Browsing by Author "Raja Kishore, K"
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ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF PALM KERNEL MEAL (Elaeis guineensis) AT VARYING LEVELS ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION IN BUFFALO BULLS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2018-12) ESHWAR, NUTI; Srinivas Kumar, D(MAJOR); Raja Kishore, K; Naga Raja Kumari, KIn 4 x 4 LSD, four buffalo bulls were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (T1 to T4) comprising of green fodder viz. Super Napier, paddy straw and concentrate mixture. A concentrate mixture with 20% CP is prepared by using conventional feed ingredients and is used as control (T1). In this concentrate mixture, palm kernel meal is incorporated at 10 (T2), 15 (T3) and 20 (T4) percent level. All the concentrate mixtures were made iso-nitrogenous. All the four diets are evaluated for their effect on in vitro digestibility, rumen fermentation pattern, mineral balances and nutrient utilization in buffalo bulls. The in vitro studies conducted using rumen liquor of buffalo bulls revealed that inclusion of PKM at 10, 15 or 20% level in the concentrate mixture had no effect (P>0.05) on in vitro digestibility (%) of DM, OM and CP as compared to the control. Rumen fermentation studies conducted in fistulated buffalo bulls revealed that rumen pH values were highest at 0 h and declined to minimum by 4 h post feeding, while TVFA, NH3-N, and N fractions reached peak at 4 h post feeding and later followed a decreasing trend in all the treatments. The present study indicated that inclusion of PKM at varying levels in the concentrate mixture had no significant effect (P>0.05) on rumen pH, TVFA concentration, ammonia N, total N, TCA insoluble protein N, residual N and food and protozoal N concentration in buffalo bulls as compared to the control. The digestibility coefficients (%) of gross nutrients and fibre fractions decreased linearly from T1 to T4 with increased levels of inclusion of PKM from 0 to 20% level in the concentrate mixtures but the differences between treatments were not statistically significant (P>0.05). All the buffalo bulls were in positive N, Ca and P balance. Further, inclusion of PKM at varying levels in the concentrate mixture had no significant effect (P>0.05) on N, Ca and P retentions expressed either as g/d or as % intake or as % absorbed. The average DMI of buffalo bulls expressed as kg/d or as % BW was comparable among the treatments. Inclusion of PKM at varying levels in the concentrate mixture had no significant effect (P>0.05) on DCP contents expressed as % in the diet consumed or as kg/d. However, the TDN contents expressed as % in the diet consumed or as kg/d decreased (P<0.05) with increased levels of inclusion of PKM from 0 to 20% level in the concentrate mixtures. The estimated DE and ME intakes (M cal/d) also followed the similar trend. Further, the DCP, TDN and ME intakes per kg W0.75 were similar among the treatments and were higher than the values recommended by ICAR (2013) standards. Inclusion of palm kernel meal at 10, 15 and 20% level in the concentrate mixtures resulted in decreased feed cost by 0.73, 1.09 and 1.46 as compared to the control. Based on the results of the present study, it is concluded that palm kernel meal can be included up to 20% level in the concentrate mixture without any adverse effects on nutrient utilization in buffalo bulls.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY INCORPORATION OF CORIANDER SEED (Coriandrum sativum L.) AT VARYING LEVELS ON THE PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2017-03) BALA CHENNA REDDY, NARALA; Srinivas Kumar, D(MAJOR); Raja Kishore, K; Naga Raja Kumari, KABSTRACT: The present investigation is carried out to study the effect of dietary incorporation of coriander seed at varying levels on the growth performance, serum biochemical profile, carcass characteristics and nutrient utilization of Japanese quails. One hundred and fifty, day old quail chicks distributed randomly to five dietary groups each with three replicates of ten quails and were offered a basal diet containing 24% CP and 2900 kcal/kg ME. During the experiment, coriander seed powder is included at 0.0% (T1; Control), 0.5% (T2), 1.0% (T3), 1.5% (T4) and 2.0% (T5) level by marginal adjustment of other feed ingredients. All the rations were made iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Chemical analysis indicated that coriander seed contained 14.70% CP, 9.34% EE, 0.64% calcium and 0.35% phosphorous. Results indicated that the body weight gains and feed intake increased (P<0.01) while feed consumed/kg gain decreased (P<0.01) with increased level of incorporation of coriander seed from 0 to 2.0% in the diet. The serum biochemical profile of quails revealed that the total protein, globulin, albumin, calcium and phosphorous contents increased (P<0.01) while serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and creatinine levels decreased (P<0.01) with increase in the level of incorporation of coriander seed from 0 to 2.0% in the diet. Further, the study indicated that the HDL cholesterol level increased (P<0.01), while LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels decreased (P<0.01) in serum with increased level of incorporation of coriander seed from 0 to 2.0% in the diet. Furthermore, serum glucose level decreased (P<0.05) with increase in the level of incorporation of coriander seed from 0 to 2.0% in the diet. The digestibility of OM, CP, EE and fibre fractions increased (P<0.01) with increased level of incorporation of coriander seed from 0 to 2.0% level in the diet. Similarly, the per cent nitrogen utilization increased (P<0.01) and percent calcium and phosphorous utilization also increased (P<0.05) with increase in the level of incorporation of coriander seed from 0 to 2.0% level in the diet. Further, the study indicated that the meat to bone ratio increased (P<0.01) with increased level of incorporation of coriander seed from 0 to 2.0% level in the diet. However, incorporation of coriander seed at graded levels in the diet of quails had no effect (P>0.05) on carcass yield, dressing percentage, ready to cook yield and, per cent weight of heart, liver, gizzard and giblet. The feed cost / kg gain decreased by 6.15 (T5) and 2.72 (T4) and increased by 0.97 (T2) and 0.34 (T3) in quails fed diets containing coriander seed at varying levels as compared to the control. The present study indicated that coriander seed can be incorporated up to 2.0% level as a natural feed additive in the diet of quails without any adverse effect on production performance of quails.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF CLOVE (Syzygium aromaticum) AS FEED ADDITIVE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2021-02) JAYAVANI, POTLA; Srinivas Kumar, D (MAJOR); Raja Kishore, K; Narendranath, DThe present investigation is carried out to study the effect of supplementation of clove powder at different levels on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, digestibility of nutrients, carcass characteristics and cost economics in Japanese quails. One hundred and fifty, day old quail chicks were distributed randomly to five dietary groups each with three replicates of ten chicks and were offered experimental diets to meet the nutrient requirements (NRC, 1994). During the experiment, different levels of clove powder were added to the basal diet as follows: Basal diet (T1), basal diet + 0.25% clove powder (T2), basal diet + 0.5% clove powder (T3), basal diet + 0.75% clove powder (T4), basal diet + 1.0% clove powder (T5). Results indicated that supplementation of clove powder from 0 to 1.0% level in the diet had no effect (P>0.05) on body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, performance index and protein efficiency ratio in quails as compared to the control. The serum biochemical profile of quails revealed that supplementation of clove powders up to 1.0% in the diet had no effect (P>0.05) on serum total protein, albumin, globulin, AST, ALT, serum urea, creatinine, calcium and phosphorus contents. However, the study indicated that the serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol levels decreased (P0.05) on CF digestibility. Further, supplementation of clove powders up to 1.0% in the diet had no effect (P>0.05) on carcass yield, dressing percentage, ready to cook yield and per cent weight of heart, liver, gizzard and giblet as compared to the control. The feed cost / kg gain decreased by1.68 in T2 while it is increased by 4.60 in T3, 9.24 in T4 and 14.29 in T5 groups of quails supplemented with clove powder at 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0% levels in the diet as compared to the control. Thus, it is concluded that clove powder can be supplemented up to 0.25% level as feed additive in the diet without any adverse effect on production performance of Japanese quail.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF CURRY LEAF (Murraya koenigii) POWDER AS NATURAL FEED ADDITIVE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKEN(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2021-04) SRAVYA PRIYA, BEJJAM; Srinivas Kumar, D (MAJOR); Raja Kishore, K; Naga Raja Kumari, KThe present study was carried out to study the effect of supplementation of curry leaf powder at different levels on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, digestibility of nutrients, carcass characteristics and cost economics in broilers. One hundred and fifty, day-old chicks distributed randomly to five dietary groups each with three replicates of ten chicks and were offered broiler diets to meet the nutrient requirements (BIS, 2007). During the experiment, curry leaf powder was supplemented to the basal diet in pre-starter, starter and finisher phases as follows: Basal diet (T1), BD + 0.5% curry leaf powder (T2), BD + 1.0% curry leaf powder (T3), BD + 1.5% curry leaf powder (T4) and BD + 2.0% curry leaf powder (T5). Results indicated that supplementation of curry leaf powder from 0.50 to 2.0% in the diet resulted in increased (P0.05) on overall feed intakes of birds. The serum biochemical profile of broilers revealed that supplementation of curry leaf powder up to 2.0% level in the diet had no effect (P>0.05) on serum albumin, globulin, HDL cholesterol, urea, creatinine, serum calcium and phosphorous content while it decreased significantly the serum total protein (P0.05) on digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE and NFE while the CF digestibility decreased significantly (P0.05) on dressing percent, weight of head, shank, heart, liver, gizzard and giblets in broilers. The feed cost/kg gain decreased by ₹ 4.32 in T2, ₹ 4.61 in T3, ₹ 1.66 in T4 while it increased by ₹ 1.37 in T5 groups of broilers fed diets supplemented with curry leaf powder as compared to the control. Thus, the present study indicated that curry leaf powder can be supplemented up to 1.0% level in the diet of broilers for decreasing feed cost/kg gain without any adverse effect on production performance of broilers.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING BIO-FORTIFIED VARIETIES (DRR DHAN 45 AND 48) OF RICE STRAW ON GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION IN BUFFALO CALVES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2022-03) RAVITEJA KUMAR, KAVURI; Srinivas Kumar, D (MAJOR); Raja Kishore, K; Venkata Seshaiah, ChIn a 90-day growth trial, 18 Murrah buffalo bull calves were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (T1 to T3) comprising of Super Napier green fodder, concentrate mixture and rice straw viz. local variety (T1; Control), DRR Dhan – 45 (T2) and DRR Dhan – 48 (T3). All the three varieties of rice straws were ground using chopper cum grinder, mixed with concentrate mixture and offered to bull calves in respective groups in TMR form to meet the nutrient requirements (ICAR, 2013). All the three diets were evaluated for their effect on growth, nutrient utilization, serum biochemical and mineral profile in buffalo bulls. The per cent DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, TA, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, ADL and silica were 93.11, 85.63, 3.19, 2.66, 37.09, 35.8, 14.37, 76.19, 52.15, 24.04, 26.83, 14.40 and 10.96; 93.98, 86.39, 5.78, 2.41, 34.94, 37.24, 13.61, 71.17, 46.14, 25.03, 24.80, 12.18 and 9.26; 93.90, 87.69, 5.62, 2.86, 35.80, 37.31, 12.31, 71.40, 45.34, 26.06, 24.26, 13.07 and 8.06 percent in control, Dhan - 45 and Dhan – 48 varieties, respectively. The calcium and phosphorous content in control, Dhan - 45 and Dhan – 48 varieties were 0.51 and 0.10; 0.56 and 0.12; and 0.58 and 0.13 percent, respectively. In vitro parameters studied viz. IVGP (ml/200 mg DM), IVDMD (%), IVOMD (%), ME (MJ/kg DM), PF (mg/ml), MBP (mg), FE (mg DM) and SCFA (mM) revealed no significant differences (P>0.05) between biofortified varieties of rice straw as compared to the control. The study indicated that feeding zinc biofortified varieties of rice straw increased significantly (P0.05) on feed efficiency and cost of feed / kg gain in buffalo bull calves as compared to the control. The cost of feed / kg gain decreased (P>0.05) by 11.04 and 6.52 in T2 and T3, respectively as compared to T1. Feeding zinc biofortified rice straw varieties in the diet had no effect (P>0.05) on DM, OM, CF, NFE, NDF, hemi-cellulose and cellulose digestibility as compared to control. However, digestibility of CP and EE were significantly higher (P0.05) on TDN (kg/d), DE and ME intakes (M Cal/d) as compared to the control. The study revealed that feeding of zinc biofortified varieties of rice straw had no effect (P>0.05) on serum biochemical profile in buffalo bull calves as compared to the control. Further, feeding zinc biofortified varieties of rice straw had no effect (P>0.05) on serum calcium and phosphorous content while it increased significantly (P<0.01) the serum zinc content as compared to those fed control straw diet. Thus, it is concluded that zinc biofortified varieties of rice straw viz. Dhan-45 and Dhan-48 can be fed to buffalo bull calves for increased body weight gains and decreased cost of feeding without any adverse effects ensuring profits to the farmers / dairy entrepreneurs.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF INCLUSION OF GARLIC (Allium sativum) AS FEED ADDITIVE ON THE PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2018-04) DURGA BHAVANI, MANDADI; Srinivas Kumar, D(MAJOR); Raja Kishore, K; Naga Raja Kumari, KABSTRACT: The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of inclusion of garlic powder at varying levels on the growth performance, serum biochemical profile, carcass characteristics and nutrient utilization of Japanese quails. One hundred and fifty, day old quail chicks distributed randomly to five dietary groups each with three replicates of ten quails and were offered broiler quail diets (starter and finisher) to meet the nutrient requirements (ICAR, 2013). Garlic powder was included at 0.0% (T1: Control), 0.50% (T2), 1.0% (T3), 1.5% (T4) and 2.0% (T5) level by marginal adjustment of other feed ingredients. All the rations were made iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Chemical analysis indicated that garlic powder contained 16.5 % CP, 2.1% CF, 13.29% calcium and 5.54% phosphorus. Results indicated that body weight gain (P<0.05) increased linearly from T1 to T3 and then decreased linearly from T3 to T5, feed consumed / kg gain (P<0.01) decreased linearly from T1 to T3 and then increased linearly from T3 to T5 while there was no effect (P>0.05) on feed intake with increased level of inclusion of garlic powder from 0 to 2.0% in the diet. The serum biochemical profile of quails revealed that the serum total protein (P<0.05), HDL-C and phosphorus (P<0.01) contents increased while serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C and creatinine levels were decreased (P<0.01) with increase in the level of inclusion of garlic powder from 0 to 2.0% in the diet. Further, the study indicated that inclusion of garlic powder from 0 to 2.0% in the diet had no effect (P>0.05) on serum albumin, globulin and calcium levels. The digestibility of DM, OM, NFE, ADF (P<0.05), CF and NDF (P<0.01) increased linearly from T1 to T3 and then decreased linearly from T3 to T5 with increased level of inclusion of garlic powder in the diet. Similarly, the percent calcium (P<0.01) and phosphorus (P<0.05) utilization increased linearly from T1 to T3 and then decreased linearly from T3 to T5 with increased level of inclusion of garlic powder in the diet while there was no effect (P>0.05) on percent nitrogen utilization. However, inclusion of garlic powder in the diet of quails had no effect (P>0.05) on carcass yield, dressing percent, ready to cook yield, meat to bone ratio, percent weight of heart, liver, gizzard and giblet. The feed cost / kg gain decreased by 2.88 in T2 and 5.71 in T3 while it is increased by 1.20 in T4 and 7.25 in T5 groups of quails fed diets containing garlic powder at varying levels as compared to the control. The study indicated that garlic powder can be incorporated up to 1.0% level as feed additive in the diet of quails without any adverse effect on production performance.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SYNBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN MURRAH BUFFALO CALVES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2019-04) SRI LEKHA, MARRAPU; Venkata Seshaiah, Ch.(MAJOR); Asha Latha, P; Raja Kishore, KA study was carried to find out the effect of dietary probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation on growth performance, haematological, serum biochemical profiles and cost per kg body weight gain in Murrah buffalo calves with the objective of identifying non antibiotic feed additive as growth promoter in calves. Twenty four Murrah buffalo calves of about six months age were randomly divided into four groups of six calves each on the basis of body weight (BW) in a completely randomized design (CRD). Group I is control (C), Group-II was supplemented with multistrain probiotic containing 7 bacterial strains and 2 yeast strains (2×109cfu/gm) at 5gm/calf/day (T1). Group-III was supplemented with prebiotic mannonoligosaccharide + inulin at 5gm/calf/day (T2) and Group-IV was supplemented with synbiotic containing multistrain probiotic at 2.5gm and 2.5gms of prebiotic mannonoligosaccharide + inulin per calf/day (T3) for a period of 90 days. The dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly higher (P<0.05) from 45th day onwards in T3 group compared to the T1, T2 and C groups. Compared to the control group the DMI was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T1 group of calves while the difference was not significant between C and T2 groups. The mean body weight gain (kg) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T3 compared to the C group. However significant difference was not observed in body weight gain (kg) among T1, T2 and T3 groups and C, T1 and T2 groups. The Average daily gain (ADG) (Kg/day) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 group compared to the control while significant difference was not observed in ADG among T1, T2 and T3 groups and C, T1 and T2 groups. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T3 group compared to C, T1 and T2 groups. Compared to the C group, the FCR was significantly lower (P<0.05) in T1 and T2 groups and the difference was not significant between T1 and T2 groups. The body condition score (BCS) was not significantly different among the experimental groups. Significant difference was not observed in haemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, packed cell volume among the treatment and control groups. Serum glucose levels, albumin and globulin levels, albumin to globulin ratio and total protein was not significantly different among the treatment and control groups. However, from 60th day onwards, significantly (P<0.05) lower levels of serum cholesterol was observed in T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to the control. The cost per kg weight gain ( ₹ ) was lower in T3 compared to C, T1, and T2 and highest in C group. Among the T1 and T2 groups, the cost per kg weight gain ( ₹ ) was higher in T1 compared to T2. The present study concluded that synbiotics supplementation in buffalo calves had increased DMI, average daily gain and FCR which resulted into decreased cost of feeding per kg weight gain ( ₹ ) in buffalo calves compared to either prebiotic or probiotic supplementation alone.ThesisItem Open Access PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING MURRAH BUFFALOES FED DIETS CONTAINING MAIZE SILAGE PREPARED USING VARIOUS ADDITIVES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI – 517 502. (A.P) INDIA, 2017-05) ADITHYA KUMAR, V; RAGHAVA RAO, E (Major); Raja Kishore, K; VENKATA SESHAIAH, ChABSTRACT: A 120 day lactation trial conducted using 16 lactating graded Murrah buffaloes (avg b. wt. 601.49 ± 10.89) in mid lactation (60 to 90 days 2-3 lactations) by randomly allotting them into four groups of 4 animals each (control and treatments) to study the effect of feeding additive added maize silage (curd, whey and Cellulomonas uda) replacing maize silage without additives on milk yield, milk composition and on nutrient digestibility. Further in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the digestibility of maize silage treated with additives (curd, whey and Cellulomonas uda). Chemical composition (% DM) indicated CP content was higher in maize silage with additives, with curd as being the highest among. The NDF and ADF contents were also lower in additive added maize silage, with Cellulomonas uda being the lowest compared to the traditional maize silage. The in vitro digestibilities (%) evaluated using strained rumen liquor from buffalo bulls of maize silage without additives and maize silage with curd, whey and Cellulomonas uda as additives were 49.34, 49.27, 50.72 and 50.73 for DM; 67.18, 66.52, 66.29 and 66.83 for CP; 43.68, 44.26, 43.86 and 43.47 for NDF and 44.68, 45.54, 43.62 and 44.72 for ADF, respectively. However, significant differences were not observed in comparison to digestibilities of traditional maize silages (P>0.05). The daily average milk yield, butter fat yield, 6% FCM, total solids and protein increased (P>0.05) marginally in treatment groups, with curd and whey groups being highest. The feed efficiency was higher marginally and cost of feed per kg 6% FCM yield was lower for treatment groups, with curd being most economical. The digestibility of DM (P<0.05), OM (P>0.05), CP (P>0.05), EE (P>0.05), NFE (P<0.05), NDF (P<0.05), ADF (P<0.05), hemi-cellulose (P<0.05) and cellulose (P<0.05) improved in treatment diets compared to control group. Based on the present study, it is concluded that replacement of conventional maize fodder with additive treated (Curd, Whey and Cellulomonas uda) maize silage resulted in improved digestibility of gross nutrients and fibre fractions but had no effect (P>0.05) on milk yield and composition of lactating graded Murrah buffaloes.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON SHEEP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN IRRIGATED AND RAINFED AREAS IN KRISHNA DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2017-12) SAI SATISH RAJU, S; ASHA LATHA, P(MAJOR); SUDHAKAR, K; Raja Kishore, KABSTRACT : A study was undertaken to study various sheep production practices followed by the shepherds in irrigated and rainfed areas of Krishna district. A total number of 250 sheep farmers and their flocks comprising 125 from each area of the district were interviewed by a questionnaire schedule and required information was collected. Out of the total farmers, illiterate sheep farmers constituted about 81.6 and 88 per cent in irrigated and rainfed areas, respectively. Literate farmers recorded were 18.4 and 12 per cent, respectively, in irrigated and rainfed areas studied. Sheep farmers from Backward Communities constituted about 86.4 and 67.2 per cent, followed by Scheduled Castes community 8 per cent and 15.20 per cent, respectively, in irrigated and rainfed areas. Majority of the farmers in both the areas were landless (45.6 per cent in irrigated area and 72.8 per cent in rainfed area) followed by marginal land holders (36 per cent in irrigated area and 16.8 per cent in rainfed area). The average flock size in irrigated and rainfed areas of the district was 66.36±2.32 and 73.62±3.0, respectively. The average body weights in the male for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 42.0±0.49, 44.50±0.34, 44.33±0.40 and 44.29±0.28; while in rainfed area, the corresponding values were 39.92±0.33, 42.67±0.33, 43.11±0.20 and 43.57±0.20 Kg, respectively. The mean body weight (kg) for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed ewes observed were 31.99±0.270, 36.02±0.240, 37.27±0.167 and 40.52±0.269 kg, respectively, in irrigated area; while in rainfed area, the corresponding values were 29.30±0.40, 34.84±0.40, 37.22±0.35 and 42.01±0.56 kg, respectively, in rainfed area. The average body lengths in the male for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 76.08±0.22, 77.83±0.37, 78.11±0.30 and 78.71±0.28 cm, respectively. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 74.75±0.21, 76.17±0.30, 76.89±0.26 and 77.14±0.50 cm, respectively. The mean body lengths for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed ewes were 66.48±0.23, 64.93±0.44, 67.94±0.35, 72.78±0.50 cm, respectively, in irrigated area. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 64.17±0.46, 64.27±0.37, 65.99±0.32 and 67.43±0.50 cm, respectively. The mean height at withers for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed rams observed were 83.08±0.28, 84.83±0.40, 86.11±0.26 and 84.57±0.29 cm, respectively, in irrigated area. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 81.33±0.28, 81.83±0.30, 84.78±0.22 and 82.71±0.28 cm, respectively. The average height at withers in ewes for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 74.62±0.23, 75.93±0.17, 76.75±0.28 and 79.11±0.30 cm, respectively. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 72.51±0.29, 75.54±0.27, 76.12±0.29 and 76.88±0.31 cm, respectively. The average chest girth for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed rams observed were 82.50±0.19, 85.50±0.42, 86.33±0.33 and 85.00±0.30 cm, respectively, in irrigated area. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 81.25±0.25, 83.17±0.30, 84.22±0.32 and 83.43±0.20 cm, respectively. The mean values for chest girth in ewes for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 77.99±0.31, 79.83±0.26, 81.40±0.25 and 82.16±0.34 cm, respectively. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 73.94±0.31, 78.94±0.31, 81.24±0.52, 86.66±0.49 cm, respectively. The mean punch girth for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full-mouthed rams observed were 83.25±0.32, 86.50±0.42, 85.22±0.22 and 85.71±0.28 cm, respectively, in irrigated area. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 82.42±0.22, 84.83±0.30, 83.56±0.24 and 84.43±0.42 cm respectively. The average punch girth in ewes for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 80.09±0.33, 83.07±0.40, 84.21±0.28 and 89.24±0.44 cm, respectively. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 76.09±0.56, 82.65±0.30, 84.84±0.26 and 85.51±0.30 cm, respectively. The average age at first mating in ewes, age at first mating in rams, age at first lambing, lambing interval, age at weaning and weight at weaning in irrigated and rainfed area were 13.16±0.06 and 14.52±0.06 months; 19.89±0.18 and 19.63±0.20 months; 18.24±0.05 and 19.52±0.06 months; 306.68±0.81 and 308.53±1.15 days; 3.71±0.40 and 4.09±0.05 months; 12.57±0.0 and 10.98±0.05 kg, respectively. It was observed that all the farmers in both the areas were rearing sheep extensively. Housing pattern comprising of an open pen along with a closed roof structure was seen in the majority of the sheep holdings in both the areas studied (56 and 57.6 per cent) and most of the shepherds were housing the sheep nearer to their houses (94.4 and 72 per cent). Flock mating commonly followed and flushing was not at all practiced by the shepherds. June – August and January – March were found to be the breeding seasons for the sheep in the area. The mean grazing distance per day was 5.46±0.13 km in irrigated area and 5.8±0.14 km in rainfed area. The mean grazing duration per day was 8.88±0.09 hrs in irrigated area and 9.38±0.12 hrs in rainfed area. All the farmers in the study were following the deworming and vaccination regularly. Majority farmers in both areas were following burial method of carcass disposal (72.8 and 52 per cent). From the study it was observed that the marketing of meat was done mainly through middlemen (84 and 93.6 percent).