Nutrients requirement plays a very crucial role in regulating biological systems, immunological, health, lactation and reproductive performance in dairy cattle.Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of area specific mineral mixture supplementation on milk yield, reproductive performance and economic of dairy cattle for a period of 120 days. Experimental animals were selected randomly from four villages of Dima Hasao district of Assam. Twenty lactating crossbred cattle (n=20) were divided into two groups (10 milch cows/group) viz., treatment (T2-supplement of 50gm mineral mixture/cattle/day) and control (T1-no supplementation) in a completely randomized designed. Results revealed significant (P<0.05) improvement in milk yield by 1.36 litre per day (18.68%), reproductive performance and benefit cost ratio (3.55 vs 3.11) in the studied. Thus, mineral mixture supplementation in the diet of dairy cattle gave better results in improving milk yield and reproductive efficiency for sustainability livelihood in smallholders' dairy farming in hilly regions.

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IntroductionThe current study was carried out to investigate the effect of micro-environmental variations on physiological, behavioral, and serum biochemical parameters of indigenous (Niang Megha), Hampshire, and crossbred (75% Hampshire X 25% Niang Megha).MethodsRectal temperature (TR), skin surface temperature (TSS), respiration rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) were recorded at 0,900 and 1,600 h weekly once for 2 months for each season in grower pigs of each genotype. CCTV video cameras were utilized to observe the behavioral changes. Five milliliters of blood samples was collected to estimate different biochemical parameters.ResultsSeason affected (p &lt; 0.05) all physiological parameters which generally increased during summer except TR and RR of indigenous pig. TR, TSS, RR, and HR were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher for Hampshire than for indigenous and crossbred in the summer season. The frequency and behavioral activities to heat loss or to conserve heat such as shivering and wallowing were lower except for physical activity that was higher at all times in indigenous pigs. Seasonal variations influenced metabolic activity and serum activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine transaminase (ALT), which rose in summer in all genotypes. Serum ALP and thyroxine (T4) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher for indigenous pig in both the seasons. The insulin level was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in indigenous pigs with no significant difference between Hampshire and crossbred in summer whereas there was significant difference among the genotypes in winter. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed no significant difference in the study. Indigenous pigs had the lowest serum cortisol concentrations, whereas Hampshire had the highest.ConclusionThe current study's findings on several parameters of three different genotypes suggest that indigenous pigs in this region are more adaptable to the region's changing climatic conditions.

North Eastern Region of India is the homeland of diverse animal genetic resources and representing a unique agro-ecosystem with integrated subsistence low input tribal production system where farm animals play an important role in improving the socio-economic status and livelihood of the people. The total livestock and poultry population of this region is about 70.13 million (6.85% of India) of which 92.76% is indigenous population. Among the 183 registered breeds of livestock and poultry in India, this region has 19 registered breeds which include two cattle, one buffalo, two goat, two sheep, four pig, two horse and ponies, one yak, four chicken and one duck breed. Besides many uncharacterized farm animal breeds/populations are reared by tribal farmers in the region, which are described as their local names. The review, enumerates the farm animal genetic resources of this region and their current status, descriptions, unique features, utility and their economic valuation and cultural importance as well as future conservation strategies. Precise and reliable estimation and evaluation of different economic and climate resilient traits of indigenous farm animal germplasm and their economic valuation, genetic characterization, documentation and registration is highly warranted. It has also suggested and proposed a model for the implementation of strict policy from central and state agencies to facilitate in situ conservation with active community participation and ex situ conservation through application of modern biotechnological tool, which is warranted to maintain the diversity of farm animals in north east region of India.

Background: Pig farming is the integral component of farming system in the tribal dominated North Eastern region of India since pork is the most preferred meat among tribal population. However, pork still remains deficit and a high supply-demand gap exists due to low productivity of nondescript local pigs. In this context, popularization of crossbred pigs is the suitable option to enhance productivity. Thus, the study was carried out to evaluate the performance of crossbred pigs viz., Tamworth X Desi (T and D), Hampshire X Niang Megha (H and NM) in order to improve the pig productivity in the region. Methods: Data was collected from crossbred pigs viz., Tamworth X desi (T and D), Hampshire X Niang Megha (H and NM) and Niang Megha (NM) pigs which is maintained in the Pig breeding farm of the institute. This data included the study of productive (n=778 piglets), reproductive (n =107 sows) and carcass traits (n =45 slaughters) over a period of about eight years (2005-2013) from the farm record books cum-pedigree sheet of the pig farm. The date was analyzed suitable statistical tools. Result: The study recorded no significant differences (P less than 0.01) in pre weaning body weight, growth rate and mortality rate between T and D and H and NM crossbred pigs however, both the crossbred pigs revealed significantly (P less than 0.05) higher pre weaning body weight and growth rate than that of NM pig. Post weaning body weight were significantly (P less than0.05) highest in T and D crossbred pigs followed by H and NM crossbred pig as compared to NM pigs at all age groups. Farrowing rate were significantly (P less than 0.05) highest in NM pigs and lowest in T and D crossbred pigs. However, farrowing interval were significantly (P less than0.05) highest in NM pig and lowest in H and NM crossbred pigs. Regarding litter size at birth and weaning, there was no significant (P less than0.01) difference between T and D and H and NM pig but both these pigs revealed significantly (P less than0.05) higher litter performance than NM pig. Back fat thickness and loin eye area were significantly highest in T and D pigs and lowest in NM pig. However, NM pig has significantly highest lean meat content than T and D and H and NM crossbred pig. There was no significant difference (P less than0.01) observed of dressing percentage between T and D and H and NM crossbred pig but, both the genetic group yield significantly (P less than0.05) higher dressing percentage than Niang Megha pigs. Based on the productive, reproductive and carcass traits, the study concluded that T and D pigs more suitable for fattener pig production due to their higher growth performance and carcass yield, whereas H and M pigs can be utilized for breeding purpose in subtropical hill ecosystem of Northeast India.