Epidemiology of Haemonchus contortus infection in goats in Sikkim

Out of 3,821 faecal samples examined 63.18% were positive with a mean egg per gram (epg) of 1,150.22. Highest prevalence was observed in August (83.22%). Examination of abomasums of slaughtered goats (107) showed 61.68% incidence of Haemonchus contortus infection with worm count in the range of 41.26– 377.22. The female/male ratio was 1.639. The infection was more prevalent in animals below 1 year (68.34%) followed by 1– 2 year (64.99%) while those above two years of age showed only 57.71% prevalence. Moreover, the prevalence was more in autumn (74.73%) and summer (73.12%) compared with spring and winter

Cross genera amplification of ginger EST-SSRs in large cardamom using genomic DNA isolated from standardized simplified protocol

323-330Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is one of the most important cash crops of Sikkim. The issues crippling its production have been largely addressed through improved agronomic practices but efforts for genetic improvement have not been made. Being an orphan crop with regard to its genomic resources, the present study was carried out to standardize DNA isolation protocol for large cardamom using minimal resources and cross amplification of ginger expressed sequence tag (EST) based simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in large cardamom. The DNA isolation protocol was standardized through various modifications in the general cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) procedure. The DNA isolated through standardized protocol was of high quality confirmed through both electrophoretic (clear and intact bands) and spectrophotometric studies (A260/A280 ratio 1.68 to 1.97). The isolated DNA of all the six large cardamom samples was employed for PCR studies with 73 EST-SSR primers of ginger, out of which 18 showed cross amplification. Out of 18 primers, only 5 exhibited polymorphism showing maximum of 2 alleles per locus. In total, the PIC ranged from 0 to 0.63. A total of  23 alleles were amplified with average of 1.3 alleles per marker. A null allele marker was also observed. The results indicated low cross amplification rate (24.6%).  DNA isolation protocol standardized in the study can be used across labs for extraction of quality DNA with minimal resources and primers showed cross-amplification may be further used for various molecular studies in large cardamoms

On the typology and the worship status of sacred trees with a special reference to the Middle East

This article contains the reasons for the establishment of sacred trees in Israel based on a field study. It includes 97 interviews with Muslim and Druze informants. While Muslims (Arabs and Bedouins) consider sacred trees especially as an abode of righteous figures' (Wellis') souls or as having a connection to their graves, the Druze relate sacred trees especially to the events or deeds in the lives of prophets and religious leaders. A literary review shows the existence of 24 known reasons for the establishment of sacred trees worldwide, 11 of which are known in Israel one of these is reported here for the first time. We found different trends in monotheistic and polytheistic religions concerning their current worship of sacred trees

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Not AvailableSikkim's Transition towards Organic Farming: Status and ProspectsNot Availabl

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Not AvailableThe study was conducted to determine the effect of various factors viz. season, age of hen, egg weight and source of egg on reproductive performance of Vanaraja birds at an altitude of 1300 m at mean sea level in Sikkim. Fertility rate during summer was significantly higher than spring and winter. Fertility rate was significantly higher from 41 to 50 age of week as compared to 51 weeks onwards. Significantly higher fertility rate was observed in medium size egg as compared to other groups. The fertility rate of eggs produced in the farmers field were significantly lower than at farm. Hatchability on fertile egg set was highest during spring followed by summer while it was significantly lower during winter. Significantly higher hatchability was observed in age of 26 to 40 weeks compared to 51–60 and 61–70 weeks of age. Also, significantly higher hatchability was observed in medium size egg group than the other two groups. Chick weight on day of hatching was significantly higher in summer compared to autumn and winter. Egg weight also significantly affects chick weight which was highest in medium size egg. Significantly higher chick’s survivability was recorded in summer, spring and autumn season as compared to winter. Although, season, age of hen, egg weight and source of egg affected the production performance of Vanaraja birds, but it can be reared successfully throughout the year for production purpose.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableBackyard poultry production is a traditional livelihood option among rural tribal people of Sikkim with rearing of indigenous birds of poor production performances. Backyard poultry farming with improved bird like Vanaraja is a potent tool for livelihood promotion and nutritional security of the rural people of Sikkim in a sustainable way under organic farming. The Vanaraja bird is hardy and has better immunocompetence due to which it is successfully adapted under backyard poultry farming system in Sikkim. In the present study the benefit-cost (B: C) ratio in Vanaraja and local chicken is recorded as 4.41 and 1.57, respectively. The net income per bird is significantly higher (Rs.995.97 only) in Vanaraja than local bird (Rs.287.22 only).The higher B:C ratio and higher net return per bird in case of Vanaraja indicates that Vanaraja rearing is much more profitable than the local poultry bird.Not Availabl

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Not Available'An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure- the organic way'.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThe present study was conducted to determine the growth and productive performance of Vanaraja, a dual purpose bird developed for backyard poultry farming, under varied agro-climatic condition of Sikkim. A total of 1120 birds were given to 22 tribal farmers under Tribal Sub Plan of Poultry Seed Project in four districts with varying climatic condition and altitude. Chicks of Vanaraja were reared under intensive system with brooding up to 6th week of age. Body weights at day old, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks of age, age at first egg laying, total egg production, egg weights at 40 and 72 weeks of age and mortality (%) were recorded. Mean body weight in East Sikkim was significantly (0.05) higher than other districts from eighth week onward and this trend was continuous up to 24th week. Also, the body weight of birds in South Sikkim was significantly (P<0.05) higher than West and North Sikkim from 8th week and this trend was continued. The age at sexual maturity ranged from 165 to 189 days and average body weight at first egg lay was recorded from 2379.12±18.11 to 1734.34±17.45 g (Table 2). The age at sexual maturity was significantly (p<0.05) lesser in East and South Sikkim compared to North and West Sikkim. Egg weight at 40 weeks was recorded ranging from 50.78±0.26 to 55.05±0.56 g and at 72 weeks was from 60.12±0.24 to 67.25±0.92 g. Mortality during the present study varied from 3.2% to 8.2% during brooding phase and 2.1 to 5.3% during grower phase. It can be concluded form the present study that Vanaraja can be successfully reared under different agro-climatic condition of Sikkim under traditional tribal production system to augment the meat and egg availability in the rural areas.Not Availabl

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