Peeping into Mitochondrial Diversity of Andaman Goats: Unveils Possibility of Maritime Transport with Diversified Geographic Signaling.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a part of South-East Asia, is enriched with the presence of native breeds of livestock (cattle, pig, goat) and poultry. There are two native goat breeds, viz., Andaman local goat and Teressa goat in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, to date, the origin and genetic makeup of these two breeds have not been detailed. Therefore, the present study describes the genetic makeup of Andaman goats through analysis of mitochondrial D-loop sequence for sequence polymorphism, phylogeographical signaling and population expansion events. The genetic diversity of the Teressa goat was less compared to the Andaman local goat due to its sole presence on Teressa Island. Out of 38 well-defined haplotypes of Andaman goats, the majority of haplotypes belonged to haplogroup A followed by haplogroup B and haplogroup D. The result of mismatch distribution and neutrality tests indicated no population expansion event of haplogroup A and B. Finally, based on poor geographical signaling, we hypothesize that Andaman goats have been imported to these Islands either through multidirectional diffusion or unidirectional diffusion. We justify our hypothesis of multidirectional diffusion on the basis of observation of the haplotype and nucleotide diversity of Andaman goats. Simultaneously, the probability of unidirectional diffusion of goats in these islands from the Indian subcontinent in different spells of domestication events through maritime routes cannot be ignored.

Flaxseed oil modulates testicular biometrics, hormone, libido, antioxidant and semen profiles in endangered Teressa goat of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Teressa goat is a unique goat breed in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) of India. Effects of Flaxseed oil (FSO) supplementation in body weight (BW), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular volume (TV) and testicular weight (TW), endocrinological profiles, sex behavioural profiles (SBPs), oxidative stress markers and semen production and its quality profiles in rainy and dry summer season were studied in Teressa goat. Male goats (n = 12) of 3-4 years old were equally divided into control and treated groups. Treated animals received 25 mL FSO per day. Oral drenching of FSO was done in the morning before feeding the concentrate ration. Body weight, scrotal circumference, TV and TW were measured in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cortisol and prolactin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Libido score (LS), mating ability score (MAS) and sex behavioural score (SBS) were estimated at time of semen collection in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Semen samples (n = 100; 50 semen samples from each season; each 25 semen samples from control and treatment groups per season) were collected and analysed for semen quality profiles. One-way ANOVA (control rainy, control dry, treated rainy and treated dry) revealed that BW, SC, TV and TW, FSH, LH, testosterone, TSH, T3 and T4 were higher (P < 0.05) and cortisol and prolactin were lower (P < 0.05) in FSO treated bucks of rainy season followed by untreated bucks of rainy season, FSO treated bucks of dry summer season and were lower (P < 0.05) in untreated bucks of dry summer season. Similarly, TAC, CAT, SOD and GSH, LS, MAS and SBS, and volume, pH, sperm concentration, mass activity, total motility (TM), viability, acrosomal integrity (AcI), plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and nuclear integrity (NI) were higher (P < 0.05) and MDA and TSA were lower (P < 0.05) in FSO treated bucks of rainy season followed by FSO treated bucks of dry summer season, untreated bucks of rainy season and were lower (P < 0.05) in untreated bucks of dry summer season. The results of the present study indicated that the breeding bucks suffered physiological stress (higher cortisol), oxidative stress (higher MDA and deficiency of antioxidants), hormonal imbalance (higher prolactin and cortisol and deficiency of gonadotropins, gonadal hormone and thyroid hormones) and infertility due to poor libido and poor semen production and its quality profiles during dry summer season. Thus, dry summer was more stressful season compared to rainy season for the goat bucks. FSO supplementation mitigated these stresses and improved the scrotal and testicular biometrics, libido, antioxidants, hormones and semen quality profiles in Teressa goat bucks. The current study concluded that FSO effectively improved the hormones, libido, antioxidant profiles, and scrotal and testicular biometrics with cascading beneficial effects on semen quality profiles in Teressa goat bucks under humid tropical island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Maternal lineage of Nicobari pig (Sus scrofa nicobaricus) correlated with migration of Nicobarese, a native tribal population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

Nicobari pig is reared by Nicobarese, a native tribal population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Nicobari pig has maintained its genetic identity due to geographical isolation. This communication is the first report on maternal inheritance of Nicobari pigs. DNA polymorphism data showed seven haplotypes. D-loop sequence information and mitogenome analysis were able to earmark Nicobari pigs to Asian clade. The domestication process of pigs and its expansion pattern help to understand human migration pattern. Based on this hypothesis, this communication elucidates the probable origin of Nicobarese. Earlier studies indicated that Nicobarese had genetic affinities to races distributed in China, Malaysia and Thailand. Our data on maternal inheritance of Nicobari pig correlates with the data on migration of Nicobarese. Moreover, we could establish a novel connection of Nicobarese with people of Northeastern parts of India, Philippines and Vietnam through phylogenetic signal and geographical provenance of Nicobari pig. We further concluded that migration of Nicobarese happened during Western route of migration (WRM) ∼4000 years before present. Therefore, we propose one wave hypothesis of peopling of Nicobar based on our study and existence of Ausrtroasiatic language, Mon-Khmer in these islands.

Legacies of domestication, Neolithic diffusion and trade between Indian subcontinent and Island Southeast Asia shape maternal genetic diversity of Andaman cattle.

Andaman cattle is a precious indigenous livestock species endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Till date, origin and genetic makeup of the breed which is warranted for breed conservation is not known. Moreover, the spread of zebu cattle from Indus valley to different parts of Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) is not properly understood. Here, we report the genetic diversity, population structure of Andaman cattle and their evolution in the context of epicentre of zebu domestication and ISEA. High genetic diversity in complete mitochondrial D-loop sequences indicated the ability of the breed to withstand impending climate change. Total 81 haplotypes were detected and all of them except three belonged to Bos indicus. The presence of taurine haplotypes in Andaman cattle indicate introgression by European-derived cattle. A poor phylogenetic signal of Andaman cattle with genetic affinities with cattle of Indian subcontinent and ISEA was observed. The poor phylogenetic structure may be due to multidirectional gene flow from Indian subcontinent and ISEA, with which Andaman shares a close cultural and trade relationship from Neolithic age. We hypothesize that Andaman cattle is the outcome of Neolithic diffusion from centre of zebu domestication along with multidirectional commercial exchange between Indian subcontinent and ISEA.

Molecular characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: an insight into genetic assemblages.

The tick, Rhipicephalus microplus is considered as the most notorious ectoparasite of veterinary importance in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The present study deals with the molecular characterization of R. microplus in different regions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands using sequence information of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COX1) and their phylogenetic relationship with other Indian R. microplus genotypes. DNA polymorphism study identified a total of eight haplotypes with haplotype diversity of 0.909 ± 0.065 and nucleotide diversity of 0.01911 ± 0.00493. Currently, R. microplus complex consists of five taxa; R. microplus clade A sensu Burger et al. (2014), R. microplus clade B sensu Burger et al. (2014), R. microplus clade C sensu Low et al. (2015), R. australis and R. annulatus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades (clade A and clade C) of R. microplus in Andaman and Nicobar isolates; Nicobar isolates belonged to clade A whereas Andaman isolates belonged to clade C of R. microplus complex. All the other Indian sequences retrieved from GenBank belonged to clade C of R. microplus complex. Andaman isolates under clade C of R. microplus were phylogenetically distinct from Indian isolates, which indicates independent speciation under isolated island milieu. In Indian isolates, no host-specific or geographical location-specific sub-clustering was observed which indicates the species jumping potential of the R. microplus tick. Therefore, this study indicated the presence of two different genetic makeup of R. microplus complex in two areas of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago separated by a natural geographical barrier. This indicates presence of two different founding populations of ticks, one in the south and north-middle Andaman and the other in Nicobar Island.

Genetic structure, population diversity and ancestry of Nicobari fowl based on mtDNA complete D-loop sequences.

Nicobari fowl constitute an endemic poultry germplasm of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Genetic diversity, population structure and ancestry of Nicobari fowl were analysed with mitochondrial D-loop sequences. Analysis of complete D-loop sequences (1231-1232 bp) showed 46 polymorphic sites resulting in 26 haplotypes with overall haplotype diversity of 0.895 and nucleotide diversity of 0.0064. Analysis of molecular variance of spatial populations (sampling sites) of Nicobari fowl revealed that the estimated FST value as 0.229 among the populations. Tajima's D and Fu's FS tests indicated nonsignificant deviation from neutrality and the multimodal pattern of mismatch distribution in demographic expansion suggested that Nicobari fowl populations are in equilibrium. The median-joining (MJ) network of D-loop sequences with reference haplogroup sequences identifies the presence of haplogroups A, B, E1, E2, F and I in Nicobari fowl. The major haplogroup in Nicobari fowl was E (60%), which is otherwise found mainly in the Indian subcontinent. Phylogenetic analysis of Nicobari fowl with junglefowl by maximum likelihood method showed Gallus gallus murghi and G. g. spadiceus as maternal progenitors. Grouping of Nicobari fowl with their primary ancestor, Indian red Junglefowl (G. g. murghi) and the presence of Indian subcontinent-specific haplogroups (E2 and I) support the independent domestication of chickens in India. This study will help to design breeding strategy for conservation of Nicobari fowl in its island habitat.

Exploring broilers and native fowls of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a source of ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae even with limited anthropogenic activities and docking-based identification of catalytic domains in novel ß-lactamase variants.

Objectives: The present study was conducted to detect the occurrence of ß-lactamase and biofilm-producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella in broilers and native fowl reared in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The study also included molecular docking experiments to confirm the nature of the catalytic domains found in the ß-lactamase variants obtained and to reveal the clonal relationship of the isolates with human clinical strains from the database. Materials and methods: A total of 199 cloacal swabs were collected from five poultry breeds/varieties (broiler, Vanraja, Desi, Nicobari, and layer) in three districts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. E. coli, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated by standard techniques and confirmed by PCR. Phenotypical ß-lactamase producers were identified by a double-disc test. The genes (bla CTX, bla SHV, bla TEM , and bla AmpC) were screened, and selected sequences of ß-lactamase variants were submitted to DDBJ. Homology modeling, model validation, and active site identification of different ß-lactamase variants were done by the SWISS-MODEL. Molecular docking was performed to identify the catalytic domains of the ß-lactamase variants. The selected ß-lactamase sequences were compared with the Indian ESBL sequences from human clinical strains in NCBI-GenBank. Results: In total, 425 Enterobacteriaceae strains were isolated from the collected samples. Klebsiella pneumoniae (42.58%) was found to be the most prevalent, followed by Salmonella enterica (30.82%) and E. coli (26.58%). The phenotypical antibiogram of all 425 isolates showed the highest resistance against oxytetracycline (61-76%) and the lowest against gentamicin (15-20%). Phenotypical production of ß-lactamase enzymes was observed in 141 (33.38%) isolates. The isolation rate of ß-lactamase producing E. coli, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the birds reared in the South Andaman district (25.6, 17.5, and 18.7%, respectively) than in Nicobar (11.5, 7.6, 7.1%, respectively). Genotyping of the ß-lactamase-producing isolates revealed the maximum possession of bla TEM, followed by bla SHV and bla CTX - M. The nucleotide sequences were found to be similar with bla CTX - M-15, bla SHV - 11, bla SHV - 27, bla SHV - 228, bla TEM - 1, and bla AmpC in BLAST search. Distribution of studied biofilm-associated genes in Enterobacteriaceae strains from different varieties of the birds revealed that the layer birds had the maximum possession, followed by Vanraja, Desi, broilers, and Nicobari fowls. The phylogenetic analysis of selected sequences revealed a partial clonal relationship with human clinical strains of the Indian subcontinent. Molecular docking depicted the Gibbs free energy release for 10 different macromolecules (proteins) and ligand (antibiotic) complexes, ranging from -8.1 (SHV-27 + cefotaxime) to -7 (TEM-1 + cefotaxime) kcal/mol. Conclusion and relevance: The study revealed ß-lactamase variants circulating in the fowl population of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India), even in remote places with low anthropogenic activity. Most of the strains possessed bla TEM - 1, followed by bla CTX - M-15. Possession of bla SHV - 11, bla SHV - 27, and bla SHV - 228 in poultry Enterobacteriaceae strains was not reported earlier from any part of the world. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a partial clonal relationship of ß-lactamase sequences with the human clinical strains isolated from the Indian subcontinent.

Physiological and immune responses to long road transportation in Andaman local pigs.

Transportation of farm animals is a routine management practice. During transportation, animals experience physiological and psychological stress which has negative consequences on health and welfare of animals. Effect of transportation on pig health and welfare in island ecosystem is not properly known. Here, we report the effect of transportation stress under island ecosystem on serum biochemical parameters, lipid profile, stress biomarkers, and immune parameters in Andaman local pig. Twelve pigs were transported from North and Middle Andaman to South Andaman via road in which two small sea channels have to be crossed in ferry with vehicle on board. Transportation triggered increase in serum levels of total protein and albumin. Elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase in transported pigs indicated muscular exercise or impaired liver function. Transportation induced dyslipidemia indicated by elevated levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides and a decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. High level of serum total nitric oxide and serum MDA as well as low antioxidant capacity in transported pigs indicated oxidative stress induction. Transportation resulted in activation of stress response and increased levels of serum cortisol and heat shock proteins were recorded in transported pigs. Moreover, increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ) and decreased concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 were detected in transported pigs. The results of the study are helpful for better understanding of transportation stress in pigs under island ecosystem.

Origin, genetic diversity and evolution of Andaman local duck, a native duck germplasm of an insular region of India.

Domestic ducks are of paramount importance as a cheap source of protein in rural India. Andaman local duck (ALD) is an indigenous avian genetic resource of Andaman and Nicobar islands (ANI) and is mainly distributed in Middle and Northern parts of these islands. Negligence has brought this breed on the edge of extinction necessitating immediate conservation efforts. Here, we report the genetic diversity, population structure and matrilineal genetic root of ALD. Partial mtDNA D-loop sequences were analyzed in 71 ALD samples and analysis revealed 19 polymorphic sites and 13 haplotypes. Estimated haplotype (Hd ± SD) and nucleotide diversity (π ± SD) were 0.881 ± 0.017 and 0.00897 ± 0.00078 respectively. The high genetic diversity of ALD indicates introgression of genetic material from other local duck breeds. In addition, it can be postulated that ALD bearing high genetic diversity has strong ability to adapt to environmental changes and can withstand impending climate change. Phylogenetic and network analysis indicate that ALD falls under Eurasian clade of mallard and ALD forms three clusters; one cluster is phylogenetically close to Southeast Asian countries, one close to Southern part of mainland India and the third one forms an independent cluster. Therefore, ALD might have migrated either from Southeast Asian countries which enjoy a close cultural bondage with ANI from time immemorial or from Southern part of India. The independent cluster may have evolved locally in these islands and natural selection pressure imposed by environmental conditions might be the driving force for evaluation of these duck haplotypes; which mimics Darwin's theory of natural selection. The results of the study will be beneficial for formulating future breeding programme and conservation strategy towards sustainable development of the duck breed.

Tracing the genetic root of Trinket cattle: an endangered cattle population of a small isolated island of Nicobar group of islands.

Trinket cattle are the inhabitant of a small island called Trinket, which is one of the picturesque islands of Andaman. This herd is thought to be of Danish leftover during their dynasty in Nicobar archipelago. When the island was abandoned by foreign invaders, indigenes utilized the animals for the purpose of meat. As a result, the cattle became semi-feral in nature. After the Great Sumatra earthquake and tsunami of Indian Ocean in 2004, Trinket island was left abandoned by indigenes and the cattle became totally feral in nature. To trace the genetic root of the cattle, this study has been undertaken based on the sequence information of the mitochondrial D-loop and cytochrome b gene. The genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples of the Trinket cattle and was used for amplification of mitochondrial markers, and the sequence information was generated by Sanger sequencing. The analysis of sequence information revealed that the Trinket cattle belongs to Bos indicus (I) haplotype, sub-haplotype I2. The presence of I2 sub-haplotype in Trinket cattle may be due to the expansion of this I2 haplotype towards Southeast Asian countries. This is a novel input for the formulation of breeding strategy towards conservation of eco-friendly sustainable livestock in the isolated island ecosystem.

Assessment of Protein Profiles of RNAlater Stored and Fresh PBMC Cells Using Different Protein Extraction Buffers.

For proteome analyses, the tissue samples are mostly preserved either snap frozen or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded form. Use of RNAlater-a non-toxic solution primarily used to stabilize the RNA content of samples-in tissue preservation for proteome analysis recently described equally reliable with snap-frozen preservation in human tissues. Even though RNALater storage has great potential in the preservation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC), its impact on the results of proteome analysis is poorly described at qualitative and quantitative measures. The present study investigated protein profiles of RNAlater preserved and fresh PBMCs using three extraction buffers viz. Triton X-100, RIPA and SDS. Proteins are separated in SDS-PAGE and quantified using densitometry. On an average 19.3 bands from fresh and 15.6 bands from RNAlater storage cells were obtained with a molecular weight ranging from 25 to > 250 kDa. RNAlater storage generated a fewer number and lesser quantity of low molecular weight proteins while yielded a similar or high quantity of high molecular weight protein fractions. The principal component analysis showed that Triton X-100 is inferior as compared to SDS and RIPA with respect to their protein bands and quantity yielded. While RNAlater is effective in preserving PBMC for proteome analysis, our findings warrant caution in its use in proteomics experiments especially if the target is low molecular weight proteins.

Deciphering type-specific neutralizing antibodies to bluetongue virus in goats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

The presence of antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) and the viral antigen is reported recently from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a group of islands at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the presence of neutralizing antibodies to different BTV serotypes in the seroconverted goats of the Islands. Thirty six samples out of 186 serum samples tested were selected on the basis of high antibody titre as predicted in an indirect ELISA. Each of the selected serum samples was used for neutralization of six BTV serotypes (BTV-1, BTV-2, BTV-9, BTV-10, BTV-16 and BTV-23), the most commonly reported serotypes in India. Out of 36 serum samples used in the neutralization study, neutralizing antibodies could be determined in 15 samples. The neutralizing antibodies to BTV-10 were found in more number of the serum samples followed by BTV-1, BTV-2 and BTV-23 and BTV-9 and BTV-16. Many of the serum samples could neutralize more than one BTV serotypes indicating possible widespread superinfections by multiple BTV serotypes in goats in the Islands. Majority of the serum samples used in the neutralization study could not neutralize any of the six BTV serotypes commonly reported from India indicating possible circulation of other BTV serotypes yet to confirm. The present study reveals circulation of multiple BTV serotypes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands where there was no such report available earlier. The findings are laudable as the baseline information for further investigations to identify and characterize the virus and competent vectors and for implementing appropriate suitable control strategies for bluetongue in the Islands and the nearby territories.

A Natural Quinazoline Derivative from Marine Sponge Hyrtios erectus Induces Apoptosis of Breast Cancer Cells via ROS Production and Intrinsic or Extrinsic Apoptosis Pathways.

Here, we report the therapeutic potential of a natural quinazoline derivative (2-chloro-6-phenyl-8H-quinazolino[4,3-b]quinazolin-8-one) isolated from marine sponge Hyrtios erectus against human breast cancer. The cytotoxicity of the compound was investigated on a human breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Antiproliferative activity of the compound was estimated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. MTT assay showed significant inhibition of MCF-7 cells viability with the IC50 value of 13.04 ± 1.03 µg/mL after 48 h. The compound induced down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and increase in the pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in MCF-7 cells. The compound activated the expression of Caspases-9 and stimulated downstream signal transducer Caspase-7. In addition, Caspase-8 showed remarkable up-regulation in MCF-7 cells treated with the compound. Moreover, the compound was found to promote oxidative stress in MCF-7 cells that led to cell death. In conclusion, the compound could induce apoptosis of breast carcinoma cells via a mechanism that involves ROS production and either extrinsic or intrinsic apoptosis pathways. The systemic toxic potential of the compound was evaluated in an in vivo mouse model, and it was found non-toxic to the major organs.

Mitogenome analysis of Indian isolate of Rhipicephalus microplus clade A sensu (): A first report from Maritime South-East Asia.

This communication reports a comprehensive profile of mitogenome analysis of Rhipicephalus microplus, isolated and identified from Andaman and Nicobar islands, a part of Maritime South East Asia. Complete mitogenome of Indian isolate of R. microplus (MK234703) was 14,903 bp. Mitochondrial (mt.) genome had 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two ribosomal subunits and two control regions. All PCGs were located on the H-strand except nad1, nad5, nad4 and nad4L. All start codons were ATN codon and abbreviated stop codons were seen in cox-2-3, nad-5 and cytb. A purine rich tick-box motif has been identified. A tandem repeat unit (TTTATT), described as a region alike to nad1 was identified in 130 bp insertion in between nad1 and tRNA-Glu and in nad1 sequence. Presence of two control regions (CRs) proved that, two CRs have evolved in concert rather than independently. Strong biasness towards A and T in Indian isolate of R. microplus is a typical feature for most of the arthropods. Subtracted values of dn and ds suggested that, there was least effect of nt. sequence of cox1 gene when Indian isolate was compared with other isolates of Rhipicephalus. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, species of the genus Rhipicephalus could be clustered in three groups; ticks of the genera belonging to sub-family Rhipicephalinae could be grouped in a single cluster. Finally, cox1 sequence of MK234703 indicated that the isolate belonged to clade A sensu Burger et al., 2014 which has not been reported earlier from India.

Variability of the EG95 antigen-coding gene of Echinococcus granulosus in animal and human origin: implications for vaccine development.

In the present study, the genetic variability of the EG95 protein-coding gene in several animal and human isolates of Echinococcus granulosus was investigated. A total of 24 isolates collected from cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, dog and man were amplified by Eg95-coding gene-specific primers. From the generated sequence information, a conceptual amino acid sequence was deduced. Phylogenetically, the Eg95 coding gene belongs to the Eg95-1/Eg95-2/Eg95-3/Eg95-4 cluster. Further confirmation on the maximum composite likelihood analysis revealed that the overall transition/transversion bias was 2.913. This finding indicated thatthere is bias towards transitional and transversional substitution. Using artificial neural networks, a B-cell epitope was predicted on primary sequence information. Stretches of amino acid residues varied between animal and human isolates when hydrophobicity was considered. Flexibility also varied between larval and adult stages of the organism. This observation is important to develop vaccines. However, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes on primary sequence data remained constant in all isolates. In this study, agretope identification started with hydrophobic amino acids. Amino acids with the same physico-chemical properties were present in the middle. The conformational propensity of the Eg95-coding gene of 156 amino acid residues had α-turns and ß-turns, and α-amphipathic regions up to 129, 138-156 and 151-155 residues, respectively. The results indicated potential T-cell antigenic sites. The overall Tajima's D value was negative (-2.404165), indicative of negative selection pressure.

Mitochondrial landscape of indigenous pig germplasm of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Nicobari pig and Andaman Desi pig are indigenous pig germplasm of Andaman and Nicobar islands, India. Over the last two decades, the pig breeds witnessed a rapid decline in population, necessitating immediate characterization and conservation. The present study depicts the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Nicobari pig and Andaman Desi pig. The mitogenomes of both the breeds encode 37 genes including 13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and two ribosomal RNA genes. In addition, a control region (D-loop) was also present. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Nicobari is phylogenetically close to Banna mini and Breed I pig, whereas Andaman Desi pig is close to Mong cai and Jinhua pig breeds. The results of the study will be helpful for formulating of conservation strategy of the native swine breeds.

Efficacy of early chick nutrition with Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica on gut health and histomorphometry in chicks.

AIM: This study was conducted with an aim of studying the efficacy of water supplements of Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica (neem) during pre-starter age (0-2 weeks) on gut health and histomorphometry in Vanaraja chicks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 192 day old Vanaraja chicks were randomly assigned to one of four herbal water treatments throughout the experimental pre-starter stage (0-2 weeks) in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was given four replicates consisting of 12 chicks per replicate. Water treatments comprised T1: Control with regular antibiotic supplement, T2: 3 ml Aloe juice per chick per day, T3: 3 ml neem extract per chick per day, T4: 1.5 ml Aloe and 1.5 ml neem per chick per day. Gut culture was done for Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus sps. and gut histomorphometry in 24 gut samples at 14 days of age. RESULTS: This study revealed that supplementation of A. vera and neem in water significantly (p<0.05) reduced and increased the number of gut E. coli and Lactobacillus sps. Colonies, respectively, as compared to that of control groups; Villi was significantly (p<0.05) taller and broader on 14 days of age across the jejunum of chicks fed with neem supplementation as compared to that of control chicks. Significantly lower crypt depth (p<0.05) was observed in the duodenum of Aloe supplementation. Villus height: Crypt depth ratio of duodenum and jejunum was significantly (p<0.05) increased neem and Aloe supplementation in chicks as compared to their combination and control. CONCLUSION: Immediate post hatch supplementation of Aloe juice and neem extract in chicks improved the development and health of their gut.

Electrophoretic Analysis of Indian Isolates of Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma bovis by SDS-PAGE and Immunoblotting.

Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma bovis both are responsible for respiratory conditions in sheep and goats. M. agalactiae is a major pathogen of sheep and goats and accounts for almost 90% of outbreaks of contagious agalactia syndrome in goats and almost 100% in sheep. On the basis of clinical signs and cultural, morphological, and biochemical characterization it is almost impossible to differentiate between both the species. Moreover, due to presence of genomic and proteomic similarity most of the time routine diagnostic tests fail to differentiate between them. Hence the present study was conducted to find out the protein profile of isolates of both the species by SDS-PAGE and to find out the cross-reacting as well as differentiating immunogenic proteins by Immunoblotting, which can be of immunoprophylactic as well as diagnostic values. The study revealed 6-7 major immunogenic cross-reactive proteins with the presence of two important non-cross-reacting species specific polypeptides particularly 25.50 and 24.54 kDa in M. agalactiae and M. bovis, respectively, that might be of diagnostic values.

Farming practices and genetic characterization of Nicobari pig, an indigenous pig germplasm of Nicobar group of islands, India.

The Nicobari pig, locally known as Ha-un, is an indigenous pig germplasm located only in the Nicobar group of islands, India. The present study documents the Nicobari pig-rearing practices of the tribal farmers and genetically characterizes them using 23 FAO-recommended microsatellite markers. The study was conducted over a period of 3 years (2010-2012) in Car Nicobar, India. A total of 225 farmers were surveyed (15 farmers per village of 15 villages). Information on herd statistics, husbandry practices, and constraints faced by the farmers in pig production were collected. The pigs were reared in a free-range system. Mean pig herd size per house hold was 8.9, and main feed for pigs was coconut and some indigenous feed materials such as pandanus, bread fruit, and Nicobari alu. The main constraints faced by the farmers were lack of feed after the tsunami, different disease conditions, piglet mortality, and predator attack. The Nicobari pigs were genotyped by 23 FAO-recommended microsatellite markers. The mean observed number of alleles for all 23 loci in Nicobari pigs was 6.96 ± 0.31. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.66 ± 0.02 and 0.75 ± 0.01, respectively. It was found that the genetic diversity of this pig breed was very high compared to Large White Yorkshire and other European pig breeds. This genetic characterization of the pig breed will be helpful in their conservation effort.