UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Biological Control Potential of Nesolynx thymus (Girault) against Uzi Fly Infesting Muga Silkworm, Antheraea assamensis Helfer

Rubi Sut — 2026-10-27

Aims: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the biological control potential of Nesolynx thymus (Girault) against the uzi fly, an important parasitoid of the muga silkworm, Antheraea assamensis Helfer. Particular emphasis was placed on the effects of host age and host density on parasitisation by Nesolynx thymus.

Study Design: The study comprised a laboratory evaluation of the interaction between N. thymus and the uzi fly using uzi fly populations associated with the muga silkworm. Different host ages and host densities were evaluated to determine their influence on parasitisation and parasitoid performance.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Sericulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, from 2022 to 2023.

Methodology: Uzi fly-infested muga silkworms were maintained under laboratory conditions, and the resulting uzi fly pupae were exposed to N. thymus under predetermined experimental conditions. Observations included host-age preference, percentage parasitisation, parasitoid emergence and other relevant parameters. The observations were summarised using mean values.

Results: The parasitisation response of N. thymus varied among the host ages evaluated. The highest mean parasitisation (86%) was recorded in 1-day-old pupae, whereas the lowest value (14%) was observed in 5-day-old uzi fly pupae. Variation in parasitisation was also observed in response to host density, with the highest value (71%) recorded at a parasitoid-to-host ratio of 3:15. Progeny production also increased with increasing host density.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that N. thymus has potential as a biological control agent against the uzi fly associated with the muga silkworm. Identifying suitable host stages and appropriate parasitoid–host combinations may assist in developing an effective biological control strategy for uzi fly management.

Bio-efficacy of Biopesticides against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), in Rabi Maize

Aniket Prakash Ahire — 2026-10-31

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), causes substantial leaf damage in maize, but comparative field evidence on biopesticide performance during the Rabi season remains limited. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–26 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhule, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (Maharashtra), to evaluate the bio-efficacy of biopesticides against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), in maize (Zea mays L., hybrid Harlal 7272). The experiment, laid out in a randomised block design with seven treatments and three replications, comprised Super Biomix @ 10 ml/L, Lecanicillium lecanii 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L, Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L, Metarhizium anisopliae 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L, Metarhizium rileyi 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L, Azadirachtin (10,000 ppm) @ 2 ml/L and an untreated control, and two sprays were applied at a 15-day interval. On the basis of the cumulative mean across both sprays, Metarhizium rileyi 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L was the most effective treatment, recording the lowest Davis scale leaf damage rating (2.46), the lowest per cent leaf damage (19.47%) and the lowest larval population (0.86 larvae/plant), and was statistically at par with Metarhizium anisopliae 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L (2.49, 20.30% and 0.94 larvae/plant, respectively), as against 4.08, 37.57% and 1.77 larvae/plant recorded in the untreated control. Five of the six biopesticide treatments significantly increased grain yield compared with the control, with M. rileyi recording the highest yield (55.80 q/ha), the highest net monetary return (Rs. 35,375/ha) and the highest incremental cost-benefit ratio (1:7.1), followed by M. anisopliae (54.35 q/ha; ICBR 1:6.4). The results suggest that entomopathogenic fungal biopesticides, particularly M. rileyi and M. anisopliae, can be recommended as effective, economical and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for the management of fall armyworm in Rabi maize.

In-vitro Antidiabetic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Pectin from the Seagrass Syringodium isoetifolium

K. Raghul — 2026-10-30

This study investigated the preliminary physicochemical characteristics and in vitro biological activities of pectin extracted from the seagrass Syringodium isoetifolium. Seagrass samples were collected from coastal waters near Karankadu in October 2025, and the isolated fraction was subsequently examined for several pectin-associated properties. Dried seagrass material was subjected to acid extraction, ammonium oxalate treatment and ethanol precipitation. The recovered material was evaluated using qualitative biochemical reactions and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH radical-scavenging assay, while inhibition of heat-induced albumin denaturation and α-glucosidase activity was used to evaluate additional biological properties. The extract exhibited the precipitation, viscosity and solubility characteristics described for pectin. FTIR absorption bands at 1586.16 and 1422.24 cm⁻¹ were consistent with carboxylate-associated functional groups, suggesting an anionic polysaccharide profile; however, the degree of esterification was not quantified. Across the reported assay series, DPPH radical-scavenging activity increased from 17.5% to 66.25%, albumin-denaturation inhibition increased from 8.8% to 78.4%, and α-glucosidase inhibition increased from 8.5% to 76.0%. The manuscript reports corresponding IC₅₀ values of approximately 740, 629 and 652 µg/mL, respectively. These results indicate concentration-related responses in three in vitro screening assays. Further quantitative structural characterisation and biological evaluation are required before the extract's composition, mechanisms of action or potential practical applications can be established.

Developmental and Reproductive Biology of Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis, Guenee) in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) under the Lab Conditions

Mohit Tiwari — 2026-10-30

The developmental and reproductive biology of the brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), was investigated under laboratory conditions using insects cultured from infested brinjal fruits of the Pusa Purple Round variety. Eggs from the subsequent laboratory generation were used to record incubation, hatchability, successive larval instars, pre-pupal and pupal durations, adult longevity, reproductive periods, fecundity and sex ratio. Observations were summarised as means ± standard deviations and observed ranges. Incubation lasted 3–5 days (3.84 ± 0.26days), and egg hatchability ranged from 70% to 80% (76.4± 4.90%). Five larval instars were identified, with a combined larval duration of 13.20–15.20 days (14.36 ± 0.68 days). Mean pre-pupal and pupal durations were1.68 ± 0.30 and 9.52 ± 0.52 days, respectively. Development from egg to adult emergence required 26.60–31.00 days (29.40 ± 1.67days). Adult males survived for 3.6 ± 0.89 days, compared with 5.80 ± 1.30 days for females. Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods averaged 1.40 ± 0.20, 3.16 ± 0.17, and 1.24 ± 0.09 days, respectively. Female fecundity averaged 188.08 ±8.81 eggs, and the male-to-female sex ratio was 1:2. These findings describe stage-specific development and reproduction under the conditions examined and provide a laboratory baseline for subsequent studies of this pest.

Field Efficacy of Selected Biorational and Newer Insecticides against Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella) in Cauliflower

Kiran Shankar Kolhe — 2026-11-02

A field experiment at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhule, Maharashtra, India, during the 2025–2026 rabi season compared seven pest-management treatments with an untreated control for diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) on cauliflower. The experiment followed a randomised block design with three replications. Spinetoram 11.7% SC, emamectin benzoate–lufenuron, spinosad 45% SC, emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, and azadirachtin were evaluated following two applications. Larval abundance was recorded before treatment and at 3, 7, and 14 days after each application. Across the six post-application assessments, spinetoram had the lowest mean abundance (1.12 larvae per curd), followed by emamectin benzoate–lufenuron (1.25) and spinosad (1.38); the untreated control averaged 5.82 larvae per curd. Among the three biorational preparations, B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki had the lowest mean larval abundance (2.48 larvae per curd). Reported marketable yield was numerically highest with spinetoram (180.24 q/ha), compared with 80.24 q/ha in the untreated control. These findings indicate differences in observed field performance at the study site and during the study season. Their applicability to other seasons, locations, and pest populations remains to be established.

Morphometric Characteristics and Seasonal Stomach-content Composition of Chitala chitala (Hamilton, 1822) in the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, West Bengal, India

Debarghya Maji — 2026-11-04

Background: The near-threatened Indian featherback Chitala chitala is a riverine fish of ecological and fisheries importance. Local descriptions of its external characteristics and stomach contents may support habitat-specific biological research, provided dietary measurements are interpreted as observational rather than causal evidence.

Methods: The study summarised 148 Chitala chitala specimens associated with ten named localities in the Bhagirathi-Hooghly system during the stated interval from March 2025 to March 2026. Morphometric means and dispersions, thirteen stomach-content categories, gastrosomatic index (GI), and gut-fullness scores were examined as descriptive summaries across four seasonal groups. Collection methods included direct fishing and acquisition through local fishers and landing facilities.

Results: Fish remains accounted for 31%, 19%, 32%, and 20% of the seasonal stomach-content composition in the pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter groups, respectively. Insects accounted for 15%, 17%, 13%, and 18%, while crustaceans comprised 12%, 14%, 9%, and 13%. All thirteen categories summed to 100% in each seasonal panel. The largest illustrated GI values occurred at Gadiara mouth, while the feeding-index summaries included 75% at Barrackpore during the monsoon and 71% at Katwa during the post-monsoon. Individual-stomach denominators and site-season variability were not specified.

Conclusions: The observations are consistent with substantial consumption of animal-origin food items and seasonal variation in the recorded gut assemblage. They do not establish prey selectivity, reproductive investment, population trends, or demonstrated aquaculture performance. Reproducible station-by-season sampling and validated morphometric records are needed before stronger ecological comparisons can be made.

Avifaunal Checklist of Oxygen Zone Forest, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India

Gurprit Singh Bhatia — 2026-11-05

Birds are important components of forest ecosystems. They contribute to seed dispersal, pollination, insect population control, and ecological balance. The present study was conducted to document the avifaunal diversity of the ‘Oxygen Zone’ mini-forest area, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India, from June 2022 to May 2024. Fortnightly surveys were conducted using point-count observations and transect-based searches. Bird observations were made mainly during the morning and evening hours, when bird activity was generally high. Binoculars and a Canon EOS 1300D DSLR camera with a 250-mm lens were used for observation and photography. The checklist recorded 82 bird species belonging to 12 orders and 40 families. Passeriformes was the most represented order, comprising 50 species. Species were identified using standard ornithological field guides and online bird resources. The findings provide a baseline record of bird diversity in this forest patch and contribute to the limited site-specific information available for Rajnandgaon. Regional studies from other parts of Chhattisgarh demonstrate the value of local checklists for documenting bird communities and supporting conservation planning (Arjun et al., 2023; Bharos et al., 2023). Continued monitoring and protection of vegetation, nesting sites, and feeding areas are recommended to maintain the avifaunal diversity of Oxygen Zone Forest.

Preparation of an Indian Grey Mongoose (Urva edwardsii) as a Museum Specimen Using the Taxidermy Technique

S. A. Gaikwad — 2026-11-06

Taxidermy provides a means of preserving the external appearance of animal specimens for museum display, anatomical teaching and wildlife education. This descriptive report documents the preparation of a single Indian grey mongoose (Urva edwardsii) that died following a road accident on the campus of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam. The carcass was received by the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology for preparation as an educational specimen. A mid-ventral incision was used to separate the skin, with particular care taken around the head and limbs. Body dimensions were recorded to guide the construction of an artificial form. The procedure included cleaning the skin, immersing it for three days in a solution containing two litres of water, 75 g of salt and 50 g of alum, and shade-drying it. The original preparation also recorded the application of arsenical soap. The treated skin was positioned over a supporting form made from foam and wood wool, stitched, and arranged using wire supports. Artificial eyes and a display base completed the mount. The finished specimen retained a recognisable external body outline and provided a three-dimensional teaching resource. However, neither long-term preservation performance nor educational outcomes were measured. The use of protected wildlife and hazardous preservatives requires appropriate legal authorisation and chemical-safety controls.

Clinicopathological and Molecular Investigation of Newcastle Disease in Chickens in and Around Hyderabad, Telangana, India

A. Pavan Kumar — 2026-11-09

Newcastle disease (ND), caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV), remains a major threat to poultry production in India despite routine vaccination. This study evaluated the clinicopathological and molecular features of ND in chickens from farms in and around Hyderabad, Telangana, from July to December 2025. Carcasses from 45 farms and from submitted cases were examined by necropsy and histopathology, and NDV was confirmed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) targeting the fusion (F) gene. Of 1,450 broiler chickens necropsied, 759 had gastrointestinal disease, and ND accounted for 90 cases (case prevalence 11.86%). These cases occurred in four outbreaks involving 6,000 birds, with 90 deaths (mortality 1.50%). No cases were seen in birds under 15 days old. Mortality was 1.77% in the 15–21-day age group, 1.80% in the 22–28-day age group and 0.67% in birds older than 29 days. Gross lesions included petechial haemorrhages at the tips of the proventricular glands, intestinal congestion, haemorrhages and ulcers, and enlarged, haemorrhagic, necrotic caecal tonsils. Histopathology showed sloughing and necrosis of the proventricular epithelium, heterophilic infiltration, villous fusion and degeneration in the intestine, and necrosis of caecal tonsil tissue. RT-PCR produced the expected 304 bp F-gene amplicon in positive samples, confirming NDV infection. These findings confirm active circulation of NDV in the study area and underline the need for regular surveillance, strict biosecurity and consistent vaccination in both commercial and backyard flocks.

Integrated Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics and Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Diversity in Ponneri Lake, Tamil Nadu, India

S. Reiana Jenifer — 2026-11-09

Freshwater lakes support diverse plankton communities that play important roles in aquatic ecosystems and can indicate changes in water quality. This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of Ponneri Lake, Tamil Nadu, India, and assessed monthly variations in phytoplankton and zooplankton occurrence from February to April. Water samples were collected from three sampling sites, and physicochemical parameters, including pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, hardness, calcium, magnesium, iron, chloride, and silica, were analysed. Plankton genera were identified microscopically, and their occurrence was assessed using qualitative abundance categories. The tabulated mean pH values were 7.03, 7.60 and 5.51 in February, March and April, respectively. Mean turbidity decreased from 14.90 NTU in February to 10.67 NTU in April. Mean TDS declined from 371.67 mg/L in February to 310.33 mg/L in March before increasing to 331.67 mg/L in April. Seven phytoplankton genera were recorded: Phacus, Chlamydomonas, Navicula, Euglena, Volvox, Spirulina and Monactinus. Phacus was abundant in February but absent in April, whereas Euglena occurred throughout the study period. The zooplankton community comprised Keratella, Rotaria, Moina, Cyclops and an unidentified copepod. Keratella and Rotaria were recorded in all three months, while the occurrence of other taxa varied. Changes in physicochemical parameters coincided with monthly variations in plankton occurrence. However, the qualitative assessment did not establish direct relationships between individual parameters and plankton distribution. These findings provide baseline information on the physicochemical characteristics and plankton diversity of Ponneri Lake and highlight the importance of continued monitoring to assess changes in this freshwater ecosystem.

Effect of Spirulina Meal on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Survival in Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Fry

S. Suma Vishnu — 2026-11-09

The increasing demand for sustainable aquafeed ingredients has encouraged the evaluation of alternative protein sources to fishmeal. Spirulina meal (SPM), a nutrient-rich microalgal ingredient, has the potential to serve as a fishmeal substitute; however, its effects on milkfish (Chanos chanos) under brackish-water conditions require further investigation. This study evaluated the effects of dietary SPM inclusion on growth performance, feed utilisation and survival of milkfish fry reared at 10 ppt salinity. A 90-day feeding trial was conducted using three experimental diets containing 0% (T1), 20% (T2), and 40% (T3) SPM as a replacement for fishmeal. The experiment comprised three replicate tanks per treatment, with 10 fish per tank. Fish were fed three times daily at 6% of body weight, and growth performance, feed utilisation, survival and water quality were monitored. Significant differences were observed in final body weight, weight gain, percentage weight gain, average daily gain, and specific growth rate among dietary treatments (P < 0.001). Final body weight increased from 10.28 ± 0.11 g in T1 to 12.17 ± 0.12 g in T2 and 13.36 ± 0.12 g in T3. The feed conversion ratio decreased significantly from 1.710 ± 0.020 in T1 to 1.540 ± 0.044 in T3 (P = 0.003), while feed conversion efficiency increased from 58.48 ± 0.69% to 64.97 ± 1.81%. Survival ranged from 80.00 ± 5.00% to 86.67 ± 5.77%, with no significant differences among treatments (P = 0.394). Overall, the results indicate that increasing dietary SPM inclusion up to 40% was associated with improved growth performance and feed utilisation without a statistically significant reduction in survival. Spirulina meal, therefore represents a promising alternative ingredient for milkfish diets under the tested brackish-water conditions.

Bioefficacy of Microbial Pesticides and Chemical Insecticides against Lucerne Aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) on Lucerne under Field Conditions

Akshay — 2026-11-09

Lucerne is affected by the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), which can reduce forage production. The study aims to evaluate the field bioefficacy of selected chemical insecticides and microbial pesticides against the lucerne aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), and to assess their effects on green fodder yield and treatment economics. Study design: A field experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with ten treatments and three replications. Place and Duration of Study: College Farm (Block-B), N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, during Rabi 2024–25. Methodology: Lucerne variety Anand-2 was sown on 5 December 2024 at 25 cm row spacing. Treatments were applied as foliar sprays on 25 February and 12 March 2025 using a 15-litre knapsack sprayer. Aphids were counted on ten randomly selected tagged plants per net plot before spraying and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days after each spray. Count data were analysed after square-root transformation and treatment means were compared using DNMRT at the 5% level. Results: Clothianidin 50 WDG at 0.005% recorded the lowest overall pooled aphid population (3.08 aphids/tiller), followed by diafenthiuron 50 WP at 0.06% (3.31 aphids/tiller) and flonicamid 50 WG at 0.015% (3.58 aphids/tiller). Clothianidin also recorded the highest green fodder yield (368 q/ha) and ICBR (1:50.36), while the water-spray control recorded the lowest yield (189 q/ha). Among microbial treatments, Lecanicillium lecanii performed better than Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. Conclusion: Under the conditions of this single-location, single-season trial, clothianidin was the most effective treatment. Treatment decisions should consider current registration and label directions, pollinator exposure, non-target organisms and integrated pest management.

Growth Performance of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Cultured in a Rainwater-Harvesting Aquaculture Pond

K. Geethanjali Nathaniel — 2026-11-09

Rainwater-harvesting ponds offer opportunities for freshwater aquaculture by enabling the additional productive use of existing water-storage structures. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is widely cultured because of its adaptability to different freshwater environments. However, evaluating its growth under site-specific pond conditions is essential for understanding its performance and the potential suitability of rainwater-harvesting ponds for fish culture. This study described the weekly growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in a rainwater-harvesting aquaculture pond at H.H. The Rajah’s College, Pudukkottai, from September 2023 to February 2024. Fish received commercial feed daily, and average body weight and body length were recorded at weekly intervals over a 24-week culture period. The initial recorded mean weight and length in Week 1 were 3.0 g and 1.5 cm, respectively. By Week 12, mean weight had increased to 110.0 g and mean length to 16.9 cm. At Week 24, the corresponding values reached 550.0 g and 30.2 cm. Across the recorded observations, average body weight increased by 547.0 g and average body length by 28.7 cm. Both measurements increased in every successive weekly record. Weight gains were smaller during the initial weeks and larger in absolute terms during the later stages, whereas increases in length followed a steadier pattern. These results document a continuous rise in mean fish size during one culture cycle in the study pond. However, the absence of a comparison pond, water-quality measurements, fish counts, variability estimates and feed-utilisation data prevents attribution of the growth pattern to the rainwater-harvesting system or assessment of production efficiency. The observations indicate that this pond supported tilapia growth during the monitored period, while further measurements would be required to evaluate broader culture performance.

Changing Landscapes and Snake Conservation in India: A Review

Babita Singh Kushwah — 2026-11-02

Snakes play important ecological roles by regulating prey populations, contributing to food-web stability, and participating in ecosystem processes. India supports considerable snake diversity across forests, grasslands, wetlands, agricultural landscapes, and urban environments. However, rapid urbanisation, habitat fragmentation, infrastructure development, road mortality, and negative human perceptions increasingly challenge snake conservation. These pressures interact by reducing habitat availability, restricting movement, increasing exposure to vehicles, and intensifying encounters between snakes and people. Road-associated mortality is particularly concerning because snake carcasses are easily overlooked, and mortality estimates may be influenced by carcass persistence and observer detection. Indian studies from Pench Tiger Reserve, Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong, and the Western Ghats demonstrate the importance of systematic roadkill monitoring and landscape-specific assessment. Human-snake encounters further complicate conservation because fear, misinformation, and retaliatory killing can result in unnecessary mortality, while encounters with venomous species present genuine public-health concerns. This review examines the ecological consequences of landscape transformation, urbanisation, road mortality, and human–snake interactions in India. It evaluates existing conservation approaches, identifies methodological and management gaps, and discusses practical interventions, including habitat protection, wildlife-sensitive infrastructure, roadkill mitigation, scientific rescue, veterinary care, community participation, and public-health coordination. Particular attention is given to the limitations of interpreting rescue records and isolated mortality observations as indicators of population trends. The review highlights the need for standardised monitoring, stronger evaluation of mitigation measures, and collaboration among wildlife managers, researchers, veterinary professionals, transport authorities, and health services. Integrating biodiversity conservation with public safety through a One Health perspective can help reduce preventable snake mortality, improve responses to snakebite, and promote coexistence between people and snakes. Long-term conservation success will depend on addressing the underlying ecological and social causes of conflict rather than relying primarily on reactive rescue operations.

Semen Analysis in Swine Reproductive Biotechnology: Current Challenges, Emerging Technologies, and Future Prospects for Swine Production in Western Visayas, Philippines

Thryrone A. Ordanel — 2026-11-03

The swine industry plays a major role in livestock production and contributes to food security in the Philippines, but its recovery is constrained by animal diseases, production barriers, reproductive inefficiencies, and difficulties in applying reproductive technologies. This review examines the relevance of semen analysis to swine reproduction and industry recovery. This review focuses on Western Visayas, an important hog-producing region comprising Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras. Statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicate that Western Visayas produced 57,112.81 metric tonnes of hogs in 2025. Preliminary data for the second quarter of 2026 indicate a 40.1% increase in production compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Nevertheless, sustained production requires attention to herd health and biosecurity, alongside improvements in reproductive efficiency and genetic quality. Artificial insemination is an important component of modern pig breeding, and boar semen quality influences the effective dissemination of selected genetics.

Conventional semen-evaluation methods, including the assessment of volume, colour, concentration, motility, and morphology, remain important but do not fully characterise sperm function. Computer-assisted semen analysis, flow cytometry, assessments of membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and sperm DNA integrity provide additional information that may guide semen-quality management. Emerging methods, including proteomics, metabolomics, seminal plasma biomarkers, extracellular-vesicle analysis, artificial intelligence, microfluidics, and portable semen analysers, may improve the accuracy and accessibility of semen assessment.

The review also considers factors influencing boar semen quality, including genetics, age, nutrition, management, heat stress, and bacterial contamination. Particular attention is given to tropical climatic conditions and their relevance to regional semen production. A regional reproductive-biotechnology programme is proposed, incorporating boar selection, semen-quality evaluation units, and artificial insemination. Proposed research priorities include establishing a local semen-quality database, investigating infertility, assessing heat stress, and improving semen preservation under local climatic conditions. The review concludes that strengthening semen-analysis capacity may support effective swine reproductive management and regional production initiatives involving artificial insemination.

Nutritional Value and Utilization of Conventional and Hydroponic Sorghum with Cowpea in Goats - A Critical Narrative Review

Francisco Kanyinji — 2026-11-09

Seasonal forage shortages constrain tropical goat production and encourage interest in sorghum, cowpea and hydroponic fodder. Their feeding value, however, depends on usable nutrient supply rather than fresh biomass alone. This critical narrative review evaluates conventional and hydroponic sorghum, cowpea supplementation, and their implications for intake, digestibility, nitrogen utilisation, methane and smallholder adoption. Selected primary studies and supporting reviews were interpreted according to crop identity, animal species, comparator, experimental design and measurement method. Sorghum production studies demonstrate variation among cultivars and harvest stages, but do not establish a consistent productive advantage from sprouting. Evidence from other sprouted cereals supports further goat trials, although ration substitution confounds attribution to germination. Cowpea can supplement nitrogen-deficient cereal forage; responses vary with preservation, energy supply and inclusion level. A maintenance-goat study illustrates this trade-off: increasing cowpea silage replacement reduced intake and dry-matter digestibility, whereas an intermediate treatment improved nitrogen balance expressed relative to intake. Methane findings require particular caution because batch-incubation results, laser-derived estimates and directly measured daily flux are different endpoints. Cyanogenic potential, feed hygiene, dry-matter recovery, seed opportunity cost and upstream resource use also influence feasibility. The evidence supports nutritionally balanced, locally evaluated sorghum–cowpea diets rather than a universal mixture or assumed methane benefit. Research should connect replicated fodder production with digestible-nutrient intake, nitrogen partitioning, sustained animal performance and full production costs.