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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 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 EFFECT OF DIETARY NANO ZINC OXIDE SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN CROSSBRED CALVES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2017-12) SATYA VENKATA ANIL, TELIDEVARA; Venkata Seshaiah, Ch(MAJOR); ASHA LATHA, P; SUDHAKAR, KABSTRACT : An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of nano zinc oxide (nZnO) on growth performance, haematology, serum biochemical parameters and cost per kg weight gain in crossbred calves. A total of twenty four crossbred calves of about 6 months age were randomly selected and grouped into four groups wherein each group consisting of six calves on the basis of body weight. The calves were allotted to one of the following treatments randomly. Group I is set as control where only basal diet was fed. Along with the basal diet, Group II (Treatment 1) was supplemented with 25ppm conventional ZnSo4, Group III (Treatment 2) was supplemented with 5ppm nano zinc oxide and Group IV (Treatment 3) was supplemented with 10ppm nano zinc oxide. Zinc content in basal was estimated to be 26.24ppm. The feed intake in CB calves was not affected by the dietary supplementation of nZnO. However, the body weight gain and average daily gain were significantly (P<0.01) higher in the nZnO supplemented groups over the control and T1 groups and the feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.01) lower in the groups supplemented with nZnO over C and T1 groups. Significant difference was not observed in the body condition score of crossbred calves upon supplementation of nZnO. Similarly, nZnO supplementation has not shown any significant changes in the mean haemoglobin concentration, RBC count, WBC count, platelet count and mean corpuscular volume of crossbred calves and all the haematological parameters varied within the normal range. The biochemical parameters viz., serum zinc, total protein and serum globulin were significantly (P<0.01) higher in the groups supplemented with nZnO compared to the C and T1 groups. The serum albumin levels were significantly higher (P<0.01) in nZnO supplemented group when compared to T1. However, the albumin to globulin ratio was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the control group compared to the T1, T2 and T3. There was a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in the blood glucose levels between C and T2 on 45th day. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in serum calcium, SGOT, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine level between the groups throughout the experimental period. However, serum phosphorus level was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 compared to T1 and T3. The cost per kg weight gain was low in the T3 group calves over the other groups which might be due to higher growth rates in calves. Further, there is a scope for reduction in price of nano particles which may further cut down the cost of feeding in calves. Therefore, nZnO may be recommended in the diets of CB calves at the rate of 10ppm/day for better growth rates and reduced feeding costs in calf rearing.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON SHEEP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN IRRIGATED AND RAINFED AREAS IN KRISHNA DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2017-12) SAI SATISH RAJU, S; ASHA LATHA, P(MAJOR); SUDHAKAR, K; Raja Kishore, KABSTRACT : A study was undertaken to study various sheep production practices followed by the shepherds in irrigated and rainfed areas of Krishna district. A total number of 250 sheep farmers and their flocks comprising 125 from each area of the district were interviewed by a questionnaire schedule and required information was collected. Out of the total farmers, illiterate sheep farmers constituted about 81.6 and 88 per cent in irrigated and rainfed areas, respectively. Literate farmers recorded were 18.4 and 12 per cent, respectively, in irrigated and rainfed areas studied. Sheep farmers from Backward Communities constituted about 86.4 and 67.2 per cent, followed by Scheduled Castes community 8 per cent and 15.20 per cent, respectively, in irrigated and rainfed areas. Majority of the farmers in both the areas were landless (45.6 per cent in irrigated area and 72.8 per cent in rainfed area) followed by marginal land holders (36 per cent in irrigated area and 16.8 per cent in rainfed area). The average flock size in irrigated and rainfed areas of the district was 66.36±2.32 and 73.62±3.0, respectively. The average body weights in the male for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 42.0±0.49, 44.50±0.34, 44.33±0.40 and 44.29±0.28; while in rainfed area, the corresponding values were 39.92±0.33, 42.67±0.33, 43.11±0.20 and 43.57±0.20 Kg, respectively. The mean body weight (kg) for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed ewes observed were 31.99±0.270, 36.02±0.240, 37.27±0.167 and 40.52±0.269 kg, respectively, in irrigated area; while in rainfed area, the corresponding values were 29.30±0.40, 34.84±0.40, 37.22±0.35 and 42.01±0.56 kg, respectively, in rainfed area. The average body lengths in the male for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 76.08±0.22, 77.83±0.37, 78.11±0.30 and 78.71±0.28 cm, respectively. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 74.75±0.21, 76.17±0.30, 76.89±0.26 and 77.14±0.50 cm, respectively. The mean body lengths for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed ewes were 66.48±0.23, 64.93±0.44, 67.94±0.35, 72.78±0.50 cm, respectively, in irrigated area. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 64.17±0.46, 64.27±0.37, 65.99±0.32 and 67.43±0.50 cm, respectively. The mean height at withers for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed rams observed were 83.08±0.28, 84.83±0.40, 86.11±0.26 and 84.57±0.29 cm, respectively, in irrigated area. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 81.33±0.28, 81.83±0.30, 84.78±0.22 and 82.71±0.28 cm, respectively. The average height at withers in ewes for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 74.62±0.23, 75.93±0.17, 76.75±0.28 and 79.11±0.30 cm, respectively. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 72.51±0.29, 75.54±0.27, 76.12±0.29 and 76.88±0.31 cm, respectively. The average chest girth for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed rams observed were 82.50±0.19, 85.50±0.42, 86.33±0.33 and 85.00±0.30 cm, respectively, in irrigated area. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 81.25±0.25, 83.17±0.30, 84.22±0.32 and 83.43±0.20 cm, respectively. The mean values for chest girth in ewes for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 77.99±0.31, 79.83±0.26, 81.40±0.25 and 82.16±0.34 cm, respectively. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 73.94±0.31, 78.94±0.31, 81.24±0.52, 86.66±0.49 cm, respectively. The mean punch girth for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full-mouthed rams observed were 83.25±0.32, 86.50±0.42, 85.22±0.22 and 85.71±0.28 cm, respectively, in irrigated area. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 82.42±0.22, 84.83±0.30, 83.56±0.24 and 84.43±0.42 cm respectively. The average punch girth in ewes for 2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and full mouthed animals in irrigated area were 80.09±0.33, 83.07±0.40, 84.21±0.28 and 89.24±0.44 cm, respectively. While in rainfed area the corresponding values were 76.09±0.56, 82.65±0.30, 84.84±0.26 and 85.51±0.30 cm, respectively. The average age at first mating in ewes, age at first mating in rams, age at first lambing, lambing interval, age at weaning and weight at weaning in irrigated and rainfed area were 13.16±0.06 and 14.52±0.06 months; 19.89±0.18 and 19.63±0.20 months; 18.24±0.05 and 19.52±0.06 months; 306.68±0.81 and 308.53±1.15 days; 3.71±0.40 and 4.09±0.05 months; 12.57±0.0 and 10.98±0.05 kg, respectively. It was observed that all the farmers in both the areas were rearing sheep extensively. Housing pattern comprising of an open pen along with a closed roof structure was seen in the majority of the sheep holdings in both the areas studied (56 and 57.6 per cent) and most of the shepherds were housing the sheep nearer to their houses (94.4 and 72 per cent). 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. The mean grazing distance per day was 5.46±0.13 km in irrigated area and 5.8±0.14 km in rainfed area. The mean grazing duration per day was 8.88±0.09 hrs in irrigated area and 9.38±0.12 hrs in rainfed area. All the farmers in the study were following the deworming and vaccination regularly. Majority farmers in both areas were following burial method of carcass disposal (72.8 and 52 per cent). From the study it was observed that the marketing of meat was done mainly through middlemen (84 and 93.6 percent).ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF GARLIC (Allium sativum) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND COST OF PRODUCTION IN MURRAH BUFFALO CALVES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2017-12) MOHAN VAMSI, DUVVU; ANANDA RAO, K(MAJOR); VENKATA SESHAIAH, Ch.; SRINIVAS KUMAR, DABSTRACT : An experiment was carried out to study the effect of varying levels of garlic supplementation on the growth performance, haematology, blood biochemical parameters and immunological response in murrah buffalo calves. Eighteen murrah buffalo calves of 4-5 months age were randomly divided in to three groups of six calves each i.e. T0, T1, and T2. The T1, and T2 groups were supplemented with garlic powder at the dose rate of 250 and 300 mg per kg body weight in the concentrate feed, respectively, for a period of 90 days while T0 group served as control. All the experimental calves were fed individually with Hybrid Napier green fodder and concentrate feed (calf grower) as the basal diet. The results of the experiment revealed that significant (P<0.01) increase in overall feed intake, body weight gain, body condition score, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency in garlic supplemented buffalo calves (T1, and T2 ) compared to control group (T0) while the difference was not significant between T1, and T2 calves. However, significant difference was not observed in the faecal consistency score among the garlic supplemented and control group buffalo calves The haemoglobin levels, red blood cells, white blood cells and packed cell volume were significantly (P<0.01) increased in T1, and T2 groups compared to T0 buffalo calves. However, no significant difference was observed in MCV, MCH and MCHC levels among the garlic supplemented and control group buffalo calves. Significant (P<0.01) increase in the lymphocyte count and a significant (P<0.01) decrease in the neutrophil count was also observed in garlic supplemented buffalo calves compared to control group. However, no significant difference was observed in the eosinophil, basophil and monocyte count among the garlic supplemented calves and control calves. The blood glucose, serum cholesterol, SGOT and creatinine levels were significantly (P<0.01) decreased and total protein, albumin, globulin and HDL cholesterol levels were significantly (P<0.01) increased in T1, and T2 groups compared to T0 buffalo calves. However, no significant difference was observed in serum calcium and phosphorus levels among the garlic supplemented calves and control calves. Garlic supplementation did not show any significant effect on immune response against FMD vaccine in buffalo calves. Further, the total cost of feeding and the feed cost per kg weight gain was higher in garlic supplemented groups as compared with the control group. Based on the above results, it can be concluded that garlic powder can be supplemented in the diet of buffalo calves to improve their overall growth performance, blood constituents and defense mechanism by improving the total leucocyte count and lymphocyte count and decrease the serum cholesterol which promote the overall health and well-being of the calves.