Evaluation of different cultivars of sorghum for fodder quality and agronomic performance in Semi-Arid Tropics

Thirty four improved sorghum cultivars were evaluated for fodder quality and agronomic performance using two cuts harvested during the rainy season 2014 at ICRISAT, Patancheru following randomized complete block design with two replications. Within cuts consistent significant cultivar difference were only observed for biomass yields which ranged from 17.3 - 33.8 t ha-1 in the first cut to 3.2 and 17.4 t ha-1 in the second cut. Within and across cuts cultivar-dependent variations in fodder quality traits were statistically largely insignificant and inconsistent

Comparisons of ensiled maize, sorghum and pearl millet forages fed to sheep

Water-use efficient sorghum (7) and pearl millet (5) forages were compared with reference maize forage as silage tested with Nellore Brown sheep. Mean silage organic matter intake was 352, 297 and 137g!d in maize, sorghum and pearl millet silage, respectively Current pearl millet forage cultivars do not match maize forage in terms of fodder quality Of the 7 sorghum cultivars several were on par with maize though the cultivar dependent variation in intake was huge (254 to 343g!d). Anti-nutritive factors associated with sorghum like dhurrin were undetectable in the silages, although present in the fresh forage. A routine laboratory trait does not seem to describe sorghum and pearl millet forages adequately More research is required to understand the true nutritional potential of sorghum and in particular pearl millet forages. Dissemination of these forages based on only biomass yield should be discouraged

Studies on wound healing potential of red pigment isolated from marine Bacterium Vibrio sp.

Wounds are common clinical entities of life which may be subacute or acute. Wound healing is a complex biochemical process where the cell structures are restored to normalcy, which depend on cell proliferation and migration, basically fibroblast cell. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the healing efficacy of red pigment isolated from marine isolate Vibrio sps on experimental wounds in albino rats. The red pigment was applied topically, twice daily for 14 days. Treatment with framycetin ointment was used as reference control. The red pigment treated group showed faster reduction in wound area in comparison with control and framycetin ointment treated groups. In conclusion, red pigment possesses significant healing potential in wounds and has a positive influence on the different phases of wound repair. Keywords: Pigments, Marine microbes, Vibrio sps, Wound healing, Anti bacteria