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ThesisItem Open Access PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER RABBITS UNDER TWO HOUSING SYSTEMS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIETARY PROBIOTICS AND ENZYMES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-08) SARAT CHANDRA, A; MAHENDER, M(MAJOR); RAGHUNANDAN, T; RAMESH GUPTA, B; GNANA PRAKASH, M; KONDAL REDDY, KABSTRACT : Studies were conducted on 144 weaned rabbits reared in cage and backyard rearing systems up to 16 weeks of age to study the influence of housing system and supplementation of probiotics and enzymes or both, on the productive and reproductive performance and health. A digestibility trial was conducted to assess the effect of different rations on digestibility of nutrients. Forty eight rabbits were slaughtered at 16 weeks of age and remaining rabbits were reared until first kindling to assess their reproductive performance. The overall least-squares mean body weights at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age were 568.29 ± 4.82, 690.34 ± 4.77, 963.44 ± 9.45, 1141.44 ± 7.69, 1322.17 ± 6.27 and 1499.15 ± 6.30 g, respectively with cage reared rabbits recording significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weights. In rabbits reared under cage and backyard systems, the effects of breed and ration were significant at most of the ages. In general, rabbits fed rations supplemented with enzymes and probiotics or both had significantly higher body weights at all ages. The overall least-squares mean ADGs were 18.21 ± 0.55, 20.72 ± 0.72, 18.19 ± 0.44, 13.15 ± 0.57, 10.89 ± 0.49 and 12.52 ± 0.62 g during 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14 and 14 to 16 weeks of age, respectively. Cage reared rabbits recorded significantly higher ADG at most of the ages studied. Ration had significant (P≤0.05) effect on the ADGs during 4 to 6, 10 to12 and 12 to 14 weeks only. Backyard reared rabbits fed T4 and T2 rations recorded significantly higher ADG 4 to 6. The overall least-squares mean voluntary dry matter intake was 115.07 ± 4.48 g . Rabbits fed rations T3 and T4 recorded significantly (P≤0.05) higher DMI in both the systems of housing. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and nitrogen free extract were 72.64 ± 1.26, 73.10 ± 1.23, 78.61 ± 1.03, 71.59 ± 1.32, 81.12 ± 1.34 and 70.80 ± 1.46 respectively. In both the housing systems, rabbits fed experimental diets recorded significantly higher digestibility coefficients than control group. Significantly higher pre-slaughter weight (2014.29 + 47.21), dressed weight (994.40 + 26.01), fore and mid cut weights (296.25 + 10.36 and 230.63 + 6.48) and inedible offals (374.25 + 9.73 vs. 346.71 + 9.73) were recorded by cage reared rabbits. The overall mean dressing percentage and weights of hind cut, head and feet, pelt and edible offals and the length of caecum were 49.38 + 0.19, 457.13 + 10.14, 253.46 + 5.19, 198.21 + 3.91 and 67.85 + 0.84 g and 49.06 + 0.40 cm, respectively. Influence of experimental diets was significant on hind cut weight and length of caecum in cage system while all the carcass traits except pelt weight were significantly influenced in backyard system. Meat protein and fat percentage were significantly high in cage reared rabbits. The overall mean dry matter (%), total ash (%), protein (%), fat (%) and cholesterol (mg %) contents of meat were 20.66 + 0.08, 1.29 + 0.01, 21.29 + 0.12, 4.05 + 0.02 and 0.10 + 0.00, respectively. The protein content was significantly high in the rabbits fed ration 3 and 4 while the fat content was significantly high in the rabbits fed with control ration in cage reared and backyard reared rabbits. Rabbits housed in cages had lower AFK (217.25 + 1.69 days). The overall mean litter size and weight at birth were 6.83 + 0.26 bunnies and 337.64 + 12.73 g, respectively. Mean total erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, haemoglobin content, PCV, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, SGPT, SGOT, Serum protein, Albumin, Globulin and AG ratio were 7.52 0.12 x106/mm³, 6.29 0.08 x103/mm³, 10.77 0.06 g/dl, 34.25 0.37%, 35.71 1.03%, 60.27 1.38%, 1.35 0.14%, 1.92 0.13, 123.79 2.69 mg/dl, 123.67 ± 1.66 mg/dl, 18.17 ± 0.50 IU/dl, 28.04 ± 0.73 IU/dl, 6.20 ± 0.09 g/dl, 4.08 ± 0.08 g/dl, 2.11 ± 0.06 g/dl and 1.93 ± 0.09, respectively. The overall mean SRBC titre was 6.63 ± 0.20 log2 units. In both the housing systems, significantly high SRBC titers were recorded by rabbits fed rations 3 and 4. In general, it was observed that rabbits kept in backyard were more active, aggressive and burrowing was observed. Immediately after weaning and during nights, rabbits preferred to stay together in backyard system. Rabbits in the backyard preferred to stay on the cemented kerb. The cost of feed per kg gain was reduced by Rs. 1.20, 3.63 and 2.89 in cage reared rabbits and Rs. 1.10, 5.61 and 4.4 in backyard reared rabbits fed rations supplemented with enzymes (T1), probiotic (T2) and probiotic +enzymes (T3) over control ration, respectively. The present study recorded higher growth in broiler rabbits, but the difference in the body weight of broiler rabbits under two systems of housing was not significant, suggesting that rabbit farming for meat production can profitably be taken up under backyard system, which requires less capital investment and provides valuable animal protein and remunerative income to the farmers. The inclusion of enzymes and probiotics to the diets had a positive effect on the utilization of dietary nutrients and also reduced the cost per kg weight gain, which emphasizes that the cost of feeding in rabbit farming can be reduced by utilization of forages especially legumes and by products replacing the costly feed ingredients. Thus, rabbit farming as a small enterprise can be recommended for small and marginal farmers, to improve the quality of diet and as a steady source of income.ThesisItem Open Access ADAPTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF SAHIWAL AND JERSEY x SAHIWAL CROSSBRED COWS IN TROPICAL CONDITIONS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-05) SREEDHAR, SURATANI; Sarjan Rao, K(MAJOR); Suresh, J; Moorthy, P.R.S; Padmanabha Reddy, VABSTRACT: A study was conducted on adaptability and performance of pure Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows, performance of bulls of Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal crossbreds and on farm studies on the performance of the Jersey x Sahiwal crosses in tropical conditions. The physiological responses, biochemical constituents of the above animals were recorded. The production traits, reproduction traits and milk constituents were studied on twelve cows each from Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). To study the performance of bulls, tour Sahiwal bulls were selected at Dairy Experimental Station, and four Jersey x Sahiwal bulls from farmers house hold. The meteorological parameters viz. Temperature Humidity Index, Relative Humidity (%), evaporation (mm), wind velocity (kmph) and sun shine (hours) recorded during the study period of 2 1 days were ranged from 81.3-86.9, 37.0-61.0. 2.7-8.6, 5.1-1 1.3 and 2.0-9.3 with mean values of 84.4, 47.5. 6.8. 6.7 and 5.5. respectively. The rectal temperature ("F) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows during the adaptability period of 21 days were ranged from 101.43*0.04 to 103.6MO.18, 101.1&0.02 to 103.13+0.16 and 101.35*0.03 to 103.65f0.18, respectively. The respiration rate of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 28.4k0.1 to 41.7k0.6, 26.8 +0.10 to 38.8+0.40 and 28.3&0.10 to 43.5k0.40 breaths per minute, respectively. The rectal temperature and respiration rate were highly significantly (p<0.01) different among Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows. The changes in pulse rate of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged £+om 59.33* 0.45 to 76.0-1 -50, 59.67 *0.3 1 to 75.33k1.56 and 60.67*0.40 to 78.17*1.36 per minute, respectively. A non significant difference was observed for pulse rate between Sahiwal heifers and Sahiwal cows whereas a highly significant @<0.01) variation was recorded with Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows in relation to environmental traits. Temperature Humidity Index (THI) was highly significantly w0.01) wrrelated with rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate in Sahiwal heifers and Sahiwal cows and significantly (pe0.05) correlated in Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows. The average temperature significantly (p<0.05) influenced the rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate in all the three groups of experimental animals, while the evaporation was significantly (pC0.05) wrrelated with rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate of Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred wws. Negative correlation was observed between wind velocity and rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate of three groups of experimental animals. The sunshine was found to have highly significant (~0.01)co rrelation with rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate of Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred wws. The IHTC and BCA of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 74.0W0.42 to 95.67k1.8, 94.2+0.5 to 95.w0.5 and 73.5M0.31 to 96.5W2.89 and 2.24k0.01 to 2.84*0.03, 2.17+0.01 to 2.72f0.02 and 2.24*0.01 to 2.92+0.02, respectively. The IHTC and BCA values were highly significantly @<0.01) different among Sahiwal heifers, cows and Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows. The DSI of Sahiwal heifers, cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 0.95+0.61 to 1.1 1k0.01, 0.94*0.01 to 1.09-1.0.01 and 0.95*0.01 to 1.1 1+0.01, respectively. The DSI values were comparable between Sahiwal heifers and Sahiwal cows but highly significantly (p<0.01) different with Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows. The average values of IHTC, BCA and DSI in Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows became nearest to their respective optimum values of 100, 2.0 and 1 .O, respectively, within short period (3 days) in Sahiwal cows and longer period (9 days) for Jersey x Sahiwal cows. The haematocrit values (%) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 29.17+1.22 to 68.0& 1.06, 3 1 -0W1.46 to 67.0M 1.06 and 3 1.17k1.17 to 75.83*0.59, respectively. A non significant difference was observed in haematocrit values of Sahiwal heifers and cows, whereas a highly significant (p<0.01) variation was recorded with Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows. The serum glucose, urea and creatinine levels (mddl) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged fiom 61.9-1.34 to 97.32k0.63, 58.61k1.20 to 96.9M0.65 and 59.26k0.58 to 113.33k0.71, 11.72k0.94 to 47.21k0.64, 1 1.7W0.65 to 45.44k0.42 and 14.0M0.58 to 63.99k0.41 and 1.251t0.07 to 9.81+0.13, 1.2W0.09 to 9.90.tO. 17 and 1.43k0.10 to 16.18k0.15, respectively. The average serum glucose values were highly significantly (p<0.01) different among all the experimental animals during adaptability. The serum calcium, phosphorous and magnesium levels (mgldl) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 10.5W0.29 to 27.17M.29, 10.84+0.27 to 26.61+0.46 and 10.45+0.33 to 36.76*0.71, 5.85*0.05 to 18.91+0.2 1, 5.94k0.08 to 18.87k0.12 and 5.88k0.10 to 20.8W0.13 and 1 -95d0.03 to 1 1.16&0.09, 2.0W.06 to 10.85*0.19 and 1.95k0.03 to 15.120.15. respectively. A non significant difference was observed in serum calcium and phosphorous levels for Sahiwal heifers and Sahiwal cows, whereas a highly significant @<0.01) variation was recorded for Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows in relation to adaptability. The sodium and potassium levels (mgldl) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 140.23*2.09 to 183.62st1.25, 137.37k1.38 to 178.521.02 and 137.91A0.75 to 185.6%1.15 and 4.47.tO.20 to 13.21+0.15, 4.38A0.08 to 12.88rt0.08 and 4.41*0.13 to 18.8&0.11, respectively. The average sodium and potassium levels were highly significantly (~0.01)d ifferent among Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows. The influence of environmental traits on liver function tests from SGOT and SGPT levels (units/l) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 91.15zk3.62 to 178.87A1.49, 95.37~t2.52 to 165.74+1.11 and 82.78&0.29 to 188.48rt0.32 and 25.04*1.50 to 57.19rt0.72, 27.8-2.29 to 57.27a.77 and 17.52*0.40 to 74.72M.93, respectively. Highly significant (pc0.01) variation was recorded with SGOT levels in Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows and SGPT levels of all the three experimental animals during 2 1 days adaptation period. The average birth weight (kg) of Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal calves were 23.8w0.87 and 26.98+0.97, respectively. The mean body weight gain (kg) of Sahiwal calves and Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred calves were 34.08*5.69 and 34.47+5.99, respectively at the end of 24 weeks. The maximum body weight gain was observed at 24 weeks in Jersey x Sahiwal calves. The mean ADG of Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal calves were 344*7.9 and 365Zk11.0, respectively. The maximum average daily gain was observed at 8-10 weeks in Sahiwal calves whereas in Jersey x Sahiwal cows, peak ADG obtained at 6-8 weeks during 16-1 8 weeks of growth period. The mean 90 days milk yield, lactation milk yield, peak yield, average daily milk yield and 305 days milk yield in Sahiwal cows were 793.17*7.75, 2039.5zk30.14, 1 1.03*0.14, 6.90rt0.09 and 2109~k27.68 kg, respectively. The days to attain peak yield and lactation length in Sahiwal cows were 33.33*1.25 and 295.58*2.95 days and the persistence index observed as 2.53+0.04. The average 90 days milk yield, lactation milk yield, peak yield, average daily milk yield and 305 days milk yield in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 1099.2* 10.96, 3 156.6*3 1.16, 14.2 1 1t0.14, 10.33Zk0.11 and 3164.8k32.53 kg, respectively. The days to attain peak yield and lactation length in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 26.0M1.26 and 305.75~k1.95 days and the persistence index observed as 3.05k0.03. At farmer's house hold the average 90 days milk yield, lactation milk yield, peak yield, average daily milk yield and 305 days milk yield in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 997.6+8.48, 3131.7*31.02, 10.2+0.16, 8.86+0.10 and 2777.2+26.15 kg, respectively. The days to attain peak yield and lactation length in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 45.2~k1.33 and 3541t4.77 days and the persistence index observed was 2.84~k0.03. The analysis of variance revealed that all the milk yield traits were highly significantly (p<0.01) different between Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows both at dairy experimental station and Jersey x Sahiwal cows of Progeny Testing Programme at farmers house hold. The mean fat percent of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows was 4.91k0.19 and 4.54*0.16, respectively, whereas the fat percent was decreased from 1'' to 3d week and later gradually increased up to 131h week of lactation. Maximum fat yield (%) was observed in 12'~w eek for Sahiwal (5.3M0.20) and 13w~eek for Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred (4.9-0.12) wws. The mean SNF percent of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows was 9.02&0.07 and 8.67*0.10, respectively, whereas the SNF percent was decreased from la to 3d week and later gradually increased up to 13* week of lactation. Maximum levels of SNF were recorded during 13& week in Sahiwal cows and 7* week in Jersey x Sahiwal wws. 8.67*0.10. The protein content (%) of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 3.5W0.04 and 3.5W0.01, respectively. Maximum levels of protein were recorded during 11" week in Sahiwal cows and 7" week in Jersey x Sahiwal wws. The mean density of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal wws were 30.97*0.24 and 30.1B0.22, respectively. The fat and SNF contents of milk were highly significantly (~(0.01) different between Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows, whereas Sahiwal cows had higher fat and SNF yield. Highly significant @<0.01) variation was also observed between Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows, during different weeks of lactation. Non significant difference was observed with respect to protein content of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows whereas highly significant w0.01) variation was found in the density of milk from Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows. The mean fat (%), SNF (%), protein (%) and density of the milk in Jersey x Sahiwal cows at farmer's household were 4.91rt0.1, 7.97*0.15, 3.08*0.05 and 28.93*0.32, respective1 y. The mean age at first calving, gestation period, dry period, service period and calving interval (days) in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows at dairy experimental station were 1223.25+9.77, 282.67*0.53, 1 5 1.0M3.27, 163.92j14.20 and 446.58k4.16 and 985.17k11.41. 281.58&0.38. 123.33~t5.28. 148.0M5.97 and 429.58*6.10. respectively. At farmers household, the above reproductive traits in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 1237.%13.09, 282.3f0.37, 198.3k3.77, 270~k5.06 and 552.3*5.02 days. The results showed that the mean age at first calving, dry period, service period and calving interval in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were lower than Sahiwal cows. The mean values of the same reproductive traits in Jersey x Sahiwal cows of Progeny Testing Programme were higher than the mean values of Sahiwal cows. The mean gestation period was similar in all groups. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant (pThesisItem Open Access APPLICATION OF BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) SYSTEM FOR MURRAH AND GRADED MURRAH BUFFALOES FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2013-12) ASHALATHA, P; SARJAN RAO, K(MAJOR); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; MOORTHY, P.R.S; RAVINDRA REDDY, Y; RAMANA, J.V