UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Feeding Ecology and Seasonal Trophic Dynamics of the Spadenose Shark (Scoliodon laticaudus) from Veraval, Northwest Coast of India
No full textThe spadenose shark, Scoliodon laticaudus, is a commercially significant and Near-Threatened species that dominates shark landings along India’s northwest coast. This study investigated its feeding ecology, focusing on seasonal feeding intensity and dietary composition, to inform sustainable management. A total of 360 specimens were collected monthly from April 2024 to March 2025 at Veraval Fishing Harbour, Gujarat. Feeding intensity was assessed through the Gastro-Somatic Index (GaSI), stomach fullness categories, and the Empty Stomach Ratio (ESR). Diet composition was quantified using the Index of Relative Importance (IRI). Results revealed significant seasonal variation in feeding activity. The highest GaSI values were recorded in winter (February: 6.88), indicating peak feeding intensity, while the lowest values occurred in pre-monsoon months (May: 2.794). ESR was highest in May (85%) and November (78%), reflecting reduced feeding during these periods. Dietary analysis confirmed a generalist carnivorous diet. Crustaceans were the most important identifiable prey (IRI: 21%), followed by teleosts (IRI: 16%) and cephalopods (IRI: 14%). However, semi-digested material dominated the overall diet (IRI: 49%), highlighting challenges in precise prey identification. S. laticaudusis a mesopredatory coastal shark that feeds mainly on crustaceans, small fishes, and benthic invertebrates. It acts as an important link between lower trophic consumers and higher predators, thereby helping to maintain balance and energy flow in coastal food webs. The species exhibits seasonal, opportunistic foraging behavior, with higher feeding activity during pre- and post-monsoon periods and a shift in diet during the monsoon in response to changes in prey availability. These findings elucidate the trophic role and seasonal foraging strategy of S. laticaudus, providing critical baseline data for ecosystem-based fisheries management and conservation of this vulnerable species in the region
Integrated Pest Management: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Agriculture and Ecosystem Health
No full textIntegrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach of pest control that integrates several effective control strategies, such as cultural, mechanical, physical, biological, regulatory and chemical strategies for pest management. The ecological and socioeconomic effects of the injudicious use of agrochemicals underscore the importance of threshold-based interventions and prevention over the regular use of agrochemicals. This review summarises the historical development and fundamental concepts of IPM, which integrates ecological theory, pest population dynamics, and socioeconomic decision-making criteria. Integrated pest management tactics integrate the use of biological control agents, host plant resistance, precision-based chemical and some recent technologies such as artificial intelligence-driven decision tools, disease forecasting models, digital surveillance and climate-smart pest management. IPM promotes sustainable approaches by lowering the dependence on pesticides, helps in preserving biodiversity and boosts the resilience of the agroecosystem. For the effective adoption of IPM, technological integration and interdisciplinary collaboration and farmer-centred approaches need to be incorporated
Comparative Study on Fresh Seminal Attributes of Jamnapari and Sirohi Bucks
No full textThe study aimed to evaluate and compare the physico-biochemical characteristics of fresh semen of Jamnapari and Sirohi bucks. Fresh semen was collected from six bucks (three Jamnapari and three Sirohi) twice a week for eight weeks, totaling 60 ejaculates (10 per buck), using an artificial vagina during the seasonal breeding period. The overall mean ejaculate volume was significantly greater (P=0.05) in Sirohi bucks as compared to Jamnapari bucks. Conversely, Jamnapari bucks (4.73 ± 0.11) demonstrated significantly higher (P=0.05) mass motility than Sirohi bucks (4.20 ± 0.15). However, sperm concentration and total sperm output per ejaculate did not differ significantly (P=0.05) between the Sirohi and Jamnapari breeds. Additionally, in extended semen, there was no significant difference between the Jamnapari and Sirohi goat sperm indices, except for the percentage of sperm acrosomal integrity and sperm abnormalities. Moreover, the ejaculate volume of Jamnapari and Sirohi bucks was significantly negatively correlated with sperm concentration (r = -0.255 & -0.595, P=.01) and positively correlated with total sperm output per ejaculate (r = 0.946 & 0.837, P=.01), respectively. Sperm motility was significantly positively correlated with sperm viability (r = 0.937 & 0.966, P=.01), percentage of acrosomal integrity (r = 0.88 & 0.969, P=.01), percentage of plasma membrane integrity (r = 0.850 and 0.945, P=.01), and sperm penetration distance in polyacrylamide gel (r = 0.964 & 0.981, P=.01). Conversely, it was negatively correlated with the percentage of sperm abnormalities (r = -0.592 & -0.898, P=.01), seminal plasma AST (r = -0.860 & -0.704, P=.01), and seminal plasma ALT (r = -0.744 & -0.827, P=.01) in Jamnapari and Sirohi bucks, respectively. Conclusively, the study established normal values of fresh semen for both Jamnapari and Sirohi bucks. Jamnapari bucks demonstrated superior semen quality parameters as compared to Sirohi bucks
Comparative Study of the Wing Venation in Housefly (Muscidae) and Flesh Fly (Sarcophagidae)
No full textGeometric morphometric analysis was employed to investigate wing shape and venation patterns in two forensically significant dipteran species, Musca domestica (Muscidae) and Sarcophaga SP. (Sarcophagidae). The study evaluated left-right asymmetry and minor size-shape variations in wing morphology to determine their effectiveness in distinguishing closely related taxa. Wing specimens were prepared on slides and digitized to capture landmark coordinates for morphometric analysis. Results indicate that wing venation patterns provide reliable diagnostic features for species identification and can aid in forensic entomology by improving PMI estimations. Overall the morphometric analysis showed clear interspecific differences in wing structure, supporting its application in taxonomic classification as well as medico-legal investigations
Ichthyodiversity of Sichi River, under Koyu Circle, Lower Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India
No full textA survey and documentation of ichthyofaunal diversity were undertaken from April 2024 to December 2025 in the Sichi river, located within the Koyu circle of Lower Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India. With the help of local fishermen, specimens were sampled randomly along the length of the river at various times using locally available fishing gear and techniques. A total of 36 species of fish were recorded, belonging to 14 families, 5 orders, and 30 genera. According to the IUCN conservation categories, among the 36 species, 1 species comes under the category of Endangered (EN), 3 species are under the Vulnerable (VU) category, 5 species are under the Near Threatened (NT) category, 1 species is under the Data Deficient (DD) category and the remaining 5 species are under the Not Evaluated (NE) category. Under The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act (WPAA, 2022), one species, Cyprinion semiplotum, is listed under the Scheduled-I. The study also revealed that most of the fish species recorded from the river have high food value, recreational/sport fishing value, and ornamental value. Furthermore, the study also revealed that the fish population in the river has declined alarmingly over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate conservation measures
Impact of Cuo Nanoparticles on Survivability of Earthworm Perionyx sansibaricus [Michaelsen]
No full textEngineered copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are increasingly released into terrestrial environments through industrial discharge, agrochemicals, biosolid amendments, and waste streams, raising concerns regarding their potential impacts on soil biota. Earthworms constitute ecologically significant detritivores that are widely utilized as bioindicators in terrestrial ecotoxicology. This study assessed the chronic toxicity of CuO nanoparticles to Perionyx sansibaricus, a tropical epigeic earthworm of ecological and vermicomposting importance, under a standardized 28-day artificial soil exposure. Test concentrations included 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg CuO kg⁻¹ dry soil. The present work deals with the impact of different concentrations of copper NPs on the survivability of earthworm Perionyx sansibaricus. Survivability rates decreased significantly with increasing concentration of CuO NPs. The average survivability was 87.25%,62%,52%,38.34% and 19.25% for doses 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg-1 respectively. A significant, dose-dependent and duration dependent toxicity of cuo nanoparticles on Perionyx sansibaricus was observed. Given the widespread agricultural use of CuO-based products, the study emphasizes the need for stricter environmental monitoring, responsible usage, and safe disposal practices to mitigate unintended harm to non-target soil organisms such as earthworms. The assessment of ecological danger and the management of CuO NPs utilized in diverse fields will benefit greatly from this study
Co-feeding Using Live and Inert Diets in Aquaculture Larval Rearing: Nutritional Significance, Performance Outcomes and Future Perspectives
No full textThe co-feeding strategy for larval rearing appeared as a promising approach to enhance the survival, growth, and health of aquaculture species. This review discusses the various co-feeding methodologies, examining the synergistic effects of combining live feeds with inert diets during the early development stages of aquatic animals. The integration of different feed types aims to capitalize on the nutritional completeness of live feeds while leveraging the convenience and cost-effectiveness of formulated diets. Key aspects covered include the physiological and nutritional benefits of co-feeding, optimal combinations and ratios of live and inert feeds, and the impact on larval development and immune responses. Additionally, the review addresses the practical implications of co-feeding in commercial aquaculture, highlighting advances in feed technology, feeding protocols, and the economic viability of this approach. Challenges such as feed palatability, microbial management, and the need for tailored feeding strategies for different species are also discussed. Through a comprehensive analysis of current research and practices, this review underscores the potential of co-feeding strategies to improve larval rearing outcomes, thereby contributing to the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture systems
Genetic Characterization of Giant River Catfish, Sperata seenghala from River Sutlej Using Mitochondrial COI Marker
No full textThe present study was aimed to generate baseline data on genetic stock structure of Giant River Catfish, Sperata seenghala from River Sutlej to formulate effective management and conservation measures for the concerned species. In this study, S. seenghala population from river Sutlej was characterized using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) marker. A total of 26 numbers of raw COI sequences (>600 bp) obtained by Sanger sequencing showed nine haplotypes with haplotype diversity (Hd= 0.625), and nucleotide diversity (π=0.021), indicating moderate genetic variation in S. seenghala population. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all COI sequences from Sutlej population were clustered in one clade showing the monophyletic origin of species. The present study revealed that mitochondrial COI sequences generated during the study clearly confirm the species as S. seenghala with moderate genetic variation in its population from river Sutlej in Punjab region of India. The data base generated during present study will be helpful to draft effective resource management and conservation strategies towards sustainable production of S. seenghala from river Sutlej
Isolation, 16s-RNA Sequencing, and Phylogenetic Tree Analysis of a Bacterial Isolate from Earthworms
No full textEarthworms, often referred to as "ecosystem engineers", play a vital role in soil health by decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients, and fostering microbial biodiversity. This study focuses on isolating and identifying bacteria associated with earthworms using molecular techniques. Bacterial colonies were isolated from earthworm tissue, characterized morphologically and biochemically, and subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing for genetic identification. Bioinformatics analysis using BLAST and phylogenetic tree construction revealed the isolate as Acinetobacter junii, a bacterium with known biotechnological potential. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its evolutionary relationship with closely related species, highlighting its ecological significance. Acinetobacter junii exhibits traits such as biodegradation of organic pollutants, resistance to environmental stressors, and plant growth promotion through the synthesis of phytohormones and nutrient solubilization. These attributes position it as a promising candidate for applications in biofertilizer development, sustainable agriculture, and bioremediation. The study underscores the importance of exploring earthworm-associated microbiomes as a reservoir of beneficial microorganisms and provides a foundation for future research into their ecological and agricultural applications
Clinical and Animal Welfare Insights from a Cowpox Outbreak in Sahiwal Cattle and Human Handlers in Jammu and Kashmir, India
No full textCowpox virus is considered to be a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen and a public health threat due to increasing numbers of cases in humans and animals . The Sahiwal cow breed is considered a hardy breed with superior tolerance to summer stress and better disease resistance. The present study reports an outbreak of cow pox at Narsingh Gaushala in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir (UT). In a group of 17 Sahiwal cattle, 7 lactating Sahiwal cattle and 3 calves were affected with cowpox. It was also observed that the morbidity was as high as 70% in lactating cattle, followed by suckling calves at 42.85%. No mortality was observed in the farm. Suckling calves showed lesions after 9 days of outbreak in a lactating cow. Cowpox lesions were prominent and clearly visible on the teats and udder of lactating animals, whereas lesions on the face and muzzle were seen in suckling calves. Various stages of pox lesions, like papules, pustules, erythema, vesicles and scabs were observed in animals. Affected animals showed elevated temperature and heart rate. Handlers and milkers in the farm mainly showed lesions on their hands in the form of papules and pustules. All affected Sahiwal cattle and calves were treated with Inj. Enrofloxacin @ 5mg/kg O.D. for 5 days followed by Inj. Meloxicam @ 0.5mg/kg B.I.D. for 2 days as supportive therapy. Teat dipping with betadine-glycerin two times a day was also done. All affected animals recovered within 12-14 days of treatment