Md. Mostafijur Rahman¹*, M.A. Jalil², K.M. Mozaffor Hossain³, Khondoker Jahengir Alam⁴, Resalatus Salam⁵, Md. Ahsanur Reza⁵

¹Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh
²Veterinary surgeon, District Veterinary Hospital, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh
³Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh
⁵DMRF Dental Laboratory, Mirpur -1, Dhaka -1216, Bangladesh
⁶Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-  8210, Bangladesh

The occurrence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cattle of Magura district, Bangladesh was studied.  The study was performed at the Upazila Veterinary Hospital, Magura sadar, Magura, Bangladesh, during the period from July 2012 to June 2013. A total of 221 suspected cases were examined among them 83 case were FMD. The prevalence of FMD was 37.56%. The adult cattle (46.98%) were more susceptible compared to young (18.07%) and old (34.94%). There was significant seasonal variation in the occurrence of FMD (P<0.05) in the study area. The occurrence of FMD was higher in November (27.71). The male cattle (59.04%) were more susceptible than female cattle (40.96%). The higher prevalence (63.86%) of FMD was observed in indigenous breeds than crossed breed of cattle. The study demonstrated the high prevalence (37.56%) of FMD in cattle of Magura district which is highly advisable to take appropriate measure to control FMD in animal and human.

Key words: Foot and mouth disease, prevalence, occurrence, age, sex, breed, season.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: rana88dvm@gmail.com (MM Rahman)

How to cite this article: MM Rahman, MA Jalil, KMM Hossain, KJ Alam, R Salam and MA Reza (2015). Occurrence of foot and mouth disease in cattle in Magura district of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 1- 4.

Sharifuzzaman¹*, SC Barman², M.A. Jalil³, Md. Hasibul Haque⁴, Zinat Shahjada¹, Swapon Kumar Fouzder⁵

¹Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh
²Coordinator-livestock, Practical Action, Bangladesh, Rangpur Office
³Veterinary surgeon, District Veterinary Hospital, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
⁵Department of Dairy and Poultry Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh

Goat rearing is an integral part of many farming systems in Bangladesh. Proper management can provide maximum production of goat. The present study was aimed to know the management system, growth, production parameter and prolificacy of goat at Kushtia district. The data obtained in this study state that smallholder goat farming in Kushtia is increasingly being promoted by development organizations and policy makers as an option to boost incomes of farmers and to improve rural livelihoods. Good management practices were evident, but high variation was found in feeding, health management and general husbandry practices, and this affected the overall performance of the goat production. The number of goats recorded was 260 in 2011, 297 in 2012, and 97 in 2013. There were 123 doe in 2011, 70 in 2012, and 57 in 2013 (up to January). Gestation period of goat at Kushtia district was ranged from 140 to 160 days. Average kidding interval was 208 days. Litter size ranged between 1 and 3 and single birth was highest (28.84%) in 2011 followed by 27.60% in 2012 and 17.52% in 2013. The twin birth was 40.38% in 2011, 39.39% in 2012 and 52.57% in 2013  and triple birth were 30.76%, 32.99% and 29.89% in 2011, 2012 and 2013(up to January) respectively. The average birth weight was 1.24 kg in 2013 (up to January) respectively. It seemed higher birth weight in 2011 than other years. The study suggest for sustainability of  goat multiplication and production performance targeting poverty alleviation, initiative should be commensurate with the farmer’s capacity to ensure success, i.e., appropriate messages and technologies based on the understanding of the farmer’s production objectives, options and constraints.

Key words: Production performance, management, goat, Kushtia, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: sharif.edu.bd@gmail.com (Sharifuzzaman)

How to cite this article: Sharifuzzaman, SC Barman, MA Jalil, MH Haque, Z Shahjada and SK Fouzder (2015). Production performance of goat in Kushtia district of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 5- 8.

Sharifuzzaman¹, MA Jalil², SC Barman³, M.A. Matin⁴, Md Rokonuzzaman⁵, Md. Ashadul Haque⁶

¹Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh
²Veterinary surgeon, District Veterinary Hospital, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh
³Coordinator-livestock, Practical Action, Bangladesh, Rangpur Office
⁴Department of Dairy and Poultry Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh
⁵Research officer, Dr. Wazed Research Institute, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh
⁶District Livestock Officer, Kushtia, Bangladesh

Objective was to make a comparative study in conception rate (CR)) of cows after artificial cows. The study was carried out in Kushtia district, Bangladesh. Three hundred and fifty cows were examined during the study period of one year (2011-2012) brought to different artificial insemination (AI) points. The experimental animals were within zero to 7th parity and they were inseminated artificially through using the semen from different bulls of 3 genotypes. The study revealed that the overall conception rate is 62.86%.  In different breed groups, conception rate was highest (69.23%) in native cattle and intermediate (67.92%) in Sahiwal cross and lowest (57.22%) in Friesian cross. In different age groups conception rate was highest in between 4-5 years, 72.31-70.51% and lower in the animals with 9 years or above. Cows with aged group more than 9 years had significantly decreased conception rate. In different parity, conception rate was higher in both parity 3 and 4 with conception rate was 79.63 and 75.00% respectively and declined from 6 parity gradually. The service per conception was lowest (1.44) in local cow, intermediate (1.47) in Sahiwal cross and highest (1.75) in Friesian cross. The lower service per conception is a desirable merit in breeding of animals. More service was required for heifer than older animals. All together the data demonstrated that breed of cows at differ age and parity has considerable effect on conception rate. To achieve the desire rate of conception, farmer should inseminate their cows considering the age and parity of the cows.

Key words: Conception rate, artificial insemination, indigenous, crossbred, cow, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: sharif.edu.bd@gmail.com (Sharifuzzaman)

How to cite this article: Sharifuzzaman, MA Jalil, SC Barman, MA Matin, M Rokonuzzaman and MA Haque (2015). Comparative study on conception rate in indigenous and crossbred cows after artificial insemination. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 9-12.

Md. Sumon Mia¹, Farida Yeasmin¹, Nur-Un-Nesa², Md. Fida Hassan Kafi², Md. Idris Miah¹, Muhammad Shahidul Haq¹

¹Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

A survey was conducted to determine the current status of fisheries of Meghna river of Bangladesh. The study was aimed to formulate recommendation for effective management of the fisheries of the river. Different fish capture methods, fishing gears and crafts were usually used in the study area. Various types of fishing gears were found to operate in this river, among them, a total of six types of fishing nets were used by the fishermen. A total of 20 species of fishes were identified in the catches of different nets in this river. The highest numbers (20) of species were recorded in the catches of ber jal while the lowest numbers (3) were recorded in case of moiya jal. Different species of fish fauna were caught by the fishers in Meghna river including carps, barbs, minnows, catfish, gobies, perch, murrels, eels, small prawn, miscellaneous species. Most of them are found all the year round except carps, perch and Murrells. Maximum catches are obtained during the month of July to December. The highest catch 500g and 86.11% was recorded whereas the lowest was 8g and 1.39% during the study period. The highest percentage of respondent (45%) caught fish of 3.1-4.0 kg/person with maximum duration of 6-7h of fishing. Decline in fish catch (100%) was the greatest problem to the fishers followed by lack of capital for purchase of fishing gear and net. The status of fisheries at Meghna river is closely related to the livelihood of fishermen. Steps to be taken at government and non government level to support their livelihood.

Key words: Fish biodiversity, assessment, Meghna river, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: summon_reod@yahoo.com (MS Mia)

How to cite this article: MS Mia, F Yeasmin, NU Nesa, MFH Kafi, MI Miah and MS Haq (2015). Assessment and monitoring fish biodiversity of Meghna river in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 13-20.

Md. Latiful Islam¹, Debashis Kumar Mondal², Md. Amirul Islam³, Shyamalendu Bikash Saha⁴

¹Senior Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Kaptai Lake sub-station, Rangamati, Bangladesh
²Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Freshwater sub-station, Jessore, Bangladesh
³Senior Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Shrimp Research Station, Bagherhat, Bangladesh
⁴Principle Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Freshwater station, Mymensingh Bangladesh

With the aim of optimizing stocking density of prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in concurrent culture with shrimp (Penaeus monodon), an experiment was conducted in brackish water earthen ponds with three different stocking densities of prawn (T1= 3/m², T2= 2/m² and T3= 1/m²) with single crop. Whereas, the stocking density of shrimp remained similar (3/m²) in all the three treatments with a double cropping pattern. Each treatment had three replications. After 115 days of culture, average final weight gain of shrimp for the first crop was similar (25.21g to 27.07g) in all the treatments. Recovery rate (60.02– 62.92%) and food conversion ratio (FCR) (1.69-1.8) of shrimp was also similar in all the treatments. Production of shrimp for the first crop ranged from 465.62 to 481.39 kg/ha in all the treatments and was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). However, after 135 days of culture, production of Shrimp in 2^nd crop was highest (345.44 kg/ha) in T2. prawn attained an average body weight of 42.0, 46.8 and 48.2 g in T1, T2 and T3 respectively after 225 days of culture and was statistically insignificant (p>0.05) among treatments. Production of prawn was recorded 535.94, 534.90 and 309.32 kg/ha in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Production of prawn was statistically insignificant (p>0.05) between T1 (535.94 kg/ha) and T2 (534.90 kg/ha) but it was statistically significant (p<0.05) between T1 (535.94 kg/ha) and T3 (309.32 kg/ha) and between T2 (534.90 kg/ha) and T3 (309.32 kg/ha).

Key words: Stocking density, Prawn, Concurrent culture, shrimp, brackishwater environment, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: debbfri@gmail.com (Debashis Kumar Mondal)

How to cite this article: ML Islam, DK Mondal, MA Islam and SB Saha (2015). Determination of suitable density of prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in concurrent culture with shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in brackishwater. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 21-26.

Kanika Samaddar¹, Md. Hasibul Haque², Khan Muhammod Ashfia³, Sultana Fizun Nahar³, Farjana Boby⁴, Shib Shankar Saha¹

¹Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh
²Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
³Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymesningh-2202, Bangladesh
⁴Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh

A prevalence study was conducted on helminthes infestation in ruminant in Rajbari district of Bangladesh. A total of 5397 animals of different age, sex at different management systems were examined. The overall prevalence of helminthes infestation in cattle, goat and buffalo are 52.40%, 55.24% and 91.43% respectively. Trematode infestation of Fasciola, Paramphistomum, Schistosoma were found 20.84%, 7.47% and 4.13%, respectively in cattle whereas 10.37%, 2.56% and 3.17% in goat and 23.96%, 16.87% and 11.24% in buffalo. Nematode infestation of Ascaris, Haemonchus, Strongylus and Trichuris were found 9.48%, 2.79%, 4.46% and 1.12%, respectively in cattle; 15.61%, 12.56%, 5.24% and 0.49% in goat, and 12.05%, 11.91%, 5.76% and 3.35% in buffalo, respectively. Cestode infestation of Moniezia and Taenia were found 1.12% and 0.99% in cattle; 4.76% and 0.49% in goat, and 4.02% and 2.28% in buffaloes, respectively. The highest prevalence rate was recorded in animal aged over 3 years in comparison to 0-1 year and 1-3 year. The male were the most susceptible than female. Indigenous breed was more susceptible to helminthes infestation that exotic/cross breeds. Prevalence of helminthes infestation was higher in ruminants reared in open system than confined system. The overall helminthes infestations in ruminant was found highest in November (14.89%) and the lowest prevalence was recorded in October (6.71%). The study suggests the helminthes infestation was widely prevalent in ruminant of Rajbari district and deserve treatment and control measures against them.

Key words: Prevalence, helminthes, cattle, goat, buffalo, Rajbari, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: dr.kanikadvm@gmail.com (K Samaddar)

How to cite this article: K Samaddar, MH Haque, KM Ashfia, SF Nahar, F Boby and SS Saha (2015). Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infestation of ruminants at Rajbari, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 27-34.

Mostafa Kamal Haider¹, Md. Shahidul Islam²*, Shams Shaila Islam³, Md. Nazirul Islam Sarker⁴

¹Department of Agronomy, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
²Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Rice (Oryza sativa, L.) is the principle food of Bangladesh .Water is the single most important factor for rice cultivation. An appropriate knowledge of water requirement and water use efficiency (WUE) for rice production is essential. In calculating water requirement, evapotranspiration (ET) and crop coefficient (Kc) are the most important component. Evapotranspiration of a crop may be more or less than reference ET depending mostly on crop physiological factors, degree of crop cover and soil moisture condition. The ratio of ETc/ETo is termed as crop coefficient or crop factor .Therefore, the study was conducted to estimate the ET rate of rice in T. Aman season and to determine the crop coefficient (Kc) of irrigated T. Aman rice. The study was carried out in the Experimental Farm of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur with a view to determine Crop Coefficient (Kc) value from irrigated T. Aman rice during the T. Aman season of 2004. The results showed that on an average, the seasonal evapotranspiration (ET) rate was 4.28 mm/day. The total ET demand in T. Aman season was calculated 437 mm and the peak demand was 4.41 mm during the month of August. The effective rainfall during the growing period was 526 mm which is more than the total ET demand of 437 mm. The seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ETc) using the lysimetric method, reference evapotranspiration (ETO) by CROPWAT version 8.0, a decision support tool developed by the Land and Water Development Division of FAO for the calculation of crop water requirements and irrigation requirements based on soil, climate and crop data. The calculated values of crop coefficients for T. Aman rice at the four stages (initial, crop development, reproductive and maturity) were 1.06, 1.03, 1.07 and 1.07. The mean Kc value for T. Aman rice for growing season was found to be 1.06 and also found the highest crop coefficient value (1.07) at reproductive and maturity stage and lowest value (1.03) at the development stage.

Key words: Crop coefficient, Aman rice, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: shahid.sbl2008@gmail.com (M Islam)

How to cite this article: MK Haider, MS Islam, SS Islam and MN Islam Sarker (2015). Determination of crop coefficient for transplanted Aman rice. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 34-40.

Mohammad Maksudul Hassan¹, Shamim Ahmed², Nizamul Haque Patwary², Labony Yeasmin³, Shah Muhammad Shahidullah², MA Sattar¹

¹Department of Environmental science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
²Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
³Department of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, Bangladesh

Causes of hill cutting, utilization of hill cutting areas, use of hill cutting soil, plant biodiversity status of the area, and overall impacts of hill cutting on environment was investigated in Chittagong region of Bangladesh. The research work was accomplished by collecting data from three persons for 20 locations in 2005. The study indicated that the non-government ownership hills were cut down fluently than government ownership hills. Fourteen responsible reasons were identified for hill cutting of which the establishment by real estate businessmen, individual settlement, low land filling, use of hill soil in brick kiln were the major causes. The maximum percentage of hill cutting area was found in Chittagong city at Khulshi (63.6%) and lowest from Chowdury Hat (20.0%). Maximum duration of this hill cutting phenomena was 20 years and the lowest time ranged 5-8 years. The respondent (60-80%) identified that raising plot and low land filling was the major utilization of hill cutting soil. The results of biodiversity study indicate that there were 25 woody plants, 19 fruit plants, 16 medicinal plants and 16 rare and endangered plants species were listed from the study area. Maximum respondent (86.67%) opined that deforestation was the major environmental problem created by hill cutting. The results also indicate that 89 people died by landslide during last seven years. Establishment of industries as well as brickfield by hill cutting causes different type of health hazards to the local people. Forty four ponds in and around the city of Chittagong have been filling up in the last couple of years. The district has lost its natural beauty through hill cutting. The study recommended a permissible guideline of hill cutting to protect the environmental degradation.

Key words: Hill, environmental degradation, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address:  maksud_81@yahoo.com (MM Hassan)

How to cite this article: MM Hassan, S Ahmed, NH Patwary, L Yeasmin, SM  Shahidullah and MA Sattar (2015). Environmental degradation through hill cutting in Chittagong district of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 41-54.

Md. Shahidul Islam^1,2, Md. Nura Alam¹, Md. Al Arif Kabir¹, Tanzinah Nasrin³, Zakaria Mia¹

¹Department of Microbiology, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Mirzanagar, Savar, Dhaka 1344, Bangladesh
²Department of Microbiology, Primeasia University, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
³Department of Microbiology Stampford University, Dhaka-1217, Bangladesh

A microbiological quality control study was performed on oral liquid drugs (antacid amoxyciline and paracetamol) in Bangladesh. Nine (9) syrup preparations collected from different drug stores and were assayed for their bacterial load using the spread plate technique. The microbial contaminants in the liquid drugs were characterized to species level. All the oral liquid preparations are heavily contaminated with bacteria at levels far above the officially stipulated limit for non-sterile oral pharmaceutical preparations. Six bacterial genus (Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Proteous, Klebsiella) were identified from all suspension. Total viable microbial count varied between less than 10² CFU ml^-1 and greater than 10⁶ CFU ml^-1. Microbial counts in liquid preparation from big pharmaceutical companies were higher than those of some small companies. The result of this study highlights the necessity for strict control of non-sterile oral liquid pharmaceutical products. Considering the fact that a great proportion of people in Bangladesh consume non-sterile oral liquid medicines, the public health impact of this gross microbial contamination of the non-sterile oral samples must be considered. It is very necessary to maintain Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for non-sterile oral liquid pharmaceutical product preparation.

Key words: Microbial contamination, bacteria, oral suspension, non-sterile, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: shahiduldhamrai@gmail.com (MS Islam)

How to cite this article: MS Islam, MN Alam, MAA Kabir, T Nasrin and Z Mia (2015). Qualitative and quantitative microbial load in oral liquid drugs in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 54-59.

MNS Mamun Siddiky¹, Shyamalendu Bikash Saha², Debashish  Kumer  Mondal³, A Ali⁴,  Mizanur  Rahman Washim⁵

¹Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Brackish water Station. Paikgacha, Khulna-9280, Bangladesh
²Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh 2201, Bangladesh
³Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Freshwater Station, Chanchara, Jessore, Bangladesh
⁴Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Brackish water Station. Paikgacha, Khulna-9280, Bangladesh
⁵Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Brackish water Station. Paikgacha, Khulna-9280, Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted for 150 days in earthen ponds to optimize the stocking density of Mystus gulio. The three different stocking density (treatment T₁, T₂, T₃) fishes were fed with commercial pellet feed (30% crude protein) @ 4-6% of estimated fish biomass. All treatments were randomly assigned and in duplicate. After five months of rearing, growth of fishes was almost uniform in all treatments and was 12.42 g, 12.13 g and 11.83 g in ponds at 8, 12 and 16/m² density respectively. Average survival of fishes was 64.41%, 53.26% and 50.17% with the above three stocking densities. But production of fishes in treatment T₃ (950kg/ha) was significantly highest than those of T₁ (650 kg/ha and T₂ (775 kg/ha). The findings indicate that Mystus gulio can be reared at higher density.

Key words: Commercial pellet feed (30% crude protein), Brackishwater catfish (Mystus gulio).

*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: mamunsiddiky@gmail.com  (MNSM Siddiky)

How to cite this article: MNSM Siddiky, SB Saha, DK Mondal, A Ali and MR Washim (2015). Optimization of stocking density of Mystus gulio (Brackishwater catfish). International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 60-63.

Ashit Kumar Paul¹, Anup Kumar Mandal², M. Mustafizur Rahman Chowdhury³, Probir Kumar Mitra⁴, Md. Abdus Samad⁵, Abdullah Al Maruf⁵, Md. Mashiur Rahman⁵, Muhammad Belal Hossain⁶, Abdullah Al Noman⁶, Md. Marofuzzaman Tarafder⁷, Napolean Bonaparte⁸

¹Department of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barisal, 8210, Bangladesh
²Department of Economics and Sociology, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, 8602, Bangladesh
³Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barisal, 8210, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Basic Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barisal, 8210, Bangladesh
⁵Upazila Livestock Office, Department of Livestock services, Bangladesh Government, Bangladesh
⁶Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
⁷Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
⁸Molecular Biotechnology Lab, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand

The study was carried out to investigate the pregnancy rate of dairy cattle at first artificial insemination (AI). In this study, we considered breed, age parity, body condition, cow in milk or dry, feeding category and open period as a probable influencing factor for pregnancy. Depending on the relative quantitative contribution of these factors on fertility, some suggestions regarding fertility improvement of cow in the AI services were implied. The fertility data on a total of 450 cows were exploited in the experiment to investigate the effect of breed, age parity, body condition, cow in milk or dry, feeding category and open period. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that pregnancy rate was greatly affected by (P<0.05) age    significantly (P<0.01) affected by feeding parity, body weight and milking. However, no other factors exerted significant effect on cow pregnancy rate. The results of the present study suggested that among factors, feeding sufficient amount of green grass, age, body weight to be manipulated in order to achieve desired pregnancy rate. Moreover, farmers alertness regarding the insemination of heifer (parity-0) must well be taken care of in order to realize desired pregnancy rate.

Key words: First artificial insemination, pregnancy rate, dairy cows, breed, parity.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: akpaul2008@gmail.com (AK Paul)

How to cite this article: AK Paul, AK Mandal, MMR Chowdhury, PK Mitra, MA Samad, AA Maruf, MM Rahman, MB Hossain, AA Noman, MM Tarafder, and N Bonaparte (2015). First service influencing factors for pregnancy rate in dairy cows of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 64-69.

F Yeasmin, Z Faruque Ahmed, M Gulshan Ara, M Sumon Mia and M Kaniz Fatema

Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The present research established monthly relationships between standard length and body weight with the construction of generalized relationships of pooled data over a calendar year, and monthly growth pattern of neon hatchet fish Chela cachius (Hamilton, 1822) (Cyprinidae: Danioninae) collected from a perennial lake in Bangladesh. Twelve monthly samples totaling 1200 specimens were used to conduct this study. The standard length and body weight ranged from 25 to 64 mm and from 0.19 to 3.22 g respectively. The parameter values of a and b of the cubic equation describing the relationships between standard length and body weight in the form of W = aL^b varied monthly. The highest a value was calculated in September (0.00015), the lowest was in February (0.00001). The b value ranged between 2.15 to 3.20, which highest in February and lowest in September. The coefficient of determination (r²) ranged from 0.704 to 0.938. The results revealed that all length-weight relationships were highly correlated (r ≥ 0.839, P < 0.001). Confidence interval of b values at 95% confidence level revealed that growth pattern in February, June, October, November and December was isometric while growth pattern in other months was allometric. The generalized growth pattern of C. cachius population was isometric because the confidence limits of b value of the length-weight relationship at 95% of confidence level included 3 (2.98 – 3.11). The generalized length-weight relationships constructed for C. cachius was BW = 0.00001SL^3.05 in the perennial lake under the study.

Key words: Chela cachius, length-weight relationship, growth pattern.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: zoarder2000@yahoo.com  (ZF Ahmed)

How to cite this article: F Yeasmin, ZF Ahmed, MG Ara, MS Mia and MK Fatema (2015). Length-weight relationships and growth pattern of a danionin fish species Chela cachius (Hamilton, 1822) of a perennial lake in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 70-74.

Md. Abdullah-Al-Hasan¹, Md. Abdullah-Al-Mahmud², Sultan Ahmed¹, Mezbah Uddin¹, S.M. Shariful Hoque Belal³, Md. Humayun Kabir⁴

¹Department of Microbiology and Animal Hygiene, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
²Additional Veterinary Surgeon, Upazila Livestock Office, Ullapara, Sirajganj, Bangladesh
³Veterinary Surgeon, District Veterinary Hospital, Sirajganj, Bangladesh
⁴Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

A study was conducted to investigate humoral immunity level of grandparent flock following Newcastle disease virus vaccine at different intervals. The entire study was performed on 11035 chickens in Paragon grandparent farm Rajnagar, Moulvibazar during the period from July 2011 to December 2011, based on two steps. The first step included collection of sera sample from the grandparent stock broiler chickens. In the second step the humoral immunity level in chickens was measured in terms of antibody production in vaccinated chicken determined by HI test. The mean antibody titre of unvaccinated group was 4.6, 4.45, 5.02 and 4.24 in A, B, C and D line respectively. After 15 days of primary vaccination, the  mean HI antibody titre was 6.9, 7.57, 7.4 and 7.9  in A, B, C and D line respectively at the age of 11 weeks and after 30 days of primary vaccination it was 6.7, 7.2, 7.2 and 6.8 in A, B, C and D line respectively at the age of 13 weeks in vaccinated group. After 15 days of second vaccination, the  mean HI antibody titre was 7.1, 7.4, 7.3 and 7.5 in A, B, C and D line respectively at the age of 16 weeks and after 30 days of booster vaccination it was 4.7, 6.0, 6.1 and 6.63 respectively in A, B, C and D line at the age of 19 weeks. After 15 days of third vaccination, the mean HI titre was 7.54, 7.76, 7.0 and 7.04 in A, B, C and D line consecutively at 22 weeks of age. After 30 days of third vaccination the mean HI titre of A, B, C and D line was 6.4, 6.28, 6 and 6.05 respectively at 24 weeks of age. This mean titre was much higher after 15 days of each vaccination than that required for normal protection level. The mean HI antibody titre in chickens of unvaccinated birds were ≤ 5. After primary vaccination, the mean HI titre of vaccinated birds exhibited increased titres followed by a quick decreased titre, whereas following second and third vaccination, the HI titre increased immediately. It can be suggested that for protection of Newcastle disease second and third  vaccination is essential.

Key words: Humoral immunity, broiler grandparent, Newcastle disease virus vaccine, HI test.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: dr.hasan83@yahoo.com (MAA Hasan)

How to cite this article: MAA Hasan, MAA Mahmud, S Ahmed, M Uddin, SMSH Belal and MH Kabir (2015). Determination of humoral immunity level of broiler grandparent following vaccination with Newcastle disease virus. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 75-81.

Flura¹, Muhammad Zaher², B.M. Shahinur Rahman³, Md. Anisur Rahman¹,  Mohammad Ashraful Alam¹, Md. Mehedi Hasan Pramanik¹

¹Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Riverine Station, Chandpur-3602, Bangladesh
²Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh 2201, Bangladesh
³Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Shrimp Research Station, Bagerhat-9300, Bangladesh

The hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) is an important anadromous clupeid fish species from the western division of the Indo-Pacific region. The present study dealt with the length weight relationship and GSI of hilsa shad using monthly samples over a calendar year from January to December 2013 from the river Meghna flowing through Chandpur district in Bangladesh. A total of 517 specimens (171 male and 346 female) of hilsa were collected. The reproductive characteristic of T. ilisha showed M: F=1:2 sex ratio which indicating predominance of females over the males. The parameter values of the equation W=aL^b describing the relationships between total body weight (BW) and total length (TL) for male and female varied monthly. The generalized length-weight relationship was fitted with the pooled data of all monthly samples for male and female separately. The generalized length-weight relationship was fitted with the pooled data of all monthly samples for male and female separately which were BW = 0.01TL^3.040 (R²=0.902) and BW = 0.008TL^3.078 (R²=0.822) respectively. The results revealed that all length-weight relationships were highly correlated (r>0.891). Gonadosomatic index (GSI) was found highest in October and values ranged 1.6 -24 in female in case of male values ranged from 0.67-1.5 from and the lowest in December. The present data on male, female and combined fish functional length-weight relationships are important for fish stock assessment. These results will be helpful for fishery managers to impose adequate regulations for sustainable fishery management in Bangladesh.

Key words: Hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha, length-weight, GSI, Meghna river, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: flura_bfri@yahoo.com (Flura)

How to cite this article: Flura, M Zaher, BMS Rahman, MA Rahman, MA Alam and MMH Pramanik (2015). Length-weight relationship and GSI of hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha (hamilton, 1822) fishes in Meghna river, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 82-88.

S.M. Lutful Kabir¹, M. Ashaduzzaman¹, Abu Saim al-Salauddin¹, M. Farhad Hossain¹, Amit Dutta¹, Nazmul Hoda², Shihab Hasan¹, M. M. Abu Shaleh³, Suman Kanti Nath⁴ and M. Mufizur Rahman¹

¹Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Veterinary Surgeon, Bangladesh National Zoo, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
³Engineer, Amader Fulbaria Project of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Fulbaria, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
⁴Programme Officer –Engineer, WaterAid Bangladesh

An investigation was carried out to determine the contamination of tubewell water. The present study was done mainly for detection of total coliforms, heterotrophic plate count and arsenic. Among 50 tubewell water samples 16 were contaminated by fecal coliforms of which 15 samples were contaminated with total coliforms (TC) than the recommended limits (≤10 coliforms/100 ml water). The mean heterotrophic plate count (HPC) was 3.53×10³ cfu/ml in ward 1, 3.11×10³cfu/ml in ward 5, 3.57×10³cfu/ml in ward 9, 2.5×10³cfu/ml in ward 2, 4.5×10³cfu/ml in ward 3, 2.81×10³ cfu/ml in ward 4 and  1.95×10³cfu/ml in ward 6 respectively. Three samples (TW41, TW49, TW50) were contaminated with fecal coliforms and these might be due to very close distance between latrine and tubewell. It was found that the tubewell which was close to latrine having chance of contamination and if the surrounding area was more polluted there was more chance of contamination. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) was high in some tubewell water which might be due to swampy low land and polluted environment. All the tubewell water samples were negative to arsenic. The study suggests that distance of tubewell and latrine should be minimum 32 feet and tubewell should be far from the cattle farm or polluted pond and polluted environment.

Key words: Tubewell water, coliform bacteria, load, arsenic, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: lkabir79@gmail.com (SML Kabir)

How to cite this article: SML Kabir, M Ashaduzzaman, ASA Salauddin, MF Hossain, A Dutta, N Hoda, S Hasan, MMA Shaleh, SK Nath and MM Rahman (2015). Safety assessment of tubewell water at Fulbaria pourasava in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 89-94.

M.N.S. Mamun Siddiky¹, Rumana Yasmin², Shyamalendu Bikash Saha³

¹Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Brackish water Station. Paikgacha, Khulna-9280, Bangladesh
²Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Brackish water Station. Paikgacha, Khulna-9280, Bangladesh
³Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted for 150 days in earthen ponds to evaluate the three different feeds for production of Mystus gulio. Three same stocking density fishes were fed with three different feeds (i) Mega pangus sinking feed (30% protein) (T₁), (ii) Quality pangus sinking feed (30% protein) (T₂) and (iii) prepared feed (T₃) (30% protein, containing fish meal-15%, soybean meal – 32.22%, rice bran – 22.39%, mustard oil cake – 22.39%, binder – 7%  and vitamin premix-1%) each with two replicates. The prepared feed has been formulated according to Pearson’s square method. The study was conducted in six earthen ponds of 500 m² each. After 150 days of rearing, growth of fishes was almost similar in all treatments and was 10.78g, 13.60g and 12.42g in ponds supplied with Mega feed, Quality feed and prepared feed, respectively. Average survival of fishes was 100%, 94.34% and 67.93% with the above three different feeds, respectively. But production of fishes in treatment T₂ (2053 kg/ha) was highest than those of T₁ (1725.5kg/ha and T₃ (1350kg/ha). The highest production of Mystus gulio was obtained from Quality pungus feed might be due to presence of some ingredient which is helpful for better growth and survival of this fish.

Key words: Feeds, brackish water catfish, growth, survival, production, FCR, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: mamunsiddiky@gmail.com (MNSM Siddiky)

How to cite this article: MNSM Siddiky, R Yasmin and SB Saha (2015). Comparison of different feed for the production of Mystus gulio (Brackish water cat fish). International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(3): 95-98.