Browsing by Author "GNANA PRAKASH, M"
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ThesisItem Open Access CYTOGENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF VIZIANAGARAM SHEEP(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2012-01) SATISH KUMAR, ILLA; PUNYA KUMARI, B (Major); GNANA PRAKASH, M; SURESH, JABSTRACT : A study was carried out on 60 Vizianagaram sheep (30 males and 30 females) for cytogenetic characterization. The modal diploid chromosome number was found to be 54. The first three pairs of the autosomes were submetacentric and the remaining 23 pairs of autosomes were acrocentric in nature. The X – chromosome was the longest acrocentric, while the Y – chromosome was the smallest biarmed chromosome. The effect of sex was not evident on the morphometric measurements of all the chromosomes, while, the differences among the chromosomes were significant among all the chromosomes for all the morphometric measurements. The mean relative length of autosomes varied from 1.54 ± 0.04 to 9.59 ± 0.12 percent. The X – chromosome constituted 5.06 ± 0.02 percent to the total genome, while the Y – chromosome constituted 1.81 ± 0.17 to the total genome. Sex had no significant effect on the relative length of any one of the chromosomes in the karyotype. The mean arm ratios for the first three biarmed autosomes based on raw data varied from 1.24 ± 0.07 to 1.31 ± 0.07, while the mean arm ratios based on transformed data ranged from 6.34 ± 0.01 to 6.58 ± 0.01. The sex had no influence on arm ratios of any one of the chromosomes under study. The overall mean centromeric indices based on raw data for the first three chromosomes are 0.565 ± 0.07, 0.550 ± 0.04 and 0.545 ± 0.04, respectively. Significant differences were observed in centromeric indices of first three biarmed autosomes, while the influence of sex on centromeric indices of all the chromosomes was found to be non -significant. The overall mean morphological indices based on transformed data ranged from 13.31 ± 0.05 in third chromosome to 15.88 ± 0.08 in first chromosome. The effect of sex was not evident on the morphological indices of the first three chromosomes, while, the differences among the chromosomes are significant.ThesisItem Open Access CYTOGENETIC STUDIES ON DECCANI SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2005-08) GNANA PRAKASH, M; NARASIMHA RAO, G(MAJOR); RAMESH GUPTA, B; VENKATRAMAIAH, A; NARASA REDDY, G.VABSTRACT: A study was carribd out on 30 Deccani sheep for cytogenetic characterization. The modal diploid chmosome number was found to be 54 (2~54X, Y). The first three pairs of the autosomes were sub-metacentric and the remaining 23 pairs of autosomes wac acrocentric. The X-chromosome was the longest acrocentric, while Y-chromosome was the smallest biarmed chromosome. Sex of the animal had a nonsignificant influence on the morphomeh-ic measurements of all the &omosomes, whik the diffmcts among the chromosomes wae significant for most of thc mwphomctric measurements. The mean relative kngth of autosomes varied from 1.78 _+ 0.006 to 9.35 + 0.022 per cent. The Xchromosome contributed 5.05 4 0.006 per cent to the total genome, while the Y-chromosomc formed 1.70 + 0.007 per cent of the total genome. The means for the cum ratio, centromeric index and morphological index of the sub-metacentric autosomes 1, 2 and 3 varied from I. 17 to 1.20, 0.55 to 0.55 and 9-40 to 1 1.57, respectively. The G-banding pattern of the chromosomes obtained in the present study more or less matched with the standard karyotypes. All the autosomes revealed centromeric C-bands. The Xthromosomc did not reveal any centromeric C-bands, while the Y- chromosome did not stain differently from its arms. The nucloolar organizer regions were detected on chromosomes 1.2.3.4 and 25. The cytogenetic studies on Deccani sheep revealed similarities with other breeds of sheep.ThesisItem Open Access DEVELOPMENT OF FEEDING SYSTEM BASED ON AZOLLA (AZOLLA PINNATA) AND SHEANUT CAKE (VITELLARLA PARADOM) FOR NELLORE SHEEP REARED IN DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS'(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2008-10) RAVINDRA REDDY, YEDDULA; SARJAN RAO, K(MAJOR); SUDHAKAR, K; RAMESH GUPTA, B; GNANA PRAKASH, MABSTRACT: Experiments were conducted to assess 1) The influence of experimental diets based on Azolla (Azolla pinnata) and Sheanut Cake (Vitellaria paradoxa) on growth performance, DM1 and nutrient utilization of Nellore weaners in a 4 x 6 Completely Randomized Design under both intensive and semi intensive systems, 2) The influence of experimental diets based on Azolla and Sheanut cake on blood biochemical profiles, liver function tests, haemotocrit values and carcass traits of the Nellore weaners in a 4 x 6 Completely Randomized Design and 3). The influence of experimental diets on Nutrient utilization of adult sheep in a 4 x 6 Completely Randomized Design. Both the systems were compared in all the experiments. The experimental diets consist of 1. Control diet TI (Concentrate mixture + Hybrid Napier in intensive system and concentrate mixture + grazing allowance in semi intensive system). 2. Diet Tz replacing 30 parts of GNC with Azolla. 3. Diet T3 replacing 16 parts of Rice bran with Sheanut cake and 4. Diet T4 replaciig 30 parts of GNC with Azolla + 16 parts of Rice bran with Sheanut cake fiom control diet were fed to Nellore weaners and adult sheep. The chemical composition and amino acid profile of Azolla were superior than Sheanut cake. The essential and non essential amino acids were in optimum proportions in both Azolla and Sheanut cake. Sulphur containing amino acids were marginally .lower in them. Hence, supplementation of these amino acids along with the diets was recommended. In an experiment with Nellore weaners, significantly higher drymatter intake per day (P<0.05) and drymatter intake per 100 kg body weight (P<0.0 1 ) were recorded for T4 and T3 diets in intensive system and the same trend was observed for DM1 per 100 kg body weight in semi intensive system. Significantly (P<0.01) higher total body weight gain (kg) and ADG (g) were observed for all test diets than control diet in both systems. FCR was significantly (P<0.01) higher for all test diets than control in both systems of management. The cost of feed per kg weight gain was reduced by about 50 per cent in experimental diets over control diet. DM1 and cost of feed per kg weight gain were significantly (P<0.01) higher in semi intensive system, whereas total body weight gain, ADG and FCR were significantly (P<0.01) higher in intensive system. Significantly (Pc0.01) higher digestibility coefficients (%) were observed for DM, CP, CF, EE, NFE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose in intensive system and for DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, ADF and Cellulose in semi intensive system for experimental diets over control diet. There exists a significant (P<0.01) difference in DM, OM, CP, NFE, NDF, hemicellulose and cellulose digestibility coefficients between systems where intensive system had higher values. The DCP content was significantly higher in T4 and T2 diets in intensive system at P<0.01 and T2 and T3 in semi intensive system at Pc0.05. The TDN content was significantly (P<0.01) higher in diet T4 of intensive system and all test diets in semi intensive system than control diet. The DCP and TDN content of test diets were higher than the recommended values of NRC (1985). The protein : energy ratios were wider in all the diets of both systems indicate protein dilution. The digestibility coefficients (%) of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose were significantly (Px0.0 1) higher for all the experimental diets over control in both systems of management whereas CF and NFE digestibility coefficients were higher in intensive system. In the digestibility experiment with adult sheep, significantly (P<0.01) higher digestibility coefficients (%) were recorded for DM, OM, CP, CF, hemicellulose and cellulose in intensive system and for NFE in semi intensive system. DCP and TDN values were comparable among all test diets and control and the values were also higher than recommendations of NRC (1985). The protein : energy ratios were wider in all the experimental diets indicate protein dilution. NDMD values of Amlla pinnata and sheanut cake were 64.27 and 57.56 respectively. Significantly (P<0.01) higher IVDMD was observed for experimental diet T4 over other test diets and control diet. In sacco DM disappearance and CP degradability (%), PD and ED were higher in test diets over control diet. Blood biochemical profiles showed that serum albumin level of weaners were significantly higher for T2 diet in intensive system at P(0.05 and in semi intensive system at P<0.01. Total protein, blood glucose, total cholesterol, BUN and creatinine values were not significant among the test diets and systems. The calcium and phosphorus levels among the experimental diets groups were significantly (Pc0.01) higher in semi intensive system whereas no significant difference was observed in intensive system for phosphorous levels. The values of blood biochemical profiles of the experimental groups were within the normal range. SGOT, SGPT levels among the test groups and systems were comparable and within the normal range. Haematological values Hb, RBC, WBC and PCV showed non significant difference among the test diets and control. All the haematological values for the experimental diets and systems fell within normal range. In Intensive system, significantly (P<0.01) higher dressing per cent on empty live weight basis was recorded for T2 than other test diets, whereas, dressing per cent on pre slaughter weight basis and hot carcass weight values were significantly (P<0.01) higher in test diets over control diet. All the test diets fell within the normal range of dressing per cent for Nellore sheep (FAO, 1982) The results of the study indicate that Azolla and Sheanut can be used upto 30 and 16 parts in place of GNC and Rice bran, respectively and incorporation of both had further improved their utilization. The diets containing 30 parts of Azolla + 16 parts of Sheanut cake could maintain the normal growth rate of Nellore weaners and adult sheep economically. Hence, all the experimental diets were recommended for the development of feeding systems of Nellore sheep in intensive systemThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC AND TANNIFEROUS DIETS ON GROWTH AND ENTERIC EMISSIONS IN DECCANI RAM LAMBS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2013-09) PARTHASARATHI, THOTA; SARAT CHANDRA, A (Major); MAHENDER, M; GNANA PRAKASH, M; RAMANA, D.B.VABSTRACT : The present study was conducted with an aim to study the effect of probiotics supplementation and tanniferous diet inclusion on nutrient utilization, growth performance and enteric emissions in Deccani ram lambs. The experiment was conducted in two phases i.e., in vitro and in vivo study in Deccani ram lambs. During first phase seven probiotic combinations and five tanniferous diets were supplemented to sorghum stover based complete diet and screened for in vitro DM digestibility and in vitro methane production technique. The inclusion of probiotic and tanniferous diets resulted in increased in vitro dry matter digestibilities (IVDMD) and the highest (P<0.01) digestibilities were observed with a combination of probiotics (S. cerevisiae 47 + S. boulardii + L. acidophilus + P. freudenreichii) and horse gram meal as tanniferous protein source, the increase being 3.5 and 3.6 per cent respectively. Similar results were observed with respect to reduction in in vitro methane production and the above combination of probiotics (S cerevisiae47 + S. boulardii + L. acidophilus + P. freudenreichii) and horse gram meal as tanniferous protein source resulted in 4.0 and 3.2 per cent reduction (P<0.05) in in vitro methane production, respectively over group averages. During second phase, eighteen Deccani ram lambs of 130.11±3.00 days of age with an average body weight of 16.5±0.64 kg were randomly allotted to 3 groups in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were viz., Group I: Basal diet (chopped sorgum stover as roughage source) (BD) + group 1 concentrate+ chopped green fodder (4kg), Group II: Basal diet + Group 2 concentrate (horse gram as tannin source selected from in vitro studies+ chopped green fodder (4kg), Group III: Basal diet + Group 3 concentrate supplemented with probiotics (S. cerevisiae 47+ S. boulardii + L. acidophilus + P. freudenreichii) selected from in vitro studies @ 4kg per100kg concentrate + chopped green fodder (4kg). Deccani ram lambs were fed the respective diets ad lib. to meet the nutrient requirements (NRC, 2001) throughout 90 days of feeding trial. A metabolic trial of 7 days was carried out after 60 days of feeding trial. Blood was collected at 0, 45 and 90 days of feeding trial to determine the serum mineral status and serum biochemical constituents. Further, the enteric emissions from the lambs was estimated by using a respiratory chamber in an environmental controlled house. The gas samples collected from the chamber were immediately analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). Neither the probiotic supplementation nor horse gram meal inclusion had any effect on Dry matter intakes (DMI) per day and per 100kg body weight. The nutrient digestibilities of DM (P<0.01), organic matter (P<0.02), crude protein (P<0.01), crude fibre (P<0.01), ether extract (P<0.01), nitrogen free extract (P<0.01), neutral detergent fibre (P<0.01), acid detergent fibre (P<0.01), hemicellulose (P<0.05) and cellulose (P<0.01) increased with probiotic supplementation and horse gram meal inclusion. All the experimental animals (growing Deccani ram lambs) met the TDN, digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) requirements as suggested by ICAR (1998). Higher DCP and TDN in ration (P<0.05), and TDN intake (P<0.05) was observed with probiotic supplementation and horse gram meal inclusion. The increase in the digestibilities of various nutrients reflected in the growth performance of Deccani ran lambs as reflected by significantly (P<0.05) higher live weight, average daily (P<0.05) Group II and Group III lambs respectively. Feed efficiency of the animals improved as the feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg gain) (P<0.01), cost of feed/kg gain (P<0.01) increased in Group II and III. Blood glucose concentration was comparable among the experimental groups, however relatively higher (P<0.05) total proteins, cholesterol, albumin and globulin concentration in blood serum observed with probiotic supplementation and horse gram inclusion. Liver enzymatic activities alkaline phosphatase, SGPT, SGOT were comparable among the experimental groups, however a significant (P<0.05) increase in the mean serum liver enzymatic activities was observed in growing Deccani ram lambs during experimentation than before start of experiment. Mean serum urea and serum creatinine level were statistically non-significant (P>0.05) but lower at the end of experiment. Horse gram inclusion and probiotic supplementation had no significant effect on blood calcium levels but non-significantly increased blood phosphorus levels among the respective groups during the growth period. Serum cobalt, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium and manganese values were comparable among the experimental groups, however a significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in the mean mineral values in growing Deccani ram lambs during experimentation than before start of experiment. A significantly (P<0.01) higher THI and HLI was recorded in March month as compared to February and January and they did not exert any significant effect on dry matter intake and average daily gain in the Deccani ram lambs. However, relatively lower sodium and potassium and higher chloride concentrations were observed in Deccani ram lambs at the end of experiment compared to the start of experiment indicating a mild heat stress on lambs during March. Mean enteric methane emissions (l/day) were significantly (P<0.01) lower in Group II (10.05± 0.39) and III (9.05± 0.47) lambs which received tanniferous horse gram meal and probiotic, respectively than control (11.59± 0.70) lambs (Group I). Tanniferous horse gram meal and probiotics reduced 9.4 and 21.9 per cent of daily methane emissions, respectively in growing Deccani ram lambs. The study indicated that supplementation of probiotic and inclusion of tanniferous protein source increased nutrient digestibilities, growth performance, feed efficiency with no detrimental effect on health of the as reflected in serum metabolites and serum minerals. Further the inclusion of the probiotic and horse gram meal decreased enteric methane emissions, suggesting that the energy loss for ruminants in the form of methane emissions can be reduced efficiently and the animals can be raised in an eco-friendly manner.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION TRAITS OF JAPANESE QUAILS POPULATION UNDER SELECTION FOR HIGH FOUR-WEEK BODY WEIGHT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2008-10) MALARMATHI, M; RAMESH GUPTA, B(MAJOR); GNANA PRAKASH, M; RAJASHEKAR REDDY, AABSTRACT : The present study was carried out on Black, Brown and Black random bred strains of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), under selection for high 4-week body weight, maintained at Poultry Experimental Station (PES), College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Effects of hatch, strains and sex on body weight, average daily gain (ADG), age at first egg (AFE), egg production (EP) and biochemical parameters were studied. The overall least-squares means for body weights at day-old, 2nd and 4th week of age were 7.94, 59.20 and 141.64 g, respectively. Hatches had significant effect on body weight up to 10 weeks of age. Strain had significant effect on body weights from day-old to 14 weeks of age. The females were significantly heavier than the males from second to 14th week of age. The overall least-squares means ADGs during 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10 and 10-14 weeks of age were 3.66, 5.89, 3.69, 2.72, 1.51 and 0.46 g, respectively. Hatches had significant effect on ADGs at all the ages studied. The ADGs of Black Japanese quails were significantly higher than those of Brown and Black random bred Japanese quails at all the ages. The females had significantly higher ADGs than males up to 10 weeks of age. The overall least-squares mean AFE was 57.80 days. Age at first egg was significantly influenced by strain and also by hatch. Black random bred control strain birds matured earlier than the Black and Brown strains. The overall mean number of eggs produced up to 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 weeks of age was 6.75, 15.71, 24.01, 34.04 and 44.86, respectively. Hatch had significant influence on egg production up to 14 weeks of age, but not beyond. The Black random bred strain was significantly produce more eggs at all the weeks excluding 8th week than the Black and Brown strain. The overall least-squares means for plasma protein, cholesterol and triglycerides in Black Japanese quails was found as 4.10 g/dl, 150.72 mg/dl and 90.66 mg/dl, respectively. Hatches had significant (P<0.05) effect on plasma cholesterol, but not on others and sex effect was significant on plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. The heritability estimates for the body weights varied from low to high in Black, medium to high in Brown and low to medium magnitude in Black random bred, while these estimates for ADGs were low or moderate to high in magnitude and ranged from 0.09 to 0.56 in black, 0.37 to 0.94 in Brown and 0.15 to 0.86 in Black random bred male Japanese quails. The heritability of AFE was low (0.16) in Black random bred and high (0.69) in Black strain. The heritability estimates for egg production ranged from 0.09 to 0.43 in Black, 0.18 to 0.81 in Brown and 0.02 to 0.54 in Black random bred strain. Heritability estimate was high for (0.90) plasma cholesterol, low for (0.12) plasma protein and low for (0.10) plasma triglycerides. Genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations for body weight at various ages varied from low to high in magnitude. Genetic correlations were positive in direction, while the phenotypic and environmental correlations were both positive and negative in direction. The genetic correlations among ADGs in Black, Brown strains and Black random bred ranged from -0.89 to 0.92, -0.86 to 0.90 and -0.05 to 0.78, respectively, whereas, the phenotypic correlations varied from -0.74 to 0.31. AFE was correlated positively with body weight at various ages at genetic level in Black strain. Genetic correlations of egg production with body weight at various ages were negative in all three strains. While, the estimates among the EP at various ages had highly positive genetic relations and phenotypic correlations of BW with EP and among EP was low but positive. The genetic correlation of plasma biochemical parameters with body weight at various ages and among the biochemical parameters ranged from -0.96 to 0.48 and 0.13 to 0.24, respectively. The phenotypic correlations plasma biochemical parameters with body varied from -0.20 to 0.13. The expected response to selection in body weight at 4-weeks age in Black, Brown and Black random bred male Japanese quails were 3.62, 6.06 and 6.91g, respectively and the corresponding response in females were 1.11, 2.13 and 12.79 g. Among the fourteen selection indices (I1 to I14) constructed based on the data generated in the present study, I14 consisting of BW4, BW6, AFE, EP10 and EP12 was found to be the best with RIH value (0.92) and δH (4.73) in Black Japanese quails. In the present study, the selection programme for high 4-week body weight yielded satisfactory improvements in body weights and ADGs of selected strains. The traits studied had the heritabilities and correlations ranging from low to high traits indicating the scope for their further genetic improvement by selection coupled with optimum management. The selection indices constructed revealed the possibility of improving the body weights, AFE and EP simultaneously.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN CROSSBRED PIGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-07) PANDU RANGA REDDY, P; PUNYA KUMARI, B(MAJOR); GNANA PRAKASH, M; SURESH, JABSTRACT: Data on 1662 pigs belonging to 50 and 75% Large White Yorkshire (LWY)-desi crossbreds maintained at All India Coordinated Research Project on Pigs, Tirupati born during 2005 to 2010 were utilizd to study the influenct of genetic and non-gcnctic factors on reproductive traits, litter traits, body weights, body measurements and avcrage daily gains. Prediction equations were developed to cstirnatc body weights based on body meanmments. Genetic parameters were estimated for various traits. The overall least squares means for AFS, AFF, FL GP and SP were 329.05 * 2.90, 440.42 * 2.80, 171.15 ~t 2.97, 111.28 zt 0.26 and 283.87 * 3.00 days respectively. The effects of pcriod and stason only were significant on reproductive baits. The overall kast quarts mean LSB, LSW and LWB and LWW were 7.59 * 0.17, 6.94 0.16 piglets and 8.40 + 0.18 and 66.92 * 1.42 kg, respectively. The effects of pcriod and parity were significant (Pg.O1) on majority of the litter traits. The overall least squares mcan body weights were 1.13 * 0.02, 2.13 It 0.01, 3.19 * 0.02, 4.29 * 0.02, 5.41 It 0.03, 6.48 0.03, 7.55 * 0.04, 8.72 * 0.05 and 9.97 * 0.06 kg at birth, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 wks of age, respectively. Genetic group, period, parity and litter size pup affected all pre weaning body weights highly significantly except for the non-significant effect of stason on body weight at birth. Scxual dimorphism in favour of males was evident from 1 to 6 weeks of age. Body weights of piglets born in rainy and winter seasons and those from smaller litters recorded significantly higher body weights. The overall least squares means for BL, HW. HG and PG varied from 22.68 to 50.58, 16.91 to 36.65, 23.27 to 47.43, 19.03 to 42.19 cm from bid to 8 weeks of age. The effect of litter size group was significant on all the biomctrical measurements at various ages. Season also influenced body measurements at birth, 2 and 8 weeks of age significantly where as at other ages it influmced one (or) more traits but not all. Parity e f f i was significant on all the body measurements at 4 and 6 weeks of age. Sexual dimorphism was evident on all the body measurements at birth only. Significant effect of genetic group was observed only on heart girth and paunch girth at birth and 2 woeks of age, respectively. The overall least squares mean ADG during 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8 and birth to 8 weeks wm 0.150 + 0.001, 0.160 f 0.001, 0.150 * 0.002, 0.170 * 0.002 and 0.160 * 0.001 kg, respectively. Pigs from smaller litters recorded significantly higher ADGs. Heritability of gestation period in 75% LWY group was 0.08 * 0.38 while that of litter traits ranged hm 0.14 + 0.35 to 0.32 + 0.48 among the genetic groups. Heritability estimates varied from 0.19 + 0.09 to 0.97 * 0.22 for body weights and from 0.13 * 0.08 to 0.80 f 0.17 for ADGs. Heritability estimates among body measurements were medium to high. The genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations among gestation period and litter traits ranged hm -0.76 to 029, -0.24 to 0.01 and -0.22 to 0.35, while those among litter baits wm all positive and high. Genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations among body weights were positive and medium to high. Phenotypic comlations among body weights were all positive. Comlations among ADGs were very low without any consistent trend. Phenotypic correlations among body measurements ranged from - 0.0 1 to 0.9 1 and among body weights and measurements, it ranged from -0.03 to 0.86. Prediction equations were developed to predict body weight at birth 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age based on cOrnSponding measurements on each genetic group. The R~ values varied from 69.1 to 81.7 percent among the genetic groups. Multiple regression equations developed at 2 and 8 weeks of age were found to be most efficient of all.ThesisItem Unknown GENETIC STUDY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2007-09) PUNYA KUMARI, B; RAMESH GUPTA, B(MAJOR); GNANA PRAKASH, M; RAJASEKHAR REDDY, A; SUDHAKAR REDDY, KABSTRACT : The present investigation was carried out on the Black (3237) and Brown (3376) Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) maintained at the Poultry Experimental Station (PES), Department of Poultry Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad under the selection for high 4-week body weight in generations 5, 6, 7 and 8 to study the influence of various genetic and non-genetic factors on body weights, average daily gains (ADG), age at first egg (AFE), egg production (EP), carcass traits and egg quality traits. The genetic parameters and response to selection were estimated for various traits. Selection indices were developed utilizing the genetic parameters estimated. The overall least squares means for body weights at day-old, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age were 9.75, 37.09, 77.55, 126.41 and 170.95 g, respectively. The effect of strains and generations was significant on body weights at all the ages, while the influence of sex was evident from 2 to 20 weeks of age. Hatch effect was significant on body weights upto 4-weeks age, but not beyond. The birds belonging to 7th generation were consistently weighed heaviest. Sexual dimorphism in favour of the females was evident by their higher body weights ranging from 1.29 to 45.14 g over the males, from 2 to 20 weeks of age, respectively. The overall least squares mean ADGs during 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 8, 9 to 12, 13 to 16 and 17 to 20 weeks of age were 3.91, 5.78, 6.98, 6.36, 2.73, 0.55, 0.34 and 0.30 g, respectively. Strain and hatch effect was significant on ADGs at all ages with an exception to that of 9 to 12 weeks of age, whereas generations exhibited significant influence on ADGs during the entire period of study. Sex of the chick affected this trait during 2 to 8 and 13 to 20 weeks of age. The highest ADGs of 6.86 and 7.10 g were obtained in males and females, respectively, during 3 weeks of age. . The overall least squares means for age at first egg and cumulative egg production up to 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age were 55.18 days, 19.80, 38.52 and 57.53 eggs, respectively. The effect of strains, generations and hatch were significant on AFE and egg production. The overall least squares means for pre-slaughter weight and weights of dressed, carcass, wings, neck, legs, thighs, drumsticks, breast and back were 221.61, 137.75 g 12.38, 5.91, 33.15, 19.63, 13.61, 55.08 and 29.84 g, respectively. Significant influence of strains, generations, sex and hatches was found on majority of the carcass traits studied. The Black Japanese quails exhibited higher means for almost all carcass traits than those of Browns. The chicks of 7th generation recorded highest means, while a majority of the carcass characters studied was higher in females than in males. The overall least squares mean dressing percentage was 62.22 and the wings, neck, legs, thighs, drumsticks, breast and back formed 9.01, 4.29, 24.21, 14.30, 9.94, 40.70 and 21.76 percent of dressed carcass respectively. The overall least squares means for egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, albumen weight, yolk weight, shape index, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit score were 13.71 g, 1.17 g, 0.21 mm, 7.80 g, 4.74 g, 79.23, 0.13, 0.45 and 58.27, respectively. The albumen, yolk and shell weights constituted 56.83, 34.61 and 8.56 percent of the egg weight, respectively. Almost all the egg quality traits were significantly influenced either by strains or generations. Medium to high heritability estimates within the normal range were obtained for the body weights from 1 to 4 weeks of age in Black and Brown Japanese quails by half-sib as well as full sib methods. The estimates based on sire component were higher than those based on dam component body weights at majority of the ages. . The heritabilities of ADGs estimated by half-sib method ranged from low to high, but, majority of estimates from 1 to 4 weeks of age were moderate, in magnitude, while the estimates based on full sib analysis varied from low to medium. The heritabilities of age at first egg (AFE) by half-sib method varied from moderate (0.27) to high (0.79) and by full sib method (sire + dam component) ranged from low (0.16) to high (0.39). The heritabilities of egg production by half-sib method varied from 0.46 to 0.68 in Black and 0.55 to 0.97 in Brown strains, while these estimates based on sire + dam component ranged from 0.32 to 0.39 and 0.21 to 0.34 in Black and Brown strains, respectively. Heritability estimates for various external and internal egg quality traits and quality indices in Black and Brown Japanese quails were mostly medium but ranged from low to moderate, respectively. The estimates of genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations for body weights in Black and Brown Japanese quails in all four generations varied from moderate to high in magnitude, but positive in direction. The genetic and phenotypic correlations for ADGs were moderate to high and low to medium in magnitude, respectively. The genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations among BW4, AFE, and EP varied from -0.59 to 1.00, -0.35 to 0.89 and -0.58 to 0.81 in Black Japanese quails and the correlations in the same order for Brown Japanese quails were -0.84 to 0.96, -0.51 to 0.81 and -0.37 to 0.50. The correlations on genetic, phenotypic and environmental scale among the various carcass traits and external, internal egg quality traits and quality indices exhibited considerable variation in magnitude and direction. The response to selection in body weight at 4-weeks age among the four generations 5 to 7 varied from 6.03 to 30.93 g in Black males; 6.84 to 14.24 g in Black females; 2.67 to 6.90 g in Brown males and 2.20 to 6.41 g in females. The cumulative response to selection in generations 5 to 8 was 53.31, 40.21, 18.85 and 15.05g in Black males, Black females, Brown males and Brown females. Out of seven selection indices constructed based on the genetic parameters obtained in the present study, the index I2 consisting of body weight at 4-weeks (BW4), age at first egg (AFE) and egg production upto 16 weeks of age (EP16) was found to be the best with RIH value of 35.50% in Black Japanese quails. This index was expected to fetch a desirable increase of 0.7399 g in BW4, decrease the AFE by 0.0056 days and increase 0.2656 eggs upto 16 weeks age per 1% increase in RIH value. In Brown Japanese quails, the index I3, with a moderate RIH value (25.11%) was expected to improve BW4 by 0.5153 g, EP20 by 0.5302 eggs and reduce AFE by 0.0455 days and considered to be satisfactory.ThesisItem Unknown PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER RABBITS UNDER TWO HOUSING SYSTEMS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIETARY PROBIOTICS AND ENZYMES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-08) SARAT CHANDRA, A; MAHENDER, M(MAJOR); RAGHUNANDAN, T; RAMESH GUPTA, B; GNANA PRAKASH, M; KONDAL REDDY, KABSTRACT : Studies were conducted on 144 weaned rabbits reared in cage and backyard rearing systems up to 16 weeks of age to study the influence of housing system and supplementation of probiotics and enzymes or both, on the productive and reproductive performance and health. A digestibility trial was conducted to assess the effect of different rations on digestibility of nutrients. Forty eight rabbits were slaughtered at 16 weeks of age and remaining rabbits were reared until first kindling to assess their reproductive performance. The overall least-squares mean body weights at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age were 568.29 ± 4.82, 690.34 ± 4.77, 963.44 ± 9.45, 1141.44 ± 7.69, 1322.17 ± 6.27 and 1499.15 ± 6.30 g, respectively with cage reared rabbits recording significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weights. In rabbits reared under cage and backyard systems, the effects of breed and ration were significant at most of the ages. In general, rabbits fed rations supplemented with enzymes and probiotics or both had significantly higher body weights at all ages. The overall least-squares mean ADGs were 18.21 ± 0.55, 20.72 ± 0.72, 18.19 ± 0.44, 13.15 ± 0.57, 10.89 ± 0.49 and 12.52 ± 0.62 g during 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14 and 14 to 16 weeks of age, respectively. Cage reared rabbits recorded significantly higher ADG at most of the ages studied. Ration had significant (P≤0.05) effect on the ADGs during 4 to 6, 10 to12 and 12 to 14 weeks only. Backyard reared rabbits fed T4 and T2 rations recorded significantly higher ADG 4 to 6. The overall least-squares mean voluntary dry matter intake was 115.07 ± 4.48 g . Rabbits fed rations T3 and T4 recorded significantly (P≤0.05) higher DMI in both the systems of housing. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and nitrogen free extract were 72.64 ± 1.26, 73.10 ± 1.23, 78.61 ± 1.03, 71.59 ± 1.32, 81.12 ± 1.34 and 70.80 ± 1.46 respectively. In both the housing systems, rabbits fed experimental diets recorded significantly higher digestibility coefficients than control group. Significantly higher pre-slaughter weight (2014.29 + 47.21), dressed weight (994.40 + 26.01), fore and mid cut weights (296.25 + 10.36 and 230.63 + 6.48) and inedible offals (374.25 + 9.73 vs. 346.71 + 9.73) were recorded by cage reared rabbits. The overall mean dressing percentage and weights of hind cut, head and feet, pelt and edible offals and the length of caecum were 49.38 + 0.19, 457.13 + 10.14, 253.46 + 5.19, 198.21 + 3.91 and 67.85 + 0.84 g and 49.06 + 0.40 cm, respectively. Influence of experimental diets was significant on hind cut weight and length of caecum in cage system while all the carcass traits except pelt weight were significantly influenced in backyard system. Meat protein and fat percentage were significantly high in cage reared rabbits. The overall mean dry matter (%), total ash (%), protein (%), fat (%) and cholesterol (mg %) contents of meat were 20.66 + 0.08, 1.29 + 0.01, 21.29 + 0.12, 4.05 + 0.02 and 0.10 + 0.00, respectively. The protein content was significantly high in the rabbits fed ration 3 and 4 while the fat content was significantly high in the rabbits fed with control ration in cage reared and backyard reared rabbits. Rabbits housed in cages had lower AFK (217.25 + 1.69 days). The overall mean litter size and weight at birth were 6.83 + 0.26 bunnies and 337.64 + 12.73 g, respectively. Mean total erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, haemoglobin content, PCV, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, SGPT, SGOT, Serum protein, Albumin, Globulin and AG ratio were 7.52 0.12 x106/mm³, 6.29 0.08 x103/mm³, 10.77 0.06 g/dl, 34.25 0.37%, 35.71 1.03%, 60.27 1.38%, 1.35 0.14%, 1.92 0.13, 123.79 2.69 mg/dl, 123.67 ± 1.66 mg/dl, 18.17 ± 0.50 IU/dl, 28.04 ± 0.73 IU/dl, 6.20 ± 0.09 g/dl, 4.08 ± 0.08 g/dl, 2.11 ± 0.06 g/dl and 1.93 ± 0.09, respectively. The overall mean SRBC titre was 6.63 ± 0.20 log2 units. In both the housing systems, significantly high SRBC titers were recorded by rabbits fed rations 3 and 4. In general, it was observed that rabbits kept in backyard were more active, aggressive and burrowing was observed. Immediately after weaning and during nights, rabbits preferred to stay together in backyard system. Rabbits in the backyard preferred to stay on the cemented kerb. The cost of feed per kg gain was reduced by Rs. 1.20, 3.63 and 2.89 in cage reared rabbits and Rs. 1.10, 5.61 and 4.4 in backyard reared rabbits fed rations supplemented with enzymes (T1), probiotic (T2) and probiotic +enzymes (T3) over control ration, respectively. The present study recorded higher growth in broiler rabbits, but the difference in the body weight of broiler rabbits under two systems of housing was not significant, suggesting that rabbit farming for meat production can profitably be taken up under backyard system, which requires less capital investment and provides valuable animal protein and remunerative income to the farmers. The inclusion of enzymes and probiotics to the diets had a positive effect on the utilization of dietary nutrients and also reduced the cost per kg weight gain, which emphasizes that the cost of feeding in rabbit farming can be reduced by utilization of forages especially legumes and by products replacing the costly feed ingredients. Thus, rabbit farming as a small enterprise can be recommended for small and marginal farmers, to improve the quality of diet and as a steady source of income.ThesisItem Unknown STUDIES ON CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF VIZIANAGARAM SHEEP OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-04) GANGARAJU, GOLLAMOORI; SARJAN RAO, K(MAJOR); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; RAGHUNANDAN, T; GNANA PRAKASH, MABSTRACT: A study was undertaken on the a) distribution of local Vizianagaram sheep b) biometric and morphological characters of the breed c) productive and reproductive performance of the breed and d) managemental practices being followed by farmers of Vizianagaram breeding tract in north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh comprising of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Based on nlultistage stratified random sampling technique, the study was carried out in 7 mandals each from every district and from each mandal 7 villages were selected. From each village 2-3 sheep farmers maintained local Vizianagaram sheep with an average flock size of 60-75 were selected for the study resulted in a sample size of 775. 1244 and 153 Vizianagaram sheep from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. The data recorded from farmers flocks were compared with the data of LRS, Garividi. The chest girth, body length and keight at withers (cm) were 35.2w0.33, 29.46M.37 and 40.3M.32 for ram lambs of below 1 year and 73.0W0.71. 60.91*0.82 and 68.84*0.62 for rams of 10-12 months. respectively. Significant (PThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF JERSEY X SAHIWAL CROSSBRED COWS IN PROGENY TESTING IMPLEMENTED AREAS OF CHITTOOR DISTRICT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-08) REDDY VARA PRASAD, A; RAGHUNANDAN, T(MAJOR); KISHAN KUMAR, M; GNANA PRAKASH, MABSTRACT: Data on 1411 crossbred cows were collected from Progeny Testing Programme of the State Animal Husbandry Department in Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. The effects of season of birth and batch were signiticant on age at sexual maturity and age at first calving. 'The age at sexual maturity had a significant influence on age at first calving. The overall least-squares mean age at sexual maturity, gestation period, age at first catving, FLMY and lactation length were 770.25 * 0.72,276.89 * 0.38, 1133.77 * 6.22 days, 2 154.07 * 16.88 ltrs and 300.16 .t 0.06 days, respectively. Cows born during rainy and winter seasons matured at significantly earlier age while the lowest age at first calving was observed in cows born in winter season. Cows with early sexual maturity had the shortest AFC. Among the 190 farmers interviewed, 35.26 per cent had dairying as main occupation. Majority was holding 4.5 to 9 acres of land and was growing perennial non-legume fodders. The family size ranged from 2 to 12 with an average of 4.58. Jersey X Sahiwal cows were prevalent in the study area and 39.62 per cent were in milk while 12.91 percent were dry. It is observed that 25.79 and 56.32 per cent of farmers were feeding green fodder ad libitum and limited amount, respectively. Majority of the farmers were feeding dry fodder ud libitum and restricted concentrate feed. Regular feeding of mineral mixture was practiced by 63.68 perccnt of the farmers. All the farmers were aware of heat detection and A1 and 2.43 inseminations were required for each conception. Most of the fanners (91.58) provided kutcha housing to anitnnls and average hygiene levels were observed in most cases. All the dairy farmers allowed suckling and followed regular twice a day full hand milking twice a day. Weaning way not followed. Mastitis, theileriasis, foot and mouth, repeat breeding, anoestrus and retained placenta were the major health and reproductive problem faced. Most of the farmers (88.95%) are vaccinating the animals by the vaccines provided by the Guvernment. None of the farmers followed recommended vaccination and deworming schedule. Cows maintained by farmers whose primary occupation was dairying matured and calved significantly earlier (17.80 + 1.09 and 27.68 * 1.08 months). Significantly longer dry period (82.41 * 2.95) was observed in cows from larger herds while significantly shorter service period was noted in cows owned by dairy farmers. Cows suppkemented with mineral mixture recorded higher lactation milk yield (2392.68 + 109.86 liters). Cows which were housed in pucca houses had longer lactations (334.84 .t 8.79 d). Constraints faced by the farmers are low sale price for milk, high cost and non availability of feed ingredients, lack of grazing land, non availability of v::ccines in time, non availability of adequate medicines in hospitals.