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ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIONAL AND LIVELYHOOD SECURITY OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS THROUGH BACKYARD POULTRY REARING IN ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2012-02) SIVA PRASAD, V; THAMMI RAJU, D(MAJOR); SRINIVASA REDDY, M; RAGHUNANDAN, TABSTRACT : 1. In India poultry farming under backyard system is as old as its civilization. Randhawa (1946) reported that number of terracotta have been discovered from Mohenzo-daro and Harappa, which indicated that, the people domesticated number of birds and the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) originated in India and its ancestor's, the red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) is still found in Northern India from Kashmir to Assam and in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Visakhapatnam and parts of Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. He also reported that the Indus valley people kept the fowl only for sports, and that its breeding for flesh occurred later. 2.Poultry farming became popular because of it is possible in widely different agro-climatic environment (National Commission on Agriculture 1976), as the Rural fowl possesses marked physiological adaptability, requirement of small space, low capital investment, quick return from outlay and well distributed turn over throughout the year make poultry farming remunerative in both rural and urban areas. The rearing of poultry provides an excellent opportunity for gainful employment to idle or unemployed members of rural communities. Additionally, chicken meat consumption is a significant protein source which helps to cover the nutritional needs of the rural population. 3.Backyard poultry farming (BYPF) by and large is a low input or no input venture and is characterized by indigenous night shelter (Berte 1987, Aklobessi 1990, Nkodia 1990, Singh and Johari 1990, Upindi 1990, Zoungrana and Slenders 1992, Dana 1998, Saha 2003), scavenging system (Kabatange and Katule 1989, Kassambara 1989, Musharaf 1989, Andrews 1990, Houadfi 1990, Lul 1990, Mbugua 1990, Okot 1990, Raveloson 1990), with little supplementary feeding (Singh and Johari 1990, Dipeolu et al 1996, Rangnekar and Rangnekar 1996, Dana 1998, Saha 2003), natural hatching of chicks (Singh and Pani 1986, Van Veluw 1987, Saha 2003), poor productivity of birds (AACMC 1984, Rao and Thomas 1984, Balaraman and Kaul 1985, Singh and Pani 1986, Berte 1987, Okada et al 1987, Musharaf 1989, Smith 1990, Abebe 1992, Agbede et al 1995, Rashid et al 1995), local marketing (Rehman 1995, Dana 1998, Saha 2003) and no health care practice (Dana 1998, Saha 2003). 4.Recently, the traditional poultry farming in villages, which was the primary source of animal protein, and supplementary income for more than 50 percent of the population of this country, has suffered in the wake of commercialization Singh(2000). One must remember that the cheapest egg and poultry is one which is produced in the backyard or semi-scavenging system. Consequently, due to the changing rural scenario BYPF has taken a back seat and unless we lay down a sound strategy, it would be impossible to revive this age old practice which is an important tool for nutritional security. Therefore, an appropriate strategy is necessary in BYPF for hitting two birds with one stone. Firstly, this would help alleviate the nutritional status of the rural people and secondly, we could have our stress-free, harmful residue free birds. 5.Every country is unique in itself, and so is the case of India. Extension principle has always highlighted the fact that every region and community is different from others. Lack of understanding of village chicken production system makes it difficult to design and implement poultry based development programme that benefit rural people (Gueye 1997, Pedersen 2002). Therefore, the strategy for rural Indian has to be worked out critically which can be modified and improved to fit the different regions of our country. 6.The other factor for decline in the interst of the backyard poultry rearing inrural areas because of commercial poultry in meat and egg production.So commercial poultry gain upper hand over rural poultry.beacuase of this commercial poultry gained momentum is one of the fastest growing segments of the agricultural sector in India today. While the production of agricultural crops has been rising at a rate of 1.5–2% per annum that of eggs and broilers has been rising at a rate of 6–10% per annum. National annual production is 45 billion eggs and 1.6 billion broilers. The percentage of native birds in the total poultry population has dropped from 50% about 30 years ago to about 10% now (Rangnekar and Rangnekar, 1999). Nevertheless, the meat and eggs of backyard chickens is highly valued than that of commercially produced meat or eggs. with prices being 50–100% higher, because their taste and texture are considered superior. They are equivalent of ‘organic’ egg or chicken in western and developed countries, and have a lower fat content than commercially produced eggs and birds. Further, backyard poultry production forms the basis for transforming the rural poultry sector from subsistence to a more economically productive base. Estimates of income elasticity for meat and eggs strongly suggest that consumption of these products can be expected to continue to grow strongly. However, per capita consumption of eggs in rural areas is less than half that in urban areas (Mehta et al., 2003). Trends in the poultry sector provide a striking example of how sector growth does not necessarily go hand-in-hand with rural sector and poverty reduction. Backyard poultry, which is based almost entirely on native birds, has been by-passed by the poultry revolution, with virtually all the growth occurring in the large-scale intensive sub-sector. Also, increased backyard poultry production would result in a positive impact on household food security both in increased dietary intake and in income generation. Hence, increasing meat and egg production from backyard poultry has been a major concern of Government of India (GOI) for many years. The GOI has supported various programmes to improve backyard poultry production. This has resulted in release of some important backyard poultry varieties viz., Vanaraja, Gramapriya, Giriraja, Krishna-J, etc., for the benefit of rural farmers’ economic upliftment, food security and gender empowerment. In the present study an effort was made to study the Nutritional and livelihood security of rural households through backyard poultry rearing in Andhra Pradesh. 1.1. NON DESCRIPTIVE BIRDS 1.Poultry farming is possible in widely different agro-climatic environment (National Commission on Agriculture 1976), as the fowl possesses marked physiological adaptability. Requirement of small space, low capital investment, quick return from outlay and well distributed turn over throughout the year make poultry farming remunerative in both rural and urban areas. The rearing of poultry provides an excellent opportunity for gainful employment to idle or unemployed members of rural communities. Additionally, chicken meat consumption is a significant protein source which helps to cover the nutritional needs of the rural population. 2. Backyard poultry farming (BYPF) by and large is a low input or no input venture and is characterized by indigenous night shelter (Berte 1987, Aklobessi 1990, Nkodia 1990, Singh and Johari 1990, Upindi 1990, Zoungrana and Slenders 1992, Dana 1998, Saha 2003), scavenging system (Kabatange and Katule 1989, Kassambara 1989, Musharaf 1989, Andrews 1990, Houadfi 1990, Lul 1990, Mbugua 1990, Okot 1990, Raveloson 1990), with little supplementary feeding (Singh and Johari 1990, Dipeolu et al 1996, Rangnekar and Rangnekar 1996, Dana 1998, Saha 2003), natural hatching of chicks (Singh and Pani 1986, Van Veluw 1987, Saha 2003), poor productivity of birds (AACMC 1984, Rao and Thomas 1984, Balaraman and Kaul 1985, Singh and Pani 1986, Berte 1987, Okada et al 1987, Musharaf 1989, Smith 1990, Abebe 1992, Agbede et al 1995, Rashid et al 1995), local marketing (Rehman 1995, Dana 1998, Saha 2003) and no health care practice (Dana 1998, Saha 2003). 3. Recently, the traditional poultry farming in villages, which was the primary source of animal protein, and supplementary income for more than 50 percent of the population of this country, has suffered in the wake of commercialization Singh(2000). One must remember that the cheapest egg and poultry is one which is produced in the backyard or semi-scavenging system. Consequently, due to the changing rural scenario BYPF has taken a back seat and unless we lay down a sound strategy, it would be impossible to revive this age old practice which is an important tool for nutritional security. Therefore, an appropriate strategy is necessary in BYPF for hitting two birds with one stone. Firstly, this would help alleviate the nutritional status of the rural people and secondly, we could have our stress-free, harmful residue free birds. 4. Every country is unique in itself, and so is the case of India. Extension principle has always highlighted the fact that every region and community is different from others. Lack of understanding of village chicken production system makes it difficult to design and implement poultry based development programme that benefit rural people (Gueye 1997, Pedersen 2002). Therefore, the strategy for rural Indian has to be worked out critically which can be modified and improved to fit the different regions of our country. Mostly in the rural areas the There does not appear to be any problem in marketing of local poultry. Most of the households dispose off their produce like eggs or chickens in nearby markets, whereas, those away from the towns sell at their door steps. Although it may vary from family to family, half of the chicken raised are consumed by the owners at the time of festivals or during the visit of their guests. Poultry birds are also given as gifts in marriages and other functions and used in religious ceremony. The chickens are usually sold either for table purpose or as game birds for fighting. The fighting cocks fetch a premium rice usually 2 to 3 times higher than those which are sold for table purpose. The requirement of fighting cocks ,however, is limited and that too at festive occasions. People of costal districts have passion for rearing gaming birds which are having huge demand during the festive periods where people will make lot of money through rearing this game birds.,. Same situation more or less is encountered in other districts. Almost all the eggs produced are used for hatching and not a single one is consumed in except in summer months where hatching eggs become quickly spoiled due to early embryonic death resulting in poor hatchability.. but in some parts which are adjacent to city markets more than 50 percent of the eggs are sold. Great variation is observed among the villages for scavenging area and those with higher scavenging areas realize more money from the sale of their birds which are healthy. Predation by wild cats and other wild animals is a problem in most of the villages situated either near or within the forest area. Although no definite evidence is available about the origin of different populations/local breeds, ethnic tribal groups seem to have played a significant role for development and maintaining the uniqueness of the breeds nurtured by them for years without any introgression from outside. In some parts where the backyard poultry rears in nearer to forests and in hilly areas naturally the livestock especially backyard poultry is having high disease resistance and the outbreaks of ranikhet and fowlpox are very rare. For ethnic tribal groups and communities indigenous poultry are of special interest because of their socio-religious use. Plumage colour and sex of the bird differ from one purpose to another .Raising of local poultry breeds in backyard is an important source of livelihood for the rural people. 63% of the owners of the backyard poultry in the agency area are Scheduled Tribes, 17%Scheduled Castes and rest 20% owned by OBCs and other communities. Small holdings containing1-3 hens per unit were found to be more efficient producer of eggs compared to those with 4 or more hens per unit. Main interest of the poultry farmers having backyard poultry is not production of eggs as returns are very low from sale of eggs. They hatch all their eggs and sale them as birds.. The major problem of the backyard poultry sector is high mortality. Average annual income from backyard poultry is Rs.2200 per house hold although the variation across.households is very large. When mortality is reduced, income per household increases.Poultry keeping in backyard gives very high return as the investment is very low. The local breeds of poultry / indigenous poultry genetic resources are held in high esteem even after 50 years of industrial poultry production because of the following reasons. 5) Local poultry breeds exhibit superior adaptability in their habitat and possess the ability to survive, produce and reproduce on low plane of nutrition and sub-optimal management. b) The inputs required are very small as they scavenge their feed requirements and are raised with little veterinary care. 6 ) They possess the ability to protect themselves from predators. 7) All the local breeds show broodiness and hatch their own chicks making the system auto generating. 8) People have a preference for eggs and meat of indigenous poultry compared to those realized from farm-bred chickens consequently eggs and meat from local breeds are sold at a premium price. 10) Cock fighting is a popular sport for the ethnic tribes and the local breeds are superior to exotic breeds in fighting. 11) Use of coloured bird for socio-religious use. Livestock output at present accounts for more than half of agricultural production in developed countries and one-third in developing countries. The growing number of urban and more affluent population in the developing world including India, most likely will demand a richer, more diverse diet with more of meat and milk products. As a result, global demand will increase from 209 million tones in 1997 to 327 million tones in 2020 for meat to a strong livestock revolution. Industrial poultry production could be fastest growing sector with an expected increase in output of about 80 per cent until 2020 due to its high rate of reproduction, superior FCR and universal production technology. The other Livestock commodities are expected to grow @ 50 percent per year during the same period. Other factors which will contribute to growth of poultry industry in India subcontinent include; increase in growth of human population. 50 geographical shifting of production centers to developing countries like China, India, Brazil and Mexico due to stringent animal welfare measures adopted in the industrial west; improvement in poultry production technologies; policies and initiatives recently undertaken by the Government of India to promote rural backyard poultry production through venture capital fund etc. The demand for organic egg and meat is increasing over the years especially in the industrially developed Western countries even though they cost more and cut through the wallet. Small holder backyard poultry production utilizing local breeds therefore is expected to increase the profitability of this system of production, but the super markets will benefit.Smallholder backyard poultry production utilizing local breeds sooner or later is expected to come under serious competition with the commercial poultry sector and if not well planned the genetic resources of local poultry shall be lost, as it has already happened in most of the developed countries. Conservation of local poultry breeds along with improvement for traits like meat and eggs will increase competitiveness to survive in the market. The socio-religious use of local poultry breeds, superior adaptability in their habitat, ability to perform in tow input production system and the production system which is similar to organic production will he the competitive advantages of backyard system over commercial poultry production. The government, however, should extend all support to this system of production since this is a means of livelihood of poorer sections of the society and will help in food production, food security, gender equity and providing employment to women. Improvement of local breeds and their conservation for future use also should be the joint responsibility of the Government and farming community.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON TRAINING NEEDS OF PARAVETERINARIANS IN NALGONDA DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-12) SURESH NAIK, A; SRINIVASA REDDY, A(MAJOR); THAMMI RAJU, D; RAGHUNANDHAN, TABSTRACT: An ex post facto research design was followed to study the soc~o psychological profile and training needs in A.H knowledge. skills and attitude of Paraveterinarians. A total sample of 105 respondents comprising of 75 Paraveterinarians and 30 VASs were selected based on proportionate random sampling method from four divisions of Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh. The data was collected by pre structured interview schedule and questionnaire by personal interview method and analyzed by using appropriate statistical techniques. Categorization of Paraveterinarians by their dependant variables indicated that majority belonged to medium category with respect to training needs in Animal Husbandry knowledge (50.67%), skill (49.33%) and attitude (48.00%) towards training. Majority of the respondents were in the medium categories of age. education, experience, training received, guidance and supervision, mass media exposure, innovativeness. risk preference, rational decision making ability. achievement motivation, job satisfaction and scientific orientation. Out of 12 independent variables age and experience were negatively and significantly related with the knowledge training needs of Paraveterinarians where as innovativeness, risk preference. rational decision making ability. achievement motivation and scientific orientation showed a positive and significant relationship and the rest of the variables were found to be non significant with the knowledge training needs of Paraveterinarians. It was found that the variables age, experience and training received were negatively and significantly related with the skill training needs of Paraveterinarians where as innovativeness, risk preference, rational decision making ability, achievement motivation and scientific orientation showed a positive and significant relationship and the rest of the variables were found to be non significant with the skill training needs of Paraveterinarians. The variables age and experience were negatively and significantly related with the attitude of Paraveterinarians towards training where as innovativeness, risk preference, rational decision malung ability and achievement motivation showed a positive and significant relationship with the attitude and the rest of the variables were found to be non significant with the attitude of Paraveterinarians towards training. The immediate five training needs of Paraveterinarians in A.H knowledge were in the rank order of knowledge on new or emerging livestock diseases and their preventive measures, latest trends in therapeutic use of drugs in veterinary practice, latest trends in animal breeding/feeding/reproductive managelnent, knowledge on the new technologies in A.H evolved by research stations and diagnosis of different disease of animals. The training needs in A.H skills wcre in the rank order of skill in diagnosis of different disease of animals, skill on the new technologies in A.H evolve by research institutions, skill in A.I. skill in pregnancy diagnosis and skill in identification and treatment of reproductive problems. Chi square test revealed that there is a significant association between the rankings of training needs of Paraveterinarians in A.H knowledge and A.H skills ' given by the two categories of respondents i.e Paraveterinarians and their superior officers. A large number of Paraveterinarians suggested that training should be given on new or emerging livestock diseases and their preventive measures followed by latest trends in therapeutic use of drugs. advance intimation of training programmes and sufficient accommodation at training centers. Majority of the superior officers suggested that special training should be imparted to Paraveterinarians in new or emerging livestock diseases followed by exposure visits to research stations, organisatio~a of special trainers training programmes. Another valid suggestion made by the superior officers that special and suff~cient budget must be provided for TA and DA to the participants. Based on the identified needs and suggestions, a strategy was framed which highlights that training programmes should be based on expressed needs and immediate requirements of Paraveterinarians. Course content and curriculum of training should be developed with more emphasis on latest trends in animal breeding, feeding, reproductive management and technique of artificial insemination. Paraveterinarians should be taken on study tours to various livestock research stations and other institutes engaged in Veterinary and Animal Husbandry research. Such tours should be conducted for 3-5 days in a calendar year. One day skill training programmes should be organised on preparation of ointments, lotions and stock solutions required for the institution by concerned Veterinary Assistant Surgeons to cover entire Paraveterinarians of the state. Special training should be given on collection and preservation procedures of samples and specimens, first aid procedures at divisional level with periodical intervals and special programmes should be organised on maintenance of technical and non technical registers, census work, house hold survey procedures at divisional level to cover all the Paraveterinarians of the state with in a specific period. Training should be imparted at district level to cater to the needs of the Paraveterinarians of the district and another at divisional level based on the local needs of the trainees. A state level training policy should be formulated so that each Paraveterinarian gets an opportunity to undergo need based training at regular intervals. Physical facilities at training institutes can be strengthened and sufticient budget provision can be made for TA/DA of the trainees well in advance. Pru and post evaluation of training programme can be obtained from all thc trainees so as to plan the future programmes more effectivelyThesisItem Open Access MOBILE TELEPHONY IN CREATING AWARENESS ON MEAT HYGIENE AMONG URBAN CONSUMERS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-11) VENU MADHAV, P; THAMMI RAJU, D(MAJOR); SRINIVASA REDDY, M; MAHENDAR, MABSTRACT: A combination of exploratory and experimental research designs were adopted for the present study conducted in Visakhapatnam of Andhra Pradesh. All six administrative zones were selected for the study. 20 respondents from each zone (five respondents/meat shop/zone) were selected randomly, thus making a total sample of 120 respondents. The data were collected personally with the help of an interview schedule; processed and analysed and interpreted. The salient findings of the research work are as follows. The respondents were categorised into three groups based on initial awareness on meat hygiene viz. Low Awareness ( LA) Group, Medium Awareness ( MA) Group and High Awareness ( HA) Groups. The results and discussion were presented accordingly. The respondents were sent 12 SMSs in three cycles @ one SMS per day ( 36 SMSs in similar no of days) based on the initial awareness. The post SMSs awareness was also measured and compared with the initial awareness. Characterisation of respondents varied among the three awareness groups in decision making pattern and information seeking behaviour. But majority of the urban consumers of three groups were middle aged, educated up to either graduation / post graduation level, mostly males, belonged to Hindu religion and engaged in services with medium income (average N 16029). Majority had medium family size of 4-6 members with medium decision making pattern and mostly price concerned in decision making related to meat aspects. Decision making pattern was low in Low Awareness group and medium in Medium and High awareness groups. Medium information seeking behaviour was found in total respondents, but it was low in case of Low Awareness Group and mostly utilizing mass media sources, followed by informal and formal sources. Meat consumption profile varied between low, medium and high awareness groups. Meat purchases are mostly affected from roadside shops in case of LA group and well maintained shops in case of MA group and HA group. Chicken and mutton were available daily for all the groups, no much variation in the affordability traits except expenditure (N 1265 /month in case of LA group and N 1341 in HA group) made on meat and low affordability to purchase meat at present rates among LA group. All consume meat every week end and when guests are at home without fail, but Monday, Saturday and religious seasons and during ill health meat consumption is avoided. Religious sanctions, taboos and tradition are coming in the way of consumption of beef and pork. Season is also playing an important role in meat consumption – more consumption in winter, followed by rainy and summer. Traditional meat preferences prevailed in the study area. Urban meat consumers prefer chicken, mutton, fish due to nutritive value, taste, availability, affordability and easy cooking in case of chicken. Beef and pork were ranked low. Fresh meat outscored chilled/frozen and processed meats. The expressed reasons were taste, habituation, and assured hygiene in fresh meat and costly. Fresh value added products were preferred than ‗ready to cook‘ and ‗heat & serve‘. The reasons were taste not good, expensive, hygiene compromised and fear of adulteration. Urban consumers preferred to eat meat at home than outside. Sporadic occurrence of different symptoms was noticed after consuming unhygienic meat. Curry and fry are the preferred cooking preparations for the urban consumers. Majority had medium awareness on meat hygiene. SMSs brought significant change in awareness levels on meat hygiene. The pre and post SMS awareness levels were significantly differing between each other at 1% level of probability. About 26% of respondents moved to high awareness group after utilization of mobile telephony. The initial survey revealed that majority of the urban meat consumers possessed mobiles since long time and are familiar with different features. User-friendly, credible SMSs were sent in the present study and perceived as a suitable means for dissemination of technical information. Many respondents were using SMSs either frequently or occasionally. Majority were habituated for checking SMS either instantly or daily. The source of SMS was found credible, but it depends on the sender and topic also. The response pattern after sending 12 SMSs in three cycles brought significant changes in certain of the traits of SMS and mobiles. SMSs sent were perceived as useful, interesting, qualitative, less complex, few worded with no discrepancy SMSs by the respondents of the present study. SMSs were found to be suitable and desired mechanism for receiving new information. Either morning or afternoon was the right time to send the SMSs to urban consumers. Perceptible changes occurred due to mobile telephony with respect to certain general aspects, quality, handling and storage parameters of meat hygiene. The items covered under general aspects scored a change in awareness even up to the extent of 81 percent. After receiving the SMS all respondents associated meat hygiene with safety for human consumption, registering nearly 27.00 percent increase and 21 to 26 percent in other considerations like hygienic slaughter, meat inspection and better taste and quality. 12.50 to 22.50 percent change noted in the advantages of meat hygiene After receiving the SMS messages a majority of respondents considered meat hygiene as ―very essential‖ (81.67%) with 46.67 percent increase. However after the exposure to the SMS information a high percentage of urban meat consumers understood the need to check for government stamping (90.00%) and buying from a licensed meat shop (70.83%). Higher percentage of respondents seem to acknowledge the fact after the SMS information that apart from the government (100.00%) and butcher / retailer (98.33%), the livestock farmer (65.83%) and the consumer (81.67%) are also important in ensuring meat hygiene. Regarding the awareness on quality aspects, 11 to 33 percent change occurred in traits that are to be checked for meat purchases. Up to 27 percent change noticed in identifying the spoilage. 13 to 28% change was observed in the qualities of frozen meat to be checked. Awareness on handling and storage brought about 18 percent change in ideal storage of meat at home, about 17 to 27 percent change on cross contamination and up to 23 percent on thawing of meat. The highly significant results obtained with mobile text messaging can be suitably employed to cater to the information needs of the stakeholders not only regarding meat hygiene but also in various other areas of importance. The concept of community radio and Social media networks appears as a bright prospect with a potential to reach wider audience. A sustained campaign on meat hygiene involving all the concerned parties like Government bodies, Universities, extension agencies, Non Governmental organizations and meat industry can also help to enhance the awareness levels among all the stakeholders.ThesisItem Open Access TELEVIEWING BEHAVIOUR OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS ON ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PROGRAMMES IN ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2009-03) Srinivasa Rao, B; SUDHAKAR RAO, B(MAJOR); THAMMI RAJU, D; SUDHAKAR, KABSTRACT: The present study was undertaken with the main objective of assessing the televiewing behaviour of livestock farmers in terms of frequency, pattern and response of on A.H. programmes. Ex-post-facto research design was followed in the present investigation. Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh was purposively selected for carrying out the study. Three mandals were selected randomly. The list of villages under each selected Mandal was obtained from district gazette. From the list, villages having the good facility of Television viewing and also villages have good telecast facility of all channels that telecasts the A.H. programmes were identified. Among such villages, two were selected from each Mandal, amounting a total of six villages for the present study. A list of farm televiewers of A.H. programmes was prepared and by adopting quota sampling method from each village twenty livestock farmers were selected at random, thus a total of 120 respondents were selected from six villages. The data was collected by personal interview method through structured interview schedule. Majority of the respondents were middle aged, had medium farming experience, medium level of socio-economic status, medium level of extension contact, medium level of mass media exposure, medium level of information seeking behaviour, medium level of innovativeness and low level of knowledge before viewing the A.H. programmes and majority of the respondents possessed high level of knowledge after viewing the telecast on A.H. programmes. Majority of the respondents had medium level of televiewing behaviour, which included viewing frequency, viewing pattern and viewing response. Majority of the respondents had faced the unsuitability of time, paucity of time and lack of electricity as the major constraints and suggested to provide uninterrupted electricity supply, change as well as increase in telecast time, providing timely information and using visuals in the programmes were made by majority of the respondents for improving the telecast of Animal Husbandry programmes. Correlation analysis carried out to reveal the relationship between independent and dependent variables which indicated that, out of all the selected independent variables experience, socio-economic status, extension contact, mass media exposure, information seeking behaviour, innovativeness and knowledge level had positive and significant correlated relationship with televiewing behaviour. While, age was negatively significant with televiewing behaviour of the respondents. Regression analysis revealed that all the independent variables put together explained about 52.4 per cent variation in the televiewing behaviour of the respondents.ThesisItem Open Access INFORMATION NEEDS OF WOMEN SELF HELP GROUPS (WSHGS) INVOLVED IN DAIRY FARMING FOR CAPACITY BUILDING(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2008-06) BABU BERI, BERI; THAMMI RAJU, D(MAJOR); SUDHAKAR RAO, B; MAHENDER, MABSTRACT: An ex-post facto research design was followed in the present research study. The sample was drawn randomly from 12 villages of 9 mandals of Warangal district @ one Women Self Help Group per village. All the members of selected WSHGs i.e. 129 members in total were the respondents and are involved in dairy farming and assisted under special SGSY programme. The data were collected through personal interview by the investigator for which a schedule was developed. The data was collected on two dependent variables i.e. information needs and livelihood status and 14 independent variables viz. age, education, caste, family size, occupation, land holding, time spent on dairy farming, farming experience, herd size, knowledge, training, social/political participation, management orientation and decision making to achieve the set objectives of the study. The characterization of women self help groups and their members revealed that majority of the respondents (58.91%) were in the middle age group of 36 to 50 years and the average age of the women members was 37.05 years. About 43.41% of members of WSHGs were illiterates and 58.17% of members belonged to Backward Castes. Most members of the women self-help groups had the family size up to 5 members (90.70%) and the main occupation was agricultural labour (56.59%). Landless members (36.76%) formed a majority of self-help groups and 87.60% of the respondents were members of at least one organization. It was found that majority of the respondents (75.19%) had medium level of experience ranging from 5 to 15 years with an average of 9.78 years of experience. Further, all the members (100%) owned 1 to 3 non descript buffaloes and 86.82 % of the members had 1 to 3 graded buffaloes, while 4.7% had sheep with less than 20 numbers. The data revealed that majority (47.29%) of the members had medium knowledge on dairy farming, management orientation (63.57%) and decision making (72.09%). All the respondents undergone at least one training of two days duration focussing on both knowledge and skills provided by District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and the State Department of Animal Husbandry (AHD). The time spent by women members in different types of activities of dairy farming indicated that grazing was the most time consuming activity with 156.6 minutes. The average time spent by women on all diary activities was 367.21 mts. The greatly expressed information needs of members of WSHGs include Production potential of dairy animals (50.38%) under dairy animal category. Under feeding, the information needs such as Fundamentals of dairy nutrition and nutrients (72.09%), Kind of feed to be used for particular dairy animal (68.22%), Amount of feed to be fed (58.14%), Feed storage (75.97%), Feeding strategies in natural calamities (66.67%) and Fodder varieties and package of practices (60.47%) were expressed by members of WSHGs. The breeding information needs were Time of insemination (79.07%), Drying of animals (64.34%), Calving interval (62.79%), Service period (62.02%), Breeding problems (59.68%) and Importance of artificial insemination (58.13%) . Care and management of calves (73.64%) Care and management of pregnant animals (71.32%) were the important greatly needed information needs for the members of Women Self Help Groups which falls under management category. The information on Vaccination schedule (78.29%), Commonly occurring dairy animal diseases (76.74%), Disease management (72.09%) and Deworming schedule(65.12%) were expressed as greatly needed by majority of the respondents. Apart from the above the information on Preservation of milk (68.99%), Different marketing agencies (62.02%), Backward linkages (60.47%), Forward linkages (56.59%) and Credit/financial organization (51.94%) was greatly needed under marketing. Majority of the respondents felt that the information on agriculture (93.02%), sheep farming (63.57%), backyard poultry (74.42%) and others (66.67%) was least needed. The livelihood status in terms of literacy, access to education facilities, land holding, type of home, food sufficiency, quality food, health status and employment & income generation indicated that majority of the members (54.26%) had improvement in literacy and access to education and other required facilities improved (56.59%) after formation of WSHGs, except change in the landholding (93.02%), type of home (93.02%) and diversification in IGAs (100.00%). Overwhelming majority (89.15%) had food sufficiency and quality food was possessed by 88.37% of respondents. About 85% of respondents had improved health status. The employment and income generation from dairying indicated that all the members interviewed had only dairy farming as income generating activity and 78.29% of the respondents gained moderate number of man days per month (19 to 21 man days/month). The monthly income was medium in case of 84.50% respondents with average of Rs 1331.78 among members of Women Self Help Groups. The constraints as perceived by members of WSHGs were Green fodder scarcity (31.00%), Decline in milk production during winter and summer season (27.13%), Care and management of calves is difficult (23.25%), Conception rate is low (21.71%), Less price for milk (20.16%), Lack of knowledge and skills (15.50%) etc. The members also expressed certain suggestions which include Regular check-up by Veterinary Assistant Surgeon (25.58%), Hospital should be established (22.48%), More loan facility to be provided (20.16%), Shed cost is to be included in the scheme formulation (13.95 %), Training is required before the animal purchase (11.62%) etc. The correlation analysis indicated that occupation, land holding, and management orientation were positively and significantly with information needs at 1% level of significance and knowledge and social/political participation were negatively and significantly correlated with information needs at 1% and 5% level of significance, respectively. The independent variables viz. occupation, land holding, time spent on dairy farming were significantly and positively correlated with the livelihood status at 5% level of significance. Farming experience, knowledge and management orientation were positively and significantly correlated at 1% level of significance. The inter correlation between information needs and livelihood status was significant at 5% level.ThesisItem Open Access UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) TOOLS BY VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY- A STUDY IN ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2007-09) SIREESHA, PULLA; SUDHAKAR RAO, B(MAJOR); THAMMI RAJU, D; SUDHAKAR, KABSTRACT: Data was collected from 33 organizations which were actively involved in Animal Husbandry activities and elicited through a questionnaire following an exploratory research design on “Utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools by various organizations in Animal Husbandry- A study in Andhra Pradesh”. The profile of the organizations was documented. The State A.H. Department which is the flagship of all the organizations in A.H. was established in the year 1920. Majority of the organizations were established since the year 1980. The over all objective of the organizations was development of A.H. sector. The annual budget allocation made by the individual organizations for ICT ranged from Rs. 3 lakhs to 900 lakhs and the use of ICT was started in early 1980s. Regarding the infrastructure availability, all possessed mobile phones, Internet, personal computers and fax. Majority of the organizations agreed that ICT tools are functional at all times, sufficient number of ICT tools are available in the organization, the connectivity is good and access to the ICT tools is always available. The trends in applicability brought out that all the organizations agreed that ICT tools are useful for retrieving latest knowledge, quick transmission of reports to higher authorities and helps in quick and timely decision making. Majority have indicated that the employees are more dependant on ICT tools, it is difficult to work without the aid of ICT tools, effective utilization of ICT tools is possible and ICTs are mostly used for report submission. Majority of the organizations disagreed to the statements of difficulty in the use of ICT because of its cost and ICTs are not compatible with existing traditional methods while mixed responses was obtained for the statement that they lost natural mathematical or analytical skills after the advent of ICTs. As regards to affordability of ICT tools majority indicated that the organization is able to afford the ICT tools, has sufficient funding for purchase and maintenance of ICT tools, has adequate technical support for maintenance of ICT tools. Responses were varied for the statement that organization is providing loans for the purchase of ICT tools. Regarding the knowledge of computer applications, majority of the users have medium level of knowledge. Radio was utilized by State A.H. Department and ANTHRA. Further analysis on the extent of ICT tools by organizations revealed that TV was utilized by NIRD, NAARM, State A.H. Department, APLDA, SMILDA, BASIX, PDP, CRIDA, and NRC on Meat, VBRI, SVVU, TK trust Gram Vikas Yojana, NECC and ANTHRA. Video Conferencing was used by State A.H. Department, Commissionerate of Rural Development, APCOB, SBI, NIRD, NAARM, CRIDA, Venkateswara Hatcheries, Sarabhai Zydus Animal Health Limited and Natural Remedies Private Limited. Tele conferencing was used by APCOB, BASIX, NAARM, Suguna Poultry, IndBro Research and Breeding farms, Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited and Sarabhai Zydus Animal Health Private Limited. Multimedia CDs were found to be used by SMILDA, APLDA, NABARD, BASIX, NIRD, NAARM, NRC on Meat, Indian Immunologicals, CRIDA, SVVU, VBRI ANTHRA, Intercooperation Social Development, WASSAN, NECC, Suguna Poultry, IndBro Research and Breeding farms, Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited and Natural Remedies Private Limited. Information kiosk was utilized by only NAARM and BASIX. The other ICT tools utilized by the different organizations were wireless set conferencing by State A.H. Department and Local Area Network by PDP and Poshak Feeds Private Limited. The findings on the areas of A.H. where ICT tools were regularly used revealed that Information dissemination, Administration and Planning were found to be the major areas. 100% of Private Organizations regularly use ICT tools for marketing because their primary motive is the marketing of their products. In the area of project proposal writing, 75% of Educational and Research Organizations were found to use ICT tools regularly. 62.5% of Educational and Research Organizations reported regular use of ICT tools in the area of development programmes. 60% of Service Providers and Private Organizations were found to be regularly using ICT tools for animal management. Regarding the area of animal health care, 60% of Private Organizations reported regular use of ICT tools. In the area of animal feeding, 50% of Private Organizations reported regular use of ICT tools. 40% of the Service Providers and Private Organizations regularly use ICT tools for breeding. Regarding the area of disaster management, 25% of the Educational and Research Organizations were found to be regularly using ICT tools. 50% of Financial Organizations were found to be involved in other areas of A.H. that is providing credit facilities to beneficiaries. The major constraints faced in the use of ICT tools were inadequate technically competent personnel in using ICTs, problems of maintenance or poor maintenance of ICT tools, insufficient budget allocation for ICT tools, interruptions in Internet connectivity, lack of upgradation of ICT equipment and problem of viruses and junk mails. Some of the major suggestions provided by the users regarding the improvisation of ICT tools utilization were imparting training to employees regarding the use of ICT tools, upgradation of equipment, provision of sufficient funding for ICT, provision of latest infrastructure, provision of better Internet connectivity, availability of sufficient number of ICT tools and ICTs to be made available at field level.ThesisItem Open Access UTILISATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) TOOLS BY LIVESTOCK FARMERS – A STUDY IN PUDUCHERRY(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2007-09) SHANTHAL, B; THAMMI RAJU, D(MAJOR); SUDHAKAR RAO, B; MAHENDAR, MABSTRACT : An ex- post facto research design was adopted for the present study conducted in Puducherry. Four out of seven communes viz. Bahour, Nettapakkam, Villianur and Manadipet were selected purposively, as the ICT initiatives were undertaken by agencies like M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences etc. Two villages from each commune were selected randomly thus making a total of eight villages. 120 respondents out of which 15 livestock farmers per village were selected randomly. The data were collected personally with the help of an interview schedule; processed and analysed and interpreted. The salient findings of the research work are as follows. Majority of the livestock farmers of the study area were middle aged with primary school education and agriculture formed as the main occupation. Livestock farming was taken up as a subsidiary occupation. Most of them had medium experience in livestock farming, with medium herd size and average annual family income. Mass media exposure, information seeking behaviour, scientific orientation, achievement motivation and risk orientation were moderate among the livestock farmers. In the study area, the respondents were utilizing six important ICT tools i.e. Information kiosk, Mobile phones, Videoconferencing, Internet, Open Knowledge Network and Multimedia CDs. Among the above tools, Open Knowledge Network (OKN) and Information Kiosks and Mobile Phone were used very effectively for getting the latest information on Animal Husbandry for knowledge empowerment. The other ICT tools i.e. Multimedia CDs, Videoconferencing and Internet browsing were utilised to a minimum extent. The situational factors affecting the use of ICT tools are applicability, infrastructure facilities, capacity building and affordability. The applicability of ICT tools for the livestock development was very high as indicated by majority of the respondents that ICTs have utility in livestock rearing, advantageous over traditional extension methods, saves time and money, provides accurate information and no distortion of messages, feasible to use in present times and help in quick and timely decision making except that ICTs are interactive. The accessible infrastructure facilities pertaining to ICT tools received good response as indicated by majority of the respondents that access to the ICTs is always available, ICTs are present in the vicinity , all the latest equipments are present to run the ICTs, functional at all the times and good connectivity. But few have agreed to the availability of updated information regarding livestock. With regard to capacity building, the findings revealed that majority of the respondents expressed that basic computer training is required for the end users, training on ICTs is not a barrier to get information and training should have local relevance. But majority of the respondents disagreed to the fact that language used in ICTs should not be a barrier. The affordability of the farmers was expressed in terms of their capacity to pay for information. Majority of the respondents expressed that „it is good to pay for the ICTs which are worth‟, „government shall provide some concessions in the user charges based on their socio-economic conditions‟ and „suitable initiatives must be taken by the policy makers to improve the users‟ purchasing power‟. On the contrary about half of respondents disagreed that „there is no economic benefit from ICT‟. The extent of use of ICT tools was found to be medium among majority of the livestock farmers. The remaining respondents distributed in to low and high categories. The knowledge level of majority of the livestock farmers on scientific dairy farming was found to be medium, followed by low and high categories. Relational analysis between independent variables and knowledge on scientific dairy farming revealed that age, education, annual family income, mass media exposure, information seeking behaviour, scientific orientation, achievement motivation and risk orientation exhibited positive and significant relationship with the knowledge level of the livestock farmers on scientific dairy farming. Education, mass media exposure, information seeking behaviour, applicability of ICT tools, infrastructure facilities, capacity building and affordability indicated positive and significant relation with extent of use of ICT tools. The inter correlation between extent of use of ICT tools and knowledge on scientific dairy farming showed highly significant relationship. The inter correlation between dependant variables i.e. knowledge on scientific dairy farming and extent of use of ICT tools was significant at 1% level of significance. The positive inter correlation between knowledge level and extent of use of ICT tools revealed that majority of the low knowledge group and medium knowledge group used Open Knowledge Network only, whereas majority of the high knowledge group used both Information kiosk and Open Knowledge Network. The problems perceived by the livestock farmers on use of ICT tools were i) time consuming in retrieval of information as it is not customized, ii) repetition of the contents or messages which the farmer already is aware of iii) all the relevant information is not available in the kiosk iv) too much text in Open Knowledge Network, v) lack of training on use computers vi) no time to use ICT vii) frequent change of functionaries at OKN by transfer or replacement, viii) not aware about the benefits of internet and ix) accessibility to ICT tools is restricted as it is being located in a farmers house.ThesisItem Open Access ANIMAL HEALTH DELIVERY SERVICES -A STUDY IN KRISHNA DISTRICT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2007) VIJAY PRAKASH, K; SUDHAKAR RAO, B(MAJOR); SUBASH CHANDRA BOSE, Ch.; RAMESH GUPTA, BABSTRACT : Since independence, in India, the veterinary services are funded managed and delivered by public sector. With the introduction of economic reforms in the country since 1992, public sector monopoly came under increasing threat as it started questioning the economic and efficiency of the veterinary services‟ providers. Inadequate financial resources and stringent measures have brought about the active participation of private and NGOs in this sector and there by limiting the role of the state in livestock extension services. Hence, animal health delivery services are considered as a strategy to improve the effectiveness and quality of veterinary services delivery. In this context, it is appropriate to ascertain the major service providers, what services they provide and the farmers awareness and perception towards the services provided by the various agencies. The present study entitled “Animal Health Delivery Services- A Study in Krishna District” was employed in two stages i.e. in initial phase an exploratory research design to explore the various agencies providing services from a sample of 15 drawn from the various Government and semi –government agencies . An ex-post facto research was also adopted in the later phase i.e. awareness and perception involving 120 farmers in relation to the services selected through random sampling technique. Krishna district in AP was purposively selected for the study, as this is one of the districts having highest livestock population and there is heavy demand for effective livestock health services. Data was elicited from 120 respondents drawn from 3 mandals. A total of six villages were selected from the 3 mandals. From each village, 20 farmers, selected randomly were subjected for investigation through prestructutred interview schedule. The results emerged from the study are as follows - The socio-economic profile of the respondents in the study area indicated that a majority of them are of middle age group, with low livestock experience , semi skilled in their vocation, had marginal land holdings, majority were from BC category caste community, functionally illiterate , not holding any official position in socio-political organizations, with low material possession , living in brick walled houses, possessed medium family and herd size and had moderate information seeking behaviour. The findings on the various agencies providing AHDS revealed that government agencies mainly AH department, APLDA, SVVU were the major AH service providers followed by private agencies. To a small extent corporate and NGO are also undertaking AHDS to the farmers. The key areas which emerged where a completed awareness was expressed by the farmers towards various AHDS provided by different agencies in the study were vaccination, deworming and deticking , disease diagnosis and treatment on medical and gynecological, surgical services supply of medicines and drugs, first-aid and attending disease out breaks where as disease surveillance and Animal Health Camps services to lesser extent of awareness among the farmers were observed. The awareness on the extension services such as advisory services, training programmes, follow up services, minikit distribution of fodder rendered by different agencies were also expressed by the respondents to a satisfactory extent. The results pertaining to the perception of the farmers towards various AHDS have brought out that a majority of them were satisfied with sanitation and disinfection of animals and sheds, vaccination , deworming and deticking ,medical diagnosis and treatment , first aid, extension services like advisory services and minikit distribution, PM inspection and issue of health certificates . A small percentage of respondents could not express their perception towards gynecological diagnosis, treatment and supply of medicines, drugs and attending disease outbreaks and issue of insurance certificates. It was also revealed that a majority of the respondents indicated dissatisfaction towards the services like disease surveillance and AH camps, surgical diagnosis and treatment and conduct of training programmes, follow up of services and disaster management.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF STRESS ON THE JOB PERFORMANCE OF VETERINARY ASSISTANT SURGEONS IN TELANGANA REGION OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2003) Triveni, G; SUDHAKAR RAO, B(MAJOR); SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE, C; RAMESH GUPTA, B; BHAVE, M.H.V.ABSTRACT: Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (VASs) are engaged in transferring technologies to the farming community. In this process the stress experienced by the VASs is multi-dimensional and needs a deep probing. The relation of stress with job performance is complex. The research findings brought out that when stress is not properly coped with, it affects the performance in a dysfunctional style resulting in exhaustion, irritation, ineffectiveness, inaction etc. If properly channelled, results in a feeling of challenge, job satisfaction, creativity and a better adjustment to work and life. Hence, it is considered worthwhile to find out the sources of stress and its effect on job performance of VASs. The present study was conducted following ex-post facto research design and simple random sampling technique taking 30 VASs each from three districts to arrive at total of 90 VASs in the entire Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh state. Questionnaires developed for the study were administered to all the respondents and the responses were scored and analysed using the appropriate statistical tests. The research study revealed that majority of the VASs were middle aged, graduates, possessed small family size, had medium family income, experience, span of control, acquired medium technical knowledge, perceived medium workload, work facilities, average organizational communication, had medium work motivation and medium coordination between line departments. The level of overall stress experienced was to a moderate extent by all the VASs. The major sources of personal stress were lack of time for personal care, performing multiple roles, unfulfilled commitments and increased expenditure. The significant sources of familial stress were working at a far away place from home, financial expectations of relatives, lack of own house and inadequate attention on education of children. A large majority of VASs expressed that attending numerous meetings, work over load, lack of personal growth and attending works other than job responsibilities as the sources of job stress. More than half of the VASs viewed lack of needed facilities at place of work, lack of conveyance for field visits and cumbersome report writing as the sources of organizational stress. Majority of VASs in the study area rated themselves as medium job performers. Stress has shown negative relationship with job performance at a significant level (P<0.01). Stress was correlated significantly (P<0.05) and positively with selected characteristics like span of control and work load perception, while negatively and significantly related with organizational communication, work motivation and coordination (P<0.01). The variables viz., span of control, organizational communication and coordination explained maximum variation in stress of VASs. Job performance of VASs in Telangana region was positively and significantly related with variables like job experience (P<0.05), age, technical knowledge, organizational communication, work motivation and coordination (P<0.01), while negatively and significantly related with span of control (P<0.05) and workload perception (P<0.01). Maximum variation in job performance was explained by four variables viz., span of control, technical knowledge, work motivation and coordination. The major personal coping strategies followed regularly by VASs were taking good balanced diet, listening music, watching T.V. and getting proper sleep. Occasionally, they followed strategies like physical exercise and seeking social support to overcome personal stress. The organizational stress coping mechanisms followed regularly were active involvement in work, time management and prioritisation and effective communication. They also adopted occasionally the strategies like skill improvement and decentralisation to over come their organizational stress.