Effect of artificial insemination in comparison to natural mating on the reproductive performance and profitability of smallholder pig production system in Indian Himalaya

In fragile ecosystems, smallholder pig production systems provide food and nutritional security to resource-poor communities. Pigs are the main livestock raised by indigenous communities in the Himalayan region of India, but their productivity is low for several reasons. The present study aimed to study the pig herd size and to evaluate the impact of artificial insemination (AI) on profitability and sustainability in the small-holder pig production system. A total of 612 AIs were carried out in 483 sows in the farmer's field along with 114 sows that underwent natural breeding. A comparison was made between the reproductive performance of sows following AI and natural breeding. The profitability and economics of AI and natural breeding were also compared. The mean pig population varied from 4.75 to 6.42 in the study region. The farrowing rate, total born piglets (TBPs), and live born piglets (LBPs) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in artificially inseminated sows compared to naturally bred sows (9.37 vs. 6.28; 8.93 vs. 5.45). Farrowing rate (P = 0.005), TBP, and LBP were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in sows inseminated by female inseminator as compared to male inseminator (81.26 vs. 71.42%; 9.65 vs. 8.80; 9.21 vs. 8.38). The insemination by uneducated farmers resulted in significantly (P = 0.002) lower farrowing rate, TBP (P < 0.001), LBP (P < 0.001), and AI per farrowing (P = 0.042). The farmers who did AI for the third time and more than three times recorded significantly (P < 0.001) higher farrowing rates, TBP, and LBP. The farrowing rate was significantly (P < 0.001) less in sows that were located more than 30 km away from the semen center (66.66 vs. 82.90%). The net return per sow was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in artificially inseminated sows (US$464.8 vs. US$248.11). AI resulted in an 87.33% increase in net returns per farrowing as compared to natural breeding. In conclusion, AI in smallholder pig production systems has the potential to sustainably improve the profitability as well as the food and nutritional security of resource-poor farmers.

Backyard poultry farming with improved germplasm: Sustainable food production and nutritional security in fragile ecosystem

Approximately 3 billion people were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2019 because of poverty and inequality. Most of these people live in Asia and Africa. Furthermore, 30% of the world population was affected by moderate to severe food insecurity in 2020, and most of this population lives in low- and middle-income countries. The world is at a critical juncture, and there is an urgent need for transformative food systems that ensure the empowerment of poor and vulnerable population groups, often smallholders with limited access to resources or those living in remote locations, as well as the empowerment of women, children, and youth (FAO, 2018). The backyard poultry production system (BPPS), as practiced by 80% of the world's rural population, can be that transformative change in low- and middle-income countries. Although the BPPS has low productivity, it still plays an important role in the food and nutritional security of rural people living in fragile ecosystems. Backyard poultry has been recognized as a tool for poverty alleviation and women empowerment besides ensuring food and nutritional security for rural poor. Poultry meat and eggs are the cheapest and best source of good quality protein, minerals, and vitamins. The introduction of improved backyard poultry germplasm has improved the productivity of this system in resource-poor settings and thereby improved the income and nutritional security of poor households. With these birds, the availability, access, utilization, and stability of food security have improved at household and national levels. Diseases, predation, non-availability of improved germplasm, lack of access to markets, and lack of skills are the major constraints to the adoption of improved backyard poultry. These constraints can be addressed by involving a network of community animal service providers. The improved backyard poultry germplasm will dominate the backyard poultry production system in the future and will be a tool for ensuring food and nutritional security on a sustainable basis, more particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Linseed oil in boar's diet during high temperature humidity index (THI) period improves sperm quality characteristics, antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of sperm under hot humid sub-tropical climate

Environmental heat stress in sub-tropical climates negatively impacts boar semen production and its quality. The present study aimed to examine the heat stress alleviating effects of dietary linseed oil on semen quality and antioxidant status of boar, in the summer and winter seasons in sub-tropical climate. Six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed with 90 mL linseed oil (treatment) whereas six boars of the same breed were fed 90 mL vegetable oil (control) for sixteen weeks during both season. Sperm quality was assessed for motility, viability, abnormality, acrosomal integrity, and Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST). Sperm velocity attributes were assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase; GPx, catalase; CAT, total antioxidant capacity; TAC and nitric oxide; NO) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) were measured in seminal plasma and serum. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the estimation of fatty acid composition of seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Feeding linseed oil to the boars significantly (p < 0.05) improved sperm quality at the fresh stage and after 72 h of liquid storage in both season. There was a significant (p < 0.01) effect of treatment and season on semen quality parameters. Significant boar (p < 0.05) effect was recorded on reaction time, semen volume, sperm abnormality, acrosomal integrity and HOST reactive sperm. There was a significant (p < 0.01) effect of treatment and season on the velocity attributes viz. VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, BCF and STR%. Linseed oil supplementation significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced antioxidant and lowered MDA levels in serum as well as seminal plasma. The concentration of alpha-linolenic (ALA), arachidonic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids were significantly (p < 0.01) increased in seminal plasma and sperm after linseed oil supplementation. In conclusion, linseed oil supplementation to boar during high THI months improved the semen quality parameters viz. semen volume, sperm concentration, and progressive motile sperm, along with enhanced antioxidant capacity.

Performance evaluation of the parents of the improved backyard poultry germplasm in sub-tropical condition of North Eastern Hill Region of India

Productivity of traditional backyard poultry in developing countries can be enhanced by introduction of improved germplasm of backyard chicken which is adaptable to diverse ago-climatic condition. The growth and reproductive performance of parents of improved backyard chicken (Vanaraja and Srinidhi) were evaluated under intensive production system in humid sub-tropical region of North East India. We also evaluated the growth performance and mortality in terminal crosses of above parents until 6 weeks of age. At day 0 and at 25 weeks of age, body weight of Srinidhi male parent was significantly (P<0.05) higher than Vanaraja male parent. During brooding stage, mortality was 15.7% in Srinidhi male parent, 14.5% in Vanaraja male parent, 13.9% in Srinidhi female parent, and 8% in Vanaraja female parent. Hen-day egg production (HDEP) of Vanaraja female parent varied from 0.2 at 25 weeks to 54.9% at 54th weeks of age. In Srinidhi female parent, HDEP reached 60% at 35 weeks and peaked 63.9% at 39 weeks of age. Srinidhi female parent has significantly (P<0.05) lower age at first lay. Average annual egg production was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Srinidhi female parent (202 eggs vs. 137 eggs). Egg weight at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 week of age was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Vanaraja female parent. Egg shape index and yolk index at 40 weeks of age were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Srinidhi female parent. Fertility of Vanaraja female parent was significantly (P<0.05) lower in winter. In case of Srinidhi female parent, fertility was significantly higher (P<0.05) in winter as compared to summer. In case of terminal crosses, body weight at 6 weeks of age was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Vanaraja as compared to Srinidhi. Cumulative mortality during brooding phase was 9.2 per cent in Vanaraja and 9.6 per cent in Srinidhi. In conclusion, parents of Vanaraja and Srinidhi are suitable and well-adapted birds in humid sub-tropical condition of North East India. These birds could be introduced in the region on large scale for up-scaling of traditional backyard poultry.

Dietary flaxseed oil improve boar semen quality, antioxidant status and in-vivo fertility in humid sub-tropical region of North East India

Environmental stress in the form of high temperature humidity index (THI) in tropical and sub-tropical region negatively affects semen quality and fertility of boar. Therefore, the present study was done to evaluate the effect of supplementing flaxseed oil (FLO) to boar's diet on its semen quality, antioxidant status, fatty acid composition of seminal plasma and fertility under sub-tropical climate. For this purpose, six Hampshire crossbreed (50% Hampshire and 50% Gunghroo) boars were divided into two groups i.e control (CON) and treatment (FLO). In FLO and CON group, flaxseed and vegetable oil, respectively, was top dressed at the rate of 3% in basal diets for each boar on daily basis for 16 weeks during monsoon season. A total of 60 ejaculates, comprising 30 ejaculates from each group (ten ejaculates from each boar) were collected. Semen samples were evaluated for sperm quality parameters (SQPs: motility, viability, abnormality, acrosomal integrity and Hypo-osmotic swelling test) and velocity attributes by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) at fresh and after 72 h of preservation at 17 °C. Antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase; GPx, catalase; CAT, total antioxidant capacity; TAC and malondialdehyde; MDA) were analyzed in seminal plasma and serum. Fatty acid compositions of seminal plasma were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In-vivo fertility study was also conducted. Reaction time and false mounts were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in FLO group as compared to CON group. Semen quality parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) improved at fresh stage and after 72 h of liquid storage in FLO group as compared to CON group. Velocity attributes (VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, BCF and LIN) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in FLO group. Flaxseed oil supplementation significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced serum GPx and CAT concentration. Serum and seminal plasma MDA concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in FLO group. Similarly, GPx, TAC and CAT were significantly (p < 0.01) elevated in seminal plasma of FLO group. The study revealed that feeding of flaxseed oil altered the fatty acid composition of seminal plasma and significantly (p < 0.05) improved the farrowing rate. In summary, flaxseed oil supplementation improved the semen quality parameters and fertility of boars in sub-tropical climate by improving the antioxidant capacity and altering the fatty acid composition of seminal plasma.

Factors for adoption of artificial insemination technology in pig: evidence from small-scale pig production system

The average treatment estimation framework was used to estimate the actual and potential adoption rates of artificial insemination technology in pig and their determinants using responses of 390 randomly selected pig farmers. The sample adoption rate of artificial insemination technology in pig is estimated to be 16% while the potential adoption rate is estimated at 47%. Incomplete diffusion or exposure of the technology in the population has lead to significant adoption gap of 31%. Result of the average treatment estimation probit model for determinants of adoption revealed the existence of significant difference in the coefficients and magnitude of marginal effects compared to the classic adoption model. Results showed that variables such as age of household head, piggery farming experience, maximum number of pigs reared in a year during the last 5 years, number of breeding sows, distance to artificial insemination provider centre, access to extension services and participation in training and demonstration programmes on pig were the significant determinants for adoption of artificial insemination technology in small-scale pig production system.

Response of water deficit regime and soil amelioration on evapotranspiration loss and water use efficiency of maize (Zea mays l.) in subtropical northeastern Himalayas

Rainfed maize production in the hilly ecosystem of Northeastern Himalayas often suffers from moisture and soil acidity induced abiotic stresses. The present study measured evapotranspiration loss (ET_c) of maize crop under controlled condition (pot experiment) of water deficit (W₂₅-25 % and W₅₀-50 % of field capacity soil moistures) and well watered (W₁₀₀ = 100 % of field capacity (FC)) regimes in strong acid soils (pH = 4.3) of the Northeastern Himalayan Region of India. The response of soil ameliorants (lime) and phosphorus (P) nutrition under differential water regimes on ET_c losses and water use efficiency was also studied. The measured seasonal ET_c loss varied from 124.3 to 270.9 mm across treatment combinations. Imposition of water deficit stress resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reduction (by 33-50 %) of seasonal ET_c losses but was at the cost of delay in tasseling to silking, 47-65 % reduction in dry matter accumulation (DMA), 12-22 days shortening of grain formation period, and complete kernel abortion. Liming @ 4 t ha^-1 significantly (p < 0.05) increased ET_c losses and DMA across water regimes but the magnitude of increase was higher in severely water deficit (W₂₅) regime. Unlike lime, P nutrition improved DMA only in well-watered regimes (W₁₀₀) while seasonal ET_c loss was unaffected. Vegetative stage (tillering to tasseling) contributed the maximum ET_c losses while weekly crop ET_c loss was estimated highest during 11th-14th week after sowing (coincided with blistering stage) and then declined. Water use efficiency estimated from dry matter produced per unit ET_c losses and irrigation water used varied from 4.33 to 9.43 g dry matter kg^-1 water and 4.21 to 8.56 g dry matter kg^-1, respectively. Among the input factors (water, P, and lime), water regime most strongly influenced the ET_c loss, growth duration, grain formation, and water use efficiency of maize.

Characterization of biochar obtained from weeds and its effect on soil properties of North Eastern Region of India

In the global climate change scenario, application of biochar in soil has become one of the important management practices for carbon sequestration, soil health improvement and climate change mitigation. In this study, an attempt was made to see the effect of biochar prepared from weed biomass on soil properties in subtropical northeast India. Biochar were prepared from seven locally available weed biomass viz. Ageratum conyzoides, Lantana camera, Gynura sp., Setaria sp., Avena fatua, Maize stalk, Pine needles and were characterised. Apot experiment was conducted with maize, where biochar was applied alone and in combination with fertilizers. Results revealed that biochar had significant impact on soil pH, SOC, and available nutrients like N, P and K. It also had significant impact on maize biomass yield. All biochar contained more than 50% stable carbon. Increase in soil pH was in the range of 0.26 to 0.3 and that of SOC from 1.62% in control to 1.74% in biochar added treatments. Biochars alone improved the available nitrogen ranging from 4.5 to 21.3 mg kg(-1), available P from 3.32 to 3.68 mg kg(-1) and increased K content by 20% above control. Weed biomass can be potential alternative to enhance soil and crop productivity through conversion into biochar.

Isolation and evaluation of native cellulose degrading microorganisms for efficient bioconversion of weed biomass and rice straw

Cellulose decomposing microorganisms (CDMs) are important for efficient bioconversion of plant biomasses. To this end, we isolated seven fungal isolates (Aspergillus wentii, Fusarium solani, Mucor sp., Penicillum sp., Trichoderma harzaianum, Trichoderma sp.1 and Trichoderma sp.2) and three bacterial isolates (bacterial isolate I, II and III) from partially decomposed farm yard manure, rice straw and vermicompost, and evaluated them for decomposition of rice straw (Oryza sativa), Ipomoea camea and Eichhornia crassipes biomass. CDMs inoculation, in general, reduced the composting period by 14-28 days in rice straw, 14-34 days in Eichhornia and 10-28 days in Ipomoea biomass over control. Of the 10 CDMs tested, Mucor sp. was found to be the most effective as Mucor-inoculated biomass required minimum time, i.e. 84, 68 and 80 days respectively for composting of rice straw, Eichhornia and Ipomoea biomass as against 112, 102 and 108 days required under their respective control. CDMs inoculation also narrowed down the C:N ratio of the composts which ranged from 19.1-22.7, 12.9-14.7 and 10.5-13.1 in rice straw, Eichhornia and Ipomoea biomass respectively as against 24.1, 17.1 and 16.2 in the corresponding control treatments. Aspergillus wentii, Fusarium solani, Mucor sp., and Penicillum sp. were found most effective (statistically at par) in reducing C:N ratio and causing maximum loss of carbon and dry matter in composted materials. These benefits of CDMs inoculation were also accompanied by significant increase in NPK contents in the composted materials.