Mangroves in the "Plasticene": High exposure of coastal mangroves to anthropogenic litter pollution along the Central-West coast of India.

Anthropogenic litter is a ubiquitous stressor in the global ocean, and poses ominous threats to oceanic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. At the terrestrial-ocean interface, tropical mangrove forests are subject to substantial exposure to mismanaged litter from inland and marine sources. While the effects of litter in different marine ecosystems are well-documented, research on the ecological consequences of litter pollution on mangroves remain nascent stage. Here, we investigated anthropogenic litter concentration, composition, probable sources, and impact on coastal mangroves along the Central West coast of India. The mean concentration of trapped litter was measured 8.5 ± 1.9 items/m2 (ranged 1.4 ̶ 26.9 items/m2), and 10.6 ± 0.5 items/tree (ranged 0 ̶ 85 items/tree) on the mangrove floor and mangrove canopy, respectively. Plastic dominated 83.02 % of all litter deposited on the mangrove forest floor and 93.4 % of all entangled litter on mangrove canopy. Most litter comprised single-use plastic products across all surveyed locations. Mangrove floor cleanliness was assessed using several indices, such as Clean Coast Index, General Index, Hazardous Items Index, and Pollution Load Index, reiterating an inferior cleanliness status. The pollution load index indicates "Hazard level I" plastic pollution risk across the mangroves. Litter concentration differed markedly across all sites. However, a significantly higher concentration of stranded litter was detected in the densely populated urban agglomeration and rural areas with inadequate solid waste management. Probable sources of litter indicate land-based (local) and sea-originated (fishing). Supportive information on the transport and accumulation of marine litter is examined based on the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) model version 2 reanalysis of surface wind and current pattern across the Arabian Sea followed by MIKE simulated tide-induced coastal current. Mangrove pneumatophores and branches were found to be damaged by entangled plastics. Hence, determining litter quantum and their probable input source is pivotal in mitigating anthropogenic litter impact on mangrove ecosystems and fostering mangrove conservation. Overall, results envisage that stringent enforcement, implementation of an integrated solid waste management framework, and general behavioral change of the public are crucial to mitigate litter/plastic pollution.

Reef on the edge: resilience failure of marginal patch coral reefs in Eastern Arabian Sea under recurrent coral bleaching, coral diseases, and local stressors.

Marked by strong El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects during 2014-2016, global coral reefs underwent mass bleaching. Here, we conducted a comprehensive (2014-2019) study, coinciding with the 2014-16 ENSO, to investigate the response and resilience potential of marginal coral communities to the combined impact of recurrent thermal anomalies and multiple anthropogenic stressors before, during, and after the mass bleaching episodes. Our result unveiled that thermal-stress-driven back-to-back annual coral bleaching episodes caused coral mortality and significantly decimated coral cover, primarily in 2015 and 2016. Subsequent benthic regime shifts toward macroalgal and algal turf colonization, followed by an increase in coral disease prevalence and recruitment failure was observed after the recurrent bleaching episodes. Algal cover increased from 21% in 2014 to 52.90% in 2019, and a subsequent increase in coral disease occurrence was observed from 16% in 2015 to 29% in 2019. The cascading negative effect of multiple stressors magnified coral loss and decreased the coral cover significantly from 45% in 2014 to 20% in 2019. The corals in the intensive recreational diving activity sites showed higher disease prevalence, concurring with high mechanical coral damage. The present study demonstrates that consecutive thermal bleaching episodes combined with local stressors can cause declines in coral cover and promote an undesirable regime shift to algal dominance in marginal coral reef habitats within a short duration. These results are of particular interest given that marginal reefs were traditionally perceived as resilient reef habitats due to their higher survival threshold to environmental changes. The present study indicates that mitigation of local stressors by effective management strategies, in conjunction with globally coordinated efforts to ameliorate climate change, can protect these unique coral reefs.

Characterization of anthropogenic marine macro-debris affecting coral habitat in the highly urbanized seascape of Mumbai megacity.

Marine debris has become a major form of pollution and a serious ecosystem health concern. The present study evaluates the accumulation, origin, and fate of debris in intertidal coral habitats of Mumbai-one of the world's highly populated coastal cities on the west coast of India. Predominantly, seven hermatypic coral species belonging to seven genera and five families were identified and mainly represented by Pseudosidastrea, Porites, and Bernardpora. In terms of number, the mean density of marine debris was 1.60 ± 0.13 SE items/m2, which is higher than the global average. The mean density of plastic debris was 1.46 ± 0.14 SE items/m2. Approximately 9% of total coral colonies were in physical contact with debris, and 22% of these colonies showed visible signs of partial bleaching. Single use plastic bags and wrappers were dominant plastic debris. The study area was characterized as 'very poor cleanliness' according to the Beach Quality Indexes, which include the Clean Coast Index, General Index, and Hazardous Items Index. The numerical model indicates the influence of river discharge and probable areas of plastic accumulation with high tidal currents in this region, maneuvering the spatial advection of litter in the nearshore areas. Combined analysis of ground-truthing and model simulation implies that the possible contributing sources of litter were representatives of land-based and sea-originated. The overall results point to increasing anthropogenic stressors threatening coastal coral communities, including marine debris pollution. It is advocated to adopt an integrated coastal zone management approach supported by coordinated policy frameworks could guide the mitigation of the debris footprint in coastal environments.

Utilization of fruit and vegetable waste as an alternative feed resource for sustainable and eco-friendly sheep farming.

Globally, 10-20% of horticultural wastes are disposed in landfills leading to environmental pollution. Recycling these wastes as animal feedstuff will lessen food-feed competition and minimize environmental hazards. The present study was undertaken to determine the nutritional quality of fresh fruit and vegetable waste (F&VW) and their dietary inclusion on nutrient utilization, antioxidant status, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and potable water sparing efficacy in sheep. Three dietary combinations were formulated i.e. control (C):70% Cenchrus ciliaris hay +30% concentrate mixture (CM), diet with fruit waste (FWD):70% Cenchrus ciliaris hay +20% CM +10% FW and diet with vegetable waste (VWD):70% Cenchrus ciliaris hay +20% CM +10% VW for in vitro and in vivo evaluation of these wastes as potential livestock feed. Twenty-one adult ewes were allocated into 3 groups C, FWD and VWD and fed on the above three diets. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were significantly enhanced by 5.5 and 7.2%; 7.3 and 7.6% in F&VW supplemented groups, respectively, without affecting feed intake. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was improved by 32.2 and 26.3% in F&VW supplemented groups. Inclusion of F&VW biomass reduced annual methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions (kg CO2eq/sheep) by 3.12 and 4.55%; 15.18 and 14.92% and thus contributed to lowering of global warming potential by 4.00 and 5.27%, respectively. Furthermore, there was a net reduction of potable water consumption by 21.78 and 13.92% in F&VW supplemented groups, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that F&VW can be a potential feedstuff for ruminants and its efficient reuse would minimize environmental impacts associated with disposal of such waste in the landfills.

Effect of nutritional stress on physiological parameters and seminal attributes of native-crossbred ram in semi-arid tropics.

A prolific three-breed (Malpura, Patanwadi, and Garole) cross Avishaan sheep has been developed in the semi-arid zone to improve farmer's income. Nutritional scarcity is a major limitation in animal husbandry during the dearth period of semi-arid tropics. Therefore, before the inaugural launch of the breed into the field, a study was designed to evaluate the effect of nutritional stress on physiological parameters and seminal attributes of native-crossbred rams in semi-arid tropics. Thus, 16 native adapted (Malpura) and 16 native-crossbred rams were equally distributed into four groups, namely, native control (G1), native nutritional stress (G2), native-crossbred control (G3), and native-crossbred nutritional stress (G4). Both the control groups (G1 and G3) were kept on their maintenance requirement as per their body weight, whereas the nutritional stress groups (G2 and G4) were provided 30% less than their maintenance requirement. The body weight of G4 decline (P<0.05) as compared to their initial weight. The plasma glucose level of G2 and G4 reduced (P<0.05) in comparison with G1 and G3, respectively. The total motile sperm percentage, rapid motile sperm percentage, and sperm viability decrease significantly (P<0.05) within the acceptable limit in native-crossbred rams (G4) under nutritional scarcity. However, the similar blood biochemical along with acceptable seminal attributes of all the rams reflected that native-crossbred rams can cope with the nutritional scarcity in semi-arid tropics and have the potential to contribute to the sustainable small ruminant production system for livelihood security in this region.

Bacterial diversity associated with a newly described bioeroding sponge, Cliona thomasi, from the coral reefs on the West Coast of India.

The bacterial diversity associated with eroding sponges belonging to the Cliona viridis species complex is scarcely known. Cliona thomasi described from the West Coast of India is a new introduction to the viridis species complex. In this study, we determined the bacterial diversity associated with C. thomasi using next-generation sequencing. The results revealed the dominance of Proteobacteria followed by Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Among Proteobacteria, the Alphaproteobacteria were found to be the most dominant class. Furthermore, at the genus level, Rhodothalassium were highly abundant followed by Endozoicomonas in sponge samples. The beta-diversity and species richness measures showed remarkably lower diversity in Cliona thomasi than the ambient environment. The determined lower bacterial diversity in C. thomasi than the environmental samples, thus, categorized it as a low microbial abundance (LMA). Functional annotation of the C. thomasi-associated bacterial community indicates their possible role in photo-autotrophy, aerobic nitrification, coupling of sulphate reduction and sulphide oxidization. The present study unveils the bacterial diversity in bioeroding C. thomasi, which is a crucial step to determine the functions of the sponge holobiont in coral reef ecosystem.

Coral damage by recreational diving activities in a Marine Protected Area of India: Unaccountability leading to 'tragedy of the not so commons'.

Globally, coral reefs have drastically degraded due to local and global environmental stressors. Concurrently, coral reef tourism is rapidly growing in developing economies, which is one of many anthropogenic stressors impacting reefs. At the Malvan Marine Sanctuary, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the West coast of India, we investigated the impact of recreational diving on the reef from 2016 to 2019. To evaluate the diver's underwater behavior, a novel approach was used, wherein the video-log broadcasting website www.youtube.com was perused. Evidential proof substantiates heavy physical damage to corals because of recreational diving activity, which may lead to the collapse of coral habitat if it continues unabated. This resource depletion ironically elevates the economy of dependents averting consequences due to lost corals, thus making this a 'tragedy' for corals which are not meant to be 'commons'. The study asserts need for proactive conservation efforts with stringent implementation and restoration initiatives in this MPA.

Effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization and artificial insemination success in farmers flock in sheep under semi-arid tropical region.

Environmental cues in the different seasons might influence the estrus and lambing percentages. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination success in sheep. During the period from 2012 to 2017, a total of 1,197 ewes of Kheri and Malpura breeds of 34 farms originating from 10 villages were synchronized for estrus and then fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was done. Oestrous synchronization was done by intravaginal progesterone sponges and eCG protocol. Fixed-time cervical insemination was performed 48 and 56 hr after sponge removal in ewes exhibiting estrus, using liquid chilled semen containing 100 million sperm per dose of Patanwadi/Malpura rams. Mean sunshine hours, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures, temperature amplitude, mean relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI), mean temperature during sponge-in to sponge-out-12-day period, sponge-out and next day, AI day and AI to next 15 days have been calculated. The estrus response and lambing percentage were higher (p < .05) when ES and FTAI were done during hot-humid with rainfall season. Successful (p < .05) ES occur when the minimum temperature was higher in cold-humid season, and the sunshine hour was higher in hot-humid with scanty rainfall season during sponge-in to sponge-out period. The success of the lambing percentage was higher (p < .05) when maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature and THI was higher on the day of AI and the next 15-day period, irrespective of the season. The success of FTAI indicates the adaptability of the local breed to tolerate the harsh climate of the hot semi-arid region without much hindrance in lambing percentages.

Effect of drinking earthen pot water on physiological response and behavior of sheep under heat stress.

Heat stress is a major limiting factor for animal welfare and sheep production. Traditionally in India, the villagers used to keep their drinking water in the earthen pot to make it cold during summer. The cold drinking water (24-28 °C) during summer gives a feeling of relief from the heat. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the effect of drinking earthen pot water on physiological response and behavior of sheep under heat stress for one month. For this purpose, eighteen Avishaan rams were selected from the experimental animal flock and they were equally divided into three groups; viz., control (CON), heat stress (HS) and heat stress with earthen pot water (HSC). The animals of HS and HSC were exposed to higher ambient temperatures to induce heat stress inside the psychometric chamber. The animals of CON and HS were provided with ad-libitum water of their ambient temperature whereas; HSC groups were provided with ad-libitum cold water (24-28 °C) earthen pot water. All the animals were offered with 400 gm concentrate mixture and ad-libitum Cenchrus hay. The bodyweight of HS rams was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at the end of the experimental period as compared to their initial body weight. The total roughage and dry matter intake was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in HSC rams as compared to HS rams. The plasma thyroxine concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in HSC as compared with HS group. The rumination time significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in HSC group. However, The blood biochemical did not differ among the groups. Therefore, it may be concluded that Avishaan rams have the ability to adapt to heat stress. Nevertheless, the availability of earthen pot cold drinking water under heat stress reduced their body weight loss, improves their metabolic activity and ultimately improves their welfare.

Coral reef restoration - A way forward to offset the coastal development impacts on Indian coral reefs.

Globally, coral reefs are degrading rapidly due to the combined impact of wide-scale anthropogenic activities and climate change. Similarly, coral reefs in India are facing an existential threat because of intensified environmental degradation, which challenges reef ecosystem resilience and socio-ecological stability. Recently, Govt. of India has taken up the 'SagarMala Programme' aiming to increase its port capacity by the expansion of existing ports, construction of several new ports and allied infrastructure development by 2025. Synergistic impact of coastal development coupled with the on-going environmental changes is deemed to accelerate coral reef degradation in Indian reefs. Therefore, the present article aims to highlight the urgency of positive intervention and initiation of long-term holistic coral reef restoration program as an active reef management tool. Along with conventional management practices, reef restoration program could curtail further reef degradation and will ensure the persistence of Indian coral reefs and the services they provide.

Combined effect of heat and nutritional stress on superovulation of Malpura ewes in a semi-arid region.

Sheep reared in hot semi-arid environments are generally exposed to heat and nutritional stress in some seasons of the year, which affects both production and reproduction. To assess the effect of high ambient temperature and feed scarcity on superovulation, 16 adult Malpura ewes were randomly divided into two groups of 8 animals each. G1 (control) was kept under a shed and offered a maintenance diet, and G2 (combined stress) was subjected to both nutritional (30% less of maintenance diet) and heat (38-44 °C for 6 h/day) stress. Ewes were superovulated without estrus synchronization by a combination of single injection of 200 IU eCG and 8 injections of FSH (Folltropin-V) at 12-h intervals in tapering doses of 5 mg/kg body weight, starting from the day 7 of natural estrus. eCG was given with the first injection and PGF2α (10 mg) was given with the second last FSH injection. G2 increased respiration rate and rectal temperature (P < 0.01), and blood urea level (P < 0.05), whereas it decreased average daily gain, plasma T4 concentration (P < 0.01) and body weight (P < 0.05). Plasma estradiol level was lower (P < 0.05) in G2 ewes as compared to control (G1) ewes. However, the number of ewes showed a superovulatory response (88 vs 66% ewes ≥ 3 corpus luteum), ovulation rate (8.75 vs 5.88) and embryo production (5.5 vs 3.9) decreased, and the number of large follicles (anovulation) increased (1.0 vs 2.14) in G2 ewes. G2 had a comparable effect on the superovulatory response compared to control ewes although physiological changes occurred as an adaptive mechanism to stress. Therefore, the well-adapted cyclic sheep of the semi-arid region may be used for superovulation despite the stressful condition of heat exposure and nutritional insufficiency.

Physiological response of crossbred sheep under nutritional scarcity.

Nutritional scarcity during summer and winter is a major constraint for sheep rearing in the semi-arid tropical region. In this region, a new crossbred sheep has been developed by the crossing of a native sheep breed Malpura with a breed of hot-humid coastal region breed Garole. A study was conducted for 9 weeks to assess the physiological response of crossbred (Garole x Malpura x Malpura, GMM) rams under nutritional scarcity in the semi-arid tropical region. Eighteen adult crossbred rams were randomly allocated into three groups of six animals each. The groups are G1 (control, ad libitum feeding), G2 (20% less than ad libitum feeding), and G3 (30% less than ad libitum feeding). The animals were stall-fed with a diet consisting of 70% roughage (Cenchrus ciliaris hay) and 30% concentrate feed. Body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed intake were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in G2 and G3 as compared to G1 rams. Water intake was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in G2 and G3. Physiological responses, blood biochemical and endocrine profile did not differ between the groups. The results indicate that the crossbred rams evolved through the crossing of the hot semi-arid tropical region breed with hot humid coastal region breed are able to maintain their body homeostasis despite nutritional scarcity although their body weight decreased.

Interrelationship between late gestational ewe factor and early life lamb factors in semi-arid tropical region.

The limitation in feed availability in the semi-arid region during the lean period can result in a variation of the body condition, body weight of pregnant ewe which in turn may affect the lamb birth weight, colostrum immunoglobulin, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Therefore, the present study was initiated to assess the interrelationship between late gestational ewe factor and early life lamb factors in the semi-arid tropical region. For this purpose, 83 Malpura and 45 Avikaline pregnant ewes were selected and their body condition score (BCS) at late gestation, body weight at lambing, and birth weight of lambs was recorded. The BCS of ewes in late gestation had significant (P < 0.001) positive correlation (r2 = 0.465) with the birth weight of lambs. The body weight at lambing was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in single-lamber ewes as compared to twin-bearing ewes. The plasma IGF-1 of lamb increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the increase of BCS of ewe at the late gestation as well as body weight after lambing. The colostrum of twin-lamb producing ewes had higher (P < 0.05) IgG content than single-lamb producing ewes. The concentration of IGF-1 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in single-born lamb as compared to twin-born lamb. Based on the results of the present study, it is to conclude that higher BCS at late gestation and higher body weight of ewes at lambing is desirable for producing lambs with a higher birth weight having higher growth potential as well as chances of survival.

Effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in semi-arid region during winter.

Microclimatic factors are of crucial aspect for the welfare of animals. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in the semi-arid region during winter. Twenty-one Malpura lambs of 3-5 week age and average body weight 9.97 ±â€¯0.51 kg were used in the present study. The lambs were divided into three groups (eg. G1, G2, and G3) and were kept in the different microenvironment by manipulation of shelter design. The G1 lambs were maintained at lower minimum temperature (8.59 ±â€¯0.71 °C) in asbestos roofed shed, while G2 lambs were maintained at higher minimum temperature (14.59 ±â€¯0.54 °C) in local handmade bamboo dome structure, and G3 lambs were kept at a medium minimum temperature (11.84 ±â€¯0.64 °C) in thermocol insulated roofed shed from evening 18:30 h to morning 07:00 h. The study was carried out for one month between January and February. The parameters studied were physiological response (respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature), skin temperature, blood metabolites and endocrine profile. The data were analyzed by general linear models. Higher average daily weight gain was recorded in the lambs kept in higher minimum temperature groups (20.54% higher in G2 and 24.68% higher in G3) as compared to G1 lambs. Microenvironment manipulation had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on most of the physiological response and skin temperature except morning respiration rate within low-temperature range. The present study reveals that Hb, PCV, T3, and cortisol level were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by microenvironment manipulation. The results of the study indicated that altered ambient temperature through altered shelter design of housing for raising of lambs in the semi-arid tropical region may support animal welfare during chilling nights of the winter.

Effect of protection against hot climate on growth performance, physiological response and endocrine profile of growing lambs under semi-arid tropical environment.

In the hot semi-arid tropical region, extreme summer is a major constraint in sheep production. The growth performance of growing lambs is impaired during the summer. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of protection against hot climate on growth performance, physiological response, and endocrine profile of growing lambs under semi-arid tropical environment. All the data in the experiment were presented as mean ± SE. Thirty Malpura lambs with the age of 122.7 ± 6.05 days and body weight of 19.52 ± 0.42 kg were allotted into three groups, viz. G1 (control, lambs kept in open area under tree shade), G2 (lambs kept in conventional asbestos-roofed shed), and G3 (lambs kept in designed shed). The allotment was based on their initial body weight so that the mean body weight of each group was similar. In all three types of protection, lambs were provided with sufficient space to move and social interaction. In asbestos-roofed shed (G2), all the four sides from ground to the roof were fenced with strong galvanized iron chain link. But in G3, all the four sides were constructed in a manner that there was 0.13 m air space between inner and outer solid brick columns of the wall up to 1.37 m height, and rest up to the roof was fenced with bamboo splint net. The air space between the two columns of the wall was filled with sand, and it was kept in moist condition by continuous water drips which provide extra evaporative cooling. The designed shed was basically constructed with bamboo. Tree shade was assured under the natural shades of large trees. The shaded area was protected by wire fences. The experiment was conducted for 45 days during very high temperature (May-June). The lambs were provided with ad libitum green fodder, dry roughage, 300 g concentrate, and ad libitum drinking water. The respiration rate at morning and afternoon, pulse rate at morning and afternoon and rectal temperature at afternoon was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in lambs of G3 as compared to other groups. The final body weight did not differ significantly between the groups, but average daily gain (g/day) was higher in G3 (150.06 ± 11.13) as compared to the G1 (109.69 ± 18.10). The feed conversion rate (FCR) was significantly (P < 0.05) better in G3 (5.49 ± 0.08) as compared to G1 (7.65 ± 0.08) and G2 (6.60 ± 0.08). The hemoglobin level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in G1. The endocrine profile did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) among the groups, but insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was higher in G3. It can be concluded from this study the lambs provided with better protection during summer remained in more comfortable condition, showed better FCR, and although not statistically significant showed better growth performance.

Effect of thermal exposure on physiological adaptability and seminal attributes of rams under semi-arid environment.

Thermal stress in hot semi-arid environment is a major limitation of sheep production in tropical and sub-tropical climatic condition. The animals tend to maintain homeostasis through physiological adjustments in a hot environment (maximum temperature reaches up to 47.5°C). Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the effect of thermal exposure on physiological adaptability and seminal attributes of rams under semi-arid environment. The experiment was conducted for eight weeks involving sixteen Malpura crossbred rams (GMM: Garole X Malpura X Malpura). The rams were divided equally into two groups, designated as G1 and G2, respectively. The rams in G1 (Control) group were kept in a sheep shed under naturally prevailing environment without artificial manipulation of ambient temperature (Temperature 30.48±0.38°C; Relative Humidity 28.59±1.15%). The rams of G2 group were exposed to different temperature at different hours of the day (38°C at 1000-1100h; 40°C at 1100-1200h; 42°C at 12:00-1300h; 43°C at 1300-1400h; 44°C at 1400-1500h and 42°C at 1500-1600h) in a climatic chamber for thermal exposure. Physiological responses, blood biochemical profile, blood endocrine profile, sexual behavior and seminal attributes were measured for both the groups. Thermal exposure significantly (P<0.05) increased the water intake; respiration rate, rectal temperature and skin temperature at afternoon in rams. Exposure of rams to thermal stress (G2) significantly (P<0.05) increased cortisol level and decreased tri-ido-thyronine level. The latency period after the first ejaculation, decreased significantly (P<0.05) in G2. The percentage of rapid motile sperm, linearity and average path velocity of sperm were also altered significantly (P<0.05) in thermal exposed rams as compared to control. However, comparable feed intake, body weight, and major blood biochemical parameters, as well as acceptable semen quality attributes of all the rams indicated that the Fec B gene introgressed Malpura cross rams adapted to the thermal exposure under semi-arid tropical climate.

Effect of high ambient temperature on behavior of sheep under semi-arid tropical environment.

High environmental temperature is a major constraint in sheep production under semi-arid tropical environment. Behavior is the earliest indicator of animal's adaptation and responses to the environmental alteration. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of high ambient temperature on the behavior of sheep under a semi-arid tropical environment. The experiment was conducted for 6 weeks on 16 Malpura cross (Garole × Malpura × Malpura (GMM)) rams. The rams were divided equally into two groups, designated as C and T. The rams of C were kept in comfortable environmental conditions served as control. The rams of T were exposed to a different temperature at different hours of the day in a climatic chamber, to simulate a high environmental temperature of summer in semi-arid tropic. The behavioral observations were taken by direct instantaneous observation at 15-min intervals for each animal individually. The feeding, ruminating, standing, and lying behaviors were recorded twice a week from morning (0800 hours) to afternoon (1700 hours) for 6 weeks. Exposure of rams to high temperature (T) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the proportion of time spent in feeding during the observation period in most of the hours of the day as compared to the C. The proportion of time spent in rumination and lying was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the T group compared to the C. The animals of T spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time in rumination in standing position as compared to the C. The overall proportion of time spent in standing, panting in each hour, and total panting time was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T as compared to the C. The result of the study indicates that the exposure of sheep to high ambient temperature severely modulates the behavior of sheep which is directed to circumvent the effect of the stressor.

Study of circadian rhythmicity of physiological response and skin temperature of sheep during summer and winter in semi-arid tropical environment.

The present study aimed to evaluate the circadian rhythmicity of some physiological variables, including rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR), heart rate (HR) and skin temperature (ST) in sheep during the summer and winter in semi-arid tropical environment. Eight Malpura rams of 3-4year of age with an average body weight of 37.1±1.99kg were selected for the study. All the animals were fed individually for a maintenance requirement on a body weight basis. The RT, RR, HR and ST values were measured in each animal at 3hour intervals for 24 consecutive hours. Ambient temperature (DBT) and relative humidity (RH) was also recorded inside the shed at the time of physiological parameter study. The cosinor analysis showed a daily circadian rhythm (P<0.01) in RR, HR and ST values during the summer and winter in sheep under semi-arid environment. The RR, HR and ST differ significantly (P<0.05) between summer and winter. The amplitude of RR, RT and ST differ significantly (P<0.05) between the seasons. The results indicate that the circadian rhythmicity of RR, HR, RT and ST during summer and winter changed as expected in compliance to the seasonal requirements of animal's adaptability.

Prevalence of skeletal tissue growth anomalies in a scleractinian coral: Turbinaria mesenterina of Malvan Marine Sanctuary, eastern Arabian Sea.

Skeletal tissue growth anomalies (STAs) of corals are capable of causing considerable degradation of reef health. This study is the first report of growth anomalies in Turbinaria corals and the first descriptive study of Indian corals. T. mesenterina colonies at 2 sites were affected by small, round to irregularly shaped growth anomalies. Prevalence of STAs was observed to be higher in T. mesenterina colonies with larger diameters. Prevalence of STAs on T. mesenterina was 71% at Site 1 and 40% at Site 2. Affected colonies were seen to be undergoing tissue damage and infiltration by filamentous algae. We describe the gross morphology of growth anomalies which can act as baseline data for growth anomalies from this region, but further investigation is needed to understand the form and etiology of this coral disease.

Evaluation of genetic diversity in some promising varieties of lentil using karyological characters and protein profiling.

Somatic chromosome study from root tip cells using the squash technique of the cytological method and seed protein profile of 5 varieties of Lens culinaris (Lentil) through SDS-PAGE were investigated. Karyotype analysis showed gross uniformity in morphology. Somatic chromosome number 2n = 14 is constant for all the varieties. Chromosomes are mostly long to medium in length with secondary constrictions in one pair of chromosome. Primary constrictions in chromosome ranged from nearly median to nearly submedian in most of the cases. Notwithstanding the gross homogeneity, karyotype analysis revealed minute differences in details. Each lentil variety is thus characterized by its own karyotype, serving as one of the identifying criteria. The seed protein profile revealed that varieties are very close to each other with respect to similarity index that ranged from 0.594 to 0.690. With regard to seed protein banding patterns, slight polymorphism (14.285%) indicating low genetic diversity has been identified among the 5 varieties. A dendrogram indicates one variety is plesiomorphic and rest varieties are apomorphic. All the experimental varieties of lentil studied here show low genetic diversity due to their similar genetic base, indigenous genetic resources and conservative nature of the seed protein.