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ThesisItem Open Access IMPACT STUDIES ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BULK MILK COOLING UNITS IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2010-12) POORNACHANDRA RAO, K.N; SURESH, J (Major); SARJAN RAO, K; VEERABRAHMAIAH, KABSTRACT : The study had a focus on the impacts of establishment of bulk milk cooling units both on quality of milk as well as socio-economic impact on the milk producer community in Chittoor and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh. The research was conducted by adopting ex-post-facto design. Of the 56 units functioning in the Chittoor district, 9 units were randomly selected while only BMC functioning in Prakasam district was selected purposively. The list of milk producers supplying milk to the BMC unions was prepared and a uniform sample of 15 farmers comprising 10 female respondents and 5 male respondents were randomly selected. The ultimate sample for the study stood at 10 BMC’s and 150 respondents. The required information was collected by personal interview by the researcher with the respondents through a structured schedule. The data were subjected to statistical analysis employing means, standard deviation, percentages, Chi-2 test of significance, multiple regression analysis and correlation coefficients. To study the effectiveness of bulk milk coolers quantitative methods were employed to measure the standard plate count (SPC) and coliform count (CC) before and after cooling the milk in bulk milk coolers along with fat and SNF percentages. The study regarding the effectiveness of bulk milk coolers on the quality of milk revealed that there was substantial reduction in SPC and coliform count after cooling. The percentage reduction of SPC and CC was approximately 36% and 43%, respectively. However the quality of milk by grade remained fair as per BIS even after cooling with BMC units. There was a significant difference (P<0.01) with regard to SPC and CC before and after subjecting the milk through BMC’s both in terms of maximum and minimum counts. The annual milk collection through BMC units ranged from a minimum of 5,21,000 litres to a maximum of 16,91,000 litres. The mean quantity of milk collected through all BMC units was 10,35,000 litres. The BMC’s have approximately took away 17% of share of milk procurement from different channels like head loads, private dairies etc. This indirectly will strengthen the fact that quality milk of low bacterial load to the extent of 17% is now being supplied to the consumers compared to the earlier situation. X2 analysis indicated that the relation between milk yield with some of the socio-economic parameters like education, size of the farm, total household income and quality of concentrate feed offered to the animal were found to be significant (P<0.05). The multiple regression analysis carried out to study the influence of selected independent variables and dairy income due to establishment of BMC units revealed that in respect of pooled sample, the most powerful factors to influence the dairy income were caste, hand holdings, size of the farm, education level, household income and dairy farming experience. The coefficient of multiple determination was 0.67 duly indicating that 67% of the variation in dairy income was explained by the independent variables included in the function. The correlation coefficients between dairy income due to establishment of BMC units and selected socio-economic parameters pertaining to pooled sample revealed that size of the dairy herd had highest association with dairy income, very closely followed by farming experience and land holding. Household income and level of education also exhibited positive correlations with dairy income. The impact of BMC units as perceived by the respondents revealed that tie-up for bank loans has been an easy affair and this item obtained first rank. There has been a substantial increase in dairy income brought in due to BMC’s and it was offered second rank. Another important impact was fairer payment for the milk supplied which was ranked three. Spoilage of milk was averted to a great extent (rank IV). BMC’s enabled the farmers to demand for higher milk price which was ranked fifth. Increase in milk quality was yet another benefit of BMC. Other interesting impacts include society development, increased milk production improvement in health of the animals, increase in milk production, increase in herd size and improved extension contacts. Some important constraints faced by the beneficiaries were brought to the lime light and few of them required to be addressed immediately by the authorities. Irregular power supply which may pose a threat of spoilage of milk was the prime concern. Setting up of a generator as a back-up facility was the suggestion. Under-utilization of coolers to the fullest capacity of either 3,000 or 5,000 litres especially during lean months resulted in increased overhead charges. It was suggested that more number of milk producers be inducted into the BMC union and others are encouraged to divert their milk supply from head loads and private dairies to BMC’s. Further, the farmers are expecting more training programmes on production technologies, better extension services, organization of animal health camps and loan melas etc. to help them to produce more milk per unit animal.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 A STUDY ON THE MILKING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND QUALITY OF MILK IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS OF YSR KADAPA DISTRICT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY, TIRUPATI – 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-09) SWATHI, YANDRAPU; Ravindra Reddy, Y (Major); Suresh Babu, D; Sreenivasa Rao, DABSTRACT : An investigation was carried out to study the socio economic conditions, milking management practices and quality of milk with 120 milk producers in rural and urban areas of YSR Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh. Majority of respondents rearing crossbred cows (75.00%) and buffaloes (58.33%) belonged to male groups involving in dairy activities. Majority of the crossbred cow farmers (43.33%) had the education up to high school level whereas in buffalo farmers majority (41.66%) was illiterate in the entire study area. Dairying was the main occupation after agriculture for 40.00 per cent of crossbred cattle and 33.33 per cent of buffalo milk respondents. Maximum percentage of farmers belonged to medium size family (4–6 members) with nuclear family type in both crossbred cow and buffalo milk respondents. Majority belonged to landless category (43.33%) in crossbred cow farmers whereas in buffalo milk respondents, majority belonged to 2-5 acres land holding category. In the selected area of study, majority (55.00%) of crossbred cow farmers had extension contact with veterinarians as against majority of (56.67%) of buffalo farmers had extension contact with para veterinarians. In both crossbred cow and buffalo milk respondents, majority of farmers had no exposure to any type of mass media related to animal husbandry activities. Majority of crossbred cow (96.67%) and buffalo (93.33%) farmers practiced wet hand milking in the study area. None of the crossbred cow and buffalo farmers practiced machine method of milking. Maximum number of crossbred cow and buffalo respondents adopted knuckling method of milking at starting of milking operations followed by stripping at the end of milking. Minimum per cent of respondents among crossbreds (13.33%) and buffalo milk producers (11.67) adopted full hand method of milking in the study area. None of the respondents practiced dipping of teats in antiseptic solution. After milking the usual practice of straining of milk with muslin cloth was not followed by majority of milk producers while cleaning of milk utensils was done with disinfectant by majority of the crossbred and buffalo milk producers. Before milking of animals, washing of hands with water was practiced by majority of milk producers in the study area. Most of the crossbred cow (90.00%) and buffalo (75.00 %) farmers were cleaning the udder alone. Majority of the crossbred cow (70.00%) farmers and 46.67 per cent of buffalo farmers were using pucca flooring in the animal houses. More than 50.00 per cent of the farmers were cleaning the animal sheds twice daily. The quality of milk was analyzed by chemical composition of milk with Lactan 1 – 4 milk Analyzer and somatic cell counts with Delaval Somatic cell counter. The pooled averages of Fat, SNF, Protein per cent along with SCC (x103/ml) of the crossbred cow milk in the study area were 3.61 ± 0.09, 8.20 ± 0.04, 3.41 ± 0.06 and 473.65 ± 94.58.The pooled averages of Fat, SNF, Protein per cent and SCC (x103) of buffalo milk in the entire study area were 7.07 ± 0.21, 9.19 ± 0.10, 3.78 ± 0.05 and 167.68 ± 28.80, respectively. The Protein per cent of crossbred cow milk in rural areas showed a significant variation (P<0.05) with that of urban areas. In rural areas, there was a significant (P<0.05) negative correlation found between SCC and protein per cent in crossbred cow milk. In buffaloes, Fat per cent, SNF per cent and Protein per cent of urban areas varied significantly (P<0.05) with that of rural areas. Somatic cell counts did not differ significantly with parity in both crossbred cows and buffaloes but differ significantly (P>0.01) with stage of lactation in crossbred cows and buffaloes. Method of milking practices have shown a significant variation (P<0.01) on the mean SCC in both cows and buffaloes. In case of crossbred cows hygiene of milkmen, floor type and cleanliness of animal sheds significantly (P<0.05) influenced the somatic cell counts whereas in buffaloes floor type alone significantly (P<0.05) influenced the SCC.