Issue 2

Withania somnifera (L) Dunal is commonly called as Ashwagandha/Asgand and it belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is a well known medicinal plant widely used in the treatment of many clinical conditions in Indian subcontinent. It is an important medicinal plant commonly known as Asgand which has been used either single or in combination with other drugs in Unani as well as Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. It has been described by Dioscorides (78 AD) in his book “Kitab-ul-Hashaish”. Asgand consists of the roots of Withania somnifera which has various therapeutic actions such as anti - inflammatory (Muhallil-e-Warm), sedative (Musakkin), aphrodisiac (Muqawwi-e-Bah), hepatoprotective, immune-modulator activity, anti-oxidant, anti-ageing, anti-tumour activity, adaptogenic activity and has anti-anticonvulsant activity. Keeping in view the medicinal properties of Withania somnifera Dunal (Asgand), an attempt has been made in this paper to explore various dimensions of the drug including phytochemical and pharmacological studies carried out on this herb.

Adhatoda vasica Nees belonging to family Acanthaceae, commonly known as Adosa, is found many regions of India and throughout the world, with a multitude of uses in traditional Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. It is also called “Vasaka”. It is a well-known herb in indigenous systems of medicine for its beneficial effects, particularly in bronchitis. Vasaka leaves, bark, the root bark, the fruit and flowers are useful in the removal of intestinal parasites. Vasaka herb is used for treating cold, cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. In acute stages of bronchitis, vasaka gives unfailing relief, especially where the sputum is thick and sticky. It liquefies the sputum so that it is brought up more easily. For relief in asthma, the dried leaves should be smoked. The juice from its leaves should be given in doses of 2 to 4 grams in treating diarrhea and dysentery. A poultice of its leaves can be applied with beneficial results over fresh wounds, rheumatic joints and inflammatory swellings. A warm decoction of its leaves is useful in treating scabies and other skin diseases. In olden times its leaves were made into a decoction with pepper and dried ginger. But the modern medicine searched its active ingredients and found out that vasicine, oxyvascicine and vasicinone are the alkaloids present in vasaka and in which vasicine is the active ingradient for expelling sputum from the body.

Sumithion is widely used in larval rearing aquaculture ponds to control aquatic insects. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of sumithion on hepatosomatic index and liver morphology in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Acute toxicity of sumithion (96 h LC50 value) was first determined and it was 8.05 ppm for common carp. The fish were exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations (0.85 and 1.7ppm) of sumithion for a period of 21 days. A control set was also run for the same time with the same number of fish without sumithion (0 ppm). There was a marked increase in the hepatosomatic index in both concentrations (0.85 and 1.70 ppm) compared to control (0 ppm). Several histological changes of liver, such as necrosis, patchy degeneration, degenerated hepatocytes, vaculation and blood spilling were observed after exposure to sumithion with dose and exposure time dependent manner. The present investigation revealed the toxic potentiality of sumithion on common carp which alters liver morphology that may lead metabolic changes in fish.

A study was conducted to determine the level of contamination by indicator organisms (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) in shrimp (Penaeus monodon) farms, depots and processing plants of Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts of Bangladesh using conventional technique of bacterial isolation and identification. The results of this study revealed that prevalence of Salmonella positive samples was 43.7%, 62.5%, 20% and 0.0% for water, pond scum, shrimp and basket samples, respectively at farm level. Meanwhile, the prevalence of E. coli positive samples was 62.5%, 43.7%, 60% and 60% for water, pond scum, shrimp and basket samples, respectively at farm level. In case of depots, shrimp, basket and mat samples were analyzed and found 20%, 56.3% and 23% positive for Salmonella and 53.3%, 37.5% and 92.3% positive for E. coli. Bacteriological assessment of the shrimp samples obtained from four seafood processing plants revealed that all the samples were found contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli except the samples of one industry. Investigation finally showed that with few exceptions all the samples from farms, depots and processing plants have different levels of contamination by Salmonella and E. coli, which is very much alarming for shrimp industry of Bangladesh.

The study was conducted to adopt PCR based technique for identification of species origin from meat samples of cattle and buffalo using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene fragment. A total of 42 ear tissue and meat samples were collected from different slaughterhouses and farms of Mymensingh, Bogra and Rangpur districts and stored in 96% ethanol at room temperature. Genomic DNA was extracted from all samples using GeNet Bio genomic DNA isolation kit. The average DNA yield of considered samples was found 204.57 ng/µl where the purity ranged from 1.82–1.99. Two (2) pair species-specific primers were used to amplify Cyt b gene fragments of 472 bp and 124 bp for cattle and buffalo, respectively. The PCR results revealed different species specific amplified fragments which could discriminate between cattle (472 bp) and buffalo (124 bp) species precisely from pure and mixed samples of those species. This study suggests an accurate molecular technique for identification of cattle and buffalo species meat origin and differentiates species present in adulterated meat samples. In conclusion, this DNA based technique could be utilized for prevention of malpractice in slaughterhouse and chain shops and thereby to protect consumer’s right.

The Effect of lead acetate alone and in combination with whole milk on body weight gain and some biochemical parameters were carried out on a total of 15 (15 days old) male weaning Long- Evans strain rats. The rats were randomly divided into three equal groups, each consisting of five rats. Rats of group A were kept as control (without giving any treatment), group B received lead acetate alone @ 6mg/ml drinking water and group C received lead acetate @ 6mg/ml plus whole milk (Star ship®) 150 mg/ml drinking water. The result showed that body weight gain of control group per week per rat was found to increase but in treated group B, the body weight gain was found to decrease most significantly (P< 0.01) on day 56 while in group C, body weight was reduced significantly (P< 0.05) on day 56. The reducing body weight gain was less in group C than group B. A most significantly (P< 0.01) increased SGOT and SGPT values were observed in Group B but in group C, those count increased significantly (P< 0.05) on day 56 of experiment. From the study it was concluded that treatment with lead acetate at low doses has adverse effects on body growth and liver functions in experimental animals.

The aim of this research was to observe the effect of heat stress on milk yield and milk compositions of Holstein Friesian crossbred (HF) dairy cows. To fulfill the objectives, a total of 9 Holstein Friesian crossbred cows were selected for this study. Green grasses (German, Para) were supplied adlibitum and concentrate feeds (mixture of wheat bran, rice polish, mustard oil cake, di-calcium phosphate and salt) were supplied at the rate of 2.0 kg/day/cow. Management practices for all the cows were similar following the BAU Dairy farm practices. Data were collected on milk yield (l/h/d), relative humidity (%) and barn temperature (⁰C). The obtained temperature humidity index (THI) of July, August, September and October were 84.95, 81.99, 81.40 and 79.57, respectively. The highest THI was found in July which indicated higher heat stress during this month. A significant difference (p<0.05) in milk yield of cows was found among different months of July to October. The highest milk yield (6.10±0.50 l/h/d) was found in October among observed months. The compositions of milk such as total solids (TS), solids-not-fat (SNF), fat, protein, lactose, and ash also differed significantly (p<0.01). The highest values (%) of TS, SNF, fat, protein, lactose and ash content of milk were found in October as 12.63, 8.80, 3.83, 3.69, 4.39 and 0.72, respectively and lowest values (%) were in July as 12.20, 8.50, 3.71, 3.50, 4.30 and 0.69, respectively due to the high THI value. From these results, it is concluded that heat stress has strong effect on milk yield and milk composition of HF cows in Bangladesh. Management strategies are needed to minimize heat stress and attain optimal dairy animal performance.

 A study was undertaken to assess the contribution of different inputs such as feed, labor veterinary services and depreciation cost etc. to the development of livestock sector including poultry in the study area. The factor shares of livestock products was estimated based on the primary data for the periods of April to July, 2012.The factor shares of livestock production suggested that current factors (Feed, hired labor, veterinary services and other inputs) and family labor was the major component in the livestock production. Traditional milk producing farmers in Gazipur were not benefited from their farming due to residual share was negative (11.15%). For commercial milk production, on an average the largest share current factors (60.54 percent) followed by residual (28.1 percent), family labor (6.63 percent), depreciation (4.74 percent), respectively and residual share was positive. Production of beef cattle on an average the largest share current factors (74.26 percent) followed by family labor (21.73 percent), depreciation (46.425 percent), respectively and residual share was negative (-2.41 percent). Production of egg by traditional management was found profitable enterprise in small and large categories of farms. As a result, residual share was positive (1.54 percent and 12.01 percent) for small and large farms. In case of commercial poultry production on an average the largest share current inputs (74.29 percent), residual ((19.64 percent), followed by family labor (5.64 percent) and depreciation (0.44 percent) respectively. In addition, on an average broiler production the largest share current inputs (84.18 percent), residual (12.53 percent), followed by family labor (2.68 percent) and depreciation (0.62 percent) respectively.

The study was conducted to know the present status, existing production system of duck and assess the potentiality of duck rearing in rural areas of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. Data were collected randomly from 50 duck rearing farmers using a pre-tested interview schedule during March to May 2010 from several villages under sadar upazilla of Mymensingh. The results reveal that most of the farmers (60%) were middle aged. About 32% farmers were illiterate. Most of the farmers (52%) reared deshi duck and duck population per household was 11.1. About 80% wife of farmer’s household were responsible for duck rearing. All farmers reared duck in semi scavenging system. About 36% farmers used wood and tin for construction of duck house and 94% farmers used bedding materials for their duck house. All farmers used rice in the diet for duck and 62% farmers accumulated rice and rice polish to make diet for their ducks. About 40% farmers provided on an average of 121.91g supplemental diet to each duck/day and cost of the diet was Tk. 0.85/duck/day. Most of the farmers (72%) provided diet to their ducks twice a day. The age and weight of duck at maturity were 183.6 days and 1.69 kg, respectively. Egg production/duck/year and weight of each egg were 117.5 no’s and 63.8g, respectively. All farmers incubated duck egg under broody hen and they got 85.83% hatchability on set eggs. Most of the farmers (52%) mentioned that most prevalent disease of duck was cholera and their duck mortality was 15.2%. About 52% farmers controlled their duck disease with medication and only 14% farmers used vaccine to prevent duck disease. About 22% and 13.5% people did not consume duck meat and egg, respectively because of odour, asthama and allergy. Most of the farmers (50%) incubating duck eggs for ducklings. About 66% farmers purchased duckling by Tk. 24-25 and 58% farmers sell adult duck by Tk. 175-190. Most of the farmers (81.25%) stated that the duck farming is decreasing day by day. About farmers (51%) stated that reason of decreasing duck farming was lack of scavenging area. It was concluded that duck rearing knowledge of the farmers such as breeding, feeding, housing, prevention and control of diseases are not satisfactory of this areas. Introducing of improved duck breeds/varieties, training to duck farmers, ensuring vaccination to ducks, financial and technical support to the farmers could increase the duck rearing with increased household income and employment to youth, rural women and the small-holder marginal farmers.

Sulphonamides resistant strains are highly prevalent in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates. Sul genes encode sulphonamide resistance and are present on transferrable plasmids. Integrons (IGNs) are genetic elements containing integrase gene, attl site and gene cassettes which carry multiple antibiotic resistant genes. Class 1 integrons have been extensively studied because these were most prevalent among clinical isolates. In this study, UPEC isolates were determined for the antibiotic susceptibility patterns to four antibiotics commonly used for urinary tract infections, which include co-trimethoxazole (TMP-STX). Distribution of sul genes and integrase1 gene (intI1) was studied in TMP-STX resistant UPEC isolates by using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). Sul genes variants were investigated by DNA sequencing of the whole open reading frame of sul1 and sul2 genes and PCR product of sul3 gene. Sul1, sul2 and sul3 genes were prevalent in 37 (24.7%) of 150 UPEC isolates. IntI1 is positive in 22 sul genes positive isolates. Of six isolates positive with sul2 genes, sul2(a) and sul2(b) variants, which were described in the previous study, in the four isolates and the two isolates respectively were observed. This is the first mPCR which investigates the prevalence of three sul genes and intI1 in the UPEC clinical isolates from two hospitals of Sabah.

Aspergillus flavus strains were isolated from locally available poultry feeds. Effect of temperature, pH and culture media on growth of Aspergillus flavus was studied. Temperature ranged from 4-42°C (4, 10, 20, 25, 30, 37 and 42°C) was examined. Except for 4°C and 10°C, the isolate was able to grow for the whole temperature range. The growth was maximum at 25°C and was influenced with increasing or decreasing of temperature from 42°C to 20°C.The lag time was strongly influenced by the temperature at lower temperature level than at higher temperature range. Effect of pH on growth of Aspergillus flavus was also examined; from comparison of 3 different pH levels, it is concluded that at most temperatures pH 6.5 showed a higher growth rate and as a consequence required a shorter time to achieve maximum colony diameter. No significant variations in the lag time were observed. A natural poultry feed meal agar medium (FMAM) was developed in the laboratory and growth of A. flavus was compared with other 2 synthetic dehydrated media namely; Czapek’sdox Agar (CDA) and potato dextrose Agar (PDA). Poultry feed meal agar medium showed better growth response than Czapek’sdox agar and potato dextrose agar at all conditions. At 25°C and pH 6.5 found optimum for growth of Aspergillus flavus in feed meal agar medium whereas, temperature 30°C and pH 6.5 found optimum for growth for Czapek’sdox agar media and temperature 30°C and pH 6 showed high growth rate on potato dextrose agar. Poultry feed meal media showed high affinity for growth of mycelium and early spore formation than other media examined.

Formaldehyde (FA) is toxic over a range of doses and of particular concern to anatomists and medical students on laboratory use. FA induces several characteristics of neurotoxicity in addition to systemic effects. Therefore, to know the toxic effects of FA on brain and lungs, mice were collected from international center for diarrheal disease research. They were divided into four groups i.e. control, inhalation, oral and intraperitoneal. The inhalation, oral and intraperitoneal exposure groups further divided into three subgroups which were subjected to exposure of FA daily for 30 days in case of inhalation and oral groups and 10 days in intraperitoneal group for acute toxic effects. Morphological study showed gross abnormalities i.e. congestion on lungs. But no gross abnormal features observed on brain. In 5 ppm treated inhaled group, lungs tissue revealed hemorrhages. In the inhaled groups, brain tissue showed degenerating neurons with either pyknotic or karyorrhectic nuclei are gradually increased in highest concentration group. These data supports the view that FA has adverse effects on the morphology of brain and lungs.

Oomycetes, also known as water molds, can cause serious infection to plants and animals especially at lower temperature although they dwell in freshwater and moist ecosystem throughout the year. The aim of this research was to investigate the diversity of oomycetes inhabiting in small water bodies during summer. Three types of samples i.e. water, fish mucus and apparently infected muscle samples of fish were collected from a large fish farm consisting of over 100 medium to large ponds in Mymensingh during summer (March to June) in 2015. A total number of 385 samples (284 of water, 79 of mucus and 22 of apparently infected muscle samples) were collected in 15 ml sterile falcon tubes with baits in each. Eleven of the isolates were isolated in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates and were identified using molecular methods that included DNA extraction, PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing of the ITS region of the genomic DNA of the samples. BLAST analysis to GenBank revealed that two of the isolates were 99% similar to Pythium sp. (HQ643814), three of the isolates were 98-99% similar to Pythium sp. (KT247392), and each of the remaining four isolates was similar up to 99% to Pythium sp. (KF836354), 99% to Pythium sp. (EU544193), 99% to Pythium rhizo-oryzae (HQ643757) and 100% to Pythium catenulatum (KP862946). Two of the eleven isolates were not assessed due to sequencing error. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that six of the isolates are of clade B1 and three of the isolates are of clade B2 in the Pythium phylogeny. The results partially suggest that plant pathogenic oomycetes are more common in summer than animal or fish pathogenic isolates in the sampled farm however; intensive sampling with a broad range of freshwater ecosystems during summer can give a clearer view on oomycete diversity in Bangladesh.

The experiment was conducted to measure the feasibility of partial replacement of skim milk with different levels of coconut milk in the manufacture of dahi. Skimmed milk was replaced by 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of coconut milk to produce Dahi designated as A, B, C, D and E. All the samples were analyzed for organoleptic, chemical and microbiological qualities. Replacement of skim milk up to 10% with coconut milk increased total organoleptic score but score decreased when level of coconut milk was 15% and 20%. Dahi manufactured by incorporating 5% coconut milk gave superior results for body and consistency and also for colour and texture. In all levels of replacement increased fat, carbohydrates, ash and total solids were obtained, while protein and pH content were significantly decreased in Dahi samples. Total bacterial count was higher in the dahi manufactured by replacement of coconut milk than control. It could be concluded that 5 and 10% replacement of skim milk with coconut milk for the manufacturing of Dahi was acceptable and reduced the production cost and they were better in compare to others, according to organoleptic, chemical and microbiological analysis. The work showed the potential of coconut as an alternative source of skim milk in dahi manufacturing with improved nutritional value and consumer acceptability.

The research was conducted to determine the approximate fat in milk for good quality dahi production and to inform dahi manufacturers’ about the acceptable level of milk fat to be used and also their economic benefit.  Quality assessment tests were conducted on four different types of dahi prepared by adding different percentage of milk fat such as 3.5% (A), 4.0% (B), 4.5% (C) and 5.0% (D) respectively. All the samples were analyzed for organoleptic, chemical and microbiological qualities. The scores for smell and taste, body and texture, color and appearance, and total scores for four types of dahi samples showed significant differences at various levels (p<0.01 to p<0.05). It was found that scores for all the organoleptic parameters of sample C were the highest among the samples, whereas sample A obtained the lowest scores. Smell and taste, body and texture, total score, TS content, water content, fat content and coliform count were differed significantly (P<0.01). Color and appearance, protein content and % acidity also showed significant differences (P<0.05), though CHO content, ash content and pH value showed insignificant differences. It could be concluded that sample C (containing 4.5% milk fat) was the best in terms of physical, chemical and microbiological qualities.

The present study was conducted using growth performance data on 624 Brahman cross (25%) calves collected from three villages adjacent to Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Growth performance data of 289 Brahman cross (50%) calves were also collected from record sheet maintained at 12 Upazila Livestock Offices under the "Beef breed development project" of Department of Livestock Services to compare performance between 25% and 50% Brahman cross calves. Growth performance traits were considered birth weight, weight at three-, six-, nine-, twelve-month of age, average daily gain from birth to twelve-month of age. Calving difficulties (dystocia) and calf mortality were also included in the study area. The birth weight, weight at three-, six-, nine- and twelve-month average daily gain for 25% Brahman cross calves were 19.79±0.20, 52.72±1.31, 86.61±2.02, 129.90±3.08, 172.60±3.48 kg and 426.00±4.99g, respectively. The average birth weight (21.40±0.24 kg) and twelve-month weight (229.62±2.08 kg) of 50% Brahman cross calves were significantly higher (p<0.05) than 25% Brahman cross calves. Average daily gain was significantly higher (570.52±5.19g) in 50% Brahman cross than 25% Brahman cross calves (529.98±4.54g). Birth weight, three-, six-, nine-, twelve-month weight were positively correlated to each other. Strong correlations were found between birth weight and three-month weight (0.65), between six- and nine-month (0.65).There was no report of calving difficulties or abnormal calf birth, where the average calf mortality rate was 2.96 in the study areas. It indicates that 50% Brahman cross calves were well performed in these climatic condition. However, further study with larger sample sizes covering more different management systems would be required to draw a better conclusion in this regard.

The work has been designed to investigate the utilization of milk for consumption of fluid milk and milk products, their distribution pattern, pricing, shelf life and consumer’s preference of Mymensingh municipality in Bangladesh. The study was based on milk and milk products and data were collected from the selected sweetmeat shops by direct interview, of which 20 samples were collected from sweetmeat shops and 7 from goalas. Both tabular and statistical methods were used for collected data analysis. Shopkeepers of different sweetmeat shops received raw milk from farmers (52.6%) and goalas (47.4%) and the highest amount of whole milk was required in per unit production of rasomalai (21%) and ghee (18%) whereas the lowest amount in chomchom (9%). Milk products prices were not remained same throughout the year in this municipality due to fluctuation of raw milk availability and their price. Eid, Puja festivals and other educational activities results that may increase milk products selling especially rasogolla and kalojam. Research findings also showed nonsignificant difference in case of pricing, distribution pattern, shelf life and selling of milk and milk products following sweetmeats.

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of concentrate on growth performances of both male and female lamb. For this purpose twenty four (12 male and 12 female) lamb aged about 5-6 months were selected and divided into three groups (Treatment group T1, T2 and control group T0). In each group having 4 males and 4 females lamb, all lambs were supplied green roughages ad-libitum, control group T0 was allowed no concentrate and treatment group T1 & T2 were supplied 100 gm & 200 gm concentrate mixture respectively for 90 days experimental period. Animals were weighed at 15 days interval. Significant differences of live weight gain among these three groups were found. Allowing 100 gm (T1) concentrate mixture along with green grass improved growth rate in both male and female lamb.  Increasing of concentrate supplementation improved live weight gain (found in T2 group). Total live weight gain (kg) and average daily live weight gain (g/d) were 4.25±0.52 kg and 47.20±5.75 g, 5.38±0.83 kg and 59.73+9.17 g and 7.00±0.54 kg and 77.78±6.00 g in male lambs and 2.25±0.21 kg and 25.00±2.34 g, 3.18±0.32 kg and 35.39±3.63 g and 3.81±0.24 kg and 42.33±2.77 g in female lambs for the To, T1 and T2 groups respectively. Live weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in male than female lambs. The results showed that 100 g concentrate supplementation with green roughages improved growth rate in lambs (male and female) under stall feeding condition. Increase of supplementation might improve nutrients supply to promote higher live weight gain.

An experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during boro season of 2014 to evaluate the effect of deep placement of nitrogen (N) fertilizers on N use efficiency and yield of BRRI dhan29 under flooded condition. The soil was silt loam in texture having pH 6.27, organic matter content 1.95%, total N 0.136%, available P 3.16 ppm, exchangeable K 0.095 me%, available S 10.5 ppm and EC 348 μS cm^-1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments were T₁ [Control], T₂ [Prilled urea (130 kg N ha-¹)], T₃ [USG, 130 kg N ha-¹], T₄ [USG, 104 kg N ha-¹], T₅ [USG, 78 kg N ha-¹], T₆ [NPK briquette, 129 kg N ha-¹], T₇ [NPK briquette, 102 kg N ha-¹] and T₈ [NPK briquette, 78 kg N ha-¹]. All the treatments except T_6, T₇ and T₈ received 25 kg P and 64 kg K ha^-1 as TSP and MoP respectively. In T_6, T₇ and T₈ treatments, P and K were supplied from NPK briquettes. Prilled urea was applied in three equal splits. USG and NPK briquettes were applied at 10 DAT and were placed at 8-10 cm depth within four hills at alternate row. After deep placement of USG and NPK briquette, and each split application of PU, the water samples were collected for 5 consecutive days and analyzed for NH₄-N concentration in surface water. After application of N fertilizers, the NH₄-N in floodwater reached peak on the 2^nd day in PU treated plots and then decreased rapidly over time. In the USG and NPK briquette treated plots, the NH₄-N was generated slowly but spontaneously over the entire growth period as compared to PU indicating a beneficial role of USG and NPK briquette. The highest grain yield of 7.16 t ha^-1 was recorded for T₆ [NPK briquette, 129 kg N   ha^-1] which was statistically similar to that of T₃ [USG, 130 kg N ha^-1] and T₄ [USG, 104 kg N ha^-1].  The highest straw yield of 8.05 t ha^-1 was obtained for T₃ [USG, 130 kg N ha^-1]. The deep placement of USG and NPK briquettes enhanced the recovery of applied N and N use efficiency in comparison with the broadcast application of N fertilizers.

The principal crop during winter is Bororice and it occupies about 70% of crops. Being a country of 140 million inhabitants, agriculture is still the major water using sector in order to feed a growing population where at least 40 million people do not have a square meal. Recently, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) launched some projects to various water user groups for maintenance and expenditure recovery. Chenchuri Irrigation Sub Project is under South-West Area Integrated Water Resources Planning and Management Project (SWAIWRPMP). The project area covers the South Western Narail District along with Auria Union at Narail Sadar Upazila.  Data were collected from 150 farmers of 6 villages in Auria Union. This research investigates the overall cropping pattern in Auria Union, Narail Sadar Upazila, before the construction of canal (during 1987-88), after the construction of canal (during 2009-10)and after re-excavation of canal (2012-13). The result showed that, before the construction of canal (during 1987-88) there were 5 types of cropping pattern and after the construction of canal (during 2009-10) there were 6 types of cropping pattern. But after re-excavation of canal (2012-13), 12 types of cropping pattern were recorded. Among them, the T. Aman and Boro were the most prominent cropping pattern. In Kharif 1, Kharif 2 and Rabi seasons, various types of crops were cultivated. Such as Aus, B. Aman, T. Aman, Boro, Jute, Sesame, Summer vegetables, Chilly, Garlic, Chickpea, Lentil, Mustard, Onion, Sugarcane, Turmeric, Wheat, Winter vegetables etc. The result revealed that, the re-excavation of canal have significantly positive impact on the Boro, Wheat, Turmeric, Chilly, Chick pea, Sugarcane, Lentil production. The Boro rice cultivation increased significantly day by day and it replaced other crops gradually. Because, farmers get irrigation water easily and cheaply from canal in Rabi season (16 October - 15 March). The present study showed that, the excavation of irrigation canal completely changes the cropping pattern at auriaunion in Narail, Bangladesh.

The study was conducted at Bhadrabila union, Narail sadar upazila, Narail in Bangladesh. The study period was carried out during September to December, 2013. In the selected areas, the study was conducted on 375 persons. The collected information was totally interview and observation based study. In the study area the highest age distribution was 50% in 21-40 years. The second highest was 39% for 41-60 years. The third highest was 7% for the year of 1-20. The lowest age distribution was for the year of 60 and above.  This study found that the highest respondents of 39% are the member of 3-4 family member range. 32% respondents are in the member of 5-6 family member range. 12% respondents are in the member of 7-8 family member range. This study represent that 18% houses were kacha, 27% houses were tin shade 29% half building and  26% house were building. Almost 3% respondents were in class 1-3, 31% were in class 4-6, 46% were in between class 7-9, 10% in S.S.C level and left 9% were in above S.S.C level. Almost 79% had sanitary latrine. . It was found that 28% peoples were and poor their monthly income was 3,000-6,000 taka, 40% peoples were middle class their monthly income was 6,000-9,000 taka, about 24% peoples were rich their monthly income was 9,000-12,000 and lest 8% peoples income were 12,000+. 90% tube wells were arsenic free and only 10% tube wells are arsenic contaminated. About 77% were related with the BWDB and rests 13% were not the beneficiary of the BWDB. About 86% respondants were benifited by the activities of the BWDB. About 100% of respondents are fully satisfied by the activities of BWDB in arsenic test. It was shown that the social life of the respondents of Bhadrabila Union Parisad was getting better. The most important thing is almost 100% of the respondents were satisfied by the activities of BWDB.

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of organic manures and spacing on the growth and yield of cauliflower in summer season. In this study, the treatment consisted of three organic manures viz.  F₀: no organic manure, F₁: cowdung, F₂: vermicompost and three spacing viz. S₁ (60 × 30) cm, S₂ (60 × 40) cm, S₃ (60 × 50) cm. Two factorial experiments were laid out in the RCBD with three replications. Significant variations in all parameter were observed due to organic manure and spacing at different days after transplanting. For organic manure, highest yield of cauliflower (12.98 t ha^-1) was obtained from F₂ and lowest (8.24 t ha^-1) from F₀. For spacing, highest yield of cauliflower (11.25 t ha^-1) was obtained from S1 and lowest (10.57 t ha^-1) from S₃. For combined effect, highest yield of cauliflower (13.33 t ha^-1) was obtained from F₂S₁ and the lowest (7.91 t ha^-1) from F₀S₃. The highest BCR (3.79) was found from F₂S₁ and lowest (2.7) from F₀S₃. It is found from the experiment that growth and yield of summer cauliflower were positively correlated with organic manure and spacing. However, white beauty cultivars can be cultivated in summer season and use of vermicompost with 60×50 cm spacing would be beneficial for the farmers.

Efficacy of seed washing, garlic extract, prewashed seeds treated with garlic extract, Knowin 50 WP (Carbendazim) and prewashed seeds treated with Knowin 50WP were evaluated on seed borne fungi of jute seeds. Nine seed borne fungi were detected on both deshi and tossa jute seed samples collected from sadar upazilla of Barisal district viz., Macrophomina phaseolina, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium spp, Colletotrichum corchori, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium spp. and Alternaria spp.. Physical seed washing and garlic extract were found effective against seed borne diseases of jute which significantly decrease the association of seed borne fungi from jute seeds. Prewashed seeds treated with garlic extract showed highest germination and highest reduction of seed borne mycoflora from desi and tossa jute seeds. Knowin 50WP or prewashed seeds treated with Knowin 50WP were found effective to reduce seed borne fungi from jute seeds. Highest vigor index was obtained in jute seedlings raised from prewashed seeds treated with Garlic or Knowin 50WP. Thus, prewashed seeds treated with Garlic or Knowin 50WP resulting significant reduction of seed-borne fungal population and enhancing seeding vigor.

The present study was conducted to assess the physicochemical properties and plankton composition of water from the river Meghna (Shatnol to Chor Alexander) in thirteen (13) sampling spots during the period of July 2014 to June 2015. Ten (three were physical and seven were chemical) physicochemical parameters of water viz temperature (air and water), transparency, dissolved oxygen (DO), free carbon dioxide (CO₂), Conductivity, pH, total hardness, total alkalinity and ammonia (NH₃), plankton community of both phytoplankton and zooplanktons were studied in aforesaid 13 sampling spots of the river Meghna. Maximum air temperature was recorded 37°C at Ananda Bazar. Maximum water temperature was recorded 30°C at Kaligonj, Chor Ludhua and Chor Alexander area of the river Meghna. Transparency was found minimum 12 cm at Chor Ludhua and maximum 75 cm at Horina Ghat. The concentration of dissolved oxygen was found maximum at Chor Voirabi and Horina Ghat 7.3 mg/l and was found minimum at Kaligonj 3.5 mg/l. Free CO₂ was found highest at Kaligonj 17 mg/l and lowest at Horina Ghat 5 mg/l. pH was found ranged from almost neutral to alkaline (Minimum 7.2 to Maximum 9). Total hardness was found highest at Chor Alexander 802 mg/l and lowest at Eklaspur 35 mg/l. Total alkalinity was found highest at Chor Alexander 145 mg/l and found minimum at Madrasa Ghat and Hizla 29 mg/l. Conductivity was found highest at Chor Alexander and Chor Ludhua 1000 µs/cm. Ammonia concentration was found ranged from 0.00 to 0.03mg/l. The mean contribution of phytoplankton was about 90.5% of the total planktonic organisms and zooplankton contributed the rest. The major groups of phytoplankton were found Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Myxophyceae and Xanthophyceae. Total 9 genera of zooplankton were identified from four families namely Rotifera with 2 genera, Cladocera with 3 genera, Copepoda with 3 genera and Ostracoda with 1 genus from the selected sampling spots.

Fish play a crucial role in the Bangladeshi diet, providing more than 60% of animal source food, representing a crucial source of micro-nutrients and possessing an extremely strong cultural attachment. In this study isolation and identification of Aeromionas hydrophila was done by studying cultural properties, Gram’s staining and biochemical properties of isolates of diseased indigenous Koi fish (Anabas testudineus) of different upazillas of Mymensingh district. Antibiogram profile of the isolated bacteria was studied by using wide range of commercially available antibiotics. Quantitative study of bacteria isolated from diseased indigenous Koi fish showed variation of number in different organ. Total bacterial load was found to be 1.90 × 105, 1.19 × 105, 3.21 × 105, 2.18 × 106 and 3.14 × 105 cfu/g in lesions; 2.52 × 107, 2.34 × 108, 5.41 × 108, 2.54 × 109 and 5.21 × 109 cfu/g in liver; 2.54 × 108, 2.41 × 108, 1.90 × 107, 3.65 × 107 and 3.45 × 108 cfu/g in spleen; 3.51 × 107, 5.28 × 107, 3.14 × 106, 1.85 × 107 and 4.52× 107 cfu/g in kidney in diseased Koi of Mymensingh sadar, Muktagacha, Tarakanda, Gouripur and Fulpur upazillas, respectively under Mymensingh districts. Aeromonas hydrophila was initially identified by their specific morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Then molecular detection of A. hydrophila was done by PCR. PCR products of desired 760 bp were obtained for A. hydrophila. The results of the antibiotic sensitivity test is exhibited that most of the bacterial samples were sensitive against ciprofloxacin (92%) and levofloxacin (84%), intermediate resistant against gentamicin (40%) and resistant against novobiocin (84%), ampicillin (100%) and penicillin (92%).

The purpose of this study was to assess consumption of iodized salt by an individual (g/person/day) in a village of Tangail district and to compute the intake of iodine by an individual (µg/person/day) in a village in Tangail district. Vacuum evaporated salt was used for the study. The salt was analyzed for chemical composition and iodine content. Various physico-chemical characteristics of salt were analyzed to determine the moisture content, chloride content (as NaCl), water insoluble matter, pH, calcium content, magnesium content, and iodine content. Study was done among 68 families for a period of 35 days. Family member was divided into 4 groups according to their age - below 5 years, 5-9 years, 10-19 years and above 19 years. Male member among the family members was minimum 1 and maximum was 8. In case of female, minimum number was 1 and maximum number was 7. Among family members, 45.58% were male and 54.42% were female consumers. Percentage of salt consumers among Family members below 5 years was 11.81%, in 5-9 years it was 6.94%. Percentage of salt consumer in family members between 10-19 years was 24.54%, and salt consumers percentage in family members above 19 years was 56.71%. By statistical analysis among data, mean value of salt consumption g/ person /day was 12.49, standard deviation was 2.05 and minimum salt consumption among family members was 10.02 g/person/day and maximum value was 18.47 g/person/day. Among the family members, mean value of intake of iodine was 399.68 µg/person/day, maximum intake of iodine was 591.04 µg/person/day and minimum intake was 320.64 µg/person/day. Finding of this study was that, salt consumption rate are satisfactory and intake of iodine by individual in village Chamuria in Tangail district is adequate to avoid Iodine Deficiency Disorder in normal health condition.

A total of 115 hilly chickens (92 female and 23 males) and 35 naked neck hilly Chickens (28 females and 7 males) were reared in open sided poultry house for 10 months period to compare their productive and reproductive performances. The mean body weights of adult female and male hilly birds and naked neck hilly birds were 2244, 2005 and 2664, 2576 g respectively. The age at first egg of both type of birds were 147 and 159 days respectively and hen-day egg production were 27±1.4 and 35±3.3 respectively. The average egg weight was 41±4 and 38±3.6 g respectively. Both type of bird per day average feed consumption were 97.61±11 and 102±22 g and mortality were 15.56±3.7 and 11.42±2.7 percent respectively. The average hatchability percentage performed by 14 broody hens reared on litter floor was 67.5±10 and 57±22 percent respectively. The average hatching egg weight and chick weight were 47.28±3, 41.48±1 and 31.4±3, 29.6±4 g respectively. The body weight of growing hilly bird and Naked Neck hilly bird after eleven weeks of age were 727.3±17.4 and 645±97.6g, respectively and Feed conversion ratios (FCR) were 3.39 and 3.34 respectively. It was concluded that Hilly chicken improved by body weight than previous year and both feathered and Naked Neck Hilly chicken given an indication of meat type native chicken and required to reproduce to have large stock for undertaking conservation and further improvement programme.

The study was schemed to investigate the prevalence, pathological conditions, mortality and clinical features of Newcastle disease in the small scale commercial broiler farms at Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur district during January to June, 2014. A total 1950 birds (from 5 farms), among which 160 diseased and dead birds were selected out of which 99 (5.35%) birds were found to be positive for Newcastle disease. The clinical signs of the affected birds were sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, laboured breathing, and torticolis. Broiler were inactive, weak and rough in appearance, greenish watery diarrhoea occur severely. Nervous sign include clonic, spasm and paralysis of the legs and wings. In this observation, the gross pathological lesions were slight to severe haemorrhages in caecal tonsils, typical lesions were proventricular haemorrhage, most commonly seen in the surface near the junction with the proventriculus. The prevalence of Newcastle disease in Bochaganj upazila was 5.35%. Mortality of Newcastle disease in non-vaccinated and vaccinated broiler flock was 20.76% and 4.6%, respectively.

An experiment was conducted with 15 Black Bengal kids of both sexes (in 3 groups) were fed  two different milk replacer using ingredient shotti (T₁), skim milk (T₂) and no milk replacer- kids with mother, termed as control group (T₀) at Southern agro trade, Subarnachar, Noakhali. The average total DM intake and milk dry matter intake were not significantly differed among the treatment group. Total dry matter intake was not affected by intake of liquid milk replacer or goat milk. The CP  intake were ranged from 19.97 to 20.93 g/d. Total CP  intake was not significantly differed among the group but T₁ group was slightly higher(0.42 g/d) than T₀ and T₂. The amount of protein intake (g/d) was followed NRC (1985) recommendation. DMI from concentrate (g/d), DMI from green grass (g/d) and DMI from percent live weight were not significantly differed among the treatment groups. The average daily gain was not significantly (P>0.05) differed among the treatment group. The average growth rate (57.42 – 61.20 g/d) of all kid of Black Begal goat was lower than the Angora goats (115.00-125.00 g/d) and Alpine goats (153.00-258.00 g/d). Dry matter (DM) digestibility (%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher (74.45) in T₁ group compare to other groups. CP digestibility was numerically higher in T₁ group than other three groups. The digestibility of nutrient depends on physiology of kids, particularly the development and capacity of the digestive tract. The lower growth rate might be genetic characteristics of Black Bengal goat.