Jai Sunder

Effect of Morinda citrifolia in growth, production and immunomodulatory properties in livestock and poultry: a review

Morinda citrifolia L. is commonly known as Noni and has been found to have wide range of medicinal properties. It is usually found in the coastal region in many countries including Andaman and Nicobar Islands and belongs to the family Rubiaceae. This small evergreen tree is widely grown and well adapted to the tropics and can grow in fertile, acidic, alkaline and saline affected soils. It tolerates high soil salinity and brackish water stagnation. All the components of this plant have high demand in case of alternative medicines and herbal medicines. Due to its high demand and as a source of revenue generation the detail study on its nutritional benefits and therapeutic values are essential for its commercial exploitation. More than 200 nutraceutical compounds have been identified from the plant. Morinda citrifolia is reported to have broad spectrum biological activities such as antimicrobial, immunomodualtory, antioxidant wound healing etc. Apart from the in-vitro scientific validation of the activities and in-vivo trial in some lab animal model, the plant has been used for livestock and poultry health and production. A lot of reviews have been written on the different uses of Noni, however, scientific review on the use of this plant on the growth, production, immunomodulator and other pharmacological activities of M. citrifolia in livestock and poultry has not been compiled. Therefore this review discusses the compilation of the work done on the use of M. citrifolia in livestock and poultry. Jai Sunder*, Tamilvannan Sujatha and Anandamoy Kundu

Seasonal changes in blood biochemical and endocrine responses of different indigenous goat breeds of tropical island agro-ecological environment

Abstract The objective of the current study was to observe the impact of two seasons viz. summer (February–May) and monsoon (June–August) on the blood biochemical and hormonal responses in different indigenous goats of tropical island agro-ecological environment maintained under extensive management system. Sixty animals of three different indigenous goat breeds were included in the study: Andaman local goat (AL, n = 20), Andaman local × Malabari (AL × M, n = 20), and Teressa goat (n = 20). Sixty serum samples (n = 10/season/breed) from the three groups of animals were analyzed. Study revealed that there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in serum total protein in Teressa goats during summer than monsoon. Serum albumin showed significant variation (p ≤ 0.05) between AL and AL × M during summer whereas significant variation of albumin (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between AL and Teressa, AL × M and Teressa during monsoon season. Significant differences in serum albumin (p ≤ 0.05) were also observed in AL and AL × M during summer and monsoon seasons, respectively. The serum cortisol levels were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in AL goats during summer than in monsoon season. Thus, the study could able to establish the seasonal variation in biochemical and hormonal values of indigenous goat breeds in hot and humid tropical island environment.

Efficacy of early chick nutrition with Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica on gut health and histomorphometry in chicks

Aim: This study was conducted with an aim of studying the efficacy of water supplements of Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica (neem) during pre-starter age (0-2 weeks) on gut health and histomorphometry in Vanaraja chicks. Materials and Methods: A total of 192 day old Vanaraja chicks were randomly assigned to one of four herbal water treatments throughout the experimental pre-starter stage (0-2 weeks) in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was given four replicates consisting of 12 chicks per replicate. Water treatments comprised T1: Control with regular antibiotic supplement, T2: 3 ml Aloe juice per chick per day, T3: 3 ml neem extract per chick per day, T4: 1.5 ml Aloe and 1.5 ml neem per chick per day. Gut culture was done for Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus sps. and gut histomorphometry in 24 gut samples at 14 days of age. Results: This study revealed that supplementation of A. vera and neem in water significantly (p<0.05) reduced and increased the number of gut E. coli and Lactobacillus sps. Colonies, respectively, as compared to that of control groups; Villi was significantly (p<0.05) taller and broader on 14 days of age across the jejunum of chicks fed with neem supplementation as compared to that of control chicks. Significantly lower crypt depth (p<0.05) was observed in the duodenum of Aloe supplementation. Villus height: Crypt depth ratio of duodenum and jejunum was significantly (p<0.05) increased neem and Aloe supplementation in chicks as compared to their combination and control. Conclusion: Immediate post hatch supplementation of Aloe juice and neem extract in chicks improved the development and health of their gut.

Reproductive and productive performances of crossbred Andaman local pigs under small holder production system at Bay Islands, India

The present study appraises different traditional feeding practices followed by farmers and effect of dietary zinc supplementation on the reproductive and productive performances of crossbred Andaman local pigs. In the 1st experiment the effect of three feeding practices were evaluated and in the 2nd experiment the effect of supplementation of 80 ppm Zn on growth of weanling piglets were evaluated. The locally available feed ingredients like rice bran, taro (Colocasia esculenta) leaves, broken rice, broken wheat, maize, and coconut cake were used in different proportion for feeding. The different reproductive parameters like the mean age at puberty, age at first conception and first farrowing and various litter traits varied significantly (<0.01) among the three treatment groups. In the next experiment the effect of Zn supplementation on post weaning growth performances of piglets were studied. In treatment group (n=5) 80 ppm Zn was supplemented along with normal farm diet where as in control group (n=5) normal diet was given. The experiment continued for three months. The results showed that the sow receiving the ration made up of coconut cake, broken rice or maize performed better than the sow receiving ration made up of colocasia leaves and rice bran in respect of reproductive performances. Similarly, inclusion of 80 ppm Zn in stater ration enhanced the daily body weight.