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ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION AND FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT PATTERN IN ONGOLE COWS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2012-07) VENKATA RAMANA, K; Sadasiva Rao, K(MAJOR); Chandrasekhar Reddy, K; Raghavender, K.B.P; Gopal Reddy, AABSTRACT: The present investigation was aimed to study the follicular dynamics, serum progesterone concentration during postpartum and effect of GnRH and PGF2α analogues to induce estrus in postpartum anoestrus lactating Ongole cows to reduce the service period. In the ultrasound monitoring of present study in thirteen cows, follicles measuring above 6 mm diameter and corpus luteum measuring 8-10 mm were detected by day 20-25 postpartum period In the present study, the first and second wave of the dominant follicle emerged on day 1.80 + 0.8 and 12.46 + 0.20 days. Where as in three wave cycles first, second and third waves emerged on 1.52 + 0.03, 9.60 + 0.40 and 15.14 + 1.13 days of the estrous cycle, respectively. The mean follicle diameter of the dominant follicles determined by ultrasonography of the ovaries. The first and second wave pattern revealed that 10.23 + 0.40 and 12.30 + 0.36 mm in the two wave cycle. It was observed in the present study that the first wave dominant follicle of three wave cycles attained a maximum size of 10.70+0.20 mm with a mean growth rate of 0.87+0.03 mm per day. In the second wave of the dominant follicle maximum size was 9.80+0.37 mm with growth rate of 0.77+0.06 per day and the third wave maximum diameter was 12.80+0.37 mm with a mean growth rate of 1.46+0.90 mm per day, which is significantly (P< 0.05) bigger and faster in growth rate than the first and second waves in the same estrous cycle. However, the growth rate of second wave and third wave were not significant (P<0.05). In the present study, in natural cycle, the corpus luteum grew to a mean value of maximum diameter of 15.93 + 0.37 and 17.8 + 0.37 mm on the day of 13.1+1.50, 14.6+0.56 and remained up to 14.6+ 1.50 and 15.9+0.45 days of the estrous cycle in two and three wave cycles, respectively. The wave emergence initiated by the GnRH administration was recorded in the recent study was 1.33+0.21 days and the dominant follicle grew to the maximum diameter of the 12.48 + 0.57 mm with a growth rate of 1.66 + 0.26 mm per day. In the present investigation about 22.85 per cent (16/70) of the postpartum lactating Ongole cows have shown estrus by day 60 out of seventy postpartum cows. The postpartum onset of behavioral estrus was highly variable and varied from 25 – 195 days with a mean value of 109.50 + 4.66. Estrus was exhibited by 32.50 and 62.50 per cent cows during the day and night time respectively. In the present study, estrus behaviour was classified as intense, normal and weak. Only 18.75 per cent of cows exhibited intense and 18.75 per cent cows exhibited weak estrus and the remaining (62.50 per cent) cows showed normal estrus. In the present study, the mean estrus duration recorded in Ongole cows was 18.23 + 4.20 hours and the mean estrous cycle length was 21.50+0.21 days. In the present study, 56.25, 57.14 and 100.00 per cent cows required one, two or more artificial inseminations per conception. The mean time required for conception after calving was recorded as 163.60+10.72 (75 -200) days. The serum progesterone concentration increased steadily from day 0 to 10 in cyclic cows and further increased in fertile cows from day 17 to 25 after breeding and there was a sharp decline in progesterone levels between day 17 to 25 (estrus). Among the postpartum anoestrus cows synchronized with GnRH + PGF2α + GnRH (Group A) and PGF2α at 12 days interval (Group B) the reproductive performance of group B was found to be better. The mean conception rate was recorded as 46.15+0.21, 54.54 + 0.36 and 67.00+0.26 in natural estrus , group A and group B, respectively. The conception rate in natural estrus was significantly (P<0.05) lesser than induced groups. The overall mean time interval from parturition to conception in natural postpartum lactating Ongole cows in control (group C) was 163.60+ 10.72 days with a range of 75-200. Where as the same in treatment groups was 84.95+3.79 with a range of 70-117 in group A and 89.40 + 3.89 with a range of 70-115 days in group B. The statistical analysis of the data revealed that the service period in treatment groups was significantly (P<0.01) shorter than control group (Group C). From this study, it may be concluded that, treatment of postpartum cows at day 60 with GnRH and PGF2α enhances the fertility significantly (P<0.01) and reduces the service period.ThesisItem Open Access ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING ACTIONS OF CADMIUM AND EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF PROTECTION BY GREEN TEA EXTRACT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2014-05) SHIVAKUMAR, PABBATHI; GOPALA REDDY, A(MAJOR); SRINIVASA RAO, G; ANJANEYULU, Y; RAMANA REDDY, Y; UDAYA KUMAR, MABSTRACT : An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the neuro-endocrine disrupting actions of cadmium and the effect of cadmium on the progeny that were born to cadmium exposed rats and to evaluate the protective role of green tea on neuro-endocrine disrupting actions of cadmium in Sprague dawley rats. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 30 rats in each (male rats =12, female rats=18).Group 1 served as Sham control Group 2 treated with CdCl2, Group 3 treated with Green tea extract treatment and Group 4 Cd + green tea extract treatment. Blood was collected from all the groups at monthly intervals for analyzing sero-biochemistry (blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein and albumin, biomarkers of cardiovascular, hepatic and renal pathology, and hormonal profile (thyroid profile, sex hormones). The key enzymes concerned with metabolism were assayed. Immune status was studied at the end of 3rd month by phytohaemagglutinin assay. Rats were subjected to neuro-behavioural studies at the end (Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze). Epididymal sperm count in males and estrous cycle pattern in females were studied. At the end of 3 months, 12 rats (6 males and 6 females) from each group were sacrificed to collect various organs and endocrine glands and subjected them to biochemical, histological and electron microscopic studies. Cadmium concentration was estimated in all the treated groups in kidney, testes, liver and brain at the end of 3 months. In all the groups, twelve (12) females were mated at the end of three months with male rats belonging to respective groups/treatments and the treatment was continued till 17th day of gestation. 50% of the pregnant rats in the respective groups were sacrificed on day 19 to study skeletal and soft tissue developmental anomalies and the rest were allowed to normal delivery. The pups of F1 generation from all the groups were kept till weaning (post-natal day 21) and were subjected to sero biochemical, neurobehavioural studies andthyroid hormone profile were estimated. There were significant alterations in sero-biochemistry biomarkers of cardiovascular, hepatic and renal pathology and hormonal profile thyroid profile, group 2 as compared to group 1.Treatment group revealed significant improvement in all the parameters as compared to group 2, while the combination treatment group 4 was found better The histological studies in group 2 revealed marked changes in all the organs studied, while groups 4 revealed moderate changes and groups 1 and 3 revealed no pathologically significant changes. The electron microscopy of kidney, testis and thyroid revealed marked alterations in architecture in group 2, while groups 4 revealed better architecture. There were no significant alteration in the TEM samples of the offspring and there were no skeletal abnormalities in the offspring as evidenced by skeletal staining. The results of the study revealed neuro-endocrine disrupting actions of cadmium and protctive role of green tea in cadmium toxicity. Further studies are warranted to know in detail on the endocrine disrupting actions of cadmium and protective role of green tea at various concentrations.ThesisItem Open Access INTERACTION STUDIES ON GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE WITH GLIMEPIRIDE AND INSULIN IN EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN RATS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2013-12) Srikanth, M.K; GOPALA REDDY, A(MAJOR); BHARAVI, K; MADHAVA RAO, T; KONDAL REDDY, K; ANAND KUMAR, AABSTRACT: An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the interaction of Gymnema sylvestre extract with insulin and glimepiride in diabetic Sprague dawley rats. Rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 rats in each and blood glucose was estimated to ascertain group differences, if any. Group 1 was kept as normal control. Remaining 6 groups were induced diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin @ 40 mg/kg body weight. After 72 h, rats with blood glucose value of >200 mg/dl were included in the study (n=6). Treatment protocols were initiated 48 hrs post-confirmation of diabetes and continued for 2 months. Group 1: non-diabetic control, group 2: streptozotocin (40 mg/Kg i/p single dose)-induced diabetic (DM) control, group 3: Insulin treatment (4 U/kg b. wt. subcutaneously once daily), group 4: glimepiride treatment (4 mg/kg b. wt. orally once daily), group 5: Gymnema sylvestre methanolic leaf extract treatment ( 400 mg/kg b.wt. orally once daily), group 6: Insulin + Gymnema sylvestre methanolic leaf extract treatment (once daily) and group 7: glimepiride + Gymnema sylvestre methanolic leaf extract treatment (once daily). Blood glucose, body weights, sero-biochemical parameters, antioxidant profile in liver, kidney, brain and testis, ATPases, glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), cytochrome P450 (CYP450) activity and glycogen in liver, electron microscopy and histopathology of various tissues were studied at different time intervals. Also, pharmacokinetic interaction of glimepiride with Gymnema sylvestre extract was assessed. There were significant alterations in blood glucose, body weights and other biochemical parameters in diabetic control group 2 as compared to group 1. All the treated groups revealed significant improvement in all the parameters as compared to group 2, while the combination treatment in groups 6 and 7 was found better as compared to single agent-treated groups 3, 4 and 5. The histological studies revealed marked changes in group 2 in all the organs studied, while groups 3 to 5 revealed moderate changes and groups 6 and 7 revealed either minor changes or no pathologically significant changes. Group 1 was devoid of any histological alterations. The electron microscopy of kidney, pancreas and aorta revealed marked alterations in group 2, while groups 6 and 7 revealed better architecture. The pharmacokinetic study revealed the values of T1/2 (h), Ka (h-1), Ke (h-1) and Tmax (h) of glimepiride were siginificantly varied in Gymnema sylevestre pre-treated rats compared to normal rats administered with glimperide In conclusion, the study revealed that addition of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract to insulin and glimepiride had positive pharmacodynamic interaction in improving the patho-biochemical alterations due to streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats, which was evident from greater improvement in sero-biochemical and organ parameters in the groups that were treated using a combination of Gymnema sylvestre with either insulin or glimepiride as compared to individual agent-treated groups. Important pharmacokinetic parameters did not vary significantly when glimepiride was used in combination with Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECTS OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF KARANJ (Pongamia glabra) CAKE IN CHICKEN(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2013-03) KRISHNA, DAIDA; RAVINDER REDDY, V(MAJOR); CHINNI PREETHAM, V; SRINIVASA RAO, D; RAJU, M.V.L.N.ABSTRACT: In order to find out the feasibility of feeding karanj (Pongamia glabra vent) cake to broiler chicken, different chemical detoxification methods were tried at laboratory scale. Based on karanjin content, cost effectiveness and adoptability, alkali (2% NaOH, w/w), alkali & acid (1% NaOH, w/w & 1% HCl w/v) and alcoholic (3% IPA, w/v) treatment of solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC) were selected for bulk processing and bioassay in broilers. Such SKC and processed karanj cakes were incorporated in broiler diets at graded levels to evaluate the body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient retention (dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, total ash), immune response (CMI to PHA-P; HI to ND vaccine), serum biochemical (protein, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase activity) and carcass characteristics (ready to cook yield and weights of liver, gizzard, giblet, pancrease, abdominal fat, kidney, spleen, thymus and bursa), histopathological changes (liver, intestine, kidney), if any, and returns over feed cost per kg weight gain and gain/loss over control diet. The SKC, NaOH treated SKC, NaOH and HCl treated SKC and IPA treated SKC contained 914, 933, 927 and 924g/kg dry matter; 56, 42, 47 and 47g/kg ether extract, 33, 58, 46 and 40 g/kg total ash, 23, 13, 15 and 16 g/kg calcium, 5.2, 6.8, 8.9 and 5.0g/kg total phosphorus, 58.0, 54.1, 54.8 and 54.8 g/kg crude fiber respectively. The SKC and processed SKC in order contained 299, 290, 292 and 311 g/kg CP and 17.2, 16.9, 16.9 and 18.3 g/kg lysine and 2.1, 2.2, 2.1, 2.3 g/kg methionine on dry matter basis. The SKC, NaOH treated SKC, NaOH & HCl treated SKC and IPA treated SKC contained 0.17, 0.10, 0.08 and 0% karanjin, 1.33, 1.50, 1.66 and 1.55% total tannins, 1.33, 1.63, 1.80 and 2.27 phytate and trypsin inhibitors 10.67, 10.39, 9.82 and 7.64 TIU/mg, respectively. In experiment 1 Karanj cake was included in diet on isocaloric and isonitrogenous basis at graded (30, 60 & 90 g/kg) levels and fed to a total of 390 day-old commercial broiler chickens from day 1 to 42days of age. The data revealed that, inclusion of IPA treated karanj cake at 3% maintained similar body weight gain compared to the soybean meal control group. At 6 and 9%, the IPA treated cake improved the performance compared to the SKC fed group, which was intermediate to the control and the karanj cake groups. Processing of karanj cake with NaOH or NaOH & HCl yielded marginal improvement in body weight of chicken. Feed conversion ratio with IPA treated SKC was comparable to control even at 6% inclusion level. Liver, gizzard and giblet weight was higher in the SKC fed groups than the control. Immune response parameters were not affected; dry matter and ether extract digestibility decreased at 9% of SKC, while NaOH or IPA treatment significantly improved the parameters, while concentration of serum protein or cholesterol were not affected due to treatments. Economics of feeding of karanj cake based diets indicated that IPA treatment increased returns over feed cost than that of SKC diet. Experiment 2 was undertaken to evaluate the response of broilers fed SKC and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) treated SKC each at 6% with or without supplementation of protease (4000 U/kg) or phytase (400 U/kg) or liver tonic (0.1%) in diet, in a 3 x 4 factorial manner. The soybean meal based control diet was also fed with or without supplementation of the additives. The experiment was conducted with a total of 360 day-old broiler chickens. Each experimental diet was fed adlibitum to 6 replicates of 5 birds each from day old to 42 days of age. The body weight gain in the control, 6% SKC and 6% IPA treated SKC were not affected with supplementation of protease, phytase or liver tonic. The higher body weight gain was recorded in control followed by 6% IPA and 6% SKC with supplementation of enzymes (or) liver tonic. However, feed conversion ratio was low in control followed by 6% IPA treated SKC and 6% SKC fed groups. The carcass parameters (ready to cook yield, pancreas and abdominal fat) were not influenced. The relative weight of giblet was higher in the SKC fed compared with IPA or control groups. Immune responses, concentration of protein and activity of alkaline phosphatase were not influenced, while serum cholesterol was significantly (P<0.05) affected but no specific trend could be attributed. Experiment 3 was conducted in White Leghorn Layer chicken by using detoxified karanj cakes. The results revealed that, the percent hen day egg production ranged between 96.14 to 98.62% and was not affected significantly (P<0.05) either by the type of karanj cake or levels of inclusion indicating that there were no deleterious effects at low level of inclusion (upto 6%) in comparison to control. The feed consumption and feed conversion ratio in terms of feed intake and egg mass also remained within the normal range suggesting that there were no palatability problems, due to the inclusion of SKC. The egg quality and shell quality parameters observed in the study were well within the standard values and unaffected. Based on result of Experiment 1, it is concluded that, 3% IPA treated SKC could be safely incorporated in broiler chicken diet. Based on Experiment 2 results, it can be concluded that, supplementation of enzymes / liver tonic could not alleviate the toxic effects of solvent extracted karanj cake or Isopropyl alcohol treated karanj cake at 6% level in the diet. Experiment 3 results, suggest that SKC can be incorporated up to 6% in layer diets. The SKC treated with either NaOH, NaOH & HCl or Ca(OH)2 had no extra beneficial effect. The data suggest that commercial layer birds can utilize the treated or untreated SKC better than broilers.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF VIZIANAGARAM SHEEP OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-04) GANGARAJU, GOLLAMOORI; SARJAN RAO, K(MAJOR); JAGADEESWARA RAO, S; RAGHUNANDAN, T; GNANA PRAKASH, MABSTRACT: A study was undertaken on the a) distribution of local Vizianagaram sheep b) biometric and morphological characters of the breed c) productive and reproductive performance of the breed and d) managemental practices being followed by farmers of Vizianagaram breeding tract in north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh comprising of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Based on nlultistage stratified random sampling technique, the study was carried out in 7 mandals each from every district and from each mandal 7 villages were selected. From each village 2-3 sheep farmers maintained local Vizianagaram sheep with an average flock size of 60-75 were selected for the study resulted in a sample size of 775. 1244 and 153 Vizianagaram sheep from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. The data recorded from farmers flocks were compared with the data of LRS, Garividi. The chest girth, body length and keight at withers (cm) were 35.2w0.33, 29.46M.37 and 40.3M.32 for ram lambs of below 1 year and 73.0W0.71. 60.91*0.82 and 68.84*0.62 for rams of 10-12 months. respectively. Significant (PThesisItem Open Access CLINICO-DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON SUBCLINICAL FORMS OF CERTAIN PRODUCTION DISEASES IN CROSSBRED COWS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-11) AMBICA, G; TIRUMALA RAO, D.S(MAJOR); AMEER HAMZA, P; RAGHAVENDER, K.B.P; GOPALA REDDY, AABSTRACT: The present clinical investigation was undertaken to study the incidence, clinical and haemato biochemical findings, therapy and therapeutic efficacy of certain drugs and to evolve a suitable comprehensive therapeutic regimen in cows with subclinical forms of certain production diseases viz., hypocalcaemia, ketosis, hypophosphataemia and hypomagnesaemia. Out of 280 recently parturated (from day zero to two months post calving) cows presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Campus Hospital, Rajendranagar; Dairy experimental station, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar and surrounding peri urban areas with the history of reduced feed intake and decreased milk yield during a study period of 14 months, 106 (37.86 per cent) were suffering from one or more than one of the above said subclinical production diseases. On detailed clinical examination, urine analysis and serum biochemistry, it was observed that 24 cows were positive for subclinical hypocalcaemia (group - I), 38 for subclinical ketosis (group - II), 8 for subclinical hypophosphataemia (group - Ill) and 5 for subclinical hypomagnesaemia (group - IV), which accounted the incidence of 22.64, 35.85, 7.55 and 4.72 per cent, respectively. The incidence of more than one of the above said deficiencies (mixed deficiencies, group - V) was recorded in 31 cows which accounted for 29.24 per cent, out of that the incidence of subclinical hypocalcaemia along with 'ketosis; subclinical hypocalcaemia along with ketosis and hypomagnesaernia; subclinical hypocalcaemia along with hypophosphataemia; and subclinical hypocalcaemia along with hypomagnesaemia was observed in 17, 4, 7 and 3 cows, respectively with a corresponding incidence of 16.04%, 3.77%. 6.60% and 2.83%, respectively. Each group was again subdivided into two subgroups viz., la, Ib; Ila, Ilb; Illa, Illb; IVa, IVb and Va, Vb to study and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of oral and parenteral drugs. 10 apparently healthy postparturient cows (group - VI) were maintained as healthy control group. The clinical observations in cows suffering from subclinical form of production diseases revealed reduced feed intake and decreased milk yield. There was no significant difference in the values of temperature and pulse rate before and after treatment in all the groups, which indicated that subclinical form of production diseases had no significant effect. All the animals during the treatment regained the appetite and milk yield. Ruminal motility was increased significantly (Pe0.01) and urine analysis was normal in all the groups after the treatment. Group la and Ib cows were low in urinary and serum calcium levels. Animals belonging to group la has received Calup Gel @ 300 g orally OD for 3 days and Rumen-FS bolus @ 2 boli orally BID for 5 days and group Ib animals were administered Inj. 25% lntacal @ 450 ml iv OD for 3 days and Inj. Tribivet @ 10-1 5 rnl im OD for 3 days. Among haematological parameters the mean Hb level was increased significantly (Pc0.05)in group la, where as in group Ib mean Hb, TLC and granulocyte percent were increased significantly (Pc0.05). Among serum parameters increased mean serum calcium and magnesium were significant at 1% (Pc0.01) and increased phosphorus and total protein and decreased serum glucose and AST were signficant at 5% (Pc0.05) in group la, where as in group Ib increased calcium and decreased serum glucose. magnesium and AST were significant at 1% (Pc0.01) and increased total protein and albumin at 5% (Pc0.05). The comparative means of serum glucose, calcium, magnesium and AST of healthy, group la and Ib revealed that the treatment given to group Ib was more effective. Group Ila and Ilb animals were found positive for urinary ketones. Animals belonging to group Ila were administered Ketonil Gel orally @ 1 tube/day for 2 days, followed by half of the tube for next 2 days and Liq. €-Booster @ 200 ml orally BID for 2 days followed by 100ml BID for next 2 days, where as group Ilb cows were administered Inj. Wocktrose-25 @ 540 ml iv OD for 3 days, Inj. Ketocort @ 1Omg total dose im for 3 days and Inj. Tribivet @ 5 ml im for 3 days. Among haematological parameters the mean TLC was increased significantly at 1% (P<0.01) and mean Hb, monocytes, granulocytes percent, MCH and MCV were increased significantly at 5 OO/ (P~0.05i)n group Ila cows, while in group Ilb mean Hb, TLC, monocytes and granulocytes Oh were increased significantly at 1 % (PcO.01) and mean PCV, TEC, MCH and MCV were increased significantly at 5% (Pc0.05). Among serum parameters, significantly increased mean serum glucose, calcium, total protein and albumin and decreased AST levels at 5% (Pc0.05) in groups Ila, where as in group Ilb increased mean serum glucose and calcium and decreased AST were significant at 1% (P-=0.01) and increased serum total protein and albumin was at 5% (Pc0.05) level. Though there was an improvement in both the groups, the comparative means of serum glucose, calcium and AST of healthy, group Ila and Ilb revealed that the treatment given to group Ilb was more effective. Group llla and lllb cows were low in serum phosphorus. Cows belonging to group llla were administered Sodaphos powder @ 30-60 g orally OD for 5 days and Ferritas bolus @ 2 boli orally OD for 5 days. while group lllb animals were administered Inj. Urimin @ 10-15 ml im OD for 3 days and Inj. Ferritas @ 1 rnll 50 kg body weight im once. Among haematological parameters the mean Hb, PCV, TEC and MCV increased significantly (Pc0.05) in group Illa; and in group lllb mean Hb, PCV and TEC were increased significantly at 1% (Pc0.01) and mean lymphocytes, MCV and MCH were increased significantly at 5% (Pc0.05). Among serum parameters decreased serum glucose and ALP and increased calcium were significant at 1% (PcO.01) and increased phosphorus and magnesium and decreased AST at 5% (Pc0.05) in group llla and in group lllb decreased serum glucose, AST and ALP and increased calcium and phosphorus were significant at 1% (PThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF MICROBIAL PROTEASES AND CRITICAL AMINO ACIDS MODULATION ON THE DIETARY REQUIREMENT OF PROTEIN IN COMMERCIAL BROILERS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-11) SRILATHA, T; RAVINDER REDDY, V(MAJOR); CHINNI PREETHAM, V; RAMA RAO, S.V.; RAMANA REDDY, YABSTRACT: Protein is the second largest nutrient which determines the feed cost of poultry production. By optimizing the nutrient allowances of dietary crude protein (CP) through supplementation of the most critical amino acids and supplementation of microbial proteases in at sub-optimal concentrations of dietary CP we can reduce the cost of feeding besides minimizing environmental pollution from broiler farming. To fulfill these objectives, a total of 5 experiments were conducted including an in vitro protein digestibility of compounded broiler feeds. All experiments were conducted with commercial broilers reared in battery brooders from 1 to 42 d of age. The primary objective of the Experiment 1 was to find out the optimum concentrations of CP in broiler diet during different phases i.e., pre starter (0-10d), starter (11-21d) and finisher (22-42d). Two levels of CP during pre starter (23 and 21%) and starter (21 and 19%) phases and three levels in finisher phase (19.5, 18 and 16.5%) were tested. The experimental design includes 2 x 2 x 3 levels of CP during pre-starter, starter and finisher phases respectively. The concentrations of lysine, threonine and tryptophan were maintained at the same ratio considering the ideal amino acid ratio (Baker 1996), except methionine which was maintained at 45, 45 and 38% of lysine during pre starter, starter and finisher phases, respectively. The results showed that the broilers fed low levels of CP ( 21 and 19 %) showed significantly higher body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI), and better feed efficiency as compared to the diets with high levels of CP during pre-starter and starter phases (23 and 21%, respectively). The birds fed on higher (19.5%) level of protein in the finisher phase showed higher body weight gain and best feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the lower levels (16.5 and 18%). Carcass characters were not influenced by the variation in dietary CP level tested except the abdominal fat weight which was significantly higher in broiler fed low CP diet either all through 1 to 42 d of age or the lower levels of CP during starter and finisher phases compared to those fed higher levels of CP during all three phases. The results showed that the broilers fed low CP had significantly higher protein digestibility compared to the high CP fed birds. Experiment 2 was conducted to test the feasibility of further reducing the dietary CP below the optimum levels determined in Experiment 1, by modulating the levels of critical amino acids without affecting the broiler performance. The control diet (CD) formulated to contain optimum requirements of CP 21, 19 and 19.5% during pre-starter, starter and finisher phases, respectively. The optimum CP levels were further reduced by 1.5% in the basal diet (BD) during all the 3 phases (19.5, 17.5 and 18%, respectively), Four different concentrations of critical amino acids (lysine-Lys, methionine-Met, threonine-Thr and tryptophan-Try) were added to the diet containing sub-optimal levels of CP by maintaining constant ratio in relation to the dietary Lys level as detailed in Experiment 1. In addition to these levels, a diet with CP recommended by NRC was maintained. A diet with CP levels being followed by the broiler industry was maintained (23, 21 and 19.5% in PS, S and F diets respectively) as the reference diet (RD). The performance of broilers fed the CD (21, 19 and 19.5% CP, in PS, S and F, respectively) was similar to those fed the RD or NRC diet. Reduction of CP content by 1.5% (19.5 and 17.5%) than the CD decreased the performance as compared to those fed on CD during pre-starter and starter phases. But the reduced CP during finisher phase (18%) supported the BWG, which was statistically similar to those fed the CD. Increasing levels of critical amino acids (Lys, Met, Thr and Try) in the BD resulted in progressive and significant reduction in the performance. Broilers fed diet with sub-optimal CP had significantly higher abdominal fat compared to those fed with CD, RD and NRC diet. Supplementation of critical amino acids to the sub-optimal protein diet did not influence the abdominal fat deposition. Effect of supplementing three variants of protease (acid, neutral and alkaline) on in vitro digestibility of CP was tested with various graded concentrations of the enzyme in the Experiment 3.Results showed that the individual proteases at 66.66 u/g soybean meal / meat and bone meal had shown maximum protein digestibility. In the maize-soy bean based diets supplemented with alkaline protease had higher protein digestibility. Highest protein digestibility was observed in groups containing 2:1:1 (33.33:16.66:16.66 u/g diet) and 1:1:2 (16.66:16.66:33.33 u/g diet), acidic, neutral and alkaline proteases, respectively. In maize-soya – meat and bone meal based diet, supplementation with acidic (66.98%), alkaline (64.66%) and neutral (60.20%) proteases significantly improved the protein digestibility compared to the control group. Highest protein digestibility was observed in groups containing 2:1:1 (33.33:16.66:16.66 u/g diet) and 1:1:1 (22.22:22.22:22.22 u/g diet), acid, neutral and alkaline proteases, respectively. Based on the in vitro protein digestibility coefficients, 3 effective levels of proteases (2000, 4000 and 6000u/kg) were selected. These effective combinations and concentrations of proteases were supplemented to low CP maize-soybean based diet (1:1:2 and 2:1:1) in Experiment 4 and low CP maize-soybean-meat cum bone meal based diet in Experiment 5 (1:1:1 and 2:1:1) to find out the possibility of reducing the dietary CP (1.5%) below the optimum levels. The results of Experiment 4 showed that the broilers fed high protein diet (CD) had significantly higher BWG and FI as compared to those fed sub optimal CP diets (BD). The feed efficiency was not affected due to the treatments employed. Proteases (acid, neutral and alkaline) supplementation to the BD had no effect on the performance. The relative weight of abdominal fat was significantly (P<0.05) higher in low CP fed birds compared to those fed the CD, but proteases supplementation to BD did not influence the abdominal fat content. The results of Experiment 5 showed that the broilers fed CD had significantly higher BWG compared to those fed BD. Supplementation of proteases to the BD significantly improved the BWG and feed efficiency during 1-21 and 1-28 d of age, but not during the latter phase (35 and 42 d of age) of growth. The broilers fed on CD had significantly higher ready to cook and breast yields compared to those fed the BD or BD the protease supplementation. The relative weight of abdominal fat was significantly reduced in broilers fed with 1:1:1 (acidic, neutral and alkaline proteases) at 4000 u protease / kg diet as compared to BD. In conclusion, the overall picture of study suggested that the dietary CP levels could be reduced below NRC recommended levels by 2-4% in pre-starter, starter diets and to an extent of 0.5% in finisher diet provided that levels of critical amino acids are closely looked after. Addition of proteases to low protein diets did not influence the growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal based diet but it had a significant positive effect on in young chicken fed on maize-soybean meal based-meat and bone meal based diets.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON ASSOCIATIVE EFFECT OF NON-STARCH POLYSACHARIDE DEGRADING ENZYMES WITH PHYTASE, PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS ON PERFORMANCE IN BROILERS AND LAYERS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-09) NARASIMHA, JATOTH; NAGALAKSHMI, D(MAJOR); RAMANA REDDY, Y; RAJASEKHARA REDDY, A; SUDHAKAR, K; VIROJI RAO, S.TABSTRACT: A study was undertaken to develop a suitable NSP enzyme combination to improve nutrient utilization from corn-soybean meal based diets for broilers and layers by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Also the associative effect of NSP enzymes with prebiotics, probiotics and phytase was investigated. The broiler and layer diets were supplemented with eight concentrations of xylanase (1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 40000 and 60000 IU/kg), cellulase (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400 IU/kg) and β-D-glucanase (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400 IU/kg), three best concentrations of each NSP enzyme was selected for both broiler and layer diets. With these enzyme concentrations, twenty seven (3x3x3) combinations were formulated and among them, the significantly (P<0.01) higher sugars release was recorded for combination of xylanase -7500, cellulase -100 and β-D-glucanase -100 IU/kg/diet for broiler diet and for layer, the NSP enzyme combination was xylanase-10000, cellulase-400 and β-D-glucanase-100 IU/kg and these were selected for conducting in vivo experiments in broilers and layers. The synergistic effect of NSP enzyme and protease was observed in broilers with supplementation of 2000 IU/kg diet. In broiler Experiment-I, 360 day old broiler chicks were weighed, wing banded and randomly distributed in to twelve experimental groups, six replicates per group and five birds per replicate and raised in electrically heated battery brooders to evaluate the effect of the NSP enzyme combination selected from in vitro studies along with or without protease supplemented to four corn-soybean meal based broiler diets varying in energy concentration i.e. standard energy (SD) and three low energy diets, [(-75 (LE1), -150 (LE2) and -225 (LE3) kcal lower ME than SD] on performance, nutrient retentions, carcass traits, gut conditions and cost economics. Significant (P<0.01) interaction of dietary energy concentration and NSP enzymes was observed for body weight gain from week 1 to 6, during starter (0-3 weeks), finisher (4-6 weeks) and total gain (0-6 weeks). The total weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in enzyme supplemented groups in SD, LE1 and LE3. The total body weight gain reduced (P<0.01) with reduction of 225 kcal/ME in diet (LE3) compared to SD. No further improvement was observed with additional supplementation of protease. The feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly (P<0.05) improved with supplementation of NSP enzymes, alone or in combination with protease, irrespective of level of energy. The supplementation of NSP enzymes increased (P<0.05) the organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and gross energy (GE) retentions and further improvement was observed with addition of protease. Tibia ash content in broilers was not influenced by either the level energy or NSP enzymes supplementation. Irrespective of level of energy, enzyme supplementation with or without protease reduced (P<0.05) intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count (cfu/ml). Sections of intestines revealed elongated villi with uniform distribution of goblet cell in NSP enzyme supplemented diets fed birds, where as congested and moderately short ruptured villi were observed in no enzyme fed ones. Dressing and breast yield was un effected by dietary energy but NSP enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.01) the yields. Abdominal fat (%) was lower in LE2, LE3, but no effect of NSP enzyme and protease was observed. Feed cost of production per kg live weight gain for overall period was comparable in SD, LE1 and LE2 and decreased (P<0.01) in LE3. Supplementing NSP enzyme increased (P<0.01) the feed cost of production and further with addition of protease. Based on the Experiment-I findings, LE3 diet was selected for 2nd broiler experiment to study the associative effect of NSP enzymes with prebiotics, probiotics and phytase on broiler performance. Supplementing BD (LE3 diet of Experiment-I) with NSP enzymes with or without prebiotics and phytase had no effect on total body weight gain, while addition of probiotics or synbiotics along with NSP enzymes significantly (P<0.05) improved the total weight gain. Supplementing all feed additives to BD had increased the gain by 7.48%. The overall feed intake was not affected in broilers fed BD or BD supplemented with NSP enzymes along with either, prebiotics, probiotics, phytase or synbiotics. Similarly, supplementation of all feed additives had no effect on feed intake. The FCR improved with addition of NSP enzymes along with either, prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics. While no associative effect of phytase was observed on FCR. The FCR improved with addition of all feed additives to BD compared to both BD and SD. The retention of OM, CP and GE was significantly (P<0.05) improved with addition of NSP enzymes along with either prebiotics, probiotics or phytase. NSP enzymes with synbiotics had no effect on nutrient retention except GE. BD supplemented with NSP enzymes with phytase and all feed additives improved the retention of OM, CP, NFE, GE and phosphorus indicating synergistic effect of these feed additives. Addition of either prebiotics, probiotics and phytase, individually or combination of all along with NSP enzymes to BD reduced (P<0.05) intestinal pH and viscosity, cost of feeding and cost of production per kg live weight gain compared to BD and SD. The selected enzyme combination for layers from in vitro studies was supplemented to four layer diets varying in dietary energy concentration to investigate the possibility of reducing the energy concentration in the diets with NSP enzymes supplementation. The diets were standard energy diet (2600 kcal ME/kg) (SD) and other three were low energy diets having 100 (LE1), 200 (LE2) and 300 (LE3) kcal lower ME/kg diet than the SD and were fed for three laying periods of twenty eight days. Significant (P<0.01) interaction of dietary energy concentration and NSP enzymes was observed on percent hen day production during 2nd period and such interaction was not observed for 1st and 3rd period. During 2nd period, NSP enzymes supplementation increased the percent hen day production for SD and LE2 and a trend of improvement was observed for LE1 diet with NSP enzymes supplementation. Feed intake was comparable among various groups, in 1st, 2nd and third period. The feed intake was higher (P<0.05) in LE3 compared to SD and LE1 and no effect of NSP enzyme supplementation was observed. No effect of dietary energy or NSP enzymes supplementation was observed on weight changes, dressing yield, abdominal fat, weight of liver and gizzard, tibia ash, egg weight, egg mass, shell thickness and specific gravity of egg. However, breast yield reduced (P<0.05) gradually with lowering of dietary energy and heart weight was higher in SD compared to low energy dietary groups. NSP enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.01) intestinal length. Albumen and yolk index was lower in (P<0.01) LE2 and LE3 groups compared to SD. The mean shell weight in birds fed LE2 or LE3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed SD and LE1. Irrespective of level of energy, NSP enzymes addition significantly (P<0.01) improved the utilization of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE and GE. Intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count was reduced (P<0.01) in NSP enzymes supplemented groups compared to un supplemented ones. The sections of intestines revealed elongated broad and dividing villi with increased number of goblet cell in NSP enzymes supplemented groups irrespective of level of energy. The feed cost to produce dozen eggs was higher (P<0.05) for LE3 compared to SD and irrespective of dietary energy, NSP enzymes supplementation reduced the feed cost of production. The LE3 diet was selected to test the additive effect of supplementing NSP enzymes with prebiotics or probiotics and phytase. The percent hen day production was not affected by supplementation of NSP enzymes along with prebiotics or probiotics but improved with addition of phytase or synbiotics with NSP enzymes. Feed intake (g/bird/day), FCR (g/feed/g egg) and egg quality traits and slaughter attributes were not affected by supplementation of various feed additives (NSP enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics and phytase) alone or their combination. The DM, OM and NFE retention was comparable among the experimental groups. Supplementation of NSP enzymes along with other feed additives, (probiotics and phytase) improved (P<0.05) retention of CP, CE, EE, GE and phosphorus and no associative effect of prebiotics was observed on nutrient retention. Intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count in feed additives supplemented groups was significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to un supplemented ones. The feed cost per dozen eggs did not increase with supplementation of NSP enzymes alone or along with either of prebiotics, probiotics, phytase or synbiotics and was comparable to SD. While supplementing all the feed additives to BD significantly (P<0.05) reduced to the feed cost per dozen eggs compared to BD and SD. From this study, it can be concluded that supplementing NSP enzyme combinations developed from in vitro studies improved body weight gain feed conversion efficiency in broilers and egg production in layers fed corn-soybean meal based diets varying in energy concentration with improvement in nutrient retentions and gut health. Associative effect of NSP enzymes with either prebiotics, probiotics or phytase was observed for nutrient retentions and gut health at reduced cost of production in both broilers and layers.ThesisItem Open Access PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER RABBITS UNDER TWO HOUSING SYSTEMS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIETARY PROBIOTICS AND ENZYMES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-08) SARAT CHANDRA, A; MAHENDER, M(MAJOR); RAGHUNANDAN, T; RAMESH GUPTA, B; GNANA PRAKASH, M; KONDAL REDDY, KABSTRACT : Studies were conducted on 144 weaned rabbits reared in cage and backyard rearing systems up to 16 weeks of age to study the influence of housing system and supplementation of probiotics and enzymes or both, on the productive and reproductive performance and health. A digestibility trial was conducted to assess the effect of different rations on digestibility of nutrients. Forty eight rabbits were slaughtered at 16 weeks of age and remaining rabbits were reared until first kindling to assess their reproductive performance. The overall least-squares mean body weights at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age were 568.29 ± 4.82, 690.34 ± 4.77, 963.44 ± 9.45, 1141.44 ± 7.69, 1322.17 ± 6.27 and 1499.15 ± 6.30 g, respectively with cage reared rabbits recording significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weights. In rabbits reared under cage and backyard systems, the effects of breed and ration were significant at most of the ages. In general, rabbits fed rations supplemented with enzymes and probiotics or both had significantly higher body weights at all ages. The overall least-squares mean ADGs were 18.21 ± 0.55, 20.72 ± 0.72, 18.19 ± 0.44, 13.15 ± 0.57, 10.89 ± 0.49 and 12.52 ± 0.62 g during 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14 and 14 to 16 weeks of age, respectively. Cage reared rabbits recorded significantly higher ADG at most of the ages studied. Ration had significant (P≤0.05) effect on the ADGs during 4 to 6, 10 to12 and 12 to 14 weeks only. Backyard reared rabbits fed T4 and T2 rations recorded significantly higher ADG 4 to 6. The overall least-squares mean voluntary dry matter intake was 115.07 ± 4.48 g . Rabbits fed rations T3 and T4 recorded significantly (P≤0.05) higher DMI in both the systems of housing. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and nitrogen free extract were 72.64 ± 1.26, 73.10 ± 1.23, 78.61 ± 1.03, 71.59 ± 1.32, 81.12 ± 1.34 and 70.80 ± 1.46 respectively. In both the housing systems, rabbits fed experimental diets recorded significantly higher digestibility coefficients than control group. Significantly higher pre-slaughter weight (2014.29 + 47.21), dressed weight (994.40 + 26.01), fore and mid cut weights (296.25 + 10.36 and 230.63 + 6.48) and inedible offals (374.25 + 9.73 vs. 346.71 + 9.73) were recorded by cage reared rabbits. The overall mean dressing percentage and weights of hind cut, head and feet, pelt and edible offals and the length of caecum were 49.38 + 0.19, 457.13 + 10.14, 253.46 + 5.19, 198.21 + 3.91 and 67.85 + 0.84 g and 49.06 + 0.40 cm, respectively. Influence of experimental diets was significant on hind cut weight and length of caecum in cage system while all the carcass traits except pelt weight were significantly influenced in backyard system. Meat protein and fat percentage were significantly high in cage reared rabbits. The overall mean dry matter (%), total ash (%), protein (%), fat (%) and cholesterol (mg %) contents of meat were 20.66 + 0.08, 1.29 + 0.01, 21.29 + 0.12, 4.05 + 0.02 and 0.10 + 0.00, respectively. The protein content was significantly high in the rabbits fed ration 3 and 4 while the fat content was significantly high in the rabbits fed with control ration in cage reared and backyard reared rabbits. Rabbits housed in cages had lower AFK (217.25 + 1.69 days). The overall mean litter size and weight at birth were 6.83 + 0.26 bunnies and 337.64 + 12.73 g, respectively. Mean total erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, haemoglobin content, PCV, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, SGPT, SGOT, Serum protein, Albumin, Globulin and AG ratio were 7.52 0.12 x106/mm³, 6.29 0.08 x103/mm³, 10.77 0.06 g/dl, 34.25 0.37%, 35.71 1.03%, 60.27 1.38%, 1.35 0.14%, 1.92 0.13, 123.79 2.69 mg/dl, 123.67 ± 1.66 mg/dl, 18.17 ± 0.50 IU/dl, 28.04 ± 0.73 IU/dl, 6.20 ± 0.09 g/dl, 4.08 ± 0.08 g/dl, 2.11 ± 0.06 g/dl and 1.93 ± 0.09, respectively. The overall mean SRBC titre was 6.63 ± 0.20 log2 units. In both the housing systems, significantly high SRBC titers were recorded by rabbits fed rations 3 and 4. In general, it was observed that rabbits kept in backyard were more active, aggressive and burrowing was observed. Immediately after weaning and during nights, rabbits preferred to stay together in backyard system. Rabbits in the backyard preferred to stay on the cemented kerb. The cost of feed per kg gain was reduced by Rs. 1.20, 3.63 and 2.89 in cage reared rabbits and Rs. 1.10, 5.61 and 4.4 in backyard reared rabbits fed rations supplemented with enzymes (T1), probiotic (T2) and probiotic +enzymes (T3) over control ration, respectively. The present study recorded higher growth in broiler rabbits, but the difference in the body weight of broiler rabbits under two systems of housing was not significant, suggesting that rabbit farming for meat production can profitably be taken up under backyard system, which requires less capital investment and provides valuable animal protein and remunerative income to the farmers. The inclusion of enzymes and probiotics to the diets had a positive effect on the utilization of dietary nutrients and also reduced the cost per kg weight gain, which emphasizes that the cost of feeding in rabbit farming can be reduced by utilization of forages especially legumes and by products replacing the costly feed ingredients. Thus, rabbit farming as a small enterprise can be recommended for small and marginal farmers, to improve the quality of diet and as a steady source of income.