Synonymous codon usage influences the transmission of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus in camels.

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is an infectious pathogen; causing highly contagious, acute febrile, and economically important disease of small ruminants. The virus is known to have intrinsic ability to adapt new hosts and to cross the species barrier. The incidence of PPR has already been reported in unusual host species such as camels, bovines, and wild animals from spill-over or natural infection. Still, there are elementary gaps in our knowledge of the extent of susceptibility of camel to PPRV and the adaptability of PPRV to camel. The present study delineates the potential role of preferential codon usage patterns responsible for adaptation, host immune evasion, and transmission of PPRV to unusual hosts like old world camel species namely, dromedary and bactrian camel. The results indicate codon usage of the PPRV genome is functioned by an interplay of mutational pressure and natural selection to exhort the adaptation and fitness of PPRV in probable hosts. The indices of natural selection like the relative codon deoptimization index (RCDI) and codon adaptation index (CAI) predict the ability of PPRV to adapt and evolve in camel species. The analysis also depicts the potential role of the CpG depletion mechanism employed by PPRV to evade host adaptive immune response. The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive national PPR surveillance plan in unusual hosts like camels for the successful implementation of the PPR Global Eradication Programme (PPR- GEP).

Phenomics in Livestock Research: Bottlenecks and Promises of Digital Phenotyping and Other Quantification Techniques on a Global Scale.

Bottlenecks in moving genomics to real-life applications also include phenomics. This is true not only for genomics medicine and public health genomics but also in ecology and livestock phenomics. This expert narrative review explores the intricate relationship between genetic makeup and observable phenotypic traits across various biological levels in the context of livestock research. We unpack and emphasize the significance of precise phenotypic data in selective breeding outcomes and examine the multifaceted applications of phenomics, ranging from improvement to assessing welfare, reproductive traits, and environmental adaptation in livestock. As phenotypic traits exhibit strong correlations, their measurement alongside specific biological outcomes provides insights into performance, overall health, and clinical endpoints like morbidity and disease. In addition, automated assessment of livestock holds potential for monitoring the dynamic phenotypic traits across various species, facilitating a deeper comprehension of how they adapt to their environment and attendant stressors. A key challenge in genetic improvement in livestock is predicting individuals with optimal fitness without direct measurement. Temporal predictions from unmanned aerial systems can surpass genomic predictions, offering in-depth data on livestock. In the near future, digital phenotyping and digital biomarkers may further unravel the genetic intricacies of stress tolerance, adaptation and welfare aspects of animals enabling the selection of climate-resilient and productive livestock. This expert review thus delves into challenges associated with phenotyping and discusses technological advancements shaping the future of biological research concerning livestock.

Molecular epidemiology of anaplasmosis in Indian dromedary camels.

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology, risk factors, and haemato-biochemical changes in anaplasmosis in Indian dromedary camels. Blood samples collected from 103 camels were analysed using blood smear examination and semi-nested PCR based on the 16s rRNA gene to diagnose anaplasmosis. The prevalence of anaplasmosis was estimated to be 42.72% (95% CI: 33.59-52.37) by PCR assay and 16.5% (95% CI: 10.47-24.95%) by blood smear examination. Phylogenetic analysis of six partial sequences of 16s rRNA gene obtained in the present study indicated the involvement of multiple Anaplasma species, including A. marginale and A. platys, showing genetic similarity with cattle strains. A novel genotype related to A. camelii/A. cinensis/A. platys group was also identified. Hemato-biochemical examination revealed mild anaemia, increased serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, and decreased total protein and albumin levels in Anaplasma-positive animals. The infections were largely subclinical in nature, except in one camel that revealed fever, inappetence, and pale mucous membrane and responded well to treatment with oxytetracycline. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular study on camel anaplasmosis in India, indicating a high prevalence of infection and involvement of multiple Anaplasma species with potential risk for interspecies transmission.

Molecular investigations of camelpox virus circulating in dromedary camel population in Rajasthan, India.

Camelpox is an important viral disease of dromedary camel in Rajasthan, India. In the present study, partial C18L gene sequences (n = 6) of camelpox virus (CMLV) obtained in an outbreak in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India in year 2022 were compared with other similar sequences obtained in the past in similar geographical location. Clinical and epidemiological features of the disease were also compared. Genomic study suggested variations in C18L gene sequences obtained in the present outbreak from those obtained during the past outbreaks. CMLV were genetically different from cowpox viruses, but appeared identical to CMLV causing disease in Israel, Egypt and Kazakhstan. Genomes of CMLV virus circulating in dromedary camel population of Rajasthan, India appeared diverse and changing, hence complete genome sequencing and identification of genomic changes altering infectivity and pathogenicity is warranted for designing control strategies.

Effect of supplementation of roasted oilseeds and phytochemical-rich herbages on nutrient utilization, methane emission, and growth performance in finisher lambs.

Ruminal methanogenesis is a major contributor to global environmental pollution in the agriculture sector. Dietary intervention modestly abates enteric methane emissions in ruminants. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of dietary oilseeds and phytochemical-rich herbages on enteric methane emission, growth performance, and nutrient utilization in lambs. Forty-eight finisher Malpura lambs were divided into 4 groups (RSZ, RSP, RSLZ, and RSLP) of 12 each in a factorial design. Lambs were fed ad libitum concentrate formulated with roasted soybean (RS) or roasted soybean plus linseed (RSL) along with Ziziphus nummularia (Z) or Prosopis cineraria (P) leaves as roughage sources. Variation in the source of roughage significantly affected feed intake, and it was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Prosopis cineraria leaves (RSP and RSLP). The average daily gain was improved (P < 0.05) by 28.6 and 25.0% in lambs fed Prosopis cineraria, i.e., RSP and RSLP respectively, than those fed Ziziphus nummularia leaves irrespective of concentrate diets. Overall, microbial nitrogen synthesis (MNS) was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed roasted soybean (RS) than roasted soybean plus linseed (RSL); however, combination of Prosopis cineraria with both the concentrate diets increased MNS, than the combination of roasted oilseeds and Ziziphus nummularia. No significant interaction was observed in the concentration and proportion of volatile fatty acids by feeding combination of roasted oilseed and tree leaves; however, the proportion of acetic and propionic acid was higher (P < 0.05) in the RSL group compared to RS. Methane emission per kg dry matter intake was reduced (P < 0.05) by feeding Prosopis cineraria leaves regardless of concentrate mixture. As a result, the loss of metabolizable energy through methane emission was lowered by 0.7 and 4.6% when Prosopis cineraria leaves were combined with roasted soybean (RSP) and roasted soybean plus linseed (RSLP), respectively. From the present findings, it can be concluded that combination of Prosopis cineraria leaves either with roasted soybean or roasted soybean plus linseed reduced enteric methane emissions more effectively than Ziziphus nummularia leaves, and the energy saved was transformed into higher body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio.

Case Report: Congenital tuberculosis in an aborted dromedary camel fetus.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health problem worldwide, especially in tropical developing countries. Nevertheless, reports on congenital TB in humans and animals are extremely rare. In this study, abortion was reported in an 8-year-old she-camel at the 9th month of gestation. The she-camel appeared healthy in clinical examination, had a good body condition score, normal appetite, and had no signs of respiratory disease and fever. The expelled placenta was dark red-colored, thickened, and edematous with multifocal to coalescing ecchymotic hemorrhages on the allantoic surface. The striking finding was multiple, white-yellow, solid nodular lesions in the fetal lung, the pleura, and the liver. On histopathology, typical granulomatous lesions were detected in the lung and the liver characterized by caseous necrosis surrounded by lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration and concentric layers of fibrosis. The Ziehl-Neelsen staining detected scarce acid-fast bacilli in lung and liver tissues. The DNA extracted from tubercular lesions from the lung and liver showed amplification of the IS6110 region of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by PCR. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close association of these sequences with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The she-camel was detected positive for a single intradermal tuberculin test performed 24 h after abortion. This is the first report on congenital TB caused by M. tuberculosis in a dromedary camel fetus with a possible vertical transmission.

Growth performance, rumen fermentation and economic analysis of Malpura lambs raised on milk replacer at different weaning age under semiarid conditions.

Pre-weaning nutrition has significant influence on post-weaning performance of lambs. Strategic weaning management on milk replacer allowance at this phase can be a promising approach for harvesting desired carcass trait in finisher phase. Therefore, present experiment aimed economizing pre-weaning weight gain in lambs by feeding milk replacer and subsequently minimizing weaning age. A study of 90 days duration was conducted to determine the production performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation of lambs on milk replacer allowance at different weaning age. Sixty-six Malpura lambs (10 days of age) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Lambs in control group were allowed conventional free suckling of dam up to 90 day of age, whereas lambs in the two treatment groups, that is W60 and W90 were offered milk replacer and weaned at 60 and 90 days, respectively. Lambs in all groups were offered ad-libitum creep mixture, Ziziphus nummularia leaves, Vigna unguiculata hay and fresh Ailanthus excelsa leaves. Overall weight gain was 12.7 per cent higher (p < 0.05) in W90 than control whereas in W60 group it was statistically comparable with both control and W90 groups. Overall average daily gain was 12.1 per cent higher (p < 0.05) in W90 group as compared to control. In case of nutrient digestibility, there was significant depression of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) by 16.9, 17.2, 9.3 and 32.0 per cent in W60 than control; however, in W90, CP digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) than control and W60. Considering economic analysis, the net return obtained from W90 (90 days weaning plus milk replacer allowance) was more 20.0 per cent higher than control. Therefore, it can be concluded that lamb rearing on milk replacer and weaning at 90 days have a sustained positive effect on lambs' production performance and is more profitable than the practice of milk replacer allowance and early weaning in semiarid conditions.

Isolation and characterization of anaerobic bacteria with fiber degradation potential from faeces of Boselaphus tragocamelus grazing on semi arid Indian conditions.

Hindgut of wild ruminants harbours diversified anaerobic bacteria with promising fiber degrading ability. Fibrolytic enzyme activity is strongly influenced by diet and host species which till date remains unexplored for harnessing their optimum benefits. The present study was conducted to isolate and characterize fiber degrading anaerobic bacteria from faeces of wild blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) inhabiting in semiarid regions. A total of 167 isolates were obtained from 85 faecal samples using M-10 medium, on the basis of clear zones formed on Congo red plates 20 isolates were selected and designated as NLG1-20 for microscopic and biochemical characterization. Further, molecular confirmation was done by PCR analysis with universal 16S rDNA primers. All isolates were obligatory anaerobes except, NLG4, NLG19 and NLG20. Majority of the sugars tested were utilized by most of the isolates except arabinose. Fibrolytic enzyme activities revealed that NLG1 had highest endoglucanase activity, NLG13 had highest exoglucanase activity while NLG8 showed maximum xylanase activity. In case of FPase assay, highest and lowest values were observed in isolate NLG11 (8.96 U/mL) and NLG8 (5.58 U/mL), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates revealed a highly diverse group of microbes mainly belonging to the family Paenibacillaceae which have not been previously characterized in ruminants for fiber degradation. Therefore, results obtained in the present study indicated that the screened isolates showed promising fiber degrading potential in terms of filter paper assay and fibrolytic enzyme activity which can be explored further for improving lignocellulose digestibility in ruminants as an additive.

Effect of drinking earthen pot water on physiological response and behavior of sheep under heat stress.

Heat stress is a major limiting factor for animal welfare and sheep production. Traditionally in India, the villagers used to keep their drinking water in the earthen pot to make it cold during summer. The cold drinking water (24-28 °C) during summer gives a feeling of relief from the heat. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the effect of drinking earthen pot water on physiological response and behavior of sheep under heat stress for one month. For this purpose, eighteen Avishaan rams were selected from the experimental animal flock and they were equally divided into three groups; viz., control (CON), heat stress (HS) and heat stress with earthen pot water (HSC). The animals of HS and HSC were exposed to higher ambient temperatures to induce heat stress inside the psychometric chamber. The animals of CON and HS were provided with ad-libitum water of their ambient temperature whereas; HSC groups were provided with ad-libitum cold water (24-28 °C) earthen pot water. All the animals were offered with 400 gm concentrate mixture and ad-libitum Cenchrus hay. The bodyweight of HS rams was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at the end of the experimental period as compared to their initial body weight. The total roughage and dry matter intake was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in HSC rams as compared to HS rams. The plasma thyroxine concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in HSC as compared with HS group. The rumination time significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in HSC group. However, The blood biochemical did not differ among the groups. Therefore, it may be concluded that Avishaan rams have the ability to adapt to heat stress. Nevertheless, the availability of earthen pot cold drinking water under heat stress reduced their body weight loss, improves their metabolic activity and ultimately improves their welfare.

Effect of complete feed block with tree leaves rich in hydrolysable and condensed tannins on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation and growth performance of lambs.

Thirty lambs (Avishaan genotype, 10 weeks old, 14.0 ± 0.2 kg live weight) were randomly assigned into three equal treatment groups to study the effect of complete feed blocks (CFB; concentrate and roughage at 70:30 ratio) with three different tanniniferous tree leaves on intake and utilization of nutrients, rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis and growth performance. The treatments were T1 (Control), CFB1 with Vigna sinensis hay; T2, CFB2 with Acacia nilotica leaves rich in hydrolysable tannins (HT); and T3, CFB3 with Ziziphus nummularia leaves rich in condensed tannins (CT). The three CFBs were fed ad libitum to the respective groups of lambs for a period of 12 weeks. There was lower (p < .05) intake of dry matter (DM), total carbohydrates (TCHO) and fibre components in T2 compared with T1 and T3. However, the digestibility of nutrients except crude protein (CP) was higher in T2. Diet had no effect (p > .05) on the LW gain in lambs. Amongst the three groups, T3 showed enhanced N utilization with a comparable microbial protein synthesis, the lowest being in T2. The T2 group of lambs had higher propionate and lower non-glucogenic: glucogenic short-chain fatty acids ratio. It may be concluded that tanniniferous tree leaves at 30% of total mixed ration can meet the requirement of nutrients for desired post-weaning growth.

Effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in semi-arid region during winter.

Microclimatic factors are of crucial aspect for the welfare of animals. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in the semi-arid region during winter. Twenty-one Malpura lambs of 3-5 week age and average body weight 9.97 ±â€¯0.51 kg were used in the present study. The lambs were divided into three groups (eg. G1, G2, and G3) and were kept in the different microenvironment by manipulation of shelter design. The G1 lambs were maintained at lower minimum temperature (8.59 ±â€¯0.71 °C) in asbestos roofed shed, while G2 lambs were maintained at higher minimum temperature (14.59 ±â€¯0.54 °C) in local handmade bamboo dome structure, and G3 lambs were kept at a medium minimum temperature (11.84 ±â€¯0.64 °C) in thermocol insulated roofed shed from evening 18:30 h to morning 07:00 h. The study was carried out for one month between January and February. The parameters studied were physiological response (respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature), skin temperature, blood metabolites and endocrine profile. The data were analyzed by general linear models. Higher average daily weight gain was recorded in the lambs kept in higher minimum temperature groups (20.54% higher in G2 and 24.68% higher in G3) as compared to G1 lambs. Microenvironment manipulation had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on most of the physiological response and skin temperature except morning respiration rate within low-temperature range. The present study reveals that Hb, PCV, T3, and cortisol level were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by microenvironment manipulation. The results of the study indicated that altered ambient temperature through altered shelter design of housing for raising of lambs in the semi-arid tropical region may support animal welfare during chilling nights of the winter.

Effect of protection against hot climate on growth performance, physiological response and endocrine profile of growing lambs under semi-arid tropical environment.

In the hot semi-arid tropical region, extreme summer is a major constraint in sheep production. The growth performance of growing lambs is impaired during the summer. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of protection against hot climate on growth performance, physiological response, and endocrine profile of growing lambs under semi-arid tropical environment. All the data in the experiment were presented as mean ± SE. Thirty Malpura lambs with the age of 122.7 ± 6.05 days and body weight of 19.52 ± 0.42 kg were allotted into three groups, viz. G1 (control, lambs kept in open area under tree shade), G2 (lambs kept in conventional asbestos-roofed shed), and G3 (lambs kept in designed shed). The allotment was based on their initial body weight so that the mean body weight of each group was similar. In all three types of protection, lambs were provided with sufficient space to move and social interaction. In asbestos-roofed shed (G2), all the four sides from ground to the roof were fenced with strong galvanized iron chain link. But in G3, all the four sides were constructed in a manner that there was 0.13 m air space between inner and outer solid brick columns of the wall up to 1.37 m height, and rest up to the roof was fenced with bamboo splint net. The air space between the two columns of the wall was filled with sand, and it was kept in moist condition by continuous water drips which provide extra evaporative cooling. The designed shed was basically constructed with bamboo. Tree shade was assured under the natural shades of large trees. The shaded area was protected by wire fences. The experiment was conducted for 45 days during very high temperature (May-June). The lambs were provided with ad libitum green fodder, dry roughage, 300 g concentrate, and ad libitum drinking water. The respiration rate at morning and afternoon, pulse rate at morning and afternoon and rectal temperature at afternoon was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in lambs of G3 as compared to other groups. The final body weight did not differ significantly between the groups, but average daily gain (g/day) was higher in G3 (150.06 ± 11.13) as compared to the G1 (109.69 ± 18.10). The feed conversion rate (FCR) was significantly (P < 0.05) better in G3 (5.49 ± 0.08) as compared to G1 (7.65 ± 0.08) and G2 (6.60 ± 0.08). The hemoglobin level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in G1. The endocrine profile did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) among the groups, but insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was higher in G3. It can be concluded from this study the lambs provided with better protection during summer remained in more comfortable condition, showed better FCR, and although not statistically significant showed better growth performance.

Nutrient utilization and rumen metabolism in sheep fed Prosopis juliflora pods and Cenchrus grass.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacement of Prosopis juliflora pods (PJP) in the concentrate mixture fed to sheep along with Cenchrus grass (CG). Twenty four adult Malpura rams (3-5 years, 45.4 ± 4.26 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups on the basis of age and live weight (LW). Mature green Prosopis juliflora pods were collected, dried and ground to replace concentrate mixture at 0 (G1), 30% (G2) or 40% (G3). Cenchrus grass was offered ad libitum whereas the concentrate mixture was fed at the rate of 1% LW. Nutrient digestibility did not differ among the groups while N balance data showed reduced utilization in G3. However, the animals in G1, G2 and G3 maintained LW and their nutritional profile indicated surplus of energy and protein with comparable feed value of all the three diets. Rumen pH decreased and volatile fatty acids increased (P < 0.05) 4 h after feeding in G2 and G3 compared to G1. In summary, Prosopis juliflora pods can replace concentrate mixture up to 40% in sheep feeding without any adverse effect on nutrient intake and utilization as well as rumen fermentation characteristics.

Level and period of realimentation to assess improvement in body condition and carcass quality in cull ewes.

Improvement in body condition was assessed in 40 cull ewes (>6 years), equally distributed in two groups and realimented with ad libitum roughage (gram straw) and two levels of concentrate feeding, i.e., 2.5 % (T(1)) of live weight (LW) and ad libitum (T(2)). Five representative animals from an initial 45 were slaughtered at the initiation of the study (0 day) and five animals from each treatment at 44, 67, and 90 days of experiment for carcass attributes. Improvement in body condition score (BCS), nutrient utilization, feed efficiency, and carcass traits were assessed at 44, 67, and 90 days. Metabolism trial of 6-day collection of feed, feces, and urine samples was conducted on five representative ewes from each group after 60 days of feeding. The level of concentrate feeding on LW gain and BCS was significant, and the duration of realimentation showed a linear improvement (P < 0.001). The digestibility and intake of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein was higher (P < 0.05) in T(2). The N intake, absorption, and balance showed a similar trend. Increase (P < 0.05) in total N, trichloroacetic acid precipitable N, and ammonia N was observed with extension of realimentation period. Blood metabolic profile also showed improvement (P < 0.05) from an undernourished state to normal after alimentation. Animals in T(2) accumulated higher LW with minimal expenditure of metabolizable energy (73.4 vs 79.1 MJ) and higher efficiency of feed conversion during 68 to 90 days of realimentation. Linear improvement (P < 0.01) in carcass traits (preslaughter weight, empty live weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and amount of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat) and composition of longissimus dorsi muscle was observed. Ad lib concentrate supplementation for a period of 90 days may thus be considered appropriate for achieving desired efficiency of gain and improvement in body condition of cull ewes for quality mutton production.

Feeding of oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) leaves and evaluation for its potential inclusion in the feeding of native heifers of Kumaon Himalaya.

After an initial survey on feeds and feeding practices at Kumaon Himalaya, the potential of oak leaves feeding was evaluated in six native heifers (Bos indicus; 101.5 kg BW, 18-24 months) in a partial switch-over design involving two animals each on each treatment at a time. The feeding treatments involved high and low levels of oak leaves (Quercus leucotrichophora, oak leaves (OL)) supplemented to local mixed grass hay (GH) which were GH (G1), GH + low level (42.5 %) of OL (G2) and GH + high level (63.6 %) of OL (G3). The feeding trial for each treatment was conducted for 40 days that ended with a digestibility trial of 6-day duration. The dry matter (DM) intake (kg/day) was non-significantly higher in G3 (3.52) than G2 (3.11) and G1 (2.96). Intake of crude protein (CP) (g/day) was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in both G2 and G3 than G1. The digestibility of DM, CP, organic matter, ether extract and total carbohydrates increased (P < 0.001) linearly in OL-fed groups as compared to control. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) (kg/day) intake was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in G3 compared to G1, but it was comparable between G1 and G2. Intake of DM, CP, digestible CP (DCP) and TDN/metabolizable energy (ME) per kilogram metabolic body weight was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in G3 than G2 which in turn was also higher (P < 0.01) than G1. The animals under G1 had negative gain (-50 g/day) compared to 146 and 306 g/day in G2 and G3, respectively. Feeding of OL reduced serum urea and creatinine level and supported serum protein concentration better in G3 compared to G2. The feeding of cattle on GH alone was lacking in both energy and protein for sustaining minimum levels of production, whereas in combination with OL at 36.4:63.6 ratios supported minimum level of production (ADG 300 g) with near nutritional adequacy for major nutrients (CP, DCP, TDN, ME) but with a caution for the minor nutrients like calcium and phosphorus that need to be supplemented.

Hemato-biochemical changes, disease incidence and live weight gain in individual versus group reared calves fed on different levels of milk and skim milk.

A 2 x 3 factorial design was used to study the impact of rearing systems, individual (I) versus group (G) and different levels of milk/skim milk feeding (F1, F2 and F3) on hemato-biochemical profile, disease incidence and average daily gain of crossbred (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) calves. Six calves were taken in each group on the basis of their birth weight and housed in individual (2.20 x 1.16 m(2)/calf) or in group pens (2.20 x 1.03 m(2)/calf). After 3 days of colostrum feeding, calves were allocated to one of three different milk feeding schedules: milk fed up to 8 weeks of age (F1), milk up to 4 weeks followed by 50% replacement by skim milk up to 6 weeks and 100% thereafter (F2) and 100% replacement of milk with skim milk after 4 weeks (F3). Calf starter and cereal green fodders were fed ad libitum from the second week of age and continued for 14 weeks. Parameters on health and disease profiles of calves (disease incidence, duration of illness, response to treatment and recovery) and weekly live weight change were recorded. Calf scour predominated (52.8%), followed by joint ill (25.0%) and respiratory infections (19.4%). The disease incidence was greater (P < 0.01) in individually housed calves (94.4 vs. 55.9%). The management of navel ill required longer recovery (7.01 days) followed by joint ill (4.87 days) and respiratory infection (4.86 days). The average daily gain during 0-14 weeks of age was higher (P < 0.01) in group-housed calves (433 +/- 22 vs. 355 +/- 31 g), while the effect of feeding was not significant. Blood samples collected at 4, 8 and 14 weeks of age showed some periodic higher concentrations (but within normal range) of plasma urea and total protein in group housed calves on F2 and F3 feeding schedules in response to high protein intake. Other parameters remained non-significantly different. Thus, group-housed calves can be reared successfully with comparatively better performance and less illness than individually housed ones under the present health care and housing management system. However, the system should not be used as a substitute for good management, and frequent observations of calves should be an integral part of any successful rearing program.