Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute

This review presents an overview of electrospun nanomembranes produced from various polymers to filter air pollutants. Air pollutants can be categorised as particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. Both differ from each other in terms of size and chemical composition. Hence, the filter characterisation techniques and capture mechanism also vary. Particulate matter can be effectively captured in nanomembranes, in relation to microfibres, due to its small fibre diameter, small pore size and high specific surface area. Recently, electrospun nanomembranes have been used to filter gaseous pollutants owing to their potential of active surface modification. Different additives which functionalised the nanofibre surface for gaseous pollutant adsorption are also highlighted in this review. The characteristic features of nanofibres influencing the filtration efficiency have been discussed. Furthermore, various research challenges and future trends of electrospun nanomembranes in air filtration have been discussed.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the highly contagious diseases of domestic animals. Effective control of this disease needs sensitive, specific, and quick diagnostic tools at each tier of control strategy. In this paper we have outlined various diagnostic approaches from old to new generation in a nutshell. Presently FMD diagnosis is being carried out using techniques such as Virus Isolation (VI), Sandwich-ELISA (S-ELISA), Liquid-Phase Blocking ELISA (LPBE), Multiplex-PCR (m-PCR), and indirect ELISA (DIVA), and real time-PCR can be used for detection of antibody against nonstructural proteins. Nucleotide sequencing for serotyping, microarray as well as recombinant antigen-based detection, biosensor, phage display, and nucleic-acid-based diagnostic are on the way for rapid and specific detection of FMDV. Various pen side tests, namely, lateral flow, RT-LAMP, Immunostrip tests, and so forth. are also developed for detection of the virus in field condition.

Today, consumers are well aware of the functional protection properties of textiles, in addition to their aesthetic appearance. The use of nanoparticles for specialty finishing is an emerging area in textile processing and engineering. With the advancement in technology, it is possible to fabricate nanoparticles of the desired size and shape with various functional properties. Reports are available on the use of nanoparticles for antimicrobial, UV protection, flame retardant, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic finishes on textiles. Pathogens are a potential threat to humans and also gaining resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents. Thus, it is needed to find new and sustainable antimicrobial formulations. Metal nanoparticles have the potential ability to penetrate and destroy the cell membrane structure and eventually cause cell death. The nano-finished textiles could find various medical and hygienic applications. This review discusses recent research attempts to impart antimicrobial finishes to textiles using metal nanoparticles, focusing on the action of microbes on textiles, the synthesis and application of nanoparticles, their antimicrobial properties, the mechanism of action, toxicity studies, and important applications.

The impact of different amounts (2%, 4% and 6%) of enoki (Flammulina velutipes) mushroom stem waste (MSW) powder on the physicochemical quality, color and textural, oxidative stability, sensory attributes and shelf-life of goat meat nuggets was evaluated. These mushroom by-products (MSW powder) contained a good source of protein (13.5%), ash (8.2%), total phenolics content (6.3 mg GAE/g), and dietary fiber (32.3%) and also exhibited the potential to be strong antioxidants, due to their good metal chelating ability (41.3%), reducing power (60.1%), and free radical scavenging activity (84.2%). Mushroom stem waste improved (p < 0.05) the emulsion stability, dietary fiber, ash and phenolics content of nuggets compared to control. Although no significant differences (p > 0.05) in expressible water and textural properties were observed among the formulations, but MSW powder improved the water holding capacity and slightly decreased the hardness. Further, the inclusion of MSW significantly (p < 0.05) improved the oxidative stability and shelf-life of treated nuggets by reducing lipid oxidation during the nine-day storage period. Again, the inclusion of MSW did not negatively affect the color and sensory attributes of treated meat nuggets. Overall, our results suggest that enoki mushroom stem waste (4%) can be used as a value-added functional ingredient to produce nutritionally improved and healthier meat products.

Banana pseudostems are now recognized as a sustainable raw material with a wide range of applications. Plenty of research attention has been paid to banana pseudostem fiber extraction, characterization, modification, and utilization. Mechanical extraction takes precedence over manual extraction. Surface treatments are employed to modify the surface of a fiber to make it suitable for customized applications. Because of its high cellulose content, good to moderate strength, fineness, fiber length-to-breath ratio, and other properties, banana pseudostem fiber is currently used to make nano and microcrystalline cellulose, activated carbon, green composites, and technical textiles. This review article discusses the manual and mechanical extraction processes of banana fiber, as well as its quality evaluation, morphology, chemical composition, physico-mechanical properties, and various surface modification techniques.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mineral and antioxidant supplementation on growth, reproductive performance and physiological adaptability of heat-stressed Malpura ewes. The study was conducted for a period of 21 days in 21 adult Malpura ewes. The ewes were randomly divided into three groups with seven animals each viz. GI (control; n = 7), GII (heat stress; n = 7) and GIII (heat stress + mineral and antioxidant supplementation; n = 7). The animals were stall fed ad libitum with the diet consisting of 70% roughage and 30% concentrate. GI ewes were maintained under normal controlled condition in the shed, while GII and GIII ewes were subjected to heat stress by exposing them to 42 °C in the climatic chamber. The parameters studied were feed intake (FI), water intake (WI), body weight, body condition score (BCS), physiological, biochemical and endocrine responses. Heat stress significantly altered FI, water intake, BCS, respiration rate and rectal temperature in the afternoon, oestrus duration, estradiol, progesterone, Hb, PCV, plasma glucose, total protein, cortisol, T3 and T4 levels while mineral and antioxidant supplementation ameliorated this heat stress effect on the parameters studied. Further, the adverse effect of heat stress on the productive and reproductive efficiency of Malpura ewes was reduced considerably by mineral mixture and antioxidant supplementation. This is evident from the non-significant difference in BCS, oestrus duration and plasma estradiol between GI and GIII in this study. Hence, it is very pertinent to conclude from this study that mineral mixture and antioxidant supplementation were able to protect Malpura ewes against heat stress.

The increase in environmental consciousness and the pollution issues raised by the textile industries take natural dyes from back to the front stage. The trend of the textile industry shows a gradual change from fashion to functional apparel and healthy lifestyles. Since cotton is the most preferred natural fiber for the apparel industry, most of the research attempts had been done to overcome the inherent drawbacks of poor bacterial and UV resistance. The natural dyes are loaded with an abundant amount of phytochemicals, which provide characteristic functional finishing to the textiles. This paper reviews the scientific efforts done in the field of natural dyes for obtaining antimicrobial activity. The principal phytochemicals responsible for color, antimicrobial and antifungal activity, their mode of action, method of application, and evaluation of bacterial resistance, challenges, and market potentials are also attempted to cover at the maximum possible extent.

The study was conducted to develop a simulated heat stress model for sheep depicting natural environmental conditions and to observe its impact on growth, reproductive performance, physiological adaptability, blood metabolites and endocrine responses in Malpura ewes. The experiment was conducted on 16 adult Malpura ewes for a period of 35 days. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of eight animals each (GI – control, GII – heat stress). The GII ewes were exposed to different temperature at different hours of the day i.e. 38°C at 1000–1100 hours; 40°C at 1100–1200 hours; 42°C at 1200–1300 hours; 43°C at 1300–1400 hours; 44°C at 1400–1500 hours and 42°C at 1500–1600 hours in a climatic chamber. Feed intake (P < 0.01), bodyweight (P < 0.05) and body condition score (P < 0.01) reduced significantly in GII as compared with GI ewes while water intake increased significantly (P < 0.01). All physiological responses also showed significant variation between the groups for treatment. In addition, all endocrine parameters showed highly significant (P < 0.01) variation for the treatment. Plasma cortisol increased significantly (P < 0.01) while T3 (P < 0.01) and T4 (P < 0.01) decreased significantly in GII as compared with GI ewes. Further, plasma oestradiol decreased significantly (P < 0.01) while plasma progesterone increased significantly (P < 0.01) in GII as compared with GI. Among the biochemical parameters, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, urea and blood urea nitrogen differed significantly between the groups. In addition, oestrus duration also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in GII as compared with GI. Based on the results obtained from the study it can be concluded that simulated heat stress influenced the adaptive behaviour of sheep in terms of changes in physiological, blood biochemical and endocrine responses. Ultimately, their growth and reproductive performance are compromised during the process of adaptation to the simulated heat stress.

This study was undertaken to study the influence of induced body condition score (BCS) differences on physiological response, productive and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes to optimise BCS for these ewes for maximising production making it economically viable. The study was conducted for a period of 1 year using thirty healthy Malpura ewes (2-4 year old). The animals were randomly divided and different BCS was induced within three groups named Group I (BCS 2.5; n = 10), Group II (BCS 3.0-3.5; n = 10) and Group III (BCS 4.0; n = 10). The parameters included in the study were allometric measurements, physiological response, wool yield and reproductive performance. BCS had a significant influence on allometric measurements, respiration rate and different reproductive parameters studied, while wool production differed significantly during spring and non-significantly during autumn. The results revealed that the reproductive performance of Malpura ewes with a BCS of 3.0-3.5 was better in comparison with the groups with lower and higher BCS. It may be concluded from this study that an active management of breeding sheep flock to achieve a BCS of 3.0-3.5 may prove to result in an economically viable return from these flocks.

Forty-five weaner Chinchilla rabbits (42-d-old, average weight 619 g) randomly assigned to three equal treatments, control with no probiotic and the other two with probiotics (107 CFU/g concentrate) Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactococcus lactis. They were reared in individual cages and fed on ad libitum concentrate and wilted Lucerne (Medicago sativa) up to 91 d of age. Compared to control L. acidophilus improved weight gain (24.5 vs. 22.5 g/d, P < .05), whereas it was intermediate with L. lactis. Both probiotics improved the feed conversion ratio (3.91 and 3.96 vs. 4.34, P < .05) but no effect on dry matter intake (95.8 and 92.7 vs. 98.0 g). Dry matter and organic matter digestibility improved with L. acidophilus (72.8 vs. 67.0%, P < .05), whereas it was intermediate with L. lactis. Probiotics also improved (P < .05) digestibility of crude protein (82.7 vs. 74.9%) and neutral detergent fibre (41.9 vs. 29.4%). Nitrogen utilization improved with reduced faecal excretion in probiotics-supplemented groups. Probiotics had non-significant effect on carcass traits and fatty acid profile (P > .05). Thus L. acidophilus supplementation enhanced digestibility and utilization of nutrients, weight gain and feed conversion ratio with no negative effect on carcass traits and fatty acid profile.

A study was conducted to assess the effect of thermal, nutritional and combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) on the growth, oestradiol and progesterone levels during oestrus cycles in Malpura ewes. Twenty-eight adult Malpura ewes were used in the present study. The ewes were randomly allocated into four groups, viz., GI (n=7; control), GII (n=7; thermal stress), GIII (n=7; restricted feeding) and GIV (n=7; combined stress). The animals were stall fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. GI and GII ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while GIII and GIV ewes were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI and GII ewes) to induce nutritional insufficiency. GII and GIV ewes were kept in climatic chamber at 40°C and 55% RH for 6 h a day between 10:00 and 16:00 hours to induce thermal stress for a period of two oestrous cycles. Parameters studied were body weight, oestrus incidences, plasma oestradiol 17-β, plasma progesterone, conception rate, gestation period, lambing rate, and birth weight of lambs. The results indicate that combined stress significantly (p<0.05) reduced body weight, oestrus duration, birth weight of lambs, and oestradiol 17-β whereas significantly (p < 0.05) increased oestrus cycle length and progesterone. Furthermore, the results reveal that on comparative basis, ewes were able to better adapt in terms of growth and reproduction to restricted feeding than thermal stress. However, when restricted feeding was coupled with thermal stress it had significant (p<0.05) influence on body weight, average daily gain, oestradiol 17-β and progesterone concentrations. This showed that combined stress were more detrimental for these reproductive hormones in Malpura ewes under a hot semi-arid environment.

Mesquite or Vilayati babul (Prosopis juliflora) is a drought resistant, evergreen, spiny tree with drooping branches and a deep laterally spreading root system. It grows in semi-arid and arid tracts of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and is spreading because the leaves are unpalatable and animals do not digest its seed. The mesquite has become a major nuisance; cutting or pruning its branches to form a canopy would provide shade for travelers, aid harvesting of pods, as well as make available wood for fuel. An average plant starts fruiting by 3-4 years of age and yields annually 10-50 kg pods/ tree, which can be collected from May-June and September-October. Availability of pods worldwide is estimated to be about 2-4 million metric tonnes. Ripe pods are highly palatable; on dry matter basis they contain 12% crude protein, 15% free sugar, a moderate level of digestible crude protein (7% DCP) with a high level of energy (75% TDN). The pods contain low tannin levels below those toxic to animals. Seeds contain 31-37% protein; pods should be finely ground before feeding to facilitate utilization of the seeds. Mesquite pods could replace costlier feed ingredients such as grain and bran contributing 10-50% of the diet. Phosphorus supplements need to be added when mesquite pod, exceeds 20% of animals' diet. (

Air temperature and relative humidity are two primary environmental factors in terms of THI that determining the heat stress level in livestock. Heat stress has detrimental effects on egg production, egg quality of laying hen and reduced growth rate in broiler production. Exposure of environmental stress during the growing period of broilers has been coupled with undesirable meat quality. Heat stress has adverse effects on behaviour, welfare and immunity of poultry and decreases the egg production resulting in massive economic losses of farmer. The management approaches to minimise the adverse effect of heat stress in poultry production viz., provision of ventilation, density of bird, nutritional manipulation, supplementation of minerals and electrolyte. Controlling the environmental variation is a critical to successful poultry production and welfare.

The study was conducted for a period of 45 days to assess the influence of body condition scoring (BCS) on reproductive efficiency of Malpura rams in terms of sexual behaviour, scrotal measurements, semen attributes and endocrine responses. The rams were randomly divided into three groups as group I (BCS = 2.5; n = 7), group II (BCS = 3.0; n = 7) and group III (BCS = 4.0; n = 7). Apart from grazing for 8 h a day, the rams were provided with concentrate mixture at the rate of 100, 300 and 500 g to groups I, II and III respectively to attain their respective BCS. Under these differential feeding regimes, sexual behaviour scrotal measurements, semen characteristics and endocrine parameters were studied at 15-days interval. Sexual behaviour, scrotal volume, scrotal circumference, testicular width, testicular length and scrotal skin thickness differed significantly (p < 0.05) between lower BCS group (group I) and higher BCS groups (groups II and III). The semen volume, mass motility and progressive sperm motility were recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group II and lowest in group I. However, the sperm concentration did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean plasma testosterone concentration differed significantly (p < 0.05) between lower BCS group (group I) and higher BCS groups (groups II and III). Circulating plasma hormone concentrations were influenced due to the BCS. Plasma cortisol, T(3) and T(4) increased as the BCS improved from lower to higher. In conclusion, better reproductive efficiency of rams of moderate BCS (3.0 and 3.5) than rams of lower (2.5) and higher BCS (4.0) indicates the importance of maintaining optimum body condition of breeding rams under hot semi-arid environment.

Reference populations for genomic selection usually involve selected individuals, which may result in biased prediction of estimated genomic breeding values (GEBV). In a simulation study, bias and accuracy of GEBV were explored for various genetic models with individuals selectively genotyped in a typical nucleus breeding program. We compared the performance of three existing methods, that is, Best Linear Unbiased Prediction of breeding values using pedigree-based relationships (PBLUP), genomic relationships for genotyped animals only (GBLUP) and a Single-Step approach (SSGBLUP) using both. For a scenario with no-selection and random mating (RR), prediction was unbiased. However, lower accuracy and bias were observed for scenarios with selection and random mating (SR) or selection and positive assortative mating (SA). As expected, bias disappeared when all individuals were genotyped and used in GBLUP. SSGBLUP showed higher accuracy compared to GBLUP, and bias of prediction was negligible with SR. However, PBLUP and SSGBLUP still showed bias in SA due to high inbreeding. SSGBLUP and PBLUP were unbiased provided that inbreeding was accounted for in the relationship matrices. Selective genotyping based on extreme phenotypic contrasts increased the prediction accuracy, but prediction was biased when using GBLUP. SSGBLUP could correct the biasedness while gaining higher accuracy than GBLUP. In a typical animal breeding program, where it is too expensive to genotype all animals, it would be appropriate to genotype phenotypically contrasting selection candidates and use a Single-Step approach to obtain accurate and unbiased prediction of GEBV.

(Co)variance components and genetic parameters of weight at birth (BWT), weaning (3WT), 6, 9 and 12 months of age (6WT, 9WT and 12WT, respectively) and first greasy fleece weight (GFW) of Bharat Merino sheep, maintained at Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, India, were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood, fitting six animal models with various combinations of direct and maternal effects. Data were collected over a period of 10 years (1998 to 2007). A log-likelihood ratio test was used to select the most appropriate univariate model for each trait, which was subsequently used in bivariate analysis. Heritability estimates for BWT, 3WT, 6WT, 9WT and 12WT and first GFW were 0.05 ± 0.03, 0.04 ± 0.02, 0.00, 0.03 ± 0.03, 0.09 ± 0.05 and 0.05 ± 0.03, respectively. There was no evidence for the maternal genetic effect on the traits under study. Maternal permanent environmental effect contributed 19% for BWT and 6% to 11% from 3WT to 9WT and 11% for first GFW. Maternal permanent environmental effect on the post-3WT was a carryover effect of maternal influences during pre-weaning age. A low rate of genetic progress seems possible in the flock through selection. Direct genetic correlations between body weight traits were positive and ranged from 0.36 between BWT and 6WT to 0.94 between 3WT and 6WT and between 6WT and 12WT. Genetic correlations of 3WT with 6WT, 9WT and 12WT were high and positive (0.94, 0.93 and 0.93, respectively), suggesting that genetic gain in post-3WT will be maintained if selection age is reduced to 3 months. The genetic correlations of GFW with live weights were 0.01, 0.16, 0.18, 0.40 and 0.32 for BWT, 3WT, 6WT, 9WT and 12WT, respectively. Correlations of permanent environmental effects of the dam across different traits were high and positive for all the traits (0.45 to 0.98).

Estimates of (co)variance components were obtained for weights at birth, weaning and 6, 9 and 12 months of age in Chokla sheep maintained at the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, India, over a period of 21 years (1980-2000). Records of 2030 lambs descended from 150 rams and 616 ewes were used in the study. Analyses were carried out by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) fitting an animal model and ignoring or including maternal genetic or permanent environmental effects. Six different animal models were fitted for all traits. The best model was chosen after testing the improvement of the log-likelihood values. Direct heritability estimates were inflated substantially for all traits when maternal effects were ignored. Heritability estimates for weight at birth, weaning and 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 0.20, 0.18, 0.16, 0.22 and 0.23, respectively in the best models. Additive maternal and maternal permanent environmental effects were both significant at birth, accounting for 9% and 12% of phenotypic variance, respectively, but the source of maternal effects (additive versus permanent environmental) at later ages could not be clearly identified. The estimated repeatabilities across years of ewe effects on lamb body weights were 0.26, 0.14, 0.12, 0.13, and 0.15 at birth, weaning, 6, 9 and 12 months of age, respectively. These results indicate that modest rates of genetic progress are possible for all weights.

The study was conducted to ascertain the effects of nutritional restrictions on growth, physiological adaptability and reproduction in sheep. The experiment was conducted for a period of 35 days covering two estrus cycles in 40 adult Malpura ewes. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of 10 animals each (100%; 80%; 70%; 60% of ad libitum ). The ewes were fed a ration consisting of 70% roughage and 30% concentrate. At weekly intervals, physiological responses were recorded and blood samples were also collected. Nutritional restriction of different magnitude (80%; 70%; 60% of ad libitum ) altered the growth, physiological adaptability and estrus responses to different extents in Malpura ewes. But the impact was most severe in 60% of ad libitum group. Nutritional restriction to the level of 60% of ad libitum feeding significantly decreased body weight, body condition score, plasma insulin-like growth factor, pulse rate in the morning, respiration rate and pulse rate in the afternoon, plasma glucose, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, plasma tri-iodo-thyronine and thyroxine, plasma cortisol, plasma estradiol, estrus % and estrus duration, while it significantly increased plasma concentration of growth hormone, hemoglobin, plasma concentration of progesterone and estrus cycle length. The study clearly establishes the effect of different levels of nutrition and its impact on the biological functions necessary to adapt to semi-arid environment. Although, 80%, 70% and 60% groups showed signs of nutritional stress, the effects were more pronounced in 60% ewes. Furthermore, this study clearly establishes the role of various hormones required to adapt to different levels of nutritional stress in Malpura ewes.

A study was conducted to assess the effect of multiple stresses (thermal, nutritional, and walking stress) on the reproductive performance of Malpura ewes. The study was conducted for a period of 35 days covering two estrous cycles during summer season (April-May). The ewes were randomly allocated into two groups of twelve animals each namely, GI (n=12; Control), and GII (n=1 2; Multiple stresses). GI ewes were maintained in the shed, while GII ewes were subjected to multiple stresses (thermal, nutritional, and walking stress). The estrus % differed significantly (P< 0.05) between the groups. Estrus duration also showed similar trend to that of estrus %. Both conception and lambing rate also differed significantly (P< 0.05) between the control and multiple-stress group. In addition plasma estradiol and progesterone also showed significant difference between the groups. The study proved the detrimental effects of multiple-stresses on various reproductive parameters studied. Hence it is very pertinent to conclude that when two or more than two stressors occur simultaneously, the total impact may be severe on reproductive functions of the animals.

Influence of pre-weaning live weight on post-weaning growth performance was assessed on thirty-nine 15-day-old Indian native lambs, randomly fed in three equal groups until 180 days of age. During pre-weaning phase lambs were maintained under feeding regimen of grazing (C-0; Control), grazing and ad lib creep mixture supplementation (C-AL) or grazing, with ad lib creep mixture and milk replacer supplementation (C-ALMR). Lambs were allowed to suckle respective dam in morning and evening till 90 days of age, and fed ad lib green leaves of Ailanthus excelsa after grazing. After weaning all lambs were maintained on grazing and ad lib finisher concentrates supplementation. Pre-weaning performance of lambs in terms of weaning weight (17.2 kg), average daily gain (ADG; 154 g) and feed conversion ratio 3.73 was higher (p < 0.01) in C-ALMR lambs but total gain and ADG were similar among three groups during post-weaning phase. However, improved pre-weaning plane of nutrition and growth rate increased (p < 0.01) finishing weight (FW) of lambs in C-AL, 33 kg and C-ALMR, 32 kg. Dry matter intake was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in C-AL and C-ALMR lambs due to combined effect of feeding. Rumen pH was lowest (p = 0.049) in C-AL lambs. Rumen ciliate protozoa population (10(4)/ml) decreased in C-ALMR lambs (4.3) but increased in C-AL lambs (50.0) more so in C-0 Lambs (19.8). Concentrate feeding of C-AL lamb improved nutrient digestibility. Lambs of C-0 group consumed more DM during post-weaning phase that improved growth performance, while nutrient digestibility was not affected by pre-weaning nutrition. Thus, pre-weaning nutrition has significant influence on FW, however influence of milk replacer feeding on lamb growth need further studies.