Advances in Agriculture and Animal Sciences

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF WHEAT GRAIN WITH FERTILIZATION AND CUTTING TIMINGS

A. Rajput, H. Babar, A. A. Odhano, M. S. Memon, A. A. Memon — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

The vital economic and nutritional contributions of wheat to both human and livestock diets are universally acknowledged. Dual purposes of wheat crop are responsible for improving grain productivity, nutrient content and provide green fodder in winter due to the shortages of animal feed. In recent years, cutting stages after sowing have emerged as a promising strategy for wheat cultivation to mitigate post-harvest losses. To investigate this approach, a trial was conducted during the 2022-2023 winter season at the Soil Fertility Research Institute Tandojam experimental field. The study comprised four treatments: T1 No cutting, T2 Cutting at 35 days after sowing (DAS), T3 Cutting at 65 DAS, T4 Cutting at 75 DAS. The experiment followed a statistical design (RCBD) Randomized Complete Block Design and replicate with four times. The data showed that the highest plant height, grain weight, and grain productivity were achieved in T2 (cutting at 35 DAS). However, the wheat grain composition such as N, P, K, Fe, Zn, and protein content were observed maximum values in T2 (cutting at 35 DAS). Minimum values were found at the treatment T4 (Cutting 75 DAS) except for plant height. Maximum height was recorded in the control plot (T1). The findings of the study suggested that there is a positive effect of early cutting schedule (35 DAS) in enhancing productivity and other components and further, noticed that lack of cutting plot showed similar grain productivity, 1000-grain weight and highest plant height. Additionally, cutting at 35 DAS enhances nutrient content in grain, statistically similar results to control plot, reduces lodging risk standards for domestic and export purposes. Hence, in timing of wheat cutting with balanced nutrition NPK is crucial to get higher nutritional values and simultaneously could minimize the lodging risk in the crop.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF SULPHUR ON THE GROWTH ECONOMIC YIELD OF THREE CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM) VARIETIES

N. Ameen, T. Noor, S. Amjad, R. M. Akhtar, B. Khan — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Sulphur (S) is an important macronutrient for growth in animals, plants, microbes, and people. Sulphur shortage in plants leads to decreased photosynthetic activity, poor nitrogen metabolism and protein synthesis, low oil percentage, dwarfism, and growth retardation. The consequences are more severe in shoots than roots. Symptoms of S shortage in plants include the yellowing of immature leaves, chlorosis, necrosis in the late stages of development, spindles with short stalks, and poor crop production. A field experiment examined the effects of sulphur on the development and productivity of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), The world's most nutritious pulse crop. In the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan undertook the study to investigate the effects of different sulphur concentrations on the economic yield of three different types of chickpeas (Noor-19, Bittal-21, and Bittal-16). The experiment involved two factors: the kind of chickpeas and the amount of sulphur (120 mg and 240 mg) applied during the blooming period. The study found that 240 mg of sulphur significantly increased grain yield, seed index (1000 grain weight), pod count plant^-1, branch number plant^-1, and plant height compared to the control. Higher sulphur levels produce a positive reaction because sulphur improves photosynthetic efficiency, protein synthesis, and nitrogen fixation, all of which boost yield and biomass accumulation. Other metrics, such as root length and chlorophyll b and c content, did not respond significantly to sulphur treatment, presumably due to limited mobility or assimilation of sulphur beyond specific metabolic requirements in chickpea growth. Therefore, adding the proper sulphur treatment to chickpea cropping systems' fertilization program can improve crop yield.

INTERACTION OF PSEUDOMONAS AND AZOSPIRILLUM SPECIE WITH WHEAT PLANT ROOTS TO ENHANCE PLANT PRODUCTIVITY AGAINST DROUGHT STRESS

A. Shakoor, A. S. Raza, M. Hameed, R. Jameel, M. M. Ahmad — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L) is regarded as the main staple crop of Pakistan. Drought is one major environmental stress that badly affects crop production. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria are proven to increase crop productivity and plant resistance. The zone of continuing interaction between soil bacteria and plant roots is known as the rhizosphere. Plants draw rhizosphere microorganisms to accumulate in the internal and surface tissues of their roots through root exudates. Numerous of these microbes, often referred to as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, support plant growth by a variety of direct and indirect procedures such as biological nitrogen fixation, nutrient solubilization, and disease management. A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomic research area, Faculty of Agriculture and environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Crop was sown on 21^st November 2022 under normal management practices. However, drought was created at tillering and anthesis stage and Pseudomonas and Azospirillum both are applied alone and in combination. The treatments included T₀= Control, T₁= Drought + Azospirillum, T₂= Drought + Pseudomonas, T₃= Drought + Azospirillum + Pseudomonas. The experiment was held out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications having a net plot size of 5m*3m. Fisher’s analysis of variance was used to statistically analyze all the acquired data at a 5% probability level. Findings of the present study indicated that plant height (101.87cm), number of fertile tillers (360.00m^-2), spike length (11.8cm), number of grains spikes (46.00^-2), number of spikelet spikes (20.993^-2), grain weight (40.00g), biological yield (13.407 t ha^-1), harvest index (34.987%), 1000-grain protein contents (40.00g), grain yield (5.63 t ha^-1), grain nitrogen contents (17.36%), grain phosphorus contents (3.7567%), grain potassium (4.25%), total chlorophyll contents (46.500mg g^-1), osmotic (0.77 MPa) and water potential (0.5 MPa)were significantly increased in Drought + Azospirillum + Pseudomonas group as compared to control group. Finally, it was concluded that wheat growth is significantly impacted by drought stress. However, when Azospirillum and Pseudomonas are used correctly, wheat becomes more drought-tolerant and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) can decrease the impact of drought stress and increase crop yield.

FACTORS INFLUENCING AND CONTROL STRATEGIES AGAINST LUMPY SKIN DISEASE THROUGH VACCINATIONS ON BOVINE

W. M. Mangrio, S. A. Rid, H. A. Sahito, F. I. Sahito, A. H. Mastoi — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

This scoping research study was conducted on the epidemiological deadliest lumpy skin disease, caused by encapsulated host-specific vector-borne double stranded DNA, brick-shaped Capripox virus. Different vaccines and control strategies were employed on cross breed and local breed cattle species against LSDV in the district, Khairpur Mirs during 2023. The outcome of this study revealed that the maximum infection was noted in cross bread at (79.19) as compared to herd gathering factors (71.50) followed by grazing period factor (62.14), transportation (48.00), chordata animals (13.25), and nib of injection (09.13). As a precautionary treatment, lumpy VAC, lumpy VAX, LSD-dolvit vaccine, and neem oil were used against LSD in (n=365) normal cattle. Similarly, vaccines namely; dectron, ketoject, teragen, and pencilline+dettol were used in (n=361) cattle containing signs and symptoms of LSD. The main LSD causative agents are mosquitoes, houseflies, and ticks, transmitting germs from infected to healthy cattle breeds. In conjunction with the LSD threats, epidemiological studies, isolation, identification, etiology, transmission, diagnosis, proper disposal, and cleaning, are all the control measures. Among them mass vaccination is the administrative approach, and the optimal way can give valuable insight to limit this fast-spreading viral disease. The lumpy VAC and dectron proved to be the best control hence, recommended. These vaccines should be done at the proper dose, time, and schedule for future disease mitigation and management. This study would increase the understanding of livestock owners, field vaccinators, and livestock regulators to deal with this contagious infection at different stages of bovine.

A CLOSE VIEW ON HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN ROOTS OF GUAVA VAR. SEEDLESS IN HYDERABAD, SINDH, PAKISTAN

A. Khan, K. A. Khanzada, M. A. Rajput, M. A. Samad, N. Khatoon, S. Waheed — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Guava var. seedless naturally infected with root-knot nematode were fixed, sectioned and examined in detail. Meloidogyne incognita infective second stage juveniles penetrated and moved intercellularly modifying the vascular system and phloem into giant cells of various sizes. After getting mature the females start producing eggs which completely occupy the cortex while in some cells female sections were observed. Necrosis was present with hypertrophy and hyperplasia in cortex cells. Our results suggest selection of resistant guava varieties shall reduce the ability of Meloidogyne incognita damage. In Pakistan, most farmers are small land holders and improved varieties having multiple diseases resistance will be more useful for sustained agricultural production.

EVALUATIING THE LACTISAR EFFECTS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND IMMUNE RESPONSE IN BROILER CHICKENS

A. H. Rajput, M. S. Bughio, M. Z. Pirzado, M. B. Peerzado, S. A. Pirzado — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

The use of multiple strains of probiotics and multi-enzymes has been shown to enhance growth and immune function in poultry production. This study evaluated the effects of a LACTISAR (LACT), which contains probiotics and enzymes, compared to antibiotics. A total of 180 healthy one-day-old male chicks were randomly allocated into three dietary groups: (i) basal diet (BSD) with no feed additive, (ii) LACT (BSD + 100g LACTISAR/100 kg feed), and (iii) AGP (BSD + 200 g lincomycin/100 kg feed). Each group was subdivided into six replicates, with 10 birds per replicate. Results indicated that during the starter period, the LACT group showed significant improvements in live weight (LW), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the BSD group. During the finisher and overall periods, the LACT group exhibited significant (P< 0.01) improvements in LW, ADG, and FCR when compared to both the BSD and AGP groups. No significant differences in average daily feed intake (ADFI) were observed among all groups (P> 0.05). Furthermore, the weight of immune organs (thymus, spleen, and bursa) was significantly higher (P< 0.01) in the LACT group compared to the BSD group. Additionally, the LACT group demonstrated significantly higher levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) in serum (P< 0.01) compared to the BSD group. Overall, dietary supplementation with LACTISAR (a multi-probiotic and enzyme mixture) enhances both the growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens.

EFFECT OF VITAMIN C AND E SUPPLEMENTATION TO TRIS EGG YOLK EXTENDER ON CANINE EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA FOLLOWING CRYOPRESERVATION

M. Waqas, F. L Lodhi, R. Kausar, S. Umer, H. Jamil — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is a method of choice to preserve genetic potential of fertile proven dogs when they die unexpectedly or fail to ejaculate. In this scenario, present study was designed to monitor the individual and combined effects of supplementation of two antioxidants (Vitamin E 0.3mM and Vitamin C 0.90mg) to freezing extender tris egg yolk (TEY) via cryopreservation on the canine epididymal sperm quality parameters. For this purpose, testes were collected from 20 healthy dogs and cauda epididymal semen samples were extracted after dissection. The collected samples were evaluated for sperm motility and viability after that extended in TEY extender. The extended semen samples were loaded in 0.25ml straws and plunged into liquid nitrogen after holding the straws in liquid nitrogen vapors for two minutes then plunged into LN₂. Then the frozen samples were thawed for 15 seconds at 50°C and subjected to post-thaw evaluation through CASA. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA under CRD and means were compared using Tukey's test. Results revealed that the post-thaw semen parameters progressive sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and motion kinetics straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity increased significantly (P< 0.05) in the TEY with vitamin C and vitamin E groups, except for amplitude of lateral head displacement which was significantly decreased (P< 0.05), compared to control group. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that supplementation of vitamin C and E alone or in combination with TEY extender significantly (P< 0.05) improved canine epididymal sperm quality parameters following cryopreservation.

OVERVIEW OF CLASS-I TRIPARTITE MOTIF (TRIM) PROTEINS SPECIFICALLY TRIM67

S. N. Panhwar, C. Huang, Q. Luo, X. Yu, L. Jia, W. Liu, Z. Chen — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

The TRIM family is a group of genes expressed during embryogenesis. This review emphasized data on Class-I TRIM genes, including TRIM1, TRIM9, TRIM36, TRIM46, TRIM67, TRIM18, and TRIM76. This article will discuss the structure and function of these genes and their roles in various physiological processes such as embryonic development, and immune regulation. Class-I TRIM proteins develop as E3 ubiquitin ligases and work with E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes. TRIM9 is expressed in the stem cells of mice and linked to various neuronal functions and neurological diseases. TRIM18 is found in microtubules and cellular filaments. TRIM36 is associated with neuro-pathological mutations, while TRIM46 controls microtubule organisation during axon formation. TRIM67 plays a significant role in neuritis outgrowth, lipid phosphate phosphatase, and colorectal and lung carcinomas. It also involves cell proliferation and induces morphological changes like neuronal differentiation. TRIM67 is important in Plasticity-related gene-1 (PRG-1). Deletion of prog-1 in mice results in epileptic seizures, indicating the significance of TRIM67 in brain development and growth. TRIM76 is associated with cardiac diseases. Further identification and characterisation of novel TRIM members will provide new insights into the functions of these essential proteins in health and disease.

IMPACT OF COMBINE HARVESTER SPEED ON WHEAT GRAIN LOSS: A FIELD STUDY IN MULTAN, PAKISTAN

A. Khaliq, M. Z. Qasim, F. Ahmad, H. S. Mahmood, D. M. Cuong — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is the most important staple crop with a demand-based need to ensure food security but faces the challenges of timely harvesting at crop maturity. Harvesting operation of the wheat crop is one of the major activities during crop production and is important for food security and sustainability. The study's main purpose is to investigate the impact of vehicle speed on wheat grain losses during the harvesting operation. Varied speeds of the combine harvester were observed during the field tests and measured the grain losses by using a designed sampling method. The field observation recorded that the normal working speeds of the combine harvester were in a range of 7.54 km/hr to 11.77 km/hr during field tests with an average of 9.59 km/hr. The average grain losses were noted at 49.80 kg acre^-1 with a percentage of 2.49% of total grain production in one acre. The highest grain losses were 69.11 kg acre^-1 with a 3.46% percentage, identified at a vehicle speed of 11.77 km/hr, while the lowest at 7.54 km/hr that 35.35 kg acre^-1 with a 1.76% percentage loss. Threshing losses significantly influenced the overall grain loss, which ranged from 1% to 1.8%, with specific grain damage from 0.36% to 1.07%, and shattering losses ranging from 0.4% to 0.65% due to variable vehicle speeds. The outcomes of the study found that field speed had a linear relationship with grain loss. Conclusively, the research findings provide guidelines to the machine operators and farmers should optimize the working speed to minimize grain loss during wheat harvesting.

EXPLORING AGRICULTURAL RISK PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

A. K Khajjak, A. Nazir, L. Rodini, H. Kashani, A. Ali — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Farmers must base their decisions on an informed understanding of risk perception and attitude to navigate the numerous challenges associated with agricultural operations. Nonetheless, there is a lack of sufficient research to be found in countries like Pakistan to cope with such risks pragmatically associated with agriculture. As a result, the purpose of this research is to fill this void by examining how Pakistani farmers perceive and respond to risks associated with agriculture. In the Sindh province, we interviewed 480 agricultural households in eight districts. Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling technique was adopted according to the scope of the study. Risk discernment was surveyed utilizing a risk lattice, while the Similarly Equally Likely Certainty Equivalent (ELCE) strategy was utilized to assess risk mentality. We also looked at the factors that influence farmers' perceptions and attitudes of risk using a probit model. According to our findings, salinity, floods, drought or insufficient rainfall, excessive precipitation, and flooding are the most significant threats to farmers' operations. In addition, we discovered that farmers' risk attitudes and perceptions are significantly influenced, either positively or negatively, by a variety of factors, including age, education level, farm remoteness, off-farm income, and access to market information. These experiences are important for researchers and policymakers, improving comprehension we might interpret risk in the executives’ systems among ranchers in agricultural countries. They lay the groundwork for subsequent research and legislative initiatives aimed at improving farmers' resilience to challenges.