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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, A
ABSTRACT: 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.
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, D
ABSTRACT : 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.
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, D
ABSTRACT: 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.
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.V
ABSTRACT: 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.
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, I
ABSTRACT: 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.
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.
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, M
ABSTRACT: 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.
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, M
ABSTRACT: 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 (P
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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, K
ABSTRACT : 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.

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