Altaf Hussain - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Altaf Hussain

J Plant Nutr, 1997

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of an auxin precursor L-tryptophan (L-TRP)... more A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of an auxin precursor L-tryptophan (L-TRP) and Azotobacter inoculation on yield and chemical composition of potato under fertilized conditions. Inoculated (with Azotobacter) and uninoculated potato tubers were sown in ...

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, Jun 1, 2006

... DOI: 10.1080/00103620600585914 Zafar Iqbal Khan a , Muhammad Ashraf a , Altaf Hussain a &... more ... DOI: 10.1080/00103620600585914 Zafar Iqbal Khan a , Muhammad Ashraf a , Altaf Hussain a & LR McDowell b * pages 1471-1483. ... (1979)4. Fick, KR, McDowell, LR, Miles, PH, Wilkinson, NS, Funk, JD and Conrad, JH 1979. ...

Pakistan J Bot, 2010

An investigation was performed to determine the effect of urea, a strong enzyme denaturant on the... more An investigation was performed to determine the effect of urea, a strong enzyme denaturant on the stability of invertases from two cultivars of sugarcane. The stability of native soluble acid invertases (SAI) of COJ-84 (local cultivar of sugarcane) to urea showed that they were more stable than those of CP-77-400 (local cultivar of sugarcane). The stability of SAI of CP-77-400 to urea gave biphasic trend at different salinity levels, and the stability at these levels decreased significantly as compared to control. The stability of 50 mM salinity level SAI was also decreased, while at 150 mM salinity level remained unchanged. The SAI of COJ-84 secreted under saline growth media presented extreme stability to unfolding by urea. The SAI at 150 and 200 mM salinity levels gave an activation trend and did not show denaturation.

Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2011

Pathogenic fungi of drinking water have potentially prevailing effects on human beings. Mycoflora... more Pathogenic fungi of drinking water have potentially prevailing effects on human beings. Mycofloral study of drinking water of district Bhimber, Azad Kashmir was conducted through systematic sampling and temporally during the year 2009. Drinking water samples were collected from selected spots and fungal spores were grown on two different culture media viz: potato dextrose agar (PDA) and nutrient agar (NA) and identified by employing Direct Plate method (DPM) and Baiting Technique (BT). A total of 4 resources of drinking water of the area were analyzed i.e., well, spring, hand pump and tap water (water supply system). Sixteen different fungal species were frequently prevailing in the analyzed samples and among these five species were predominantly found human pathogenic. The density of identified fungal species in well's water samples (WWS) was 11 spp. spring's water samples (SWS) 6 spp. hand pump water samples (HWS) 8 spp. and tap water samples (TWS) 7 spp. This differential incidence in the samples might be due to variation in geography, edaphalogy, altitude, temperature, in fungal growth substrate variance and analytical difference of sampling and analysis methods. The prevalence values of mycolfora in different samples were variable with WWS Mucor fragilis (18a~LSD), SWS Brevilegnia sp. (20a~LSD), HWS Aspergillus flavus (14a~LSD) and TWS Alternaria alternata (12a~LSD). It was noted that WWS more frequently depicted mycoflora because land/well provides best environment and nourishment for growth and reproduction of fungi. The economic importance and pathogenic toxicity of various species is also measured and documented in the article.

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2000

Methods were developed to optimize the media for callus induction from mature embryos of indica r... more Methods were developed to optimize the media for callus induction from mature embryos of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) CV. DM-25. Callusing from seeds of rice was observed with various levels of 2,4-d alone and in combination with different concentratiom of benzyl adenine. With the gradual increase of 2,4-d concentration in callus induction medium, there was gradual increase in callusing frequency.

Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2005

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the micro-mineral status of pasture having high popula... more An investigation was conducted to evaluate the micro-mineral status of pasture having high population of small ruminants in Punjab, Pakistan. Soil and forage samples were collected fortnightly for two seasons. It was found that sampling period affected soil Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ and Se 2+

Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2004

The rationale for this study was to determine soil and forage mineral concentrations as affected ... more The rationale for this study was to determine soil and forage mineral concentrations as affected by season and location of collection with regard to satisfying grazing sheep nutrient requirements. Forages and soil samples were collected fortnightly during winter and summer seasons from three grazing areas within the same farm. Forages and soils (for soils only extractable nutrients) were analyzed for

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 1999

International Journal of Biology, 2010

Fungi have great impacts on socio-economic conditions and health of human beings. In current rese... more Fungi have great impacts on socio-economic conditions and health of human beings. In current research, incidence of mycoflora associated with different water springs of Samahni Valley (SV), district Bhimber, Azad Kashmir was screened by using Plating and Baiting Techniques. The pH value of water samples ranged from 5.5 to7.5. The minimum and maximum temperature of sampled springs was between 18 o C-36 o C. Total 33 fungal specimens belonging to 21 different species were isolated from different analyzed samples by employing two approaches. In Baiting Technique (BT) 13 species and in Direct Plate Method (DPM) 8 species were isolated, respectively. Highest number of mycoflora was determined by BT, followed by DPM. Aspergillus sp. was dominant species followed by Cephalosporium sp. and Botrytis sp. found in drinking water of springs. The highest number of species was found in Parshala sample (6 spp) which proves that place has favorable conditions for flourishing of fungi. The present study depicts that various springs of SV have different number of mycoflora depending on soil type, temperature, altitude and neighboring flora. Furthermore, ethnobotanical study of the area indicates that these pathogenic species present in spring water cause many diseases in plants, animals and human beings, hence hampering health and economic status of inhabitants. It is recommend that precautionary and practical measures should be formulated and implemented before using water of these springs for drinking or other agriculture purposes.

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 1999

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2009

We report for the first time kinetic and thermodynamic properties of soluble acid invertase (SAI)... more We report for the first time kinetic and thermodynamic properties of soluble acid invertase (SAI) of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) salt sensitive local cultivar CP 77-400 (CP-77). The SAI was purified to apparent homogeneity on FPLC system. The crude enzyme was about 13 fold purified and recovery of SAI was 35%. The invertase was monomeric in nature and its native molecular mass on gel filtration and subunit mass on SDS-PAGE was 28 kDa. SAI was highly acidic having an optimum pH lower than 2. The acidic limb was missing. Proton transfer (donation and receiving) during catalysis was controlled by the basic limb having a pKa of 2.4. Carboxyl groups were involved in proton transfer during catalysis. The kinetic constants for sucrose hydrolysis by SAI were determined to be: k(m)=55 mg ml(-1), k(cat)=21s(-1), k(cat)/k(m)=0.38, while the thermodynamic parameters were: DeltaH*=52.6 kJ mol(-1), DeltaG*=71.2 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS*=-57 J mol(-1) K(-1), DeltaG*(E-S)=10.8 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaG*(E-T)=2.6 kJ mol(-1). The kinetics and thermodynamics of irreversible thermal denaturation at various temperatures 53-63 degrees C were also determined. The half -life of SAI at 53 and 63 degrees C was 112 and 10 min, respectively. At 55 degrees C, surprisingly the half -life increased to twice that at 53 degrees C. DeltaG*, DeltaH* and DeltaS* of irreversible thermal stability of SAI at 55 degrees C were 107.7 kJ mol(-1), 276.04 kJ mol(-1) and 513 J mol(-1) K(-1), respectively.

2008 IEEE International Multitopic Conference, 2008

Abstract Now a day, grid computing is considered as one of the emerging technology in which jobs ... more Abstract Now a day, grid computing is considered as one of the emerging technology in which jobs are distributed across the network or Internet. Among the several software toolkits those help us to implement a grid environment, Alchemi is widely used and open source toolkit that runs on the Windows operating system in the .NET Framework. The node which requests an application to be performed is called owner. The node that receives the requested application and sends result back to the owner is called manager. An ...

Theriogenology, 2009

The study was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on t... more The study was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the frozen-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls. Ejaculated bull semen was extended in a Tris-citrate egg yolk extender containing various concentrations of BHT (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0mM). Semen was frozen at -196 degrees C using 50 x 10(6) spermatozoa per 0.5 mL straws. Five straws from each treatment were thawed to assess the semen quality in terms of sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity. Post-thawed sperm motility was determined using a phase-contrast microscope. Viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity were evaluated by the supravital staining, hypo-osmotic swelling test and normal acrosomal reaction, respectively. The highest (P<0.05) motility, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling response of spermatozoa was achieved by addition of 1.0 and 2.0mM BHT to semen extender. However, highest (P<0.05) viability of spermatozoa was achieved by inclusion of 2.0mM BHT. The higher concentration of BHT (3.0mM) reduced the motility, acrosomal integrity, viability and hypo-osmotic swelling response of the spermatozoa compared to other concentration used. In conclusion, BHT when added in the semen extender can improve the semen quality of buffalo bulls.

Small Ruminant Research, 2006

An investigation was conducted to evaluate and compare the mineral content of milk from a flock o... more An investigation was conducted to evaluate and compare the mineral content of milk from a flock of sheep and goats grazing similar pastures in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Milk samples were taken eight times after an interval of 2 weeks during two different seasons of the year. Milk ...

Small Ruminant Research, 2007

The present study was conducted to evaluate seasonal and animal class effects on the macromineral... more The present study was conducted to evaluate seasonal and animal class effects on the macromineral status of lactating and non-lactating (female) classes of grazing Thalli sheep in a semi-arid region of the south western Punjab, Pakistan, on the basis of mineral concentrations in blood plasma. There were 20 animals in each class. Plasma Ca, Na, and K in both classes

Small Ruminant Research, 2007

A study was conducted to determine the Cu nutrition status of different classes of grazing goats ... more A study was conducted to determine the Cu nutrition status of different classes of grazing goats during two different seasons on a farm located in southern Punjab, Pakistan. A complete free-choice mineral supplement was available to all animals throughout the year. Soil, forage, feed, water, and animal samples (plasma, milk, feces, and urine) were taken eight times during the year

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2011

Developing countries are in critical energy crisis. Pakistan spends almost 7 billion US$ on impor... more Developing countries are in critical energy crisis. Pakistan spends almost 7 billion US$ on import of fossil fuels annually to congregate its energy needs. The renewable and sustainable energy resources are best substitute to the conventional fuels and energy sources. Pakistan takes the opportunity to have almost 159 million animals producing almost 652 million kg of manure daily from cattle and buffalo only; that can be used to generate 16.3 million m 3 biogas per day and 21 million tons of bio fertilizer per year. That compensate approximately 20% of nitrogen and 66% of phosphorus required in the crop fields. Apart from this sugarcane industry has got the potential to generate 3000 MW energy. Domestic biogas plants were started in Pakistan in 1959 and at present there is significant number of such working units. Biogas Support Program (BSP) was started in 2000 by Pakistani government. So far it has achieved the target of installing 1200 biogas units, whereas another 10,000 units are expected to be set up in coming 05 years that will harvest almost 27% of country's biogas potential. A biogas unit of 10 m 3 size is anticipated to save almost 92,062 PKR per year on account of conventional fuels spent otherwise. Women's opportunity cost, with introduction of biogas units reportedly increased; subsequently impacting positively on household income. Biogas energy generation systems are in demand and their number is increasing steadily. They are low-cost and can be run with very small budget. Biogas energy corridor can work as a good substitute for nearly 70% of country's population residing in rural areas. Installation of plants to bottle the biogas can be additional opportunity. The need of a national policy is imperative to bring this technology at farmer's doorstep.

Parasitology Research, 2013

Parasitology Research, 2010

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and associated determinants (e... more The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and associated determinants (e.g., sex, age, onfarm management and husbandry) of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in the domestic animals of district Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, 1,140 cattle, 1,140 buffaloes, 660 goats, 840 sheep, and 156 camels were randomly selected and their fecal samples were screened every other week for a year using a modified floatation technique. The samples positive for strongyle-type eggs had the parasite species identified using coproculture. It was found that the prevalence of GI helminths was significantly higher (P<0.05) in sheep (44.17%; 371/840) than in other livestock. Sheep were followed in order by goats (40.15%; 265/660), buffaloes (39.82%; 454/1,140), and cattle (33.68%; 384/ 1,140). The important helminth species identified were Fasciola (F.) gigantica, Fasciola hepatica, Haemonchus contortus, Toxocara vitulorum, Trichostrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Ostertagia spp., Cooperia spp., Strongyloides spp., Moniezia spp., and Trichuris spp. The prevalence of GI helminths except F. hepatica and F. gigantica was significantly higher in grazing animals, females (P<0.05) and young (P<0.05) of all the host species when compared with stall-fed animals, males and adults, respectively. Using ponds and rivers/canals as drinking water were found to have significant influence (P<0.05) on the prevalence of GI helminths. The results provide a baseline data for planning future research and control strategies against GI helminthes.

Journal of Plant Nutrition, 1995

ABSTRACT: Addition of L-tryptophan (L-TRP) to soil can have an ecological impact on the growth an... more ABSTRACT: Addition of L-tryptophan (L-TRP) to soil can have an ecological impact on the growth and development of some plants through its catabolism into auxins by rhizosphere microflora. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the influence of L-TRP on growth ...

J Plant Nutr, 1997

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of an auxin precursor L-tryptophan (L-TRP)... more A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of an auxin precursor L-tryptophan (L-TRP) and Azotobacter inoculation on yield and chemical composition of potato under fertilized conditions. Inoculated (with Azotobacter) and uninoculated potato tubers were sown in ...

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, Jun 1, 2006

... DOI: 10.1080/00103620600585914 Zafar Iqbal Khan a , Muhammad Ashraf a , Altaf Hussain a &... more ... DOI: 10.1080/00103620600585914 Zafar Iqbal Khan a , Muhammad Ashraf a , Altaf Hussain a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; LR McDowell b * pages 1471-1483. ... (1979)4. Fick, KR, McDowell, LR, Miles, PH, Wilkinson, NS, Funk, JD and Conrad, JH 1979. ...

Pakistan J Bot, 2010

An investigation was performed to determine the effect of urea, a strong enzyme denaturant on the... more An investigation was performed to determine the effect of urea, a strong enzyme denaturant on the stability of invertases from two cultivars of sugarcane. The stability of native soluble acid invertases (SAI) of COJ-84 (local cultivar of sugarcane) to urea showed that they were more stable than those of CP-77-400 (local cultivar of sugarcane). The stability of SAI of CP-77-400 to urea gave biphasic trend at different salinity levels, and the stability at these levels decreased significantly as compared to control. The stability of 50 mM salinity level SAI was also decreased, while at 150 mM salinity level remained unchanged. The SAI of COJ-84 secreted under saline growth media presented extreme stability to unfolding by urea. The SAI at 150 and 200 mM salinity levels gave an activation trend and did not show denaturation.

Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2011

Pathogenic fungi of drinking water have potentially prevailing effects on human beings. Mycoflora... more Pathogenic fungi of drinking water have potentially prevailing effects on human beings. Mycofloral study of drinking water of district Bhimber, Azad Kashmir was conducted through systematic sampling and temporally during the year 2009. Drinking water samples were collected from selected spots and fungal spores were grown on two different culture media viz: potato dextrose agar (PDA) and nutrient agar (NA) and identified by employing Direct Plate method (DPM) and Baiting Technique (BT). A total of 4 resources of drinking water of the area were analyzed i.e., well, spring, hand pump and tap water (water supply system). Sixteen different fungal species were frequently prevailing in the analyzed samples and among these five species were predominantly found human pathogenic. The density of identified fungal species in well's water samples (WWS) was 11 spp. spring's water samples (SWS) 6 spp. hand pump water samples (HWS) 8 spp. and tap water samples (TWS) 7 spp. This differential incidence in the samples might be due to variation in geography, edaphalogy, altitude, temperature, in fungal growth substrate variance and analytical difference of sampling and analysis methods. The prevalence values of mycolfora in different samples were variable with WWS Mucor fragilis (18a~LSD), SWS Brevilegnia sp. (20a~LSD), HWS Aspergillus flavus (14a~LSD) and TWS Alternaria alternata (12a~LSD). It was noted that WWS more frequently depicted mycoflora because land/well provides best environment and nourishment for growth and reproduction of fungi. The economic importance and pathogenic toxicity of various species is also measured and documented in the article.

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2000

Methods were developed to optimize the media for callus induction from mature embryos of indica r... more Methods were developed to optimize the media for callus induction from mature embryos of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) CV. DM-25. Callusing from seeds of rice was observed with various levels of 2,4-d alone and in combination with different concentratiom of benzyl adenine. With the gradual increase of 2,4-d concentration in callus induction medium, there was gradual increase in callusing frequency.

Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2005

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the micro-mineral status of pasture having high popula... more An investigation was conducted to evaluate the micro-mineral status of pasture having high population of small ruminants in Punjab, Pakistan. Soil and forage samples were collected fortnightly for two seasons. It was found that sampling period affected soil Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ and Se 2+

Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2004

The rationale for this study was to determine soil and forage mineral concentrations as affected ... more The rationale for this study was to determine soil and forage mineral concentrations as affected by season and location of collection with regard to satisfying grazing sheep nutrient requirements. Forages and soil samples were collected fortnightly during winter and summer seasons from three grazing areas within the same farm. Forages and soils (for soils only extractable nutrients) were analyzed for

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 1999

International Journal of Biology, 2010

Fungi have great impacts on socio-economic conditions and health of human beings. In current rese... more Fungi have great impacts on socio-economic conditions and health of human beings. In current research, incidence of mycoflora associated with different water springs of Samahni Valley (SV), district Bhimber, Azad Kashmir was screened by using Plating and Baiting Techniques. The pH value of water samples ranged from 5.5 to7.5. The minimum and maximum temperature of sampled springs was between 18 o C-36 o C. Total 33 fungal specimens belonging to 21 different species were isolated from different analyzed samples by employing two approaches. In Baiting Technique (BT) 13 species and in Direct Plate Method (DPM) 8 species were isolated, respectively. Highest number of mycoflora was determined by BT, followed by DPM. Aspergillus sp. was dominant species followed by Cephalosporium sp. and Botrytis sp. found in drinking water of springs. The highest number of species was found in Parshala sample (6 spp) which proves that place has favorable conditions for flourishing of fungi. The present study depicts that various springs of SV have different number of mycoflora depending on soil type, temperature, altitude and neighboring flora. Furthermore, ethnobotanical study of the area indicates that these pathogenic species present in spring water cause many diseases in plants, animals and human beings, hence hampering health and economic status of inhabitants. It is recommend that precautionary and practical measures should be formulated and implemented before using water of these springs for drinking or other agriculture purposes.

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 1999

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2009

We report for the first time kinetic and thermodynamic properties of soluble acid invertase (SAI)... more We report for the first time kinetic and thermodynamic properties of soluble acid invertase (SAI) of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) salt sensitive local cultivar CP 77-400 (CP-77). The SAI was purified to apparent homogeneity on FPLC system. The crude enzyme was about 13 fold purified and recovery of SAI was 35%. The invertase was monomeric in nature and its native molecular mass on gel filtration and subunit mass on SDS-PAGE was 28 kDa. SAI was highly acidic having an optimum pH lower than 2. The acidic limb was missing. Proton transfer (donation and receiving) during catalysis was controlled by the basic limb having a pKa of 2.4. Carboxyl groups were involved in proton transfer during catalysis. The kinetic constants for sucrose hydrolysis by SAI were determined to be: k(m)=55 mg ml(-1), k(cat)=21s(-1), k(cat)/k(m)=0.38, while the thermodynamic parameters were: DeltaH*=52.6 kJ mol(-1), DeltaG*=71.2 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS*=-57 J mol(-1) K(-1), DeltaG*(E-S)=10.8 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaG*(E-T)=2.6 kJ mol(-1). The kinetics and thermodynamics of irreversible thermal denaturation at various temperatures 53-63 degrees C were also determined. The half -life of SAI at 53 and 63 degrees C was 112 and 10 min, respectively. At 55 degrees C, surprisingly the half -life increased to twice that at 53 degrees C. DeltaG*, DeltaH* and DeltaS* of irreversible thermal stability of SAI at 55 degrees C were 107.7 kJ mol(-1), 276.04 kJ mol(-1) and 513 J mol(-1) K(-1), respectively.

2008 IEEE International Multitopic Conference, 2008

Abstract Now a day, grid computing is considered as one of the emerging technology in which jobs ... more Abstract Now a day, grid computing is considered as one of the emerging technology in which jobs are distributed across the network or Internet. Among the several software toolkits those help us to implement a grid environment, Alchemi is widely used and open source toolkit that runs on the Windows operating system in the .NET Framework. The node which requests an application to be performed is called owner. The node that receives the requested application and sends result back to the owner is called manager. An ...

Theriogenology, 2009

The study was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on t... more The study was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the frozen-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls. Ejaculated bull semen was extended in a Tris-citrate egg yolk extender containing various concentrations of BHT (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0mM). Semen was frozen at -196 degrees C using 50 x 10(6) spermatozoa per 0.5 mL straws. Five straws from each treatment were thawed to assess the semen quality in terms of sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity. Post-thawed sperm motility was determined using a phase-contrast microscope. Viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity were evaluated by the supravital staining, hypo-osmotic swelling test and normal acrosomal reaction, respectively. The highest (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05) motility, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling response of spermatozoa was achieved by addition of 1.0 and 2.0mM BHT to semen extender. However, highest (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05) viability of spermatozoa was achieved by inclusion of 2.0mM BHT. The higher concentration of BHT (3.0mM) reduced the motility, acrosomal integrity, viability and hypo-osmotic swelling response of the spermatozoa compared to other concentration used. In conclusion, BHT when added in the semen extender can improve the semen quality of buffalo bulls.

Small Ruminant Research, 2006

An investigation was conducted to evaluate and compare the mineral content of milk from a flock o... more An investigation was conducted to evaluate and compare the mineral content of milk from a flock of sheep and goats grazing similar pastures in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Milk samples were taken eight times after an interval of 2 weeks during two different seasons of the year. Milk ...

Small Ruminant Research, 2007

The present study was conducted to evaluate seasonal and animal class effects on the macromineral... more The present study was conducted to evaluate seasonal and animal class effects on the macromineral status of lactating and non-lactating (female) classes of grazing Thalli sheep in a semi-arid region of the south western Punjab, Pakistan, on the basis of mineral concentrations in blood plasma. There were 20 animals in each class. Plasma Ca, Na, and K in both classes

Small Ruminant Research, 2007

A study was conducted to determine the Cu nutrition status of different classes of grazing goats ... more A study was conducted to determine the Cu nutrition status of different classes of grazing goats during two different seasons on a farm located in southern Punjab, Pakistan. A complete free-choice mineral supplement was available to all animals throughout the year. Soil, forage, feed, water, and animal samples (plasma, milk, feces, and urine) were taken eight times during the year

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2011

Developing countries are in critical energy crisis. Pakistan spends almost 7 billion US$ on impor... more Developing countries are in critical energy crisis. Pakistan spends almost 7 billion US$ on import of fossil fuels annually to congregate its energy needs. The renewable and sustainable energy resources are best substitute to the conventional fuels and energy sources. Pakistan takes the opportunity to have almost 159 million animals producing almost 652 million kg of manure daily from cattle and buffalo only; that can be used to generate 16.3 million m 3 biogas per day and 21 million tons of bio fertilizer per year. That compensate approximately 20% of nitrogen and 66% of phosphorus required in the crop fields. Apart from this sugarcane industry has got the potential to generate 3000 MW energy. Domestic biogas plants were started in Pakistan in 1959 and at present there is significant number of such working units. Biogas Support Program (BSP) was started in 2000 by Pakistani government. So far it has achieved the target of installing 1200 biogas units, whereas another 10,000 units are expected to be set up in coming 05 years that will harvest almost 27% of country's biogas potential. A biogas unit of 10 m 3 size is anticipated to save almost 92,062 PKR per year on account of conventional fuels spent otherwise. Women's opportunity cost, with introduction of biogas units reportedly increased; subsequently impacting positively on household income. Biogas energy generation systems are in demand and their number is increasing steadily. They are low-cost and can be run with very small budget. Biogas energy corridor can work as a good substitute for nearly 70% of country's population residing in rural areas. Installation of plants to bottle the biogas can be additional opportunity. The need of a national policy is imperative to bring this technology at farmer's doorstep.

Parasitology Research, 2013

Parasitology Research, 2010

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and associated determinants (e... more The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and associated determinants (e.g., sex, age, onfarm management and husbandry) of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in the domestic animals of district Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, 1,140 cattle, 1,140 buffaloes, 660 goats, 840 sheep, and 156 camels were randomly selected and their fecal samples were screened every other week for a year using a modified floatation technique. The samples positive for strongyle-type eggs had the parasite species identified using coproculture. It was found that the prevalence of GI helminths was significantly higher (P<0.05) in sheep (44.17%; 371/840) than in other livestock. Sheep were followed in order by goats (40.15%; 265/660), buffaloes (39.82%; 454/1,140), and cattle (33.68%; 384/ 1,140). The important helminth species identified were Fasciola (F.) gigantica, Fasciola hepatica, Haemonchus contortus, Toxocara vitulorum, Trichostrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Ostertagia spp., Cooperia spp., Strongyloides spp., Moniezia spp., and Trichuris spp. The prevalence of GI helminths except F. hepatica and F. gigantica was significantly higher in grazing animals, females (P<0.05) and young (P<0.05) of all the host species when compared with stall-fed animals, males and adults, respectively. Using ponds and rivers/canals as drinking water were found to have significant influence (P<0.05) on the prevalence of GI helminths. The results provide a baseline data for planning future research and control strategies against GI helminthes.

Journal of Plant Nutrition, 1995

ABSTRACT: Addition of L-tryptophan (L-TRP) to soil can have an ecological impact on the growth an... more ABSTRACT: Addition of L-tryptophan (L-TRP) to soil can have an ecological impact on the growth and development of some plants through its catabolism into auxins by rhizosphere microflora. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the influence of L-TRP on growth ...