Most. Nazmunnaher Khatun¹, A.T.M. Mahbub-E-Elahi¹, Sultan Ahmed¹, Md. Shafiullah Parvej², Sharmin Akhter², Wahedul Karim Ansari², Mohammad Shaokat Ali³

¹Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
²Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi,  Chittagong-4225, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to isolate and identify Escherichia coli from naturally healthy looking broiler chicken sold at local market in Sylhet region of Bangladesh. The study was also focused on the investigation of drug sensitivity and resistance pattern of the isolated organisms. A total of 100 samples comprising of 80 cloacal swabs and 20 liver samples were collected from apparently healthy broiler. Of these 35 (43.75%) cloacal swabs and 7 (35%) liver samples were found positive for E. coli. All isolates revealed same morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. All isolates possessed E. coli specific 16s rRNA gene detected by PCR using the primers ECO-1 and ECO-2.  The antibiotic sensitivity test demonstrated that the isolates were multidrug resistant against Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Penicillin, Cephalexine, Amoxicillin, Nalidixic Acid while sensitive to Ceftriaxon. The high level of antibiotic resistance in Broiler chicken of Bangladesh indicates that widespread use of antibiotics as feed additives for growth promotion and disease prevention could have negative implications for human and animal health and the environment.

Key words: Broiler, E. coli, liver sample, antibiotic resistance.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: drsultanahmed@yahoo.com (S Ahmed)

How to cite this article: MN Khatun, ATM Mahbub-E-Elahi, S Ahmed, MS Parvej, S Akhter, WK Ansari and MS Ali (2015). Frequency of drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from commercial broiler chicken in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 01-05.

Md. S. Khoda¹,   N. R. Sarker², A. K. F. H. Bhuiyan³, Md. Shamsul Alam Bhuiyan³

¹Livestock Training Institute (LTI), Tilagor, Sylhet, Bangladesh
²Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Hajee Mohammed Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
³Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The research was conducted to evaluate productive and reproductive performances of crossbred and Deshi dairy genotypes and to find out possible scope of seed bull production through farmer participatory approach. The available dairy genotypes were Deshi (D), 50% Holstein Friesian (HF) -50% D (50% HF), 62.5% HF-37.5% D (62.5% HF), 50% Sahiwal (SL)-50% D (50% SL) and H-SL-D. The results indicated that there were highly significant differences (P<0.001) in daily milk yield, peak daily milk yield, lactation length, dry period and moderate significant differences (P<0.01) in age at first heat, age at first service and had no significant effect (P>0.05) in age at first calving, calving interval, post-partum heat period and services per conception among available genotypes. The 75 % HF and H-SL-D genotypes produced significantly more daily milk yield (13.91±0.91 and 15.06±3.00 lit., respectively) compared to 50% HF, 62.5% HF genotypes (10.07±0.54 and 12.44±0.70lit., respectively), whereas Deshi cow gave 2.32±0.14 liters daily.  The 75% HF had the highest peak daily milk yield (17.61±0.89 lit.) followed by H-SL-D, 62.5% HF, 50% HF, 50% SL and Deshi  genotypes (16.71±3.11, 15.29±0.70, 12.51±0.53, 4.75±0.53, 3.60±0.22 lit., respectively). The 75% HF had the highest lactation length (306.09±11.41 days). But there were no significant differences found  in lactation length among  the 62.5% HF, H-SL-D and the 50% SL genotypes (283.85±16.24, 290.00±22.80 and 255.00±18.57 days, respectively), whereas Deshi cows had 242.73±8.89 days. Shortest dry period (54.90±3.05 days) found in 75% HF genotypes. The shortest average age at first heat was found in 75% HF (24.23±2.07months) cows followed by H-SL-D, 50% HF, 62.5% HF, Deshi and 50% SL cows (25.00±5.57, 25.29±1.58, 29.60±2.90, 32.00±0.65, and 33.00±1.34 months, respectively). The shorted length of age at first service was found in 75% HF (25.86±2.01 months) followed by 50% HF, 62.5% HF, Deshi and 50% SL cows having  26.10±1.55, 26.10±1.55, 32.31±0.73 and 33.17±1.42 months, respectively.  The mean value for age at first calving of crossbred and Deshi cows were 37.6±1.20 and 41.13 ± 0.72 months, respectively. The shortest calving interval (13.14±0.36 months) was found in case of 62.5% HF cows followed by 75% HF, Deshi, 50% HF, H-SL-D and 50% SL cows (13.31±0.27, 13.47±0.19, 13.70±0.40, 13.89±1.09, 14.17±0.48 months, respectively). The shortest post-partum heat period was found in 75% HF (88.95±6.89 days) cows followed by 50% HF, 62.5% HF, Deshi, H-SL-D, 50% SL cows (93.72±5.66, 94.38±7.87, 108.08±7.16, 120.00±28.72, 134.63±16.27 days, respectively). The present study concludes that due to the level of performance of animals and farmers awareness and interest, herd book based farmer’s participatory system may work here to produce proven sire to support small holder dairying in Bangladesh.

Key words: Dairy genotypes, farmer participatory approach, indigenous Seed Bulls, productive and reproductive performances, proven sire.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: nipa.bau02@gmail.com (N. R. Sarker)

How to cite this article: MS Khoda, NR Sarker, AKFH Bhuiyan and MSA Bhuiyan (2015). Evaluation of productive and reproductive performances of crossbred and Deshi dairy genotypes in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 06-13.

Tajrin Farhana Khanom¹, Thahsin Farjana²,  Abdullah Al Mamun³, Ahmed Hossain⁴ and Md. Abdul Baten¹

¹Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The present study was conducted on solid waste management of Mymensingh municipality to find out the household satisfaction of solid waste collection services conducted by NGOs and to find out the factors associated with household satisfaction of waste collection. The study was performed with 120 respondents from ward no 4, 6 and 8 (NGOs working area) and ward no 18 (non NGOs area) of Mymensingh municipality. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The most of the respondents in the study areas were middle (13-50) aged with highest educational qualification at graduate level. Frequency of waste collection was regular. Results showed that 87.5% of the respondents were willing to pay service charge. The higher satisfaction rate for household waste collection service was observed in male (79.01%), old aged (82.05%), illiterate (80%), business person (83.34%) with medium income (80.35%) groups. The findings also showed that age, education, occupation, income status had significant (p<0.05) positive correlation with the satisfaction of solid waste collection services. Maximum satisfaction level was observed in MATI NGO’s working areas whereas minimum satisfaction level was observed in the non NGO’s area. From this study it is recommended that solid waste collection time should be properly maintained and NGOs showed increase manpower, labor cost, and transport. NGOs or other organization (government and private) should take more effective steps for increasing service availability in the study area.

Key words: Household satisfaction, management practice, solid waste, municipal area, Mymensingh.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: tajrin.farhana007@gmail.com (TF Khanom)

How to cite this article: TF Khanom, T Farjana,  AA Mamun, A Hossain and MA Baten (2015). Household satisfaction on solid waste collection services conducted by NGOs in Mymensingh Municipality, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 14-22.

M.A. Hossain¹, M.E. Haque², M.S. Alam³

¹Department of Aquaculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh
²Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh
³Department of Genetics and Fish Breeding, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh

The present study was carried out to assess the livelihood and food security status of fishing community in the northern districts from February to June, 2010. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools such as Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Crosscheck Interviews (CI) with key informants were used to collect the information. Most of the respondents (fisher and non-fisher) were belonged to the age group of 30 to 45 years (50.0%) represented by 87% Hindus. Again most of the respondents had medium to small families. Small family (<4 members) was higher in non-fisher (57.9%) than in fisher (47.1%) households. But medium family (4-6 members) was higher in fisher (45.6%) than in non-fisher (37.6%) households. Most of the fishermen were illiterate (75%). Small portion of them can sign only. Only 20% and 5% of fishers had primary and secondary level education respectively. The main income source of fishers was fisheries (71.4%). Agriculture contributed only 7.4% to the family income of fishers, whereas contribution of agriculture to non-fishers’ family income was 50.1%. About 38% of fishers and 30% of non-fishers earned less than Tk. 70/day. Around 40% of fishers and 43% of non-fishers were medium category income (Tk.70-140/day) earners. Respondents getting more than Tk. 140/day were only 7.3% in fishers and 14.0% in non-fishers. In the study area 38.0% of the fishers and 15.7% of the non-fishers were under extreme form of poverty–they were in chronic food deficit situation. On the other hand, 37.2% of the fisher households and 32.0% of non-fisher households were in occasional food deficit. Fishing was more associated with food insecurity and poverty. In the study area health facilities of the fishers community was very poor. Fishers struggled for their livelihood. They always did not get access to adjacent water bodies and their access was limited. They were neglected in all respect in the society. Generation after generation they remain illiterate and are not able to contribute for the betterment of their community.

Key words: Fisher, livelihood, Monga, constraints.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: msalam1981@gmail.com (MS Alam)

How to cite this article: MA Hossain, ME Haque and MS Alam (2015). Livelihood and food security status of fishers community in the northern districts of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 23-29.

Md. Zannatul Ferdous Siddiqe¹, Md. Shafiqul Islam², Syed Sakibul Islam³, Md. Shariful Islam⁴, Md. Shariful Islam⁵, Bhajan Chandra Das⁶

¹Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal sciences university, Chittagong-4225, Bangladesh
³Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
⁵Department of Medicine and surgery,Chittagong veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong-4225, Bangladesh
⁶Department of Surgery and Medicine, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong-4225, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to determine the hematobiochemical changes in sub-clinical mastitis of high yielding varieties dairy cows in Chittagong district. A total of 21 blood and milk samples were collected from Nahar, Rubel, Friends, Wahid, A.S. dairy farms in Chittagong district for the study. The sub-clinical mastitis were diagnosed by California Mastitis Test (CMT). The overall prevalence of sub clinical mastitis was found almost 30.95% of dairy cows in Chittagong district. Blood and milk of affected cows and control group were analyzed for hematological, biochemical and mineral profile. Haematology of animals revealed significantly (P< 0.05) lower average values of ESR, RBC, WBC, PCV and Hb in infected animals (1±0.654) than healthy animals (1.21±0.425). Differential leucocytes count revealed higher neutrophil and lymphocyte, monocyte and basophil count in infected cows than control cows. Mineral estimation revealed significant (P< 0.05) increase in calcium and phosphorus level in mastitis cows as compared to healthy control, however, no significant (P> 0.05) change was observed in Mg level. The changes of hematological constituents are important indicators of the physiological or pathological state of the animal.

Key words: Hematobiochemical changes, sub-clinical mastitis, California mastitis test.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: ferdous89vet@gmail.com (MZF Siddiqe)

How to cite this article: MZF Siddiqe, MS Islam, SS Islam, MS Islam MS Islam and BC Das (2015). Haematobiochemical changes in subclinical mastitis affected high yielding dairy cows in Chittagong district. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 30-34.

Md. Salim¹ , Mirza Abul Hashim¹, Nasrin Sultana Juyena¹, Yasir Ahammad Arafat¹, Roney Kumar Dey¹, Md. Abdus Sattar Bag², Mohammad Shariful Islam³

¹Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The present study was conducted on 30 calves affected with umbilical hernia at Veterinary Teaching Hospitals, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The calves were divided into 2 groups; group–I (n=15) and group–II (n=15) to study the comparative efficacy of open and close method of herniorrhaphy for the correction of umbilical hernia. Out of these 30 calves, 8 were indigenous and 22 were crossbred and their ages ranged from 3 days to 6 months. Nineteen of the experimental animals were male and 11 were female. The effect of age, sex, breed and season on the occurrence of umbilical hernia in calves was investigated. Calves of 1-3 months age group demonstrated the highest incidence (46.67%) while those of 3-6 months the lowest (23.33%). Umbilical hernia occurred mostly in male calves (63.33%) as compared to their female counterparts (36.67%). The cross bred calves were predominantly (73.33%) affected as compared to the indigenous (26.67%). Umbilical hernia was the most prevalent in the summer (53.33%) and the lowest in the rainy (20%). The recovery rate of umbilical hernia with close herniorrhaphy (93.33%) was better than that with open herniorrhaphy (66.67%). Complication and recurrence rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in open herniorrhaphy than those of close herniorrhaphy, although average recovery period was higher in close herniorrhaphy. Shorter operation time and excellent healing rate were found in calves treated with closed herniorrhaphy. These findings suggest that the closed herniorrhaphy is better than the commonly-used open method for the correction of reducible umbilical hernia in calves.

Key words: Prevalence, hernia, herniorrhaphy, open method, closed methods, calves.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: vetsalim42@gmail.com (M Salim)

How to cite this article: M Salim, MA Hashim, NS Juyena, YA Arafat, RK Dey, MAS Bag and MS Islam (2015). Umbilical herniorrhaphy in bovine calves. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 35-43.

Arup Ratan Chaki, Farida Yeasmin Bari, M Golam Shahi Alam, Md. Faruk Ahmmed

Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The aims of the present study were to determine the effectiveness of the undertaken freezing technique of indigenous ram semen (with different percentages of glycerol and different thawing times) by observing the post thaw motility at 24, 48 and 72 hours of preservation. Nine ejaculates were collected from each 6 mature rams using artificial vagina method. The ejaculates were frozen using Tris-citric acid egg yolk media having different percentages of glycerol (3, 5, and 7) in two step dilution method. The post thaw motility was observed in different temperature (37⁰, 40⁰ and 45⁰C) and time (12, 12 and 10 seconds). The motility percentages after freezing for 24, 48 and 72 hours of duration varied from 8-50%, 8-50% and 4-45%. The significantly highest (P<0.01) motility (35.3 ± 7.8%) was observed after 24 hours of preservation compared with 48 and 72 hours (30.6 ± 8.0%, 28.8 ± 7.9%). The normal morphology percentages after freezing of ram semen for 24, 48 and 72 hours of duration varied from 63-89%, 60-85%, and 58-80%. The significantly highest (P<0.05) normal morphology (79.9 ± 4.0%) was observed after 24 hours of preservation compared with 48 and 72 hours (75.8 ± 4.4%, 73.3 ± 4.6%). The significantly highest (P<0.01) sperm motility (39.1 ± 5.8%) was observed with 5% glycerol, at 40⁰C for 12 seconds thawing temperature and time compared with 37⁰C for 12 seconds and 45⁰C for 10 seconds, respectively. The study revealed a preliminary data which deserve further study to optimize the measures for sustainable freezing of indigenous ram semen.

Key words: preservation, glycerol, frozen semen, ram.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: arupdvmbau@gmail.com (AR Chaki)

How to cite this article: AR Chaki, FY Bari, MGS Alam and MF Ahmmed  (2015). Effects of duration of preservation and glycerol percentages on quality of frozen ram semen. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 44-51.

M.A. Islam¹, M. Kamruzzaman¹, A. Akter¹, P.C. Roy²

¹Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100,  Bangladesh
²Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

The main objective of the study was to determine and describe perception of farmers about floating vegetable farming in haor areas of Bangladesh. The study was conducted in four villages of South Sunamganj Upazila under Sunamganj district. Data were collected from the sampled respondents during August-November 2014 using pretested interview schedule. Overwhelming majority of the respondents (96 %) had highly to very highly favorable perception regarding floating vegetable production. Relative advantage and trailability of floating agriculture were found significantly higher among other perceived characteristics. Reuse of floating bed compost as organic fertilizer during dry season crop production, quick growing of crops in floating method and scope of increasing area under crop production were the top ranked relative advantages perceived by the respondents. So, there is a great opportunity to popularize this practice in haor areas. For proper adoption of this practice, other features need to be communicated to the prospective farmers.

Key words: Farmer, haor, perception, floating farming, vegetable.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: belaltcp@gmail.com (MA Islam)

How to cite this article: MA Islam, M Kamruzzaman, A Akter and PC Roy (2015). Perception of haor farmers about the innovative features of floating farming. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 52-58.

Alok Kumar Hazra¹, Farida Yeasmin², Md. Sumon Mia², Shipon Das³, Flura⁴, Md. Kamal¹

¹Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Bangladesh
⁴Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Riverine Station, Chandpur-3602, Bangladesh

Studies were conducted on the antibiotic residues and their effects on the growth performance of galda. A survey was also conducted on the use of antibiotics especially nitrofuran, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline drugs in bagda/galda farms and hatchery through questionnaires in Phultala upazila and Rampal upazila. Both commercially produced feeds such as Saudi-Bangla Feeds, Niribily Feeds, Quality Feeds, ACI Feeds, Balaka Feeds and those prepared locally were used in galda farms. Some farmers used pharmaceuticals such as Aquamarine, Oxycentril, whereas few of them use growth hormone in feed. Most of the farmers denied of using poultry dropping as fertilizer in the ghers of these two upazilas, whereas a few use poultry feed particularly in Phultala. Farmers of these two upazilas use urea, triple super phosphate (TSP), muriate of potash (MP), gypsum and as organic they use decomposed cow dung. Most the farmers use Sumithion, Sobicron, Nicovan, Hatap, Bitap, Basudin, Morter, Nitro, Diamond, Kiter, Sulfur and Zinc as pesticides/insecticides. Farmers also use chemicals such as lime, rotenone, TSP, Ziolite, 5-Star Aqua, Aqua sol., Mega-Zeo blue, Methylene blue, etc.

Key words: Chemicals, Galda., M. rosenbergii.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: sumon_reod@yahoo.com (Md. Sumon Mia)

How to cite this article: AK Hazra, F Yeasmin, MS Mia, S Das, Flura and M Kamal (2015). Present status of chemicals used in galda farms of Khulna and Bagerhat areas. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 59-65.

Md. Raju Ahmad¹, Md. Azam Uddin², Md. Anwarul Islam Juwel³, Tahamina Sultana⁴, Md. Abul Hashem⁵, Abu Zofar Md. Moslehuddin⁵

¹Horticulture Centre, Horticulture Wing, Department of Agricultural Extension, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
²Department of Agricultural Extension, Planning, Project Implementation & ICT Wing, Khamarbari, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
³Pesticide Regulation Officer, Department of Agriculture Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
⁴Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
⁵Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

A field Experiment was carried out at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the aman season of 2008 to study the effect of integrated use of raintree (Albizia  saman) leaves with urea on BRRI dhan 41 rice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments were; T₁: Control, T₂: Recommended Fertilizer Dose (RFD), T₃: 80% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) from urea + 20% RDN from raintree leaves, T₄: 60% RDN from urea + 40% RDN from raintree leaves, T₅: 40% RDN from urea + 60% RDN from raintree leaves, T₆: 20% RDN from urea + 80% RDN from raintree leaves and T₇: 100% RDN from raintree leaves. The raintree leaves were applied 10 days before transplanting of rice seedlings. The recommended doses of chemical fertilizers applied were 80 kg N, 15 kg P, 50 kg K, 12 kg S and 2 kg Zn ha^-1. N, P, K, S and Zn were applied as urea, TSP, MoP, Gypsum and ZnO respectively. Yield contributing characters of BRRI dhan 41 like plant height, number of tillers hill^-1, panicle length, number of grains panicle^-1and 1000-grain weight were significantly influenced by the treatments. The results of the study indicated that most of the yield contributing characters was the maximum in treatment having 60% RDN from urea + 40% RDN from raintree leaves. The grain and straw yields of BRRI dhan 41 were also significantly influenced by the treatments. The maximum grain yield of 5.04 t ha^-1 was observed in treatment T₄ (60% RDN from urea + 40% RDN from raintree leaves) and the minimum of 3.64 t ha^-1 was in treatment T₁ (control). Nitrogen contents in BRRI dhan 41 rice and its uptake were significantly increased by the treatments. The results indicated that the use of 60% RDN from urea and 40% RDN from raintree leaves had a better performance on the nitrogen content, nitrogen uptake and yields of BRRI dhan 41 rice.

Key words: Raintree, urea., BRRI dhan 41.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: mdhmd62@gmail.com (MR Ahmad)

How to cite this article: MR Ahmad, MA Uddin, MAI Juwel, T Sultana, MA Hashem and AZM Moslehuddin (2015). Integrated use of raintree leaves with urea on BRRI dhan 41 rice. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 66-75.

Tahamina Sultana¹, Md. Anwarul Islam Juwel², Md. Omar Faruk³, Labony Yeasmin⁴, Md. Raju Ahmad⁵, Md. Mosharraf Hossen⁶

¹Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
³Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka-12165, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
⁵Dhaka Cant. Public Girls School & College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
⁶Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural Universit, Mymensingh during the aman season of 2010 to study the effect of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) compost and chemical fertilizers on the growth and yield of BINA dhan7. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications of each treatment. The treatments were T₀: control, T₁: Recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), T₂: compost 2.5 t ha+75% RDF, T₃: compost 5 t ha-¹ + 50% RDF, T₄: compost 7.5 t ha^-1 +50% RDF, T₅: compost 10t ha^-1, T₆: compost 10t ha^-1 + 25% N, T7: compost 10 t ha^-1 + 50% N, T8: compost 15 t ha^-1. Compost was prepared from the solid waste of the Mymensingh municipal area and applied before 7 days of transplanting as per treatments. The recommended doses of N, P, K and S were applied from urea, TSP, MoP and gypsum @ 120, 15, 60 and 10 kg ha^-1, respectively as per the treatments. Yield contributing characters of BINA dhan7 like plant height, panicle length, number of tillers hill-1 and filled grains panicle^-1 were significantly influenced due to different treatments. Application of compost either alone or in combination with fertilizers exerted positive and significant effects on the parameters studied. The grain yield of BINA dhan7 due to different treatments ranged from 2.09 to 2.23 t ha^-1 and the highest grain yield of 4.42 t ha-1 was observed in the treatment T2 and the lowest value of 2.09 t ha-1 was recorded in the treatment T8. Application of compost @ 2.5 t ha-1 with 75% of the recommended dose of NPKS fertilizers produced higher grain yield over 100% NPKS fertilization. The NPKS content and uptake of BINA dhan7 were also varied significantly due to the application of MSW compost and fertilizers alone or in combination.

Key words: Municipal solid waste compost, Chemical fertilizer, yield, Bina Dhan 7.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: tahminamuna@yahoo.com (Tahamina Sultana)

How to cite this article: T Sultana, MAI Juwel, MO Faruk, L Yeasmin, MR Ahmed, and MM Hossen (2015). Effects of municipal solid waste compost and fertilizers on the growth and yield of Bina Dhan 7. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 76-89.

Md. Anwarul Islam Juwel¹, Tahamina Sultana², Md. Omar Faruk³, Shamim Ahmed³, Md. Raju Ahmad³,  Labony Yeasmin⁴

¹Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
²Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
⁴Dhaka Cant. Public Girls School & College, Dhaka, Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural Universit, An experiment was conducted to assess the changes of indigenous microbial population viz. cyanobacteria and Azotobacter in soils due to tobacco cultivation of some sourthern districts viz. Kushtia, Meherpur and Jhenaidah of Bangladesh. The experiment was carried out at soil microbiology laboratory, Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh and at the SRDI, Kushtia. Thirteen different types of soils were collected for the study from three districts where tobacco is cultivated. All the selected soils were alkaline in reaction. Indigenous cyanobacterial population in the selected soil varied from 12.4 x 10⁴ g^-1 soil to 25.3 x 10⁴ g^-1 soil and Azotobacter population ranged from 6.9 x 10⁴ g^-1 soil to 20.9 x 10⁴ g^-1 soil. Results showed that cyanobacteria and Azotobacter are different in their behavior in the soil. In kushtia soil, cyanobacterial population slightly increased in active growing stage than initial stage of planting but in post harvest soil it decreased markedly compared to active growing stage. But cyanobacterial population showed different behavior in Meherpur and Jhenaidah districts. In these two districts, highest cyanobacterial population was found at initial stage of planting but from active growing stage to after harvest it showed decreasing trend. Azotobacter population showed similar trend in the all selected soils under the study from three districts. In soils of the three districts viz. Kushtia, Meherpur and Jhenaidah, Azotobacter population increased at active growing stage than that of initial soil and decreased sharply after harvest of tobacco plant.

Key words: Microbial population, soil, tobacco cultivation, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: juwelbau@gmail.com (Md. Anwarul Islam Juwel)

How to cite this article: MAI Juwel, T Sultana, MO Faruk, S Ahmed, MR Ahmed and L Yeasmin (2015). Changes in indigenous microbial population in soils due to tobacco cultivation in some sourthern districts of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 90-99.

Mst. Mahbuba Khatun¹, Mohammad Bulbul Alam², Nizamul Haque Patwary³, Shamim Ahmed³, M. Mahbubul Karim⁴

¹Crops wing, Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
²Foreign Trade, Finance and International Division, Rupali Bank Ltd,  Motijhil, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
³Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
⁴Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from July to December 2004 to study the effect of plant population on the performance of transplant aman rice var. BRRI dhan41. Four hill spacings viz., 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm and 20 cm and four levels of seedlings hill^-1 viz., 1, 2, 3 and 4 seedlings hill^-1  were included in the experiment .Row spacing of 25cm was kept constant in all the treatments. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The maximum grain yield was obtained from the hill spacing of 20 cm which was the consequence of highest number of total tillers hill^-1, effective tillers hill^-1, total grains panicle^-1, the maximum straw yield, biological yield and harvest index. Higher grain yields were obtained from the treatment 3 seedlings and 4 seedlings hill^-1 which were identical with each other but significantly higher than 1 and 2 seedlings hill^-1. The highest straw yield was obtained from 4 seedlings hill^-1 was the consequence of highest plant height and non-effective tillers hill^-1. The interaction between hill spacing and number of seedlings hill^-1 was not significant for grain and straw yields. It may be concluded that BRRI dhan41 may be grown with 20 cm hill spacing with 3 or 4 seedlings hill^-1.

Key words: Plant population, performance, grain and straw yield, BRRI Dhan 41.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: mahatahmid48@yahoo.com (Mst. Mahbuba Khatun)

How to cite this article: MM Khatun, MB Alam, NH Patwary, S Ahmed and MM Karim (2015). Effect of plant population on the performance of transplant Aman rice var. BRRI Dhan 41. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 100-107.

Abu Saleh Mohammad Yousuf Ali¹, Md. Hamim Reza², Md. Samsuzzaman³, Md. Harunor Rashid⁴, Asma Anwari⁵, Md. Zahurul Islam⁶

¹Scientific Officer (Horticulture), Regional Horticultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh
²Principal Scientific Officer (Horticulture), Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Rangpur, Bangladesh
³Senior Scientific Officer, Integrated Agricultural Productivity Project, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Burirhat, Rangpur, Bangladesh
⁴Scientific Officer (Horticulture), Regional Horticultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh
⁵Scientific Officer (Horticulture), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur, Bangladesh
⁶Horticulture Training Officer, Horticulture Center, Kallayanpur, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh

Evaluation of ten germplasm of existing jackfruit was performed at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rangpur, Bangladesh during 2012-13. Ten existing jackfruit germplasm were selected and marked for this study includes consecutive numbering of AH Bur-001 to AH Bur-010. Age, growth, yield and yield attributes and also qualitative characteristics were compared among them. The number of fruits per plant was exceedingly higher (220) in AH Bur-001 while others produced under 65 fruits and the fewer (35) in AHBur-004. However, single fruit weight did not differed greatly and ranged from 5.0 to 7.5 kg. Larger fruit (7.5 kg) was recorded from AH Bur-008 and smaller fruit (5.0 kg) was recorded from AHBur-009. The germplasm AHBur-001 and AH Bur-003 have the greater sweetness (TSS value of 22) and the germplasm AH Bur-005, AH Bur-008 and AH Bur-010 has less sweetness indicating TSS value of 18. The excellent taste was also observed in AH Bur-001 and AHBur-003, and good taste was observed in rest of the germplasm. The germplasm AH Bur-001 performed better in terms of earliness, fruit size, quality and yield followed by AH Bur-003 and AH Bur-007. Therefore, these germplasm can be included in the variety development program after comparing with the already BARI released jackfruit variety.

Key words: Artocarpus heterophyllus, genetic diversity, on-farm conservation, growth and yield.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: yousufr007@gmail.com (ASM Yousuf Ali)

How to cite this article: ASMY Ali, MH Reza, M Samsuzzaman, MH Rashid, A Anwari and MZ Islam (2015). Evaluation of existing jackfruit germplasm. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 108-112.

Mst. Jannatul Ferdous¹, Md. Afsar Ahmed Sumon¹, A.M. Nahid Mahamud¹, Motia Gulshan Ara², Jannatul Fatema³, Mst. Kaniz Fatema²

¹Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
²Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 children aged five to ten years old from three different areas (urban, N = 25, sub-urban, N= 25 and rural, N = 25) in Sylhet district, Bangladesh. This present study was undertaken in order to analyze and compare the fish consumption rate and nutritional status of children among these areas. Nutritional status of the target children (both sex) were analyzed with the help of anthropometric measurements which included weight, height Body Mass Index (BMI) and fish consumption rate. This study found that the average heights for both male and female children were 1.16 m, 1.15 m and 1.13 m in urban, sub-urban and rural areas respectively. At the same time, the average weight was 20.08 kg, 19.19 kg and 18.19 kg in urban, sub-urban and rural areas respectively. On the other hand, the average BMI for both sex were 17.35, 14.69 and 14.36 in urban, sub-urban and rural areas respectively. The average fish consumption rate were also calculated and the highest average fish consumption were found in urban area which was 88.98 g and lowest average fish consumption were found in rural area that was 81.85 g for both sex. These findings also revealed that the children in rural area were stunted, underweight and severe thinness than urban and sub-urban areas.

Key words: Fish intake, nutritional status, children, Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: kanizfatemafm@bau.edu.bd (MKaniz Fatema)

How to cite this article: MJ Ferdous, MAA Sumon, AMN Mahamud, MG Ara, J Fatema and MK Fatema (2015). A comparative study on fish intake and nutritional status of children in different areas of Sylhet district, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 113-117.

Md. Golam Rabbani Sarker

Department of Sociology, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh

Whatsapp is an amazing application which occupies a major part of our day-to-day life. However, it has some harmful effect on the life of students. Hence, it is essential to know how it is affecting the life of students and the society at large. The present study is an attempt to study the impact of Whatsapp messenger with reference to the students of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh in the year 2015 . This empirical study has been conducted upon 200 respondents with a questionnaire, which was used as a tool of data collection for the survey. The study has revealed that Whatsapp has a profound negative impact on students and adversely affects their education, behavior and routine lives. It messes up much of study time of students and distracts them from completing their assignments. This app has been found to be highly addictive. The impact is so powerful that users give up their real world interest. They cannot control themselves from constantly chatting, replying and sharing of ideas. The study concludes that time management is essential for online activities. Students should give priority to their life and career building instead of giving priority to the Whatsapp.

Key words: Whatsapp messenger, Impact, Skype, IMO messenger.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: grabbi27@gmail.com (MGR Sarker)

How to cite this article: Sarker MGR (2015). Impact of Whatsapp messenger on the university level students: A sociological study. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(4): 118-125.