Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) is a monocyte/macrophage-tropic virus generally infects dairy goats and categorized as list B disease as per OIE. It poses huge economic losses by decreasing productivity and delayed maturity. Main mode of transmission of the disease is considered as colostrum and milk of infected dams. CAEVis found all over the world, with the largest prevalence of infected goats in developed countries such as the United States, Canada, France, Norway, and Switzerland and in India reported cases of CAE infection are from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh. Infected goats show clinical indications in about 30% of cases. Nearly 20% of CAE virus–infected goats manifest clinical signs during their lifetime. Regular foot trimming, the use of soft additional bedding, and the administration of NSAIDs are commonest treatment regimen used after infection of CAE in an individual animal or herds. There is no current vaccine available against CAE virus but once the arrays of pathogenesis are known, then a suitable vaccine or drug can be formulated against the CAEVand animals can be safeguarded against this disease.

Intensive commercial goat farming has emerged as a promising approach to enhance

productivity and meet the growing demand for animal-derived protein in developing countries.

Factors such as shrinking grazing resources, increasing land-use pressure, urbanization, and the

need for efficient resource utilization have accelerated the adoption of intensive production

systems. However, the growth and sustainability of intensive goat enterprises are constrained by

several biological, managerial, financial, and environmental challenges. This review critically

examines the major constraints affecting intensive commercial goat farming, including breeding

and reproductive limitations, disease prevalence, inadequate veterinary services, high capital

investment, feed and fodder shortages, managerial inefficiencies, labor scarcity, animal welfare

concerns, marketing bottlenecks, and environmental issues. Available evidence indicates that

these constraints adversely affect productivity, profitability, animal health, and overall farm

sustainability. The review further highlights scientifically validated management practices,

technological interventions, policy support mechanisms, and welfare-oriented approaches that

can mitigate these challenges. Addressing these multifaceted constraints through integrated and

sustainable strategies is essential for improving the efficiency, resilience, and long-term viability

of intensive goat production systems.

Aqueous leaf leachate of walnut was evaluated for allelopathic effects on plant growth and nodulation of vegetable pea under poly house condition at KVK, Pithoragarh. Walnut leaf extracts with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% concentrations along with control were used in pot from seed germination to eve of the pod setting in vegetable pea. Plant growth parameters viz; plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight as well as collar diameter were significantly reduced as the concentration of leachates increased. Number of secondary roots, nodules per plant and size of nodule were also statistically decreased.

Millets have gained considerable attention in recent years due to increasing awareness regarding their nutritional importance. Owing to their low input requirement and resilience under adverse conditions, they are also becoming increasingly popular among producers. The present study was conducted in the Sabarkantha and Mehsana districts of Gujarat where pearl millet is widely cultivated during the summer season. A multistage sampling technique was employed for the study. The findings revealed that labour constituted the major share of the total cost of cultivation. The benefit-cost ratio was estimated at 1.44 :1.0 in Mehsana and 1.24 :1.0 in Sabarkantha, indicating that pearl millet cultivation was profitable in both districts. Resource use efficiency analysis showed that fertilizers and pesticides had a significant positive influence on output, suggesting scope for improving productivity through their optimum utilization. The study highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders involved in pearl millet cultivation to promote efficient input management. Capacity-building initiatives focusing on precise and effective use of inputs can further enhance increase benefits level

Canine pyometra is a hormonally regulated condition affecting multiple systems during the diestrus phase, with potential grave consequences if untreated. Ovariohysterectomy stands as the optimal therapeutic intervention for pyometra, offering both cure and prophylaxis against future occurrences. The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of induction as well as cardio-respiratory effects of two induction agents- Propofol and Ketofol in patients having pyometra. A total of twelve animals diagnosed with pyometra were divided into two equal groups (n=6). Both the group subjects were administered the pre-anaesthetic drugs (butorphanol @ 0.2 mg/kg b. wt, acepromazine @ 0.05 mg/kg b. and atropine @ 0.02 mg/kg b. wt.) followed by propofol @ 4 mg per kg body weight in the propofol induction group (I), and ketofol @ 4 mg per kg body weight in the ketofol induction group (II), 15 minutes after injecting the pre-anaesthetics. During operative period, the patients were maintained by using Isoflurane. The cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded at – before-pre-anaesthetic, after pre anaesthetic, and at post-induction intervals of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes using Multi para monitor. Haemato-biochemical parameters were recorded at pre-operative, 30 min post-induction and post-operative interval. The results revealed that the induction time as well as the mean-recovery time was significantly faster in ketofol group as compared to propofol group. Similarly lower mean concentration of isoflurane was required to maintain surgical anaesthesia in ketofol group than propofol group. The heart rate and respiration rate were comparatively lower in propofol group and maintained on higher side in ketofol group. Similarly, systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were comparatively lower but within physiological range in the propofol subgroups and remained on higher side but within physiological range in the ketofol subgroups. No significant alteration in haematological (Hb, PCV, TLC and DLC) and biochemical (AST, ALT, TP,BUN and Creatinine) parameters was recorded following administration of both type of induction agents affected with pyometra. The study concluded that induction as well as recovery was faster in ketofol group along with maintainence of anesthesia. Hence, on the basis of a better cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic stability, ketofol should be preferred over propofol in undertaking OHX surgeries in healthy as well as pyometra affected bitches.

The study evaluated the effect of dietary Spirulina platensis supplementation on blood biochemical parameters in Osmanabadi goats. A total of eighteen healthy Osmanabadi kids aged 3–4 months with an average body weight of 9–10 kg were selected for the experiment. All animals were ear-tagged for identification and housed in a well-ventilated shed under hygienic conditions with provision for individual feeding. Prior to the start of the trial, kids were dewormed with albendazole suspension at the recommended dose. These 18 kids were divided into three groups as control (T0), Spirulina at 0.25% DMI (T1), and Spirulina at 0.50% DMI (T2). Blood samples were collected at 0, 45, and 90 days and analyzed for serum proteins, lipid profile, and renal markers. Spirulina-fed goats showed a numerical increase in total protein and globulin concentrations, while albumin remained stable and albumin:globulin ratio slightly declined, indicating enhanced immune competence. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were reduced in supplemented groups, particularly at 0.50% inclusion, reflecting hypolipidemic effects. Creatinine and urea values remained within normal physiological ranges across treatments, confirming no adverse impact on renal function. Overall, Spirulina supplementation improved serum protein fractions and lipid profile without affecting renal markers, supporting better nutrient utilization and metabolic efficiency. The findings highlight Spirulina\’s potential as a safe functional feed additive for enhancing biochemical health and productivity in indigenous goats.

Backyard poultry production is a low-input, high-impact intervention for assuring livelihood security, nutrition, and women\’s empowerment in rural areas. The present study, conducted under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) in Bhojpur district of Bihar, evaluated the socio-economic, nutritional, and management aspects of backyard poultry among farm women using improved dual-purpose breeds under semi-scavenging conditions. The findings indicated that improved breeds, particularly Vanaraja, showed superior growth performance under village conditions. Backyard poultry required minimal time investment, making it compatible with the existing workload of rural women. The enterprise contributed to enhanced household income and improved nutritional status, including better dietary intake and health indicators among beneficiary women. From a gender perspective, women play a central role in management, contributing to household nutrition and income with minimal time investment. Importantly, the study demonstrated a significant positive impact on nutritional security. Women engaged in backyard poultry showed higher consumption of eggs and meat, improved protein and micronutrient intake, better haemoglobin levels, and enhanced dietary diversity compared to non-beneficiaries. These improvements indicate a direct contribution of backyard poultry towards reducing malnutrition and anemia among rural women. Overall, the study establishes backyard poultry as a sustainable, economically viable and nutritionally impactful intervention with strong potential for promoting women\’s empowerment and inclusive rural development.

The study was undertaken to analyze the effects of improved practices through frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on productivity and profitability of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Farmers\’ inadequate adoption of better technologies is the main factor contributing to mustard\’s low production. A significant enhancement in productivity was noted due to the adoption of interventions such as improved varieties, balanced nutrient management, seed treatment, improved sowing methods, timely operations and plant protection measures. The impact of improved practices revealed that cultivation of improved mustard varieties recorded yield increase up to 16.55% at Hatundi (Jodhpur) during rabi 2023–24, 12.36% at Khardamewas (Jodhpur) and 14.29% at Sinla (Pali) during rabi 2024–25 over the farmers\’ practices. The technology gap showed the difference between the potential yield under optimum conditions and the yield actually achieved in practice was 706 kg/ha at Hatundi (Jodhpur) during rabi 2023–24, 918 kg/ha at Khardamewas (Jodhpur) and 823 kg/ha at Sinla (Pali) during rabi 2024–25. The technology index varied between 29.42% and 35.31%, with a mean value of 32.21%. The mean gaps observed for technology and extension were 816 kg/ha and 164 kg/ha, respectively, while the average technology index was 32.21%. Demonstration of improved technologies also increased average gross return (? 1,00,405 /ha), net return (? 70,905 /ha), net gain (? 9348 /ha) and additional return (? 10915 /ha) compared to farmers\’ practice.  Conductance of front line demonstration helped in raisingn the awareness and encouraged farmers to adopt improved mustard production technologies in the state.

Food labelling helps consumers make well-informed choices when buying and eating food products. This investigation was carried out to study the consumer knowledge of food labelling, the nutrients they consume through foods and to observe the impact of nutritional education on consumer understanding of food labelling. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire containing a set of questions and statements on the awareness of major nutrients and food labelling among 200 consumers from Hisar city. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS software. Results indicated that regarding consu mers\’ knowledge on recommended daily intake (RDI) of food groups, they were aware of the RDI of cereals (67.5%), milk (95.0%), fruits (49.5%), and nuts (31.0%); however, had no idea of the rest of the food groups. Regarding the label reading practice, it was observed that the majority (65.0%) of the respondents never read labels, while 26.5 per cent read labels sometimes. The reading of food labels was significantly associated (p<0.05) with gender and the educational status of the respondents. The majority of them admitted that they refer to food labels while comparing the products (48.6%), during initial purchase (17.1%), and when buying some particular food products, such as infant foods. While regarding reading of labels, they generally read price (83.0%), product net quantity (59.0%), brand name (43.0%), health claim (31.5%), manufacture date (18.0%) best before or expiry date (11.0%), however ingredients panel, nutrition facts panel and standard marks were read by very few of them. Nutritional education on various aspects of food labelling had a high impact in terms of gain in knowledge and change in attitude of the respondents on understanding and reading of various components of the food labels.

An experiment on sprinkler irrigation system was conducted to improve yield and water productivity of garlic. The field experiment was conducted during three consecutive rabi seasons from 2022–23 to 2024- The data on yield, yield attributing parameters, water productivity, economics, soil moisture distribution and water saving of treatment (T2) i.e.Sprinkler irrigation system were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer\’s practice (T1) i.e. Conventional flood irrigation system. The study revealed that the sprinkler irrigation system (T?) increased bulb yield by 15.24% and water productivity by 71.17% Compared with the conventional flood irrigation system(T?),with bulb yield increasing from 92.5 to 107.1 q/ha and water productivity from 1.36 to 2.31 kg/m³. The treatment T2 also showed average water saving of 31.41% over the T1. In economic terms, the treatment T2 performed better with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.76 as compared with T1(2.46). Higher yield due to uniform moisture distribution, negligible water stagnation condition and suppress thrips population along with higher returns and water saving over the farmer\’s practice created greater awareness and motivated the other farmers to adopt this irrigation technology.

Punjab agriculture is mostly characterized by the rice-wheat cropping system, severely depletes groundwater and reduces the sustainability of production. Crop diversification and the preservation of natural resources can be achieved through the promotion of high-value, water-efficient horticulture crops like dragon fruit.. The present study was undertaken to popularize dragon fruit cultivation through the establishment of Dragon Cultivation Demonstration Units (DCDUs) at farmers\’ fields. A standardized knowledge test was created and verified to evaluate the intervention\’s efficacy. Using the difficulty index, discrimination index, and point-biserial correlation coefficient, 32 objective items based on the suggested package of practices for dragon fruit production were first created and evaluated psychometrically. Beneficiary farmers were given the validated instrument both before and after the demonstration programto measure changes in their knowledge levels.The results showed that farmers\’ knowledge significantly improved after the intervention, demonstrating the efficacy of DCDUs as an extension strategy for technology transmission. Additionally, beneficiary farmers expressed positive response on dragon fruit cultivation\’s profitability, water-use efficiency, climate resilience, and potential for diversification. The DCDUs also generated a significant multiplier effect, with neighbouring farmers visiting the demonstration orchards and several subsequently adopting dragon fruit cultivation. However, high establishment costs and limited availability of quality planting material remained the major constraints to wider adoption. The study concludes that DCDUs are an effective extension strategy for enhancing farmers\’ knowledge, promoting technology adoption, encouraging crop diversification, and contributing to water conservation in Punjab.

Poultry farming, especially broiler farming is important component of Punjab\’s livestock sector as it provides regular income and employment to the farmers. The present study focuses on broiler farming in Punjab, examining various marketing channels used by farmers to sell live and processed broiler meat. A sample of 22 retailers, 13 wholesalers, and 17 processors was selected to assess the costs and margins involved in the marketing process. Acharya\’s marketing efficiency formula was applied to analyze the efficiency of different marketing channels. The study concluded that the channel III (Farmer-Retailers Consumers) was found to be most efficient channel in terms of marketing efficiency and producer\’s share in consumer\’s rupee followed by Channel II (Farmer-Wholesalers-Retailers-Consumers) and Channel IV (Farmer-Wholesalers I-Wholesalers II-Retailers-Consumers). Results showed that the majority of broiler farmers, especially those with smaller farms, preferred selling through wholesalers. The study also revealed that mobile phones, particularly WhatsApp, were the primary sources of market information for farmers, with commission agents playing a minor role. In terms of value addition, dishes like chicken biryani and butter chicken showed the highest degree of profitability for restaurants, with a net profit margin ranging from ?193 to ?826. The degree of value addition ranged from 141 per cent for tandoori chicken to 603 per cent for chicken biryani.