Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para estimar a prevalência e diversidade de ectoparasitas em pombos-das-rochas em diferentes regiões de Punjab, Paquistão. Um total de 120 aves foram capturadas de março de 2017 a fevereiro de 2019. Os ectoparasitas foram coletados por procedimentos padrão e preservados em etanol 70% contendo uma gota de glicerina. Os dados relativos à idade, estado de saúde, sexo, tipo de área, local de amostragem e época do ano foram coletados em formulário padronizado. Os ectoparasitas foram identificados com base nas características morfológicas por meio de chaves de identificação. Noventa e seis (80%) aves estavam infestadas com ectoparasitas. Um total de sete famílias e treze espécies de diferentes ectoparasitas foram observados. Principalmente, sete espécies de piolhos, duas espécies de moscas, uma espécie de carrapato e três espécies de ácaros foram recuperadas de aves infestadas. Os pombos fêmeas foram infestados mais frequentemente (89,02%) do que os pombos machos (60,52%). A prevalência encontrada foi maior no verão (100%) em comparação com as outras estações. A taxa de infestação foi maior na área Industrial (97,50%) em relação às demais regiões. A maior prevalência de ectoparasitas (100%) foi registrada no distrito de Sargodha. Houve variação significativa (P <0,05) entre o número de ectoparasitas na asa, tórax, cauda e pescoço dentro das faixas etárias, estações do ano e zonas ecológicas. A ocorrência de parasitas em relação à área, idade, estado de saúde, sexo e estação do ano foi significativa. A taxa de infestação de parasitas em pombo-correio é alta em diferentes distritos de Punjab. Recomenda-se que essas aves selvagens infestadas com várias espécies de ectoparasitas possam ser a fonte potencial de infestações em aves domesticadas se entrarem em contato com elas. O contato de aves domesticadas deve ser evitado com aves selvagens para minimizar a chance de transmissão cruzada de ectoparasitas.

Abstract The current study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in rock pigeons in different regions of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 120 birds were captured from March 2017 to February 2019. The ectoparasites were collected by standard procedures and preserved in 70% ethanol containing one drop of glycerin. Data related to age, health status, sex, type of area, sampling location and season were collected using a standardized form. Ectoparasites were identified based on morphological characteristics by using identification keys. Ninety-six (80%) birds were infested with ectoparasites. A total of seven families and thirteen species of different ectoparasites were observed. Mainly, seven species of lice, two species of flies, one species of tick and three species of mites were recovered from infested birds. The female pigeons were more often infested (89.02%) than male pigeons (60.52%). The prevalence was found higher during summer (100%) as compared to other seasons. The infestation rate was higher in Industrial area (97.50%) as compared to other regions. The highest prevalence of ectoparasites (100%) was recorded from Sargodha district. There was significant (P < 0.05) variation among number of ectoparasites on wing, chest, tail and neck within age groups, seasons and ecological zones. The occurrence of parasites in relation to area, age, health status, sex and season were significant. The infestation rate of parasites in rock pigeon is high in different districts of Punjab. It is recommended that these wild birds infested with multiple species of ectoparasites could be the potential source of infestations in domesticated birds if they come in contact with them. The contact of domesticated birds should be prevented from wild birds to minimize the chance of cross species transmission of ectoparasites.

This paper describes the trace and ultra-trace mineral concentration in different forages utilized by sheep (Kajli and Fat tail) in the rangelands of Chakwal district, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentrations of Se, Mo, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co were assessed using spectrophotometric methods after the digestion of forage samples. The dominant forage species consumed by sheep were Buxus pappillosa, Prosopis juliflora, Ficus palmata, Acacia modesta, Trichodesma indica, Olea permiginea, Lantana camara, Justicia adhatoda, Morus nigra, and Ipomoea carnea. The overall mean concentration of Co (1.27±0.24 mg/Kg of DM), Zn (35.14±1.28 mg/Kg of DM), and Cu (28.06±1.29 mg/Kg of DM) in forages were higher than the requirements for lactating ewes, while the concentration of Se was within the normal range. Molybdenum (0.030±0.004 mg/Kg of DM) and Mn (29.69±1.61 mg/Kg of DM) concentrations were lower than dietary requirements for sheep. In different administrative divisions (tehsils) like Chakwal, Talagang, Choa Saidan Shah, and Kalar Kahar of Chakwal district, the trace minerals Zn, Mn, and Co, showed non-significant variation, whereas Se, Mo, and Cu showed substantial variation. In conclusion, rangeland forages contained a sufficient concentration of most trace minerals (Co, Cu, Se, Zn) to meet the requirements of grazing sheep in the study district. However, Mn and Mo supplementation seems to be essential to maintain the optimal production capabilities of sheep in this area.

The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative efficacy of locally-produced yeast to commercial yeast on growth performance, serum biomarkers, and gut histology. Thirty pre-weaned male Lohi lambs were divided into; 1) C (Control; starter diet with no supplement), 2) CY (starter diet with ewe milk supplemented with 1 g/animal/day commercial yeast), and 3) LY (starter diet supplemented with 1 g/animal/day local yeast). Animals were housed individually and fed a starter diet and orts were weighed daily. Dry matter intake (DMI) was determined daily while the body weights were determined on a weekly basis. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected and analysed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), while ruminal fluid and tissues were collected for rumen fermentation parameters and histomorphometry. The results revealed that the DMI and average daily weight gain (ADWG) were higher in CY and LY compared to C. The feed efficiency was also better in CY and LY lambs compared to C lambs. The BHBA, BUN, total proteins (TP), cholesterol, creatinine, blood glucose, and tissue histomorphometry were similar in LY and CY supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation with LY produced comparable results to the CY.

Resumo O Paquistão é um país com ampla diversidade de espécies nativas e exóticas de peixes de água doce. Contudo, diversas espécies de peixes exóticos estão sendo introduzidas nos corpos de água doce paquistanês, as quais estão competindo com a fauna nativa de peixes, tornando-os privados de alimento e habitat. A introdução intencional ou acidental de animais, plantas e patógenos fora de seu nicho nativo é considerada o principal problema da biodiversidade do habitat recém-invadido. Assim, foi realizado um estudo de três anos, de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2019, em corpos de água doce na província de Punjab, Paquistão. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida para conhecer os impactos de espécies exóticas na distribuição de espécies nativas de peixes. Durante a pesquisa, foi registrado um total de 68 espécies de peixes (nativas e exóticas), pertencentes a 14 famílias, nas nascentes dos rios Qadirabad, Baloki e Islam e na barragem de Rasul. A análise estatística mostrou que o índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener foi mais alto (1,41) na barragem Rasul (RB) e na nascente do rio Islam (IH); e que a maioria das espécies introduzidas estava presente em um número muito menor, isto é, Oreochromis mossambicus, Oreochromis niloticus, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Carassius auratus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio e Hypophthalmichthy smolitrix nessa área de estudo. Por outro lado, o índice Shannon-Wiener mostrou que a diversidade estava baixa nas nascentes dos rios Qadirabad (1,30) e Baloki (1,4) em razão da alta pressão de espécies invasoras. A observação direta das espécies e a análise estatística indicaram que as espécies invasoras produziram impacto negativo na diversidade, uniformidade e números de peixes da fauna local. Conclui-se que muitos fatores impactam na diversidade de peixes nativos, mas as espécies exóticas (invasoras) também desempenham um papel importante na redução das espécies nativas, em razão da competição existente entre elas. Portanto, é urgente uma análise futura das espécies invasoras e da teia alimentar nativa no Paquistão..

Abstract Pakistan is the country with mega freshwater fish diversity of native and alien species. In the presence of enormous native fishes varies species of exotic fishes have been introduced into the freshwater bodies of Pakistan which are competing with native freshwater fish fauna and making them deprive of food and habitat as well. Intentional or accidental introductions of animals, plants and pathogens away from their native niche is considered as major leading problem for biodiversity of invaded habitat. Three years study (from January 2017 to December 2019) was conducted in freshwater bodies of Province Punjab, Pakistan. Study was designed to know exotic species impacts on the distribution of native species of fishes. During current survey a total of 68 (indigenous and exotic) fish species belonging to 14 families were recorded from head Qadirabad, head Baloki, Islam headworks and Rasul barrage. Statistical analysis showed that Shannon-Wiener diversity index was the highest (1.41) at both Rasul barrage and Islam headworks but, invasive species were present in very less number in these study sites i.e. Oreochromis mozambicus, O. niloticus, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Carassius auratus, Ctenophryngdon idella, Cyprinus carpio and H. molitrix. The diversity index showed that comparatively low diversity was present in both area head Qadirabad (1.30) and head Baloki (1.4) due to high pressure of invasive species. Direct observation of species and statistical analysis showed that aliens’ species produced negative impact on the local fish fauna diversity, evenness, and numbers. It is concluded that many factors are impacts on the diversity of native fishes, but alien (invasive) species also play a major role to reduction of native species, because aliens’ species produce competition for native species. So it is urgent need to analysis the aliens and native food web and roosting sites in Pakistan, in future.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the anticoccidial potential of Artemisia brevifolia extract (ABE) and its effect on biochemical parameters against experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens. For this purpose, a total of 150 broiler chicks were procured and divided into 5 equal groups (30 birds per group). At one week of age, the first three groups (A, B and C) were orally fed with ABE at dose rates of 100, 200 and 300mg/kg respectively for seven consecutive days. Group D served as infected/medicated and was treated with Baycox® (1ml/L of water). Group E served as the infected/non-medicated control group. At two weeks of age, all groups were infected with 50,000 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella. The anticoccidial potential was evaluated based on lesion score, oocyst score, fecal score, feed conversion ratio, and mortality (%). Furthermore, the effect of ABE on hematological parameters and serum chemistry was also evaluated by following standard procedures. The anticoccidial effects were compared with the standard drug Baycox® (p>0.05). Results of the study showed the anticoccidial activity of ABE in terms of lesion diminishing, oocyst and fecal scores, better feed conversion ratios, and mortality reduction (%). The ABE also improved hematological parameters and stabilized the serum enzymes (ALT, LDH, Creatinine) of infected chicks (p>0.05).

RESUMO: As mudanças climáticas caracterizadas pelo aquecimento global e frequente ocorrência de períodos prolongados de seca têm demandado o cultivo de culturas multiúsos, que são resistentes à temperatura e à seca. Neste artigo é avaliado o potencial de produção de pera de cacto [Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.] como uma cultura de forragem alternativa e de baixo custo, juntamente com os recentes avanços em seu cultivo e utilização como cultura de alimentos para complementação da segurança alimentar de uma população em rápido crescimento. As características botânicas, ecológicas e fisiológicas que permitem que a pera de cactos sobreviva sob condições agroclimáticas adversas, têm sido objetivamente elaboradas. Uma variedade de impedimentos que dificultam o cultivo em larga escala e as futuras necessidades de melhoramento da produção de biomassa e da qualidade nutricional também foram identificadas. O potencial da pera de cacto para reduzir a desertificação, juntamente com a sustentabilidade para a agricultura moderna, comercial e rentável em terras secas torna uma planta excepcional. Seu rendimento de biomassa anual (caules chamados cladódios) de 40-50 t ha-1 com manejo agronômico adequado pode sustentar 5-6 vacas adultas alimentando uma família de 12-16 pessoas. Entretanto, o crescimento lento, o menor rendimento da fruta, a qualidade nutritiva pobre da forragem e o medo de a pera do cacto tornar-se uma planta daninha nociva restringem seu cultivo popularizado, exigindo assim um melhoramento genético abrangente e um pacote de tecnologia agronômica.

ABSTRACT: Climate change characterized by global warming and frequent occurrence of prolonged drought spells has necessitated the cultivation of multi-purpose crops which are temperature and drought hardy. This paper evaluates the production potential of cactus pear [Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.] as an alternate and low-cost forage crop along with the recent advancements in its cultivation and utilization as food crop for supplementing the food security of rapidly increasing populace. The botanical, ecological and physiological traits enabling cactus pear to survive under harsh agro-climatic conditions have been objectively elaborated. A variety of impediments hampering its wide-scale cultivation and future breeding needs for improving the biomass production and nutritional quality have also been identified. The potential of cactus pear to reduce desertification along with imparting sustainability to modern, commercial and profitable agriculture in dry-lands makes it an exceptional plant. Its annual biomass (stems called cladodes) yield of 40-50 t ha-1 with an appropriate agronomic management may sustain 5-6 adult cows supporting a family of 12-16 people. However, its slow growth, less fruit yield, poor nutritional quality of forage and the fear of cactus pear becoming a noxious weed restricts its popularized cultivation and thus demands a comprehensive genetic improvement and agronomic technology package.

It is critical to determine nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) to find to which extent higher rates of nitrogen can improve crop yield with effective management practices. Two-year field experiments were conducted to investigate yield and NUE of rice-wheat cropping system on saline-sodic soil. Treatments included were two nitrogen (N) application rates, i.e. 15% (N115)and 30% (N130) higher than the recommended rates for normal soil, along with gypsum at the rates of 50% (SGR50) and 100% (SGR100) of soil gypsum requirement. Results revealed relatively highest NO3- leaching for rice (161 and 145 mg L-1) and for wheat (97 and 93 mg L-1) during 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively in N130 + SGR100. In this treatment, crop yield and NUE were the highest as compared to the other combinations. This resulted in reduction of yield gap by two-fold (53% to 26%) between saline-sodic and normal soils for rice-wheat. Interestingly, N130 + SGR100 proved most effective during the first year, however, N100 + SGR100 became more profitable in the subsequent year. Pearson correlation coefficients predicted significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) of yield and NUE with soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity and infiltration rate while inverse relationship was observed with electrical conductivity, pH, CaCO3, and bulk density. Based on data, it is concluded that the recommended N application together with SGR100 would be environmental-friendly and economically viable option for rice-wheat cropping system in saline-sodic soils.

RESUMO: Entender a interferência de plantas daninhas com diferentes tempos de semeadura da cultura é inevitável para prever as perdas de rendimento decorrentes da sua infestação e projetar sistemas por meio do manejo sustentável delas. Um experimento de campo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de datas de semeadura (20 de novembro e 10 de dezembro) e diferentes níveis de infestação de sementes de alpiste (10, 20, 30 e 40 plantas m 2) sobre o crescimento e rendimento de trigo em condições semiáridas. Lotes com duas infestações naturais de plantas daninhas, incluindo LCG (semente de alpiste, na abreviação em inglês) [controle não capinado (UWC, na abreviação em inglês)] e excluindo LCG (UWC-LCG), foram mantidos para comparar sua interferência em estandes puros com determinadas densidades. Um tratamento sem plantas daninhas (WFC, na abreviação em inglês) também foi realizado durante toda a estação. Todos os níveis de infestação de plantas daninhas/LCG a partir de 10 plantas LCG m-2 reduziram consideravelmente o crescimento de trigo (índice de área foliar, taxa de crescimento da cultura e acúmulo de matéria seca total) e prejudicaram os fatores que contribuem para o rendimento nas duas datas de semeadura. A presença de LCG foi mais prejudicial para o crescimento do trigo semeado tardiamente (10 de dezembro). Portanto, 40 plantas LCG m-2 registraram mais reduções nos índices de crescimento de trigo até mesmo do que UWC. Na safra de semeadura tardia de trigo, as perdas de rendimento de grãos por 40 plantas LCG m-2 e UWC foram comparáveis. No entanto, essas perdas foram muito maiores do que em UWC-LCG. No ponto crucial, o atraso na semeadura de trigo não apenas reduziu o crescimento e o rendimento da cultura, como também aumentou a interferência de LCG/plantas daninhas. Além disso, uma maior capacidade competitiva da LCG, particularmente para o trigo semeado tardiamente, sugere que ela deve ser controlada de modo a proporcionar um ambiente saudável para as plantas cultivadas.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the weed interference with different sowing times of crop is inevitable for forecasting yield losses by weed infestation and designing sustainable weed management systems. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of sowing dates (20th November, 10th December) and various little seed canary grass (LCG) infestation levels (10, 20, 30 and 40 plant m-2) on growth and yield of wheat under semiarid conditions. Plots with two natural infestations of weeds including LCG (Unweeded control; UWC) and excluding LCG (UWC-LCG) were maintained for comparing its interference in pure stands with designated densities. A season-long weed-free (WFC) treatment was also run. All the weeds/LCG infestation levels starting from 10 LCG plants m-2 considerably reduced the wheat growth (leaf area index, crop growth rate, total dry matter accumulation) and hampered the yield contributing factors in both sowing dates. Presence of LCG was more detrimental for growth of late-sown wheat (10th Dec), therefore, 40 LCG plants m-2 recorded more reductions in growth indices of wheat even than UWC. In late sown wheat crop, the grain yield losses by 40 LCG plants m-2 and UWC were comparable, however, these losses were much greater than UWC LCG. In crux, delay in sowing of wheat not only reduced the crop growth and yield but also enhanced the LCG/weed interference. Furthermore, greater competitive ability of LCG particularly for late-sown wheat suggests that it should be controlled in order to provide healthy environment for crop plants.

Com o propósito de analisar que efeito os métodos de adubação e a duração da competição com planta daninha na linha e entrelinha teriam sobre a densidade e biomassa de diferentes plantas daninhas e o crescimento, rendimento de grãos e componentes na produção do milho, foi feito um estudo de campo por dois anos consecutivos. Os tratamentos experimentais incluíram dois métodos de adubação (colocação lateral e colocação por baixo das sementes) e as durações da competição com plantas daninhas na linha e entrelinha, cada qual para 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias após a emergência e durante o período de desenvolvimento das culturas. O método de adubação não afetou a densidade das plantas daninhas, a biomassa nem a produtividade dos grãos de milho. A colocação do adubo por baixo das sementes gerou, em grande parte, menor média de massa seca de plantas daninhas e maior índice de área com folhas na cultura, taxa de crescimento, peso de grãos por espiga e peso de mil grãos. Foram registrados o número mínimo de plantas daninhas e a massa seca em linha e entrelinha com a cultura aos 15 DAE. Houve redução no número de espigas por planta, no peso de grãos por espiga, no peso de mil grãos e na produtividade de grãos com o aumento da duração da competição tanto na entrelinha como na linha. Foram registradas as produtividades médias máximas de grãos de 6,35 e 6,33 t ha-1 para competição com plantas daninhas em entrelinha e linha, respectivamente, aos 15 DAE.

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to study the effect of fertilizer application methods and inter and intra-row weed-crop competition durations on density and biomass of different weeds and growth, grain yield and yield components of maize. The experimental treatments comprised of two fertilizer application methods (side placement and below seed placement) and inter and intra-row weed-crop competition durations each for 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after emergence, as well as through the crop growing period. Fertilizer application method didn't affect weed density, biomass, and grain yield of maize. Below seed fertilizer placement generally resulted in less mean weed dry weight and more crop leaf area index, growth rate, grain weight per cob and 1000 grain weight. Minimum number of weeds and dry weight were recorded in inter-row or intra-row weed-crop competition for 15 DAE. Number of cobs per plant, grain weight per cob, 1000 grain weight and grain yield decreased with an increase in both inter-row and intra-row weed-crop competition durations. Maximum mean grain yield of 6.35 and 6.33 tha-1 were recorded in inter-row and intra-row weed competition for 15 DAE, respectively.

Sargodha district is one of the least studied regions of Pakistan regarding its ethnobotanical values. This paper is the frst report related to the documentation and conservation status of the tree species in the Sargodha district, and their folk ethnobotanical uses. An interview base survey was conducted in the study area in 2010-2013. The ethnobotanical data revealed the use of 100 tree species (6 gymnosperms, 94 angiosperms) belonging to 77 genera (6 gymnosperms, 71 angiosperms) and 39 families (4 gymnosperms, 35 angiosperms), with the Fabaceae ranking first with 19 tree species, followed by the Moraceae (12 species). Tree species like Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Diospyrus malabarica, Gmelina arborea, Kigelia africana, Manilkara hexandra, Manilkara zapota, Mimusops elengi, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Putranjiva roxburghii, Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia bellerica are not only unique in their medicinal value but also interesting because of their unusual occurrence here. Tevetia peruviana, Cassia fistula, Celtis australis, Delonix regia, Diospyrus malabarica, Grevillea robusta, Haplophragma adenophylum, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Plumeria rubra, Pterospermum acerifolium, Roystonea regia, Taxodium distichum and Tectona grandis are included among the worth looking ornamental tree species. Capparis decidua, Dalbergia sissoo, Tamarix aphylla, Tamarix dioica, Prosopis cineraria and Ziziphus mauritiana are the most commonly used timber species. Other common ethnobotanical utilization of these trees includes either sheltering or fuel or agricultural uses. Lack of awareness about the potential uses of these species, and particularly ignorance of the concerned authorities, have led to a decline in the population of this precious tree flora. Documentation of this tree flora, and associated indigenous knowledge, can be used as a basis for developing management plans for conservation and sustainable use of this flora in the study area. A well-organized management is critical to restore and conserve this endangered natural resource in the District Sargodha, Pakistan. The immense medicinal and timber value of these tree species make it necessary to promote their conservation to simultaneously alleviate the poverty and improve the socio-economic status of the study area.

El distrito de Sargodha es uno de los menos estudiados de Pakistán en lo que se refiere a sus valores etnobotánicos. Este paper es el primer informe con respecto a la documentación y estado de conservación de las especies arbóreas en el Distrito de Sargodha, y sus usos etnológicos vulgares. En el área de estudio se condujo un estudio de entrevistas durante 2010-2013. Los datos etnobotánicos revelevaron el uso de 100 especies de árboles (6 gimnospermas, 94 angiospermas) pertenecientes a 77 géneros (6 gimnospermas, 71 angiospermas) y 39 familias (4 gimnospermas, 35 angiospermas). Las Fabaceae fueron primeras con 19 especies de árboles, seguidas por las Moraceae con 12 especies. Especies arbóreas como Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Diospyrus malabárica, Gmelina arbórea, Kigelia africana, Manilkara hexandra, Manilkara zapota, Mimusops elengi, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Putranjiva roxburghii, Terminalia arjuna y Terminalia bellerica no son solo únicas en su valor medicinal sino también interesantes debido a su ocurrencia inusual en el Distrito. Thevetia peruviana, Cassia fistula, Celtis australis, Delonix regia, Diospyrus malabárica, Grevillea robusta, Haplophragma adenophylum, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Plumeria rubra, Pteeospermum acerifolium, Roystonea regia, Taxodium distichum y Tectona grandis están incluidas dentro de las especies leñosas ornamentales que vale la pena tener. Otros usos etnobotánicos comunes de estos árboles incluyen su utilidad como cobertura, combustible o usos agrícolas. La falta de conocimiento acerca de los usos potenciales de estas especies, y especialmente la ignorancia de las autoridades involucradas, han conducido a una reducción en las poblaciones de esta valiosa flora arbórea. La documentación de esta flora arbórea, y conocimiento indígeno asociado, se puede usar como una base para el desarrollo de planes de manejo para la conservación y uso sustentable de esta flora en la región de estudio. Un manejo bien organizado es crítico para restaurar y conservar este recurso natural en peligro en el Distrito de Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistán. El inmenso valor que estosárboles tienen desde el punto de vista medicinal y como madera hace necesario promover su conservación, para simultáneamente aliviar la pobreza y mejorar el nivel socio-económico del área en estudio.