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ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN VILLAGE CHICKEN IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THERMOSTABLE VACCINE STRAINS(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2009-12) VIJAYA SAILAJA, A; SREEDEVI, B (Major); SHOBHAMANI, B; SREELATHA, ChABSTRACT : Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the devastating poultry diseases which cause great economic loss to the rural poultry production. In the present study, the prevalence of the Newcastle disease antibodies in the rural poultry flocks was estimated by employing a single serum dilution Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. A total of 383 serum samples were collected from village chicken from different districts of Andhra Pradesh from both vaccinated and unvaccinated birds. The overall prevalence of ND in village flocks was found to be 77.81%. Out of 169 serum samples collected from vaccinated birds 91.72% were found to have antibody titres above protective levels. In the unvaccinated flocks, out of 214 samples 66.82% were found to have protective titres. Age wise analysis of the data showed maximum prevalence of the ND antibody levels in the 12-18 months age group. Sex wise analysis of the data revealed that there was no significant difference in the prevalence of ND in males and females. The present study indicated a higher prevalence of ND in the rural poultry flocks of Andhra Pradesh. The circulating strains of ND in the village chicken act as source of infection to the commercial poultry flocks. Vaccination is the only strategy for the control of the Newcastle disease in the poultry flocks. However, the presently available ND vaccines though they are effective in eliciting good immune response, they require maintenance of a cold chain from the point of production until they are delivered in the field which is very difficult under the village conditions. Hence, in the present study an attempt was made to develop thermostable mutants from the lentogenic ND vaccine strains. Lasota and F strains were cultured in the embryonated eggs and they were subjected to different heat treatments for thermostabilisation. Two different procedures were adopted for thermostabilisation, one is stepwise exposure to different temperatures for defined periods of time and the other is direct exposure to 56°C for different time intervals. In the stepwise procedure the Lasota and F strains were kept at 25°C, 37°C and finally at 56°C. Lasota strain could survive for 120 min after 11 successive cycles of heating whereas F strain could survive for 105 min after 11 successive cycles of heating at 56°C. Direct exposure of the strains to 56°C also yielded better results. The Lasota strain could withstand for 135 min after 19 successive heat treatments and F strain could withstand for 90 min after 16 successive thermal cycles. The mutants were found to have better thermostability than the parent viruses and they did not revert back to original even after back passages in the embryonated eggs. The stability of these mutant strains was checked by incubating the infectious allantoic fluids at 37°C for 35 days with and without addition of the stabilizers. The thermoresistant mutants were found to be more stable and addition of stabilizers improved the keeping quality of the strains. Further, these thermoresistant mutant strains were administered to experimental chicken to evaluate their immunogenicity. A control group of birds vaccinated with the parent strains were also maintained. The results of the experiment revealed that the heat treated mutants were also equally immunogenic as they produced similar Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) titres as that of the parent vaccine strains. The infected allantoic fluids were titrated and checked for sterility. In the present study an attempt was made to develop thermostable mutants from the conventional lentogenic ND vaccine strains. These mutants were found to be highly stable and equally immunogenic in eliciting immune response to ND. As these vaccines can withstand high environmental temperatures, they can be used successfully under village conditions without 63 any need for cold chain facilities. However, a thermostable food pellet vaccine prepared from locally isolated strains of ND would be a better alternative for the control of the disease in village flocks.ThesisItem Open Access SERO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON BOVINE AND OVINE BRUCELLOSIS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2009-10) KANAKA SWARNA LATHA, K; SHOBHAMANI, B (Major); SREEDEVI, B; SREENIVASULU, DABSTRACT : The present investigation was taken up to ascertain the prevalence of brucellosis in bovines and ovines in various districts of Andhra Pradesh. Of the 1856 bovine and 700 ovine sera samples tested 13.36 percent and 11.00 percent respectively were positive to brucella antibodies. The influence of epidemiological factors like species, breed, sex, age, management and breeding systems were studied on the prevalence of brucellosis. Results of the study showed that cattle (14.69%) were more prone to the disease than buffaloes (11.29%). The indigenous breeds (11.91%) of cattle were more resistant compared to the crossbred cattle (16.79%). In sheep, the prevalence of brucellosis did not vary significantly (P>0.05) among Nellore (11.59%), Deccani (10.92%) and non-descript breeds (9.4%). The female animals (13.92%, 13.04%) in both bovines and ovines were comparatively more susceptible than the male animals (7.14%, 7.08%) respectively. Bovines between 3-6 years (15.53%) and ovines between 2-4 53 years (13.93%) of age were more susceptible compared to other age groups. The animals maintained under organized farming conditions showed lesser prevalence than rural areas. A higher prevalence was noticed in the artificially inseminated animals (14.11%) compared to naturally served ones (9.82%). Among the 1856 sera tested, Avidin-Biotin Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (A-B ELISA) detected higher (248) number of positives followed by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) (92) and Standard Tube Agglutination Test (SAT) (68) in bovines. However in ovines, RBPT could detect 11.00 percent and SAT 8.86 percent positivity. When the Milk Ring Test (MRT) and RBPT were compared, MRT showed a sensitivity of 52.77 percent compared to RBPT. Of the 1806 pooled milk samples collected from milk co-operative societies, 30 samples from 6 villages were found to be positive by MRT. Thus the present study revealed that brucellosis is widespread in bovine and ovine population in different districts of Andhra Pradesh. Furthermore, suitable remedial measures have been suggested for the control of this disease.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON SUBCLINICAL KETOSIS IN BUFFALOES(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2003-11) ANJAIAH, KATTA; NALINI KUMARI, K (Major); ALAHA SINGARI, N; VENKATA REDDY, TABSTRACT : In the present study, an investigation was carried out to know the incidence of subclinical ketosis in buffaloes for which from two organised dairy farms and unorganized local herds in and around Tirupati, a total of 304 urine samples were subjected to Ross test besides obtaining a detailed anamnesis. The study revealed an overall incidence of subclinical ketosis to be 10.85%. However the incidence in organised herds and unorganized local herds was found to be 5.30 per cent and 15.12 percent respectively showing only an insignificant difference (P > 0.05). The highest incidence of subclinical ketosis was recorded in the age group of 6-9 years (19.10%) followed by 3-6 (10.78 percent), 9 and above (5.26%) and 0-3 (2.7per cent) years but not differing statistically (P<0.05) significantly. Variation in the incidence of subclinical ketosis in relation to breed of the animal was found to be insignificant (P>0.05), although Murrah breed showed higher incidence (12.03%) compared to non-descriptive breed (7.95%). Subclinical ketosis was highest in animals yielding 10kgs and above (12.5%) followed by 5-10 (10.76%) and 0-5 kg (7.5%) but only with an insignificant difference. Maximum number of subclinical ketotic buffaloes were recorded in first month of lactation (16.67%) followed by 2nd (12.79%), 4th and above 4 months (9.16%) and third month (7.84%) without exhibiting any statistically significant (P< 0.05) difference. The highest incidence of subclinical ketosis in respect to lactation number was recorded in 4th lactation (16.21 per cent) followed by third (13.33 per cent), sixth lactation and above (12.5 per cent), fifth (9.75 per cent), 2nd (6.7 per cent) and first lactation (6.1 per cent), but differing only insignificantly. All the urine samples subjected to the test using keto-diastix strips and all the milk samples subjected to Ross test gave negative reaction. Three groups, each consisting of eight animals were subjected to clinico-biochemical and therapeutic studies. Clinical examination of these animals did not reveal any abnormality except for a slight decrease (ranging from 0.5 to 1.5kg) in the milk yield. Therapy was carried out with a combination of glucose (20% 500ml ; i/v, 2 days) and 10 mg of intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide (group II) and fructose (group III) while eight animals served as untreated control (group I). Following therapy, complete restoration of milk yield was attained in both the groups by day 6, but the increase in milk yield was insignificant by day 2 in group II while it was significant (P <0.05) in group III. The urinary ketone bodies in animals of group I continued to persist during the study period while they were cleared in the animals of group II within 3 (3 animals) to 4 (5 animals) days and in group III within 2 (7 animals) to 3 (1 animal) days of therapy. The blood ketones were significantly (P < 0.05) higher (ranging from 6.83 mg/dl to 9.93mg/dl) on D0 of study period in 3 groups, and these continued to increase further significantly (P < 0.05) by day 6 (15.32 ± 0.43 mg/dl) in group I. In both the treated groups the blood ketones decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by day 1. The mean blood ketone body level was nearer to the level of healthy control in group II (2.80 ± 0.16) and was even at a lesser level in group III (1.64 ± 0.1 mg/dl) by day 6. The blood ketones in group III were at a significantly (P < 0.05) lower level than in group II during study period. Hypoglycemia (ranging from 44.10 ± 1.77 to 46.90 ± 0.71 mg/dl) observed in all the 3 groups on Day 0 increased significantly (P < 0.05) in group I (35.57 ± 1.12mg/dl by day 6). In both the treated groups the serum glucose level continued to increase significantly (P < 0.05) during the study period and was at significantly higher level in group II on day 2 and 6. All the groups revealed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum cholesterol levels of 125.94±1.99,127.18±1.78and126.97 ±1.55mg/dl on day 0. In group I animals the mean serum cholesterol level significantly (P < 0.05) increased by day 2 (133.13 ± 1.97) and 6 (138.29 ± 2.52mg/dl) of study period. But in the animals of group II and III the serum cholesterol levels decreased steadily during the study period and reached a level of 10.68 ± 2.06mg/dl and 107.75 ± 1.20mg/dl respectively by day 6. The serum AST levels which were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all the lactating buffaloes of three groups on day 0 increased further significantly (P < 0.05) by day 6 in group I (52.03 ± 1.36 RFU/ml) and decreased in group II (38.63 ± 1.53 RFU/ml) and III (36.81 ±1.60 RFU/ml) by day 6. The mean serum cholesterol (days 1, 2 and 6) and AST (days 2 and 6) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group III. The cost benefit analysis of treating subclinical ketosis in different groups revealed a benefit of Rs. 305.00/- and Rs. 376.25/- in groups II and III respectively for each buffaloe in the short term of one month by treating subclinical ketosis by taking into account the benefit of increased milk yield and cost of diagnostic tests, diagnostic strips, doctor's visiting fee and the treatment cost. It was concluded that the incidence of subclinical ketosis in buffaloes was insignificantly higher in unorganised local herds and a combination therapy of Glucose + Triamcinolone and fructose, both are highly effective in subclinical ketotic buffaloes, as all the animals recovered in both the groups. However, comparative therapeutic efficacy revealed that fructose was more efficacious based on early significant increase of milk yield, early disappearance of ketone bodies from urine deep decline in the blood ketones and higher net benefit value (cost benefit analysis).ThesisItem Open Access THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON ANEMIA IN CALVES(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2003-10) KANTHI KIRAN, GIRADA; NALINI KUMARI, K; ALAHA SINGARI, N; VENUGOPAL NAIDU, KABSTRACT : In the present study, an investigation was carried out on the incidence of anemia in the calves of white cattle for which blood samples collected from 105 calves (from those presented at different veterinary hospitals and of the calves from organized dairy farms) were processed for haemoglobin and packed cell volume after carrying out thorough clinical examination of the calves. All those animals showing haemoglobin of less than 8 g/dl and PCV of less than 25 per cent were considered as frankly anemic. Out of the 105 calves, 26 were found to be anemic with an incidence of 24.67%. The incidence of anemia was found to be highest in 0-4 months calves (30%) followed by 4-8 (27.91%) and 8-12 months (15.63%), while the incidence was 22.73, 25 and 25.64 per cent in HF cross, Jersey cross and non-descriptive breeds of calves respectively. Coccidiosis, tick infestation, a diet of milk and certain obscure factors were found to be the causes of anemia in 53.85%, 30.77%, 7% and 7% of cases respectively. Anemic calves after being treated for the primary etiology of anemia were divided into three groups, each consisting of 6 animals for studying therapeutic aspects of anemia. Calves of group I served as untreated control while that of group II and III were treated for anemia with blood transfusion and haematinics respectively. In these animals clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters were assessed before and at regular intervals up to 20 days after initiation of therapy. Another 6 apparently healthy calves free of any detectable ailment served as healthy control. The calves of healthy control group were subjected to clinical and haematobiochemical tests once. The clinical symptoms observed in anemic calves were dullness, depression, moderate anorexia and slightly pale conjunctival mucous membranes. In calves of group I there was only slight improvement in the appetite and general activity, while considerable improvement was observed by day one in blood transfusion group and by day one of completion of hematinic therapy in group III. The conjunctival mucous membrane turned pink by day ten, one and five in the groups I, II and III respectively. There was no significant change in body temperature of group I calves while a significant decrease was observed in groups II and III. The mean pulse and respiratory rates which were found to be high in all three groups during anemia significantly decreased during the period of study. The decrease in these rates in the hemainic group was more. The mean haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, MCV and MCH were found to be significantly (P < 0.01) low during anemia. In calves of group I though all these parameters were found to have increased significantly (P < 0.01), the per cent increase was considerably low when compared with treated groups. All these hematological parameters showed a significant (P < 0.01) increase by day I in both the treated groups of II and III. However, in group II calves, the values started declining after day 3 to day 20, where as in group III calves there was a gradual and sustained increase till the end of the study period. The mean plasma glucose, total protein albumin and serum iron which were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased during anemia showed a significant (P < 0.01) increase in all the groups during study period. And the per cent increase of mean serum iron by the end of the study was highest in hematinic group. Blood transfusion proved to be expensive, requiring technical expertise and in the calves treated with transfusion TEC and plasma albumin reached the healthy control values. In hematinic group hematology and plasma iron reached the levels of healthy control and this form of therapy was worked out to be cheaper without a need for technical skill. It was noticed that elimination of primary etiology of anemia alone could not bring about desirable response, in the calves thus necessitating therapy for anemia. Based on the above results it is concluded that anemia in calves was commonly associated with internal and external parasitism and hematinic therapy can be undertaken when the haemoglobin is around 7g/dl for bringing about an adequate and persistant clinical and hematobiochemical response. As blood transfusion brought about immediate clinical and hemato-biochemical improvement (though hematological improvement was transient), it may be more useful in critical anemia with a much less haemoglobin though expensive.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT VACCINATION SCHEDULES AGAINST IBD & THEIR IMPACT ON IMMUNITY TO RD(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-09) SUDHAKAR GOUD, K; SREEDEVI, B (Major)ABSTRACT The present study was taken up to evaluate the efficacy of different Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) vaccines using different vaccination schedules employing different strains of IBD vaccines. The response to vaccination in terms of sero conversion, the extent of bursal damage and immunosuppression caused by these vaccines were studied. A total of 280 layer chicks were randomly divided into seven groups each consisting of 40 chicks. Six different IBD vaccination schedules were tested using different combinations of IBD vaccines. Group I was maintained as a control without giving any IBD vaccination. All the birds including control received Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccination as per the standard schedule. The serum samples were collected from all the groups at weekly intervals for 20 weeks (maximum period tested). The IBD antibodies were estimated using IDEXX - ELISA (Flockcheck) kit. A gradual decline of IBD maternal antibodies was noticed in the control group and the samples were found to be negative by sixth week of age. Vaccination of birds with IBD vaccines did not interfere with the decay of maternal immunity. In group II which received IBD vaccines at day old age, the immediate sero conversion was absent and the antibody titres raised only after subsequent vaccinations. The results of ELISA in other groups showed that, lowest titres were recorded during the third week after which the titres increased gradually reaching peak between eight to twelve weeks of age and a slight decline was observed by the end of 20th week. But they were all found to be above protective levels till 20 weeks of age. No significant difference was noticed between the titres of different treatment groups. The titres in group III which received an oil emulsion IBD vacccine after initial live virus priming also showed similar response in comparison to other groups. Significant difference was noticed in the bursa body weight (B-BW) ratios of IBD vaccinated groups in comparison with the control group. During third week of age, the B-BW ratios recorded were more in vaccinated birds while reduced B-BW ratios were recorded during fourth and fifth weeks in comparison with the control. Histopathology of the bursal sections revealed varying degrees of bursal damage in the vaccinated groups while the bursae collected from the control group were normal. Bursal lesion scores were calculated in terms of the lymphoid depletion in the follicles and were graded between 0 to 4. Highest bursal lesion scores were noticed in groups vaccinated with intermediate plus strain of IBD vaccines. The immunosuppressive effect of different IBD vaccines was evaluated in terms of response to ND vaccination. The results revealed that there was a gradual increase in the NDV-HI titres from third week onwards in all the groups including the control. But a moderate suppression of vaccine response was noticed in groups V, VI and VII which received either one or few doses of intermediate plus vaccines. But all the HI titres were found to be well above the protective level. Based on the results obtained in the present study it is concluded that even though live IBD vaccines caused significant bursal damage, the immunosuppression caused by these vaccines was only moderate. Hence, they can be used at the field level by selecting a least immunosuppressive strain. Vaccination of day old birds with IBD vaccines and usage of an oil emulsion vaccine in the early days of life did not confer any special advantage. Also no additional advantage was observed by giving a third dose of IBD vaccine after fourth week of age.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE BROILER CONTRACT FARMING SYSTEMS IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-08) VENKATA VARAPRASAD, KOMMINENI; SATYANARAYANA REDDY, P.V.V (Major); SARJAN RAO, K; RAGHU RAM, PABSTRACT : The present study was intended to probe into the economic aspects of contract broiler farming relevant to the changes that have taken place in Chittoor district. Three stage sampling technique was followed for the selection of the ultimate broiler farms. The ultimate sample constituted 75 contract and 75 non-contract broiler farms. The percentage of family workers on the contract broiler farms was 67.83, while the same on non-contract broiler farms was 30. The non-contract farmers had greater percentage of college education compared to contract farmers. The assets on contract farms was valued at Rs.5,02,447 while the value of the same on non-contract farms was Rs.7,74,744. The proportion of family labour on contract farms was 67.8 per cent, while the same on non-contract farms was 30 per cent only. In respect of contract broiler farms, the total costs per 1000 birds varied from Rs.3,221 to Rs.3,252 for the five batches with an average of Rs.3,231. In the case of non-contract broiler farms, the total costs per 1000 birds varied from Rs.41,296 to Rs.46,042 for five batches with an average of Rs.43,801. The feed conversion ratios of broilers maintained in contract farms were less over non-contract farms. The percentage of mortality in the boiler maintained was less on both contract and non-contract farms. Gross income was distinctly higher on non-contract farms over contract farms. On the whole the contract farmers were found to receive a net income of Rs.9,691 per 1000 birds per year. As against this the non-contract farmers made a net income of Rs.17,555 per 1000 birds per annum. The average break-even point on contract farms was 1,087.6 kg, while the same on non –contract farms was 738 kg.. The production function analysis revealed that medicines in first batch, flock size in third batch, medicines in fourth batch and feed in fifth batch exhibited potential for their further use. There were relatively more specific problems on non-contract farms over contract farmsThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING AMARANTHUS LEAF MEAL ON EGG AND POULTRY MEAT CHOLESTEROL LEVELS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-08) NAGARAJA KUMARI, KALLAM; Satyanarayana Reddy, P.V.V (Major); SUDHAKARA REDDY, P; PRABHAKARA REDDY, KABSTRACT : Egg and poultry meat are providing high amount of protein and fat with high biological value. Increased awareness of dietary fats on development of coronary heart disease, research has now been directed to reduce the cholesterol levels of egg and poultry meat by manipulating diets fed to the birds. Amaranth seed has already proven to be hypocholesterolemic agent in humans and experimental animals. Hence, this study was taken up with an aim to see the effects of Amaranthus Leaf Meal (ALM) (A. tricolor) on cholesterol levels in both egg and poultry meat. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 per cent ALM. The experiments were conducted in both layers and broilers. Zero per cent was considered as control diet. In the first experiment sixty layers of 45 weeks age were randomly grouped to contain 4 birds in each replicate and 3 replicates for each treatment. Effect of supplementation of ALM on feed intake, feed efficiency, egg production, egg quality traits, cholesterol, livability and economics were studied during the experimental period of 6 weeks. Birds were fed on control diet for 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after the experimental period and the egg cholesterol levels in both pre and post experimental periods were also estimated. Supplementation of ALM did not effect the feed intake, egg production, feed efficiency, body weight, egg weight and egg equality studies when compared with control. However, inclusion of ALM diets in layers when compared with control have significantly (P < 0.01) decreased egg cholesterol and improved the yolk color. But a significant increase in cholesterol level during post experimental period (Birds were fed on control diet). In experiment-II, one hundred and fifty, day old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into 5 treatment groups, each with 3 replicates and each of which contain 10 female broilers. Effect of the supplementation of ALM on feed intake, body weight, feed efficiency, carcass yield, giblet yield, serum biochemical profile and meat biochemical profile were studied during the experimental period of 6 weeks. Supplementation of ALM did not effect the feed intake, feed efficiency, carcass yield, giblet yield, serum protein, Albumi, Globulin A:G ratio, serum HDL-C and Triglyecrides; breast muscle VLDL-C and fat; thigh muscle protein, HDL-C, LDL-C. The lowest body weight gain was observed in the 10 per cent ALM inclusion. However, the inclusion of ALM in broiler diets have significantly decreased serum cholesterol and LDL-C, breast muscle cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride; thigh muscle cholesterol, LDL-C, triglyceride and thigh muscle fat values, but a significant increase in serum VLDL-C, breast muscle HDL-C and breast muscle protein values were observed.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE MIGRATORY PATTERN OF NELLORE SHEEP AND THEIR PERFORMANCE(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-08) SARAVANA KUMAR, K; SARJAN RAO, K (Major); VENUGOPAL NAIDU, K; ESWARA PRASAD, P; SATYANARAYANA REDDY, P.V.VABSTRACT : In the present study an attempt was made to study the migratory pattern of Nellore sheep and their performance in Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh. A benchmark survey was conducted on 108 migratory sheep farmers from the identified eight major (above 90 kms path) and ten minor (below 90 kms path) migratory tracts of the two districts (shown in 7 maps) to assess the reasons and problems during migration and impact of migration on their socio-economic conditions. The major reasons for migration of sheep flocks were lack of water and feeding resources (83.33 to 85.18%), traditional practice (78.70%), successive drought (76.85%), disease out breaks (75.90%) etc. Migration in major tracts had commenced from January 15th upto the end of July with a mean duration of 131.25 ± 11.78 days covering 125.25 ± 10.43 kms and in minor tracts from March to the end of June for a distance of 42.90 ± 2.22 kms in a period of 51.50 ± 4.30 days. The average duration (days) of migration in the identified tracts of the study was 91.38 ± 8.04 to cover a distance of 84.08 ± 6.33 kms. The average flock size was 64.38 ± 2.97 for migratory flocks against 29.92 ± 1.38 for non-migratory flocks in the study area. The total per cent of life stages retained from migration were 22.07 ± 4.92, 8.87 ± 2.94, 31.28 ± 2.37 and 11.92 ± 2.89 for the pregnant, lactating, suckling and weaners, respectively. The mean grazing time, mastication rate / mt and rumination rate / hr observed were 6 hrs. 39 mts, 75.06 ± 1.92 and 64.11 ± 0.86 respectively. Out of 108 each migratory and non-migratory farmer groups studied 71.30 and 57.41 percentage belonged to AL, 12.96 and 12.04 SF, 6.48 and 10.21 MF and 9.26 and 20.34 LF groups, respectively. The comparison of the involvement of social groups based on land holdings in both systems of sheep rearing was non-significant. However, social groups based on community, about two thirds of sheep farmers belonged to BC's (popular community was 'Yadavas') followed by SC and ST (17.59%) and the rest (15.47%) from FC, whereas the FC farmers involvement was better than SC and STs in non-migratory system. Out of the family size of 10.25 ± 0.70 and 7.13 ± 0.45, the male and female members ratios were 1.5:1 and 1.4:1 in migratory and non-migratory farmer households of major tracts identified in the study. The family members mostly, male vs female members utilization pattern was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in major tracts (66.23 ± 2.20 Vs 37.27 ± 2.98). The family labour utilization pattern in minor tracts was also significantly (P < 0.01) higher for migratory households. The impact of migratory pattern was amply reflected in low literacy rates in males (39.39 ± 3.31) than females (43.91 ± 2.81) in major migratory tracts. The overall literacy rate of 40.48 ± 2.91 was significantly (P<0.01) lower in migratory household against the non-migratory households (62.71 ± 3.01). The migratory sheep farmers in the major tracts were supported by other livestocks including 2.69 ± 0.42, 2.60 ± 0.40 and 3.08 ± 0.42 number of buffaloes, cattle and goats with an estimated value of Rs. 9,943.75, Rs. 8320.00 and Rs. 2152.50, respectively and the value of sheep flocks was double (2.03:1) than the value of other supported species where as the non-migratory sheep farmers were supported by 3.59 ± 0.95, 3.68 ± 0.50 and 3.65 ± 0.41 number of buffaloes, cattle and goats with the overall estimated value of Rs. 18,603.75 (0.70:1). The mean gross income and per capita income per annum from migratory sheep flocks were significantly (P < 0.05) higher due to higher flock asset value and hire service charges. Higher percentage (80.55) of sheep farmers responded for the problem related to the gastrointestinal parasitism followed by non-availability of vaccines (77.77%), diseases onset (75.92%), presence of diseases in the villages of migratory path (72.22%) and lack of veterinary facilities (70.37%). The influence of migratory phase on certain biochemical constituents and haematological values was observed as significantly higher values for calcium, Phosphorus, glucose, total protein, globulin, albumin, creatinine, urea SGOT and SGPT and lower levels of cholesterol during active migratory phase. Hb, RBC, PCV and WBC values were significantly (P<0.01) increased during active migratory phase. These variations were not beyond the normal ranges of species specific. Migratory phase had a positive influence on number of ewes on standing heat and their rate of conception, birth weights of the lambs, serving capacity of rams and a negative influence on prenatal and neonatal mortality, number of lambs born and weaning weight. The incidence of parasitic diseases i.e., Amphistomiasis (63.89% Vs 16.67%), Monieziasis (22.22 Vs 30%), Fascioliasis (58.33% Vs 19.44%), Strongylosis (38.89% Vs 19.44%) and Babesiosis (8.33 Vs 0) was observed in migratory Vs non-migratory flocks. The incidences of infectious diseases like ET, Blue tongue, Anthrax, FMD, Foot rot, sheep pox and PPR were observed more for migratory compared to non-migratory flocks.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF WEANING AGE ON THE BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS AND PRODUCTION TRAITS OF CROSSBRED PIGLETS AND WEANED SOWS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-07) VENKATA SUBBAIAH, P; SARJAN RAO, K (Major); SREENIVASA RAO, D; SUDHAKARA REDDY, PABSTRACT : Three groups of piglets with a number of 24 piglets from 3 farrowed sows having similar litter size in each group were weaned at 28, 42 and 56 days (control) of age used in a completely randomized design for the post-weaning behaviour and growth studies of piglets. The group difference in exhibition of playing and tail biting was observed, where the early weaned piglets had spent significantly (P < 0.01) more time than other test group and control group. All the piglets had exhibited the behavioural traits of playing, fighting, tail biting, standing and locomotion mostly between 8 AM to 4 PM where as lying was mostly exhibited during early morning and late evening. There exists a significant (P < 0.01) difference in growth rates between test groups in comparision to control group, where the piglets weaned at 28 days in group 1 had shown the least growth rates. No significant difference was observed in the DM intake, ADG and FCR. The FCR was marginally lower in early weaned piglets compared to group 2 and control. Significantly (P < 0.01) lower digestibility co-efficients of DM, CP, EE, CF and NFE were observed for the early weaned piglets than the piglets weaned at 42 days which were comparable with the control group. The TDN and DE intakes were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in group I. Group 2 piglets were comparable in per cent TDN and DE intake with the conventional 56 days of weaned piglets. The protein : energy ratios were 1:17, 1:18 and 1:18 for group 1, 2 and control respectively. The DCP and DE intakes and its ratio was much inferior than the requirements of NRC (1998). Three groups each consisting of 3 cross bred (LWY x desi ) sows of 2nd farrowing with similar body weights were selected and the study was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design to assess the farrowing behaviour and certain maternal behavioural traits due to the effect of weaning. The mean time spent by the farrowed sows for resting, lying on stomach, standing, locomotion and vocalization were 277.10, 72.22, 44.33, 16.99 and 11.33 mts, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.01) more time was spent by the 2nd test group on vocalization than group 1 and comparable with the control group. Significantly (P < 0.01) more time was spent by the farrowed sows on ventral recumbency a day before farrowing and on lateral recumbency after farrowing. The mean litter size was 9.99 and the time taken for the birth of litter was 46.55 ± 5.5 mts. The birth interval was not significantly influenced either by litter size and birth weights and the mean birth interval time recorded was 4.61 ± 0.46 mts. The mean value of 91.22 ± 7.14 mts was recorded for the shedding of placenta after farrowing and the mean total farrowing time was 137.77 ± 11.34 mts by the 9 sows. No significant effect on the farrowing behavioural traits was observed due to the increase in litter size or weight. All the piglets have shown their priority to the anterior teat of sows. The mean body weight loss of 11.39 kg which included 10.85 kg of mean litter weight and 500 g of placental membranes along with fluids. . The changes in maternal behavioural traits in response to the weaning effect was significantly (P < 0.01) observed in group I for standing and group 2 in locomotion. The response to the weaning on the other maternal behavioural traits like resting, lying on stomach and vocalization was non-significant among the days of observation and within groups. The 42 days weaned sows had lost 4.04 kg and control group sows had lost 13.7 kg body weights which were higher than the early weaned sows, (group 1). The weight loss up to weaning had increased with the higher litter size. The onset of oestrus in early weaned sows was 17 days against 14 days for 2 and control groups. The time taken for the onset of oestrus after farrowing was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (45 days) in group 1 than 2 (56 days) and control group (70 days). The early weaning had much beneficial effects with least adverse effects on the behavioural aspects of sows and growth rates of piglets and within the test groups, weaning at 42 days of age was found to be superior