Abstract
The Ostrich tibia belongs to the long bone, which has a complex structure comprising to different types of bone cell, a calcified extracellular matrix and two crisscross pipelines. Few present report concerning on the histological structure of Ostrich tibia had been carried out. This experiment was carried out to investigate the Tibia Morphological characteristics of four Ostriches (one-year-old) with Bone mineral density (BMD), ultrastructure (SEM) and microstructure. The results indicated the BMD of the Ostrich tibia was high, 7-fold greater than chicken (breeding birds) and scanning electron microscopy showed firm and strong, without any honeycomb-shaped structure. Microstructure had three characteristics: layers of cortical bone are clear; outer circumferential lamella and inner circumferential lamella are thicker than those in other animals; a special “transition zone” between the outer circumferential lamella and osteon zone is present. In addition, degeneration and coalesces together with tibia gradually.
Keywords: Bone mineral density (BMD), Osteons, Resorption pits, Transition area

Abstract
An experiment was conducted to study the effects of purified saponin at the level of 0, 1.55, 3.10, 4.65 and 6.20 mg/30 ml rumen inoculum in triplicate on rumen methanogenesis and rumen fermentation characteristics by in vitro gas production technique. The total gas production was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in all saponin treated groups when compared to the control. The highest level of reduction in total gas was observed with 4.65 mg saponin treatment than other treatment groups. The methane production was significantly (P<0.01) decreased in all saponin treated groups when compared to the control. The highest level of methane reduction was observed with 6.2 mg saponin treatment than other treatment groups. The decreases in methane reduction were 14.04 %, 21.90 %, 34.30 % and 37.60 % in 1.55, 3.10, 4.65 and 6.20 mg saponin levels respectively than 0 mg saponin level. The percentage of methane on total gas production was also significantly (P<0.01) reduced in all saponin treated groups than the control. The highly significant (P<0.01) reduction was observed with 4.65 mg of saponin treatment and this treatment decreased the methane percentage on total gas production by 15.04 % when compared to the other treatment groups. The methane emission per 100 mg of digested substrate was also significantly (P<0.01) reduced with 4.65 mg saponin treatment than other treatment groups. No significant difference was observed on pH and ammonia nitrogen levels in all the treatment groups. The in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) was not affected by saponin and no significant difference was observed. The protozoal count was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in all saponin treated groups when compared to the control. The reduction in protozoal counts were 14.40%, 15.56%, 19.31% and 23.05% respectively with 1.55, 3.10, 4.65 and 6.20 mg saponin treatments when compared to the control. The bacterial count in all saponin treated groups was not significantly affected, however the bacterial counts showed a decreasing trend with increased levels of saponin when compared to the control. No significant difference was observed on total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and acetate to propionate ratio in all saponin treated groups when compared to the control. Based on our findings we concluded that treatment with purified saponin reduces the total gas and methane emission significantly without affecting the rumen fermentation characteristics such as pH, ammonia nitrogen, IVTDMD, microbial load and TVFA.
Keywords: In vitro rumen fermentation, Methane, Saponin

Abstract
Hepatoprotective effect of Andrographis paniculata was evaluated in a model of gentamicin-induced toxicity in rats. Gentamicin was administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 80 mg/kg body weight once daily for seven days. Significant reduction in the hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione in conjunction with elevated levels of lipid peroxidase (LPO )were observed after the administration of gentamicin. On the other hand, treatment with the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata significantly restored the levels of the antioxidant enzymes to near normal levels in the liver. Histopathological examination of the liver of gentamicin-treated rats revealed vonkupffer cell hyperplasia, obliteration of sinusoids with focal necrosis. On the other hand, histopathological examination of the liver from rats treated with Andrographis paniculata did not exhibit such lesions, demonstrating a hepatoprotective effect of the extract. Furthermore, the hepatoprotective activity of the extract of Andrographis paniculata was comparable to that of silymarin, an active moiety in Silybum marianum, known for its hepatic regenerative activity. Thus, our significant findings indicate that the extract of Andrographis paniculata can be used as a hepatoprotective agent for rescuing the gentamicin- induced toxicity.
Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, Gentamicin, Hepatotoxicity, Oxidative stress

Abstract
A 14-week study was conducted to identify the preference of nest boxes and their colour on egg production performance in Japanese quails (Nandanam J. quail -3) at the Institute of Poultry Production and Management, Nandanam, Chennai. A total of 1920 Japanese quails aged 5 weeks were housed in deep litter system and were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups with 2 replicates of 80 male and 240 female quails in each group. The treatment groups consisted of the following: 1) control (T1) – without the nest boxes, 2) treatment-2 (T2) – one nest box / 10 females), and 3) treatment-3 (T3) – one nest box / 5 females. The nest boxes were painted with Blue (B), Green (G), White (W) or Brown (Br- natural colour of the nest box) colours. An Isonitrogenous and isocaloric feed was fed ad libitum under standard managemental conditions. The egg production was recorded from 7th to 20th weeks of age. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the overall percentage of egg production and the values were 54.71±1.62, 57.05±1.46 and 61.38±1.80 for T1, T2 and T3 treatments, respectively. Use of an increased number of nest boxes (T3) resulted in a highly significant (P<0.01) improvement in the egg production. Significant differences (P<0.05) in egg production were also recorded with the use of various coloured nest boxes. The percentages of egg production in T2 were 8.04±0.26, 9.68±0.41, 7.82±0.28 and 8.22±0.44 for B, G, W and Br colours, respectively. The percentages of egg production in T3 were 12.83±0.46, 11.65±0.40, 12.99±0.54 and 10.47b±0.40 for B, G, W and Br colours, respectively. Based on our findings, we conclude that quails reared under deep litter system with one nest box for every 5 females significantly improves the egg production and that the use of white and blue coloured nest boxes results in an enhanced egg production when compared to either green or brown coloured boxes. Keywords: Nest box, Colour, Egg production, Japanese quails

Abstract
We conducted a study to identify the common endoparasites that affect the captive Psittacine birds reared as pets in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu (India). A total of 250 samples from dropping of captive Psittacine birds were collected from different companion birds like Budgerigars (150 samples), African Love Birds (50 samples) and Cockatiels (50 samples) that belonged to various pet shops and private residences. The samples were stored in small containers filled with 10% formalin. The samples were examined for the evidence of endoparasitism by both centrifugal sedimentation and floatation techniques as suggested by Soulsby (1982). Our examination revealed the presence of endoparasites such as Ascaridia sp. (11.20%), Capillaria sp. (20.0%), Strongyloides sp. (2.0%), Strongyle (1.60%), oocyst of Eimeria sp (10.40%) and mixed infections (11.60%). Based on our study, we identify the major causes for endoparasitism and we suggest important managemental measures to prevent endoparasites and promote the health of birds that are reared as pets.
Keywords: Captive Psittacines, Chennai, Endoparasites

Abstract
The complex vertebral malformation (CVM) syndrome is a congenital autosomal recessively inherited disorder first observed in Danish Holsteins. It is caused by a point mutation (G?T) at nucleotide position 559 of the gene, bovine solute carrier family 35 member 3 (SLC35A3). Bovine SLC35A3 plays a vital role in the development of the axial skeleton. The aim of this study was to detect carriers of CVM in Holstein population using Polymerase Chain Reaction- Primer-introduced restriction analysis and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-PIRA and RFLP) methods. Our results show that one out of 60 bulls tested exhibited polymorphism (G?T) at position 559 in exon 4 of SLC35A3 gene. To confirm this polymorphism, the PCR product was purified using ExoSAP-IT followed by sequencing by Applied Biosystems 3130XL Automated Sequencer using the ABI BigDye Ver 3.1. Gene sequences from normal and carrier animals were compared using the software, codon code Aligner 4.0.4. Surprisingly, the sequence analysis of PCR product also revealed the presence of two previously unknown homozygous mutations (TG?CT) at nucleotide positions 554 and 555 in addition to the previously reported heterozygous mutation at position 559. The bull was immediately culled from the breeding programme. To the our best of knowledge, this is the first study to report the existence of homozygous and heterozygous mutations at positions 554, 555 and 559 in exon 4 of SLC35A3 gene in Indian Holstein cattle. However, it is surprising that no phenotypic effects were observed in the carrier bull, necessitating further studies to fully elucidate the effects of these novel homozygous mutations.
Keywords: Complex vertebral malformation, Holstein bull, Mutation, Polymorphism, SLC35A3 gene

Abstract
This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of anti-coccidials on the field isolates and laboratory strain of E. maxima. The five drugs tested were mixed in the feed and the level used in parts per million (ppm) were: Salinomycin (66pm), Monensin (121pm), Nicarbazin (125pm), ethopabate (40pm), now called amprolium + Lasalocid Birds were raised in batteries with continuous lighting and were fed and libitum 3 times daily. Each bird was weighted individually at (D-2, D, D+5, D+7 and D+14 (D=day of infection with sporulated oocysts). Of the five anticoccidial drugs studied, Amprolium plus ethopabate was found most efficacious. The least efficacious drugs were Nicarbazin and Lasalocid, whereas, Salinmycin and Monesin showed medium efficacy.
Keywords: Coccodiosis, Drugs, E. maxima, Efficacy, Field isolate

Abstract
The study investigated the effect of number of coitus on luteinizing hormone and reproductive characteristics of rabbit do. A total of 150 rabbit does were used. The animals were randomly assigned to three treatments of five replicates each. The BD1, BD2 and BD3 rabbit does had one coitus only, two coitus, one hour apart and two coitus two hours apart respectively. The re-mating interval was seven days for all the three treatment groups. The luteinizing hormone (LH) level attained its peak at 90 minutes in all the treatment groups. The ovulation rate was significantly (P<0.05) higher in BD2 group than in the other two groups. The highest conception rate was found in BD2 (82.5%), followed by BD3 group (80%) and BD1 group (77%) respectively. The mean litter size and litter weight were significantly (P<0.05) higher in BD2 group than those in BD1 and BD3 groups. The results suggest that the use of two coitus one hour apart result in better reproductive performance in rabbit production. Keywords: Coitus, Luteinizing hormone, Rabbit does, Reproduction

Abstract
Objective: Oxytetracycline is an approved antibiotic and most frequently used drug in commercial aquaculture all over the world for treating bacterial diseases in fish. The intensive use of oxytetracycline has resulted development of bacterial resistance to oxytetracycline. It is reported that phytochemicals like quercetin, gallic acid, cinnamic acid and p-anisic acid have antibacterial properties. An attempt was made to observe the type of interaction upon incorporation of phytochemicals in combination with conventional antimicrobials like oxytetracycline with a view to decrease the antimicrobial load in aquaculture for minimizing resistance in bacterial pathogens in case combination of phytochemicals and oxytetracycline do possess synergy or additive effect. Combinations of oxytetracycline with polyphenolic compounds (quercetin, gallic acid, p-anisic acid, and cinnamic acid) against common gram negative bacterial pathogens of fish, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas salmonicida, and Edwardsiella tarda were tested. Methods: Antibacterial activity of oxytetracycline, quercetin, gallic acid, p-anisic acid and cinnamic acid was determined in vitro against selected bacterial pathogens individually followed by combination of oxytetracycline with polyphenols using serial microplate dilution method measuring minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices were calculated. Results: Oxytetracycline and other polyphenolic compounds exhibited antibacterial action against the selected fish pathogens with mean MIC ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 mg ml-1. Based on FIC indices, synergistic interaction was observed for combination of oxytetracycline with quercetin or cinnamic acid against Aeromonas salmonicida, and with gallic acid against Edwardsiella tarda. However, combinations of oxytetracycline with gallic acid, p-anisic acid and cinnamic acid against Aeromonas hydrophila; Combinations of oxytetracycline with gallic and p-anisic acid against Aeromonas salmonicida and the combinations of oxytetracycline with p-anisic acid and cinnamic acid against Edwardsiella tarda revealed additive antimicrobial interaction Conclusion: Positive antibacterial interaction was evident between oxytetracycline and selected polyphenols in vitro against Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas salmonicida, and Edwardsiella tarda.
Keywords: Antibacterial synergy, Bacterial pathogens of fish, FIC index, Oxytetracycline, Polyphenols

Abstract
In the current report we present a case of the mummification of fetuses in a five year-old German shepherd dog that was presented with complaint of abdominal enlargement and vaginal discharges. Case history revealed that estradiol benzoate was administered to the dog in an attempt to terminate the unwanted mating that occurred 5 months earlier. Ultrasonographic examination revealed death of the fetuses and accumulation of hypoechoeic fluid in both uterine horns. Ovariohysterectomy was performed on the dog. After the surgery, two mummified fetuses of different sizes and exhibiting different degrees of mummification were detected. This condition is likely due to the fact that the two fetuses died at different stages of the gestation. After the surgery, vaginal discharges ceased and postoperatively by the 10th day, the dog was observed to be clinically normal. Our case reveals that although fetal mummification is a rare condition in dogs, it should be considered for differential diagnosis during treatment of conditions that show abdominal enlargement. The aim of this case report is to describe a successful diagnosis and treatment of canine fetal mummification in which the fetuses were of different sizes and exhibiting different degrees of fetal mummification coupled with a large amount of fluid accumulation (13kg) in the uterus of a dog.
Keywords: Abdominal enlargement, Dog, Fetal mummification, Vaginal discharge