Potential of Dietary Citric and Malic Acid Supplementation on Biological Performance and Economic Efficiency by Replacing Conventional Antibiotics in Cobb500 Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of dietary citric and malic acids supplementation on biological performance and economic efficacy by replacing conventional antibiotics in cobb500 broiler chickens. A total of 280 one-day-old chickens were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with four replicates in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments included a basal diet without supplementation (T1), 60 mg/kg oxytetracycline (T2), 16 g/kg citric acid (T3), 8 g/kg malic acid (T4), and a mixture of 8 g/kg citric acid and 4 g/kg malic acid (T5). At the end of the feeding trial, eight broiler birds per treatment were slaughtered for carcass evaluation and gut morphology. The results revealed that the average daily weight gain of chickens was significant (P<0.05) among the treatments during the starter and grower phases; the organic acid-supplemented groups presented greater (61.98 to 64.30 g) weight gain than did the T1 group (59.58 g) but comparable to the T2 group (64.06 g) in terms of daily weight gain in all phases. A better feed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained in the organic acid-supplemented groups. The highest (P<0.05) dressed carcass yields were recorded in T2 and T5. Similarly, better relative economic efficiency was recorded in T5. Dietary supplementation with a mixture of citric and malic acids is a more effective antibiotic replacement strategy than individual acid supplementation; it improves the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economic efficiency of Cobb500 broiler chickens

Pigeon Droppings as a Cryptococcus Reservoir: A Review

Cryptococcus neoformans are an encapsulated yeast and causative agent of cryptococcosis in man and animals. C. neoformans has worldwide distribution and infects immunosuppressed individuals, especially those suffering from AIDS. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the two species of Cryptococcus that are typically linked to human illnesses. It has been identified for its association with bird guano accumulations, particularly pigeon excrement, and has been isolated from various natural sources. The major environmental sources of Cryptococcus neoformans are soil contaminated with pigeon droppings or eucalyptus trees and decaying woods forming hollows in living trees. Pigeon droppings are a suitable environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria.  Pigeon guano is a common source for infection propagules of Cryptococcus neoformans and is postulated to play a central role in transmission from the environment to humans. Pigeon dropping consists of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium as well as other minerals. These constituents provide an excellent sanctuary that supports the growth of various microorganisms. The review emphasizes that pigeon droppings are a significant reservoir and spread site for the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus

Sublethal Exposure to Urea Induces Changes in Erythrocyte Morphology in Rhacophorus maximus Tadpoles

Nitrogen-based fertilizers used in agriculture can impact aquatic organisms when they enter water bodies, affecting the development, behavior, and survival. Haematological studies showed that limited information exists on how nitrogen fertilizers specifically affect the blood of anuran tadpoles. To investigate this, urea (CO(NH2)2), a commonly used fertilizer in Meghalaya, was studied to understand if there is any potential effect on the red blood cell morphology of Rhacophorus maximus tadpoles. The experiment involved exposing laboratory reared tadpoles at Gosner stage 27 to varying sub-lethal doses of urea (1, 5, and 10 g/L) over a 14-day period. Analysis of the red blood cells using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed some noticeable changes in cell shape, including membrane internalization and membrane disintegration, lobopodial projections, ruptured, oblong, crenulated and contracted cells. Statistical analysis confirmed differences in the percentage of abnormal shaped red blood cells, indicating the potential stress induced by the fertilizer on this anuran species. These findings emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect the breeding habitats of these organisms against such stressors

Diversity and Distribution of Orthopteran Species in Kalahandi District, Odisha: A Comprehensive Survey

Orthopteran species play crucial roles in food webs and are considered excellent bioindicators of environmental change due to their sensitivity to habitat alteration, climate variability, and land-use patterns. Indian orthopteran diversity is often studied in the context of agricultural entomology, as many species are known to damage important crops such as rice, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. Understanding orthopteran diversity in such lesser-known regions is not only important for biodiversity records but also essential for sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem management. Orthopteran species were collected from different selected sites in Kalahandi district using an insect-collecting net and the hand-picking method between June 2024 and February 2025. A total of 8,724 individual orthopterans were captured and identified, representing five different families. The family Acrididae had the highest species diversity, comprising 19 species across 15 genera. This group was followed by the family Pyrgomorphidae, which included 7 species under 4 genera. The family Tettigoniidae consisted of 5 species across 4 genera. The lowest species diversity was recorded in the family Tetrigidae, with only a single species identified. The Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1-D) was 0.961, suggesting high species diversity within the community. Additionally, Shannon’s Diversity Index (H) was 3.341, and Pielou’s Evenness Index (J) was 0.964, both reflecting a high level of species richness and an even distribution of individuals among species

Urbanization and Faunal Diversity: A Systematic Checklist of Different Faunal Species in Kharadi-Wagholi, M/S, India

Urbanization greatly changes biodiversity by changing natural habitats, affecting species composition, and disturbing ecological balance. The current research records the faunal diversity of the Kharadi-Wagholi area in Pune District, Maharashtra state, which is a region with fast developmental activities. Field surveys were carried out from February 2024 to January 2025, including Pre-Monsoon, Monsoon, and Post-Monsoon seasons. Species identification was made using systematic transect walking, visual sighting, and photographic recording, and it was based on standard taxonomic guides. There were 68 species that were recorded and belonged to variety of faunal groups. Out of 68 species, 29 species belonged to Phylum Arthropoda, and 35 species belonged to Phylum Chordata. Avifauna diversity was very rich, with 21 species of birds were recorded. Insects showed greatest diversity, especially during the monsoon, reflecting seasonal changes in species richness. The scarcity of amphibians and reptiles indicates habitat fragmentation, pollution, and reduced water sources as potential limitations on their populations. The results highlight the necessity for biodiversity conservation efforts in rapidly urbanizing environments. Conservation of green spaces, restoration of native habitats, and incorporating ecological aspects into urban planning are necessary to maintain biodiversity. The study generates baseline data that will be used for future ecological evaluation and conservation planning so that urbanization follows an environmental sustainable pattern

Taxonomical Characteristics and Biochemical Properties of Namalycastis abiuma: A Promising Nutritional Resource for Aquaculture

Namalycastis abiuma polychaete species is generally found in mangrove mud flats, whereas ten specimens were observed, with six being complete, ranging from 128 to 135 chaetigers. The species exhibits an elongated body with a convex dorsum and flat ventral surface. The prostomium is trapezoidal with a distinct anterior cleft, and the antennae are short and subconical. Moreover, the species has two pairs of eyes, tentacular cirri with smooth cirrostyles, and a button-shaped pygidium with two smooth anal cirri. The determination of proximate composition widely accepted standard methods were followed, whereas it revealed rich protein content with 54.24 ± 2.4%, and moderate lipid at 32.3 ± 1.2%, a lesser amount of carbohydrate with 17.2 ± 0.7%, and an ash percentage of 7.2 ± 0.5%. The fatty acid profile revealed that 30 numbers of fatty acids belong to SFA, MUFA, and PUFA; at the same time, omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, are notable fatty acids that comprise 12.64 ± 1% of the total fatty acids. Unlike other polychaetes, the species of Namalycastis abiuma, generally found in mangrove environments, plays a significant role in nutrient cycling, giving crucial support to the coastal ecosystem\u27s health, and the species has also shown great potential of biochemical profile, including protein, lipid, and carbohydrates, and specifically the presence of higher amounts of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which collectively gives great attention to this species as a promising nutrient source that would support the aquaculture-adapted species like shrimp and fish in their immune system enhancement, reproduction, and growth. This study highlighted that this species is an alternative source for formulating feed, in contrast to reliance on traditional fishmeal, which may create more sustainable and affordable aquaculture practices

Bioremediation of Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil Using Biomass of Fruit-vegetable Waste

India is a country where more than 70% of its population relies on its agricultural production. Excess production of crops leads to contamination by pests and to prevent these pesticides are in wide use. Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide commonly used due to its broad-spectrum activity. It is highly toxic and does not get degraded easily leading to irreversible hazards to the environment. The process of bioremediation involves the all-encompassing action of microbes, including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi. Most of the earlier studies involved the direct use of microbes or their enzymes in the bioremediation processes. In the present study we have attempted bioremediation of soil samples harnessed with chlorpyrifos at two different concentrations (10% & 20%) using crude fruit-vegetable waste biomass. The results of the study proved an exemplary reduction in the COD values as well as an enhancement in the essential nutrients (N,P,K) in the soil. Chlorpyrifos was completely degraded into its intermediary compounds phosphorothioic acid and1-methyl dodecyl benzene within a span of 30 days

Studies on Growth and Morphometrics in Bombyx mori (L.) Fed on Morus alba: Insights for Enhanced Sericulture

The present study investigates the morphometric and biological parameters of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.), reared on Morus alba under controlled laboratory conditions at the College of Agriculture, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga. Observations from 25 individuals per stage revealed progressive increases in body dimensions across developmental stages, with fifth instar larvae showing the maximum length (59.35 mm) and breadth (7.09 mm). Cocoon and pupal measurements averaged 3.19 × 1.82 cm and 1.91 × 0.79 cm, respectively. Adult females were consistently larger than males in wingspan, body length and breadth. The egg incubation period averaged 9.00 ± 1.41 days with a high hatching percentage (93.30%). The complete life cycle ranged between 54 to 56 days depending on sex. Female fecundity averaged 334.55 eggs. Environmental parameters such as temperature (29.7°C) and humidity (60.1%) were closely monitored. The results aligned with previous studies and reinforce the influence of host plant quality and environmental control on silkworm growth, reproduction, and silk yield

Purification, Characterization and Quantification of Yolk Proteins from Mature Ovaries of Mud Crabs (Scylla serrata)

The present study was aimed to purify, characterize and quantify vitellin from the mature ovaries of the mud crabs, Scylla serrata. Vitellin was purified using saturated ammonium sulfate method followed by dialysis. Analysis on SDS-PAGE revealed two subunits of 105 kDa and 85 kDa. To analyse the peptide profile of vitellin, the bands obtained were digested with trypsin and the tryptic peptides were sequenced by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF analysis. The peptides identified from 105 kDa were spread along the entire sequence of vitellogenin corresponding to the full length of the protein. Purified vitellin was used to raise polyclonal antisera with which an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method was developed. Typical standard curve using ELISA showed a detectable vitellin sensitivity range between 5.0 ng and 1.0 μg (linear regression analysis: R2= 0.991). Quantification of vitellogenin during natural reproductive cycle of mud crabs, revealed a significant increase (p< 0.001) in vitellogenin levels as compared to crabs at immature stage. To conclude, we demonstrated the isolation, purification, characterization and quantification of ovarian yolk protein from mud crabs, S. serrata which could be used as an aquaculture tool to identify and assess the signalling molecules that promote seed in hatchery industry

First Report of Paracanthocobitis abutwebi (Singer & Page, 2015) from Tizit River, Nagaland, India

Paracanthocobitis abutwebi Singer & Page, 2015 is reported first from the Tizit River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in Nagaland. Paracanthocobitis abutwebi is distinguished from all other Paracanthocobitis species in having combination of complete lateral line; absence of the axillary pelvic lobe; pattern of dark specks on the upper side between small dorsal saddles; 4-5 black bands on the caudal fin; commonly 12 dorsal-fin rays; 10-13 branched pectoral-fin rays; and alternating large and small dark patch along the lateral line; 8 pelvic fins rays and 6-7 anal-fins rays. Additional morphometric data of the species are discussed