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ThesisItem Open Access DEVELOPMENT AND ULTRASONIC ASSESSMENT OF THE PRECISION OF BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) SYSTEM AS A PREDICTOR FOR PRODUCTION, REPRODUCTION AND HEALTH PERFORMANCE OF MURRAH BUFFALOES(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2009-02) ANITHA, A; SARJAN RAO, K (Major); SURESH, J; MOORTHY, P.R.S; KOTI LINGA REDDY, YABSTRACT: Body Condition Score (BCS) system is a subjective scoring method of evaluating the energy reserves of dairy animals which provide the better understanding of biological relationship between body fat, milk production and reproduction that helps in adopting the optimum managemental practices to derive maximum production and maintain better health status. In the present study new BCS system was developed for Murrah buffaloes. The skeletal check points were identified by spotting out the anatomical features which enabled to assess the fat reserves easily and by measuring the amount of fat reserves in slaughtered animals. The scores were assigned in a 1 to 5 scale based on the amount of fat reserves in slaughtered animals. The skeletal check points identified were kept in order based on the amount of carcass fat reserves and scores assigned to prepare preliminary BCS chart in a 1 to 5 scale using 0.25 increments. The BCS chart was further modified by correcting the demerits and a new BCS chart in a 1 to 5 scale using 0.5 increments examining eight skeletal check points was developed. BCS was assigned using the chart developed and the new BCS system developed was found to be precise and consistent. The new BCS system developed was subjected for precision in 10 buffaloes for each point of the 1-5 scale by ultrasonographic measurements of body fat reserves. The ultrasonographic measurements showed that the fat reserves were higher at the point between tail head to pins and as the BCS increased the amount of fat reserves also increased indicating that BCS adequately reflected in the amount of actual fat reserves. BCS was significantly correlated (0.86) with the carcass fat reserves as well as ultrasonographic fat reserves (0.85) and ultrasonography has the potential to determine fat thickness with a high degree of accuracy. The effect of BCS at calving on the reproductive performance studied in 24 buffaloes in a 4 x 6 CRD showed that increase in body weight of 80.33 kg was observed for every one unit increase of BCSc between BCSc groups of 2.5 – 2.99 and 3.5 – 3.99 and 82.34 kg between BCSc groups of 3.0 – 3.49 and 4.0 – 4.49. Buffaloes of BCSc above 3.5 with significantly (P < 0.01) higher body weights showed better reproductive performance compared to buffaloes of BCSc groups below 3.5 with less body weights. The prepartum and weekly postpartum changes in BCS studied showed that the buffaloes gained a BCS of 0.57 from 3 months prepartum to one week prepartum, lost 0.17 BCS due to calving, further showed a decline in BCS upto 9 weeks of postpartum and then started regaining BCS gradually until 18 weeks postpartum. The mean LBCS over the period of 18 weeks postpartum was comparatively higher (0.75 ± 0.05) than BCS restored in the early lactation which was shown as GBCS (0.34 ± 0.02). The difference of 0.41 units between LBCS and GBCS was observed over a period of 18 weeks postpartum. Buffaloes of BCSc group 3.5 – 3.99 showed the best reproduction performance among the four BCSc groups with less postpartum estrus period (46.66 days), service period (58.83 days), number of service per conception (1.50) and high rate of 1st service conception (66.66%) followed by the BCSc groups of 4.0 – 4.49, 3.0 – 3.49 and 2.5 – 2.99. Buffaloes should have the target condition scores of minimum BCS of 3.25-3.5 at three months prepartum, 3.5-3.99 at calving, 2.75 to 3.0 at around 8 weeks postpartum and 3.0 to 3.25 by 18 weeks postpartum so that they can show good reproductive performance. The resumption of ovarian activity was observed at mean values of 47.25 ± 2.39, 42.0 ± 2.91, 29.33 ± 3.33 and 39.33 ± 4.21 days for the BCSc groups of 2.5 – 2.99, 3.0 – 3.49, 3.5 – 3.99 and 4.0 – 4.49 respectively. Buffaloes of BCSc group 3.5 – 3.99 showed significantly (P < 0.05) earlier resumption of ovarian activity. The breeding efficiency was significantly (P < 0.01) higher for buffaloes of BCSc group 3.5 – 3.99. The monthly postpartum changes in BCS showed that BCS decreased from calving to two months of lactation and then gradually increased. Inverse relationship was observed between monthly BCS and milk yield. The lactation curve characteristics studied in relation to BCSc in 40 buffaloes in a 4 x 10 CRD, showed that the milk production increased from calving until two months of lactation, reaching peak production and then gradually showed a decline for all the BCSc groups of the test herd. The total milk yield upto 18 weeks of lactation was higher for the BCSc group of 3.5 - 3.99. For every one unit increase in BCSc, an increase of 395.27 kg in the 18 weeks lactation yield was observed. But as the BCSc exceeded 3.99 a decrease in milk yield was noticed. The predicted lactation yield was higher for the BCSc group of 3.5-3.99. For every one unit increase in BCSc an increase of 759.55 kg was observed in the predicted lactation yield. But as the BCSc exceeded 3.99 the predicted yield showed a decline. The peak milk yield was higher for the BCSc group 3.5-3.99. For every one unit increase in BCSc, an increase of 4.57 kg of peak yield was noticed. Further, the peak yield and persistency index showed a decrease as BCSc exceeded 3.99. For every one unit increase in BCSc an increase of milk fat per cent of 1.8 and 2.0 was observed at 6-8 weeks and 16-18 weeks after calving, respectively. For every one unit increase in BCSc an increase of milk protein / SNF of 0.55 and 0.54 was observed at 6-8 weeks and 16-18 weeks after calving respectively. As the BCS increased from 6-8 weeks after calving to 16-18 weeks after calving the milk components i.e., fat, protein and SNF showed an increasing trend. Buffaloes of BCS below 3.5 were more prone to mastitis, anoestrum and retained placenta indicating that thin buffaloes in negative energy balance were more susceptible to health disorders.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE BROILER CONTRACT FARMING SYSTEMS IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-08) VENKATA VARAPRASAD, KOMMINENI; SATYANARAYANA REDDY, P.V.V (Major); SARJAN RAO, K; RAGHU RAM, PABSTRACT : The present study was intended to probe into the economic aspects of contract broiler farming relevant to the changes that have taken place in Chittoor district. Three stage sampling technique was followed for the selection of the ultimate broiler farms. The ultimate sample constituted 75 contract and 75 non-contract broiler farms. The percentage of family workers on the contract broiler farms was 67.83, while the same on non-contract broiler farms was 30. The non-contract farmers had greater percentage of college education compared to contract farmers. The assets on contract farms was valued at Rs.5,02,447 while the value of the same on non-contract farms was Rs.7,74,744. The proportion of family labour on contract farms was 67.8 per cent, while the same on non-contract farms was 30 per cent only. In respect of contract broiler farms, the total costs per 1000 birds varied from Rs.3,221 to Rs.3,252 for the five batches with an average of Rs.3,231. In the case of non-contract broiler farms, the total costs per 1000 birds varied from Rs.41,296 to Rs.46,042 for five batches with an average of Rs.43,801. The feed conversion ratios of broilers maintained in contract farms were less over non-contract farms. The percentage of mortality in the boiler maintained was less on both contract and non-contract farms. Gross income was distinctly higher on non-contract farms over contract farms. On the whole the contract farmers were found to receive a net income of Rs.9,691 per 1000 birds per year. As against this the non-contract farmers made a net income of Rs.17,555 per 1000 birds per annum. The average break-even point on contract farms was 1,087.6 kg, while the same on non –contract farms was 738 kg.. The production function analysis revealed that medicines in first batch, flock size in third batch, medicines in fourth batch and feed in fifth batch exhibited potential for their further use. There were relatively more specific problems on non-contract farms over contract farmsThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING AMARANTHUS LEAF MEAL ON EGG AND POULTRY MEAT CHOLESTEROL LEVELS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-08) NAGARAJA KUMARI, KALLAM; Satyanarayana Reddy, P.V.V (Major); SUDHAKARA REDDY, P; PRABHAKARA REDDY, KABSTRACT : Egg and poultry meat are providing high amount of protein and fat with high biological value. Increased awareness of dietary fats on development of coronary heart disease, research has now been directed to reduce the cholesterol levels of egg and poultry meat by manipulating diets fed to the birds. Amaranth seed has already proven to be hypocholesterolemic agent in humans and experimental animals. Hence, this study was taken up with an aim to see the effects of Amaranthus Leaf Meal (ALM) (A. tricolor) on cholesterol levels in both egg and poultry meat. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 per cent ALM. The experiments were conducted in both layers and broilers. Zero per cent was considered as control diet. In the first experiment sixty layers of 45 weeks age were randomly grouped to contain 4 birds in each replicate and 3 replicates for each treatment. Effect of supplementation of ALM on feed intake, feed efficiency, egg production, egg quality traits, cholesterol, livability and economics were studied during the experimental period of 6 weeks. Birds were fed on control diet for 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after the experimental period and the egg cholesterol levels in both pre and post experimental periods were also estimated. Supplementation of ALM did not effect the feed intake, egg production, feed efficiency, body weight, egg weight and egg equality studies when compared with control. However, inclusion of ALM diets in layers when compared with control have significantly (P < 0.01) decreased egg cholesterol and improved the yolk color. But a significant increase in cholesterol level during post experimental period (Birds were fed on control diet). In experiment-II, one hundred and fifty, day old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into 5 treatment groups, each with 3 replicates and each of which contain 10 female broilers. Effect of the supplementation of ALM on feed intake, body weight, feed efficiency, carcass yield, giblet yield, serum biochemical profile and meat biochemical profile were studied during the experimental period of 6 weeks. Supplementation of ALM did not effect the feed intake, feed efficiency, carcass yield, giblet yield, serum protein, Albumi, Globulin A:G ratio, serum HDL-C and Triglyecrides; breast muscle VLDL-C and fat; thigh muscle protein, HDL-C, LDL-C. The lowest body weight gain was observed in the 10 per cent ALM inclusion. However, the inclusion of ALM in broiler diets have significantly decreased serum cholesterol and LDL-C, breast muscle cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride; thigh muscle cholesterol, LDL-C, triglyceride and thigh muscle fat values, but a significant increase in serum VLDL-C, breast muscle HDL-C and breast muscle protein values were observed.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE MIGRATORY PATTERN OF NELLORE SHEEP AND THEIR PERFORMANCE(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-08) SARAVANA KUMAR, K; SARJAN RAO, K (Major); VENUGOPAL NAIDU, K; ESWARA PRASAD, P; SATYANARAYANA REDDY, P.V.VABSTRACT : In the present study an attempt was made to study the migratory pattern of Nellore sheep and their performance in Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh. A benchmark survey was conducted on 108 migratory sheep farmers from the identified eight major (above 90 kms path) and ten minor (below 90 kms path) migratory tracts of the two districts (shown in 7 maps) to assess the reasons and problems during migration and impact of migration on their socio-economic conditions. The major reasons for migration of sheep flocks were lack of water and feeding resources (83.33 to 85.18%), traditional practice (78.70%), successive drought (76.85%), disease out breaks (75.90%) etc. Migration in major tracts had commenced from January 15th upto the end of July with a mean duration of 131.25 ± 11.78 days covering 125.25 ± 10.43 kms and in minor tracts from March to the end of June for a distance of 42.90 ± 2.22 kms in a period of 51.50 ± 4.30 days. The average duration (days) of migration in the identified tracts of the study was 91.38 ± 8.04 to cover a distance of 84.08 ± 6.33 kms. The average flock size was 64.38 ± 2.97 for migratory flocks against 29.92 ± 1.38 for non-migratory flocks in the study area. The total per cent of life stages retained from migration were 22.07 ± 4.92, 8.87 ± 2.94, 31.28 ± 2.37 and 11.92 ± 2.89 for the pregnant, lactating, suckling and weaners, respectively. The mean grazing time, mastication rate / mt and rumination rate / hr observed were 6 hrs. 39 mts, 75.06 ± 1.92 and 64.11 ± 0.86 respectively. Out of 108 each migratory and non-migratory farmer groups studied 71.30 and 57.41 percentage belonged to AL, 12.96 and 12.04 SF, 6.48 and 10.21 MF and 9.26 and 20.34 LF groups, respectively. The comparison of the involvement of social groups based on land holdings in both systems of sheep rearing was non-significant. However, social groups based on community, about two thirds of sheep farmers belonged to BC's (popular community was 'Yadavas') followed by SC and ST (17.59%) and the rest (15.47%) from FC, whereas the FC farmers involvement was better than SC and STs in non-migratory system. Out of the family size of 10.25 ± 0.70 and 7.13 ± 0.45, the male and female members ratios were 1.5:1 and 1.4:1 in migratory and non-migratory farmer households of major tracts identified in the study. The family members mostly, male vs female members utilization pattern was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in major tracts (66.23 ± 2.20 Vs 37.27 ± 2.98). The family labour utilization pattern in minor tracts was also significantly (P < 0.01) higher for migratory households. The impact of migratory pattern was amply reflected in low literacy rates in males (39.39 ± 3.31) than females (43.91 ± 2.81) in major migratory tracts. The overall literacy rate of 40.48 ± 2.91 was significantly (P<0.01) lower in migratory household against the non-migratory households (62.71 ± 3.01). The migratory sheep farmers in the major tracts were supported by other livestocks including 2.69 ± 0.42, 2.60 ± 0.40 and 3.08 ± 0.42 number of buffaloes, cattle and goats with an estimated value of Rs. 9,943.75, Rs. 8320.00 and Rs. 2152.50, respectively and the value of sheep flocks was double (2.03:1) than the value of other supported species where as the non-migratory sheep farmers were supported by 3.59 ± 0.95, 3.68 ± 0.50 and 3.65 ± 0.41 number of buffaloes, cattle and goats with the overall estimated value of Rs. 18,603.75 (0.70:1). The mean gross income and per capita income per annum from migratory sheep flocks were significantly (P < 0.05) higher due to higher flock asset value and hire service charges. Higher percentage (80.55) of sheep farmers responded for the problem related to the gastrointestinal parasitism followed by non-availability of vaccines (77.77%), diseases onset (75.92%), presence of diseases in the villages of migratory path (72.22%) and lack of veterinary facilities (70.37%). The influence of migratory phase on certain biochemical constituents and haematological values was observed as significantly higher values for calcium, Phosphorus, glucose, total protein, globulin, albumin, creatinine, urea SGOT and SGPT and lower levels of cholesterol during active migratory phase. Hb, RBC, PCV and WBC values were significantly (P<0.01) increased during active migratory phase. These variations were not beyond the normal ranges of species specific. Migratory phase had a positive influence on number of ewes on standing heat and their rate of conception, birth weights of the lambs, serving capacity of rams and a negative influence on prenatal and neonatal mortality, number of lambs born and weaning weight. The incidence of parasitic diseases i.e., Amphistomiasis (63.89% Vs 16.67%), Monieziasis (22.22 Vs 30%), Fascioliasis (58.33% Vs 19.44%), Strongylosis (38.89% Vs 19.44%) and Babesiosis (8.33 Vs 0) was observed in migratory Vs non-migratory flocks. The incidences of infectious diseases like ET, Blue tongue, Anthrax, FMD, Foot rot, sheep pox and PPR were observed more for migratory compared to non-migratory flocks.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF WEANING AGE ON THE BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS AND PRODUCTION TRAITS OF CROSSBRED PIGLETS AND WEANED SOWS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-07) VENKATA SUBBAIAH, P; SARJAN RAO, K (Major); SREENIVASA RAO, D; SUDHAKARA REDDY, PABSTRACT : Three groups of piglets with a number of 24 piglets from 3 farrowed sows having similar litter size in each group were weaned at 28, 42 and 56 days (control) of age used in a completely randomized design for the post-weaning behaviour and growth studies of piglets. The group difference in exhibition of playing and tail biting was observed, where the early weaned piglets had spent significantly (P < 0.01) more time than other test group and control group. All the piglets had exhibited the behavioural traits of playing, fighting, tail biting, standing and locomotion mostly between 8 AM to 4 PM where as lying was mostly exhibited during early morning and late evening. There exists a significant (P < 0.01) difference in growth rates between test groups in comparision to control group, where the piglets weaned at 28 days in group 1 had shown the least growth rates. No significant difference was observed in the DM intake, ADG and FCR. The FCR was marginally lower in early weaned piglets compared to group 2 and control. Significantly (P < 0.01) lower digestibility co-efficients of DM, CP, EE, CF and NFE were observed for the early weaned piglets than the piglets weaned at 42 days which were comparable with the control group. The TDN and DE intakes were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in group I. Group 2 piglets were comparable in per cent TDN and DE intake with the conventional 56 days of weaned piglets. The protein : energy ratios were 1:17, 1:18 and 1:18 for group 1, 2 and control respectively. The DCP and DE intakes and its ratio was much inferior than the requirements of NRC (1998). Three groups each consisting of 3 cross bred (LWY x desi ) sows of 2nd farrowing with similar body weights were selected and the study was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design to assess the farrowing behaviour and certain maternal behavioural traits due to the effect of weaning. The mean time spent by the farrowed sows for resting, lying on stomach, standing, locomotion and vocalization were 277.10, 72.22, 44.33, 16.99 and 11.33 mts, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.01) more time was spent by the 2nd test group on vocalization than group 1 and comparable with the control group. Significantly (P < 0.01) more time was spent by the farrowed sows on ventral recumbency a day before farrowing and on lateral recumbency after farrowing. The mean litter size was 9.99 and the time taken for the birth of litter was 46.55 ± 5.5 mts. The birth interval was not significantly influenced either by litter size and birth weights and the mean birth interval time recorded was 4.61 ± 0.46 mts. The mean value of 91.22 ± 7.14 mts was recorded for the shedding of placenta after farrowing and the mean total farrowing time was 137.77 ± 11.34 mts by the 9 sows. No significant effect on the farrowing behavioural traits was observed due to the increase in litter size or weight. All the piglets have shown their priority to the anterior teat of sows. The mean body weight loss of 11.39 kg which included 10.85 kg of mean litter weight and 500 g of placental membranes along with fluids. . The changes in maternal behavioural traits in response to the weaning effect was significantly (P < 0.01) observed in group I for standing and group 2 in locomotion. The response to the weaning on the other maternal behavioural traits like resting, lying on stomach and vocalization was non-significant among the days of observation and within groups. The 42 days weaned sows had lost 4.04 kg and control group sows had lost 13.7 kg body weights which were higher than the early weaned sows, (group 1). The weight loss up to weaning had increased with the higher litter size. The onset of oestrus in early weaned sows was 17 days against 14 days for 2 and control groups. The time taken for the onset of oestrus after farrowing was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (45 days) in group 1 than 2 (56 days) and control group (70 days). The early weaning had much beneficial effects with least adverse effects on the behavioural aspects of sows and growth rates of piglets and within the test groups, weaning at 42 days of age was found to be superiorThesisItem Open Access UTILITY OF BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) SYSTEM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL AND PRODUCTION TRAITS OF CROSSBRED COWS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-07) ANITHA, A; SARJAN RAO, K (Major); RAMANA, J.V; SATHYANARAYANA REDDY, P.V.VABSTRACT : Body Condition Score (BCS) system is a subjective scoring method of evaluating the energy reserves of dairy cows which provide the better understanding of biological relationship between body fat, milk production and reproduction that helps in adopting the optimum managemental practices to derive maximum production and maintain better health status. In the present study the system of body condition assessment developed by Edmonson et al. (1989) was used to score body condition of the crossbred Jersey and HF cows in F1 and F2 generation. The chart suggested by Edmonson et al. (1989) described eight important areas of check points on the cow in assigning an overall BCS in a 1 to 5 scale, using 0.25 increments functioning as a 17 point scale. After each area was examined by vision and palpation, score is recorded and a general average BCS was assigned to the cows. The relationship between BCS and physical parameters studied in 150 crossbred cows showed that 148 cows were in the BCS range of 2.75 to 4.25. Cows of below 5 years of age showed 0.1 unit higher BCS (P < 0.05) than cows of 5 and above 5 years of age. Correlation coefficients indicated that as the BCS increased, heart girth measurements and body weights were increased whereas, wither height, hook height, sternum height and intercostal space measurements decreased. However, these relationships were statistically non-significant. The postpartum changes in BCS studied in 30 crossbred Jersey and HF cows showed a mean ± SE BCSc of 3.67 ± 0.07. The DMI / Kg B.Wt reduced by 10 and 12.8 g with an increase of one unit BCSc for the BCSc ranges of 3.25 to 3.75 and 3.75 to 4.25 respectively. The cows had lost their body condition until 10 weeks postpartum and later on gradually started recouping their body condition. Cows in all the 5 series of lactation have maintained a minimum BCS of above 2.5 during early lactation. The range of minimum BCS recorded was 2.5 to 3.5 with a mean of 3.16 ± 0.07. The mean LBCS and GBCS values observed over the period of 18 weeks postpartum were 0.62 ± 0.04 and 0.35 ± 0.02, respectively. Cows of BCSc of below 3.5 had regained their loss in condition one week prior to the cows of BCSc of above 3.5. The mean weekly postpartum BCS change was significantly higher (P<0.01) for cows of BCSc of above 3.5 than for cows of below 3.5 during the 18 wks postpartum. Rank correlation between BCS and milk yield / day at 4, 19, 34, 49, 64, 79, 94, 109 and 120 days of milking showed that BCS and milk yield were positively correlated (P<0.01) at 49 days of lactation and non-significant correlation was observed during the remaining test days. For every one unit increase in BCS a decrease of 3kg milk yield and an increase of 3.7 kg FCM were recorded. However, these values were statistically non-significant and BCS had no significant effect on mean peak and daily milk yield. Cows with BCSc of 3.00 to 3.49 have taken more number of days (33) to reach the peak milk yield when compared to cows with BCSc of 4.00 to 4.49. The slope to peak was higher (0.79 ± 0.16) at BCSc of 3.00 to 3.49 which had declined (0.64 ± 0.13) at BCSc of 4.00 to 4.49. The persistency (slope from peak) was more for cows with BCSc of 3.00 to 3.49 (0.93 ± 0.12) compared to cows with BCSc of 4.00 to 4.49 (0.63 ± 0.23). The 305 day predicted milk yield at 30 days of lactation was reduced in the subsequent month prediction by 675.74, 621.20 and 198 kg for 3rd, 4th and 5th lactations, respectively. Cows with higher milk yield of 3500-4500 kg in previous lactation had comparatively a low BCSc (3.39) in the present lactation than medium (2500-3500 kg) and low (1500-2500 kg) yielders, which were assigned the BCSc of 3.69 and 3.78, respectively. For every one unit increase in BCS there was an increase of 22.39g fat and decrease of 14.53 g of protein per kg of milk yield. The service period was 94, 90 and 82 days for cows with BCSc of 3.00 to 3.49, 3.5 to 3.99 and 4.00 to 4.49, respectively and it was observed that BCSc had no significant effect on service period. Cows with BCS of below 3.5 were more affected with Clinical Mastitis (23) than cows with BCS of above 3.5(15). Hence, based on the results obtained it was concluded that the BCS system is an economic tool of determining the body condition of dairy cows more accurately which helps us to monitor the plane of nutrition to achieve the optimum performance of crossbred data.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON CULTURAL PRACTICES AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF PERENNIAL FODDER VARIETIES SUITABLE UNDER LOW IRRIGATION INPUT CONDITIONS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 ,A.P, 2008-09) JAGADAMBA, K; SURESH, J; SARJAN RAO, K; RAVI, AABSTRACT: The present investigation was attempted to study the cultural practices and yield of 21 perennial fodder varieties being cultivated in the fodder bank of Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati and to evaluate the varieties best suited for low irrigation input areas of scarce rainfall zone and to evaluate the chemical composition, cell wall constituents, protein and carbohydrate fractions to predict the energy content of the selected varieties and to evaluate the selected varieties for nutrient digestibility using four male buffalo calves by 4 x 4 Latin Square Design. Co-3, APBN-1 and Co-63 among the Napier varieties and Congo signal among the Guinea varieties required least irrigation input. Co-3, APBN-1 and Co-63 among the Napier varieties and Congo signal among the Guinea varieties recorded highest annual tonnage per acre as well as tonnage per cut per acre and also leaf area index. There was no significant difference among Co-3, APBN-1 and Co-63 but they differed significantly (P<0.01) with the remaining varieties in respect of LAI and yield per cut per acre. Congo signal among Guinea varieties and Co-63, APBN-1 and Co-3 among Napier varieties had higher (P<0.01) leaf to stem ratio. APBN-1 had the highest CP content (8.04) followed by Co-3 (6.59), Congo signal (3.66) and Co-63 (3.34). Evaluation of the four selected varieties i.e., APBN-1, Co-3, Congo signal and Co-63 in growing buffalo calves in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design revealed that there were no significant differences in the digestibility of nutrients and plane of nutrition of buffalo calves. The TDN content of the selected varieties arrived at by in vivo digestibility trial was comparable to the TDN values predicted as per NRC (2001). Based on nutritive value and plane of nutrition, all the four varieties met the maintenance requirements of growing buffalo calves, however, APBN-1 and Co-3 were superior to Congo signal and Co-63 by virtue of their higher DCP content. Based on results of present study it was concluded that by virtue of low irrigation inputs, higher yield and better nutritive value APBN-1, Co-3 and Co-63 among Napier varieties and Congo signal among Guinea varieties may be recommended for scarce rainfall areasThesisItem Open Access OF INCORPORATION OF POULTRY SLAUGHTER WASTE ON GROWTH AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY IN DOG DIETS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI-517502, 2008-03) VIJAY, K; MAHENDER, M; NAGALAKSHMI, D; RAGHUNANDAN, TABSTRACT : An attempt has been made in the present study to find the chemical composition of poultry slaughter waste and to assess the effect of incorporation of poultry slaughter waste at 0, 10 and 20 per cent levels in dog diets. The performance of Labrador dogs was studied in a growth cum digestion trial. Twelve Labrador dogs with an average body weight of 3.83 kg were distributed into 3 groups each comprising 4 dogs. The poultry slaughter waste was cleaned, autoclaved (1kg/cm2 for 30 min) and subsequently dried in tray drier (100 0C for 8 hours). Processed PSW was ground and analyzed for chemical composition which revealed 94.18, 91.21, 36.92, 25.02, 0.56, 8.19 and 8.79 per cent DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE and TA, respectively. This could be a valuable protein source in dog diets. Three experimental dog diets were formulated from maize, soybean meal, rice broken, wheat, wheat bran, oil, salt, preservatives, vitamins and mineral mixture. Processed poultry slaughter waste included in diet 2 and diet 3 at 10 and 20 per cent levels, respectively. All the three diets were extruded out. These experimental diets were fed to the Labrador dogs for a period of 91 days (81 days growth trial and 7 days digestibility trial). During the growth trial the ADG of Labrador dogs was 109.56 ± 7.62, 122.95 ± 3.39 and 124.46 ± 4.49 for diet 1 (control), diet 2 (10 %PSW) and diet 3 (20%PSW) respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in ADG among the diets. The feed efficiency (g) was higher in Labrador dogs fed diet 3 (2.44 ± 0.09) followed by diet 2 (2.49 ± 0.08) and diet 1 (2.88 ± 0.20). However feed efficiency was statistically (P>0.05) insignificant. The DM efficiency was not significant (P>0.05) among the diets, but numerically 14.73, 12.79 per cent more DM efficiency was observed in diet 3 and diet 2 compared to the control. The CP efficiency was found to be 13.56 per cent more for diet 3 and diet 2 compared to the control. CP efficiency of diet 2 and diet 3 was similar. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in CP efficiency among the diets. The ME efficiency (kcal/g gain) of diet 3 (8.82 ± 0.33) and diet 2 (8.92 ± 0.27) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than control (10.64 ± 0.73) while diet 2 and diet 3 were comparable. A digestibility trial was conducted at the end of the experiment. The DMI/100 kg body weight was comparable among the diets, however 3.58, 8.14 per cent more DMI for diet 1 was observed compared to diet 2 and diet 3 respectively. The DM digestibility of diet 3 (68.33 ± 0.85) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than diet 1 (63.75 ± 0.93) while DM digestibility of diet 2 (65.82 ± 0.84) was comparable to diet 1 and diet 3. There was no significant difference in the digestibility of OM, CP and NFE. The CF digestibility of diet 3