Browsing by Author "Kannan, A"
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ThesisItem Open Access Efficay of probiotic and ascorbic acid in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Smitha, S; KAU; Kannan, AThe research work was conducted to study the efficacy of probiotic (Lactobacillus casei) and ascorbic acid in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits. The study was done in the summer season from March to May. The growth performance of rabbits in summer, their physiological response to stress and the cost effectiveness of supplementing probiotic, Lactobacillus casei and ascorbic acid were studied. Twenty four weaned New Zealand White rabbits were randomly selected from Rabbit unit at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara were utilized for the study. They were divided into four groups of six animals each. The treatments were as follows: Treatment I (T1) - Ascorbic acid (Merck) at the rate of 200 mg per kg feed was given along with the basal diet, Treatment - 2 (T2) - Probiotic, Lactobacillus casei (Unique Biotech) containing 106 colony forming units per gram of feed was given along with the basal diet, Treatment - 3(T3) - Probiotic and Ascorbic acid at the same rate as in T2 and T3 were given along with the basal diet and Treatment - 4 (T4) - Rabbits fed with basal diet alone. The various climatic parameters studied were maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity (morning and afternoon) in macro climate and maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity (morning and afternoon), dry bulb temperature (morning and afternoon) and relative humidity (morning and afternoon) in micro climate. The production parameters recorded were weekly body weight, daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed efficiency. The physiological parameters studied were weekly respiration rate, weekly rectal temperature and monthly cortisol (faecal and serum) values (twice a month for three months). Disease incidence and mortality during the period was recorded. Cost effectiveness of supplementing probiotic and ascorbic acid was determined. The mean monthly temperature humidity index values suggested that animals were under moderate heat stress in the first (28.45±0.16) and the second month (28.50±0.22), while no stress prevailed in the third month (26.83±0.21). By one way Analysis of variance it was found that supplementation of probiotic, Lactobacillus casei and ascorbic acid had a significant effect in alleviating summer stress in rabbits. The animals in the T1 group showed significantly (P<0.05) higher overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean respiration rate and faecal cortisol level compared to T4 animals. The rabbits in T2 treatment showed significantly higher (P<0.05) final body weight, overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean respiration rate compared to T4. The rabbits in the T3 group showed significantly higher (P<0.05) final body weight, overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean faecal cortisol level compared to T4. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatments in mean feed intake, rectal temperature and serum cortisol. No disease incidence or mortality was observed during the experimental period. Supplementation of probiotic and ascorbic acid was found to be efficient in reducing the production economics. Hence it was concluded that supplementation of probiotic, Lactobacillus casei at the rate of 106 cfu per g of feed and ascorbic acid at the rate of 200 mg per kg feed in combination was found to be most effective and economic in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits.ThesisItem Open Access Evolving low cost ration for commercial broiler rabbit production(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Biya Ann, Joseph; KAU; Kannan, AA study was conducted to document the present rabbit farming scenario in Thrissur district and to evolve a low cost ration for rabbits utilizing concentrates and vegetable cuttings in different ratios. The documentation was conducted on thirty rabbit farmers using a well-designed questionnaire and personal interview. The socio-economic status of the rabbit farmers and management practices were studied. The composite feed samples fed to rabbits were analysed. The rabbit farmers mostly lived in a nuclear family system and were employed either in public sector or owned business. The reason for engaging in rabbit rearing was for additional income generated and for the value of keeping rabbits as pets. Most of the farmers had only 1-6 months experience and the responsibility of rearing rested with wife and children. New Zealand White was the preferred breed and the rabbits were mostly obtained from local rabbit farmers. Most farmers maintained herd strength of less than 20. A mixture of concentrate and locally available leaves and grasses was the major feeding method with a feeding frequency of twice a day and most rabbits were fed 100-125 g ration daily. The crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract of composite rabbit feed was 15.48%, 14.98% and 1.74% respectively. Pan watering was the common method of watering. Cage system was the preferred type of housing with a cage size of 2-4 sq.ft. and 4-6 sq.ft. Majority of the cages were located adjoining the house. Most rabbits were sold at 2 months of age at Rs. 100-150 per pair. Digestive disorders were the frequently occurring disease and rabbits were mostly treated by veterinary doctors. Use of nest box, manure disposal and daily cage cleaning were the commonly adopted scientific management practices. Thirty weaned New Zealand White rabbits were selected and utilized for the study. They were divided into five groups of six animals each and allotted to one of the following treatments: T1 – Rabbits fed with the ration (100 per cent concentrate) provided by the Rabbit Research Station, Mannuthy (Control). T2 – Rabbits fed with 75 per cent concentrate and 25 per cent vegetable cuttings on Dry Matter (DM) basis. T3 - Rabbits fed with 50 per cent concentrate and 50 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. T4 - Rabbits fed with 25 per cent concentrate and 75 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. T5 - Rabbits fed with 100 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. The parameters like fortnightly body weight, fortnightly body weight gain, average daily gain, average daily feed intake on dry and fresh matter basis, feed conversion efficiency, proximate analysis of concentrate and vegetable cuttings, occurrence of disease, carcass traits and economics of production showed significant difference between the treatments. T2 had the highest body weight among all treatments whereas T1 and T3 showed no significant weight difference and T5 had the least weight. A similar trend was seen in average fortnightly weight gain and average daily gain, with T2 having the highest gain and T5 the least gain. The daily feed intake had a linear increase from first to the sixth fortnight in all the treatment groups. The feed conversion efficiency (FCE) increases with increase in the percentage inclusion of vegetable cuttings on DM basis. Vegetable cuttings had a higher percentage moisture, crude fibre and total ash (79.63, 17.08 and 9.58) than concentrate (10.75, 4.09 and 3.57) but lower crude fat (1.75) and nitrogen free extract (50.64). The percentage crude protein content was almost similar in both concentrate (21.82) and vegetable cuttings (20.97). Digestive disorder was the commonly observed disease closely followed by mange. The dressing percentage varies from 45.31 in T5 to 52.27 in T2. The cost of production of one kg of rabbit meat ranges from Rs. 47.52 in T1 to Rs. 8.72 in T5. T2 has a higher weight and feed conversion efficiency, but the cost of production of Rs. 41.56 is high compared to T3, which is on par with T1 in weight gain and lower by Rs. 13.92 in its production cost. Hence rearing rabbits on a combination of 50% concentrate and 50% vegetable cuttings can be recommended for commercial broiler rabbit production.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of age and weight of gilt on breeding performance and feed intake during gestation and suckling period(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Kannan, A; KAU; Kurien, ThomasAn experiment was conducted to determine the influence of age and body weight of gilt on the breeding performance and feed intake during gestation and suckling period and to recommend an optimum age and body weight for breeding. Forty eight weaned female Piglings were randomly assigned into eight (A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H) groups each consisting of six. Pigs in group A, B, C and D were bred to designated boars on attaining seven, eight, nine and ten month of age. Similarly pigs in group E, F, G and H were bred to designated boars on attaining body weight of 70, 80, 90 and 100 kg respectively, irrespective their ages. Two pigs from each group were slaughtered within a week after mating and the genitalia were studied. The length, weight of uterus, ovarian weight and ovulation rate were increasing with increasing order of age and body weight of the animal. Remaining four pig in each of group were allowed to farrow and their litter performance was studied. The litter size, weight at birth and weaning were significantly (P < 0.01) different between the groups. The prepartum weight gain did not vary significantly in pigs of different age and weight. The weight at weaning significantly (P < 0.01) varied in pigs of different age and body weight at breeding. The food consumed during gestation period was not significantly different between groups while during suckling period it significantly (P < 0.01) varied with age and body weight at breeding. The onset of post weaning estrus did not vary significantly between groups. Overall results suggested that economic and optimum age and weight at breeding was nine months and 90 kg.ThesisItem Open Access LACTATION PERFORMANCE AND MILK COMPOSITION OF ATTAPPADY BLACK GOATS(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 2017) Sudharsan, M; Kannan, AAn experiment was conducted to assess the Lactation performance and milk composition of Attappady Black and Malabari goats. Thirty Attappady Black and ten Malabari goats were selected for this study. Meteorological data, Proximate composition of feed and fodder, Body weight, BCS, blood composition, milk yield, lactation length, milk composition, mineral composition and SCC were the parameters employed for the evaluation of the work. The meteorological data of air temperature was not significantly (P>0.05) differed between the location but relative humidity was significantly (p<0.01) higher in Mannuthy than the Palakkad region. The body Weight and BCS was recorded on experimental period and result showed that the body weight (P<0.05) and BCS (p<0.01) was differed significantly between the breeds. Body weight and BCS were higher in Malabari than Attappady Black goats. Blood samples were collected per animal on experimental period and analyzed for serum protein, cholesterol and triglycerides. Results showed that serum protein and triglycerides content were not influenced (P>0.05) by breeds. However, cholesterol content differed significantly (P<0.01) between the breeds. Serum protein and triglyceride content were higher in Malabari than Attappady Black goats but Attappady Black had relatively higher cholesterol content than Malabari goats. The does were hand milked daily at 8 am prior to feeding and yield determined for each animal at weekly interval. The milk samples were collected per animal on experimental period and analyzed for total solids, fat, crude protein, Lactose, ash and fat globule size. Results showed that fat, total solids, lactose, ash and fat globule size were not influenced (P>0.01) by breeds. However, protein (p<0.05), milk yield and lactation length (P<0.01) differed significantly between the small ruminant breeds. Total solids, fat, protein and lactose concentrations were higher in milk of Attappady Black than Malabari goats. But Malabari goat had relatively higher fat globule size, milk yield and lactation length than Attappady Black goats. The milk samples also used to analyses the minerals viz., calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium content of milk. On that, calcium (p<0.01) and sodium (p<0.05) content was differed significantly between the breeds but phosphorus and 102 potassium content of milk was not significantly (p>0.05) differed between the breeds. Calcium and sodium concentrations in milk were significantly higher (P<0.05) for Malabari goats than Attappady Black goats. However, phosphorus and potassium levels in milk were higher in Attappady Black than Malabari goats. The SCC of milk were analysed per animal on experimental period and results showed that SCC were not influenced (P>0.05) by breeds. SCC content was higher in Malabari than Attappady Black goats. The overall correlation matrix of Attappady Black and Malabari goats indicated significant positive and negative (p<0.05-0.01) correlations between the experimental parameters.ThesisItem Open Access LITTER PERFORMANCE OF LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE PIGS RAISED IN DIFFERENT FARROWING HOUSING SYSTEMS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCE-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2015-04-13) .MAGESH RAM, D; Kannan, AA study was conducted to find out litter performance of sows in different housing and management during farrowing and preweaning period. Thirty Large White Yorkshire sows were selected and randomly divided into three groups of ten animals each and were subjected to three treatments, i.e., conventional farrowing house with guard rail and 1/3 rd slatted floor ( T1), Farrowing house with guard rail with floor level ventilation (T2) and Farrowing house with farrowing crates (T3). The animals were maintained in the different housing systems from last quarter of pregnancy to forty five days after farrowing. Micro climatic variables, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, daily feed intake of sows, body weight loss during lactation, maternal behavioral scores of sows, mortality pattern of pigletsand litter performance of sows were recorded. Proximate principles of the feeds and serum cortisol of sows were estimated. Economics of litter production were calculated. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) room temperature was recorded in T3 followed by T2 and T1. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) room humidity was recorded in T2 followed by T1 and T3. Elevated rectal temperature and respiratory rate was observed in T3 group housed sows.There were no significant differences in average daily feed intakes between the treatments. There were no significant variations in litter size and litter weight at birth in all treatment groups. Litter size and litter weight at fourth week at weaning was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in treatment group T3 than T2 and T1. There were no significant differences in maternal behavioral scores between the treatments. The body weight loss during lactation of sows was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T3 sows which was not significantly different between T2 and T1. There were no significant differences in serum cortisol level between the treatment at the beginning and at the end of experiment. Mortality of piglets in three different farrowing housing systems had a significant difference (P < 0.05) between all the treatments. Mortality of piglets noticed in first two days after birth were similar (P > 0.05) in all three farrowing system. Mortality incidence happened in first three days of piglets after farrowing in T1, T2 and T3 was 62.5 %, 71.4 % and 66.7 % from the total preweaning piglet mortality. Cost of production per kg live weight of piglets on housing cost basis was higher in T1 followed by T2. T3 had the lowest housing cost of production among the three different farrowing systems. Time (years) required to pay back the housing cost for T3, T2 and T1 is 1.63, 2.94 and 3.11 respectively. From this study it is concluded that farrowing house with farrowing crate significantly improves the litter performance of sows in terms of more litter size and weight at weaning and reduces the piglet mortality. It had economic benefit compared with other treatments.ThesisItem Open Access Management protocol for averting drop of milk production in dairy cattle during summer(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Nisanth, P; KAU; Kannan, AA study was conducted to assess the effect of feeding management on milk production and metabolic profile of crossbred cows in mid lactation. Twelve healthy crossbred cows having a peak yield of minimum eight litres in the previous lactation, were selected as the experimental animals. The animals were divided into two groups of six each as uniformly as possible with regard to age, milk yield and parity and were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments, T1 consisting of basal concentrate mixture and green grass as roughages and T2 consisting basal concentrate mixture, green grass as roughage of which 1/3rd of the concentrate and roughage is fed during the day time and rest in the evening and early morning with water availability at all times. Daily maximum temperature, minimum temperature and relative humidity were recorded inside the shed using maximum and minimum thermometer to quantify the microenvironment prevalent around the animals in both the treatment groups. Physiological parameters like respiration rate and rectal temperature were measured to give an immediate response to the climatic stress and consequently the level of comfort to the animal. Individual records of daily intakes of concentrate and roughage, daily milk production and fortnightly body weight were maintained through out the experiment. Milk samples were collected at fortnightly intervals and were analysed for milk fat, total solids and solids not fat. Blood was collected at fortnight intervals for estimating haemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, packed cell volume, plasma glucose and cortisol. The ambient temperature prevailed during the study period was higher than what was reported as comfortable or ideal temperature for better livestock production and the excess humidity and temperature levels recorded in the present study at Mannuthy could be classified as humid and hot. The average rectal temperature during morning and afternoon between T1 and T2 did not differ significantly. The mean values clearly indicated that high ambient temperature increased the respiratory rate in the afternoon. The respiration rate for morning and afternoon recording was not found to be differed between T1 and T2. Average body weight of animals revealed no significant difference for the both groups during all the fortnight studied. The average daily dry matter intake linearly increased as the lactation progressed in both the groups. Dry matter intake by the animals of T2 was comparatively better than the animals of T1 with a significant increase (P<0.05) during the fourth and seventh fortnight. Scrutiny of the data on milk production during first 120 days of lactation further revealed that comparatively higher milk yield and better persistency was observed in T2. There was no significant difference in any of the milk composition parameters between the treatments. The haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma glucose estimated at the fortnight intervals were not significantly affected by the two dietary treatments. On statistical analysis a significant difference (P< 0.05) in plasma cortisol was obtained between the two groups during the first and second fortnights. The overall average plasma cortisol level was significantly higher in the T1 in comparison to T2. From the overall results obtained in the present study it could be concluded that the night time feeding of the animals during summer season has improved total milk production and helped to maintain the higher milk yield as well as persistency of milk production in lactating crossbred cows and found that there was some long-term effect on performance of evening fed cows.ArticleItem Open Access A survey on village chicken production in Kerala state of India(World's Poultry Science Association, 2013) Kumar, PG; Churchil, RR; Jalaludeen, A; Narayanakutty, K; Joseph, L; Kannan, A; Anitha, P; TANUVASThe present study was conducted to document the rearing practices of village chicken production in the Northern midlands, agro-ecological zone comprising Kannur and Kozhikode districts of Kerala state, India. Data was generated from 65 and 63 chicken farming families of Kozhikode and Kannur districts respectively. The system of chicken rearing is extensive, with the provision of shelter only during the night. The birds are being managed mostly by women (89.06%). The decision on the sale of birds and eggs is made by women and the proceeds of sales go directly to them. It was found that as many as 43.75% of the chicken farmers in these areas have no other animal husbandry activities. The average flock size is 5.62 birds. Natural incubation using locally available materials as a nest box and sand as the nesting material is the common practice. The average number of eggs set under the broody hen for hatching is 10.41. Chicken coops are placed at an average distance of 5.45m from the house and elevated 0.39 m from the ground. The average floor area of the coops is 0.757 m2 and the night shelter provided per bird is 830.39 cm2. The walls and floor of the coops are made of wood and the roof with tiles or thatch in most of cases. Rice grain is commonly fed as supplementary feed with mostly no specific timing in feeding. Farmers depend on an array of herbs rather than chemotherapeutic agents and vaccines for the treatment and control of diseases. Most of the surplus males (59.38%) are discarded before one year of age, whereas females are less commonly culled (21.87%). The average culling age of males and females was 11.05 and 36.64 months, respectively. It was discovered that as high as 52.15% of the eggs and 59.38% of the cockerels produced are consumed in the home. When sold they attract at least a two-fold higher price compared to birds of industrial origin.