The present study was conducted to know the biodiversity status and assess the existing livelihood conditions of the fishers of Habullah Baor at Bagherpara upazila, Jashore district from November 2017 to April 2018. Sixty fishermen were randomly selected for collecting data through a semi structured questionnaire. The current study discovered that there were 11 different fish species from six orders and seven families in the Habullah baor. All of the sampled fishermen were Hindu. About 25% of the fishermen was young aged, majority was middle aged and 25% was old aged group. A total of 75% of the fishermen had nuclear family and 25% families lived in joint family. Among the fishermen 85% had a few decimal of cultivable land and 15% were truly landless. Annual income of the respondents varied from 30,000 to 70,000 BDT with an average of 42,833 BDT. All fishers had access to drinking water from tube wells. Most of the fishers lived in katcha houses. About 15% of the fishers enjoyed electricity facilities in their home. Among the fishermen investigated, majority had earthen latrine, 20% used tin shed latrine, 8% used concrete latrine and a few of them 10% had no latrine. There were no modern medical facilities in the villages. The respondents had no alternate income sources during the dry season and at the time of ban period. The fishers as a whole are leading measurable life due to great financial hardship. Proper conservation and management measures can be taken to enhance the availability of fish fauna in Habullah baor, so that, the fishermen can harvest ample fish on sustainable basis. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (3), 165-180

The fly larvae (Lucilia sericata) are being used as an alternative protein source in any kind of animal feed as it reduces the cost of preparation of feed. This current study focused on the physico-chemical and proximate properties of raw poultry waste, while this study also revealed the production process of fly larvae and the proximate composition of it. The poultry waste was collected from Suvro poultry farm, Sutiakhali, Mymensingh, then the physic-chemical properties of the raw poultry waste were determined using different procedures. Three treatments were considered for production of fly larvae, T1 (3 kg), T2 (6 kg) and T3 (9 kg) in a 15 kg capacity tray with three replications. After production, the proximate composition were also measured of fly larvae. Physico-chemical properties such as, color, odor, texture, temperature, pH, total solids (TSS+TDS), chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, available N, available P, and fiber in raw poultry waste were determined and presented. Proximate composition such as, moisture, total N, total P, available N, total Ca, ash and crude fiber were found in significant amount in the poultry waste. It was found that T3 (1350±68g) produced highest volume of live maggot compared to the other treatments, but T2 (17.50±1.10%) produced highest percentage volume. The proximate compositions of fly larvae were assessed and found 56.60±0.25% protein value in it, suggesting that fly larvae could be the protein replacer in fish feed. The result of this study revealed cheap protein source in aquaculture production, such as production and rearing of stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, and the findings might be helpful for cost reduction in aquaculture operation. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (4), 216-224

Oxbow lake is one of the significant freshwater fisheries assets in Bangladesh, which supports livelihood of fishermen community. This study was conducted to assess the fish biodiversity and socio-economic conditions of fishermen in Jhapa baor (oxbow lake) at Manirampur upazilla in Jashore district from July to September 2019. This investigation used primary data, collected through household interviews, key informant or cross-checked interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) as well as secondary data. Fish fauna were identified based on their morphometric and meristic characters. After identification, fish species were systematically classified. A total of 43 species belonged to 11 orders and 17 families were identified from the baor. A total of five types of nets, three types of fish traps and four types of wounding gears were found during the survey. Furthermore, results of this study didn't show improved socio-economic conditions of the baor fisheries dependent families. Their income was less than the national average. Almost 50% of the households had up to 4 family members. Most family had single earning member. Most didn't have land aside from residence and their houses were earthen made. Although most of them had access to safe drinking water, few had access to quality health services and sanitary latrine. Their education levels were low about 70% fishers had no or beneath primary level education. Although currently the majority of their children were school going (72%) and the percentage is increasing gradually. Almost 65% of fishing community was involved with credit organization. This study will provide the baseline information about biodiversity and livelihood status of fishermen in Jhapa baor. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (4), 194-215