rate of incidence of A. paragallinarum was found in Sylhet (66.66%) and lowest in Dhaka (43.75%). The association of A. paragallinarum with different seasons revealed that higher incidence rate was found in winter season (52.26%) in comparison with summer season (1.85%). The suspected positive isolates were subjected to experimental pathogenicity study in natural host for there – isolation of A. paragallinarum was done as per Kotch postulates.

An efficient high frequency plant regeneration protocol through direct organogenesis was developed for Sevia rebaudiana. Shoot tips containing axillary buds were used as an explant and inoculated on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose, 0.6% (w/v) agar supplemented with various concentrations of benzy-ladenine (BA), kinetin (Kn) and thidiazuron (TDZ).. BAP proved to be a better choice than Kn and the maximum number of shoots (3.75) was obtained on 2.0 mgL^-1 BAP concentration. Considering all parameters, combination of BAP and Kn gave comparatively better performance than single BAP or Kn. TDZ was effective for multiple shooting. Though, 1.5 mgL^-1 TDZ gave the best number of shoots (14.5), but 1.0 mgL^-1 TDZ gave best performance in response to all parameters under study. The highest number of shoots was obtained in 60 mlL^-1 coconut water, but 40 mlL^-1 coconut water gave the best result to all parameters. Root induction was tested by using two auxins namely NAA and IBA at different concentrations (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mgL^-1) on the MS medium. IBA at 1.0 mgL^-1 increased the rooting response (66.67%), number of roots (7.0) and root length (2.9 cm). Higher concentration of IBA and NAA (2.0 mgL^-1) showed poor results of rooting response (33.33%).

This study was designed with a view to investigate the prevalence of poultry diseases in Gazipur district of Bangladesh. A total of 679 poultry birds (313 layers, 338 broilers and 28 cockrels) either dead or live were brought for diagnosis of diseases at Gazipur Sadar Upazilla Veterinary Hospital. The diseases were diagnosed on the basis of history, clinical signs and post-mortem findings. The diseases encountered in layers were bacterial diseases 52.29% (salmonellosis 38.56%, colibacillosis 6.7%, fowl cholera 4.79% and necrotic enteritis 1.60%), viral diseases 23.95% (avian influenza 2.56%, Newcastle disease 16.61%, infectious bronchitis 3.19% and avian leucosis 0.64%), mycoplasmal disease (mycoplasmosis 14.70%) and protozoal disease (coccidiosis 5.75%). Salmonellosis was most prevalent disease in age group of >20 weeks, while Newcastle disease most common in 8 to 20 weeks of age group. In case of broiler, bacterial diseases 28.99% (salmonellosis 21.30% and colibacillosis 7.69%), viral diseases 53.24% (infectious bursal disease 28.99%, Newcastle disease 8.87% and infectious bronchitis 15.38%), mycoplasmal disease (mycoplasmosis 7.1%) and protozoal disease (coccidiosis 6.5%). In cockrels, the most prevalent disease was colibacillosis 35.71% followed by salmonellosis 28.57%, Newcastle disease 14.28% and mycoplasmosis14.28%. So among the diseases, salmonellosis is most prevalent disease followed by infectious bursal disease and mycoplasmosis in different kinds of poultry of Gazipur district of Bangladesh.

Population morphometry including population demography, size group distribution, length weight relationship and sex ratio of an important freshwater fish, Colisafasciata was studied which collected fromJessore and Jhenaidah districts in Bangladesh during May, 2014 to April, 2015. Random samples of 201 individuals (108males and 93 females) were collected from different fish markets in Jessore (Monirampur, Borobazar, Chowgasa) and Jhenaidah (Mohespur, Barobazar, Kotchandpur) districst. The mean size of the specimen was recorded 65.08 ±14.32 mm in length and 7.43 ±3.09 g in body weight. Females were found little smaller than males. The specimens were larger in winter than summer and monsoon season. But in monsoon season the females were larger than males. The maximum length of the specimen collected from Jhenaidah district was smaller compare to the specimen of Jessore district. Most of the population (29%) was observed under 55-64 mm size class. Linear relationship was obtained between the log length (mm) and log weight (g) of the species in respects of sexes, seasons, and districts. The allometric coefficient ‘b’ of the relationship indicated negative allometric growth of the species as ‘b’ value was less than 3.  The overall sex ratio (male: female=1:0.86)showed significant difference from the expected value 1:1. Overall males showed non-significant over females (χ² =1.119) in all season of both districts but in November males showed the significant (P<0.01) dominance over females. However, the findings of the present study have helped us to understand more about the species is the prerequisites in fishery management strategy and culture system.

The present study was aimed to evaluate biochemical and phytotochemical of dry leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. Biochemical analysis indicated that Stevia leaves are a good source of carbohydrate and reducing sugar. Different extraction methods were used to prepare four different dry extracts (Extract A, B, C, D). Total soluble sugars and reducing sugars were analyzed for these four dry extracts and commercial Stevia powder. The highest amount of total soluble sugar (477 mg sugar g^-1 dry extract) was obtained from extract C and higher amount of reducing sugar (82 mg g^-1 dry extract) was obtained from extract D among the extracts. But commercial Stevia powder showed higher total soluble sugar content (754 mg g^-1 dry powder) and highest amount of reducing sugar (98 mg g^-1 dry extract) than all the extracted dry samples. The extraction process of dry extract C was feasible for the extraction of total soluble sugar.  For the phytochemical screening, crude extract was tested for the presence of different chemical groups and presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and saponins that were identified. The highest amount of total phenolic compounds (92 mg) was recorded from methanolic extract of extraction B. The lowest amount of total phenolic compounds (36 mg) was recorded in ethanolic extract of extraction A. So, Methanol proved as best solvent to extract increased quantity of total phenolic compounds than other solvents.

The population increase has not only increased the fresh water demand but also increased the volume of wastewater generated. Treated or recycled wastewater (RWW) appears to be the only water resource that is increasing as other sources are dwindling. Increasing need for water has resulted in the emergence of domestic wastewater application for agriculture and its relative use. The present study was conducted at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during 2013 to evaluate the contribution of wastewater to major soil nutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, B and Na) and fluctuation in physicochemical properties of soil (soil pH and Ec) from waste carrying canal at 10 selected sites of Bhaluka Upazila. Three (3) soil samples were collected at 0, 30 and 60 m distances from the waste discharging canals. The pH, EC, N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, B and Na in soil samples decreased gradually with the increase of distance from waste discharging canal. Maximum concentrations of N at 60 and 0m distance varied from 8400 to 9700, P from 1850 to 5000, K from 4600 to 6000, S from 2000 to 4000, Ca from 7500 to 28800, Mg from 7500 to 7800, B from 90 to 2800 and Na from 2300 to 3100 μg g-1 in test soil.The results showed better nutrient status of the soil along waste discharge canals. The findings give applicable advice to commercial farmers and agricultural researchers for proper management and use of treated industrial wastewater for agricultural purpose.

Canine  parvovirus  (CPV)  and  canine  influenza  virus  (CIV)  are  highly  contagious  virus  infecting members of the canine family including dogs, coyotes, foxes and wolves. The research work was carried out to determine  the  prevalence  of  CPV  and  CIV  in  dogs  (str ay  and  pet  dogs)  in  Dhaka,  M ymensingh,  Feni  and Chittagong districts by using RapiGen CPV and CIV Ag test kit. Fecal samples were collected from 50 dogs of different age and sex from different spots of Dhaka and Chittagong districts. Nasal fluid samples were collected from  50  dogs  of  different  age  and  sex  from  different  spots.  The  samples  were  tested  with RapiGencanine parvovirus Ag  test  kit  and RapiGencanine influenza  Ag  test  kit.  Overall  prevalence  of  CPV  in  pet  dogs  was 22%  and  in  stray  dogs  was  30%.  The  prevalence of  canine parvovirus in  relation  to  age was  gradually decreasing with higher age group and the prevalence was 28% in 1-6 months age, 16.66% in 7-12 months age group 11.11% over 18 months age group. The prevalence of canine parvovirus was significantly higher in male (24.13%)  than  that  in  female  (19.04%).  All  samples  showed  negative  test  result  for  canine  influenza  virus. Prevalence  of  canine  influenza  virus  infection  were  00.00% in  all age  groups  and  sex.  Overall  prevalence  of CIV in all pet and stray dogs were 00.00%.

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from November 2013 to February 2014 to find out the appropriate fertilizer dose and best variety on the yield and oil content of mustard (Brassica spp). The experiment consisted of four fertilizer treatments viz., 0 fertilizer dose (control), 50% of recommended fertilizer dose, 100% recommended fertilizer dose and 150% of recommended fertilizer dose and three varieties viz. BINA Sarisha-5, BINA Sarisha-8 and Tori-7. The experiment was laid out in a two factor randomized complete block design with three replications. Both fertilizer dose and variety had significant effect on plant height (cm), number of branches plant^-1, number of siliqua plant^-1, siliqua length (cm), number of seeds siliqua^-1, 1000 seed weight (g) and oil content (%). The interaction of fertilizer dose and variety had significant effect on all the plant characters except oil content of mustard (Brassica spp). The best result of the above characters was recorded in 100% recommended fertilizer dose in combination with BINA Sarisha-8. The next best result was obtained from 100% recommended fertilizer dose in combination with BINA Sarisha-5.