Comparative growth response related to hair mineral analysis in dromedary camel calves

Background: The dromedary camel plays significant role in supporting livelihood of pastoral and agro-pastoral systems as well as a source of income generation and national economy in arid regions. Aim: Current study was executed to check the comparative growth response relative to hair mineral status in Marecha camel calves reared under intensive (IMS) and extensive (EMS) management system at Thal desert Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: Twelve male and female Camelus dromedarius calves of almost same weight and age were divided into two groups of 6 (3 male and 3 female). The calves of first group were maintained at Camel Breeding and Research Station Rakh Mahni in semi-open housing system while the second group in available housing under field conditions. The first group calves were fed concentrate at 1 kg/head/day along with gram straw (Cicer arientinum) ad libitum while in second group calves were allowed grazing/browsing for 10 hours daily along with household refusals including kitchen wastes. Watering was done twice a day. Impressum digital weighing scale was used for fortnightly weighing. Data collected on different parameters was subjected to statistical analysis with 2×2 factorial arrangements of treatments under completely randomized design. Results: After 120 days’ trial period the mean body weight and average daily gain (ADG) of male and female calves was significantly increased (P<0.05) in IMS as 80.8±2.7, 77.8±2.7 kg and 0.67±0.02, 0.65±0.02 kg/d than EMS as 64.5±2.6, 52.9±2.6 kg and 0.54±0.02, 0.44±0.02 kg/d of male and female calves. Intake of crop residues (P<0.05) was found to be 6.9±0.45 and 6.4±0.45 kg/d in male and female calves, respectively in IMS and 3.5±0.23 for male and female calves both in EMS. The conversion index g/kg ADI was 97.1, 101.5 and 154.3, 125.7 for male and female calves, respectively in IMS and EMS. Regarding hair mineral status Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) among calf groups in IMS and EMS. Conclusion: This study indicates that wool analysis and management of weight gain in camel calves may be further explored to support increased meat supply in arid regions

Socio-economic constraints on camel production in Pakistan’s extensive pastoral farming

Abstract The present research is aimed to evaluate the diverse husbandry practices, ethno-veterinary practices, socio-economic status and distressing constraints of camel pastoralists inhabiting desert (Thal) areas of Pakistan, where they maintain herds of Marecha and Barela dromedaries in extensive production regimes. For this purpose, 200 pastoralists were selected at random to fill out an on-site questionnaire. According to the farmers’ responses, it was perceived that their living status had improved in the last decades due to the progressive optimization of camel productivity and herdsmen responsiveness. In contrast, calf mortality rates, some traditional husbandry practices and the lack of market investments continued to be the major constraints affecting camel overall production. Ethno-veterinary medicines are widely applied as primary health care, thus influencing the general health, production potentials and relief of camels in the study region. With this scenario, concerned stakeholders and authorized institutions must re-evaluate the urgent needs of indigenous communities; their education and husbandry skills to promote economic/ financial support in low-income remote areas. In turn, traditional communities will be adapted to the changing socio-economic and cultural values with regard to camel husbandry and welfare. Current societal perceptions and demands within this livestock production industry, where camels are conceived as a sustainable food security animal, if accomplished to the highest possible extent, will increase effectiveness of the camel value chain and breeders’ quality of life will be noticeably enhanced. However, this success could be multiplied if government may devise community education, veterinary cover, marketing facilitates and interest-free small loans for pastoralists

Effect of Different Watering Regimes in Summer Season on Water Intake, Feed Intake, and Milk Production of Marecha She-camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Twelve lactating healthy Marecha she-camels in the early lactation stage during the summer at Camel Breeding and Research Station Rakh-Mahni (Pakistan) were included. All animals were fed with Medicago sativa and Cicer arientinum ad libitum and divided into three groups in relation to the access to water, after a period of seven days of adaptation to experimental conditions. Group 1 (G1) was considered as control having access to water once every day; Group 2 (G2) had access once every 4 days, while Group 3 (G3) had access once every 6 days. The duration of the study was 60 days with an adaptation period to experimental conditions of 7 days before the onset of the study. Dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated on a dry matter basis. On average the ambient temperature and relative humidity during the trial were 39–41 °C and 55–63%, respectively. The DMI, water intake, milk production, and body weight changes were affected (p &lt; 0.001) during various watering regimes. The mean values of water intake were found to be 82.94 ± 1.34 L higher in G3 than G1 and G2

Compositional difference in antioxidant and antibacterial activity of all parts of the Carica papaya using different solvents

Background: Carica papaya is a well known medicinal plant used in the West and Asian countries to cope several diseases. Patients were advised to eat papaya fruit frequently during dengue fever epidemic in Pakistan by physicians. This study was conducted to establish Polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant potential profile of extracts of all major parts of the C. papaya with seven major solvents i.e. water, ethanol, methanol, n-butanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. Results: TPC, TFC, antioxidant and antibacterial potential were determined using different aqueous and organic solvents in addition to the determination of trace element in leaves, pulp and peel of C. papaya. Total soluble phenolics and flavonoids were found in promising quantity (≈66 mg GAE/g) especially in case of methanol and ethanol extracts. Antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging assay indicated leaves, bark, roots and pulp extracts showed >75.0 % scavenging potential while leaves and pulp showed 84.9 and 80.9 % inhibition of peroxidation, respectively. Reducing power assay showed leaves, pulp and roots extracts active to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ ions. The antibacterial study showed pulp extract is the best to cope infectious action of bacteria. Conclusion: This study was conducted to test the medicinal profile of all parts of C. papaya by extracting secondary metabolites with organic and aqueous solvents. Ethanol and methanol both were found to be the best solvents of choice to extract natural products to get maximum medicinal benefits and could be used to medicinal formulation against different infectious diseases