Performance and Stability of Pearl Millet Varieties for Grain Yield and Micronutrients in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of India.

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is grown under both arid and semi-arid conditions in India, where other cereals are hard to grow. Pearl millet cultivars, hybrids, and OPVs (open pollinated varieties) are tested and released by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (AICRP-PM) across three zones (A1, A, and B) that are classified based on rainfall pattern. Except in locations with extreme weather conditions, hybrids dominate pearl millet growing areas, which can be attributed to hybrid vigor and the active role of the private sector. The importance of OPVs cannot be ruled out, owing to wider adaptation, lower input cost, and timely seed availability to subsidiary farmers cultivating this crop. This study was conducted to scrutinize the presently used test locations for evaluation of pearl millet OPVs across India, identify the best OPVs across locations, and determine the variation in grain Fe and Zn contents across locations in these regions. Six varieties were evaluated across 20 locations in A1 and A (pooled as A) and B zones along with three common checks and additional three zonal adapted checks in the respective zones during the 2019 rainy season. Recorded data on yield and quality traits were analyzed using genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction biplot method. The genotype × environment (G × E) interaction was found to be highly significant for all the grain yield and agronomic traits and for both micronutrients (iron and zinc). However, genotypic effect (G) was four (productive tillers) to 49 (grain Fe content) times that of G × E interaction effect for various traits across zones that show the flexibility of OPVs. Ananthapuramu is the ideal test site for selecting pearl millet cultivars effectively for adaptation across India, while Ananthapuramu, Perumallapalle, and Gurugram can also be used as initial testing locations. OPVs MP 599 and MP 600 are identified as ideal genotypes, because they showed higher grain and fodder yields and stability compared with other cultivars. Iron and zinc concentration showed highly significant positive correlation (across environment = 0.83; p < 0.01), indicating possibility of simultaneous effective selection for both traits. Three common checks were found to be significantly low yielders than the test entries or zonal checks in individual zones and across India, indicating the potential of genetic improvement through OPVs.

Stress and Molecular Drivers for Cancer Progression: A Longstanding Hypothesis.

Stress management is becoming very important part of cancer patient care. Chronic stressors lead to boost tumorigenesis and promote cancer development, recurrence, and drug resistant leading to poor health outcomes. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which is activated by stress, also regulates Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis. Stress related changes in immune function and inflammatory response also leads to reduced immune surveillance resulting in tumorigenesis. This article explores the hormonal axis impacted by stress and how chronic stress can lead to poor outcome of a cancer patient.

In-vitro fermentation characteristics and methane reduction potential of mustard cake (Brassica juncea L.).

AIM: To assess the effect of mustard cake (Brassica juncea L.) levels in concentrate mixtures and in composite feed mixtures (CFMs) on in-vitro fermentation characteristics and methane production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five concentrate mixtures were prepared with containing 30% oil cake, where linseed cake was replaced by mustard cake at the rate of 0%, 7.5%, 15.0%, 22.5%, and 30% in concentrate mixture. Mustard cake contained glucosinolate 72.58 µmol/g oil free dry matter (DM) and contents in diet were 0, 5.4, 10.9, 16.3, and 21.8 µmol/g of concentrate mixture, respectively. Concentrate mixture containing 15.0% mustard cake was found to produced minimum methane which was then used for the preparation of CFM containing 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% levels with gram straw. RESULT: Increased levels of mustard cake in concentrate mixtures had a linear decrease (p<0.05) in the total gas production, and the 15% inclusion showed lowest methane concentration (quadratic, p<0.01). The degradability of DM and organic matter (OM) of concentrate mixtures did not change, however, pH and NH3-N concentrations of the fermentation medium showed linear (p<0.05) reductions with increased mustard cake levels. Increased levels of 15% mustard cake containing concentrate mixture in CFMs exhibited a trend (p=0.052) of increased gas production, whereas methane concentration in total gas, methane produced and degradability of DM and OM were also displayed a linear increase (p<0.05). However, the pH, NH3-N, and total volatile fatty acid levels decreased linearly (p<0.05) with increased levels of concentrate in CFMs. CONCLUSION: Reduction in methane production was evidenced with the inclusion of mustard cake in concentrate mixture at 15% level, and the CFMs with 25% concentrate, which contained 15% mustard cake, exhibited an improved fermentation and reduced methane production.

Identification and structure elucidation of antimicrobial compounds from Lyngbya aestuarii and Aphanothece bullosa.

Cyanobacteria are known to produce array of compounds. In an earlier report, we reported antibacterial and antifungal activities in methanolic crude extracts of laboratory grown Lyngbya aestuarii and Aphanothece bullosa isolated from Chilka Lake and local paddy field respectively. In this report the same methanolic crude extracts were subjected to TLC purification twice by altering the solvents and UV—illuminated bands bioassayed. Such UV illuminated potent bands obtained after 2nd TLC were subjected to spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, 1H NMR and LCMS/MS). We have screened malyngolide and dragonamide C from L. aestuarii and a diterpenoid and majusculoic acid from A. bullosa. Dragonamide C and malyngolide were found to be antifungal while majusculoic acid and a diterpenoid as antibacterial. As far as our knowledge goes, this is the first ever report where fresh water A. bullosa was found to be a source of diterpenoid and majusculoic acid. Likewise, L. aestuarii was also established as a source of malyngolide and dragonamide C. This again indicated that cyanobacteria are inherently endowed with the capacity to produce metabolites according to niche and species specific manner emphasising fresh water cyanobacterial strain are as important as marine one.

Haematology, blood biochemistry and tissue histopathology of lambs maintained on diets containing an insect controlling protein (Cry1Ac) in Bt-cottonseed.

This experiment assessed the effect of feeding genetically modified cottonseed (Bt) containing an insect controlling protein (Cry1Ac) on haematology, blood biochemistry and histopathology of lambs. Haemato-biochemicals were estimated at periodic intervals, and histopathology at termination of experiment. Thirty three weaner lambs were fed a composite feed mixture (CFM) ad libitum individually, in three groups for 123 days. The isonitrogenous CFM had roughage (Perl Millet Stover) and concentrate ratio of 350:650. Diet fed to control lambs contained groundnut oil meal as protein source while other two groups received diet containing either whole cottonseed (N-Bt) or Bt-cottonseed (Bt-CS). Daily feed intake and average daily gain were similar among lambs of three groups. Lambs fed N-Bt diet had higher (p < 0.05) serum protein and globulin compared to control and Bt diets, while albumin content was higher (p = 0.018) in Bt diet fed lambs. Serum urea and creatinin content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum glutamate pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) activities were not different among lamb groups, while urea and creatinin content and ALP activities increased linearly (p < 0.001) with increased feeding period. Blood haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hc), white blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) ranged from 11.1% to 11.2%, 31.8% to 32.8%, 7.0 to 8.3 (× 10(3) /µl), 19.1 to 22.5 fl and 33.2% to 35.5%, respectively, were similar among lamb groups. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p = 0.008) and red blood cell counts (p = 0.006) were higher in Bt diet fed lambs. Control and N-Bt diet fed lambs had mild fatty infiltration in liver and/or micro-calculi in renal cortex, and such lesions were not seen in Bt diet fed lambs. Growth, haemato-biochemical and histopathology did not change by Bt-CS feeding in growing lamb. However, before recommending the use of Bt-CS in routine feed formulations prolonged feeding experiments of Bt-cotton seed require.

Effect of different feeding regimes on pre-weaning growth rumen fermentation and its influence on post-weaning performance of lambs.

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.

Effect of different liquid cultures of live yeast strains on performance, ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in lambs.

Three yeast strains, Kluyveromyces marximanus NRRL-3234 (KM), Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC-42 (SC) and Saccharomyces uvarum ATCC-9080 (SU), and a mixed culture (1:1:1 ratio) were evaluated for their value as probiotics in lamb feeding in two experiment. In experiment I and II, 20 and 30 pre-weaner lambs were fed for 63 and 60 days in two and three equal groups respectively. All lambs were offered ad libitum a creep mixture and Zizyphus nummularia leaves, and yeasts were dosed orally. In experiment I, one group received no yeast, the other of the mixed culture (1.5-2 x 10(10) live cells/ml). In experiment II, yeast cultivation was modified yielding 1.5-2 x 10(13) live cells/ml. Lambs of the three experimental groups received 1 ml/kg live weight of one of the individual yeasts. Feed intake did not differ among groups of both experiments with the exception of SC-supplemented lambs in experiment II which showed a trend to higher intakes per kg metabolic body weight and in percentage of body weight when compared with KM- and SU-supplemented lambs. Supplementation of the mixed yeast culture had no effect on intakes of digestible crude protein and metabolisable energy, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation characteristics (pH, ammonia, volatile fatty acid concentration, protozoa count) and urinary allantoin as an indicator of microbial protein synthesis. The same was true for comparisons in experiment II except ciliate protozoa counts, which showed a trend to be the highest with SU and the lowest with SC. The results of present study show that the response of lambs to supplemented live yeast cultures is inconsistent, as it lacked to have an effect in the present study, and that differences among strains were small, even when supplemented at a much higher live cell count.

Selection of white-rot basidiomycetes for bioconversion of mustard (Brassica compestris) straw under solid-state fermentation into energy substrate for rumen micro-organism.

AIMS: Selection of white-rot fungi of bio-conversion of mustard straw (MS) into feed for ruminants. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mustard straw was cultured with Ganoderma applanatum, Coriolus versicolor and Phanerochaete chrysosporium for solid-state fermentation at 35 degrees C from 7 to 63 days for delignification and for 21 days to study dry matter digestibility and protein enrichment. Lignin loss in fungus cultured straw varied between 100 and 470 g kg(-1) lignin. Delignification was higher between 7 and 28 days fermentation with C. versicolor. Among the three fungi P. chrysosporium was the most effective in degrading lignin for longer fermentation. In-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein content was higher in C. versicolor cultured straw. Large quantity of straw was cultured by C. versicolor for 21 days, for in vivo evaluation. Mean pH and metabolites of rumen fermentation were not different while, pH and volatile fatty acid increased at 6 h postfermentation on cultured straw feeding. Cultured straw fermentation increased (P = 0.001) small holotricks and reduced (P = 0.005) large holotricks population. Fungus cultures straw did not improve microbial enzyme concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Coriolus versicolor and P. chrysosporium were the promising fungus for MS bio-delignification. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Coriolus versicolor treated MS improved dry matter digestibility and protein content.

Growth, haematology, blood constituents and immunological status of lambs fed graded levels of animal feed grade damaged wheat as substitute of maize.

The aim of this study was to explore possibilities of utilization of animal feed grade damaged wheat (ADW) in lamb feeding, and assess the effect of ADW and its aflatoxin on intake, growth, haematology, blood biochemical constituents and immunological status. The ADW is a slightly mouldy feed resource, which is not suitable for human consumption. The experimental ADW contained dry matter (DM) 964, organic matter 974, crude protein 153, cellulose 205 and lignin 24, and starch 732 g/kg DM. ADW also contained aflatoxin B1 50 microg/kg due to mould infestation. Thirty-five weaner lambs (90 +/- 15 days of age and 16.1 +/- 0.82 kg body weight) in a randomized design were fed for 91 days on one of four composite feed mixtures (roughage to concentrate ratio of 25:75) containing 0, 118, 235, 353 or 470 g/kg ADW, which replaced equal amounts of maize and at these inclusion levels ADW replaced 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% maize in lamb diets respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar in different level of ADW fed lambs but ADW inclusion linearly (p = 0.016) reduced DMI. Average daily gain (g/day) was higher (p = 0.038) in lambs fed 353 g ADW diet. Haematological attributes viz. WBC, haemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume did not affect by ADW feeding whereas it increased haematocrit, mean cell Hb and decreased neutrophil, RBC counts and mean cell Hb concentration. Blood glucose and urea-N increased whereas albumin and protein level reduced by ADW feeding. ADW feeding of lambs did not affect serum IgG level. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphates and acid phosphates were not affected, whereas alanine aminotransferase increased linearly (p = 0.001) with increasing levels of ADW. It is concluded that ADW containing aflatoxin B1 50 microg/kg DM can safely be incorporated in growing lamb feeding up to 353 g/kg diet without affecting growth and cellular immunity, however ADW may induce a transient alteration of hepatic enzymatic activities. Further aflatoxin content of the diet should be kept within permissible limits of respective country.

Caecal fermentation characteristics, blood composition and growth of rabbits on substitution of soya-bean meal by unconventional high-glucosinolate mustard ( Brassica juncea) meal as protein supplement.

Effect of graded levels of high-glucosinolate mustard (Brassica juncea) meal as substitute of soya-bean meal (SBM) in broiler rabbit diets was studied. Forty weaning rabbits of Soviet Chinchilla and White Giant breed were randomly allocated to one of four experimental diets containing mustard meal (MM) 0, 80, 160 and 245 g/kg. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. MM had 54.8 mg total glucosinolates (TGLSs) per g dry matter (DM). Diets had TGLS 3.8, 8.4 and 11.98 mg/g DM in 80, 160 and 245 g MM diets, respectively. MM-incorporated diets had higher digestible and linearly (P < 0.01) higher metabolisable energy (ME) content. However, the effect on total tract apparent digestibility of DM, and crude protein was quadratic. Average daily gain (ADG) reduced (P < 0.05) linearly with increasing MM levels in diet, still 80 and 160 g MM diets had similar ADG compared to that of SBM diet. Caecum weight reduced linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing MM levels in diet. The pH of caecal content ranged between 5.85 and 6.19, total N between 1.19 and 1.48 (g per 100 g) and total volatile fatty acids between 4.7 and 5.8 mmol per 100 g, and they were not statistically different. NH3-N ranged between 31.2 and 39.0 mg per 100 ml, and reduced linearly (P < 0.05) while trichloroacetic acid-precipitable nitrogen increased linearly (P < 0.01, ranged between 114 and 247 mg per 100 ml) with increasing MM levels in diet. Blood haemoglobin, packed cell volume and lymphocytes were higher (quadratic effects, P < 0.05) on 245 MM diet, whereas white blood cell count reduced linearly (P < 0.01). Serum aspartate aminotransferase increased linearly (P < 0.01) while alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity, protein, erythrocytes sedimentation rate and red blood cell counts were not affected by MM. Serum Cu, Na and K content increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing MM levels. Liver Cu concentration showed quadratic (P < 0.05) increase. Rabbits tolerated 8.4 mg TGLS per g diet (160 g MM per kg) during active growth without any apparent effect on health and growth. It is concluded that MM can replace up to 66% SBM protein in rabbit feeding, whereas complete replacement of SBM with MM reduced feed intake and ADG by 23% and 13%, respectively. Further studies are required to confirm these inclusion levels and glucosinolate tolerance of rabbits.

Effect of complete feed blocks or grazing and supplementation of lambs on performance, nutrient utilisation, rumen fermentation and rumen microbial enzymes.

A study to compare two feeding systems, stall feeding (SF) and grazing plus supplementation (GR) was carried out, based on intake, performance and rumen fermentation characteristics of lambs. While SF animals received ad libitum complete feed blocks (CFB), GR animals were allowed grazing for 8 h on a pasture and supplemented with concentrate mixture at 250 g per head per day. Intake in grazing animals was determined using chromium III oxide as internal marker. Intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM) were higher ( P < 0.01) in SF than in GR animals. Similarly, digestibility of OM, CP and energy were higher ( P < 0.01) in SF animals. Average daily gain in SF animals (101 g) was significantly ( P < 0.01) higher than in GR animals (78 g) but total wool yield was similar for the two groups (856 g, SF; 782 g, GR). The pH of the rumen content, concentration of total volatile fatty acids and total activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and esterase in the rumen liquor were similar. The concentrations (mg/dl) of total nitrogen (125, SF; 63, GR) and NH3-nitrogen (42, SF; 31, GR) were higher in SF animals than that of GR animals. A significantly higher activity ( P < 0.05) of microcrystalline cellulase (24.5 v. 7.7 units) and lower activity ( P < 0.05) of protease (309 v. 525 units), was observed in the rumen of SF animals than in GR animals. SF animals could therefore harness more energy through degradation of plant cell walls thus reducing breakdown of plant proteins as gluconeogenic source. The SF system of feeding where CFB was offered to sheep appeared superior to GR in terms of intake, nutrient utilisation and animal performance. Therefore the SF feeding system where CFB are offered to animals can be advocated as an alternative to grazing and supplementation feeding strategy for sheep production, especially where the pastures are highly eroded and need resting for regeneration or curing. The CFB feeding can also be adopted under adverse conditions like drought and famine, a common phenomenon in arid and semiarid conditions.

Effect of inclusion of tree leaves in feed on nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation in sheep.

The effect of inclusion of tree leaves in mustard (Brassica campestris) straw (MS) based complete feed blocks (CFB) on nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation was studied in adult male sheep. Four types of CFB diets (Roughage:Concentrate:Molasses, 70:25:5) were prepared. The compaction process increased bulk density (g/cm(3)) of MSB, MSNL, MSSL and MSAL by 2.9, 1.79, 2.40 and 2.26 times, respectively. The dry matter intake (g/day) was higher (P<0.05) in MSSL and MSAL than in MSB. Digestibility coefficients of crude protein and hemicellulose increased (P<0.05) due to inclusion of tree leaves, while digestibility of dry matter and organic matter showed small improvement. However, inclusion of tree leaves did not affect digestibility of neutral detergent fibre, cellulose and energy. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids in rumen was significantly higher in MSAL than in MSB or MSSL. Blood bio-chemical parameters were within the normal physiological range in all the groups.

Effect of different strains of yeast on stereocontrolled reduction of 5-acetylisoxazolines.

The stereocontrolled reduction of 3-aryl-5-acetylisoxazolines (1) to the corresponding alcohols (2 and 3) in the presence of four different yeast strains, recognized as Baker's yeast (commercial), Candida krusei (ATCC 14243), Pichia farinosa (NRRL Y110) and Sacchromyces sp. (soil isolate) have been attempted. The C. krusei was found to be diastereoselective for the (R)-1 while the Sacchromyces sp. led to complete reduction to yield the RS- and SS-alcohol in 1:1 ratio at 10 g/L scale.

Effect of substitution of groundnut with high glucosinolate mustard (Brassica juncea) meal on nutrient utilization, growth, vital organ weight and blood composition of lambs.

Twenty-four 14-day-old weaner Avivastra (Russian MerinoxNali) male lambs were maintained for 180 days on ad libidum Cenchrus (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay and concentrate mixture (CM) contained groundnut meal (control) and mustard meal (MM group) as major protein source. The two CMs were isonitrogenous (21% CP) and isocaloric (2.78McalMEkg(-1) DM), while, CM fed to MM group contained 24.6mg glucosinolatesg(-1) DM. Digestibility of nutrients was similar (P>0.05) in the two groups except for CP and hemicellulose, which was higher (P<0.05) in control. Urinary N loss was higher (P<0.01) in control than in MM group, whereas N retention (% of N intake and absorbed) was higher (P<0.01) in MM group compared to control. Dry matter (gkg(-1)BW) and glucosinolate intakes were higher in MM fed group, whereas DCP and ME intakes were similar (P>0.05) in the two groups. Average daily gain (ADG) was, however, 22% higher (P<0.01) in control than in MM group. Hemoglobin and albumin contents were lower (P<0.01) in MM group than in control. Serum thiocyanate content was 26.7µgg(-1) in MM fed group, while it was not detected in control group. Thyroid weight was higher (P<0.01) while liver and kidney weights were lower (P<0.01) in MM group. Meat from dissected carcass of control group contained more protein and less fat, whereas the reverse was noticed in MM group. It is concluded that feeding mustard meal as protein supplement reduced growth rate and induced iodine deficiency. Carcass of lambs fed mustard meal had more fat and less protein.