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ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF APBN1 GRASS AND EFFECT OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF DECCANI SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2005-06) JAGADISH, Ch; RAMANA REDDY, Y(MAJOR); NAGALAKSHMI, D; MAHENDER, MABSTRACT : Evaluation of the potential feeding value of APBN1, an improved variety of hybrid napier as the sole feed and in supplemented rations was carried out to develop a forage based feeding system for intensive rearing of sheep. APBN1 forage samples harvested at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth were subjected to chemical, in vitro and in sacco evaluation to determine the optimum stage of harvesting for maximization of forage utilization in terms of fodder yield and nutritional quality. The yield of green fodder, dry matter and crude protein (MT/ha/yr) of APBN1 forage harvested at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth was found to be 274.68, 47.35, 7.44; 291.34, 61.09, 9.08; 344.74, 76.39, 11.45; 368.45, 85.26, 11.36 and 387.95, 98.81 and 11.21, respectively. The leaf to stem ratio of APBN1 forage at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth was found to be 0.36, 0.46, 0.65, 0.95 and 1.36, respectively. The dry matter content of forage increased from 17.24 per cent at 30 days to 25.47 per cent at 60 days of growth. The CP and CF values were 15.72, 23.81; 14.86, 24.67; 14.35, 25.32; 13.68, 26.64 and 11.34 and 29.88 per cent, respectively on DM basis for the forage samples harvested at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth. Progressive increase in crude fibre level and gradual decline in crude protein content was observed with the advancement in maturity of forage. The NFE content (46.12 %) was highest at 45 days of growth. The IVDMD value was highest (57.87 %) at 30 days and lowest (51.40 %) at 60 days of growth, when the forage samples were incubated with sheep rumen liquor. The effective degradable dry matter (EDDM) as determined by nylon bag technique in fistulated rams was 55.80, 54.70, 53.50, 52.40 and 43.78 per cent at 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 days of growth, respectively. The effective protein degradability (EPD) decreased from 38.30 per cent at 30 days to 33.17 per cent at 60 days of growth. The insoluble but degradable protein fraction „b‟ was highest (77.07 %) at 45 days of growth. Based on the biomass yield, leaf to stem ratio, chemical, in vitro and in sacco evaluation, the optimum stage of harvesting for APBN1 forage was found to be at 45 days of growth. When the forage harvested at 45 days alone was fed ad libitum in chopped form, the rams on an average consumed 50.74, 4.40 and 28.34 g/kg W0.75 of DM, DCP and TDN respectively. The average digestibility coefficients of 66.63, 68.52, 69.10, 58.82, 56.34 and 62.21 per cent were observed for DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE, respectively and the DCP and TDN values as 8.68 and 56.38 per cent were observed for APBN1 forage in Deccani rams. The Deccani rams on an average retained 5.28 g nitrogen per day. Effect of supplementation through protein and energy sources to the APBN1 forage was studied in adult Deccani rams. There was a significant increase in DM intake (g/kg W0.75) of rams supplemented with concentrate premix containing GNC + maize (71.10), SFC + maize (69.82) and CSC + maize (66.71) in comparison to that of the rams fed APBN1 forage (51.62) as the sole feed. Irrespective of the protein source, supplementation has enhanced the nutrient digestibility of rations in rams with the resultant improvement in DCP content of the ration by 72.78% (GNC), 35.64% (CSC) and 34.95% (SFC) and TDN value of ration by 26.80% (GNC), 21.59% (CSC) and 13.66% (SFC) in comparison to DCP (8.68%) and TDN (56.38%) of the ration containing APBN1 forage alone. There was a marked improvement (P<0.05) in nitrogen utilization with the net nitrogen retention (g/d) in rams supplemented with GNC + maize (15.13), SFC + maize (12.16) and CSC + maize (10.71) when compared to that of rams fed APBN1 forage (5.28) as the sole feed. It is concluded that APBN1 forage at 45 days of growth with DCP (8.68%) and TDN (56.38%) can be utilized as a potential maintenance type (perennial) green fodder for feeding adult sheep. Supplementation, irrespective of protein source, improved the nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of the rations containing APBN1 forage as the basal roughage and fulfilled the maintenance as well as growth requirements (70 g/d) of sheep. Supplementation through concentrate premix containing 125 g each of maize and GNC was found superior (P<0.05) in enhancing nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of rams in comparison to other sources. Supplementation of critical nutrients to the basal roughage is a viable means of sustaining the optimum animal performance.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC STUDIES ON GROWTH, PRODUCTION AND IMMUNOCOMPETENCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica) UNDER SELECTION(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2009) SAKUNTHALA DEVI, K; RAMESH GUPTA, B(MAJOR)ABSTRACT : An investigation was made on the Black (3,438) and Brown (3,710) Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) under selection in generations 8, 9 and 10 for high 4-week body weight, maintained at the Poultry Experimental Station (PES), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to estimate the genetic and phenotypic variation in the growth, production and reproduction performance and to estimate the genetic progress in various economic traits. The immunocompetence levels, genetic parameters and genetic progress in various traits were estimated. Selection indices based on body weights, Age at first egg, Egg production, Egg weight and Egg mass were developed. The overall least squares means for body weights at day-old to 4 weeks of age were 9.41+0.01, 33.23+0.08, 71.61+0.16, 121.96+0.24 and 173.66+0.07 g respectively. The strains had significant influence on body weights from day-old to 4 and 8 to 20 weeks of age, whereas the influence of generations was significant from day-old to 16 weeks of age. Sex effect was significant on 2, 3 and 4 weeks body weights, while hatch had significant influence from day-old to 20 weeks of age. The body weights of Black strain were superior to Brown from 1 to 20 weeks of age. The overall least squares mean Age at first egg was 56.26+0.51 days, which was significantly influenced by generation and hatch. Strain and generations influenced the egg production upto 16 and 30 weeks, whereas hatch effect was significant on egg production upto 30 weeks only. The overall least squares means for egg production was 30.85 and 73.02 upto16 and 30 weeks of age, respectively. The Black strain matured earlier and produced more number of eggs than Brown strain. The generation and hatch had significant influence on egg weight. The overall least squares mean egg weight was 14.22 g. The overall least squares means for Average daily gain during 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age and cumulative growth rate from 1 to 4 weeks age were 3.10, 5.47, 7.16, 7.35 and 23.46 g respectively. The Average daily gain of Black Japanese quails was significantly higher than those of Browns at all the ages. The females had significantly higher average daily gains than males. The overall least squares means for feed conversion ratio upto 6 weeks age, feed intake per dozen eggs and kg egg mass upto 7-30 weeks age were 1.70, 2.49, 2.95, 3.52, 4.67, 6.30, 750.93 and 4,070.05 g respectively. The influence of sex was significant on Feed conversion ratio. The overall least squares means for HA titers at 5th and 10th day of post inoculation and Foot pad index were 4.48, 2.00 and 0.16 in Black and 5.44, 2.14 and 0.26 mm in Brown strain respectively. The heritability estimates of body weights varied from low to high, while they were low for age at first egg in Black (0.04 to 0.13) and Brown (0.07 to 0.15). The estimates for egg production upto 30 weeks of age varied 0.02 to 0.08 in Black and from 0.02 to 0.07 in Browns. The heritability of egg weight was found to be low. The heritability estimates for feed conversion ratio were low to medium in Black (0.03 to 0.32) and low to high (0.02 to 0.59) in Browns. The Haemagglutination titer has low to medium (0.18 to 0.35) heritabilities in both the strains, whereas Foot pad index was low heritable (0.02 to 0.04). Genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations for body weight at various ages varied from low to high in magnitude. Age at first egg was correlated negatively (-0.11 to -0.16) with egg production and positively with egg weight at genetic level, while the estimates among different ages of egg production were high. The association between egg production and egg weight was negative at genetic and phenotypic level. The genetic correlations among average daily gains were in general positive at all ages. The genetic correlation between body weights and Feed conversion ratio were positive, while the weight gain was phenotypically negatively correlated with feed conversion ratio. The genetic correlations of body weights at early age with Haemagglutination titers and FPI were positive but low. The Foot pad index had positive genetic correlation with Haemagglutination titers in two strains. The genetic progress in body weight at 4-weeks age varied from 6.25 to 6.74 g in Black and from 7.24 to 8.46 g in Brown strains. The linear regression equations were fitted for predicting the Haemagglutination titers and Foot pad index based on the body weights which had lower R2 - values. A total of 112 selection indices were computed based on the body weights at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age and dams AFE, dams EP16, dams EW16 and dams EM16. At 4-weeks of age of selection the selection indices consisting of BW4, dams EP and dams EM (I52) and BW4, dams AFE and dams EM (I49) in Black strain and those with BW4, dams EP16 and dams EM16 (I52) and BW4, dams AFE, dams EP16 and dams EM16 in Brown strain were found to be ideal ones. These indices are expected to reduce the AFE, increase the EM (which takes care of EP and EW) and keep the body weight either constant, reduce marginally or increaseThesisItem Open Access GENETIC AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF MAHABUBNAGAR GOATS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2008-11) EKAMBARAM, B; RAMESH GUPTA, B(MAJOR); Gnana Prakash, M; Sudhakar, K; Ravinder Reddy, VABSTRACT : The present study was conducted for genetic and phenotypic characterization of Mahabubnagar goats by utilizing data on 1590 goats reared in the field conditions, spread over Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda and Ranga Reddy districts and goats maintained at Livestock Research Station, Mahabubnagar during the year 2006-07. The mean family size, literacy rate, land holding, flock size and annual income of the farmers surveyed were 5.57, 62.67, 3.91 ± 0.64 acres, 43.49 ± 1.70 and Rs. 17,840, respectively. Goat farmers adopted stationary type of rearing (94.67%) with 7 to 8 hours of grazing on community and waste lands (36%) and forest and waste lands (20%). The survey revealed that 94.67 % of farmers provided housing during night time with 60% and 40% of farmers providing closed and open type of houses, respectively. Majority of the shelters provided had kutcha type of floor (81.76%) and thatched roof (52.70%). The nature of house varied from separate house (63.51%) to part of residence (34.49%). The common practice of feeding was grazing as observed in 72% of farmers surveyed, while only 27.33% farmers supplemented their animals during lean seasons. Most farmers maintained a sex ratio of 1:21-30 and followed flock mating without any heat detection practice and buck rotation. Majority of the farmers practiced deworming (70.67%) but not de-ticking (93.33%) and vaccination (81.33%). Disposal of sick animals was made through sales (87.33%), self consumption (5.33%) or other ways (7.33%). Dead animals were mostly disposed off in open places (32.67%) or buried (29.33%). Goat farmers realized income mainly through sale of live animals (52%), rather than from milk and manure. Majority of the farmers marketed their animals at 4 to 6 months age (71.33%) in the village itself (52.67%) based mostly on butcher’s discretion (65.33%). Most farmers (89.33%) felt that goat rearing was remunerative but opined that marketing was exploited by the middlemen. The predominant coat colour was an admixture of two colours (63.5%) consisting of black and white, brown and white and black and brown. Pendulous ears, beard and wattles were noticed in 91.57, 85.97 and 34.34 per cent of goats. Horned condition was observed in 96.04% of goats having medium sized horns (63.46%) with straight (56.91%) and curved (43.09%) orientation. The least-squares analysis revealed significant effects of division, age and sex on body weights and measurements at one or the other ages studied. The least-squares means were higher in males than in females and increased with age. The overall least-square means for the body weight, height at withers, chest girth, paunch girth, hip width, body length, face length, ear length and tail length were 32.22 ± 0.02 kg, 75.8±0.56, 73.8±40.57, 74.60±0.75, 13.16±0.24, 63.66±0.70, 21.95±0.34, 15.29± 0.17 and 16.90±0.30 cm respectively in 2-teeth males; 27.51±0.27 kg, 71.48±0.30, 70.68±0.34, 72.17±0.42, 13.34±0.13, 61.04±0.31, 20.61±0.14, 15.02±011 and 16.82±0.16 cm respectively in 2-teeth females. While the means in the same order were 47.71±0.63 kg, 83.27±0.58, 84.78±059, 86.24±0.67, 15.51±0.21, 72.43±0.69, 24.10±0.26, 16.44±0.23 and 17.92±0.31 cm respectively in 8-teeth males and 38.16±0.23 kg, 77.289±0.18, 79.02±0.19, 80.88±0.28, 14.78±0.09, 67.51±0.22, 22.16±0.10, 15.60±0.09 and 17.47±0.11 cm respectively in 8-teeth females. Phenotypic correlations between biometrical measurements and body weights were positive and significant and were moderate to high in magnitude. The step-down multiple linear regression equations developed to predict the body weights indicated that height, chest girth and paunch girth contributed significantly with R2 values ranging from 39 to 86 percent. The effect of division was highly significant on age at first mating, age at first kidding, kidding interval and litter size with the overall least-squares means of 304.87±0.19, 455.65±0.19, 254.92±0.25 days and 1.89±0.02, respectively. The overall incidence of multiple births was 69.92 percent. Out of multiple births, twins (51.45%), triplets (15.95%), quadruplets (2.29%) and hexaplets (0.23%) were noticed. The overall means for pre-slaughter weight, empty body weight and hot carcass were 24.36±1.01, 18.29±1.09 and 10.1±0.60 kg respectively, while dressing percentages on pre-slaughter weight and empty body weight were 44.60±0.95 and 59.74±1.08 respectively. The overall means of whole sale cuts of the hot carcass were 3.75±0.28 (leg), 1.06±0.04 (loin), 0.97±0.04 (rack), 2.89±0.28 (neck and shoulder) and 2.2±0.12 (breast and fore shank) kg respectively. The preslaughter weight and dressing percentage were correlated positively and significantly with the all wholesale cuts. The coefficients of correlations of preslaughter weight with the other carcass traits were high, ranging from 0.66 to 0.94. The period of birth had significant effect on the body weights at all the ages studied, whereas the season of birth had no effect at any of these ages. Sex of kids had significant influence on body weights at almost all the ages studied with males out weighing the females. The mean body weights ranged from 8.37 to 9.03 kg at weaning and from 16.97 to 18.81 kg at 12 months age. The type of birth had significant effect on body weights of Mahabubnagar goats at all ages studied. The heritability estimates of body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months age were 0.08±0.07, 0.06±0.09, 0.10±0.10, 0.21±0.13 and 0.20±0.12, respectively. The genetic correlations among the body weights were highly positive and ranged from 0.88 to 0.98 while the phenotypic correlations were positive, significant and varied between 0.11 to 0.46. Cytogenetic characterization revealed diploid chromosome number to be 60, XY with 29 pairs of acrocentric autosomes and an acrocentric X-chromosome. The relative length of chromosomes ranged from 1.68±0.04 to 5.22±0.07 percent for the autosomes. The X-chromosome was the longest with a relative length of 5.86 percent. Sex of the goat had a significant influence on the relative length of some of autosomes. In the present study it was observed that majority of the phenotypic characteristics, and production and reproduction performance of the Mahabubnagar goats was closer to those of some of the established Indian breeds of goats such as Sangamneri, Kanni Adu, Osmanabadi, Marwari, Zalawadi etc. The chromosome profiles of Mahabubnagar goats were also similar to those of some of the Indian goat breeds. Therefore, the Mahabubnagar goats may be recognized as a distinct breed in the name of Mahabunagari goats of Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS PRODUCTIVE AND IMMUNOCOMPETENCE TRAITS IN WHITE LEGHORNS UNDER LONG TERM SELECTION(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2008-11) Jaya Laxmi, P; RAMESH GUPTA, B(MAJOR); SHARMA, R.P; Chatterjee, R.N; Ravinder Reddy, VABSTRACT: A study was conducted on three strains of White Leghorns viz., IWH, IWI and IWK and a control population. Significant strain differences were observed for all the traits studied viz., age at first egg, body weights at 4, 6, 10, 16, 20, 40, 52 and 64 weeks of age, egg production up to 40, 64 and 72 weeks of age. Egg production up to 64 and 72 weeks of age was highest in IWI (207.388+1.244 and 235.23+4.08 respectively). Egg production up to 40, 64 and 72 weeks of age was lowest in the control population. Egg weight was found to be highest (49.07+0.15, 54.23+0.17, 55.56+0.18 and 58.36+0.18 g respectively) in IWK strain at 28, 40, 52 and 64 weeks of age. The heritability value estimated from sire+dam component of variance indicated that the age at first egg and egg production were low to moderately heritable while body weights and egg weights at various ages were moderate to highly heritable. The genetic and phenotypic correlation of age at first egg with early body weights up to 20 weeks was mostly negative. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between part periods and annual egg production were mostly positive and high. Egg production up to 40 weeks and egg weight at 28 and 40 weeks has a consistently negative genetic and phenotypic association in all the populations studied. The genetic and phenotypic correlation of egg weight at 28 weeks of age with egg weight at 40, 52 and 64 weeks of age was mostly positive with varying magnitudes. Diallel analysis of the purebred and strain cross data revealed that the GCA, SCA and reciprocal effects were all significant for age at first egg and body weight at 20 weeks while only the GCA and SCA effects were significant for body weight at 40 weeks. The variances due to GCA and reciprocal effects were significant for egg production up to 40 weeks while, for egg production up to 64 weeks of age SCA and reciprocal variances were significant. The combining ability analysis on egg weight revealed that the variances due to both GCA and SCA were significant for egg weight at all the ages studied. Estimation of heterosis revealed significantly favorable heterosis for body weight at 20 weeks, egg production up to 64 weeks and egg weight at 64 weeks in most of the crosses. Significant differences in antibody titer against SRBC and NDV were observed among the three strains and control population. The heritabilities of antibody titers against SRBC, NDV and cell mediated immunity to PHA-P injection varied from 0.227+0.084 to 0.716+0.115, 0.003+ 0.676 to 0.982+ 0.394 and 0.084+0.513 to 0.672+0.588 respectively. The phenotypic correlation of antibody titers against SRBC with egg production up to 64 and 72 weeks of age was negative in three of the four populations studied. The phenotypic correlation with antibody titer against NDV was mostly positive. The phenotypic correlation of antibody titer against NDV and cell mediated response to PHA-P with age at first egg was positive in all the strains. The correlation of antibody titer against NDV and cell mediated response to PHA-P with egg production was mostly positive.ThesisItem Open Access 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 Open Access ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC DIVERSITY IN CHICKEN POPULATIONS USING GENOME MARKERS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2006-06) RAJKUMAR, ULLENGALA; NIYAL AHMED, (MAJOR); SHEKHAR, C. MANDE; VENKTRAMAIAH, A; RAJASHEKHAR REDDY, AABSTRACT: A total of 155 birds representing eight populations, two layer strains of White Leghorn (WLH-IWD and WLH-IWF). two dual-purpose breeds (Dahlem Red and Rhode Island Red), a commercial layer (Babcock), a commercial broiler (Vencobb), a native breed (Aseel) and Non-descript (Desi) chicken were genotyped with twenty (mono, di and tri nucleotide repeats) microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversity, genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships. All the microsatellite loci utilized for the analysis were polymorphic with a reasonable informativeness ranging from moderate to high. The total number of alleles obtained across all the populations was 285 with a size range from 76 for MCWO51 to 256 for MCWOOS locus. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from 7 at MCW001 to 26 at MCWOOS with an overall mean of 14.25 alleles per locus. The mean number of alleles across the loci and among the populations ranged from 3.50 (ADL158) to 8.63 (ADL176 and MCWOOS) and 4.70 (WLH-IWD) to 6.75 (Non-descript). The mean effective number of alleles am-ng the loci and the populations varied between 1.96 for ADL158 and 4.4 1 for ADL267 and 2.69 in Dahlem Red and 4.15 in Non-descript. A total of 103 alleles were unique to population/strain in various chicken populations. The frequency of most of these alleles was very less. Only 30 per cent of the alleles had frequency of more than 10 per cent. The mean Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0.39 for ADL158 to 0.71 for MCWOOS and ADL267 across the loci and 0.55 (Dahlem Red) to 0.71 (Non-descript) among the populations. The expected heterozygosity estimates ranged from 0.63 (Dahlem Red) to 0.77 (Non-descript) with an overall mean of 0.68. The observed heterozygosity estimates were the highest in Babcock (0.73) and the least in Dahlem Red (0.55) among the populations studied. The overall mean inbreeding coefficients (FIs) varied between -0.05 (Babcock) and 0.16 (Rhode lsland Red). Babcock, a commercial layer had negative Fls value (-0.05) indicating high genetic variation and outbreeding effects. The genetic distance was least between WLH-IWD and WLH-IWF (0.30) and highest between Dahlem Red and Babcock (0.80). The WLH-IWD and WLH-IWF strains were closer with maximum genetic identity index of 0.75 among all the populations and Dahlem Red and Babcock were wider apart with least identity index value of 0.45 indicating their high genetic divergence. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the eight populations were grouped in to two main clusters, one cluster representing Dahlem Red and Rhode Island Red, the pure breeds and the other cluster representing the remaining six populations/strains (two commercial, two synthetic strains and two native chickens). The second group was divided into three sub clusters i.e., Aseel and Non-descript; Babcock and Vencobb; WLH-IWD and WLH-IWF. All the loci departed from the equilibrium frequency in at least two of the eight populations studied. It may be concluded that the chicken populations studied were in the state of mild to moderate inbreeding except commercial birds. A planned breeding is suggested for purebreds to revive their genetic potential. High genetic diversity exists in Non-descript birds, which can be tapped to improve the birds suitable for backyard poultry.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 GENETIC STUDIES ON ECONOMIC TRAITS OF ONGOLE CATTLE(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2003-08) VINOO, R; Narasimha rao, G(MAJOR)ABSTRACT: A study was undertaken to know the extent of genetic and phenotypic variation present in the growth, production and reproduction characters, number of days for change of coat colour and age till survival of Ongole cattle in four farms in Andhra Pradesh, covering the period 1978 – 2002. An attempt was also made to predict the body weight based on body measurements. The draught ability of Ongole cattle under thermal stress conditions was evaluated and sire evaluation by different methods based on 305-day lactation milk yield was studied. The effects of farm, period of birth, season of birth and sex on body weights and measurements at different ages and age at first calving and the effects of farm, period of calving, season of calving, sex and parity on other production and reproduction traits were studied by subjecting the data to least squares analysis. The genetic parameters were estimated after adjusting the data for the effects of farm, period and season. The overall least squares mean body weights at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months were 26.08 + 0.26, 46.70 + 0.96, 72.92 + 0.95, 112.38 + 1.39, 137.77 + 3.37, 164.34 + 3.01, 222.68 + 3.93 and 271.78 + 4.81 kg, respectively. The calves born in Lam farm had the highest body weights at all the ages studied. The body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months were significantly affected by the farms. Period of birth had significant influence on the body weights of Ongoles at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. Season of birth significantly influenced the body weight at 6 months age only, whereas the effect of sex was significant on the body weights of Ongoles at all ages studied. The overall means of height at withers at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months were 70.90 + 0.89, 84.02 + 0.62, 90.48 + 0.52, 102.64 + 0.54, 107.14 + 1.43, 123.77 + 0.71, 122.29 + 0.77 and 129.11 + 0.68 cm, respectively. The overall means of chest girth at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months were 70.80 + 0.76, 83.74 + 0.64, 93.58 + 0.56, 106.89 + 0.59, 115.98 + 1.81, 124.14 + 0.89, 137.72 + 0.95 and 148.32 + 0.99 cm, respectively and the overall means for body length at these ages were 60.58 + 0.81, 72.54 + 0.55, 82.74 + 0.70, 96.89 + 0.61, 105.21 + 1.94, 109.06 + 0.85, 119.08 + 0.85 and 127.42 + 0.94 cm, respectively. The effect of farm was significant on height at withers in all ages studied, except at 12 months, whereas it was significant on chest girth and body length at all the ages studied. The period of birth had significant influence on height at withers at all ages studied except at one and 12 months of age, whereas it had significant effect on chest girth from one to 24 months of age and on body length at all ages studied. The season of birth had significant influence on height at withers only at birth, whereas it had significant influence on body length at 3, 6, 18 and 24 months of age. The sex effects were significant on height at withers in all ages studied except at 12 months, whereas they were significant on chest girth in all age groups except at nine months of age and on body length at 9 and 18 months of age only. The R2 values of the step-down multiple regression equations fitted for predicting the body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months of age based on the height at withers, chest girth and body length at the same ages were 65.96, 53.13, 82.48, 67.82, 87.75 and 82.05 per cent, respectively. The overall least squares mean total lactation milk yield and 305-day lactation milk yields were 712.27 + 23.14 and 707.77 + 22.16 kg, respectively. The farm, period of calving and parity significantly influenced these traits, whereas season of calving had no significant influence. The overall least squares mean lactation length was 237.71 + 5.78 days. Lactation length was significantly affected by farm and period of calving while season of calving and parity had no significant effect. The overall average peak yield was 3.84 + 0.13 kg. The effects of farm, period of calving and parity exerted significant influence, whereas the season of calving did not influence the peak yield. The overall mean days to reach peak yield was 42.28 + 3.08 days and only the effect of farm exerted significant influence on this trait. The overall mean milk yield per day of lactation and milk yield per day of calving interval were 3.02 + 0.05 and 1.48 + 0.06 kg, respectively. The farm, period of calving and parity significantly affected these traits, while the effect of season was not significant. The overall mean fat and SNF were 4.89 + 0.09 and 8.44 + 0.01 per cent, respectively. The effects of period and season of calving studied at Lam farm were significant on fat percentage but not on SNF percentage. The overall least squares mean age at first calving was 52.95 + 2.21 months. The effects of farm and period of birth were significant while the effect of season of birth was not significant on age at first calving. The overall mean gestation period in the present study was 287.78 + 0.84 days and it was significantly affected by farm and period of calving but not by season of calving. The overall means for service period, dry period and calving interval were 270.19 + 11.81, 311.88 + 11.90 and 561.55 + 11.82 days, respectively. The effects of farm, period of calving and parity were significant, while the effect of seasons was not significant on these traits. The overall least squares mean number of inseminations per conception was 1.81 + 0.11. The farm and period of calving exerted significant influence on this trait but not the season of calving and parity. The overall mean number of days taken for change of coat colour was 315.13 + 12.53 days. The number of days for change of coat colour at Lam farm studied was significantly affected only by the period of birth but not by the season of birth and sex. The overall mean age till survival was 64.37 + 4.70 months. The effects of farm, period of birth and sex significantly influenced the age of animals at death but not season of birth. The heritability estimates for the body weights at birth, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months were 0.05 + 0.05, 0.05 + 0.05, 0.36 + 0.12, 0.40 + 0.33 and 0.02 + 0.25, respectively. Higher heritability estimates of body weights at 6 and 12 months of age could be relied upon for selecting the animals for faster growth. The heritability estimates for height at withers at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 0.15 + 0.07, 0.18 + 0.08, 0.15 + 0.07, 0.41 + 0.03 and 0.27 + 0.30, respectively, while the estimate was negative for the measurement at 18 months of age. The heritability estimates for body length at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months were 0.18 + 0.08, 0.06 + 0.05, 0.20 + 0.09, 0.50 + 0.34, 0.69 + 0.37 and 0.96 + 0.40, respectively. The heritability estimates for chest girth were 0.25 + 0.10, 0.10 + 0.06, 0.23 + 0.09, 0.03 + 0.26 and 0.30 + 0.31 at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age, respectively. The heritability for chest girth at 18 months of age was negative. The estimates of heritability of age at first calving, total lactation milk yield, 305- day lactation milk yield, lactation length, milk yield per day of lactation, milk yield per day of calving interval, gestation period, service period, dry period and calving interval were 0.95 + 0.24, 0.26 + 0.09, 0.24 + 0.08, 0.27 + 0.09, 0.12 + 0.06, 0.25 + 0.08, 0.24 + 0.08, 0.17 + 0.07, 0.22 + 0.08 and 0.18 + 0.07, respectively. Higher heritability estimate of age at first calving indicated that it could be reduced by selective breeding. The heritability estimates for number of inseminations per conception and number of days for change of coat colour were negative due to negative sire components of variance. The estimate of heritability for age till survival was 0.37 + 0.27. The genetic correlation among the body weights at different ages varied from 0.57 to 0.96 and those between the body weights and measurements ranged from –0.79 to 0.99 at birth and –0.24 to 0.98 at 12 months of age. The age at first calving was correlated negatively with all the traits studied except with dry period. The genetic correlations for the other production and reproduction traits studied, were positive among themselves except with gestation period and dry period. The phenotypic correlations between body weights and measurements were in general, positive. The phenotypic correlations among the production and reproduction traits studied were in general, lower in magnitude but similar in direction when compared to the genetic correlations. The draught ability of Ongole bulls was evaluated by overall draught ability and horse power generation methods. The overall draught ability of the bulls was measured in terms of carting and ploughing abilities. The overall means for per cent increase in respiration rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature were 55.84, 22.76 and 1.71, respectively in carting ability and 92.7, 30.38 and 2.07, respectively in ploughing ability. The overall per cent increase in the respiration rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature after work in horse power generation method were 101.36, 25.17 and 1.20, respectively and the overall mean for the speed, draught force and horse power generated were 1.59 meters per second, 28.19 kg and 0.57 horse power, respectively. The phenotypic correlations between the age, body weight and body measurements of the bulls included in draught ability studies were observed to be highly positive and significant. The bulls were ranked by overall draught ability and horse power generation methods and the rank correlation was negative and not significant. The sire indices obtained by simple daughter average index, dairy search index and adjusted least squares method for 305-day first lactation milk yield ranged from 341 to 668, 363 to 577 and 367 to 547 kg, respectively. Positive and highly significant rank correlation coefficients indicated that these three methods of sire evaluation could be used with equal efficiency.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC STUDIES ON ECONOMIC TRAITS OF ONGOLE CATTLE(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2003-08) VINOO, R; NARASIMHA RAO, G(MAJOR)ABSTRACT: A study was undertaken to know the extent of genetic and phenotypic variation present in the growth, production and reproduction characters, number of days for change of coat colour and age till survival of Ongole cattle in four farms in Andhra Pradesh, covering the period 1978 – 2002. An attempt was also made to predict the body weight based on body measurements. The draught ability of Ongole cattle under thermal stress conditions was evaluated and sire evaluation by different methods based on 305-day lactation milk yield was studied. The effects of farm, period of birth, season of birth and sex on body weights and measurements at different ages and age at first calving and the effects of farm, period of calving, season of calving, sex and parity on other production and reproduction traits were studied by subjecting the data to least squares analysis. The genetic parameters were estimated after adjusting the data for the effects of farm, period and season. The overall least squares mean body weights at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months were 26.08 + 0.26, 46.70 + 0.96, 72.92 + 0.95, 112.38 + 1.39, 137.77 + 3.37, 164.34 + 3.01, 222.68 + 3.93 and 271.78 + 4.81 kg, respectively. The calves born in Lam farm had the highest body weights at all the ages studied. The body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months were significantly affected by the farms. Period of birth had significant influence on the body weights of Ongoles at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. Season of birth significantly influenced the body weight at 6 months age only, whereas the effect of sex was significant on the body weights of Ongoles at all ages studied. The overall means of height at withers at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months were 70.90 + 0.89, 84.02 + 0.62, 90.48 + 0.52, 102.64 + 0.54, 107.14 + 1.43, 123.77 + 0.71, 122.29 + 0.77 and 129.11 + 0.68 cm, respectively. The overall means of chest girth at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months were 70.80 + 0.76, 83.74 + 0.64, 93.58 + 0.56, 106.89 + 0.59, 115.98 + 1.81, 124.14 + 0.89, 137.72 + 0.95 and 148.32 + 0.99 cm, respectively and the overall means for body length at these ages were 60.58 + 0.81, 72.54 + 0.55, 82.74 + 0.70, 96.89 + 0.61, 105.21 + 1.94, 109.06 + 0.85, 119.08 + 0.85 and 127.42 + 0.94 cm, respectively. The effect of farm was significant on height at withers in all ages studied, except at 12 months, whereas it was significant on chest girth and body length at all the ages studied. The period of birth had significant influence on height at withers at all ages studied except at one and 12 months of age, whereas it had significant effect on chest girth from one to 24 months of age and on body length at all ages studied. The season of birth had significant influence on height at withers only at birth, whereas it had significant influence on body length at 3, 6, 18 and 24 months of age. The sex effects were significant on height at withers in all ages studied except at 12 months, whereas they were significant on chest girth in all age groups except at nine months of age and on body length at 9 and 18 months of age only. The R2 values of the step-down multiple regression equations fitted for predicting the body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months of age based on the height at withers, chest girth and body length at the same ages were 65.96, 53.13, 82.48, 67.82, 87.75 and 82.05 per cent, respectively. The overall least squares mean total lactation milk yield and 305-day lactation milk yields were 712.27 + 23.14 and 707.77 + 22.16 kg, respectively. The farm, period of calving and parity significantly influenced these traits, whereas season of calving had no significant influence. The overall least squares mean lactation length was 237.71 + 5.78 days. Lactation length was significantly affected by farm and period of calving while season of calving and parity had no significant effect. The overall average peak yield was 3.84 + 0.13 kg. The effects of farm, period of calving and parity exerted significant influence, whereas the season of calving did not influence the peak yield. The overall mean days to reach peak yield was 42.28 + 3.08 days and only the effect of farm exerted significant influence on this trait. The overall mean milk yield per day of lactation and milk yield per day of calving interval were 3.02 + 0.05 and 1.48 + 0.06 kg, respectively. The farm, period of calving and parity significantly affected these traits, while the effect of season was not significant. The overall mean fat and SNF were 4.89 + 0.09 and 8.44 + 0.01 per cent, respectively. The effects of period and season of calving studied at Lam farm were significant on fat percentage but not on SNF percentage. The overall least squares mean age at first calving was 52.95 + 2.21 months. The effects of farm and period of birth were significant while the effect of season of birth was not significant on age at first calving. The overall mean gestation period in the present study was 287.78 + 0.84 days and it was significantly affected by farm and period of calving but not by season of calving. The overall means for service period, dry period and calving interval were 270.19 + 11.81, 311.88 + 11.90 and 561.55 + 11.82 days, respectively. The effects of farm, period of calving and parity were significant, while the effect of seasons was not significant on these traits. The overall least squares mean number of inseminations per conception was 1.81 + 0.11. The farm and period of calving exerted significant influence on this trait but not the season of calving and parity. The overall mean number of days taken for change of coat colour was 315.13 + 12.53 days. The number of days for change of coat colour at Lam farm studied was significantly affected only by the period of birth but not by the season of birth and sex. The overall mean age till survival was 64.37 + 4.70 months. The effects of farm, period of birth and sex significantly influenced the age of animals at death but not season of birth. The heritability estimates for the body weights at birth, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months were 0.05 + 0.05, 0.05 + 0.05, 0.36 + 0.12, 0.40 + 0.33 and 0.02 + 0.25, respectively. Higher heritability estimates of body weights at 6 and 12 months of age could be relied upon for selecting the animals for faster growth. The heritability estimates for height at withers at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 0.15 + 0.07, 0.18 + 0.08, 0.15 + 0.07, 0.41 + 0.03 and 0.27 + 0.30, respectively, while the estimate was negative for the measurement at 18 months of age. The heritability estimates for body length at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months were 0.18 + 0.08, 0.06 + 0.05, 0.20 + 0.09, 0.50 + 0.34, 0.69 + 0.37 and 0.96 + 0.40, respectively. The heritability estimates for chest girth were 0.25 + 0.10, 0.10 + 0.06, 0.23 + 0.09, 0.03 + 0.26 and 0.30 + 0.31 at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age, respectively. The heritability for chest girth at 18 months of age was negative. The estimates of heritability of age at first calving, total lactation milk yield, 305- day lactation milk yield, lactation length, milk yield per day of lactation, milk yield per day of calving interval, gestation period, service period, dry period and calving interval were 0.95 + 0.24, 0.26 + 0.09, 0.24 + 0.08, 0.27 + 0.09, 0.12 + 0.06, 0.25 + 0.08, 0.24 + 0.08, 0.17 + 0.07, 0.22 + 0.08 and 0.18 + 0.07, respectively. Higher heritability estimate of age at first calving indicated that it could be reduced by selective breeding. The heritability estimates for number of inseminations per conception and number of days for change of coat colour were negative due to negative sire components of variance. The estimate of heritability for age till survival was 0.37 + 0.27. The genetic correlation among the body weights at different ages varied from 0.57 to 0.96 and those between the body weights and measurements ranged from –0.79 to 0.99 at birth and –0.24 to 0.98 at 12 months of age. The age at first calving was correlated negatively with all the traits studied except with dry period. The genetic correlations for the other production and reproduction traits studied, were positive among themselves except with gestation period and dry period. The phenotypic correlations between body weights and measurements were in general, positive. The phenotypic correlations among the production and reproduction traits studied were in general, lower in magnitude but similar in direction when compared to the genetic correlations. The draught ability of Ongole bulls was evaluated by overall draught ability and horse power generation methods. The overall draught ability of the bulls was measured in terms of carting and ploughing abilities. The overall means for per cent increase in respiration rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature were 55.84, 22.76 and 1.71, respectively in carting ability and 92.7, 30.38 and 2.07, respectively in ploughing ability. The overall per cent increase in the respiration rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature after work in horse power generation method were 101.36, 25.17 and 1.20, respectively and the overall mean for the speed, draught force and horse power generated were 1.59 meters per second, 28.19 kg and 0.57 horse power, respectively. The phenotypic correlations between the age, body weight and body measurements of the bulls included in draught ability studies were observed to be highly positive and significant. The bulls were ranked by overall draught ability and horse power generation methods and the rank correlation was negative and not significant. The sire indices obtained by simple daughter average index, dairy search index and adjusted least squares method for 305-day first lactation milk yield ranged from 341 to 668, 363 to 577 and 367 to 547 kg, respectively. Positive and highly significant rank correlation coefficients indicated that these three methods of sire evaluation could be used with equal efficiency.