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ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF SHENUT EXTRACT INCLUSION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LAYERS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2006-02) RAMI REDDY, T; SUDHAKARA REDDY, P(MAJOR); SATYANARAYANA REDDY, P.V.V; PARTHASARATHY, MThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON SHEEP PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN GUNTUR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011) SIREESHA, K; PRASAD, R.M.V(MAJOR)ABSTRACT : A study was undertaken to study various sheep production practices followed by the shepherds and to record the physical parameters of sheep in Guntur district. A total of 240 farmers selected at random from three divisions of the district were interviewed by a questionnaire schedule and required information was collected. Out of the total farmers studied, 92.5% were illiterates and 7.5% were literates. Among all the shepherds, 44.58% belonged to BC community, 20% to SC community, 15% to ST community and 20.42% to other communities. It was further recorded that out of the total farmers studied, 52.5 % were landless, 37.92 % were marginal, 7.08 % were small and 2.50 % were large farmers. It was observed that all the farmers in the area were rearing sheep extensively, 95% of the farmers studied were providing housing to their sheep and out of which 60.70% of the shepherds housed their sheep nearer to their houses. 91.70% of the farmers grazed their animals for duration of 8-10 h, while the grazing distance ranged from 2-4 km (67.90 %) to 4-6 km (32.10%). Flock mating commonly followed and flushing was not at all practiced by the shepherds. June – August and January – March were found to be the breeding seasons for the sheep in the area. From the study it was observed that the marketing of meat was done mainly through middlemen (87.08%). The average body length observed in different age groups of male sheep were 45.69 ± 0.66, 67.13 ± 0.90, 74.04 ± 0.39, 76.54 ± 0.54, 77.32 ± 0.49 and 78.23 ± 0.47 cm for 0-3 month, 4-12 month, 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouth animals, respectively while the corresponding values for female sheep were 44.14 ± 0.80, 62.75 ± 0.60, 70.03 ± 0.37, 70.78 ± 0.41, 71.19 ± 0.36 and 70.29 ± 0.42 cm, respectively. The mean body height of male sheep in different age groups were 50.71 ± 0.79, 69.14 ± 0.85, 77.15 ± 0.43, 81.09 ± 0.54, 83.47 ± 0.43 and 82.80 ± 0.43 cm for 0-3 month, 4-12 month, 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouth animals, respectively while the corresponding values for female sheep were 49.49 ± 1.13, 65.24 ± 0.59, 73.42 ± 0.31, 75.48 ± 0.38, 76.55 ± 0.44 and 77.97 ± 0.37 cm, respectively. It was further observed that the mean body girth measurements of male sheep in Guntur district were 52.01 ± 1.01, 70.86 ± 0.92, 81.60 ± 0.46, 85.64 ± 0.64, 89.97 ± 0.52 and 88.84 ± 0.60 cm for 0-3 month, 4-12 month, 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouth animals, respectively while the corresponding values for females were 48.82 ± 1.05, 67.28 ± 0.62, 77.02 ± 0.31, 79.36 ± 0.36, 81.86 ± 0.38 and 83.46 ± 0.63 cm, respectively. The study revealed that the mean body weights of male sheep in Guntur district were 11.05 ± 0.55, 22.13 ± 0.77, 34.96 ± 0.50, 38.57 ± 0.50, 43.14 ± 0.33 and 44.56 ± 0.76 kg for 0-3 month, 4-12 month, 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouth animals, respectively whiles the corresponding values for females were 9.60 ± 0.64, 19.92 ± 0.55, 27.36 ± 0.22, 30.20 ± 0.39, 32.91 ± 0.28 and 34.37 ± 0.36 kg, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF JERSEY X SAHIWAL CROSSBRED COWS IN PROGENY TESTING IMPLEMENTED AREAS OF CHITTOOR DISTRICT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-08) REDDY VARA PRASAD, A; RAGHUNANDAN, T(MAJOR); KISHAN KUMAR, M; GNANA PRAKASH, MABSTRACT: Data on 1411 crossbred cows were collected from Progeny Testing Programme of the State Animal Husbandry Department in Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. The effects of season of birth and batch were signiticant on age at sexual maturity and age at first calving. 'The age at sexual maturity had a significant influence on age at first calving. The overall least-squares mean age at sexual maturity, gestation period, age at first catving, FLMY and lactation length were 770.25 * 0.72,276.89 * 0.38, 1133.77 * 6.22 days, 2 154.07 * 16.88 ltrs and 300.16 .t 0.06 days, respectively. Cows born during rainy and winter seasons matured at significantly earlier age while the lowest age at first calving was observed in cows born in winter season. Cows with early sexual maturity had the shortest AFC. Among the 190 farmers interviewed, 35.26 per cent had dairying as main occupation. Majority was holding 4.5 to 9 acres of land and was growing perennial non-legume fodders. The family size ranged from 2 to 12 with an average of 4.58. Jersey X Sahiwal cows were prevalent in the study area and 39.62 per cent were in milk while 12.91 percent were dry. It is observed that 25.79 and 56.32 per cent of farmers were feeding green fodder ad libitum and limited amount, respectively. Majority of the farmers were feeding dry fodder ud libitum and restricted concentrate feed. Regular feeding of mineral mixture was practiced by 63.68 perccnt of the farmers. All the farmers were aware of heat detection and A1 and 2.43 inseminations were required for each conception. Most of the fanners (91.58) provided kutcha housing to anitnnls and average hygiene levels were observed in most cases. All the dairy farmers allowed suckling and followed regular twice a day full hand milking twice a day. Weaning way not followed. Mastitis, theileriasis, foot and mouth, repeat breeding, anoestrus and retained placenta were the major health and reproductive problem faced. Most of the farmers (88.95%) are vaccinating the animals by the vaccines provided by the Guvernment. None of the farmers followed recommended vaccination and deworming schedule. Cows maintained by farmers whose primary occupation was dairying matured and calved significantly earlier (17.80 + 1.09 and 27.68 * 1.08 months). Significantly longer dry period (82.41 * 2.95) was observed in cows from larger herds while significantly shorter service period was noted in cows owned by dairy farmers. Cows suppkemented with mineral mixture recorded higher lactation milk yield (2392.68 + 109.86 liters). Cows which were housed in pucca houses had longer lactations (334.84 .t 8.79 d). Constraints faced by the farmers are low sale price for milk, high cost and non availability of feed ingredients, lack of grazing land, non availability of v::ccines in time, non availability of adequate medicines in hospitals.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF VIZIANAGARAM SHEEP OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-04) GANGARAJU, GOLLAMOORI; SARJAN RAO, K(MAJOR); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; RAGHUNANDAN, T; GNANA PRAKASH, MABSTRACT: A study was undertaken on the a) distribution of local Vizianagaram sheep b) biometric and morphological characters of the breed c) productive and reproductive performance of the breed and d) managemental practices being followed by farmers of Vizianagaram breeding tract in north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh comprising of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Based on nlultistage stratified random sampling technique, the study was carried out in 7 mandals each from every district and from each mandal 7 villages were selected. From each village 2-3 sheep farmers maintained local Vizianagaram sheep with an average flock size of 60-75 were selected for the study resulted in a sample size of 775. 1244 and 153 Vizianagaram sheep from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. The data recorded from farmers flocks were compared with the data of LRS, Garividi. The chest girth, body length and keight at withers (cm) were 35.2w0.33, 29.46M.37 and 40.3M.32 for ram lambs of below 1 year and 73.0W0.71. 60.91*0.82 and 68.84*0.62 for rams of 10-12 months. respectively. Significant (PThesisItem Open Access QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIGENOUS PIGS IN COMPARISON TO LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 1980) AUDEYYA, P; NARAYANA RAO, P.L(MAJOR); ANJANEYA PRASAD, D; SREERAMULU REDDY, KThesisItem 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 A STUDY ON BUFFALO HUSBANDRY PRACTICES IN KHAMMAM DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2009-06) KISHORE, K; MAHENDER, M(MAJOR); RAGHUNANDAN, T; THAMMI RAJU, DABSTRACT : A study was carried out to find out various buffalo husbandry practices adopted by the farmers in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh. About 120 farmers from two mandals were selected for the study randomly. Farmers from representative villages were interviewed and collected available information. The population in the selected mandals possessed 99,236 number of breedable buffaloes, in which they had non descript (83.74 %), graded Murrah (14.81 %), Murrah buffaloes (0.01%). Agriculture was the main occupation among 84.5 per cent of the farmers and secondary occupation is 15.50 per cent farmers whereas dairying was the main occupation and agriculture was secondary under subsidiary occupation. More than half of the farmers under survey (58%) were able to provide insemination or natural service to their animals in heat at right time while 42 per cent of farmers were unable to inseminate their animals in time due to various reasons. Only 16.66 per cent farmers were utilizing the facility of artificial insemination, while 37.51 per cent farmers opting for natural service. About 85.85 percent farmers were feeding green and roughage fodder in combination and providing clean drinking water to their animals but none of the farmer was practicing silage making or other treatments like chaffing, soaking or urea treated paddy straw. Most of the farmers were collecting fodder from the fields. Only 3.0 per cent farmers were feeding additional concentrates to pregnant animals and rest were not feeding. As a part of heat/summer management, 51.00 per cent farmers were allowing their buffaloes to wallow in the village tanks during hotter parts of the day and 49.16 per cent farmers were washing their animals by splashing water manually. Washing of animals and udder before milking has been practiced by 15.68 and 98.40 per cent farmers, respectively. Most of the farmers (95.00 %) were not cutting the naval cord after birth while 17.92 per cent farmers were not removing mucous from the nostrils and all over the body and not weaning the calves from the mother (97.92 %) at the right age Deworming of the calves to control internal parasites has been taken up regularly by 39.16 per cent and irregularly by 60.83 per cent. Among the reproductive problems, still births, abortions, retention of placenta, anoestrus, and repeat breeding were seen in 2.5, 10.00, 8.30, 67.00 and 12.5 percent, respectively. Veterinary hospital facility was available to 76 per cent farmers and none of the farmer was maintaining records pertaining to their buffaloes. Major breeding problems reported were low (24.32 %) conception rate with artificial insemination Major feeding constraints faced by the farmers in the present study were costly feed ingredients and dry fodders, lack of chaff cutters, shortage of fodder during summer, lack of knowledge in scientific feeding and non-supplementing of mineral mixture. Majority of the farmers, 68.80 and 77.92 per cent had problems of costly concentrates and shortage of greens and dry fodder, respectively during summer. The effect of division, herd size and breed was highly significant (P<0.01) on age at first heat. The overall least square mean age at first heat was found to be 44.86 ± 0.26 months and ranged from 42.75 ± 0.31 to 46.97 ± 0.36 months. The non-descript buffaloes had significantly (P<0.01) higher age at first heat when compared to other groups. Age at first calving was significantly effected by division, herd size and breed. The dry period had significant effect due to division and breed only. The overall least square mean calving interval was found to be 432.51 ± 2.66 days over the two divisions surveyed. The calving interval was significantly (P<0.01) high on division, breed and housing. The overall least square mean service period was found to be 97.33 ± 1.41 days. The mean total lactation milk yield was 511.42 ± 22.99, 922.49 ± 17.52 and 1504.61 ± 22.96 liters for non descript, graded Murrah, and Murrah buffaloes, respectively and found to significant on breed. The mean average milk yield per day was 1.70 ± 0.06, 3.10 ± 0.05, and 5.09 ± 0.06 liters for non descript, graded Murrah, and Murrah buffaloes, respectively. The present study concludes that the management practices had a significant role on the reproductive and productive performance of buffaloes in the divisions of Khammam district under study. The non descript buffaloes were more predominant in this region and majority of the farmers were poor in certain aspects of scientific feeding, breeding, housing, milking and health care practices and need to be educated. Artificial insemination should be made available to all the farmers, which in turn results in up gradation of local buffaloes and improve the performance.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF UDDER MORPHOLOGY, METHOD OF MILKING AND HOUSING SYSTEMS ON MILKING CHARACTERISTICS, UDDER HEALTH AND BEHAVIOUR OF MURRAH BUFFALOES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2009-05) Maruthivara Prasad, R; Sudhakar, K(MAJOR); Raghava Rao, E; Ramesh Gupta, B; Mahendar, MABSTRACT: An investigation was undertaken to study the influence of udder morphology, method of milking and housing systems on the milk yield, udder health and behaviour in Murrah buffaloes. In this study Murrah buffaloes maintained at the Buffalo Research Station, Venkataramannagudem, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University and in the field were utilized. A total of 200 buffaloes were considered to study the udder and teat morphology with 100 buffaloes each from research station and field. The individual behavioural responses of Murrah buffaloes in different lactations and effect of method of milking on teat condition, milk flow traits, udder health and milk composition was also studied. A comparative study on the milk yield and the maintenance behaviour was also studied in two different housing systems viz., conventional tie stall and loose housing. The results showed that among the different udder shapes, the bowl shapes were very common followed by globular, pendulous and goaty shapes and their occurrences were 61.0 %, 17.0 %, 13.0 % and 9.0 %, respectively, and the occurrence of cylindrical teats was maximum with a percentage of 52.5 followed by pear, bottle, conical and funnel type of teats with 18.0, 11.0, 10.5 and 8.0% respectively. The mean length, width and depth of the udder in different lactations ranged from 52.21 ± 0.61 to 55.71 ± 0.59, 48.61 ± 0.60 to 53.87 ± 0.70 and 15.46 ± 0.17 to 15.78 ± 0.18 cm, respectively. Positive and significant correlations were observed among all the udder measurements. The average length of left fore, right fore, left hind and right hind teats were 7.37 ± 0.15, 7.53 ± 0.16, 8.23 ± 0.18 and 8.12 ± 0.17 cm, respectively, and the mean diameters in the same order were 2.65 ± 0.02, 2.71 ± 0.03, 2.80 ± 0.03 and 2.89 ± 0.04 cm. The average daily milk yield in Murrah buffaloes with various udder shapes observed was 6.41 ± 0.33, 5.91 ± 0.26, 5.61 ± 0.32 and 6.31 ± 0.16 Kg in bowl, globular, goaty and pendulous type of udders, respectively. It was found that the average daily milk yield in buffaloes with cylindrical shaped teats was highest followed by bottle, funnel, pear and conical shaped teats. Out of the total buffaloes, the occurrence of different temperaments were 53.5, 16.0, 15.5, 9.5 and 5.5 percent for docile, slightly restless, restless, aggressive and nervous temperaments, respectively and neither the udder shape nor the teat shape affected the temperament of the buffaloes. It was observed that the restless and slightly restless buffaloes were more frequent in primiparous buffaloes (35.18 and 33.33 %, respectively) followed by docile (24.07 %), aggressive and nervous type (3.7% each). In the buffaloes under second, third and fourth lactations, docile buffaloes were more frequent (73.33, 57.40 and 59.37 %, respectively) when compared to other temperaments. It was observed that kicking (16.4 %), urination (4.8 %) and vocalization (4.4 %) were more frequent in machine milked buffaloes where as the stepping (46.8%) and defecation (2.4%) were more frequent in hand milked buffaloes. However, forceful throwing of head behaviour was equally frequent in both methods of milking (12 %). The machine milked buffaloes had a better teat condition score in the present study. The percentage of machine milked buffaloes with the teat condition of smooth skin (1.0), slight drying of the skin (1.5), dried skin (2.0), dry skin with cracks (2.5) and cracks with chaps (3.0) were 34, 17, 30, 13 and 6 %, respectively, whereas the number of buffaloes in the same order under hand milking were16, 2, 52, 27 and 3 %, respectively. The average evening milk yield of buffaloes under machine and hand milking was 3.62 ± 0.08 kg and 3.51± 0.08 kg, respectively. The mean percentages of milk fat, SNF and total solids under machine and hand milking were 6.01± 0.08 vs 6.57 ± 0.09, 9.19 ± 0.10 vs 8.79 ± 0.10 and 14.80 ± 0.13 vs 15.36 ± 0.13 %, respectively. The stripping time and the total milking time were higher in hand milking while the strip yield and average flow rate were higher in machine milking. In the present study, it was found that there was no significant difference in the somatic cell count of buffalo milk under machine and hand milking. The milk yield in the present study was higher in loose housing (8.12 ± 0.02 Kg) when compared to conventional housing (7.77 ± 0.02 Kg). The cleanliness score was higher in loose housing system (2.80 ± 0.05) compared to that of conventional housing (2.41 ± 0.05). More number of buffaloes had shown the lameness in the conventional system of housing. Out of 12 buffaloes observed for behavioural patterns, 36.48, 62.95, 44.90, 25.05 and 26.10 percent were found lying, standing, feeding idling and ruminating, respectively under conventional housing system while 47.29, 50.24, 37.91, 36.29 and 26.10 percent were observed for same behavioural patterns under loose housing system and the differences between the two housing systems were found to be statistically significant for lying, standing and idling behaviours.