Generation of double knockout cattle via CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein(RNP)electroporation

Background Genome editing has been considered as powerful tool in agricultural fields.However,genome editing progress in cattle has not been fast as in other mammal species,for some disadvantages including long gestational periods,single pregnancy,and high raising cost.Furthermore,technically demanding methods such as microinjection and somatic cell nuclear transfer(SCNT)are needed for gene editing in cattle.In this point of view,electroporation in embryos has been risen as an alternative.Results First,editing efficiency of our electroporation methods were tested for embryos.Presence of mutation on embryo was confirmed by T7E1 assay.With first combination,mutation rates for MSTN and PRNP were 57.6%±13.7%and 54.6%±13.5%,respectively.In case of MSTN/BLG,mutation rates were 83.9%±23.6%for MSTN,84.5%±18.0%for BLG.Afterwards,the double-KO embryos were transferred to surrogates and mutation rate was identified in resultant calves by targeted deep sequencing.Thirteen recipients were transferred for MSTN/PRNP,4 calves were delivered,and one calf underwent an induction for double KO.Ten surrogates were given double-KO embryos for MSTN/BLG,and four of the six calves that were born had mutations in both genes.Conclusions These data demonstrated that production of genome edited cattle via electroporation of RNP could be effectively applied.Finally,MSTN and PRNP from beef cattle and MSTN and BLG from dairy cattle have been born and they will be valuable resources for future precision breeding.

Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio‑fermented rice straw

Background Providing high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed.Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw(BF)improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep.However,it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain.Therefore,the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen micro-biota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF,as well as how their changes influence the feed intake,digestibility,nutrient transport,meat quality and growth performances of sheep.Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups:alfalfa hay fed group(AH:positive control),rice straw fed group(RS:negative control)and BF fed group(BF:treatment).Samples of rumen content,blood,rumen epithelium,muscle,feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.Results Feeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation,particularly increasing(P<0.05)relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production,and decreasing(P<0.05)enteric methane yield.The histomorphology(height,width,area and thickness)of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate trans-port(MCT1),tight junction(claudin-1,claudin-4),and cell proliferation(CDK4,Cyclin A2,Cyclin E1)were improved(P<0.05)in sheep fed BF.Additionally,serum metabolome was also dynamically changed,which led to up-regulating(P<0.05)the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF.As a result,the higher(P<0.05)feed intake,digestibility,growth rate,feed efficiency,meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle,and the lower(P<0.05)feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.Conclusions Feeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost.Therefore,bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with mini-mizing production costs.

Identification of Microorganisms in Poultry Farms in N’djamena and the Border Areas of Hadjer-Lamis and Chari-Baguirmi Chad

Introduction: On the outskirts of Ndjamena, semi-industrial poultry farming and traditional poultry farming are practised informally on almost all poultry farms in Chad. This type of poultry farming is faced with real health problems attributable to a lack of monitoring of the vaccination schedule, inadequate compliance with biosecurity measures and poor application of the Ichikawa rule based on the 5 M’s. Objective: The aim of this article is to identify the microorganisms responsible for contamination of poultry farms in the study area. Method: The study was carried out from 28/04/2022 to 31/01/2023 on the basis of 300 samples taken from feed, drinking water, droppings and scrapings from poultry housing surfaces in the 30 farms that served as a framework for our research. Sampling was of the simple random type, and farms were selected on the basis of the farmers’ consent. The data were recorded on pre-established survey forms. Our study was cross-sectional, descriptive and prospective. Bacteria were isolated using the reference method NF EN ISO 6579 for Salmonella spp. and cultured on the specific medium eosin methylene blue (EMB) for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Citrobacter freundii. Results: The following results emerged from this study: Escherichia coli (5.33%), Pseudomonas (1.33%), Citrobacter freundii (12%) and Salmonella paratyphi (21.68%). Conclusion: Of the 300 samples analysed, 121 (40.33%) were contaminated with pathogens. This high level of contamination is a health problem. The study shows that biosecurity is less satisfactory on the farms visited. Nevertheless, farms with a very satisfactory level of biosafety ensure food safety and variety for the population.

Animal Disease Research: Key Issues

Livestock and fish production has been growing rapidly in recent decades, driven by the increasing demand for animal-source food. In the last 25 years, the global per capita food demand for all animalsource food has increased by more than 40 kg per person per year [1]. Most of the increase in consumption and production is occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Asia and Latin America. This demand is driven in turn by increasing populations, growing wealth, and urbanization. Much of the demand is supplied by poultry, pork, milk, and fish—sectors that can more easily respond to demand by intensification [2].

Seasonal Variations and Its Impacts on Livestock Production Systems with a Special Reference to Dairy Animals:An Appraisal

Seasonal climatic variations is one of the most important environmental issues at present,the devastating impact of which is visualized on the ecology,ecosystem,and species survival.The livestock sector,which has been the source of animal protein for ever-increasing human masses,is subjected to the increased environmental temperature and higher frequency of extreme events.The impact of a high degree of heat stress is found to have a direct bearing on the milk production,growth,feed intake,reproductive efficiency,and disease incidence of the animals.The environmental temperature above the thermo-neutral zone of the animals has not only been adversely affecting the productivity and survival in the intensive livestock production systems,but the impact is equally seen in the extensive systems.Besides reduced milk production and change in composition,the impact of heat stress on dairy animals,in general,can be seen from the reduction of sperm quantity and quality in case of male and a marked decline in fertility and embryo quality in the case of females.The paper analyses varied aspects of climate change impacts on production,productivity,reproduction,and health of livestock,with a special focus on dairy animals.

Prevalence of Salmonella in Fresh Produce Tomatoes Sold in Open Market in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Tomato is a widely consumed vegetable in Burkina Faso and throughout the world. However, when handled improperly, it can serve as a vector of pathogen transmission to human if ingested raw or through cross-contamination with cooked food. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp from tomatoes sold in the markets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and characteristics of vending conditions. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) different tomato samples were randomly purchased from one hundred and thirteen (113) different vendors in the markets of Ouagadougou. The samples were examined and classified into three categories according to their texture and the level of deterioration. The prevalence of Salmonella spp identification was determined using standard microbiological methods. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire on transport and vending conditions for tomatoes. In total, Salmonella prevalence was 19.19% in all tomato’s samples analyzed and was 18.18% for intact category, 22.73% in D2 category and 16.67% in category D4. The survey revealed poor transport and sales conditions for the majority of tomato sellers. The present study revealed the presence of Salmonella in tomatoes samples. These results highlight the risk associated with the consumption of tomatoes if hygienic practices are not respected during tomatoes handling and preparation. The results of the study also show the need to wash tomatoes systematically after purchase with a disinfectant, especially tomatoes sold in open markets in developing countries.

Effects of urea plus nitrate pretreated rice straw and corn oil supplementation on fiber digestibility,nitrogen balance,rumen fermentation,microbiota and methane emissions in goats

Background: Urea pretreatment is an efficient strategy to improve fiber digestibility of low quality roughages for ruminants. Nitrate and oil are usually used to inhibit enteric methane(CH4) emissions from ruminants. The objective of this study was to examine the combined effects of urea plus nitrate pretreated rice straw and corn oil supplementation to the diet on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen(N) balance, CH4 emissions, ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbiota in goats. Nine female goats were used in a triple 3 × 3 Latin Square design(27 d periods). The treatments were: control(untreated rice straw, no added corn oil), rice straw pretreated with urea and nitrate(34 and 4.7 g/kg of rice straw on a dry matter [DM] basis, respectively, UN), and UN diet supplemented with corn oil(15 g/kg soybean and15 g/kg corn were replaced by 30 g/kg corn oil, DM basis, UNCO).Results: Compared with control, UN increased neutral detergent fiber(NDF) digestibility(P < 0.001) and copies of protozoa(P < 0.001) and R. albus(P < 0.05) in the rumen, but decreased N retention(-21.2%, P < 0.001), dissolved hydrogen concentration(-22.8%, P < 0.001), molar proportion of butyrate(-18.2%, P < 0.05),(acetate + butyrate) to propionate ratio(P < 0.05) and enteric CH4 emissions(-10.2%, P < 0.05). In comparison with UN, UNCO increased N retention(+34.9%, P < 0.001) and decreased copies of protozoa(P < 0.001) and methanogens(P < 0.001). Compared with control, UNCO increased NDF digestibility(+8.3%, P < 0.001), reduced ruminal dissolved CH4 concentration(-24.4%, P < 0.001) and enteric CH4 emissions(-12.6%, P < 0.05).Conclusions: A combination of rice straw pretreated with urea plus nitrate and corn oil supplementation of the diet improved fiber digestibility and lowered enteric CH4 emissions without negative effects on N retention. These strategies improved the utilization of rice straw by goats.

Mitochondrial DNA diversity and origin of indigenous pigs in South China and their contribution to western modern pig breeds

Indigenous pigs in South China are valuable genetic resources with many specific and unique characters, which have played an important role in the establishment of some western modern pig breeds. However, the origin and genetic diversity of indigenous pigs in South China have not been fully understood. In the present study, we sequenced 534 novel mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop and assembled 54 complete mitogenome sequences for all 17 indigenous pig breeds from Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan in South China. These data were analyzed together with previously published homologous sequences relevant to this study. We found that all 13 coding genes of the mitogenomes were under purifying selection, but ND1 had the most variable sites and CYTB contained the most non-synonymous SNPs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all indigenous pigs in South China were clustered into the D haplogroup with D1a1, D1b, D1c and D1e sub-haplogroups found to be dominant. Haplotype and nucleotide diversities of D-loop sequences ranged from 0.427 to 0.899 and from 0.00342 to 0.00695, respectively, among which all pigs in Guangdong had the lowest diversity. The estimates of pairwise FST, gene flow (Nm) and genetic distance (Da) indicated that most of these indigenous pig breeds differentiated from each other significantly (P<0.05). Among the western modern breeds, Berkshire and Yorkshire had significant Asian matrilineal footprints from indigenous pigs in South China, especially the Spotted pigs distributed in Guangdong and Guangxi. The neutrality test (Fu’s FS) indicated that indigenous pigs from Fujian and Guangxi had gone through recent population expansion events (P<0.05). It is concluded that indigenous pigs in South China were most likely derived from the Mekong region and the middle and downstream regions of Yangtze River through Guangxi and Fujian. Our findings provide a complete and in-depth insight on the origin and distribution pattern of maternal genetic diversity of indigenous pigs in South China.

Impact of grazing on soil, vegetation and ewe production performances in a semi-arid rangeland

Controlled grazing is considered a good management strategy to maintain or increase the live weight of livestock and to reduce vegetation degradation of rangelands. The present study investigated soil characteristics, aboveground vegetation biomass dynamics and controlled grazinginduced changes in the live weight of local ewes in the semi-arid rangeland of Ahmadun, Ziarat, Balochistanprovince of Pakistan. An area of 115 ha was protected from livestock grazing in April 2014. In June 2015, soil characteristics within 0-30 cm depth i.e. soil organic matter(SOM), mineral nitrogen, p H and texture in controlled and uncontrolled grazing sites were assessed. Aboveground vegetation biomass measured in early(June) and late summer(August) in 2015 and 2016. The nutritional value i.e. crude protein, phosphorus(P), neutral detergent fiber(NDF), acid detergent fiber(ADF), calcium(Ca), magnesium(Mg) and potassium(K) of dominantplant species were assessed at the beginning of experiment in 2015. Vegetation cover of controlled and uncontrolled grazing sites was also measured during the two years of the study period using the Veg Measure software. From June to November in2015 and 2016, controlled and uncontrolled livestock grazing sites were grazed on a daily basis by local ewes with a stocking rate of 2 and 1 head ha^(-1) respectively. Results reveal that the organic matter contents of coarse-textured, slightly alkaline soil of the study site were in the range of 9.4-17.6 g kg^(-1) soil and showed a strong positive correlation with aboveground vegetation biomass. The biomass of plants was 56.5% and 33% greater at controlled than uncontrolled grazing site in 2015 and 2016 respectively and plant cover was also higher at controlled than uncontrolled grazing site in both years The nutrient contents were significantly(P<0.05)lower in grasses than shrubs. In both years, the controlled grazing increased the weight gain of ewes about two folds compared to the uncontrolled grazing.The results indicate that controlled grazing improved the vegetation biomass production and small ruminant productivity.

Studies on Biomass Yield, Morphological Characteristics and Nutritive Quality of Napier Cultivars under Two Different Geo-Topographic Conditions of Bangladesh

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of Napier cultivars in terms of forage yield, plant morphology and nutrient contents under two different agro-ecology and geo-topographic conditions. Three Napier cultivars being conserved by Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), namely-BLRI-Napier 1, (BN-1), BLRI-Napier 3 (BN-3) and Merkeron (BN-5) were selected to cultivate in severe drought prone areas (called Barind) and non-drought area at Savar (Modhupur terrace). Stem cuttings were planted in rows apart from 70 cm and 35cm spacing between plants. Data of 6 consecutive harvests from a period of approximately one year were collected and analyzed statistically by “R” software. The results showed that cultivar and location had a significant (P < 0.001) effect on biomass yield, plant height and leaf-stem ratio (LSR), while number of tillers were significantly varied with locations. BN-3 yielded the highest biomass (33.32 t/ha/harvest) at non-drought location (42.98 t/ha/harvest). The highest plant height was obtained in BN-1 (171.2 cm) at non-drought location (174.6 cm). Number of tillers per hill ranged from 25.4 to 26.3 among cultivars (P > 0.05) and the highest tillers were found at non-drought location (28.1 no). The best LSR was estimated from BN-5 (0.86) at drought location (0.95). The proximate analysis showed that CP, ADF and NDF in whole plant were varied significantly (P < 0.001), being the highest contents in BN-1 (10.69%, 46.20% and 54.58%, respectively). On the other hand, DM and ash contents did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among cultivars which ranged from 15.80% to 17.13% and 13.10% to 14.58%, respectively. The highest CP content in whole plant was obtained at non-drought location (11.89%), while the lowest ash (10.57%) and NDF (52.71%) contents were obtained at the same location. The highest CP contents in leaf were found at non-drought (15.03%) and the lowest ash (9.86%) at the same location. The highest CP contents (5.90%) in stem were found at non-drought location, while the lowest ash (11.28%) and NDF (54.59%) contents were obtained at the same location. Finally, the experiment reveals the superiority in biomass yield and nutritional quality (in terms of CP content) with the ranking orders of BN-3 > BN-1 > BN-5 and BN-1 > BN-3 > BN-5. Therefore, it may be concluded that BN-1, BN-3, and BN-5 cultivars were well adapted in both drought and non-drought conditions, although performance showed better in later conditions. However, in terms of forage yield and overall nutrient composition, the performance of BN-3 was the best irrespective of locations.

Comparative Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Fertility and Hatchability of Guinea Fowl with Tilili, Horro and Potchefstroom Koekoek Chicken Breeds

A study was conducted to compare laying performance, fertility, hatchability, and egg quality of guinea fowl (GF) with Horro (HR) and Tilili (TL) local chicken and Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK) exotic chicken. Forty five layers from each genotype and 6 cocks from each chicken genotype and 9 cocks from GF were used in 3 replications in a completely randomized design. Commercial layer feed was used ad libitum for the study that lasted 29 weeks. Daily DM intake per hen was 85, 114, 103 and 137 g (SEM = 3.1) for GF, HR, TL and PK, respectively, and was in the order of GF < TL < HR < PK. Final body weight of hens was highest for PK (2490 g), intermediate for HR (1983 g) and lowest for TL (1671 g) and GF (1641 g). Egg number per production week followed a similar trend like that of DM intake and was 71, 101, 75 and 121 (SEM = 0.5) for GF, HR, TL and PK, respectively. Both fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs for GF were 57%, which were lower than the mean of chicken genotypes by 41% and 34%, respectively. Embryonic mortality was higher for GF (early, middle and late was 15.8%, 10.0%. and 17.4% respectively) compared to chicken genotypes. Chick weight was highest for PK, intermediate for HR and TL and lowest for GF;while chick length was in the order of PK > HR > TL > GF. Average egg weight was higher for PK eggs (46.4 g), intermediate for HR (43.5 g) and TL (42.3 g), and lowest for GF (35.9 g). Eggshell weight and thickness were higher for GF than chicken genotypes. Haugh unit was similar among genotypes. Such differences among poultry genotypes could be reflection of previous selection and breeding interventions, which are apparently more in chicken genotypes than GF. A possible more stressful condition of the confined environment for GF versus chicken genotypes could have also contributed to such differences. This study highlighted the need of implementing future selection and breeding schemes to improve the performance of GF and TL birds to the level achieved by other genotypes.

Application of cattle placental stem cells for treating ovarian follicular cyst

BACKGROUND High humidity and temperature in Taiwan have significant effects on the reproductivity of Holstein cattle,resulting in the occurrence of bovine ovarian follicular cyst(OFC).Because of economic loss from OFC,manual rupture and hormone injection have been advocated for the management of OFC.However,these incomplete treatments increase hormone resistance in cattle.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)derived from placental stem cells(PSCs)demonstrate potential properties for the treatment of several diseases via promoting angiogenesis and immune modulation.AIM To establish the possibility of cattle placental stem cells(CPSCs)as a treatment modality for OFC of cows in Taiwan.METHODS The cows with OFC were divided into three groups:control(BC1 and BC2),hormone(H1 and H2),and CPSC(PS1 and PS2)treatment groups.In the hormone treatment group,the cows were given gonadotrophin-releasing hormone(GnRH)-prostaglandin-GnRH intramuscular injection with or without drainage of follicular fluid.In the CPSC treatment group,CPSCs were isolated from the placenta after labor.With the identification of surface antigen on stem cells,the cows were administered ovarian injection of 1×106 or 6×106 CPSCs with drainage.In all groups,OFC was scanned by ultrasound once a week for a total of seven times.The concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in serum were tested in the same period.The estrus cycle was analyzed by food intake and activity.If estrus was detected,artificial insemination was conducted.Then the cow was monitored by ultrasound for confirmation of pregnancy.RESULTS After 7 d of culture,CPSCs were successfully isolated from placental pieces.CPSCs significantly proliferated every 24 h and had high expression of MSC markers such as cluster of differentiation 44,as determined by flow cytometry.Ultrasound showed lower numbers of OFCs with drainage of follicular fluid.We achieved recovery rates of 0%,50%,50%,75%,75%and 75%in BC1,BC2,H1,H2,PS1,and PS2,respectively.Higher concentrations of progesterone were detected in the CPSC treatment groups.However,both hormone and CPSC treatment groups had no significant difference in the concentration of estradiol.The estrus rate was 0%,100%,25%,75%,75%and 75%in BC1,BC2,H1,H2,PS1,and PS2,respectively.The two fetuses were born in H2 and PS1.In brief,cows with CPSC injection achieved higher recovery,estrus,and inseminated conception rates.CONCLUSION CPSCs have efficacy in treating cows with OFC,and thus,may serve as an alternative treatment for reproductive disorders.

Evaluation of genetic diversity and conservation priorities for Egyptian chickens

In this study, 21 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 196 Egyptian local chickens obtained from Fayoumi (n = 35), Dandarawy (n = 30), Baladi (n = 29), Sinai (n = 30), El-Salam (n = 36), and Golden Montazah (n = 36) strains. The results were compared to two pure commercial chicken populations reared in Japan-White Leghorn (n = 42) and Rhode Island Red (n = 43). A total of 162 alleles were observed, with an average of 7.7 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity for the Egyptian chickens was 0.595. The closest pairwise Nei’s genetic distance was recorded between Sinai and Golden Montazah (0.038) and the smallest pairwise FST value (0.006) was observed between Baladi and Sinai. The most probable structure clustering of the eight studied populations was at K = 6. Baladi, Sinai and Golden Montazah strains were clustered together forming admixed mosaic cluster. Dandarawy ranked firstly and contributed the most to aggregate genetic diversity based on two prioritization methods. The information resulting from this study may be used as an initial guide to design further investigations for development of sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs for the Egyptian chicken genetic resources.

Serum Biochemical and Meat Fatty Acid Profiles of Different Chicken Genotypes

Serum biochemical and meat fatty acid profile of different chickens were studied. A total of 144 mixed sex matured chickens of Cosmopolitan (C), Improved Horro (H), Cosmopolitan♂*Improved Horro♀(CH), Improved Horro♂*Cosmopolitan♀ (HC), Indigenous (L) and Koekkoek (KK) were used to determine serum biochemical, of which 36 chickens were also used for fatty acid profile study. Completely randomized design in 6 × 2 factorial arrangements was set up. Serum biochemical and fatty acid profiles were determined by Roche/Hitachi cobas c 501 and gas liquid chromatography (GC) procedures, respectively. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) in Total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density lipoprotein (HDL) among genotypes and between sexes. HDL was inversely related with TC, TG and LDL. Male had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.001) TC, TG, LDL but lower HDL than female. SFA, (Myristic, Pentadecanoic and Palmitic acids) had significantly (P < 0.05) varied among genotypes. However, Margaric (P ≤ 0.01) and stearic (P ≤ 0.001) acids were significantly different between sexes. Myristoleic and Palmitoleic acids significantly vary (P ≤ 0.05) among genotypes and between sexes. Oleic (P ≤ 0.01) and Eicosenoic (P ≤ 0.001) significantly influenced by sex. Moreover, Linoleic had significantly (P ≤ 0.01) affected by genotypes. Nevertheless, α-linolenic acid significantly (P ≤ 0.01) varied between sexes. The serum biochemical differed across genotypes and between sexes. The difference in the number of carbons, double bond and position of the double bond could affect fatty acid profile among genotypes and between sexes. Chicken products with higher level TC, TG, LDL and SFA might affect human health problems. It could also be interesting topic for future studies.

Comparative Study on Biomass Yield,Morphology,Silage Quality of Hybrid Napier and Pakchong and Their Utilization in Bull Calves

This work was conducted to compare the potentiality between BLRI Napier-3(BN-3)and Pakchong(PK)fodders.In a completely randomized design(CRD)layout,10 plots(5 m′5 m each)were prepared and stem cuttings were transplanted.Fodder plants were harvested at 70,80 and 90 days after plantation(DAP)followed by making silage.Ten Red Chittagong Cattle(RCC)growing bull calves were selected and equally divided into two treatment groups fed only silages for nutrient utilization and growth evaluation.The highest biomass yield(69.3 ton/ha)and plant height(104.6 cm)were observed in PK at 90 DAP.The highest leaf weight(498.6 g/plant)and leaf to stem ratio(LSR)(1.53)were observed in BN-3 at 70 DAP,which was decreased gradually in progressing maturity.Conversely,stem weight was increased with progressing maturity.Dry matter(DM)(24.71%),total ash(8.35%)and acid detergent fiber(ADF)(61.89%)in PK silage were significantly higher.On the other hand,crude protein(CP)(9.86%),organic matter(OM)(91.65%)and neutral detergent fiber(NDF)(88.06%)in PK silage did not differ with BN-3 silage.Dry matter intake(DMI)and crude protein intake(CPI)from PK silage(2.25 kg/day/animal and 0.22 kg/day/animal)were significantly higher.Digestibility of DM(55.07%),CP(62.35%),OM(57.85%),total ash(30.89%),ADF(73.02%)and NDF(78.19%)for PK silage were significantly higher.N-intake(35.57 g/d)from PK silage was significantly higher,although,N-retention did not differ significantly.There were no significant differences in weight gain of calves fed PK(117 g/d)and BN-3(68 g/d).It can be concluded that PK silage is comparatively better than BN-3 in respect to biomass yield,digestibility and nutrient utilization in growing bull calves.

Growth and Yield of Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i>L.) under the Influence of Planting Geometry and Irrigation Regimes

A field study to evaluate the “growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under the influence of planting geometry and irrigation regimes” was carried out at Oilseeds Section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam located at (25°25'60"N, 68°31'60"E) during Kharif 2013. The experiment was laid out in a three replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial, having net plot size 3 × 3 m (9 m2). The treatments comprised three planting geometry (30 × 20 cm, 45 × 15 cm and 60 × 10 cm) and three irrigation regimes (2 irrigations at 20 and 40 DAS, 3 irrigations at 20, 40 and 60 DAS and 4 irrigations at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS). The analysis of variance showed that all the planting geometry and irrigation regimes significantly (P -1 (15.67), capsules plant-1 (38.00), seeds capsule-1 (51.44), seed weight plant-1 (31.89 g), seed index (2.83 g), biological yield (2301.23 kg·ha-1), seed yield (742.33 kg·ha-1) and harvest index (30.44%), followed by planting geometry of 60 × 10 cm in all the parameters. However, minimum growth and yield traits of sesame were recorded under planting geometry of 30 × 20 cm. Moreover, plant height was maximum (99.89 cm) under planting geometry of 30 × 20 cm. Among irrigation regimes, four irrigations (20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS) recorded maximum plant height (103.33 cm), branches plant-1 (16.44), capsules plant-1 (41.22), seeds capsule-1 (54.56), seed weight plant-1 (33.22 g), seed index (2.92 g), biological yield (2321.21 kg·ha-1), seed yield (748.78 kg·ha-1) and harvest index (31.00%), followed by three irrigations (20, 40 and 60 DAS) almost in all the traits. However, minimum growth and yield traits of sesame were recorded when crop was applied two irrigations (20 and 40 DAS). In case of interactive effects, the interaction of planting geometry of 45 × 15 cm × four irrigations (20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS) resulted in maximum attributes, particularly seed yield (765.00 kg·ha-1), whereas minimum traits were noted in the interaction of planting geometry of 30 × 20 cm × two irrigations (20 and 40 DAS). Furthermore, the results of four and three irrigations had non-significant differences with each other means not sharing the same letter differ significantly at 0.05 probability level. Hence, it is concluded that interaction of 45 × 15 cm planting geometry and three irrigations (20, 40 and 60 DAS) is conducive to produce maximum seed yield (kg·ha-1) of sesame.