Browsing by Author "Hudson, GH"
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ArticleItem Open Access Effect of Semen Diluents, Dilution Rates and Storage Periods on Live and Abnormal Spermatozoa of Pearl Guinea Fowls(2016) Hudson, GH; Omprakash, AV; Premavalli, K; TANUVASBackground: Guinea fowls are neglected poultry with lower fertility rates compared to other avian species. Semen quality is one of the majordeterminants of fertilitywhich deteriorates soon aftercollection.Therefore,theability ofdifferent semen extenders in maintaining the livability and morphology of Guinea fowl spermatozoa under short term storage was studied. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 male Guinea fowls were housed in individual cages and was trained for semen collection by abdominal massage technique. Pooled semen samples werethen diluted with two different semen extenders namely the beltsville poultry semen extenderand instruments for veterinary medicine poultry semen preservation media each in the ratio 1:2 and i:3.The diluted samples werethen stored at 5°C and the percent spermatozoa livability and abnormality were assessed at 0, 3 and 6 h of storage. Results: Based on the study, the livability and morphologically normal spermatozoa were maintained above 80% with both the extenders until 6 h ofstorage. With respect to dilution rates, the semen in lower dilution had shown a higher percentage of live and morphologically normal spermatozoa irrespective of extenders and storage periods. The percent dead spermatozoa and abnormal spermatozoa significantly increased with increasing storage periods. Conclusion: Based on the results, it was concluded that the Guinea fowl semen may be extended with either ofthe diluents at lower dilution rates and the diluted semen must be inseminated within 3 h after collection which may have positive impact on fertility by artificial insemination.ArticleItem Open Access Growth performance of broilers in Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu(2021) Hudson, GH; Vasanthakumar, T; Ramachandran, M, et al.,; TANUVASA six-week duration biological experiment was conducted to access the growth performance of broiler chicken at Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 250 broiler chicks used for the study, were reared under standard and uniform managemental conditions throughout the experimental period. They were fed ad libitum with pre-starter, starter and finisher diets during 0-7, 8-21 and 22-42 days, respectively. Body weight and feed consumption was recorded daily form 0- 42 days of age. The birds attained final body weight of 2121.66±21.52 grams (gms) and have consumed an average of 4049.6 gms of feed at the end of 6 weeks of age. The data on daily body weight (a) and feed consumption (b) was plotted against the age of the birds (x) in days and the linear equation is given as a = 54.308x - 293.45 and b = 4.6136x - 1.6641. The study revealed optimum performance of broilers attaining desirable weight with FCR less than 2.0 in the study area.ArticleItem Open Access Production performance of Nandanam chicken 4 in Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu(2020-07) Vasanthakumar, T; Hudson, GH; Richard Churchil, R; TANUVASProduction performance of Nandanam chicken 4 was evaluated at Poultry unit, Instructional Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Thanjavur. At the end of 72 weeks of age the average egg weight (g), percent hen day egg production, percent hen housed egg production and percent mortality were 49.28±0.26, 53.14, 47.19 and 14.44 respectively. The present study revealed that the total hen day and hen housed egg production of Nandanam Chicken 4 is 193 and 172 eggs / hen / year. The better production performance of Nandanam Chicken 4 may favour the farmers in Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu to improve their livelihood and nutritional security.