Md. Shah Kamal¹, Md. Arshad Ali², Md. Ferdous Alam<sup>3

1</sup>Department of Agricultural Finance, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Agricultural Finance, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The present study was aimed at assessing the loan use, repayment and profitability of banana cultivation under bank loan. For this purpose, 60 loanee farmers were selected from four villages of Shibgong upazila in Bogra district. The empirical magnitudes of the variables were mean, percentage and ratio, cost and return of banana cultivation was made. Apart from this, some tabular analysis was also done to achieve the objectives of the study. The major findings of this study revealed that banana cultivation under the institutional loan was a profitable business. It was estimated that average annual total cost of production of banana was Tk. 34553.33, while gross return and net returns per farm were Tk. 127533.33 and Tk. 92980.00 respectively. The overall benefit cost ratio of banana farming came out to 3.69 indicating that one Taka investment resulted in a net benefit of Tk. 2.69. The findings also show that scientific uses of inputs have increased the production of bananas. The credit aspects of the study indicate that Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) has greater contribution as financing agency to banana production than other institutional sources of credit. But it is clear that the banana producers got credit as a part of operating capital which was not sufficient to them. Most of the credit amount (78.22%) was utilized for farming purposes. Rate of repayment was fully satisfactory (100%). RAKUB credit programme benefited the credit receivers in respect of increasing income, spending capacity decision making power and social status.

Key words: Credit, loan, banana cultivation, cost-benefit analysis, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801755593724
E-mail address: pannabogra@yahoo.com (MS Kamal)

How to cite this article: MS Kamal, MA Ali and MF Alam (2015). Cost and return analysis of banana cultivation under institutional loan in Bogra, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 19-27.

Md.Shahidul Islam¹, Md. Nazirul Islam Sarker², Md. Arshad Ali<sup>3

1</sup>Department of Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202
²Department of Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202
³Department of Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

Wheat is being attacked by several fungal pathogens, many of them are seed-borne. These fungi were detected by the methods as recommended by the ISTA. The experiment was conducted at the Seed Pathology Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during January, 2006 to February, 2007 to record and identify the seed borne fungi associated with wheat seeds as well as their control with some chemicals. The seeds were collected from ten villages of each of two different locations of Dinajpur district (Dinajpur Sadar upazila and Birgonj upazila). Different seed borne fungi such as Bipolaris sorokiniana, Ahernaria tenuis, Curvularia lunata, Fusurium spp, Aspergillus niger and A. flavus were predominant with the wheat seeds of two locations of Dinajpur district. Three chemical fungicides such as Vitavax 200, Bavistin and Captan were used to evaluate their effect on seed-borne fungi of wheat seeds. Among the used chemicals Vitavax 200 showed potential effect compared to others. However, if considerable effect of Vitavax 200 fungicide to the environment and it performance in field trail were observed Vitavax 200 could be used to control wheat seed born fungi.

Key words: Triticum aestivum, seed-borne fungi, Vitavax 200, Bavistin, Captan.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801716872870
E-mail address: shahid.sbl2008@gmail.com (MS Islam)

How to cite this article: MS Islam, MNI Sarker and MA Ali (2015). Effect of seed borne fungi on germinating wheat seed and their treatment with chemicals. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 28-32.

Md. Abdullah-Al-Hasan¹, Md. Ashraf Ali², Md. Abdullah-Al-Hasan³, ATM Faiz Khan Rakib⁴, Mohammad Ashraful Alam⁵, MM Hussain Mondal¹

¹Deaprtment of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Deaprtment of Pathology and Parasitology, Jhenidah Government Veterinary College, Jhenidah, Bangladesh
³Departmen of Microbiology and Hygiene, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
⁴Departmen of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
⁵Departmen of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

An epidemiological survey of Balantidium coli infection (balantidiasis) in man was studied during July to November, 2010. A total of 150 samples were examined through Stoll’s ova counting technique of which 6.67 % were found to be infected with B. coli. In this study, prevalence of balantidiasis in relation to age, sex, socio-economic status and month of the year was also studied. Prevalence of B. coli was significantly higher in adult aged >6 years (10.77%) than in young aged < 6 years (3.53%). Higher prevalence was observed in male than that of female. Relatively higher prevalence of B. coli was observed in July and September months. Prevalence of B. coli was significantly (p<0.05) higher in lower class than middle class people. The cysts of B. coli per gram of stool were 100-600 with a mean value of 232.0±12.18 cysts per gram stool. The occurrence of B. coli infection in man indicating a significant health threat of this zoonotic parasite in Bangladesh. Further extensive research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics of this parasite for taking necessary steps in controlling balatidiasis in Bangladesh.

Key words: Prevalence, Balantidium coli, man, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801717998874
E-mail address: hasanvet30@gmail.com (AA Hasan)

How to cite this article: MAA Hasan, MA Ali, MAA Hasan, AFK Rakib, MA Alam and MMH Mondal (2015). Prevalence ofBalantidium coli infection in man in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 33-36.

Md. Nazirul Islam Sarker^1,4, Md. Arshad Ali², Md. Shahidul Islam³

¹Ex-Program Officer, Chars Livelihood Program (CLP), Jamalpur, Bangladesh
²Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Agricultural Extension Education. Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The study was carried out in Patilbari village of Shaghata upazila under Gaibandha district and Char Monnia of Islampur upazila in Jamalpur district to determine the causes of poverty of char dwellers. The study was aimed to ascertain the probable ways for alleviating poverty and the dimensions of poverty faced by the char dwellers in Bangladesh. One hundred CLP (Chars Livelihoods Programme) beneficiaries were selected randomly of which 50 from Patilbari village and another 50 from Char Monnia village. Data were collected during January-March 2008 through interview schedule. Among the 25 causes of poverty riverbank erosion, frequent flood inundation, inadequate educational opportunity, encroachment of char land by terrorist, diseases of cattle, goats and sheep etc. are the main causes of poverty. Among 20 possible ways of alleviating poverty, control of river bank erosion, ensured educational facilities, increasing cultivable land by proper management, improved communication and transport facilities, control of diseases of cattle, goats and sheep etc came out as the main ways. The study will help policy maker and NGOs to address and analyze the issues for poverty alleviation of char dwellers.

Key words: Poverty, poverty alleviation, char dwellers, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801719002750
E-mail address: nazirul2012@gmail.com (MNI Sarker)

How to cite this article: MNI Sarker, MA Ali and MS Islam (2015). Causes and possible solutions of poverty perceived by char dwellers in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 37-41.

Md. Sumon Mia¹, Farida Yeasmin¹, Sheik Md. Moniruzzaman², 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

The study was conducted to determine the socio-economic condition of the fisher’s community over an area of 4 kilometers of Meghna River at Ashuganj upazila under Brahmanbaria district from January to April 2009. In this study, 10 fishers were randomly selected from each kilometer, thus the total sample size was 40. Studies on socio-economic conditions of Meghna river fishermen were carried out in terms of religious status, age structure, educational status, health facilities, and drinking water facilities, housing condition, sanitary facilities and annual income, catch and species composition. It was found that 90% of the fishermen were Hindus and 10% were Muslim in study area 1 and 65% of the fishermen were Muslim and 35% were Hindus in study area 2. About 2.5% had literacy up to secondary level and 45% can sign only. About 75% and 80% of the fishermen had katcha house while 7.5% and 2.5% fishermen had half-building house in study area 1 and study area 2 respectively. Sanitary conditions of the fishermen were very poor and most of the toilets (50%) were katcha. About 15% of the fishermen have their own tube well and 50% of the fishermen used katcha toilet in study area-1 and in study area-2 47.5% of the fishermen used katcha toilet, 42.5% used semi pucca toilet and the rest of them used pucca toilet. Family size of the fishermen consisted of 2-11 persons. Among those, small family consisted of 2-4 members and large family consisted above 7 members. The highest income of fishermen from Tk 1,00,000-2,00,000/year was 52.5% and the lowest income of fishermen from Tk 25,000-50,000/year was 5%. Besides, various recommendations and necessary measures have been suggested to improve livelihood of fishers’ community of the Meghna river.

Key words: Socio-economic condition, fisher’s community, Meghna river, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801713388743
E-mail address: summon_reod@yahoo.com (MS Mia)

How to cite this article: MS Mia, F Yeasmin, SM Moniruzzaman, MFH Kafi, MI Miah and MS Haq (2015). Socio-economic condition of the fisher’s community of Meghna river of Ashuganj Upazila in Brahmanbaria District, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 42-47.

Md. Shahidul Islam¹, Md. Arshad Ali², Md. Nazirul Islam Sarker³

¹Department of Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202
²Department of Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202
³Department of Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

The experiment was conducted on efficacy of extracts of garlic clove, allamanda leaf, neem leaf and marigold leaf against seed borne fungi of two wheat varieties. The experiment was carried out at the seed pathology centre, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during January, 2006 to February, 2007 to record and identify the seed borne fungi associated with wheat seeds as well as their control with botanical extracts. The seeds were collected from ten villages of two diferent locations of Dinajpur district (Dinajpur Sadar upazila and Birgonj upazila). Different seed borne fungi such as Bipolaris sorokiniana, Ahernaria tenuis, Curvularia lunata, Fusurium spp, Aspergillus niger and Aspergilus flavus were predominant with the wheat seeds of two locations of Dinajpur district. Four botanical extracts such as garlic clove, allamanda leaf, neem leaf and marigold leaf were used to observe their effects on seed borne fungi of wheat. Wheat seeds were treated by dipping separately into different extracts of 1:2 dilutions. Among the plant extracts, garlic (Allium sativum) clove extract was observed to be most effective followed by allamanda (Allamanda cathertica), neem (Azadirachta indica), and Marigold (Tagetes erecta) in reducing seed-borne fungi. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the fungicidal effects of the plant extract in controlling seed borne fungi in wheat seed.

Key words: garlic clove, allamanda leaf, neem leaf, marigold leaf, extracts, seed, fungi.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801716872870
E-mail address: shahid.sbl2008@gmail.com (MS Islam)

How to cite this article: MS Islam, MA Ali and MNI Sarker (2015). Efficacy of medicinal plants against seed borne fungi of wheat seeds. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 48-52.

Mst Kaniz Fatema¹, Zhen-yu Chen², Ge Wei³

¹Research Associate, Department of Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
²Professor, Department of Biochemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
³Professor, Department of Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong

Cholesterol-fed adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a novel model organism for study of lipid signaling and metabolism that can impact on a variety of heart diseases in humans. It also acts as a model system for drug discovery that could affect development of human atherosclerosis. Thus, we investigated the effects of b-sitosterol ingestion on lipid accumulation caused after high cholesterol feeding adult zebrafish. b-sitosterol is a plant sterol that closely resembles cholesterol in terms of chemical structure and is therefore, used sometimes in management of hypercholesterolemia in humans. Forty five days old zebrafish were fed with experimental diets consisting of 1% cholesterol only, 1% cholesterol + 1% b-sitosterol, 4% cholesterol only and 4% cholesterol + 4% b-sitosterol for 5 weeks. Total cholesterol content was significantly lower in groups that were fed diets containing 1% and 4% b-sitosterol than in those that were fed high cholesterol diet only. Both 1% and 4% β-sitosterol enriched food was well tolerated by zebrafish and significantly reduce cholesterol levels in HCD-fed adult zebrafish sometimes below the levels found in control fishes with positive effect on growth of fishes. Additionally, 4% β-sitosterol enriched food was more significant in reducing cholesterol levels in HCD-fed fish than 1% β-sitosterol. The success achieved with 4% β-sitosterol represents the capacity to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels by promoting the reduction of lipid concentrations in the serum in a hypercholesteromic zebrafish model.

Key words: Plant sterols, zebrafish, high cholesterol diet (HCD), hypercholesterolemia.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801716717739
E-mail address: kanizhossain@gmail.com (MK Fatema)

How to cite this article: MK Fatema, Yu Chen and Ge Wei (2015). β-sitosterol reduce cholesterol levels in high cholesterol diet fed zebrafish. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 53-65.

Md. Zakaria Ibne Baki, M. Abul Hashem, Md. Rafiqul Islam

Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

An experiment was carried out at the Soil Science field laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during Boro season of 2014 to study the effects of reduced rates of fertilizers on N, P, K, S and Zn contents and uptakes in BRRI dhan29 rice. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were categorized as T₁: control, T₂: Recommended Fertilizer Dose (RFD), T₃: 60% of RFD, T₄: 70% of RFD, T₅: 80% of RFD, T₆: 90% of RFD, T₇: 110% of RFD. The recommended fertilizer doses applied for the experiment were 100 kg N ha^-1, 15 kg P ha^-1, 50 kg K ha^-1, 15 kg S ha^-1 and 1.5 kg Zn ha^-1. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and zinc were supplied from urea, TSP, MoP, gypsum and zinc sulphate respectively. The full doses of TSP, MoP, gypsum and zinc sulphate were applied as basal dose during final land preparation while urea was applied in three equal splits. The grain and straw yields of BRRI dhan29 were significantly affected due to different treatments. The highest grain yield of 5.12 t ha^-1 was observed in T₅ which was statistically identical to those recorded in the treatments T₂, T₆ and T₇. The maximum traits of nutrient content by grain and straw and uptake by grain, straw and total had also higher in T₅. Effective tillers hill^-1, filled grains panicle^-1, unfilled grains panicle^-1 and 1000-grains weight were also higher in T₅. However, plant height and panicle length were higher in T₅ which considered better than RFD and other treatments. The result obtained clearly indicated that to increase the crop yield 80% of RFD may be practiced instead of 100% RFD for higher grain yield from BRRI dhan29.

Key words: BRRI dhan29, fertilizers, N, P, K, S, and Zn contents, uptakes.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801724106728
E-mail address: rabbibau240@gmail.com (MZI Baki)

How to cite this article: MZI Baki, MA Hashem and MR Islam (2015). Effects of reduced rates of fertilizers on N, P, K, S, and Zn contents and uptakes in BRRI dhan29. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 66-71.

Nizamul Haque Patwary¹, Md. Azizur Rahman², Md. Ferdous Mondal², Shamim Ahmed¹, Shah Muhammad Shahidullah¹

¹Department of Agricultural Extension, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
²Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during winter season to study the effects of different cultivation methods and fertilizer management practices on the growth and yield of carrot. The experiment consisted of three cultivation methods, viz. flat, ridge and deep spading and six fertilizer doses, viz., (i) cowdung @ 9 t/ha, (ii) poultry manure @ 5.63 t/ha, (iii) Urea-TSP-MP @ 195-132-120 kg/ha, (iv) Urea-TSP-MP-Gypsum @ 195-132-120-89 kg/ha, (v) Urea-TSP-MP-Gypsum-Borax @ 195-132-120-89-10 kg/ha, (vi) Urea-TSP-MP-Gypsum-Borax-Zinc sulphate @ 195-132-120-89-10-20 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 18 treatment combinations and three replications. The results revealed that plant height, fresh weight of roots and leaves, root length, percent dry matter of roots and leaves, cracked roots and branched roots and gross and marketable yields were influenced significantly by different cultivation methods. Similarly, fertilizer doses had significant influence on all of the aforesaid characters along with number of leaves and root diameter. The ridge cultivation method produced the maximum gross (34.29 t/ha) and marketable (30.69 t/ha) yields of carrot. The minimum gross (29.18 t/ha) and marketable (26.24 t/ha) yields were obtained from deep spading method. The use of Urea-TSP-MP-Gypsum-Borax-Zinc sulphate @ 195-132-120-89-10-20 kg/ha fertilizers produced maximum gross (36.41 t/ha) and marketable (33.20 t/ha) yields of carrot whereas the minimum gross (26.09 t/ha) and marketable yields (23.45 t/ha) were found from the treatment of cowdung @ 9 t/ha. A significant interaction effect between different cultivation methods and fertilizer management were observed for all the parameters studied except for number of leaves, root length, diameter of roots, dry matter content of root and marketable yield but their combined effects were significant on all parameters. Regarding the combined effects, the maximum gross (38.53 t/ha) and marketable (35.80 t/ha) yields of carrot were obtained from the ridge method of cultivation and application of Urea-TSP-MP-Gypsum-Borax-Zinc sulphate @ 195-132-120-89-10-20 kg/ha fertilizers with a maximum net return of Tk. 154516.00 per hectare and benefit cost ratio of 4.64.

Key words: Daucus carota L., branched root, rotten root, cracked root, dry matter, gross yield, benefit cost ratio.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801711104071
E-mail address: swapono27@gmail.com (NH Patwary)

How to cite this article: NH Patwary, MA Rahman, MF Mondal, S Ahmed and SM Shahidullah (2015). Effects of cultivation method and fertilizer management on the growth and yield of carrot. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 72-85.

Md. Abdullah-Al-Hasan¹, Mohammad Afazur Rahman², Biddut Kumar Saha², Md. Abdullah-Al-Hasan³, ATM Faiz Khan Rakib², MM Hussain Mondal¹

¹Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to survey the age, sex and month related occurrence of Balantidium coli infection (balantidiasis) in pig in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. A total of 52 pigs were examined through Stoll’s ova counting technique of which 34.62% pig were found infected with B. coli. Occurrence of B. coli was significantly higher in piglet (50.00%) than in adult (23.33%). During this study, slightly higher prevalence was observed in male than that of female pig. Higher prevalence of B. coli was observed in September month. Overall cysts per gram of faeces were 100-900 and the mean of cysts per gram of faeces was 133.0±5.2. The study suggests that the higher rate of occurrence of B. coli in pig is alarming for both pig and human health which deserve treatment and control of this zoonotic disease in the study area.

Key words: Balantidium coli, pig, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801717998874
E-mail address: hasanvet30@gmail.com (MAA Hasan)

How to cite this article: MAA Hasan, MA Rahman, BK Saha, MAA Hasan, ATMFK Rakib and MMH Mondal (2015). Occurrence of Balantidium coli in pig in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 86-89.

Md. Aminul Islam¹, Md. Robiul Alam¹, Md. Maniruzzaman¹, M. Shafiqul Islam¹, Md. Samim Hossain Molla¹, Mst. Anjumanara Begum², Debashish Sarkar¹ and Md. Rejaul Karim¹

¹On Farm Research Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Station, Pabna, Bangladesh
²Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted in Bayoikhola village under multi location testing (MLT) site, Atghoria, Pabna during Rabi season to assess the performance of different advanced lines of garlic against premature sprouting under zero tillage mulched condition. Thirteen garlic lines viz. T₁ (GC001), T₂ (GC005), T₃ (GC0012), T₄ (GC0017), T₅ (GC0018), T₆ (GC0024), T₇ (GC0027), T₈ (GC0028), T₉ (GC0031), T₁₀ (GC0036), T₁₁ (Jayati), T₁₂ (Gangajoli) and T₁₃ (single clove) along with two varieties T₁₄ (BARI Rasun 1) and T₁₅ (BARI Rasun 2) were used as test materials for the experimentation. Highest premature spouting was found in T₁₂ (Gangajali, 42.50%) followed by T₁₃ (single clove, 32.15%) and T₁₁ (Jayati, 17.66%) where as the minimum was recorded from T₉ (GC0031, 0.07%) that was statistically identical to rest of the lines and varieties.  All the tested varieties and lines except T₉ (GC0031) showed significantly higher and identical bulb yield. Numerically higher bulb yield (11.07 t ha^-1) was recorded from T₁₅ (BARI Rasun 2) followed by T₁₄ (BARI Rasun 1) and the minimum (8.821 t ha^-1) from T₉ (GC0031).  Regarding cost and return analysis, T₁₅ (BARI Rasun 2) resulted in relatively higher gross return (498150Tk ha^-1) that contributed to the highest net return (305096 Tk ha^-1) against the total cost of Tk 193054 ha^-1 followed by T₁₄ (BARI Rasun 1) with a net return (303296 Tk ha^{– 1}). Lowest yield was observed (203846 Tk ha^-1) in T₉ (GC0031). According to the research study as well as farmers observation, garlic production under zero tillage mulched condition seems to be more profitable as well as a resource conserving technology (saves water, time, pesticidal use) as it incurs higher yields with less production costs than conventional practice.

Key words: Garlic lines, premature sprouting, mulched condition, zero tillage.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801722788312
E-mail address: amin_bau@yahoo.com (MA Islam)

How to cite this article: MA Islam, MR Alam, M Maniruzzaman, MS Molla, MS Islam, MA Begum and D Sarkar (2015). Evaluation of some advanced garlic lines against premature sprouting under zero tillage mulched condition. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 90-95.

This article has been retracted due to author’s conflict of interest

Md. Zakaria Ibne Baki¹*, Rehana Khatun², Amina Khatun², Sharmin Akter², Papri Hazra², Asma Sultana²

¹Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenisngh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenisngh-2202, Bangladesh

A study was carried out in Sirajganj district to explore the causes of flooding and to determine the impact of flood hazards on human life and environment. Data were collected from 300 respondents from 5 upazilas using interview schedule during July to August, 2013. From the collected data it is found that lack of communication, food, drinking water, health services, environmental degradation and socio-economic losses were the major characteristics impacted by flood. Majority (44.3%) of the respondents were old aged. Almost 41% of the respondents were illiterate. Average member of the family was 2.233 people. Majority (31.3%) was involved in agriculture and maximum number of respondents (44.7%) had small monthly income. The highest respondent said that main causes of flood were climate changes (40%). About 45.3% respondents used tube well water, 28.7% faced lack of communication problem, 34% faced diarrhea as the major disease and 39.7% got medical support. The losses from flood were crop (32%), land (29%), domestic animal (20%) and houses (19%). About 45% faced problems with high environmental degradation and 44% with high socio-economic loss. The computed value of correlation coefficient showed insignificant positive relationship between sex of the respondents and losses of flood. But the variables like age, education, occupation, monthly income, family members, problem faced and diseases has significant positive relationship with losses of flood. However the study revealed that the flood situation of Sirajganj district has significant impact on human health and environment. The study suggests the government and NGO to address the issues of flood in order to improve the livelihood of peoples impacted by flood.

Key words: Flood, impact, human, environment, Sirajganj.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801724106728
E-mail address: rabbibau240@gmail.com (MZI Baki).

How to cite this article: MZI Baki, R Khatun, A Khatun, S Akter, P Hazra and A Sultana (2015). Impact of flood hazards on human life and environment in some selected upazilas of Sirajganj district. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 102-106.

Sharifuzzaman¹, Md. Abdullah Al Noman², M.A. Jalil³, Md. Hasibul Haque⁴, Zinat Shahjada¹, Abdullah-Al-Motin¹

¹Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210,  Bangladesh
²Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong, Bangladesh
³Veterinary surgeon, District veterinary Hospital, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh
⁴Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

The study was conducted at upazila Veterinary Hospital, Kushtia Sadar,  Kushtia in the year 2008. A total number of 280 diseased goats were examined of which 35 (12.50%) Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) cases were diagnosed on the basis of clinical sign, gross and pathological lesion.  Dullness and depression, rough hair coat, dyspnoea, diarrhea, swollen and erosion of lip and occulonasal discharge were the common findings during clinical examination of PPR patients. About 7-12 months age group of goat was found more prone (20.87%) to PPR than other. Black Bengal goat was more susceptible (13.47%) than Jamunapari (8.00%). Non vaccinated goats were more prone (14.91%) to PPR infection than vaccinated goats (1.92%). Lymphocytes percentages were started to decline (40%) and neutrophils percentages were started to increase (58%) from day 3 of clinical manifestation of PPR, which have got reached 28% of lymphocytes and 66% of neutrophils on day 6 of PPR. The percentage of response to treatment with parenteral (I/M) sulphadimidin was higher (56.52%) than parenteral oxytetracycline (41.66%) along with symptomatic treatment.

Key words: Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR), goat, Kushtia , Bangladesh.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801717513544
E-mail address: sharif.edu.bd@gmail.com (Sharifuzzaman)

How to cite this article: Sharifuzzaman, MAA Noman, MA Jalil, MH Haque, Z Shahjada and AA Motin (2015). Epidemiology of PPR in goat in Kushtia district, Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 107-112.

Md. Mostafijur Rahman¹, Yasir Ahammad Arafat¹, M.A. Jalil², Imrul Hasan Rasel¹, Soshe Ahmed³, Md. Ashraful Islam⁴

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
⁴Departments of Dairy and Poultry Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh

A survey was conducted during the period of July 2012 to January 2013 to collect information on morphometric, productive and reproductive traits of cattle at Magura district. A total of 44 cattle from selected farm/families were considered for the present study. There was wide variation among coat colors of the studied cattle population. The observed coat colours were Reddish (29.54%), Black with White spot (25%), White (18.18%), Black (11.36%), Grey (9.09%) and Ash (6.82%). The average wither height, heart Girth, body length, chest width and tail length were 70.29±18.68, 96.14±49, 54.29±14.64, 20.29±3.73, and 51.57±18.51 cm respectively in males, and 90.03±21.13, 128.19±34.21, 84.11±24.82, 30.43±7.66 and 65.21±17 cm respectively in females.  The average milk yield per day was 3.43±1.47 liters, lactation length was 250.77±34.03 days and the average dry period was 146.5±33.91 days. Average gestation length and calving interval were 287.88±8.28 days and 467.86± 52.23 days respectively. The age at first calving was on an average 40.47±10.04 months.

Key words: Cattle, morphometric, productive and reproductive characteristics.

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

How to cite this article: MM Rahman, YA Arafat, MA Jalil, IH Rasel, S Ahmed and MA Islam (2015). Morphometric, productive and reproductive characteristics of cattle at Magura district. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 113-117.

Sharifuzzaman¹, Md. Shahiduzzaman¹, Anisuzzaman¹, Md. Shafiullah Parvez², Antonio Barragan^3,4

¹Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
⁴Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Water-borne cryptosporidiosis, a neglected parasitic disease, presents a serious threat to human health due to the ubiquitous distribution of Cryptosporidium species affecting humans and animals, and due to the resistance of the oocysts to harsh environmental conditions, various disinfectants, and some common therapeutic agents. Water is a great reservoir for contamination and a potential medium of transmission of the pathogen. The present study was aimed to isolate and identify Cryptosporidium oocysts in water samples in Bangladesh. Water samples from small ponds, waste water bodies and drains were collected from different areas of the Mymensingh and Kushtia districts of Bangladesh. To detect Cryptosporidium, the samples were assessed by microscopy, using the conventional Ziehl-Neelsen staining method, and by PCR. By microscopy, Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 5 (25%) of 20 samples examined collected from the Mymensingh district, which were further confirmed by PCR. Importantly, Cryptosporidium was detected by PCR in drain water but was not detected by conventional microscopy. In the Kushtia district, 2 (20%) of the 10 samples examined by microscopy were positive. Cryptosporidium was not detected in waste water by conventional microscopy and PCR. However, the results confirm the presence of Cryptosporidium in different types of sources of water in both Mymensingh and Kushtia districts, demonstrating the existence of Cryptosporidium in the study areas. Further studies are need to explore the present status of prevalence of Cryptosporidium in humans and animals in order to better understand the transmission dynamics of the parasite and thereafter take necessary measures to control and/or prevent the disease.

Key words: Cryptosporidium, oocyst, water, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801716460558
E-mail address: szaman@bau.edu.bd (M Shahiduzzaman)

How to cite this article: Sharifuzzaman, M Shahiduzzaman, Anisuzzaman, MS Parvez and A Barragan (2015). Isolation and identification of Cryptosporidium from water sample in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2(1): 118-124.