Integrated nitrogen management in increasing yield and economic profitability of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.)

The experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University during the period of November 2014 to April 2015 with a view to assess the combined effect of inorganic and organic sources of nitrogen on yield of broccoli and to develop a combined dose under integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) for broccoli production. Four levels of Nitrogen (N) as 140, 160 and 180 kg N ha-1 as urea super granules (USG) and 180 kg N ha-1 as prilled urea (PU) as well as three different organic nitrogen sources (IPNS based) were considered to comprise 24 treatments combinations. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. USG along with organic manures showed better yield performance regarding yield attributes and yield compared to PU. The highest head yield (14.7 t ha-1) was found in USG-N160 kg/ha+ Oil Cake (OC)2t/ha followed by USG-N180kg/ha+ OC2t/ha (14.5 t ha-1). The maximum lateral head yield (6.612 t ha-1), marginal rate of return (132), and benefit cost ratio (4.00) were recorded in USG-N160kg/ha+ Poultry manure (PM)3t/ha. The treatment PU-N180+PM3 also showed better performance regarding yield (13.7 t ha-1), harvest index (27.1%) and benefit cost ratio (BCR) (3.84). Therefore, USG @160 kg N ha-1 + 3 t ha-1 poultry manure as adjusted N126P22K62S14Zn2B1Mo0.8 kg/ ha+3 t/ha PM or PU @180 kg N/ ha + 3 t/ ha poultry manure as adjusted N146P22K62S14Zn2B1Mo0.8 ha+3 t/ ha PM can be recommended for broccoli production in Grey Terrace Soil

Integrated nutrient management for tomato-okra-stem amaranth cropping pattern in homestead area.

Due to increasing population, availability of crop land is decreasing rapidly and many croplands are being turned into homestead. The utilization of homestead is very important. Intensive crop cultivation with high yielding varieties to fulfil food demand for a swelling population has led to mining out the inherent plant nutrients from the soil. An experiment was conducted with tomato-okra-stem amaranth cropping pattern in a homestead area in Chhiata Series of Grey Terrace Soil (Aric Albaquept) under AEZ- 28 at Gazipur to find out the optimum dose of chemical fertilizer and organic manure for obtaining higher crop yield and to study the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on soil properties. The experiment consisted of eight treatments: T 1 (Poultry manure, PM @ 5 t ha -1), T 2 (Cowdung, CD @ 10 t ha -1), T 3 (Household waste, HW @ 10 t ha -1), T 4 (PM @ 2.5 t ha -1 + reduced recommended dose of fertilizer, RDF), T 5 (CD @ 5 t ha -1 + reduced RDF), T 6 (HW @ 5 t ha -1 + reduced RDF), T 7 (100% RDF) and T 8 (Control). Among the treatments, 2.5 ton poultry manure along with reduced rate of RDF performed the best in recording yields of tomato, okra and stem amaranth. Next to PM, HW @ 5 t ha -1 + reduced RDF had better results in respect of yield. Bulk density and organic C were improved by the application of organic manure; the highest nutrients uptake and availability was found in T 4 followed by T 6

Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Drug Resistance in Dhaka Central Jail, the Largest Prison in Bangladesh

There are limited data on TB among prison inmates in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), its drug resistance and risk factors in Dhaka Central Jail, the largest prison in Bangladesh.Cross sectional survey with, active screening of a total number of 11,001 inmates over a period of 2 years. Sputum samples from TB suspects were taken for acid- fast bacilli (AFB) microscopy, culture and drug susceptibility testing. (5.37, 4.02–7.16).The study results revealed a very high prevalence of TB in the prison population in Dhaka Central Jail. Entry examinations and active symptom screening among inmates are important to control TB transmission inside the prison. Identifying undiagnosed smear-negative TB cases remains a challenge to combat this deadly disease in this difficult setting

Prevalence and identification of subclinical mastitis in cows at BLRI Regional Station, Sirajganj, Bangladesh

Objective: The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows at Baghabari milk shed area of Sirajganj and Pabna districts in Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 300 milk samples were collected from crossbred dairy cows, and the milk samples were subjected for using California Mastitis Test (CMT). Besides, data related to farm management were taken from 60 farmers through direct interviews. The CMT was compared with White Slide Test (WST) and Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT). The samples showing strong positive reaction to mastitis by CMT were used for the isolation of associated bacteria using conventional bacteriological examinations and biochemical properties. The isolated bacteria were subjected for antibiogram studies by disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 300 samples, 153 (51%) revealed positive reactions denoting that the cows were suffering from subclinical mastitis. Of the 153 samples, 39(13%) were trace-positive, 56(18.56%) were weak-positive, 33(11%) were distinct-positive, and the rest 25(8.3%) samples were strongly positive. In comparison economically among CMT, WST and SFMT, SFMT was found to be the cheapest and easiest. In this study, the cows were mostly infected with mixed infection with Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and some cows had single bacterial infection. It was observed that most of the microorganisms were sensitive to Gentamycin, Amoxicillin and Ceftriaxone, and were resistant to Penicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Colistin sulphate. Conclusion: Overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in the crossbred dairy cows at Sirajganj and Pabna district is 51%. It indicates that subclinical mastitis is a major threat for dairy industry in the studied areas. Early detection and appropriate preventive measures are suggestive to successful control of the disease. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(3.000): 295-300

Effects of Irrigation and Application of Phosphorus Fertilizer on the Yield and Water Use of Tomato Grown on a Clay Terrace Soil of Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted in the rabi （dry） season of 1998-99 on a clay terrace soil of Bangladesh to study the effects of irrigation and P fertilization on the yield, total water use, and water use efficiency of tomato. Five levels of irrigation and four levels of P application were involved. Irrigation, P application, and the interaction of irrigation and P application had a significant impact on the yield of tomato. In the individual effects of irrigation and P application, the yield was significantly high in the three and four irrigation and at the P level of 120 kg P_2O_5 ha^<-1>. As the interaction effect, the highest yield of 38.7 Mg ha^<-1> with the maximum net benefit was obtained under the combination of three irrigations at 15, 35, and 55 days after transplantation of seedlings and P application at the level of 120kg P_2O_5 ha^<-1>. Its total water use was 169 mm, giving the reasonably high water use efficiency of 229kg ha^<-1> mm^<-1>. The highest range of water use efficiency was noted in non-irrigation treatments, but the yield and net benefit were about half of those of the highest yield. The treatment with three irrigations along with P application at the level of 120 kg P_2O_5 ha^<-1> was concluded to be the best combination for the sustainable tomato cultivation in Shallow Red－Brown Terrace Soil of Bangladesh

Prevalence and molecular detection of the causal agents of sub-clinical mastitis in dairy cows in Sirajganj and Pabna districts, Bangladesh

Objective: The present research work was undertaken with the objectives to investigate the prevalence and molecular detection of the causal agents of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) in cows at milk shed areas in Sirajganj and Pabna districts, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 300 milk samples were randomly collected from Baghabari milk shed areas of Sirajganj and Pabna districts. The milk samples were subjected for California Mastitis Test (CMT) for identifying SCM. Total 81 positive samples were then used for the isolation and identification of associated bacteria and fungi using conventional microbiological examination and biochemical tests, followed by confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Besides, universal primers were used for amplification and sequencing of PCR products where specific primers were not used. Results: The overall prevalence of SCM was 51% (n=153/300). Based on bacteriological examination and biochemical tests, several bacteria were identified in this study; the orgnaisms included Staphylococcus sp. (45.68%), Streptococcus uberis (14.81%), Escherichia coli (9.88%), Proteus sp. (19.75%), Salmonella sp. (1.23%), Acinetobacter sp. (7.41%), and fungus (1.23%). PCR technique confirmed the bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus (279-bp), Streptococcus uberis (884-bp), E. coli (16SrRNA 585-bp, stx1 606-bp, rfbO157 497-bp) and Salmonella sp. (Inv-A gene796-bp). Conclusion: This study reveals that SCM in dairy cattle is persisting in Sirajganj and Pabna districts of Bangladesh. Hygienic practices should be improved, and providing technical intereventions may reduce the rate of SCM in the study areas. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 378-384

Preliminary Assessment of Quality of Water in Gazipur District, Bangladesh

Total 26 water samples were collected in BSMRAU campus and in Gazipur District where BSMRAU is situated, Bangladesh, in March （the late dry season） 2001. Samples were taken from surface water （river, pond, lake, canal and reservoir） and ground water. Ground water was found to be suitable to drinking or irrigation. Quality of surface water varied with sampling locations and water sources. Among surface-water samples, the concentration of NO_3^--N was highest for water taken from the Turag River （3.6 mg/L） followed by water from the Belai River （2.5mg/L）. The P concentration was also highest for water of the Turag River （0.34mg/L）. Discharge of municipal waste water from houses along the river, in addition to inflow of N fertilizer applied to agricultural fields, was proposed to the contamination of the Turag River. Progress of eutrophication or pollution in small rivers in Gazipur District may cause a serious impact on environment and human health in future. Detailed and comprehensive assessment is strongly requested