Morphometric characteristics and microsatellite markers based diversity and differentiation recognizes the first prospective cattle breed from the Jharkhand state of India.

India is bestowed with immense cattle biodiversity with 50 registered breeds. However, the majority (59.3%) is yet not characterized. Identification and characterization are the gateways to the management of prized indigenous resources. Present research described a unique cattle population of Jharkhand state, managed under a traditional low-input, low-output system. It was characterized by morphological traits, performance parameters, and management practices. Animals have the characteristic pre-scapular location of the hump. Genetic variation within this population and its differentiation with the six closely distributed cattle breeds were evaluated using FAO recommended microsatellite markers. Jharkhandi cattle have substantial genetic variation based on gene diversity (>0.6) and the average number of alleles per locus (>8). The population did not suffer from a genetic bottleneck in the recent past. Pairwise Nei's genetic distance, phylogenetic relationship, population differentiation, and the correct assignment of all the animals to self group substantiated its separate genetic identity. Since gene flow (Nm = 2.8-7.32) was identified and admixture was indicated by the Bayesian analysis there is a pressing need for scientific management of this population. Results endow authorities with critical information for registering a new Indian cattle breed (Medini) that contributes to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural tribal households.

Status of Indigenous duck and duck production system of India - a review.

Duck genotypes in India are generally grown in extensive conditions by small breeders. The purpose of breeding is to obtain meat and eggs to contribute a small amount to the family budget. These duck genotypes are known for their adaptability to the environment and their resistance to diseases. As per livestock census 2019, the duck population of India is 33.51 million constituting 4.0% of the total poultry population. Ducks are most abundant in Eastern (64.5%), North Eastern (16.02%), and Southern (12.60%) states of India. In most of the places, poultry farmers prefer rearing indigenous ducks under scavenging system. The flock sizes of ducks ranged from 2 to 9 ducks among different households in the surveyed locations. Plumage color and beak color are not defined in indigenous ducks. There is inter-individual variation in morphological and yield traits. The average first laying age in indigenous ducks ranges from 145 to 223 days and 17.0-38.5% owners do not supply any additional feed to their ducks. The mortality rate among chicks was observed to be higher at younger ages. The average annual egg productions per indigenous duck are very poor. However, most of the duck farmers earned a good amount of subsidiary income from duck rearing. Hence, selective breeding as a genetic tool could be utilized to improve the productivity of indigenous ducks.

Heat stress and effect of shade materials on hormonal and behavior response of dairy cattle: a review.

In tropical countries, at high temperatures, several physiological rearrangements occur in cows as they attempt to facilitate heat dissipation and/or reduce metabolic heat production. Following exposure to heat, cattle appear to acclimatize within 2-7 weeks. The failure of homeostasis at high temperatures may lead to reduced productivity or even death. The situation is even worse when humidity adds to high temperature. Livestock with elevated body temperature exhibit lower DMI and growth with less efficiency, reducing profitability for dairy farms in hot and humid climates. Shading of feed and water also offers production advantages. Although several elaborate methods for reducing heat stress in cows have been reported, simple shade materials appear to be the most cost-effective methods that are currently applicable to tropical developing countries. Different materials are being used to provide shade during warm weather. The shade material determines the microclimate-it should be light, strong, durable, weatherproof, good looking and a bad conductor of heat, and free from tendency to condense moisture inside. This review discusses various shade materials and their advantages and disadvantages in different situations.