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Anoestrus in cows is a condition in which there is absence of observable estrus signs. Anoestrus in cattle is suspected when estrus in not expressed by the female animal or in case the farmer fails to detect it. Among reproductive problems, it is one of the most commonly occurring conditions in cattle. It affects the production and economics of a cow to a great extent and the economic losses occur due to increase in inter-calving interval, poor net calf crops, loss of production, expenses incurred on treatment etc. It is caused by multiple factors including mostly inadequate or unbalanced nutrition, environmental stress, uterine or ovarian pathologies and poor managemental practices.

Diagnosis

• Rectal examination of animal. The ovaries are small and smooth. Should be confirmed by repeated examinations at 10 days interval.

• Ultrasound examinations at regular intervals can be done to diagnose and confirm anestrous.

• Progesterone estimations at intervals of 10 days would aid in confirmation. Low progesterone levels at both times indicate true anestrous.

Sub estrus (Weak or Silent Estrus) is a condition in which there are normal cyclical changes in the reproductive organs of a cow but the heat signs are not exhibited to a level of intensity as in normal cows leading to failure of estrus detection by a farmer. This condition is common during post partum period. It is a common reproductive problem in cattle affecting the productivity and economics of a cow due to increase in inter-calving interval, production loss, treatment expenses etc.

Endometritis in cow is actually the inflammation of endometrium that is inner lining of the uterus. It occurs after bacterial contamination of uterus at calving, during A.I. following dystocia, retention of placenta, abortion etc. There is expulsion of white or whitish-yellow muco-purulent discharge from vagina. The animal does not shows systemic signs like increase in temperature, increase in respiration rate, anorexia, toxemia etc as in metritis. However, the animal fails to conceive even after repeated inseminations.

Metritis is a condition seen in cattle in which there is the inflammation of the entire thickness of uterine wall (endometrium, myometrium and serosa). When it occurs just after parturition, it is called puerperal metritis. It usually occurs after abnormal birth like in case of dystocia, abortion, RFM etc. The animal shows systemic signs like increase in temperature initially, increase in respiration rate, anorexia, toxemia etc. There is expulsion of large volume of foul smelling reddish to brown discharge from vagina frequently associated with straining. The expelled discharge from vagina is often with pieces of degenerating placenta.

Vaginal prolapse in cow is a condition in which there is protrusion of whole or part of vagina including sometimes the part of cervix through the vulva. It occurs in cow mostly during last 2-3 months of gestation. It occurs due to excess secretion of estrogen from placenta, hypocalcaemia, inadequate exercise, bulky food like roughages etc. Sometimes occurs in non pregnant cows due to cystic ovaries, severe straining due to vaginal irritation etc.

Uterine prolapse also called casting of the “Calf Bed” in cow is a condition in which there is eversion of whole or part of uterus outside the vulva after its movement through dilated cervix and vagina. It occurs in cow after the birth of calf and mostly in dairy cows having given birth many times to a calf. It occurs due to hypocalcaemia, defective involution, inadequate exercise, excessive force applied during removal of calf etc.

Pyometra meaning “pus filled uterus” is a condition in cow which is characterized by progressive accumulation of pus in the uterus, presence of persisting CL, absence of estrus and regular estrus cycles and a closed cervix. Pyometra occurs following chronic endometritis in most cases as uterus fails to produce endogenous CL regressing agent i.e. PGF2a. So, the CL of diestrus persists resulting in failure of elimination of uterine infection as the animal remains under the continuous influence of progesterone. Progesterone production from the persistent CL causes closure of cervix, pus accumulation in the uterus and consequently leading to enlargement and distension of uterus.

Cystic ovarian disease (Cystic ovarian degenertaion or ovarian cysts) is a common ovarian dysfunction in cattle and causes huge economic loss to farmers due to its high incidence and negative impact on the reproductive performance of cow. Animals having cysts on ovary result in anoestrum as the most significant clinical sign. Althouugh the exact cause that leads to cystic ovarian disease is not yet fully clear but altered release of LH hormone is the most accepted hypothesis.

Artificial insemination (AI) is a technique in which sperm cells loaded in straws and stored in liquid nitrogen are thawed and manually deposited into the reproductive tract of a female animal at estrus. The recto-vaginal technique is the most commonly used method for artificial insemination in cattle. In order to increase the probability of pregnancy, the animal in estrus should be inseminated at proper time not too early or late.

The diagnosis of pregnancy (Cyesiognosis) was desired earlier by farmers for curiosity, but currently early pregnancy diagnosis is considered essential for economically viable and profitable dairy farming. Clinical methods are commonly used for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle with recto genital palpation and trans-rectal ultrasonography as the methods of choice for an accurate and early pregnancy diagnosis.

Regular deworming of cattle including young stock is essential for economic rearing as sever parasitic infection leads to reduced feed intake, decreased reproductive performance, lower milk production, decreased growth rate and increased incidence of diseases. So, deworming as per scientific schedule and dose rate is a must for animals to keep away these profit eating parasites.

Calves play an important role in the dairy development and successful growth of young calves to mature stage is required for herd replacement and to get economic returns when they are sold. Good calf-care is important for sustenance of the dairy form and preservation and maintenance of good quality germplasm.

Maintenance of optimum fertility and reproductive goals is very important for profitable and economically viable cattle rearing. It is highly desired and essential for the farmers to maintain the high reproductive efficiency in cows so that the losses incurred on infertility are reduced to the maximum extent through good managemental practices and following scientific guidelines properly.

Poor Governance

Bad governance refers to how decisions are made in government and business. It is opposite of good leadership. Poor governance entails systemic corruption and a lack of openness and accountability, arbitrary policymaking, and the deception of those who are ruled.

Albeit a mammoth volume of food grain production in India, 320 million tons and close to 350 million tons of vegetables production in 2023 evinces the emergence of mighty Indian agriculture over the geo-political expanse at global level, yet the income from agriculture to her 140 millions of farmers is not secured, persistent and satisfying. This is due to a mal orchestration of weather-market-job-technolgy uncertainties. The farmers producer organization offers them a new hope and aspiration for small-marginal tiny agricultural producers of India.

What is AHP

Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a decision-making methodology that helps individuals and groups systematically analyze and prioritize complex decisions.

Developed by Thomas L. Saaty (1987), AHP breaks down a decision problem into a hierarchical structure and uses pairwise comparisons to assess the relative importance of different criteria and alternatives.

Writing funded project proposals involves crafting detailed documents tailored to specific purposes, such as consulting project proposals or sponsored research projects. For instance, a consulting project proposal emphasizes understanding a client's needs, offering solutions, and outlining services to address those needs effectively. On the other hand, sponsored research proposals focus on academic or scientific exploration, detailing methodologies, expected outcomes, and potential impacts within a scholarly context.

Rabbits belong to the mammalian order Lagomorpha, which includes rabbits, hares, and Pikas. Fossil records indicate that Lagomorpha originated in Asia over 40 million years ago during the Eocene period. The continental drift during this period likely contributed to the diverse distribution of rabbit and hare species worldwide, excluding Australia. There are over 60 recognized breeds of domestic rabbits in Europe and America, all descended from the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the only widely domesticated rabbit species. This species is distinct from native rabbits like North American jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits, as well as all hare species.

For visualization and identification of fungal specimens into their genus and species, the staining of the fungal specimens and their microscopy are necessary. The simple binocular microscope can be used for microscopy of the fungal specimens.

2.1. Stains to be Used in Microscopy

1. Methylene blue stain

2. Lacto phenol cotton blue stain

3. Crystal violet stain

4. Safranin

Antiviral Factor (AVF)

When an incompatible virus enters the host, resistance to viral diseases is seen. A number of substances, including polyacrylic acid, aspirin, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, and other growth regulators, including Indole acetic acid (IAA), 2, 4-D, Benzyl amino-in (3P), and ethylene, cause resistance to viral diseases. For each of these situations, certain plant compounds have also been identified to cause the development of novel proteins in plant tissues. They are referred to as “antiviral factors.” Healthy plants lack these antiviral components. They are only created once the host has been infected by the virus. These post-infectional substances resemble “phytoalexins.”

Pesticide poisoning occurs when a pesticide penetrates the body and disrupts its essential systems. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a half hour to 24 hours following exposure. The common symptoms and indicators of pesticide poisoning are:

Initial symptoms may include

First Aid

First aid is the preliminary care of a person who has been exposed to pesticides before getting proper medical attention. The initial step is to remove the person from the source of the exposure by removing pesticide from their skin, removing contaminated clothing, or transporting them to fresh air. Be careful not to contaminate oneself throughout this process.

Pesticide on the Skin

• Remove any contaminated clothes.

 • Drench clothing and skin with plenty of water.

• Clean hair and skin with soap and water.

• Dry the victim and wrap them in clean clothes.

• Prevent the victim from being chilly or overheated.

India’s economic prosperity is reliant on the agriclimate. The nation confronts particular challenges in guaranteeing food security and optimising agricultural yield because of its large and varied landscape. Using fertilisers strategically and sensibly is one of the main reasons Indian agriculture is so successful. Fertilisers are essential for preserving the fertility of the soil, improving crop health, and satisfying the nation’s growing need for food security.

Ensuring Soil Fertility

India’s economy is mostly based on agriculture, with a sizable section of the populace working in the field.However, there are significant regional differences in India’s soil fertility, with certain parts missing essential nutrients for crop growth.

The grasshoppers are widely distributed throughout the country and may be seen in abundance during monsoon season. For the generalized morphological description, this insect has been considered as the most suitable representative of class insects because its structural details are not much variable. Apart from this, being larger, it can be studied easily. The generalized insect body is divided into 3 distinct body regions: a head, a thorax and an abdomen. Grouping of body segments into distinct regions is known as Tagmosis and the body regions are called Tagmata.

The Head

The best learning situation requires one specimen and set of tools per two students for studies. Students working in pairs have ample opportunity to fully participate in the dissection and to carefully examine the specimen. They are also able to share and discuss their observations during and after the dissection.

Requirements: Dissecting pan with wax pad, dissecting pins, forceps, hand lenses and scissors

Procedure

Place the specimen in the dissecting pan ventral side up. Use scissors to cut through the exoskeleton‘s ventral side from the head to the posterior end of the abdomen.

Requirements: Clipboard, Pencils, Hand lens, Pocket knife, insect catching nets, attractants, spread sheet Collection bags and vials, Camera etc.

Sampling techniques are used to draw valid inferences about the population parameters using the sample statistics

Components of an insect sampling program 

Knowledge of pest and beneficial insects

Identification

 Life cycle and biology

Injury caused

Sample: Sample is a subgroup of the population. It is defined as a collection of individual observations from the population about which inferences are to be made, and is obtained by a specific method.

Jaboticaba: It is a Brazilian tree (Myrciaria cauliflora) of the myrtle family cultivated in warm regions for its edible purplish fruit.

Jack salmon /walleye: A large vigorous American freshwater food and sport fish (Stizostedion vitreum) that has large opaque eyes and is related to the perches but resembles the true pike called also walleyed pike

Jaggery: Raw brown / unrefined brown sugar in lumpmade from palm sap (Plate 209).

Jam: A preserved product prepared on boiling pectin contained fruit pulp having edible seed and skin with required amount of sugar, water and acid to a reasonably thick consistency, firm enough to hold the fruit tissues in position (Plate 210).

Jam pack: The packing of the commodity tightly or in excess is called Jam pack.

Jamaica rum: Heavy bodied rum made by slow fermentation and marked by a pungent bouquet.

Jamboline: A type of glucose found in the jamun fruit help in cure of the diabetes in the patients.

Xanthan gum: It is a polysaccharide that is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by a gram-negative bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris) and is a thickening and suspending agent used in pharmaceuticals and prepared foods. It is also called xanthan. Xanthan is a stabilizer produced by Xanthomonas compestris (Plate 340). Xanthan is not hydrolysed or degraded by humans.

Xanthine: A basic compound C5 H4 N4 O2 that occurs in animal or plant tissue, is derived from guanine and hypoxanthine, and yields uric acid on oxidation.

Xanthones: It is a group of yellow pigments e.g. mangiferin in mango,

Xanthophyll: Yellow hydroxyl carotene derivative (C40H550C) which is present in all green leaves together with chlorophyll and carotene. Xanthophyll is a pigment containing O2 derived from carotene.

Xeroderma pigmentosum: It is a genetic disorder inherited as a recessive autosomal trait that is caused by a defect in mechanisms that repair DNA mutations (as those caused by ultraviolet light) and is characterized by the development of pigment abnormalities and multiple skin cancers in areas exposed to the sun.

Yabby: It is one of the burrowing Australian crayfishes (Cherax destructor) that are used for food.

Yakitori: A bite-size marinated pieces of beef, seafood, or chicken on skewers is called yakitori.

Yam: It is edible starchy tuberous root of plants (genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae) used as a staple food in tropical areas.

Yard–long bean: It is the edible 1 to 3 foot (0.3 to 0.9 meter) long thin stringless pod of a south Asian plant of a subspecies (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis) of the cowpea.

Yautia: It is one of the aroid plants (Xanthosomasagittifolium) chiefly of tropical America with starchy edible shaggy brown tubers that are cooked and eaten like yams or potatoes.

Yeanling: A young lamb or kid used for food is called yeanling. It is also called earling.

Yearling mutton: Meat obtained from 12-20 month aged sheep. It is also called Earling mutton..

Introduction

The Over-head insulator for overhead lines provides insulation to the electrical conductor. It is connected to the cross arm of the supporting structure and the electrical conductor passes through the clamp (insulator). It is mainly made of either glazed porcelain (Silica 20% + Feldspar 30% + Clay 50%) or toughened glass. The porcelain must be free from any defect. It should be vitrified because the presence of pore or air will lower down its dielectric strength. Any captured air impurity will also reduce the dielectric strength of the porcelain. Therefore, it is highly desirable that the insulators should be air free and resistant to the entrance of liquids/gases. It is desirable not to allow porcelain to come in direct contact with a hard metal screw thread. Therefore, cement is used between metal and the porcelain.

Date:

Objective: To get acquainted with classmates.

Description: This is the first lab activity and has been designed to make the students feel comfortable in their new surroundings. The aim is also to help them get acquainted with their classmates as they are still new to each other. This short fun activity will help them mingle and set the tone for upcoming activities.

Date:

Objective: To understand communication process and its elements.

Description: Communication is the process by which a person shares knowledge, feelings, ideas, and information, etc. with another person(s) in such a way that each gains a common understanding about the meaning and intent of the message. Major functions of communication include sharing information, issuing instructions, persuasion and motivation. There are several elements in communication process. Anyone who takes the initiative and starts the communication process is called the source or communicator. The intended recipient of the communication content is called as the receiver. Any sign or symbol which has the same meaning for the source and the receiver is called is the message. Receiver is the intended recipient of the message and what the communicator hopes to accomplish is the objective of communication process.

Date:

Objective: To understand the significance of non-verbal communication.

Description: Non verbal communication refers to communication without the use of words. It can encompass a wide range of communication behaviour from body language to choice and use of architectural objects. It is used for repeating, substituting, complementing, regulating verbal messages and deceiving. Some of the common non verbal means of communication include: Gestures: Gestures are movement of body parts and kinesics refers to the study of body movement.

Date:

Objective: To understand the importance of paralanguage in verbal communication.

Description: Paralanguage is the variation in voice and includes vocal characteristics such as pitch, range, resonance, tempo, etc. Though it is an integral part of verbal communication, it is quite distinct from the actual signs and symbols that are used by the communicator.

Date:

Objective: To practice giving appropriate feedback.

Description: Communication is a cyclic process. The message originates from the source and is reaches the receiver. The receiver then decodes the message (i.e; makes sense)and sends a message back to the sender to convey his/her understanding or agreement with the message that has been received. Feedback not only completes the communication cycle, but also takes the process forward.

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Objective:To understand the concept of perception and its role in communication.

Description: Human body receives stimuli through various sensory organs and the brain processes these stimuli and assigns meanings leading to a reaction. This process of organizing, identifying and interpreting of sensory stimuli leading to an understanding of the environment is called perception.

Date:

Objective: To understand gap in communication process.

Description: Communication is never 100 percent efficient. In other words, even an ideal situation does not lead to complete and full understanding between the sender and receiver. Often, the receiver may understand the message differently or receive only a part of the message. This happens as every individual has a different frame of reference. Frame of reference is the set of experiences, beliefs and values which influence a person’s behaviour and acts as a benchmark against which all new stimuli are interpreted. Based on the frame of reference, every individual develops a perception. Perception is the process of receiving and interpreting stimuli.

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Objective: To understand the characteristics and limitations of language.

Description: Language is the structured system of symbols, which are called as words. Semantics refers to the study of the relationship between symbols and their meaning. All languages are arbitrary as the word symbol is not the thing it represents (i.e. if all of us agree, we can refer to a “cat” as “donkey”, without turning it into one!). Words can be both abstract (things that cannot be sensed directly) and concrete (things that can be experienced through sensory organs).

Date:

Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio-visual aid (chart).

Description: Audio visual aids are media that can make communication more effective through use of sound and visuals. They are of two types – projected and non-projected aids. Non projected aids are visual materials that are used as it is by the instructor and do not need any device or equipment. Examples include charts, posters, leaflets, flash cards, etc. They are easy to prepare, carry and use. They can be prepared as and when needed and multiplied at low cost.

Date:

Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio-visual aid (folder).

Description: Folder is a single thick sheet of paper, which is usually folded once or twice. Folder contains essential information about a place, event, etc. which is printed on a good quality paper. A folder is prepared as and when needed and is distributed free of cost.

Date:

Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio visual aid (poster).

Description: Poster is a placard displayed in a public place to raise awareness. A well-made poster must attract attention of passers-by and motivate them to take action. Here are a few tips for making effective posters:

a) A good poster should rely on pictures rather than words. While there is no strict rule regarding the number of words, try to use no more than 10- 12 words.

b) The font size should be big enough to read from a distance as posters are displayed at public places. If there is a variation in font size, increase the size as you move from top to bottom. In addition, while choosing colours, keep the background against which the poster will be displayed in mind.

Date:

Objective: To practice group discussion and understand the do’s and don’ts of group discussion process.

Overview: Group discussion is a form of discourse, which occurs when more than two people recognize a common problem, exchange and evaluate information and ideas. Their efforts may be directed towards a better understanding of the topic or solving a problem. Group discussion occurs in a face-to-face or co-acting situation. It is a democratic method in which equal opportunity is given to every participant to express his/ her opinion. In formal settings, group discussion takes place under the direction of leader. Group discussion is often used by academic institutions or employers to assess certain traits and skills of the participants. The number of participants usually is around eight, but there is no hard and fast rule. When being used as a method of assessment/ evaluation, the group is given a topic.

Date:

Objective: To practice case-based group discussion.

Overview: A case is a detailed description of anything that has happened in real life. In a case, real names are often changed to ensure confidentiality and protect the privacy, but it is not a fictitious account. A case presents a situation, or a problem and the learner is expected to suggest a solution based on the information given in the case. Case based group discussion is often used to test the analytical and reasoning ability of the participants. While participating in a case-based group discussion, the students should start by recognising and defining the problem. This is followed by listing as many solutions as possible with contributions from all the group members. In the next step, each solution is evaluated critically by the group members keeping in mind the information/ data/ facts given in the case. Finally, the best possible solution is put forth by the group. It is important to remember that there are no right or wrong solution as any option is often a trade-off.

Date:

Objective: To practice group task.

Overview: Teamwork and good interpersonal relationships are of great importance in professional life. Hence, organizations often use various methods to test qualities such as communication/influencing/leadership skills. One commonly used method is assigning group task to the candidates. Group task requires striking a balance between team goals and individual success. The team members are expected to contribute to the overall goals while furthering their individual objectives. Additionally, the evaluator can observe leadership skills, team spirit, communication skills, analytical and decision-making skills of the group members without being intrusive. One can also judge the role for which a particular member is best suited. The time assigned for a task-based group discussion/ group task can range from 10 to 60 minutes depending upon the complexity of the task.

Date:

Objective: To make group presentation.

Description: Group presentation refers to presentation of subject matter by few or a group of people. Group presentations are fairly common in professional life and hence, one should have a mastery over how to prepare and make group presentations. If handled properly, group presentations have several advantages over individual presentations. They are more attention grabbing and interesting as the mere presence of more than one individual introduces variety into the process. Work can be shared among the team members and knowledge and resources can be pooled for better outcome.

Date:

Objective: To practice public speaking.

Description: Public speaking refers to communication with a large number of audience in a face-to-face situation. Public speaking differs from most other types of communication as the roles of sender and receiver are distinct and different. Also, in case of public speaking, the onus of taking the interaction forward primarily lies with the speaker. Consequently, many people find it daunting and stressful and try to avoid public speaking situations.

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Objective: To practice giving an entertainment or special occasion speech.

Overview: Entertainment and/ or special occasion speeches are short, simple and often meant to be humorous and entertaining. Special occasion speeches include welcome address, award presentation/ acceptance speech, after dinner speech, farewell speech, eulogy, etc. Entertainment or special occasion speech is often an impromptu speech i.e. they are usually given without any preparation.

Date:

Objective: To write a radio script for infotainment program.

Overview: Radio is an electronic audio medium that can broadcast messages to a large number of dispersed audience. Radio has several advantages as a medium of communication, especially in rural areas:

a) Radio can be carried around.

b) Low cost of production and ownership.

c) Usage is not limited by literacy and technical know-how.

d) It can be used by the listener while doing other tasks.

e) Usage is not limited by power supply.

f) Easy to operate.

Date:

Objective: To understand basics of photography and practice taking good quality photographs.

Overview: Photograph refers to any image which is created when light falls on a photosensitive surface. With the advent of mobile phones and decreasing cost of technology, many people are taking up photography as a hobby or profession. Photographs are very useful in communication, extension and education, as they arouse interest, simplify complex ideas/ things, can be used to convey messages to illiterate people, and enhance credibility of the information. Apart from technical expertise, it is important to know the basics of composition to take good photographs.

Date:

Objective: To visit a video production facility to understand the process and set up.

Overview: Video programs are often produced in a studio environment as it is convenient, easy to manage and there are very few disruptions. A typical video production facility comprises of two areas – control room and the studio floor. Director, assistant director, video and audio technicians sit in the control room. The control room has a series of monitors that display the final and camera outputs. It may also have “on air” and “preview” monitors which display images being broadcast and to check the image before recording, respectively. The control room also has a production console, which is used to select the video and audio output.

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Objective: To understand shot sizes in a video production.

Overview: Shot, in video production refers to one continuous recording by the camera. It comprises of a series of frames (still images) and There are 24 frames in one second. A shot includes eeverything recorded between switching on and switching off the record button on the camera. It can contain movement of both camera and talent.