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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 STUDIES ON CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF VIZIANAGARAM SHEEP OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-04) GANGARAJU, GOLLAMOORI; SARJAN RAO, K(MAJOR); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; RAGHUNANDAN, T; GNANA PRAKASH, MABSTRACT: A study was undertaken on the a) distribution of local Vizianagaram sheep b) biometric and morphological characters of the breed c) productive and reproductive performance of the breed and d) managemental practices being followed by farmers of Vizianagaram breeding tract in north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh comprising of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Based on nlultistage stratified random sampling technique, the study was carried out in 7 mandals each from every district and from each mandal 7 villages were selected. From each village 2-3 sheep farmers maintained local Vizianagaram sheep with an average flock size of 60-75 were selected for the study resulted in a sample size of 775. 1244 and 153 Vizianagaram sheep from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. The data recorded from farmers flocks were compared with the data of LRS, Garividi. The chest girth, body length and keight at withers (cm) were 35.2w0.33, 29.46M.37 and 40.3M.32 for ram lambs of below 1 year and 73.0W0.71. 60.91*0.82 and 68.84*0.62 for rams of 10-12 months. respectively. Significant (PThesisItem Open Access PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER RABBITS UNDER TWO HOUSING SYSTEMS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIETARY PROBIOTICS AND ENZYMES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-08) SARAT CHANDRA, A; MAHENDER, M(MAJOR); RAGHUNANDAN, T; RAMESH GUPTA, B; GNANA PRAKASH, M; KONDAL REDDY, KABSTRACT : Studies were conducted on 144 weaned rabbits reared in cage and backyard rearing systems up to 16 weeks of age to study the influence of housing system and supplementation of probiotics and enzymes or both, on the productive and reproductive performance and health. A digestibility trial was conducted to assess the effect of different rations on digestibility of nutrients. Forty eight rabbits were slaughtered at 16 weeks of age and remaining rabbits were reared until first kindling to assess their reproductive performance. The overall least-squares mean body weights at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age were 568.29 ± 4.82, 690.34 ± 4.77, 963.44 ± 9.45, 1141.44 ± 7.69, 1322.17 ± 6.27 and 1499.15 ± 6.30 g, respectively with cage reared rabbits recording significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weights. In rabbits reared under cage and backyard systems, the effects of breed and ration were significant at most of the ages. In general, rabbits fed rations supplemented with enzymes and probiotics or both had significantly higher body weights at all ages. The overall least-squares mean ADGs were 18.21 ± 0.55, 20.72 ± 0.72, 18.19 ± 0.44, 13.15 ± 0.57, 10.89 ± 0.49 and 12.52 ± 0.62 g during 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14 and 14 to 16 weeks of age, respectively. Cage reared rabbits recorded significantly higher ADG at most of the ages studied. Ration had significant (P≤0.05) effect on the ADGs during 4 to 6, 10 to12 and 12 to 14 weeks only. Backyard reared rabbits fed T4 and T2 rations recorded significantly higher ADG 4 to 6. The overall least-squares mean voluntary dry matter intake was 115.07 ± 4.48 g . Rabbits fed rations T3 and T4 recorded significantly (P≤0.05) higher DMI in both the systems of housing. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and nitrogen free extract were 72.64 ± 1.26, 73.10 ± 1.23, 78.61 ± 1.03, 71.59 ± 1.32, 81.12 ± 1.34 and 70.80 ± 1.46 respectively. In both the housing systems, rabbits fed experimental diets recorded significantly higher digestibility coefficients than control group. Significantly higher pre-slaughter weight (2014.29 + 47.21), dressed weight (994.40 + 26.01), fore and mid cut weights (296.25 + 10.36 and 230.63 + 6.48) and inedible offals (374.25 + 9.73 vs. 346.71 + 9.73) were recorded by cage reared rabbits. The overall mean dressing percentage and weights of hind cut, head and feet, pelt and edible offals and the length of caecum were 49.38 + 0.19, 457.13 + 10.14, 253.46 + 5.19, 198.21 + 3.91 and 67.85 + 0.84 g and 49.06 + 0.40 cm, respectively. Influence of experimental diets was significant on hind cut weight and length of caecum in cage system while all the carcass traits except pelt weight were significantly influenced in backyard system. Meat protein and fat percentage were significantly high in cage reared rabbits. The overall mean dry matter (%), total ash (%), protein (%), fat (%) and cholesterol (mg %) contents of meat were 20.66 + 0.08, 1.29 + 0.01, 21.29 + 0.12, 4.05 + 0.02 and 0.10 + 0.00, respectively. The protein content was significantly high in the rabbits fed ration 3 and 4 while the fat content was significantly high in the rabbits fed with control ration in cage reared and backyard reared rabbits. Rabbits housed in cages had lower AFK (217.25 + 1.69 days). The overall mean litter size and weight at birth were 6.83 + 0.26 bunnies and 337.64 + 12.73 g, respectively. Mean total erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, haemoglobin content, PCV, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, SGPT, SGOT, Serum protein, Albumin, Globulin and AG ratio were 7.52 0.12 x106/mm³, 6.29 0.08 x103/mm³, 10.77 0.06 g/dl, 34.25 0.37%, 35.71 1.03%, 60.27 1.38%, 1.35 0.14%, 1.92 0.13, 123.79 2.69 mg/dl, 123.67 ± 1.66 mg/dl, 18.17 ± 0.50 IU/dl, 28.04 ± 0.73 IU/dl, 6.20 ± 0.09 g/dl, 4.08 ± 0.08 g/dl, 2.11 ± 0.06 g/dl and 1.93 ± 0.09, respectively. The overall mean SRBC titre was 6.63 ± 0.20 log2 units. In both the housing systems, significantly high SRBC titers were recorded by rabbits fed rations 3 and 4. In general, it was observed that rabbits kept in backyard were more active, aggressive and burrowing was observed. Immediately after weaning and during nights, rabbits preferred to stay together in backyard system. Rabbits in the backyard preferred to stay on the cemented kerb. The cost of feed per kg gain was reduced by Rs. 1.20, 3.63 and 2.89 in cage reared rabbits and Rs. 1.10, 5.61 and 4.4 in backyard reared rabbits fed rations supplemented with enzymes (T1), probiotic (T2) and probiotic +enzymes (T3) over control ration, respectively. The present study recorded higher growth in broiler rabbits, but the difference in the body weight of broiler rabbits under two systems of housing was not significant, suggesting that rabbit farming for meat production can profitably be taken up under backyard system, which requires less capital investment and provides valuable animal protein and remunerative income to the farmers. The inclusion of enzymes and probiotics to the diets had a positive effect on the utilization of dietary nutrients and also reduced the cost per kg weight gain, which emphasizes that the cost of feeding in rabbit farming can be reduced by utilization of forages especially legumes and by products replacing the costly feed ingredients. Thus, rabbit farming as a small enterprise can be recommended for small and marginal farmers, to improve the quality of diet and as a steady source of income.ThesisItem Open Access ADAPTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF SAHIWAL AND JERSEY x SAHIWAL CROSSBRED COWS IN TROPICAL CONDITIONS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-05) SREEDHAR, SURATANI; Sarjan Rao, K(MAJOR); Suresh, J; Moorthy, P.R.S; Padmanabha Reddy, VABSTRACT: A study was conducted on adaptability and performance of pure Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows, performance of bulls of Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal crossbreds and on farm studies on the performance of the Jersey x Sahiwal crosses in tropical conditions. The physiological responses, biochemical constituents of the above animals were recorded. The production traits, reproduction traits and milk constituents were studied on twelve cows each from Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). To study the performance of bulls, tour Sahiwal bulls were selected at Dairy Experimental Station, and four Jersey x Sahiwal bulls from farmers house hold. The meteorological parameters viz. Temperature Humidity Index, Relative Humidity (%), evaporation (mm), wind velocity (kmph) and sun shine (hours) recorded during the study period of 2 1 days were ranged from 81.3-86.9, 37.0-61.0. 2.7-8.6, 5.1-1 1.3 and 2.0-9.3 with mean values of 84.4, 47.5. 6.8. 6.7 and 5.5. respectively. The rectal temperature ("F) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows during the adaptability period of 21 days were ranged from 101.43*0.04 to 103.6MO.18, 101.1&0.02 to 103.13+0.16 and 101.35*0.03 to 103.65f0.18, respectively. The respiration rate of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 28.4k0.1 to 41.7k0.6, 26.8 +0.10 to 38.8+0.40 and 28.3&0.10 to 43.5k0.40 breaths per minute, respectively. The rectal temperature and respiration rate were highly significantly (p<0.01) different among Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows. The changes in pulse rate of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged £+om 59.33* 0.45 to 76.0-1 -50, 59.67 *0.3 1 to 75.33k1.56 and 60.67*0.40 to 78.17*1.36 per minute, respectively. A non significant difference was observed for pulse rate between Sahiwal heifers and Sahiwal cows whereas a highly significant @<0.01) variation was recorded with Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows in relation to environmental traits. Temperature Humidity Index (THI) was highly significantly w0.01) wrrelated with rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate in Sahiwal heifers and Sahiwal cows and significantly (pe0.05) correlated in Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows. The average temperature significantly (p<0.05) influenced the rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate in all the three groups of experimental animals, while the evaporation was significantly (pC0.05) wrrelated with rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate of Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred wws. Negative correlation was observed between wind velocity and rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate of three groups of experimental animals. The sunshine was found to have highly significant (~0.01)co rrelation with rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate of Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred wws. The IHTC and BCA of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 74.0W0.42 to 95.67k1.8, 94.2+0.5 to 95.w0.5 and 73.5M0.31 to 96.5W2.89 and 2.24k0.01 to 2.84*0.03, 2.17+0.01 to 2.72f0.02 and 2.24*0.01 to 2.92+0.02, respectively. The IHTC and BCA values were highly significantly @<0.01) different among Sahiwal heifers, cows and Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows. The DSI of Sahiwal heifers, cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 0.95+0.61 to 1.1 1k0.01, 0.94*0.01 to 1.09-1.0.01 and 0.95*0.01 to 1.1 1+0.01, respectively. The DSI values were comparable between Sahiwal heifers and Sahiwal cows but highly significantly (p<0.01) different with Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows. The average values of IHTC, BCA and DSI in Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows became nearest to their respective optimum values of 100, 2.0 and 1 .O, respectively, within short period (3 days) in Sahiwal cows and longer period (9 days) for Jersey x Sahiwal cows. The haematocrit values (%) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 29.17+1.22 to 68.0& 1.06, 3 1 -0W1.46 to 67.0M 1.06 and 3 1.17k1.17 to 75.83*0.59, respectively. A non significant difference was observed in haematocrit values of Sahiwal heifers and cows, whereas a highly significant (p<0.01) variation was recorded with Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows. The serum glucose, urea and creatinine levels (mddl) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged fiom 61.9-1.34 to 97.32k0.63, 58.61k1.20 to 96.9M0.65 and 59.26k0.58 to 113.33k0.71, 11.72k0.94 to 47.21k0.64, 1 1.7W0.65 to 45.44k0.42 and 14.0M0.58 to 63.99k0.41 and 1.251t0.07 to 9.81+0.13, 1.2W0.09 to 9.90.tO. 17 and 1.43k0.10 to 16.18k0.15, respectively. The average serum glucose values were highly significantly (p<0.01) different among all the experimental animals during adaptability. The serum calcium, phosphorous and magnesium levels (mgldl) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 10.5W0.29 to 27.17M.29, 10.84+0.27 to 26.61+0.46 and 10.45+0.33 to 36.76*0.71, 5.85*0.05 to 18.91+0.2 1, 5.94k0.08 to 18.87k0.12 and 5.88k0.10 to 20.8W0.13 and 1 -95d0.03 to 1 1.16&0.09, 2.0W.06 to 10.85*0.19 and 1.95k0.03 to 15.120.15. respectively. A non significant difference was observed in serum calcium and phosphorous levels for Sahiwal heifers and Sahiwal cows, whereas a highly significant @<0.01) variation was recorded for Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows in relation to adaptability. The sodium and potassium levels (mgldl) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 140.23*2.09 to 183.62st1.25, 137.37k1.38 to 178.521.02 and 137.91A0.75 to 185.6%1.15 and 4.47.tO.20 to 13.21+0.15, 4.38A0.08 to 12.88rt0.08 and 4.41*0.13 to 18.8&0.11, respectively. The average sodium and potassium levels were highly significantly (~0.01)d ifferent among Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows. The influence of environmental traits on liver function tests from SGOT and SGPT levels (units/l) of Sahiwal heifers, Sahiwal cows and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were ranged from 91.15zk3.62 to 178.87A1.49, 95.37~t2.52 to 165.74+1.11 and 82.78&0.29 to 188.48rt0.32 and 25.04*1.50 to 57.19rt0.72, 27.8-2.29 to 57.27a.77 and 17.52*0.40 to 74.72M.93, respectively. Highly significant (pc0.01) variation was recorded with SGOT levels in Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred cows and SGPT levels of all the three experimental animals during 2 1 days adaptation period. The average birth weight (kg) of Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal calves were 23.8w0.87 and 26.98+0.97, respectively. The mean body weight gain (kg) of Sahiwal calves and Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred calves were 34.08*5.69 and 34.47+5.99, respectively at the end of 24 weeks. The maximum body weight gain was observed at 24 weeks in Jersey x Sahiwal calves. The mean ADG of Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal calves were 344*7.9 and 365Zk11.0, respectively. The maximum average daily gain was observed at 8-10 weeks in Sahiwal calves whereas in Jersey x Sahiwal cows, peak ADG obtained at 6-8 weeks during 16-1 8 weeks of growth period. The mean 90 days milk yield, lactation milk yield, peak yield, average daily milk yield and 305 days milk yield in Sahiwal cows were 793.17*7.75, 2039.5zk30.14, 1 1.03*0.14, 6.90rt0.09 and 2109~k27.68 kg, respectively. The days to attain peak yield and lactation length in Sahiwal cows were 33.33*1.25 and 295.58*2.95 days and the persistence index observed as 2.53+0.04. The average 90 days milk yield, lactation milk yield, peak yield, average daily milk yield and 305 days milk yield in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 1099.2* 10.96, 3 156.6*3 1.16, 14.2 1 1t0.14, 10.33Zk0.11 and 3164.8k32.53 kg, respectively. The days to attain peak yield and lactation length in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 26.0M1.26 and 305.75~k1.95 days and the persistence index observed as 3.05k0.03. At farmer's house hold the average 90 days milk yield, lactation milk yield, peak yield, average daily milk yield and 305 days milk yield in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 997.6+8.48, 3131.7*31.02, 10.2+0.16, 8.86+0.10 and 2777.2+26.15 kg, respectively. The days to attain peak yield and lactation length in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 45.2~k1.33 and 3541t4.77 days and the persistence index observed was 2.84~k0.03. The analysis of variance revealed that all the milk yield traits were highly significantly (p<0.01) different between Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows both at dairy experimental station and Jersey x Sahiwal cows of Progeny Testing Programme at farmers house hold. The mean fat percent of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows was 4.91k0.19 and 4.54*0.16, respectively, whereas the fat percent was decreased from 1'' to 3d week and later gradually increased up to 131h week of lactation. Maximum fat yield (%) was observed in 12'~w eek for Sahiwal (5.3M0.20) and 13w~eek for Jersey x Sahiwal crossbred (4.9-0.12) wws. The mean SNF percent of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows was 9.02&0.07 and 8.67*0.10, respectively, whereas the SNF percent was decreased from la to 3d week and later gradually increased up to 13* week of lactation. Maximum levels of SNF were recorded during 13& week in Sahiwal cows and 7* week in Jersey x Sahiwal wws. 8.67*0.10. The protein content (%) of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 3.5W0.04 and 3.5W0.01, respectively. Maximum levels of protein were recorded during 11" week in Sahiwal cows and 7" week in Jersey x Sahiwal wws. The mean density of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal wws were 30.97*0.24 and 30.1B0.22, respectively. The fat and SNF contents of milk were highly significantly (~(0.01) different between Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows, whereas Sahiwal cows had higher fat and SNF yield. Highly significant @<0.01) variation was also observed between Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows, during different weeks of lactation. Non significant difference was observed with respect to protein content of the milk in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows whereas highly significant w0.01) variation was found in the density of milk from Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows. The mean fat (%), SNF (%), protein (%) and density of the milk in Jersey x Sahiwal cows at farmer's household were 4.91rt0.1, 7.97*0.15, 3.08*0.05 and 28.93*0.32, respective1 y. The mean age at first calving, gestation period, dry period, service period and calving interval (days) in Sahiwal and Jersey x Sahiwal cows at dairy experimental station were 1223.25+9.77, 282.67*0.53, 1 5 1.0M3.27, 163.92j14.20 and 446.58k4.16 and 985.17k11.41. 281.58&0.38. 123.33~t5.28. 148.0M5.97 and 429.58*6.10. respectively. At farmers household, the above reproductive traits in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were 1237.%13.09, 282.3f0.37, 198.3k3.77, 270~k5.06 and 552.3*5.02 days. The results showed that the mean age at first calving, dry period, service period and calving interval in Jersey x Sahiwal cows were lower than Sahiwal cows. The mean values of the same reproductive traits in Jersey x Sahiwal cows of Progeny Testing Programme were higher than the mean values of Sahiwal cows. The mean gestation period was similar in all groups. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant (pThesisItem Open Access APPLICATION OF BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) SYSTEM FOR MURRAH AND GRADED MURRAH BUFFALOES FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2013-12) ASHALATHA, P; SARJAN RAO, K(MAJOR); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; MOORTHY, P.R.S; RAVINDRA REDDY, Y; RAMANA, J.VThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON ENDOSULFAN RESIDUES IN MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS OBTAINED FROM DIFFERENT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2010-07) SURESH BABU, DASINENI; SARJAN RAO, K (Major) MURTHY, P.R.S; SANKAR REDDY, I; SURESH, JABSTRACT : A study was carried out on Endosulfan pesticide residues in milk and milk products obtained from four different production systems existing in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The study area was selected based on a Stratified Random Sampling Technique. The study group comprises 4 mandals x 5 villages x 5 farmers = 100 farmers sample size. Farmers selected were representing the production systems under study and the information was collected using pretested questionnaire by personal interview and observation. The information about cropping pattern, reasons for the usage pattern of Endosulfan, economic advantage, feeding pattern and animal husbandry status was derived by using the questionnaire and personal interview. 24 milk samples (4x6, RBD) and 40 (4x10, RBD) milk product samples of four varieties and another 36 (6x6, RBD) Endoslulfan fortified milk samples were analysed for the residues of Endosulfan by Gas Chromatography equipped with Electron Capture Detector system using multiresidue method. Apart from that 24 (4x6, RBD) milk samples were analysed for their chemical composition with Lactan-1-4 equipment. The milk samples were collected from small holders production system, organized dairy farms, cooperative societies and commercial dairy plants and collection system. The samples were collected at two months interval over a period of one year and analyzed for Endosulfan residues. 10 samples each of paneer, ghee, curd and doodh peda (4x10, RBD) were analysed for the residues of Endosulfan. 24 pooled milk samples (4x6, RBD) were collected and fortified with Endosulfan 35% EC at the rate of 0.04mg per kg level for heat treatments namely Thermization, Pasteurization, Boiling and Sterilization. Besides 6 positive control samples 6 negative control samples were also analysed for Endosulfan residues. The cattle population in the mandals studied ranged from 8652 to 15953 contributing 0.78 and 1.4 per cent of district population and buffalo population ranged from 419 to 10206 and the per cent contribution to the district was 0.31 and 7.5 respectively. The cattle and buffalo population in the Chittoor district was 1104349 and 134759 respectively. All the four production systems were functioning in the district .There were 54 bulk milk cooling units and 28 private dairy plants existing in the district. Among the food crops, paddy was cultivated to the highest extent. The total area under paddy cultivation in the study mandals ranged from 2.9 to 42.2 per cent while in the Chittoor district it was 5.0 to 35.3 per cent. Among fruits, vegetables and pulses, sugarcane and mango were cultivated to a considerable extent. The per cent area cultivation of sugarcane in the study mandals ranged from 4.2 to 19.7 and in the Chittoor district it was 9.8 to 20.6 per cent. The per cent area cultivation of mango in the mandals studied and in the Chittoor district ranged from 2.0 to 19.2 and 0.2 to 17. Among non-food crops, groundnut was predominating in the mandals studied and in the Chittoor district. The per cent area under groundnut cultivation in the mandals studied ranged from 38.1 to 66.1 and in Chittoor district it ranged from 19.6 to 48.0. Endosulfan was sprayed in all the food as well as non food crops to control pests and to increase crop yields. The economic advantage derived by using Endosulfan was ranging from 25 to 100 per cent. 76 to 88 per cent of the respondent farmers in the study were spraying Endosulfan at the rate of 300 ml or 140 gai per acre and most of the farmers were spraying two times (88-92 per cent). All the farmers in the study area were feeding crop residues, concentrates, green fodder and also allowing the animals for grazing. 60-72 per cent of the farmers were maintaining upto 3 dairy animals mostly crossbred cows and 68-80 per cent were possessing less than 2 hectares of land.72-80 per cent of the farmers were producing upto 30 litres of milk per day and 88-92 per cent were disposing milk to collection centres of cooperative societies and private dairy plants. The chemical constituents were significantly (P<0.01) different among different production systems. The mean fat per cent of milk from the four production systems ranged from 4.088±0.0457 (small holder production system) to 4.44±0.0642 (commercial dairy plants and collection system). The mean solids not fat (SNF) per cent of milk from the four production systems ranged from 7.62±0.159 (small holder production system) to 7.948±0.0392 (organized dairy farms).The mean protein per cent of the milk analysed from different production systems ranged from 2.88±0.0044 (small holders production system) to 2.98±0.0122 per cent (organized dairy farms).The density as indicated by mean lactometer reading of milk obtained from four production systems ranged from 25.38±0.0450 (commercial dairy plants and collection system) to 26.743±0.0071 (organized dairy farms).The mean freezing point in the present study ranged from -0.495 ± 0.94 (cooperative societies) to -0.529 ± 0.94 (small holder production system) The mean added water per cent in the present study ranged from 5.0±0.683 (organized dairy farms) to 9.0±0.258 (small holder production system) The results on the study of pesticide residues in milk and milk products showed that there was no contamination with Endosulfan. The level of Endosulfan was Below Detectable Limits (BDL) of less than 0.0003 ppm in comparison to MRLs for Endosulfan, it was 0.004 ppm on milk basis and 0.1ppm on 4% fat basis. The mean quantity recovery of Endosulfan from milk samples subjected for Thermization, Pasteurization, Boiling and Sterilization were 0.0043±0.00004, 0.0038±0.00004, 0.0025±0.00004 and 0.0023±0.00004 respectively. While the recovery from positive and negative controls were 0.0330±0.00007 and Nil, respectively and the percent recovery was 10.90±0.096, 9.62±0.096, 6.25±0.134 and 5.84±0.094, respectively where as in the positive control it was 82.5±1.82. No traces of Endosulfan were found in the negative control. Among the different methods of heat treatment, sterilization was the most effective followed by boiling and pasteurization. The least effective method was thermization. There was a significant (P<0.01) variation observed for the mean quantity recovery and per cent recovery of Endosulfan residues among different heat treatment methods under evaluation.ThesisItem Open Access ANALYSIS OF SHEEP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS OF NORTH COASTAL ZONE OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2010-05) ANANDA RAO, K; SARJAN RAO, K (Major); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; VENUGOPAL NAIDU, K; RAVI, AABSTRACT : In the present study a detailed survey was conducted to analyse the sheep production systems of North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh. The study was conducted on 960 sheep farmers, 320 each from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts using stratified random sampling techniques (3 districts x 2 divisions x 4 mandals x 4 villages x 10 farmers = 960). The socio economic status of sheep farmers revealed that agriculture (69.06%) was main occupation supported by animal husbandry (23.23%), Hindus (95.33%) were the main religion followed by Christians (4.67%) and most of them belongs to backward community (75.31%), followed by scheduled castes (8.96%) other castes (8.65%) and scheduled tribes (7.08%). Majority of the farmers were illiterates belongs to nuclear family type (78.44%) and were in middle age group (53.23%), followed by old age (31.15%). Significant (P<0.01) difference was observed among the above parameters within the districts except for religion, literacy level and age groups. Among the total farmers 31.14 per cent reared cattle, goat and poultry along with sheep flocks whereas 9.37 per cent reared sheep alone. Majority (71.04%) of the farmers had annual income of Rs.1878.92 in the North Coastal Zone. About half (47.29%) of the shepherd 11-10 years of experience in sheep farming. Majority (60.10%) shepherds were marginal farmers and landless farmers were also taken up the sheep farming as main occupation. The mean total land holding (acres) was 1.88±0.08 in the zone. Significant (P<0.01) differences were observed among the above parameters and within districts. The majority of sheep farmers (72.81%) followed stationary along with migratory system. The mean sheep flock size was 67.46±1.07 with a mean sex ratios ram : ewe of 43.81±0.52 and ewe lambs to ram lambs of 1.38:1. The main (33.33%) sources of addition in the flock was farm bred. Significant differences were observed among the above parameters and within the districts. Religion events were ranked first for disposal of breeding rams whereas old age was ranked first for disposal of breeding ewes. Monetary requirements were ranked last for disposal of breeding rams and ewes. The housing practices revealed that sheep were provided penning only during night time (88.75%), and the major housing pattern was penning (79.37%) in kutcha houses (76.14%). Kutcha flooring (84.27%) is prevalent with poor ventilation (93.22%) and sheep manure was stored by open method (88.02%). The manure was used for own farms (55.72%) whereas 13.95 per cent had sold the manure. The frequency of manure sale was yearly once (94.79%). The mean grazing time (hrs) and grazing distance (km) of sheep was 8.48±0.06 and 6.02±0.17 in summer and 6.08±0.05 and 3.78±0.03 in other seasonal period of the year respectively. The water sources for the sheep were tanks / small ponds (57.08%), streams (21.87%) and canals (19.89%). Almost half of the farmers (47.39%) dewormed sheep at every 6 months interval. The sheep were dewormed due to the insistence of Veterinarian (76.35%) and the mean deworming cost (Rs.) per sheep / annum was 5.69±0.18. The sheep flocks were vaccinated mainly against Enterotoxaemia (87.60%) and foot and mouth disease (71.87%). The sheep were marketed by himself and middlemen and the price fixation for live sheep was based on age, sex and physical appearance. The sheep were transported to the marketing point mainly by foot (44.47%) and the mean distance (km) to the marketing point was 12.95±0.05. The mean cost (Rs) of mutton per kg live weight was 107.58±3.20. Significant (P<0.01) differences were observed to above parameters within the districts except manure sale pattern. The major cause of mortality due to specific disease was Blue tongue (52.7%) and non specific disease was respiratory disorder syndrome (51.17%). About half (53.22%) of the sheep farmers sold the carcass for consumption. The major constraints as was perceived by the sheep farmers were in the order of disease attacks followed by shrinkage of grazing lands. The major factors that favoured sheep farming were in the order of revenue from penning, traditional occupation, demand for manure, meat and easy marketability. The values of reproductive performance of the sheep in the North Coastal zone showed the per cent lambing, twinning and weaning were 81.33±0.26, 0.48±0.04 and 85.53±0.16, respectively. The mean age at first mating was 12.85±0.10 and 21.17±0.07 in ewes and rams respectively. The main lambing season was winter (61.97%). The productive performance of the sheep showed that the mean body weight (kg) of ewes and rams at birth was 2.46±0.05 and 2.84±0.06, respectively. The values of mean body weight (kg) at weaning, 6 months, one year and above one year age were 8.96±0.14, 16.05±0.12, 20.39±0.16 and 26.31±0.15 for ewe lambs and 10.10±0.11, 15.48±0.09, 26.01±0.30 and 40.43±0.26, respectively for ram lambs. Significant (P<0.01) differences were observed among the above parameters except lambing seasons and body weight of the rams at one year age group within the districts. The study on the migratory tracts of sheep flocks in the North Coastal zone revealed that are XVI traditional migratory tracts were identified and there were 698 migratory sheep flocks. The major reasons for migration were, lack of feed resources (92.70%), income from penning (89.06%), traditional practice (87.50%), successive drought (84.37%) and lack of water resources (83.33%). The mean duration (days) and distance (km) of migration of the sixteen migratory sheep flocks were 181.25±0.63 and 75.87±0.78 respectively. The major problems during migration included disease outbreaks (85.95%) and lack of veterinary facilities (83.81%). The mean flock size of the stationary flocks was 67.46±1.07 and the mean man days spent per year was 297.87±3.91. The mean flock size of the migratory flocks was 297.87±3.91 and the mean man day spent per year for the migratory flocks was 116.31±0.38. Observations were made on various ethno veterinary medicments and practices being used by the sheep rearing farmers to cure various ailments.