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.

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.

Serum IgG and IgM responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in weaned calves fed milk supplemented with Zn and Cu.

Because ruminants have a syndesmochorial placenta, the neonates are agammaglobinaemic and prone to morbidity and mortality from opportunistic infections. Only temporary benefit in passive immunity transfer from mother to offspring is derived from feeding colostrum to neonates. The serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM responses to challenges with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were investigated in calves fed milk supplemented with zinc, copper, or both. Twenty crossbred calves, weaned on day 5, were divided into four equal groups and fed for 75 d. Group T1 was fed milk alone; group T2 was fed milk supplemented with 25 ppm Cu; group T3 was fed milk supplemented with 100 ppm Zn; and group T4 was fed milk supplemented with 25 ppm Cu and 100 ppm Zn. The antigenic challenges with SRBC were made on days 35 and 65. Serum IgG and IgM levels were measured at day 30 and at 2-wk intervals thereafter in collected blood samples. Blood zinc and copper levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were also measured periodically. Higher IgG and IgM responses were observed in groups T3 and T4 (the zinc-supplemented groups). The responses were higher after second challenge with SRBC. The changes in blood copper and zinc concentrations and SOD activity were in accordance with the type of supplementation. The results suggested that the zinc-supplemented groups in particular showed a stronger humoral immune response, probably as a result of the beneficial effect of zinc on the interaction between T helper cells and B cells.