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ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON MIGRATORY ASPECTS OF SHEEP REARING IN ANANTAPUR DISTRICT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2016-12) SREEKANTHA KUMAR, T; SURESH BABU, D(MAJOR); RAVINDRA REDDY, Y; RAVI, AABSTRACT: The present study entitled “A study on migratory aspects of sheep rearing in Anantapur district” was undertaken to study the socio economic status of the migratory sheep farmers, management practices of sheep rearing, performance of sheep, identification of migratory tracts and patterns and constraints if any. A total of 160 migratory sheep flocks were identified and selected for the study. Majority (42.5%) of the shepherds in the study area were middle age people with a mean age of 37.48 years and majority of the sheep farmers belonged to backward caste (84.37%) followed by scheduled tribes (9.37%), scheduled caste (4.37%) and others (1.87%). The average size of the family was 4.8 and majority (51.87%) were living as joint families. Regarding education level, majority (56.87%) of the shepherds were literate with 60.44 per cent upto primary school level. With regard to experience in sheep farming, the average was 14.01 years with majority of sheep farmers having 10 to 20 years of sheep farming experience. It was observed that 71.87 per cent of farmers were having sheep rearing as main occupation followed by 28.13 per cent having agriculture related activities as main activity. The mean flock size was 307.85, where majority (93.12%) of farmers had possessed their own sheep. With regard to management practices it was observed that 100 per cent of the farmers provided lamb enclosures for new born lambs until weaning. It was observed that farmers depend mainly on available grazing resources to rear their sheep flocks. Majority (37.5%) of the farmers utilized all types lands (community land, forests and waste lands) followed by forests + waste lands (35%), waste barren lands (3.75%) and forests (2.5%) for grazing of their sheep. The average grazing time in the study area was found to be 8.5 ± 0.05 hours and the mean grazing distance recorded was 5.14±0.06 km/day. It was observed that all the farmers provided supplementation along with feeding resources available in the grazing area. The male to female sex ratio was 1:28 and the retention time of ram in the flock was for 5.2 years, with majority (86.25%) of the farmers not practicing rotation of breeding rams and culling of the breeding ewes (77.5%). It was appreciable that all the sheep farmers practiced deworming and immunization while majority (60%) of the respondents didn’t follow the deticking practice. Majority of the shepherds disposed off manure by way of penning for money against provision for crop stubbles or food provided by the farmers. The mean birth weight of ram and ewe lambs was 3.04 ± 0.01 kg and 2.84 ± 0.01 kg, respectively. The mean weaning weight of males and females were, 11.88 ± 0.09 kg and 11.75 ± 0.09 kg, respectively. The mean weight at 6 months of age was 16.07 ± 0.2 kg and 15.79 ± 0.11 kg and at 1 year of age it was 28.43 ± 0.25 kg and 23.55 ± 0.25 kg in males and females, respectively. The age at first mating was 12.24 ± 0.23 and 17.77 ± 0.09 months in females and males, respectively. Age at first lambing of ewes was found to be 17.81 ± 0.10 months. A tupping percentage of 86.9 ± 0.27 and lambing percentage of 81.25 ± 0.16 was observed in the study area. The average lambing interval was 8.03 ± 0.01 months. The mean weaning percentage observed was 87.75 ± 0.26 and the weaning age was 3.4 months. A total of 14 major migratory tracts (100 km and above) and 12 minor migratory tracts (below 100 km) were identified in the study area. The major migratory tract - I was largest covering 216 km with a duration of 210 days, starting from Chennarayunipalle of Bukkapatnam mandal in Ananthapur district and reaching Ammasandra in Karnataka. The distance travelled by sheep flocks in the identified major tracts ranged from 100 to 202 km with a mean distance of 128.46 ± 8.98 km. The duration (days) of migration in major tracts ranged from 150 to 276 with a mean duration of 193.53 ± 10.0. The minor migratory tract - XII starting from Pamidi and reaching Penakacherla dam of Garladinne mandal was the shortest route covering 18 km with a span of 90 days. The distance travelled by sheep flocks in the identified minor tracts ranged from 18 to 96 km with a mean distance of 69.33 ± 6.89 km. The duration (days) of migration in minor tracts ranged from 90 to 159 with a mean duration of 130.91 ± 7.6. Drinking water scarcity, shrinkage of grazing lands, resistance from local farmers, fodder scarcity, physical strain associated with migration and attack by predators were the major constraints encountered by the shepherds along the migratory tracts.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF STRESS BY FAECAL CORTISOL ESTIMATION AND ENDOPARASITISM IN ELEPHANTS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2016-11) SATYA PRAKASH ARUN; RAVINDRA REDDY, Y(MAJOR); SURESH, J; SREENIVASA RAO, DABSTRACT : A study was undertaken to assess the stress through faecal cortisol estimation and endoparasitic prevalence in four different categories of elephants viz. Temple (Kerala), zoos (Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park- Tirupathi, Indra Gandhi Zoological Park- Vishakapatnam and Nehru Zoological Park - Hyderabad), semi wild (elephant camp- Ramakuppam and Bannnaraghatta safari) and wild elephant (Seshachalam forest and Koundinya wild life sanctuary) in summer and winter seasons. A total of 80 dung samples were collected from all the categories of elephants constituting a sample of 10 from each category for each season and these samples were preserved in 80 per cent methanol and 10 per cent formalin for cortisol estimation and parasitic examination, respectively. The faecal cortisol was estimated by subjecting the sample to ELISA technique while, sedimentation and floatation method was used for the purpose of parasitic ova examination. From the present findings the mean faecal cortislol concentration of temple, zoo, semi wild and wild elephants was observed as 9.04 ± 0.85 ng/g, 7.64 ± 0.46 ng/g, 6.82 ± 0.80 ng/g and 6.80 ± 0.36 ng/g in summer and 10.86 ± 0.70 ng/g, 7.11 ± 0.76 ng/g, 7.05 ± 0.59 ng/g and 7.78 ± 0.41 ng/g in winter season, respectively. It was observed that the faecal cortisol concentration was found to be highest in temple elephants (9.04 ± 0.85) and lowest in wild elephants (6.80 ± 0.36) during summer and in winter the faecal cortisol concentration was found to be highest in temple elephants (10.86 ± 0.7) and lowest in semiwild elephants (7.05 ± 0.59). The statistical analysis using paired ‘t’ test revealed no significant differences between elephants in summer and winter seasons in different habitats. The dung samples subjected to endoparasitic examination revealed the prevalence of strongyle, strongyloid and amphistome ovas. The level of endoparasitic infection in temple, zoo, semiwild and wild elephants was 40%, 30%, 30% and 30 %, respectively during summer where as in winter season, the extent of infection was 50%, 70%, 30% and 40%, respectively. It was further observed that strongyle infection was at higher rate in comparison to strongyloid and amphistome infection. In order to reduce/minimize cortisol level and endoparasite infection in elephants, managemental practices like availability of sufficient area for feeding, walking for longer distances, provision of wallowing tanks for bath, avoiding standing for longer duration on concreate floors, enrichment of the enclosure, restricting of visitors and reduction of noise and sound by vehicles is suggested in temple and zoo animals to minimize the cortisol level and reduce stress condition of the mega herbivores.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATIVE STUDY OF “SUNANDINI CALF REARING SCHEME” IN RAYALASEEMA REGION(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2016-12) SHAFI, MD; GANGARAJU, G(MAJOR); SURESH, J; Srinivasa Rao, DABSTRACT: A study was undertaken to evaluate “Sunandini calf rearing scheme” implemented by Animal Husbandry department, Government of Andhra Pradesh under NSP, SCP and RKVY project during the year 2013-14. This study was carried out in Chittoor, Aanatapur and Kurnool districts of Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh state. A total of 150 beneficiaries who were enrolled under the scheme were randomly selected among whom 75 each were owners of Jersey and HF crossbreds, respectively. Concurrently another sample of 150 farmers comprising 75 each of Jersey and HF crossbreds who were not covered under Sunandini calf rearing scheme were also selected for comparative assessment of productive and reproductive performance as well as and cost and returns of rearing calves. A structured interview schedule was designed keeping in view of the objective of the study in order to elicit required information from the sample farmers. The data pertaining to socio economic status of the beneficiaries were collected from the farmers and the study revealed that majority (54.7%) of the beneficiaries under the scheme were middle age group while 34 per cent of the farmers being illiterate and 35.4 per cent of them had primary level of education. The mean family size of the beneficiaries was observed as 4.66 members per family with majority (90.7%) of them having nuclear type of families. The study with regard to the social category of beneficiaries of scheme revealed that equal per cent (28.7%) of farmers belonged to SC and BC category and 38 per cent of beneficiaries belonged to other castes. Majority (42.0%) of the farmers under the scheme belonged to landless and agricultural labourers category with 48.7 per cent of them having medium (11-20 years) level of experience in dairy farming. The annual family income of the beneficiaries in the study area was found to be Rs. 86,740 with 46 per cent of the farmers following agriculture and dairy as their source of family income. Evaluation of productive and reproductive performance of the scheme and non scheme animals revealed that there was a significant difference between scheme and non scheme animals with regard to age at first calving (days), age at maturity (days), age at first AI (days) and predicted first lactation milk yield (lit). The respective values were found to be 1012.80 ± 5.47, 667.82 ± 5.17, 714.46 ± 5.27 and 2840.17 ± 29.95 liters for scheme animals and 1092.57 ± 9.50, 741.56 ± 9.55, 793.46 ± 9.99 and 2510.05 ± 33.01 for non scheme animals of Jersey crossbreds. Similarly, for HF crossbreds the respective observed values were 1031.45 ± 5.30, 681.96 ± 4.50, 728.84 ± 4.82, 3272.77 ± 39.72 for scheme and 1142.61 ± 6.85, 784.34 ± 6.58, 827.30 ± 7.03 and 2816.75 ± 24.01 for non scheme animals. Thus, the Sunandini calf rearing scheme helped the beneficiaries to reduce the age at first calving of Jersey crossbreds by 79.77 days and increase of milk yield by 330.12 lit over and above the contemporary non scheme animals. Likewise there was a reduction of 111.16 days of age at first calving and increase of 456 lit of milk in the case of HF scheme animals compared to non scheme animals The data regarding the cost and returns of rearing both jersey and HF crossbred calves were subjected to tabular analysis and the overall net total costs was observed as Rs. 12,043, Rs. 14, 447, Rs. 20, 732 and Rs. 16,782 for first, second, third and fourth year, respectively and the total cost of rearing non scheme animals was found to be Rs. 10,551, Rs. 13,457, Rs. 19,141, Rs. 21, 869 and Rs. 1, 526 for first, second, third, fourth and during first two months of fifth year, respectively. The net returns obtained was found to be Rs.-291 in first year, Rs. 12,057 in second year Rs. 25,783 in third year and Rs. 88,302 in fourth year for scheme animals and Rs. 1,349, Rs. 8,143, Rs. 13,796, Rs. 81,973 and Rs. 3,390 in first, second, third, fourth and during first 2 months of fifth year, respectively for non scheme animals. An attempt was made to bring out the constraints faced by the beneficiaries of Sunandini calf rearing scheme. About 28 per cent of the beneficiaries expressed that the indented concentrate feed was supplied at irregular intervals and 20.6 per cent felt that non inclusion of all eligible female calves of a farmer in to the scheme as another constraint followed by 18 per cent of beneficiaries recorded both the constraints in implementation of Sunandini calf rearing scheme.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF AZOLLA (Azolla pinnata) BASED DIET ON GROWTH AND CARCASS TRAITS OF NEWZEALAND WHITE RABBITS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2016-10) SIREESHA, KAMBAM; KALYANA CHAKRAVARTHI, M(MAJOR); GANGARAJU, G; RAMANA, J.VABSTRACT: The present study was conducted on 24 Newzealand white rabbits of 30 days old having similar body weights divided into three groups with 8 rabbits in each group for a period of 90 days to study the effect of Azolla pinnata as a partial replacement to conventional protein on growth performance and carcass traits and to evaluate the cost economics. Azolla was included in the rabbit rations as protein replacement at 0, 10 and 20 per cent levels in T1, T2 and T3 rations, respectively. Dried azolla contained 91.50 per cent dry matter, 22.04 per cent crude protein, 2.70 per cent ether extract, 13.10 per cent crude fibre, 40.36 per cent nitrogen free extract and 21.80 per cent total ash. The study revealed that the mean daily feed consumption of rabbits fed with rations T1, T2 and T3 was 52.28 ± 2.35, 53.14 ± 1.59 and 46.91 ± 1.24 g, respectively with significantly (P<0.01) lower intake in T3 group while no significant difference (P>0.01) was observed between T1 and T2 groups. The average weight gains were 999.75 ± 9.21, 1131.00 ± 8.85 and 673.62 ± 6.76 g in rabbits fed with T1, T2 and T3 rations, respectively and the difference between the groups was significant (P<0.01). The average daily gain (ADG) in rabbits fed with T1, T2 and T3 rations were 11.09 ± 0.38, 12.54 ± 0.46 and 7.45 ± 0.65 g, respectively. The ADG in rabbits did not show any significant (P>0.01) difference between T1 and T2 groups but was significantly lower in rabbits of T3 group. It was evident that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly high in T3 group (7.21 ± 0.66) when compared to the other two groups of rabbits fed with T1 (4.84 ± 0.31) and T2 (4.34 ± 0.24) rations. The FCR’s of rabbits fed with T1 and T2 rations did not differ significantly (P>0.01). The carcass characteristics such as hot carcass weight, dressed carcass weight, fore cut, mid cut, hind cut weights, pelt weight and head weight were found to be significantly (P<0.01) higher in rabbits fed with T2 ration and followed by T1 and T3 groups. The dressing percentage was found to be more or less similar in rabbits fed T1 (59.04 ± 0.01) and T2 (58.76 ± 0.06) rations but significantly lower in rabbits fed with T3 (54.96 ± 0.18) ration. The unit cost of fresh azolla and dried azolla produced was Rs.0.66 and Rs.6.65, respectively. The cost of feed per day per rabbit was comparatively higher in T1 group (Rs.1.12 ± 0.04) followed by T2 (Rs.1.08 ± 0.02) and T3 (Rs.0.88 ± 0.02) groups. The livability was cent per cent in all the three groups. Cost per kg gain was found to be lower in rabbits fed with T2 ration (Rs.86.94) than in rabbits fed with T1 (Rs.106.27) and T3 (Rs.119.67) rations. Thus, it can be concluded that use of azolla meal up to 10 per cent in the rabbit rations found to improve growth performance and beneficial in the way of reducing cost per kg gain and may be used in rabbits as a safe level with no deleterious effects.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SHEEP BASED FARMING SYSTEMS IN NELLORE DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2016-06) LAVANYA, A; SURESH, J(MAJOR); RAVINDRA REDDY, Y; RAVI, A; SHARMA, G.R.K; BHAVANI DEVI, IABSTRACT: The present study entitled “Economic analysis of sheep based farming systems in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh” was undertaken to study the socioeconomic status of the farmers, managemental practices of sheep rearing and performance of sheep in all the sheep based farming systems prevailing in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Estimation of costs, returns, resource productivity, resource use efficiency and technical efficiency were the main objectives in the study area. Six mandals were identified for the study covering 150 farmers. The relevant data were collected from both primary and secondary resources. Data for the year 2014-15 were collected through a pre-tested schedule by survey method. Constraints if any, perceived by the farmers were listed and ranked using Garrett’s ranking technique. The average size of the family of the pooled sample farmers was 5.84. Majority (48%) of the farmers belonged to medium sized families preferring nuclear families (58%). Majority (58.7%) of the shepherds in the study area were old age people. The overall literacy rate was 56 per cent. Pooled data also revealed that majority (50.7%) of sheep farmers belonged to backward community. Mean land holding was significantly higher (P<0.01) with sheep + horticulture farmers (2.486 ± 0.19 acres) followed by sheep + agriculture (2.3 ± 0.18 acres) and exclusive sheep farmers (0.2 ± 0.06 acres). Average flock size was 99.42 ± 5.44 in exclusive sheep farming which was highly significant (P<0.01) followed by 77.84 ± 4.53 (sheep + agriculture) and 66.14 ± 2.79 (sheep + horticulture). About 80 per cent of farmers adopted stationary system of sheep production in all farming systems while 20 per cent of the sheep farmers followed semi migratory production system. The study on housing practices such as housing type, flooring, roof, soil replacement and provision of lamb enclosure revealed that 65.3, 83.3, 58.7 per cent of the shepherds provided kutcha type of sheds, flooring and thatched roofing, respectively. Lamb enclosures were provided by 38, 66 and 56 per cent of the exclusive sheep, sheep + agriculture and sheep + horticulture farmers, respectively. Majority (94%) of the farmers in all the three farming systems practiced extensive type of sheep rearing. The pooled data with respect to mean sex ratio of ram:ewe indicated that the shepherds used one breeding ram for every 37.6 ewes to carry out their breeding requirements with a mean retention time of 4.38 to 4.8 years for crossing the ewes. Absolute majority (100%) of shepherds practiced flock mating and culling. Weaning was practiced by 50 per cent of the farmers. Sheep + horticulture farmers did not allow their sheep for penning whereas 42 per cent of exclusive sheep farmers and 70 per cent sheep + agriculture farmers, penned their sheep. With regard to health care management, cent per cent of the farmers dewormed and vaccinated their sheep while 72.66% shepherds practiced deticking. Absolute majority (100%) of sheep + horticulture farmers used manure in their own lands while exclusive sheep rearers and sheep + agriculture farmers not only used the manure in their own fields but also sold the remaining. The overall mean birth weight of ram lambs and ewe lambs was 2.92 ± 0.15 and 2.8 ± 0.14 kg, respectively. Weight at 6 months of age in males differed significantly (P<0.01) among the three farming systems. The mean weight was higher in sheep + horticulture system (16.21 ± 0.65 kg) followed by exclusive sheep rearing (15.84 ± 0.57 kg) and sheep + agriculture system (15.76 ± 0.55 kg). Age of ewes at first mating, age at first lambing and lambing interval of pooled data was 17.43 ± 0.74, 24.57 ± 0.83 and 12.37 ± 1.44 months, respectively. Total costs per unit (20 ewes + 1 ram) on sheep farms worked out to Rs.27,763 on exclusive sheep farming and Rs.33,968 in case of sheep reared in combination with agriculture and Rs.34,533 in sheep rearing combined with horticulture enterprises. Net returns per unit were Rs.27,110, Rs.21,285 and Rs.25,179 for the aforesaid enterprises, respectively. Returns per rupee of expenditure was Rs.1.98, 1.63 and 1.73 in exclusive sheep rearing, sheep + agriculture and sheep + horticulture farming systems, respectively. On an average the total cost of cultivation per hectare of paddy was Rs.76,192 out of which the share of total variable costs and fixed costs was 80.48 and 19.52 per cent, respectively. Productivity of paddy was 7.26 tonnes per hectare. A net income of Rs.41,533 was generated and returns per rupee of expenditure stood at Rs.1.54. With regard to horticulture (acid lime) farming, gross returns during the prebearing period (1-3 years) were zero as there was no yield. The gross returns from sale of acid lime started from 4th year onwards when the orchards bore fruit. The gross returns per hectare increased from Rs.2,24,175 to Rs.7,65,971 during 4th to 7th years. After that, gross returns decreased gradually from 8th to10th year i.e. Rs.7,46,805 to Rs. 4,05,883. Net present worth (NPW) at 12 per cent rate was Rs.7,85,613 while the Benefit-cost ratio was 1.89. Internal rate of return was worked out and was found to be 37.3. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the enterprise was economically viable even at 24% discount rate. When farming systems as a whole were considered, the returns per rupee of expenditure were highest (2.52) in sheep + horticulture farming system followed by 1.98 and 1.57 in exclusive sheep farming and sheep + agriculture farming system, respectively. The analysis of resource productivity on sheep farms under different farming systems has indicated one point in common i.e., the increase in flock size has significantly impacted the sheep production in a positive manner. It was revealed that an increase in acreage by 1 per cent keeping other inputs constant would increase paddy production by 0.46 per cent while similar increase in human labour, farm yard manure and fertilizers would increase the output in paddy production by 0.5, 0.1 and 0.9 per cent, respectively. The resource use efficiency analysis of sheep farming under all the 3 systems has amply demonstrated that there is ample scope to increase the flock size since any further increase in the flock size had the potential to further increase the income in sheep farming. However, efficiency of labour use can be further enhanced in the case of exclusive sheep rearing as well as sheep combined with agriculture. Any increase in veterinary expenditure on the whole didn’t indicate possibilities of further increase in the productivity. Results revealed that MVP/OC ratios for human labour (X2) and fertilizers (X4) were 2.24 and 6.13, respectively which imply that one more rupee of additional spending on human labour and fertilizers would add Rs. 2.24 and Rs. 6.13 to the gross income in paddy production. Technical efficiency was estimated using frontier production function. Rearing sheep alone as an individual enterprise was found to have the highest mean technical efficiency of 96 per cent followed by 94, 91.3 and 90 per cent in sheep + horticulture, paddy cultivation and sheep + agriculture farming systems, respectively indicating efficient managemental practices by the farmers. An attempt was also made to bring out the constraints faced by the shepherds in all the sheep based farming systems by employing Garrett’s ranking technique which revealed that shrinkage of grazing lands, poor credit facilities, disease incidence, high lamb mortality, limited availability of quality breeding stock etc., were the major constraints encountered.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF PREPARTUM DRY PERIOD ON TRANSITIONAL STRESS, MILK PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION IN MURRAH BUFFALOES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2016-12) NAGARJUNA REDDY, A; SUDHAKAR, K(MAJOR); VENKATA SESHAIAH, Ch; SRINIVAS KUMAR, DABSTRACT : A study was carried out to determine the effect of prepartum dry period (DP) on transitional stress, milk production and reproduction in Murrah buffaloes. Forty eight multiparous Murrah buffaloes were randomly divided into 3 groups of 16 buffaloes each based on the length of DP i.e. buffaloes with >60 days (group-1), 46-60 days (group-2) and 30-45 days (group-3). The changes in body weight, body condition score (BCS), serum glucose (mg/dl) and serum NEFA (μmol/lt) levels from drying to 90 days postpartum and milk and milk constituents yield and postpartum service period from calving to 90 days postpartum were measured with an object to find out the duration of DP required for optimum postpartum production and reproduction performance in Murrah buffaloes. The body weights (kg) from drying to calving were significantly (P<0.05) increased and from calving to 90 days postpartum were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in group 1 buffaloes, while the difference was not significant between 2 and 3 group buffaloes. The BCS followed similar pattern of body weight changes in all the groups of buffaloes. The serum glucose (mg/dl) levels from the time of drying to 60 days postpartum were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in group 1 than group 2 and 3 buffaloes, while the difference was not significant between 2 and 3 groups. On the other hand, the serum NEFA (μmol/lt) levels have increased significantly in group 1 than group 2 and 3 buffaloes, while the difference was not significant between 2 and 3 groups. The 6% FCM yield (kg) up to 90 days of lactation was highest in group 3 buffaloes followed by group 2 and 1 buffaloes and the difference among the groups were significantly(P<0.05) different. The milk fat and total solids per cent among three groups of buffaloes were not significantly different, while SNF per cent from calving to 30 days of lactation was significantly (P<0.05) less in group 1 buffaloes than group 2 and 3 buffaloes, while the difference was not significant among 2 and 3 groups. The SNF per cent was highest in group 3 buffaloes from 31 to 90 days postpartum followed by group 2 and 1 buffaloes and the difference among the groups was significantly (P<0.05) different. The service period (days) was highest in group 1 buffaloes followed by group 2 and 3 buffaloes and the difference among the groups was significantly (P<0.05) different. The present research concluded that a dry period of 30 - 45 d is sufficient in high yielding Murrah buffaloes for optimum production and reproduction and to avoid adverse effects on transition associated problems.ThesisItem Open Access UTILITY OF BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) SYSTEM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL TRAITS AND PERFORMANCE OF NELLORE (BROWN) SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2016-12) ANUSHA, V; ANITHA, A(MAJOR); Jagadeeswara Rao, S; Raghava Rao, E; Muralidhar, MABSTRACT : The technique of Body Condition Score (BCS) is a means of subjectively assessing the degree of fatness or condition of the live animal and quick, easy and low cost management tool to increase ewe productivity and flock profitability. The study was carried out at the sheep unit of Instructional Livestock Farm Complex, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram and sheep flocks of farmers in and around Gannavaram. The present experiment was designed to study the utility of BCS system for the assessment of physical traits and performance in Nellore Brown sheep. BCS system of 1 to 5 scale developed by Maurya et al. (2008) at CSWRI, Avikanagar was used to score the ewes in the present study as this BCS system is suitable for scoring of ewes under Indian conditions. Four check points of the ewe’s body were examined by vision and palpation. The scores from those check points were recorded and an average BCS was assigned to the ewe. The relationship between BCS and physical parameters was studied in 100 ewes by grouping them in to below 3 and 3 years age group and above 3 years. Ewes with BCS of 2.50 were more in number in the test flock followed by ewes with BCS of 3.00, 2.00, 2.25, 3.25, 2.75, 4.00, 3.50 and 3.75. The mean BCS was 3.11 ± 0.84. The mean values of the measurements of physical parameters i.e, body weight (kg), pin-shoulder length (cm), height at withers (cm), chest girth (cm), abdominal girth (cm) and thigh circumference (cm) of the ewes of test flock were 34.23 ± 0.68, 67.43 ± 0.60, 74.68 ± 0.87, 83.20 ± 0.75, 93.84 ± 0.97 and 40.00 ± 0.65, respectively. The variance of BCS was 0.31. The ewes of the age group of above 3 years had significantly (P<0.01) higher BCS (3.11 ± 0.84) compared to the ewes of age group of 3 years and below 3 years (2.51 ± 0.06). The mean BCS and physical parameters of ewes of age group of above 3 years was higher compared to the ewes of the age group of 3 years and below 3 years. The values of measurements of all the physical parameters showed increase from BCS range of 2.75 to 3.25. As the BCS increased the body weight of ewes also showed increasing values. The BCS was significantly (P<0.01) positively correlated with all physical parameters except thigh circumference which was also positive but not statistically significant. Pin - shoulder length and height at withers were significantly (P<0.01) positively correlated with chest girth, abdominal girth and body weight and also significantly (P<0.05) correlated with thigh circumference. Chest girth was significantly (P<0.01) positively correlated with all the physical parameters. abdominal girth was significantly (P<0.01) positively correlated with all the physical parameters except thigh circumference which was also positive but non - significant. Body weight was significantly (P<0.01) positively correlated with all the physical parameters except thigh circumference which was also positive but non - significant. The postpartum changes studied in BCS of 60 ewes showed that the ewes were in the BCS range of 2.50 – 4.00 at lambing, there were no ewes in either poor (below 2.00) or obese (5.00) body condition. Majority of the ewes (49) were in the BCS of 2.50 – 3.74 at lambing have reduced their body condition during early lactation and so the minimum BCS of 2.00 – 2.74 was recorded for majority of the ewes (46). The mean BCSL was 3.15 which was decreased to 2.91 at first week postpartum, further decreased to 2.38 by 12 weeks postpartum and later on increased gradually to 2.64 by 18 weeks postpartum. LBCS of the test flock ranged from 0.50 to 1.25 with a mean value of 0.80. GBCS of the test flock ranged from 0.25 to 0.50 with a mean value of 0.28. Minimum BCS of the test flock ranged from 2.00 to 3.00 with a mean value of 2.34. The highest CV (18.94) of BCS in ewes was observed at 5 weeks postpartum and the least (12.04) at 14 and 16 weeks postpartum. The CV of LBCS was 24.27 and the CV of GBCS was 35.17 at 18 weeks postpartum. A significant (P<0.01) difference was observed between the ewes of different groups of BCSL in LBCS and minimum BCS, but there was no significant difference in GBCS. The mean BCS was decreased from first week to 12 weeks postpartum for the ewes of BCSL 2.50 to 2.99 and from first week to 13 weeks postpartum for the ewes of BCSL 3.00 to 3.49 and 3.50 to 4.00, thereafter showed an increased trend for the ewes of three BCSL groups. The highest loss as well as gain in BCS was achieved by the BCSL group 3.50 to 4.00 compared to the BCSL group 2.50 to 2.99 and 3.00 to 3.49. The body weight of ewes at lambing ranged from 28.3 to 38.5 kg with a mean of 33.4kg. The birth weight of lambs ranged from 2.6 to 3.3 kg with a mean of 2.87 kg. The weaning weight of lambs ranged from 9.4 to 13.5 kg with a mean of 11.39 kg. There was a significant (P<0.01) difference between the ewes of different BCSL groups in body weight of ewes at lambing, birth weight and weaning of lambs. Lambs of the BCSL group 3.50 to 4.00 showed significantly (P<0.01) higher birth weight (3.06 kg) compared to the BCSL group 3.00 to 3.49 (2.85 kg) and 2.50 to 2.99 (2.69 kg). Lambs of the BCSL group 3.50 to 4.00 showed significantly (P<0.01) higher weaning weight (12.66 kg) compared to the BCSL group 3.00 to 3.49 (11.39 kg) and 2.50 to 2.99 (10.11 kg). The present study revealed that BCS of 3.50 – 4.00 at lambing resulted in higher birth weight as well as weaning weight of lambs. Hence, the BCS system on a number system of 1 – 5 scale is economical, easily applied measure of fatness in ewes and also an immediate appraisal of body fat reserves. It is an ideal tool of support for effective productive, reproductive, feeding and health care management of ewes.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON BUFFALO PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN GUNTUR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2016-12) CHANDRA SEKHAR REDDY, G; JAGADEESWARA RAO, S(MAJOR); ANITHA, A; SUBRAHMANYESWARI, B; SUDHAKAR, KABSTRACT : An investigation was carried out to study the buffalo production management practices, cost of milk production and constraints perceived by the landless, small farmer and commercial milk producers of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. The buffalo population increased by 21.36 per cent, whereas, cattle population decreased by 22.07 per cent during the period from 1993 to 2012 in the district. The contribution of buffalo milk was 97.16 per cent of the total milk production in the district. The mean number of Murrah and Murrah graded buffaloes in commercial milk producers was found to be significantly (P≤0.01) higher than that in small farmers and landless milk producers. The average age at first calving, service period, calving interval and dry period was significantly (P≤0.01) lower in Murrah than that in graded Murrah and local buffaloes. The mean peak yield, lactation milk yield and lactation length was significantly (P≤0.01) higher in Murrah than that in graded Murrah and local buffaloes in the study area. The average age at first calving (months) of graded Murrah buffaloes was significantly (P≤0.05) lower in commercial milk producers than that in small farmers and landless milk producers in the study area. The average dry period of graded Murrah buffaloes were significantly (P≤0.01) lower in commercial milk producers than that in small farmers and landless milk producers. The average service period and calving interval of graded Murrah buffaloes was significantly (P≤0.01) lower in small farmer category than that in commercial milk producers. The mean peak yield, lactation milk yield and lactation period of graded Murrah buffaloes was significantly (P≤0.01) higher in the commercial milk producers than that in small farmer and landless milk producers. Commercial milk producers maintained both high yielding Murrah and graded Murrah buffaloes, whereas small farmers and landless milk producers maintained mostly graded Murrah buffaloes. Adoption of A.I in buffaloes was higher in the landless milk producers (85%) and small farmers (84%) than that in commercial milk producers. Some of the commercial milk producers (22%) practiced natural service by maintaining Murrah buffalo breeding bulls in the farm. Majority of milk producers bred their buffaloes between 3-5 months after calving in the small farmers (91%) followed by commercial (86%) and landless (83%) milk producers. Most of the respondents followed pregnancy diagnosis in commercial (100%), small farmers (99%) and landless (92%) milk producers. Majority of buffaloes calved in winter season (78%) followed by rainy (13.60%) and summer season (8.4%) in the study area. Adoption of green fodder production was higher in commercial (100%) and small farmers (97%) than that in landless milk producers (13%). The practice of chaffing of green fodder was higher in commercial (100%) than that in small farmers (27%) and landless milk producers (5%). Overall 11.2 per cent of respondents practiced hay making, whereas silage making and urea treatment of paddy straw were not practiced by all categories of milk producers in the study area. Majority of respondents provided purchased concentrate mixture in the landless (100%), small farmers (92%) and commercial (86%) milk producers. Majority of milk producers practiced soaking of concentrates (41.6%) followed by boiling (31.2%) and mash feeding (27.2%). Supplementation of mineral mixture was also found to be higher in commercial milk producers (90%) than that in small farmers (35%) and landless milk producers (16%). Extra concentrate feeding during advanced pregnancy and early lactation was adopted by overall 83.2 and 98.4 per cent of respondents, respectively. Majority of respondents in landless (99%), small farmers (92%) and commercial milk producers (50%) located the buffalo shed separately nearer to their dwelling. Kutcha type of flooring was provided in the sheds by majority of landless milk producers (98%), whereas cement type of floor was provided by majority of commercial (100%) and small farmer (53%) milk producers in the study area. Asbestos sheet roofing was practiced by majority of commercial (82%) and small farmers (52%) milk producers, whereas no roofing (57%) and thatched roofing (39%) was provided by majority of landless milk producers in the study area. Pucca type of drainage was provided by majority of commercial (98%) and small farmer (72%) milk producers. Majority of commercial (86%) and small farmers (27%) arranged cooling devices like fans in the buffalo sheds. Colostrum feeding to new born calf within one to two hours of birth was practiced by majority of commercial (82%), small farmers (75%) and landless (72%) milk producers. Very few milk producers in the commercial (48%), small farmer (24%) and landless (18%) milk producers adopted feeding of calf starter to calves. Overall buffalo calf mortality was found to be more in winter (62.4%) followed by rainy (32.4%) and summer (5.2%) season. Full hand method of milking was adopted by majority of commercial (58%), small farmer (33%) and landless (40%) milk producers. Small farmer and landless milk producers used their family labour for milking the buffaloes, whereas 74 per cent of commercial milk producers engaged hired labour for milking. Majority of commercial (96%), small farmers (88%) and landless (79%) milk producers marketed the milk to the district cooperative dairy union. The average cost of milk production per liter was significantly (P≤0.01) lower and net income was higher in Murrah buffaloes than that in graded Murrah and local buffaloes. The average cost of milk production per liter was significantly lower and net income was higher in commercial milk producers than that in small farmers in Murrah and graded Murrah buffaloes. High cost of pure bred buffaloes, feed ingredients, non- remunerative price for milk, feed and fodder shortage and high incidence of repeat breeding in buffaloes were found to be major constraints felt by the milk producers in the study area. Problem of silent heat, repeat breeding, lack of sufficient knowledge to the farmers about scientific feeding and management and inadequate facilities for diagnostic purpose were observed to be constraints felt by the field veterinarians in Guntur district.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF LACTATING CROSSBRED (LWY X DESI) SOWS USING NRC, 1998 SWINE MODEL(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2015-01) PADMALATHA, T; SURESH, J(MAJOR); GANGARAJU, G; RAMANA, J.V.; SAKUNTHALA DEVI, KABSTRACT : The study was conducted at All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on pigs, Tirupati to arrive at the optimum nutrient requirements of lactating crossbred (LWY x Desi) sows using NRC, 1998 swine model in order to minimize body weight loss during lactation and also to study the effect of season on reproductive performance of cross bred pigs. The study was carried out during two periods covering two different seasons i.e. during February – March (summer) and October – November (monsoon). During the first lactation trial, four experimental rations (T-1 to T-4) were formulated using the NRC, 1998 model assuming an average body weight of sows as 100kg, average litter size of 8 and preweaning average daily gain of piglets as 150g such that feeding of the diets would result in 0 kg (T-1), -10 kg (T-2), -15 kg (T-3) and – 20 kg (T-4) body weight loss. The number of sows per treatment was eight. Isocaloric experimental rations containing 2,940 kcal D.E, with C.P content similar to the NRC 1998 swine model were offered. After first lactation trial it has resulted in body weight loss of -5.44 kg (T-1), -23.1 kg (T-2), -22.76 kg (T-3) and -21.6 kg (T-4). The body weight loss due to lactation was significantly higher (p<0.01) in pigs fed on T-4 than in T-3 or T-2 or T-1 fed pigs. The deviation between the target weight loss and the actual may be attributed to inadequacy or low plane of nutrition. Reproductive performance of pigs during trial-I revealed that there was no significant difference among the treatments with respect to average litter size at birth, average feed intake, body weight of sows at farrowing and average body weight loss. However, significant differences (p<0.01) were noticed among treatments with regard to average litter size at weaning, body weight of sows at weaning. Preweaning growth performance of piglets in trial-I revealed that there was no significant difference among treatments with regard to average weight of piglets at weaning, preweaning body weight gain, average daily gain of piglets, preweaning mortality and estimated milk production. Significant difference (p<0.01) was noticed with regard to average birth weight of piglets between T-3 and T-4. During the second lactation trial, similar methods as employed during trial I were adopted and the sows were offered rations as per NRC, 1998 swine model with a target to achieve ‘0’ kg (T-1), +10 kg (T-2), +15 kg (T-3), +20 kg (T-4) body weight gain. However, the number of sows per treatment was limited to five. The results of the second lactation trial also indicated that the sows in all the treatments recorded a body weight loss of 7.4 kg (T-1), 6.4 kg (T-2), 11.2 kg (T-3) and 7.1 kg (T-4). However, the differences were statistically not significant. The deviation between the targeted weight gain and the actual recorded weights of experimental sows may be attributed to low intake of feed wherein the pigs have actually consumed 2.72% of their body weight instead of required 4.7%. Reproductive performance of pigs during trial-II revealed that no significant difference was observed among the treatments in respect of average litter size at birth and at weaning, body weight of sows at farrowing and at weaning, and average body weight loss. Significant difference (p<0.01) was observed with regard to average feed intake. Preweaning growth performance of piglets in trial-II revealed that significant differences (p<0.01) were noticed among treatments in respect to average birth weight and weaning weight of piglets as well as average daily gain of piglets (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in case of body weight gain, preweaning mortality and estimated milk production. The effect of season on productive and reproductive performance of sows revealed that there was no significant difference among treatments relating to average body weight of piglets, average daily gain of piglets and preweaning mortality. However, significantly higher (p<0.01) values were observed during monsoon than during summer with respect to average litter size at birth and at weaning, average feed intake, body weight loss due to lactation and average milk production. Average weaning weight of piglets was significantly higher (p<0.05) in summer than in monsoon. Cost economics of feeding during two lactations were studied and it was observed that there was no significant difference between treatments in trial-I. Whereas, significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between treatments T-1 and T-3, T-1 and T-4, T-2 and T-4 during trial-II. With regard to T-1 and T-2 no significant difference was observed.