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Open Access
Draught Efficiency of Elephants in Timber Mills
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2001) Prasad, A; KAU; Saseendran, P C
Six elephants working in four different private timber mills in Trichur district were selected for the present study. Average weight of elephants estimated using formula was 4627.80 + 114.15 kg. Elephants consumed 213.00 + 3.338 kg roughages and 7.50 + 0.475 kg of concentrate. They obtained 9.721 + 0.837 kg dry matter, 3.613 + 0.075 kg DCP and 31.517 + 0.754 kg of TDN over and above maintenance requirement, which may be the amount of nutrient utilized for work performance. Elephants were engaged for three types of work in timber mills, carrying, moving/stalking and hauling timber logs. Mean draught developed during carrying was 445.095 + 22.448 kg. Elephant could be made to carry weights upto 20 per cent of their body weight on their tusk during carrying and stalking/moving timber. A new instrument called Elephant Draught Power Monitor was fabricated to measure the draught developed during hauling timber. A regression, Y = 0.7787 x – 100.69 (where Y is the draught developed and X is the weight of the log hauled) was developed from the measurements. The draught power estimated this equation was compared with the values obtained by the formula draught = load x CosƟ. It was assumed that the formula draught = load x CosƟ was not suitable for elephant draught power measurement. The average draught developed during hauling was 1779.391 + 130.386 kg. Highest maximum of weight that an elephant could be made to haul during instantaneous force development was 188 per cent of the body weight. Maximum limit of weight that an elephant could be made to haul during continuous work was 38 per cent of its body weight. Speed of work of elephants during carrying, moving and hauling was 1.333 + 0.075, 0.630 + 0.014 and 0.701 + 0.014 m/s respectively. Speed of work of elephants decreased with increase in weight of the log transported. The average horse power developed during carrying, moving and hauling were 7.116 + 0.106, 2,566 + 0.048 and 7.138 + 0.280 respectively. The average work output per day during carrying, moving and hauling were 1819.004 + 92.619 KJ, 179.718 + 5.955 KJ, 3375.373 + 16.885 KJ respectively. Maximum work output from elephant was obtained during hauling. Maximum work output (34 per cent) occurred during 8.30 am to 9.30 am in timber mills. Elephants were made to work minimum during 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm. Rectal temperature was identified as the most reliable physiological parameter which can be used as an indicator of fatigue. Maximum body temperature recorded during work was 1000 F. Maximum frequency of spraying of saliva during the entire study period was two/minute and maximum frequency of fanning of ears was 45/min. The value of rectal temperature when the elephants were fatigued was 98.60 F. Work may be stopped and elephant should be given rest before reaching this body temperature to avoid undue fatigue. Mechanised power which replaces elephant power in many timber mills has certain advantages. But use of elephant has got the advantage of utilization of renewable resources environmental friendliness and greater maneuverability during work.
Open Access
Study on management information system in institutional swine farm
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Bindu, P; KAU; Joseph Mathew
A study on Management-Information System (MIS) was conducted in Centre for Pig Production and Research (CPPR), Mannuthy to analyse the merits and demerits of the MIS presently available in the farm and to formulate an MIS based on computer software which may improve managerial efficacy and decision making process in swine farm and to develop, refine and then recommend a management information system. The merits and demerits of the present MIS in the centre were studied by conducting a survey using separate and well-designed questionnaire among scientists technical staff and administrative staff and also by interview. The information obtained in the survey were analysed and meaningful conclusions were drawn on the efficiency of the present MIS. Observations were made on the present MIS prevailing in the Centre with regard to various production parameters such as animals, its production and reproduction details, feeding, breeding, weeding, human resource components, labour management administration, financial implications, research, teaching and extension activities, profit and loss account productivity of each element and all other related elements. A computerized MIS was developed using the data collected from the farm. The enterprise edition of Visual Basic 6.0 was used as front end, while MS Access-97 was used as back end for the package developed. The MIS developed under this study is structured under a main menuwith various sub-menus such as System, History, Administration, Research, Breed and Management. The System sub-menu has Change Password, Users and Exit options. The History sub-menu is segmented into Introduction, Units divisions, Lay out, Objectives, Head of Station and Teaching and Extension options. The Administration sub-menu is divided into Employee details, Pay Entry Staff, Pay Entry Labours, Enter Biodata and List Employees options. The Research sub-menu has Select Title and Add Title options. Breed sub menu is provided with Details, Breed pictures, Add Animal group, Add Animal, Birth Entry, Death Entry, Sales and Care and Management options. The sub-menu Management is segmented into Registers, Profit/loss, Weight Recordings, Feed Management and Profit Loss Entry options. The developed software was tested by an “on-farm trial run” in the Centre for a period of one month for'identifying the defects and the developed MIS has recommended as a model after rectifying the defect. The model can be recommended for other farms with necessary modifications.
Open Access
Evaluation of husbandry practices in captive zoo mammals in Kerala
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Biju, S; KAU; Francis Xavier
Husbandry practices adopted for captive zoo mammals, were studied in the Government owned zoological gardens located at Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur districts ofKerala State. The mammals in the zoos were classified into ten groups, based on the taxonomic position and food habits. In the feeding management studies, the different feed ingredients used to formulate the ration for these ten groups of mammals were recorded. The dry matter content of the ration was worked out. A comparative study was taken up between Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur Zoos, in the feed ingredients as well as in the dry matter content of the ration in all the above ten groups of mammals. The management practices with regard to housing of animals were also observed. Cages and enclosures were provided for the animals and in most of the cases the floor was made of cement concrete. A comparison between the two zoos with regard to the substrate and the type of cage for the ten groups of mammals were also made. The environment enrichment methods adopted as well as the provisions for wallowing and perching were also observed and compared in the two zoos among the ten groups of mammals. Under the captive breeding observations in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo it was found that 23 different mammalian species were kept in breeding pairs though successful breeding were noticed in 19 of them. The animals which do not breed in captivity even when kept in pairs, were the Indian Porcupine, the Himalayan Black Bear, the Sloth Bear and the Jungle Cat. Whereas in Thrissur Zoo" 11 mammalian species were in breeding pairs and out of that eight species were successfully breeding. The Indian Porcupine, Small Indian Civet and the Camels in the zoos were not breeding, eventhough they were in pairs. Disease prevalence was another management practice studied. Parasitic diseases (44.68 per cent), infectious diseases (35.11 per cent), non-specific conditions (17.02 per cent) and neoplastic conditions (3.19 per cent) were observed in captive mammals in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo; and infectious conditions (59.32 per cent), neoplastic conditions (15.25 per cent), parasitic diseases (13.56 per cent) and non-specific conditions (11.87 per cent) were observed in Thrissur Zoo. Vaccinations were regularly done only in felids in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo and no vaccinations were done in Thrissur Zoo. Regular dewormings were done for all mammals in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, but only in carnivores and Camels in Thrissur Zoo. The frequency of deworming varied between the species and did not conform to any scientific suggestions. Hygiene and sanitation showed that the enclosures in the zoos were cleaned daily in the morning, before the feeding of the animals. Along with that the feed and water troughs were also cleaned. The water pools were emptied, cleaned and refilled twice in a week. 'Benzalkonium chloride' solution was the disinfectant used in the zoos, and were occasionally used only in the carnivore and primate cages.
Open Access
Computerized data management system for goat farm
(Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Rajendran, S; KAU; Saseendran, P C
Realizing the undeniable significance of computerization in farming operations and recognizing the potential popularity and growth of goat farming in India, every attempt has to be made to introduce computerized management into goat fanning. The present study was carried out in Kerala Agricultural University sheep and goat farm to introduce computerized data management system. The study involved the evaluation of the existing system, identification of the input requirement for developing computer program, development of computerized data management system (CDMS) evaluation of the CDMS, and comparison of the existing system with CDMS. Average time required for entering a set of data in livestock, birth, medicine stock, miscellaneous articles, stock, feed, milk recording and disposal, disposal and mortality and breeding registers in the existing system were found to be 21.36 ± 1.13,34.58 ± 0.81, 30.86 ± 1.13,32.06 ± 1.01,32.94 ±1 .07, 18.39 ± 1.08,31.47 ± 1.21 and 15.28 ± 1.03 seconds respectively. Average time required for recording a set of entries in kidding, mortality, sale of animals, breeding and milking events were found to be 47.47 ± 1.52,67.83 ± 1.69,57.36 ± 1.48, 15.28 ± 1.03 and 18.39 ± 1.08 seconds respectively in the existing system. Time taken to get data on population status, feed ingredients, total quantity of feed fed to animals, number of animal bred, kidding, total milk production, milk disposal, mortality and sale, transfer, and culling In the existing system was calculated. / Input requirements were determined based upon the data to be stored and the data to be obtained from the proposed computerized data management system (CDMS). Based on the information collected and anticipated reports required for an efficient goat farm management, a combination of Visual Basic 6.0 as front end tool and Microsoft Access 97 as back end tool were used. Computerised data management system for goat farms is structured under a main menu with various menus such as status, feed, production, reproduction, health, view reminder, reports and exit. The status menu under the main menu allows the user to record and retrieve various categories of animals. It is further divided into kids, young stock, adult stock, total stock, daily stock, medicine stock and miscellaneous article stock options. The feed menus has feeds and feed requirement submenus. Feeds sub menu allows the user to record purchase and issue details of feeds and feed requirement submenu gives details about nutritional requirement of various categories of animals. The production submenu is divided into weighing, growth chart, milk recording, milk chart and weaning for recording weighing measurement, calculating average daily weight gain, growth trend of an animal, milk yield, milk production trend of an animal and weaning details respectively. • Reproductive menu is segmented into oestrous, service and kidding. Date of heat and expected date of next heat can be recorded and obtained from / . oestrous option. Service option allows the user to get details about date of service, pregnancy diagnosis and expected date of kidding. Kidding details can be stored in the kidding option. Kidding interval, parity details and dry off date can be obtained from this submenu. Reminder menu is designed to obtain the checklists of animals due for vaccination, treatment, deworming, dipping, heat, service, kidding, weaning and dry off. View menu can display all the recorded information under various tables. Report menu is designed for obtaining animal strength, disposal details, feed details, production and reproduction performance, service report, breeding efficiency and farm income. Average time requirement to enter a set of entries in kids, medicine stock, miscellaneous articles, feed, milk recording, service, milk disposal, mortality and sales, transfer and culling records in the computerized data management system were 19.17 ± 0.81, 20.75 ± 0.69, 21.81 ± 0.71, 26.19 ± 0.79, 11.67 ± 0.84, 22.67 ± 0.99, 24.00 ± 0.68, 25.64 ± 0.08 and 27.50 ± 0.61 seconds respectively. Average time required for recording a set of entries in kidding, mortality, sale of animals, breeding and milking events were found to be 44.08 ± 0.94, 25.64 ± 0.80, 27.50 ± 0.61, 22.67 ± 0.99 and 32.92 ± l.38 seconds respectively in the computerized data management system. Time taken to get data on population status, feed ingredients, total quantity offeed, number of animals bred, kidding, total milk production milk disposal, mortality and sales, transfer and culling was calculated. Average time required for entering a set of entries in the computerized data management system was significantly (Pexisting system except breeding register which required more time in the computerized data management system than existing system. Average time required to record a set of entries in each event in the existing system was significantly differed (Pthat there was a significant difference (Pcomputerized data management system in case of time required to retrieve data.
Open Access
Computerized data management for dairy farms
(Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Paul Princely Rajkumar, C; KAU; Francis Xavier
Dairy farms play an anchor role in the development of dairy sector and in turn sustainable milk production. Efficient farm management inevitably requires proper data management. As the traditional recording system seems to be disadvantageous, computerized data management system is gaining importance for efficient record management. So, the present study was planned to analyze the existing system of record management and to develop a computerized record management system for dairy farms. The study was conducted in the University Livestock Farm, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. The existing system of data recording was analyzed. The input requirement in both manual and computerized recordings were observed. The time required for recording data, both in manual and computerized recording system were measured. Based on the results obtained by the assessment of existing recording system, the input requirement for computerized recording was identified. By incorporating these inputs, the computerized data management system 'DAIRYSOFT' was developed using visual basic 6.0 as front end and MS Access as back end program. From the study, it was found out that manual recording system consisted of many unnecessary entries and duplication of entries. The number of entries to be made for a single recording in the manual recording system was considerably more than that of computerized recording system. The time taken for retrieval of information required screening of two to three registers whereas, computerized recording system required a single worksheet. The man hour requirement for entering data in manual recording system for treatment, breeding, growth, milk recording, milk distribution, birth, artificial insemination (AI) and mortality registers were 3.13 ± 1.10, 4.47 ± 1.81,1.19 ± 0.25, 22.]8 ± 1.13,3.70 ± 0.31,1.81 ± 0.]8,1.95 ± 0.19,1.46 ± 0.40 and 2.55 ± 0.30 minutes respectively; whereas the man-hour requirement for entering data by computerised recording system for treatment, breeding, growth, milk recording register, milk distribution, birth, AI and mortality registers were 2.63 ± 1.10,2.98 ± 1.32,0.67 ± 0.10,17.37 ± 1.35,2.88 ± 0.19, 0.96 ± 0.07 and 1.18 ± 0.21 minutes respectively. The variation in the man-hour requirement between manual and computerised data management system was found to be significant (pThe computerized data management system IS a user-friendly programme. It is based on menu system, which is protected with a password. The programme consists of main menu and several submenus namely stock position, registers, reports, health and data entry. Each submenu is provided with several options. Submenu stock position describes the present day stock position of different categories of animals and other details such as total milk production and number of pregnant animals available presently. Submenu 'registers' allow the user to view all the registers of the farm. The user can retrieve any information from different registers using the options available, which displays the concerned register. Submenu 'reports' allow the user to obtain various reports required for analyzing the efficiency of the farm. The user can directly take hard copy of the report. The submenu 'help' gives information about the software and the last submenu was exclusively formatted for data entry. From the study, it may be concluded that the developed computerized data management system may ensure effective recording in dairy farms, timely retrieval of needed information, generate important reports that are useful for managing and evaluating the efficiency of the farm.
Open Access
Productivity and feasibility of pig production systems in rural sector
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Harikumar, S; KAU; Joseph, Mathew
The productivity and feasibility of pig production systems were studied in the rural sector of Kerala. The study on feasibility of pig production and problems and prospects associated with pig farming was conducted in Kaiparambu and Kuzhoor Panchayaths in Thrissur district of Kerala. The performance of Large White Yorkshire pigs in organized farms and field units was compared. Majority of the pig farmers were having higher educational and economic status and were equipped with potential and facilities for economic pig production. The management practices were cost effective and suited well for pig production in rural sector. Problems and constraints faced by the pig farmers were minimum in two Panchayaths. It was observed that the feasibility of the pig production was higher in two Panchayaths studied. The resource utilization efficiency of the existing pig production was only 40.95per cent and 19.53per cent, respectively in Kaiparambu and Kuzhoor Panchayaths. In the comparative study between pigs in the organized farm and field units, the pigs reared in small field unit on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste recorded a significantly higher (P73.66 ± 3. I 5kg than that of 60.00 ± 2.79kg in pigs reared on hostel food waste in the farm. In the case of body measurements, pigs in small field unit group recorded maximum values. The feed efficiency (3.221 ± 0.15) was better in pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste. The mean daily dry matter intake was a maximum of 1.41 7 ± 0.19g in pigs reared on concentrate ration. The average daily weight gain was highest in pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste (367 .13 ± 16.64g) and lowest in hostel food waste fed pigs (287.96 ± 15.23g). Pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste were recorded a maximum value for dressing percentage (75.52 ± 0.41). Pigs fed on .concentrate ration attained a maximum of 19.36 ± 2.2cm2 for loin eye area and a minimum of 28.0 ± 0.22mm for back fat thickness. Meat bone ratio was the lowest in pigs fed on hostel food waste (3.53 ± 0.19). Hot carcass weight (55.66 ± 2.49kg) and carcass length (65.00 ± 0.83cm) was more in pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste in T4 group. In proximate analysis chicken offal was recorded a crude protein content of 35.63 ± 2.77per cent and ether extract of 30.9 ± 2.31 per cent. Concentrate, restaurant waste and hostel waste were recorded a higher NFE content. Cost of production per kilogram live weight of pigs was the highest in concentrate fed group (Rs 54.66) and the lowest in small field unit (Rs 12.64).
Open Access
Analysis of management systems of pure-bred and cross-bred dogs in Central Kerala
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Vijayakumar, P; KAU; Francis Xavier
Canine management practices existing in Central Kerala were investigated. Mostly the owners of the dogs were male members of the family. Businessmen were more interested in dog keeping. Average number of dogs owned per household was 1. 7. Large breeds were preferred to small and medium sized breeds and among large breeds German Shepherds. Female dogs were slightly more in number than male dogs in the surveyed area. The dogs were mostly kept for watching or guarding purpose than companionship. Dogs were purchased at less than two months of age. The quality of the pup was mostly decided based on the breed and appearance. Active nature and general appearance formed the basis for puppy selection. A high proportion of the dog owners kept their dogs in a kennel, which was located outside the house and constructed after the arrival of the pup. Only few respondents constructed the kennel after consulting a veterinarian or scientific books. Most of the kennels were of cement concrete floor, concrete with Iron rails wall, concrete roof and had raised platform. Daily cleaning of the kennel was also practiced. The dogs were mostly fed with two meals a day, with specially cooked, homemade, non-vegetarian diet. Mostly rice and meat were fed for the first time between three and six months of age. Fully cooked milk, meat, fish, egg, rice and vegetables were fed to the dogs. Most of the dogs were fed with meat. Only one- third of the dogs were fed with supplements. About 55 per cent of the dog owners provided their dogs with bones, for chewing. About one-third of the male and female dogs were used for breeding. The dog's age at puberty reported by most of the dog owners was between eight and 12 months of age. The signs of heat occurred every six months. Dogs were mated twice in an estrum with 24 hours interval. One pup or its cost was charged as stud fee by' one-third of the dog owners. Ownership was the most important criterion considered while selecting a stud male for female dogs. Majority of the dogs were sexually intact. Except nail trimming, the other health management practices such as de-worming, vaccination, grooming, bathing, exercise and ear cleaning were practiced by majority of the dog owners. Weekly grooming, bathing and ear cleaning were practiced by majority of the dog owners. Slightly more than one half of the dogs were de-wormed monthly. The dogs were mostly immunized against rabies and majority of the dogs were not regularly immunized with the booster vaccine. About two-third of the dog owners exercised their dogs by playing with them. Only eight per cent of the dogs were taken to a veterinarian for a regular health check-up. Previous history of any disease was reported by one-fourth of the dog owners. Majority of dog owners never left their dog alone in the house when all the members were away. Only one-third of the dog owners gave basic training to their dogs. Reward was given to the dogs, which responded to their commands while training. 'COME' and 'SIT' were the two most common commands which majority of the dogs were aware of. Inadequate space was the predominant constraint faced by dog owners followed by difficulties in training and shedding hairs. Majority of the dog owners surveyed cared to provide the optimum needs of their dogs.

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