eChapters

Local Anesthetic Techniques of Head Region
The following nerves can be blocked in the head region for performing surgery.
    1.    Cornual nerve block 
    2.    Peterson’s orbital nerve block 
    3.    Auriculopalpebral nerve block 
    4.    Supra orbital nerve block 
    5.    Infra orbital nerve block 
    6.    Retro bulbar nerve block 
    7.    Mental nerve block 
    8.    Maxillary nerve block 
    9.    Mandibulo alveolar nerve block 

These are the drugs that reversibly block the propagation of action potentials along nerve axons. General anesthesia may be advantageous where complete immobilization and relaxation of the patients required. However, local anesthetic techniques are advantageous for providing surgical anesthesia in animals that are considered at risk for inhalant or intravenous anesthesia. These drugs are injected directly at the target site.

Historical Aspect
    Curare was the first known muscle relaxant which was used by South American Indians to immobilize wild animals. Hence the term curariform has been applied to the action of this group of drugs. 
    In year 1958, a plant alkaloid alcuronium was introduced but there were difficulties in reversing the action of this drug.
    Succinylcholine was first used in 1906. However, its paralyzing property was discovered in year 1949.
    Pancuronium was introduced in 1964.
 

Endotracheal intubation is the placement of a tube in the trachea to provide a patent airway.

It is a valuable technique that enables to attach an animal to a breathing circuit or, just as importantly, to secure an airway during an emergency such as respiratory or cardiac arrest.

It is important that time be taken to learn the anatomy of the laryngeal area and the skill of intubation so that intubation may be performed quickly and with little chance of misplacement.

A sound understanding of general anesthetic emergencies and surgical techniques is vital for all practicing veterinarians. In most of the veterinary practices, after induction of anesthesia, no one is assigned the task of anesthetist to monitor anesthesia and occurrence of complications during surgery which may lead to the development of anesthetic emergencies. Onset of general anesthesia disturbs the physiological equilibrium of patient and increase the threshold of harmful events. The harmful events of anesthesia includes:

Advantages
    1.    These agents are primarily exhaled through the lungs and recovery is not dependent upon redistribution within the body and detoxification mechanisms. This is helpful in poor risk patient.
 
    2.    Anesthesiologist has good control over the anesthesia.
 
    3.    Early recovery of the patient.

    4.    Closed system available for thoracic surgery.

Injectable Anesthesia

Injectable anesthetics are the agents which are administered to the patient parentrally. They include drugs which are given intravenously to rapidly induce anesthesia in a patient. Single or combinations of drugs usually administered intramuscularly to patients which are difficult to handle. Injectable agents generally require less equipment and are easier to administer than inhalation anesthetics, but it must be remembered that once they are given to a patient they cannot be removed.

General anesthesia : reversible complete loss of consciousness along with analgesia. 
  Unconsciousness occurs due to depressant action or functional disruption by stimulation in brain by anesthetic agents.
  Analgesia is probably due to blockade of synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

Preanesthetic agents are so named because they are usually given to prepare the patient for administration of an anesthetic agent for one or more of the following reasons:

    1.    To reduce the amount of general anesthetic needed and increase the margin of safety.
    2.    To calm the patient so that anesthesia can be administrated without fright or struggling. 
    3.    To reduce secretions of salivary glands (antisialogogue) and mucous glands of the respiratory tract, thus maintaining a free airway. 
    4.    To reduce gastric and intestinal motility and prevent vomiting while the patient is under anesthesia. 
    5.    To block the vagal reflex, thus prevent cardiac slowing or arrest (bradycardia).

  Term anesthesia by Dr Oliver Wendell Holmes (1886).
  Anasthesis (Greece Word) – absence of sensation.

History of Animal Anesthesia
  Paracelsus (1540) produced ether and reported it to have a soporific effect on fowl. 
  Sir Humphrey Davy (1800) suggested that N₂O might have anesthetic property. 
  Chloroform was discovered by Liebig in 1831.
  Dr. Horace Wells (1844) discovered the general anesthetic properties of nitrous oxide. 

Arterial diseases are important because of their serious effect on vital organs like brain, heart and kidney. Thrombosis is the most common complication of arterial diseases but hemorrhage and aneurysm formation may occur.

Luxation/Dislocation : It refers to the displacement of opposing articular surfaces of bone. The direction of displacement is described with reference to the distal bone in relation to the proximal bone.

Subluxation : It refers to partial or incomplete dislocation.

Classification
    1.    Acute : Recent occurrence of luxation.
    2.    Chronic : Luxation existing for a long time.
    3.    Recurrent : Reluxation after correction.
    4.    Simple : No open wound is communicating with the joint.
    5.    Compound : Open wound is communicating with the joint.
    6.    Pathological : Dislocation due to any pathological lesion.

Inflammation of the joint is known as arthritis.
Coxitis : Inflammation of hip joint.
Gonitis : Inflammation of stifle joint.
Omarthritis : Inflammation of shoulder joint.
Carpitis : Inflammation of carpal joint.

Sprain : It is defined as a joint injury in which fibers of supporting ligaments of the joint are ruptured by direct or indirect trauma. Depending upon the degree of ligament rupture, sprain can be classified as follows: 

It is defined as the reaction of living tissue to injury which begins following a sub-lethal injury to tissues and ends with complete healing. The purpose of inflammation is to destroy and remove the irritant and to repair the damaged tissue. 

Causes
    1.    Pathogenic organisms: Bacteria, virus, fungi, protozan and parasites.
    2.    Chemical poisons: Acid and alkalies. 
    3.    Mechanical or thermal injuries. 
    4.    Immune reaction: Antigen antibody reaction.

A hernia is the protrusion of an organ through a defect in the wall of the abdominal cavity in which it lies.

Classification
1. On the Basis of Anatomical Site
    Abdominal (umbilical and ventral)
    Diaphragmatic

Burn : Tissue changes due to excessive absorption of heat is known as burns.
Scald : A scald is a burn caused by moist heat and is usually partial thickness.

Etiology
       Dry heat
       Actinic rays (sunburn)
       Irradiation
       Moist heat
       Electricity
       Friction
       Dry heat causes desiccation and charring.

A wound is defined as a breach or disruption in the normal continuity of tissue in any body part. The wounds are mainly caused by physical, chemical or biological insult.

Dissolution in the continuity of bone/cartilage with or without displacement of fractured fragments is known as fracture.

Classification
1. On the Basis of Communication of Fractured Site to the Environment
    a.    Simple fracture : The fracture site does not communicate with the environment. 
    b.    Compound fracture : The fracture site communicates with the environment.  This type of fractures is more prone to infection. 
    c.    Complicated fracture : A closed fracture in which there is considerable injury to important neighboring vessels or nerves or accompanied by the opening of a joint or vascular cavity.

Shock is a life threatening condition which is usually manifested by serious pathophysiological abnormalities. In most cases it is due to poor tissue perfusion with impaired cellular metabolism.

       It is a clinical state resulting from an inadequate supply of oxygen to the tissues or an ability of the tissues to properly use oxygen.

       Shock can also be defined as imbalance between oxygen supply and oxygen consumption. In other words, the delivary of oxygen does not meet the needs of the tissues.

       Shock is a state in which the vital functions of the body are depressed because of acute reduction in cardiac output and effective circulating blood volume.

There is a delicate balance among electrolyte concentrations, body water and acid base status to maintain body homeostasis. Disturbances in homeostasis results in life threatening abnormalities. The aim of fluid therapy is to replace losses and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.

Sutures or surgical threads : means a material used to hold the edges of tissue in close approximation. 

Objectives
    1.    To facilitate healing. 
    2.    Haemostatic.
    3.    To retain drainage tube and implants. 
    4.    To reduce the size of natural opening.

Sterilization is a process of killing all microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and their spores, and viruses from animate or inanimate surfaces with the use of either physical or chemical agents. Joseph Lister first gave antiseptic principle in 1867.

Surgical Plan
i. Pre-operative Course of Action 
    a.    Client communication.
    b.    Clinical laboratory evaluation, radiograph, treatment for fluid or blood volume deficits. 

ii. Intra-operative Plan of Action 
    a.    Surgical approach 
    b.    Material and equipment needed 
    c.    Technical and support personnel

Surgery : The branch of medical science which deals with the treatment of injuries, deformities or disease condition by manipulation or operations with the hand. The term surgery is derived from a Greek word – Chirurgia. 
Cheir – Hand 
Ergon – Work 
Veterinary surgery : Veterinary surgery is the surgery which is practiced on animals. 

Abstract

Human resource management (HRM) has experienced a strong evolution. It is necessary to evaluate the design and implementation of personnel policies in order to provide useful information to managers. The objective of HR Audit is to analyze and evaluate the HR policies and their level of fit with the firm’s strategy and the characteristics of human capital. A periodic and systematic audit is very important in order to check the effectiveness and proper implementation of various HR policies in the organization. This chapter will represent various sections where the HR audit can be carried out, what should be the task of auditors, what are the steps/processes that needs to be followed at the time of audit, and various tools for HR Audit and preparation of Audit Report to be used for future references. At the end of this chapter a case study has been presented in order to make the study more effective.

Abstract

The major objective of this chapter is to examine how knowledge management initiative can bring competitive edge and help organizations to compete in a knowledge era. People now viewed as being the most valuable asset and ‘people management’ being a pertinent issue in knowledge management, the pivotal role of HR is being increasingly recognized by the organizations in a knowledge economy. The chapter starts with a discussion on the nature of knowledge management, theory, and process and then explores the role of human resource practices in facilitating the KM process in organizations. The author examines how different HRM practices like talent management, performance management, training and development, fostering trust, reward systems, institutionalizing learning systems and leadership can be linked with the knowledge management process to achieve competitive advantage.

Abstract

This chapter highlights the need of performance appraisal. It discusses various measures and methods of performance appraisal with respect to organizational goals. Performance counseling, when used as a part of performance appraisal is a strong motivational tool for the employees and results in organizational effectiveness. The issue has been discussed from the perspective of employer and employee

Abstract

The professionals carry additional moral responsibilities as compared to the general population and in society the professionals are capable of taking actions and decisions in a situation which the general public cannot take due to the lack of relevant training and knowledge. Ethics are used world-wide in large companies as well as in small businesses. Ethics is required to be promoted in the work place since it gives employees a sense of trust and worth that can help the business and employees succeed. The client places trust in the professional on the basis that the service provided will be of benefit to them. The purpose of this chapter is to study about need of ethics, types of professional ethics, moral principles of professionals and ethical decision making. Further the study is supported by case studies to make the chapter more relevant.

Abstract

Workplace has become more and more complex due to tremendous pressures and high expectations and it poses heavy demand on the managers and leaders to exhibit their emotions smartly and intelligently. Thus, in the present scenario social and emotional competencies are considered as very important ingredients of individual’s efficiency and effectiveness at workplace. Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand, value and effectively apply the power and access of emotions as a source of human energy, information, trust, creativity and influence. Present chapter elucidates different models of emotional intelligence and role of culture and sociological factors in defining emotional intelligence.  It also explains the four cornerstone model of emotional intelligence. These four cornerstones made emotional intelligence moved out of the preview of psychological analysis and philosophical theories into the domain of direct knowing, exploration and application. These are emotional literacy, emotional fitness, emotional depth and emotional alchemy, which are significant in the organizational context. Finally chapter describes about different measures of emotional intelligence.

Abstract

Whenever human beings come together and interact, there are bound to be conflicts. It is the struggle between individuals or groups or organizations for values, status, power or scare resources, that creates tension and frustration. It cannot be totally eliminated, it has to be managed. Positive conflicts sometimes lead to innovations or new directions of thinking in the Research and Development (R&D) environment. But negative conflicts mainly breed unproductiveness, a climate of distrust and suspicion, antagonism, and neglect of organizational goals. Conflict arises due to one of the three reasons : unacceptability, uncertainty and incomparability of alternatives. The problem of unacceptability arises when the most preferred alternative is not found to be acceptable. Uncertainty arises when the individual faces problem to select one from the alternatives. The incomparability dilemma is a situation where the decision maker does not have standards to compare alternatives. Modern managers must be equipped to deal with different types of conflict and devise strategies to resolve them. This chapter deals with conflicts at individual level, at group level or at organizational level, their resolution through negotiation or collaboration, models and methods for managing conflicts, etc in details. A healthy organization climate can unblock creative potential of its employees, streamlining and facilitating efforts for the good of the organization and its employees.

Abstract

No one is born with the gift of good time management skills and it is rarely taught at schools or universities. The ways to manage time and get the things done is something which has to be developed and implemented by an individual himself. We need to find out the perfect method that will suit us. We may often wish to get more time but we only get 24 hours, 1,440 minutes or 86,400 seconds each day. The perfect ways to utilize time depends upon skills learned through self analysis, planning, evaluation and self control. Establishing a time management depends on individual’s personality, ability to self motivate and level of self discipline. The objective of this chapter is to focus on benefits of time management, tips for time management, steps for time management and various techniques of time management. The study is supported by case studies which will help in understanding the chapter thoroughly.

Abstract

Stress can be due to both positive as well as negative experiences, which also forms a necessary part of our daily lives. If we consider an evolutionary standpoint stress was necessary for survival (i.e., imagine hunting large prey on which one’s entire tribe is dependent) and in our modern lives also stress is important as it motivates us for the fulfillment of tasks and changes. Pressure is felt from the environment during transition period ( like at the time of high school graduation) and in preparation for some events (like job interview). Although stress can be a motivation tool, too much stress or inability to cope up with stress can have an adverse effect on the health of an  individual. This chapter represents the study on stressors, various sources of stress, outcomes of stress, and various strategies which will help an individual to cope up with stress. The study is supported by case studies which helps in understanding the chapter more clearly.

Abstract

Leadership behavior is seen in every group of social animals like elephant, honey bee, human being, etc. Initially people thought this behavior as inborn character and only few lucky people possessed it. But now it has been proved that this character can be developed by interested people through systematic training. In every family parent are playing the role of either leader or manager and being a role model gradually transmitting this behavior to their children from childhood itself. Training begins at home of every successful leader.  In this article the characteristic features of leaders, style of their functioning, leadership theories and the difference between a leader and a manager are discussed in details. Important tips have been mentioned to follow for becoming a good and successful leader.

Abstract

Mentoring is a personal enhancement strategy through which one person facilitates the development of another by sharing known resources, expertise, values, skills, perspectives, attitudes and proficiencies. The concept of mentoring is not new. Guru – Shishya traditions in every old civilization are the examples of mentoring by which culture, technology and knowledge have been successfully disseminated from older generation to newer generation. Being an important career building factor, now more emphasis is given to develop mentoring relationship in organization level. In office culture mentoring facilitates an environment in which an individual grows both as a person and as a professional.

Abstract

Training is for improvement of a person. Training is no longer optional. In the 21st century, an organization’s capacity to effectively train its people is part of its ability to survive.  And if that capacity isn’t there, or if it is defective, then the organization itself will reveal that flaw in a number of destructive ways, including loss of bottom line profits. Needs identification will help to identify the necessary and relevant issues for proper planning and implementation. Needs identification is the first logical step to determine and justify the requirement for training in the first place. It acts as a prognosis of an organizational ailment. There are various methods and techniques to identify needs which are then categorized into four major categories : democratic, diagnostic, analytic and compliance needs. Since none of the technique is self sufficient in nature it is advisable to have a combination of techniques so as to get the true result i.e. the actual training needs. Need analysis is the next step in the training process to determine training for whom, why and what. The three major components of needs analysis are organizational/strategic analysis, task analysis and person analysis. Organizational analysis involves determining the extent to which training is congruent with the company’s business strategy and resources.

Abstract

Motivation is a process that starts with a physiological or psychological deficiency or need that activates behavior or a drive that is aimed at a goal or an incentive. Motivation is a complex area. It’s different for different persons. Alignment of aims, purposes and values between staff, teams and organization is the most fundamental aspect of motivation. Organizational work culture and employees behavior are two important factors in taking decision on motivation techniques to be followed in the organization. Security of job, reward on better performance, importance of employee’s view in decision making, positive attitude, decisive leadership, etc bring motivation among employees. The five practices such as get to know every employee, challenge them to improve the performance, treat each employee as client for a day, establish great idea award and implement the great idea in organization activity, can improve the motivation of employees. They should be considered as resources, trusted by giving responsibility and rewarded with performance bonus for better motivation in the workplace.

Abstract

People are the most important and valuable resources of any organization. Dynamic people can build dynamic and growth-oriented organizations. No wonder that late Homi J Bhava advocated on identification and selection of a dynamic scientist and building a laboratory ‘for’ him and ‘around’ him and not the reverse, that is, building a laboratory with certain aim and then search a suitable candidate to steer it. Effective employees can contribute to the effectiveness of the organization. Competent and motivated people can make things happen and enable an organization to achieve its goal. Therefore, organizations should continuously ensure that the dynamism, effectiveness, competency, and motivation of its people remain at a high level. Human resource development is a continuous process to ensure the development of employee dynamism, effectiveness, competencies and motivation in a systematic and planned manner.

Bulls are considered as the half of the herd as the genetic contribution of a male almost commensurate with that of a female. The male gamete, following deposition in the female reproductive tract, traverses a long path before it could effect a successful fertilization process. It is the beauty of the nature’s creation that in spite of encountering much of this physical and chemical stress, the male chromatin remains stable until it forms the male pronucleus following fertilization. This amazing feature is endowed by the high level of compaction of the sperm nuclear DNA which in turn is due to the replacement of the sperm nuclear histones by protamines.

Abstract

Prolactin is a hormone secreted predominantly from anterior pituitary and imparts important roles related to development of mammary gland, reproductive behaviour and immune response. The objective of this study was to explore restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern of prolactin gene, to estimate gene and genotype frequencies of different restriction fragments and to study the effect of genotypes on milk production and reproduction traits in crossbred cattle Bos taurus x Bos indicus (Jersey x HF x Sahiwal).The present study investigated RFLP within 156bp amplification products of the bovine prolactin gene exon 3 in 30 crossbred cattles selected randomly from a herd using specific set of primers (Forward primer- 5’- CGA GTC CTT ATG AGC TTG ATT CTT -3’ and reverse primer- 5’- GCC TTC CAG AAG TCG TTT GTT TTC -3’). Restriction enzyme digestion with RsaI revealed three patterns in crossbred cattle, one having 156bp fragment (AA genotype), second having 156bp, 82bp and 74bp fragments (AB genotype) and third having 82bp and 74bp fragments (BB genotype) indicating genetic polymorphism. The gene and genotype frequencies in crossbred cattle were found to be 0.78 and 0.22 for A and B alleles and 0.70, 0.17 and 0.13 for AA, AB and BB genotypes, respectively.

Introduction

Genetic resistance to diseases is a great resource to control and prevent diseases, and to improve the productivity in livestock and poultry. The emergence of virulent and drug resistant pathogens, restriction on use of antimicrobials and appearance of certain diseases associated with selection for production traits emphasize the possible exploration for genetic resistance to diseases (Pinard et al., 1992). Genetic resistance to diseases is a composite trait and difficult to measure directly. The disease resistance measurement was first started as difference in mortality among populations. Later on, several other criteria related to expression of infection such as antibody response, tumour production count or expression in quantitative scale such as survival time and density of pathogen in target organs were used as a measure of disease resistance.

Mastitis is a disease of the mammary gland caused by pathogens that find their way into the lumen of the gland through the teat canal. Our efforts have been focused on developing mastitis resistant dairy cattle for a variety of reasons. Firstly, mastitis is a significant detriment to agricultural productivity. Mastitis is on every dairy farm and affects both the production and post harvest segments of the dairy industry. It is clearly a global disease. Secondly, the incidence of mastitis has not declined appreciably since the implementation of the extensive antibiotic therapy and culling of infected animals. Thirdly, considerable effort has been expended in developing vaccines that have not been as efficacious as hoped. Given these past efforts it is far from certain that a truly effective vaccine will ever be realized. Finally, because of the low heritability of mastitis resistance selective breeding has not been a useful tool for combating mastitis. Additionally, there is a strong desire to reduce the on-farm use of those antibiotics that are also used in human medicine, and certainly not least is a desire to improve the welfare of our dairy animals.

Historical Background: Mendelian Genetics
 
Gregor Mendel (1822-1884), the first geneticist, proposed his principles (Mendel’s laws of inheritance) addressing the question of ‘what is inherited and how?’ based on his experimental results with sweet pea. New scientific discoveries supported Mendel’s principles. The chromosome theory of inheritance was proposed based on the cytological observations that transmission patterns of chromosomes are closely associated with Mendel’s principles (Sutton 1903). T.H. Morgan (1866-1945) provided the empirical evidences of this theory using fruit fly, Drosophilla. He demonstrated that genes located close together on the same chromosome co-segregated in his experimental crosses (i.e. linkage), and could be mapped into linear linkage groups which corresponded to chromosomes (Morgan 1934). Thanks to Morgan’s contributions, the failure of independent assortment in Mendelian inheritance could be explained by linkage. In 1908, the equation describing the expected genotype distribution in a random mating population at equilibrium was derived by Hardy and Weinberg (Crow, 1999).

Introduction

Livestock contribute directly to the livelihoods of nearly one billion of the world’s population. Livestock provide protein and minerals for human consumption, manure for crop production, and fibre and leather for industrial uses. Animals are also a source of draught power. Beyond their role of providing food and inputs for agriculture and industry, livestock provide security to farmers in developing countries, especially in emergencies such as crop failure. To many of the resource-poor, both smallholder farmers and landless livestock keepers, animals are a living bank, facilitating both income distribution and savings. In addition, by consuming crop residues and by-products, in addition to well-managed grazing, livestock production contributes positively to the environment, particularly in mixed crop-livestock production systems. Thus, livestock are an important source of income and employment that contribute to poverty alleviation and enhance the household food security of farmers.

Since the linking of the abnormal chromosome constitution of 45, XO to the peculiar phenotype of Turner’s syndrome (Ford 1959), an increased interest in the association between abnormal chromosome constitution and some clinical syndromes was perceived worldwide. The advent of “banding” techniques in the late 1960s helped to refine the detection accuracy and provided for more and better information about cytogenetic make-up of cells and contributed significantly to the localisation of certain genes (McKusik 1992). This phenotypic-karyotypic correlation was done on the basis of visual deletions, insertions, and duplications etc. of DNA segments of various lengths. However, many instances are known in which, because of a parent carrying a balanced translocation, two or more offsprings suffer from a deficiency and/or excess of chromosomal material. Some familial chromosomal arrangements are beyond detection by our current cytogenetic methods, although remarkable results have been forthcoming with high resolution banding. Similarly, paracentric inversions in a parent may not be evident except when carefully studied with high resolution banding, but can give rise to a variety of abnormalities in children.

Introduction

Coordinated and innovative efforts of government agencies and milk producers’ has immensely increased milk production and ushered in White revolution in India leapfrogging the country to the leading position in milk production (102 million tonnes) in the world. With an annual rate of 4-5% and with a share of 18% in the agricultural gross domestic product; milk is largest agricultural commodity in India (Economic Survey, 2007-08). However, the improvement in milk production in past few decades has not necessarily resulted in proportionate increase in profits to dairy farmers as animals with high milk production have increased frequency of health disorders.

Introduction

Poultry rearing in North East is very popular as backyard venture and is an inseparable part of poor tribal people of this region.  Majority of birds reared in backyard yard system are indigenous nondescript in which growth and production is very low (60-70 eggs per bird per annum; 2.5 kg. and 1.5 kg. body weight per bird in males and females, respectively). Due to this reason, the per capita availability of egg and meat is too low as compared to recommended allowance, particularly in rural areas. Moreover, the agriculture of N.E. region is characterized by monocropping system. The system of cropping is not suitable for providing round the year farm income. Therefore, most of farmers of this region rearing pig, goat and poultry in the back yard of their house to support their livelihood throughout the year. The N.E. region is most suitable for rural poultry production having plenty of natural foods i.e. good greenery through out the year, insects and other food resources.  Rural poultry production also has an appreciable advantage of being easy to raise, low input and higher reproduction. Rural poultry farming utilizing surplus coarse grains, kitchen waste and greenery and converting them into protein rich human food and valuable manure.  The manure obtained from poultry having more essential nutrients Nitrogen (three times the cattle manure), Phosphorus, Potash, Magnesium, Sodium and Calcium plus trace minerals, which are very essential for soil fertility and texture.

Abstract

The sires have been evaluated and ranked on the basis of solutions obtained through univariate and multivariate REML using animal model and BLUP value for sire effects under mode l 8. The data considered from 1214 animals descendent from 110 sires of chokla sheep maintained at CSWRI, Avikanagar, Rajasthan. The traits were considered birth weight, weaning weight, 6 months weight and first greasy fleece yield for the present study. Three solutions were used: Best linear unbiased Predication (BLUP1) values of Model 8, and univariate (BLUP₂) and multivariate (BLUP₃) solutions of REML animal models. Less than half of the sires were superior to the populations mean under BLUP₁ for the traits studied. The corresponding values were above 60% under BLUP₂, which was much higher than BLUP₁.

Abstract

The Sonadi is an important breed of sheep in southern Rajasthan. Three districts namely Udaipur, Rajsamand and Chittorgarh were selected from major and Bhilwara from minor breeding tract for complete enumeration. Finally 450 shepherds were selected to collect the information with respect to demographical and geographical distribution as well as management practices. Among selected tehsils, two tehsils from each district were chosen for breed characterization. In all 6979 sheep from 147 shepherds of 49 villages in 8 tehsils were registered for breed characterization.

Gujarat state blessed with rich goat genetic resources. Recognized goat breeds in the state are Kutchi, Surti, Zalawadi, Mehsanba and Gohilwadi which have been the integral component of small, marginal farmers, landless labourers and significantly contribute rural livelihood. These breeds excel in drought capacity, disease resistance and better adapted to harsh local climatic conditions under extensive production system. The population status and breeding tract of goat breeds are given in Table 1.

The goat genetic resources (AnGR) of state may be important assets for having the valuable adaptive traits that they have developed over long periods of time, such as: