ABSTRACT
Abstract: In the present study, molecular identification and genotypic characterization of H. contortus was carried out targeting 28S-18S rRNA intergenic spacer. Faecal samples of Gaddi goats were collected and subjected to qualitative screening. The samples exhibiting the presence of strongyle type eggs were introduced to faecal culturing. The larvae retrieved were molecularly confirmed as of H. contortus species and the phylogenetics was performed. For the estimation of evolutionary divergence in between the present study isolates with the GenBank archived sequences, maximum composite likelihood model was employed. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity indices and Fu's Fs were also estimated. Approximately 260 bp size amplicons retrieved were confirmatory for the presence of H. contortus species. Phylogenetic analysis also accentuated that present parasite isolates were of H. contortus only. The nucleotide diversity (π) obtained was 0.06696, whereas, haplotype diversity was 0.92549 [95% CI: 0.77778-1.0000]. In between the isolates, Fu's Fs statistic value was positive (1.566), evidencing a deficiency of alleles, which would have happened due to recent population bottleneck. The recovered representative sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers LC600315-LC600317.To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report of phylogeny and haplotype diversity of H. contortus isolated from Gaddi goats of North India. The present study would also serve the basis for future detailed molecular epidemiological studies using discriminative markers for the assessment of genetic diversity in different populations of H. contortus in different hosts of the study area.
ABSTRACT
Due to extensive root system, connected rhizome bamboos are considered suitable for improving soil properties within a short period, though most of the claims are anecdotal and need to be supported with quantified data. The study evaluates seven bamboo species viz., Bambusa balcooa, Bambusa bambos, Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa nutans, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus stocksii and Dendrocalamus strictus for their rooting pattern and impact on soil health properties. Coarse and fine root intensity was maximum in B. vulgaris. Coarse root biomass ranged from 0.6 kg m-3 in B. nutans to 2.0 kg m-3 in B. vulgaris and B. bambos. Fine root biomass ranged from 1.1 kg m-3 in B. nutans to 4.5 kg m-3 in D. hamiltonii. Contribution of fine roots in terms of intensity and biomass was much higher than coarse roots. Fine root biomass showed declining trend with increase in soil depth in all the species. During sixth year, the litter fall ranged from 8.1 Mg ha-1 in D. stocksii to 12.4 Mg ha-1 in D. hamiltonii. Among soil physical properties significant improvement were recorded in hydraulic conductivity, water stable aggregates and mean weight diameter. Soil pH, organic carbon and available phosphorus under different species did not reveal any significant changes, while significant reduction was observed in total nitrogen and potassium. Significant positive correlation was observed between WSA and iron content. Soil microbial population and enzyme activities were higher in control plot. Considering root distribution, biomass, soil hydraulic conductivity and water stable aggregates, B. bambos, B. vulgaris and D. hamiltonii are recommended for rehabilitation of degraded lands prone to soil erosion.
Subject(s)
Bambusa/growth & development , Biomass , Nitrogen/analysis , Phosphorus/analysis , Plant Roots/growth & development , Soil/chemistry , Water/chemistry , IndiaABSTRACT
The present study was envisaged with an aim to evaluate gastrointestinal parasitic infections in a herd of conserved Gaddi (goat) breed bucks (6-9 months of age) kept on semi-intensive feeding management. The individuals (n = 20) representing the herd were selected and divided into two groups; group I (n = 10), clinically ill and group II (n = 10), sub clinically infected individuals. The clinical examination revealed anemia, emaciation and rise in body temperature of the individuals of group I as compared to group II. The detailed copro-parasitological examination and copro-culture revealed the presence of eggs of Moniezia expansa and larvae of Haemonchus species, respectively in the fecal samples of both clinically and sub clinically infected individuals. The hemato-biochemical parameters proved vital indicators of the health of group I individuals and exhibited decline in the values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count as compared to group II. Significant (P < 0.05) hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglycemia and increased levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were observed in infected individuals as compared to treated ones. The detailed parasitological, hemato-biochemical observations and clinical findings elucidated and supported the presence of concurrent gastrointestinal parasitism in the herd. The significant improvement was observed in the health status of the herd after 1 month of the therapeutic management, which was carried out using a combination of fenbendazole and praziquantel in both clinically and sub clinically infected individuals.
