UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
Not a member yet
4379 research outputs found
Sort by
Diversity, Utilisation and Conservation of Fishmeal Resources along the Bakkhali–Fraserganj Coast, West Bengal, India
No full textThe composition of the fish meal fishery resources along the Bakkhali -Fraserganj coast of West Bengal, India has been represented in the study. Besides the highly priced food fishes, some low valued fishes including some prawns, crabs, squids etc. are sun dried to be used as fish meal for cattle and poultry feed purposes and also for manure. A small portion of fishmeal from the by-catch of other fisheries are also used for human consumption. Fishmeal is generally manufactured from wild-caught, small marine fishes, prawns and crabs. The present study was carried out twice a year for almost 3 consecutive years (February, 2022 to December,2024). Different fish samples were collected from the fishermen during early morning hours (5 am to 8am). Questionnaire and interview were done with the people of the khutis connected with fish drying. At least hundred khutis were visited each year for interviewing. Items used for the fish meal purpose included 36 fishes, 7 prawns, 7 crabs, 3 stomatopods and 3 cephalopod species. Among the finfishes, the species Harpodon nehereus under the order Aulopiformes was the most common one and the major contributor population. In the study area, the local inhabitants are entirely dependent on the natural resources for their livelihood. The present paper aims in studying the diversity of fish meal resources, to understand various anthropogenic pressure on the system and to highlight the management options for ecosystem sustainability
Production of Bacillus subtilis Amylases via Agroresidues and Their Application in Cassava Starch Hydrolysis
Get PDFAmylases are highly important for biotechnology, represent a class of industrial enzymes and occupy the world enzyme market. The aim of this work was to isolate bacteria for the production of amylase. Freshly caught R. kanagurta fish samples were purchased from the Vizhinjam fish port, Kerala. Bacteria isolated from the intestines of R. kanagurta were cultured on a culture medium containing starch (1%) and kept in an incubator at 30 °C for 48 h. After the incubation period, the growth of bacteria on starch agar plates was analysed, and the samples that were able to grow in this medium were selected for further analyses. The α-amylase enzyme-producing bacteria, which produced a stronger halo in the primary screening stage, were selected for secondary screening and enzyme activity measurement. On the basis of these biochemical and morphological characteristics, isolate A3 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. A high amount of amylase wasproduced by the B. subtilis strain isolated from the gut sample (120 U/ml). Among the tested carbon sources, starch had the greatest influence on amylase (158 ± 2.5 U/ml) production by B. subtilis(A3), whereas a minimum amount of amylase was produced by B. subtiliswhen it utilized sucrose as a carbon source (111 ± 5.1 U/ml) (p<0.01). Among the tested nitrogen sources, ammonium sulfate had the greatest influence on amylase (152 ± 2.9 U/ml) production by B. subtilis, whereas the minimum amount of amylase produced by this organismwas when it utilized casein as a nitrogen source (134 ± 13 U/ml) (p<0.01). The maximum amylase yield (205 ± 1.5 U/ml) was obtained using the culture containing Mn2+ compared with all the other tested elements and the control (p<0.01)
Push-Pull Strategies and Habitat Manipulation for Sustainable Insect Pest Management in Crops
Get PDFEffective and sustainable management of insect pests remains a major challenge in crop production worldwide. Conventional pest control heavily relies on chemical pesticides, which pose risks to human health and the environment. Push-pull strategies and habitat manipulation have emerged as promising ecological approaches to manage pests by exploiting their interactions with crops and the surrounding environment. Push-pull involves intercropping main crops with repellent "push" plants and attractive "pull" plants to deter pests and lure them away from the main crop. Habitat manipulation enhances the agroecosystem to support beneficial insects that naturally suppress pests.
This review examines the principles, implementation, and efficacy of push-pull and habitat manipulation strategies in various cropping systems. Successful examples are discussed, including the use of Desmodium as a push plant and Napier grass as a pull plant to control stemborers and Striga weed in maize in Africa, and planting flower strips and beetle banks to boost natural enemies in Europe and USA. Key advantages of these strategies include reduced reliance on pesticides, targeted pest control, promotion of biodiversity, and provision of additional ecosystem services.
However, challenges exist in terms of identifying suitable companion plants, allowing time for benefits to accrue, and integrating into commercial farming systems. Future research should optimize plant combinations and management practices for specific pest-crop contexts. Engaging farmers through participatory approaches is crucial for wider adoption. Ultimately, incorporating push-pull and habitat manipulation into Integrated Pest Management programs can contribute to more sustainable, economical, and environmentally-sound insect pest control in agriculture
Artificial Screening of Sesame Germplasm against Shoot Webber and Capsule Borer
Get PDFTen promising germplasm lines and three checks (VRI 1-Local check; TC-25 Susceptible check; SI-250 Resistance check) of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) exhibiting different genetic and regional diversity were screened against shoot webber and capsule borer (Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel) under net house condition during rabi season 2019-20 which were already found promising under open field condition at Regional Research Station, Vriddhachalam, Tamil Nadu. Among the entries tested, three entries viz., B-7-11, SI 2116, and GRT-83148 under artificial screening as well as feeding preference study were recorded less than 10 per cent plant damage and were classified as resistant
Biotyping Analysis of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Poultry from Wasit Markets, Iraq
Get PDFMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are widely acknowledged as significant contributors to foodborne infections. In this study, a total of thirteen MRSA isolates were obtained from raw and frozen chicken meat sold in Wasit markets. The aim was to investigate the origin of these isolates. To achieve this, the isolates were subjected to the Biotyping system developed by Devriese, which involved several biochemical assays, including staphylokinase (K) synthesis, beta-hemolysis (β), bovine plasma coagulation (CPB), and growth in the presence of crystal violet (CV). Among the thirteen MRSA isolates, five distinct biotypes were identified. Two of these biotypes were host-specific, classified as avian (07) and human (03). Additionally, three non-host-specific biotypes, each consisting of three isolates, were identified with the following biochemical profiles: K-; β+; CPB-; CV: A (01), K-; β+; CPB-; CV: E (01), and K-; β-; CPB-; CV: C (01). These biotypes can be found in birds, cattle, and humans. The results suggest that inadequate management of animals may contribute to public health risks, as evidenced by the presence of these biotypes. Further research is necessary to explore additional epidemiological factors related to the MRSA isolates found in various food samples
Studies on Physico-chemical Aspects and Zooplankton Diversity of Chellikurichi Lake, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India
Get PDFSeasonal variations of zooplankton populations and selected physico-chemical parameters of Chellikurichi lake (Lat 10o21’N; Long 79o, 23’E) Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu was carried out for a period of twelve months from July 2023 to June 2024. The physico-chemical parameters such as air and water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and total hardness were analyzed. In the study period, 23 species of zooplankton were analysed, of which 8 species of rotifera, 7 species of copepoda, 5 species of cladocera and 3 species of ostracoda were recorded. Rotifera appeared as dominant group of zooplankton with higher density (36.34%) followed by cladocera (30.63%), copepoda (20.12%) and ostracoda (12.88%). The season wise zooplankton analysis showed a maximum abundance of species in post monsoon and summer months and minimum in pre monsoon an monsoon months
Spiders Diversity in North East Gariaband Forest Regions of Chhattisgarh, India
Get PDFThe research was conducted in northeast Gariyaband region (Chhura). The research deals with spider (Arachnida : Aranae) diversity in north-east Gariaband region that provides fundamental knowledge about spider species in the region and their conservation status on habitat. In the research, a total of 55 species belonging to 42 Genus under 11 families were recorded from August 2024 to October 2024 (3 months) in the study area. All spider species are collected from different part of the area, like trees, shrubs, grassland and surfaces. There are Araneidae and Salticidae. Both are dominant families that have high species numbers. Spiders are important for ecosystem. The presence of spider species in a place indicates the good ecosystem of that area. The presence of spiders is more in forest region of Gariaband
Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus in Experimental Model of Depression
Get PDFObjective: This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant effects of a combination of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus leaf extracts compared to amitriptyline using the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) in mice.
Background: Depression is a common mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness and loss of interest. While effective, current antidepressants like amitriptyline often cause side effects, leading to interest in natural alternatives. Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus have traditionally been used for their therapeutic, potentially antidepressant, properties.
Methods: The study involved male mice, divided into groups receiving either a combination of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus extracts at varying doses, amitriptyline, or a control. Antidepressant activity was assessed using the TST and FST, with decreased immobility time indicating antidepressant effects.
Results: The combination of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus extracts significantly reduced immobility in the TST and FST, showing a dose-dependent antidepressant effect. At higher doses, it was comparable to amitriptyline, suggesting the extracts act through monoaminergic systems in the brain.
Conclusion: The combination of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus extracts showed significant antidepressant activity, comparable to amitriptyline, in preclinical models. These findings suggest potential for use as alternative or complementary therapies for depression, with further research needed to confirm efficacy and safety in humans
Diversity of Avifauna in Musiri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India
Get PDFThe present study investigates the avifaunal diversity of a part of Musiri Taluk, documenting a total of 120 bird species across 21 orders and 56 families. The order Passeriformes emerged as the most species-rich, comprising 26 families, followed by Charadriiformes with five families. Other notable orders include Coraciiformes (three families) and Accipitriformes, Strigiformes, Pelecaniformes, and Piciformes, each consisting of two families. Another fourteen orders each represented a single family. Based on the IUCN Red List, out of the 120 species recorded, 118 species were classified as Least Concern, while two species viz., the Red-necked Falcon (Falco chicquera) and the Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus), were categorized as Near Threatened. Among the species, 77% were resident, and 23% were migratory, with key migratory species including the Pallid Harrier and Alpine Swift (Tachybaptus melba). The study further categorized the bird species based on their feeding habits as insectivores (36.60%), followed by omnivores (24.20%) and carnivores (22.50%). Other feeding types included granivores (11.70%), nectivores (2.50%), and frugivores (1.70%), with only a single piscivorous species, the Little Cormorant (Microcarbo niger), accounting for 0.80% of the total species. In line with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, 15 species were listed under Schedule I, and 103 species under Schedule II. Notably, the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and House Crow (Corvus splendens) are excluded from the Act. This study provides valuable insights into the avian diversity, distribution, and feeding behaviours in the region, offering important information for future conservation efforts
The Nesting Success of the Indian Shag Phalacrocorax fuscicollis (Aves: Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae) in the Kamlanehru Zoological Park, Ahmedabad, India
Get PDFThe Indian shag Phalacrocorax fuscicollis is a freshwater species that has been nesting in the Kamlanehru Zoological Park (KZP), Ahmedabad since 2019. Here, the breeding of the Indian shag was studied during the period of 2021 to record the nesting success of species in KZP. The breeding activities of the Indian shag commenced in July and continued until November. It was noted that the birds built their nests on (Azadirachta indica, Ficus religiosa and Peltophorum pterocarpum) trees. As recorded both partners participated in nest building but male recorded while collecting most of materials. Incubation period was from 28-30 days and fledging period recorded upto 8 weeks. Though many studies were recorded of cormorants and breeding biology of little cormorants received major attention. Here, In particular, there no published information on the nesting success of Indian shag recorded. To support this information gap, this study was conducted to record the observations of successful nesting of Indian shag. Site observations and photographs of Indian shag nesting since 2019 were used to compile a record of successful breeding and compared with the present observations