UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
Not a member yet
4379 research outputs found
Sort by
Characterization of the Extracted Macromolecules Chitin, Chitosan, Gelatin, Trypsin and Chymotrypsin from Aquaculture Processing Waste
No full textAquaculture, the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants, has rapidly become a corner stone of global food production. The rise of aquaculture responds directly to the increasing global demand for seafood alongside the ongoing depletion of wild fish stocks, necessitating more sustainable methods to meet the nutritional requirements of a growing population. However, such rapid expansion concurrently presents a range of environmental and economic challenges, notably in the management and disposal of aquaculture processing waste. The processing of aquatic organisms results in significant waste generation including fish skin, viscera, scales, and exoskeletons. The traditional handling of aquaculture processing wastes, such as fish skin, viscera, and exoskeletons of crustaceans, often involves their disposal or use in low-value applications, contributing to environmental pollution and resource wastage. By focusing on the extraction and characterization of bioactive macromolecules from these wastes, this study not only provides a solution to waste management challenges but also opens up new avenues for the creation of high-value products. The extraction processes for the bioactive macromolecules from aquaculture waste, focusing on gelatin from fish skin, proteolytic enzymes from fish viscera, and chitosan from crustacean exoskeletons. It describes the optimization of extraction conditions, such as temperature, pH, and time, to achieve maximum yield and purity. The results of the extraction process are analyzed. This study focuses on the physico-chemical, biochemical, and structural characterization of the extracted bioactive macromolecules. Techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are employed to assess the properties of gelatin, proteolytic enzymes trypsin, chymotrypsin, chitin and chitosan. The results provide insights into the quality and potential applications of the extracted compounds, facilitating their use and subsequent utilization could lead to the development of innovative products that enhance human health, improve industrial processes, and contribute to environmental sustainability
Preliminary Assessment of the Population Status and Distribution of Travancore Tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) in the Western Ghats of India
No full textThe present study was undertaken to assess the population status and distribution of the Travancore tortoise, Indotestudo travancorica in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu for a period of three years from April, 2022 to March, 2025. The survey was carried out covering wild life sanctuaries, tiger reserves, national parks and protected forests. During the survey we encountered the Travancore tortoise in all the three states, however, the frequency of sightings was very low, as the species is under severe threat. This evidence indicates a drastic decline in the population of the species in the wild. It is observed that the season also plays a major role in the frequency of sightings of the species in the wild. The monsoon season is the ideal season for sightings of the species in the wild as compared to other seasons
Diversity and Distribution of Spider Fauna at Baby John Memorial Government College Campus Chavara, Kollam District, Kerala
No full textThe present work deals with the diversity of spiders found within the Baby John Memorial Government College campus in Chavara, Kollam. An investigation into the spider fauna was conducted for six months from January to June 2024. A total of 40 spider species belonging to 27 genera and 15 families were collected from the study site, totalling 286 individuals. The Family Araneidae was the most prevalent (25 %), followed by Oxyopidae (12.5%), Salticidae and Pholcidae (10%) respectively. Less common species included spiders belonging to families Philodromidae and Pisauridae (7.5%). Eight feeding guilds of spiders, i.e., Ambushers, ground dwellers, scattered line weavers, stalkers, orb-web weavers and space web builders were identified. Diversity indices were computed, including the Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Pielou\u27s evenness, and Margalef richness indices. The diversity calculated by Shannon Weiner’s index in different sites was 2.302 (Site 2), 2.244 (Site 3), 2.156 (Site 4) and 1.633 (Site 1). The evenness is higher in Site 1(0.8529) compared to other sites, 0.8325 (Site 2), 0.7855 (Site 4), 0.7703 (Site 3). The Simpson indices value was higher in Site 2 with 0.8848 value as compared to Site 3 with 0.8648 value, Site 4 with 0.8578 value and Site 1 with a value of 0.778. Berger-Parker index revealed the relative dominance of the species. The value of Berger-DBP (0.333) showed dominance is less but diversity is greater in Site 2 than Site 1 (0.1852), Site 3 (0.25) and Site 4 (0.2667). The study results provide a preliminary data for spiders on the College Campus and indicating a diverse variety of spider species in this campus
Impact of Climate Change on Prevalence of Waterborne Vibrio sp. in Fisherfolk Health of the Indian Sundarbans
No full textSundarbans, a region in West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh, is home to 188 fishing coastal villages and 76,981 fisherperson families (fisherfolk). The region is also a diarrhea-endemic zone, with yearly high incidences, primarily during the monsoons and summer, affecting nearly 380,138 fisherpersons. The Global Climate Risk Report shows that climate change has short-term and long-term impacts on the physicochemical parameters of waterbodies and vibrios growth due to alterations in salinity, temperature, pH, DO etc. 12 Vibrio sp. (out of 20) cause zoonotic infection in humans and are found in free form in estuarine and coastal water bodies or associated with fish and shellfish. Fisherpersons’ health and livelihood are at the highest risk, being first in human contact with pathogenic Vibrio species, including Vibrio cholerae, V. vulnificus, and V. parahaemolyticus, which are associated with coastal flooding and the invasion of seawater deeper inland. These vibrios invade as opportunistic pathogens directly or are transmitted through zoonotic transmission from fish and shellfish to fisherpersons, resulting in massive gastrointestinal infections, including gastric ulcer, vibriosis, and septicemia. Sunderbans is the largest coastline for capture and culture fisheries in India, and Climate change, rising salinity, and temperature fluctuations are significantly impacting aquatic environments, and the prevalence of water-borne diseases (mainly gastrointestinal) among fisherpersons. Collaborative and interdisciplinary working strategies based on surveillance and early warning systems related to outbreaks are needed to monitor climate-sensitive waterborne diseases for understanding and addressing these complex health issues. The Sundarbans, being highly vulnerable to climate change impacts like sea level rise and cyclones, underscore the need for focused research and adaptive management to protect fisherfolk\u27s health and livelihoods. More study is required to estimate the long-term effects of climate change on the economic sustainability of aquaculture, disease susceptibility, and antibiotic resistance arising due to microbial dysbiosis and the quality of life of Sundarban’s fisherpersons
Functional Response of the Predatory Ladybird Beetle, Coccinella undecimpunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Different Species of Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
No full textCoccinella undecimpunctata, a predatory ladybird beetle, plays a vital role in controlling aphid populations. Understanding its feeding efficiency at different life stages is essential for effective biological pest management. This study investigates the functional response of C. undecimpunctata to Aphis pomi and Aphis spiraecola under laboratory conditions, identifying the fourth instar larva as the most efficient predator. Functional response of different larval instars, adult males and females of the predacious coccinellid, Coccinella undecimpunctata, was evaluated under laboratory conditions in Division of Entomology Shalimar campus SKUAST Kashmir, to varying density of Aphis pomi and Aphis spiraecola. The life stages of Coccinella undecimpunctata exhibited a curvilinear Type II functional response. The fourth instar larva of Coccinella undecimpunctata consumed more aphids (19.2 ± 0.59 aphids per day each) due to its larger larval size and greater edacity as compared to female (17.70 ± 0.36 aphids per day by each) and adult male (16.09 ± 0.70 aphids per day by each) and third instar larvae (16.5 ± 0.52 aphids per day by each), when feeding on Aphis pomi subsequently. Similarly in case of Aphis spiraecola the fourth instar larval stage of Coccinella undecimpunctata consumed more aphids (17.9 ± 0.48 aphids per day by each) than female ( 16.6 ± 0.42 aphids per day by each), adult male (16.3 ± 0.53 aphids per day by each) and third instar larvae (16.0 ± 0.44 aphids per day by each). The search rate and handling time estimated for different stages of Coccinella undecimpunctata showed that the fourth instar had higher search rate, whereas the handling time showed the opposite trend as search rate. The results suggested that fourth instar larva of Coccinella undecimpunctata is the efficient predator for the biological control of Aphis pomi than Aphis spiraecola
Impact of Ferula hermonis Root Powder Supplementation on Some Blood Parameters, Antioxidant Status, and Ovarian Development in Aged Laying Hens
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of varying amounts of powdered Ferula hermonis roots on ovarian function, some blood parameters, and the antioxidant status of aged layer hens. Seventy two 81-week-old Lohmann brown strain hens, weighing 1925 ± 63 g was used in this study. The study was conducted from 81 to 89 weeks of age. Four groups were assembled, each consisting of six replicates with three hens per replicate (totaling 18 hens per group). The hens were divided into groups according to a completely randomized design. The diets of the first (control), second, third, and fourth groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4) had different amounts of Ferula hermonis root powder: 0, 150, 250, and 350 mg/kg, respectively. The results revealed that the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the 250 mg/kg Ferula hermonis root powder supplemented was significantly (p≤0.05) decreased compared to other groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the second, third, and fourth groups was significantly (p≤0.05) decreased compared to the control group. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the 350 mg/kg group was significantly (p≤0.05) increased compared to the other groups. Higher catalase (CAT) activity was recorded in the fourth group and a lower concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was recorded in the third and fourth groups. Oviduct relative weight, number of yellow follicles, and diameter of white follicles were significantly (p≤0.05) increased in the second, third, and fourth groups compared to the control group. However, ovary relative weight and diameter of yellow follicles were significantly (p≤0.05) increased in the third and fourth groups compared to the second and control groups. A higher number of white follicles was recorded in the fourth group compared to the other groups. The results indicated that Ferula hermonis root powder had no significant effect on serum cholesterol, triglycerides and GPx activity. In conclusion, feeding powdered Ferula hermonis roots to aged laying hens improved their ovarian function, liver enzymes, and antioxidant capacity
Assessment of Black Soldier Fly Larval Meal Based Diet on the Growth, Digestive Performance and Meat Quality of Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792)
No full textAims: To standardize the protein requirement for climbing perch using a Black Soldier Fly larval meal-based diet for the improved growth, digestive performance, and meat quality of Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792).
Study design: The experimental group replaced the fish meal with 40% black soldier fly larvae meal at different protein concentrations, viz. T4-20%, T5-25%, T6-30%, and T7-35% CP.
Place and duration of study: Erode Bhavani Sagar Centre for sustainable aquaculture, between 2023 and 2024
Result: After the 60th day of experiment, T6-30% and T7-35% CP diet-fed fishes resulted better growth and survival T6-30% (99±1.6%) than T4-20% and T5-25% fed fishes. The mean length gain (MLG) and percentage length gain (PLG) (5.64±0.07cm, 148.47±4.01) and (5.37±0.15cm, 135.65±6.52), Mean Weight Gain (MWG) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T7-35% (17.66±1.64g) and T6-30% (17.42±1.54g). Specific Growth Rate (SGR) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T6-30% (4.31±0.13), T7-35% (4.21±0.13), and T5-25% (4.08±0.12) than T4-20% (3.76±0.23). Hematological parameters and meat quality of experimental fish significantly (p>0.05) varied with different diet protein concentrations. The estimated cost-benefit analysis based on the FCR of each diet revealed that T6-30% (1:1.105) was cost effective.
Conclusion: Hence, the cost effective 30% crude protein diet in which 40% of Fish meal replaced with Black soldier fly larvae meal would be economically and environmentally sustainable for the culture of Anabas testudineus
Efficacy of Certain Chemicals and Biopesticides against Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.)
No full textThe present study was carried out during the Rabi season of 2024-2025. The experiment was done in Randomized Block Design (RBD). Eight treatments were applied, each replicated three times, viz Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4%, Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP, NSKE @ 5%, Spinosad 45% SC, Neem oil @ 5%, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, Bacillus thuringiensis 1×10⁹ CFU/ml and untreated control. Two rounds of spray after 15 days applications were given to manage Helicoverpa armigera. Among all treatments, (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC) recorded the lowest larval population (0.35 larvae/plant), followed by (Profenofos + Cypermethrin) at (0.41), (Spinosad) (0.48), (Neem oil) (0.53), (NSKE) (0.61), (Beauveria bassiana) (0.68) and (Bacillus thuringiensis) (0.75) All these treatments significantly reduced pest incidence compared to the untreated control, which recorded a much higher population of 3.42 larvae/plant. In terms of economics, the highest benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was observed in T6 (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC) with 1:2.54, followed by T1 (1:2.30), T4 (1:2.43), T5 (1:2.08), T3 (1:1.92), T2 (1:1.58), and T7 (1:1.05), whereas the lowest BCR was recorded in the untreated control (T0) with 1:0.90
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Canine Practice: An Overview
No full textVeterinary endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic technique that is either non-invasive or minimally invasive, enabling the examination of the interior of hollow organ or cavity within the body with specialized camera called endoscope without requiring surgical procedures. Technical innovations like fiber optics, video imaging and capsule endoscopy have further enhanced image clarity and diagnostic capabilities. There are many advantages of endoscopy including low morbidity and mortality rate of patients, real time imaging and immediate diagnosis, quicker recovery making them invaluable tools for improving patient outcomes in canine practice. However, limitations exist, including the need for specialized equipment and training as well as the inability to access certain layers of the body. Complications are rare though include perforation of organs, bleeding, and infection. The article summarizes the application of endoscopic examination on the canine gastrointestinal tract
Conservation of the Red Panda in India: An Analysis of Ecological Decline and Regulatory Gaps
No full textThis Article involves study of challenges in the conservation of the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) in India. Towards this end the research combines ecological findings with legal analysis. Red Panda is found mainly in the forests of Sikkim, Northern West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh in India. The matter of concern is the species faces serious threats due to habitat loss, poaching, and weak legal enforcement. Although the Red Panda receives top protection under Indian and international legal instruments, the lack of corridor protection, genetic monitoring, and cross-border coordination limits the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
The paper highlights three main areas for reform, for i.e. habitat connectivity, genetic monitoring, and trade control, and links them with specific legal changes under the Wildlife Protection Act,1972; Environment Protection Act, 1986, etc. With this interdisciplinary approach, the study shows that better integration of science and law is essential for long-term species protection. It concludes that India’s wildlife governance must evolve from static protected-area management to dynamic, ecosystem-based conservation supported by community participation and scientific tools