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Open Access
Morphometry and ageing of captive male asian elephants (Elephas maximus)
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Sasikumar, M; KAU; Francis, Xavier
The collection of morphometric details from elephants of different age groups would enhance our biological understanding and management of this valuable species.. A total of fifty two clinically healthy captive male Asian elephants, varying in age, under excellent management, maintained by 'Guruvayoor Devaswom Board' were utilized for predicting body weight and height from body measurements as well as determination of age from physical features. For prediction equations several morphometric parameters were measured. All possible linear regressions of weight on one, two, three and four body measurements were calculated. The equations having highest coefficient determination value (R2) with least standard error of estimation was taken for predicting body weight and height in elephants. The data were also divided into age groups (Group I (Young ones; 0-20 years), Group 11 (Sub adults; 21-30 years), Group III (Adults; 31-40 years), and Group IV (0 Id adults; 41-70 years)) and all possible linear regressions were calculated for each group. The best prediction of body weight (kg) for all age groups (G I to G IV) was obtained based on two parameters; the chest girth (cm) and right forefoot circumference (cm). Single and also the combination of various parameters were used for the prediction' of body weight in different age groups. An equation to predict the height at the shoulders (cm) from right forefoot circumference (cm) for various age groups of elephants was also derived. Various parameters were correlated with age of the elephants and average values of these parameters were salculated for age approximation. The data were again divided into various age groups (Group A (Young ones; 0-20 years), Group B (Adults; 21-40 years), and Group C (Old adults; 41- 70 years)) and comparison of parameters between two age groups was done. The parameters such as depigmentation on the trunk, hair distribution, hollow on the temple region, width of the ear, circumference of tusk base and middle, and height at the shoulders had high correlation as well as significant difference in various age group comparisons. So, these parameters could be useful for age estimation in male elephants with more precision.
Open Access
Management Systems and Utilisation Pattern of Captive Male Elephants
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2004) Cijo K Joseph
The utilization pattern, management and nutrition of the elephants of Kerala under different ownership conditions were studied between June-2003 and July-2004 using survey method. The credibility of the information so collected was checked using triangulation method where, the information about an animal was collected from the owner, mahout, and also by physical verification of the claims in all possible cases. It was seen that the elephants of private owners with one elephant (25.2years) were significantly younger than the elephants of private owners with more than one elephant and elephants of temple trusts with one elephant (32.7 and 35.4 years respectively). The comparison of the height of the elephants revealed that the average height of elephants of forest department (245cm) was significantly lesser than the average height of elephants of private owners with more than one elephant and elephants of temple trusts with one elephant (278.7cm and 283.9cm respectively). The group wise variations in the frequencies of bath given to the elephants were insignificant but the duration of bath in elephants of forest department was significantly lesser than the average duration of bath in all other groups. It was also seen that most of the elephants in Kerala did not have proper housing facilities, and that majority of them were tied under tree on sandy floor. Studies on the utilization pattern of the elephants revealed that the elephants irrespective of their type of ownership were idle for most of the time in the year and that the elephants idled for the maximum number of days in a year (322.3 days). Further, the elephants of group-2 attended the maximum number of festivals in a year (82.9 ±6.92 days). Proximate analysis of the feed fed to the elephants revealed that the nutritional status of elephants of temples with one elephant was the highest. The study also revealed that all the elephants of group-4 were given restorative therapy and the elephants of group-5 were not given restorative therapy.
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
Medroxyprogesterone acetate as an aid to birth control programme in stray dogs
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Deepak Mathew, D K; KAU; Joseph Mathew
The utility of Medroxyprogesterone acetate as an aid in the birth control programme of stray dogs was studied. Eighteen early proestrus bitches were randomly allotted to three equal groups (Group A Group B and Group C). Group A animals were administered with a single subcutaneous injection of 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. Group B animals were administered medroxyprogesterone acetate orally at the rate of 10 mg per day for four days followed by 5 mg per day for another 12 days starting from the end of anoestrus. Six bitches of Group C acted as control animals. All animals in Group A and Group B responded to the treatment though one animal in Group A had returned to cycle in about 50 days. Reproductive cycle was controlled in all six animals of group A at a mean of 3.17 days and a mean of of 2.67 days in group B. Group A animals had a mean duration of control of 83.3 days while in group B it was 90 days. Vulval edema, vulval discharge, tail deviation reflex and interest in male decreased following treatment in Groups A and B while it seemed to be not changed or high in Group C animals. Detailed vaginal cytology was studied using Wright- Giemsa's stain. Cellular changes was characterized by a change from predominance of parabasal cells following treatment in Groups A and B while changes characteristic of oestrus cycle occurred in the control animals. There was significant difference in the mean percentage of parabasal cells between Groups A and B after treatment and during different stages of the oestrus cycle of the Group A up to end of dioestrus. Serum progesterone was estimated in all animals at fortnightly intervals. Animals in group A, B and C showed mean serum progesterone concentrations of 0.53 ng/ml, 0.57 ng/ml and 0.45 ng/ml during the beginning of proestrus. The mean progesterone in serum following treatment elevated in Group A to 27.83 ng/ml, while it maintained a low level of 0.55 ng/ml in group B and had a value of 4.43 ng/ml in group C which indicated oestrus phase. The progesterone level reached maximum concentration of 31.17 ng/ml on day 42 in group A and 49.00 ng/ml during dioestrus in group C. The values remained low in group B. Towards the end of experiment all animals had basal concentration of progesterone. It is concluded that reproductive control can be achieved effectively in bitches treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate by both oral and parenteral routes. Oral administration demand less technicalities and hence is more suitable for use in the field.
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
Performance of three introduced breeds of pigs in Kerala
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Dinesh, M T; KAU; Thomas, C K
A study was conducted to find out the production performance and adaptability of three newly imported breeds of "pigs viz. Duroc, Large White Yorkshire and Landrace and to compare it with that of existing Large White Yorkshire pigs of Kerala. Thirty animals from each group were selected for the study. All the animals were fed with same type of feed through out the experimental period. Body weight and body measurements were recorded at fortnighdy intervals. The quantity of feed consumed by each group was also recorded. Rectal temperature was measured at weekly intervals during the noon hours. Animals were also observed during noon and feeding hours to study the adaptive behavioral manifestations. The results revealed that the body weight of the newly imported pigs were superior to that of Mannuthy Large White Yorkshire pigs. The body weight averaged 64.50+6.63, 62.75±5.16, 82.031±8.50 and 39.89±7.23 between 4.5 to 5 months of age and 171.25+7.69, 173.66+7.38, 169.14±9,98 and 124.66±11.64 between 11 and 11.5 months of age. The newly imported pigs were ready for slaughter at 6.5 to 7.0 months of age while the Mannuthy Large White Yorkshire pigs attained the 100-kg target during 9.5 to 10.months of age. The average daily gain calculated for the Mannuthy Large White Yorkshire pigs was also lower than the three newly imported groups. Average daily gain up to 100 kg body weight averaged 630, 673, 672 and 453 g for Duroc, Large White Yorkshire Landrace and Mannuthy Large White Yorkshire pigs. Feed conversion ratio up to 100 kg body weight averaged 4.03, 3.95, 3.72 and 4.63 for the above four breeds. Results of body measurements show that the Large White Yorkshire pigs maintained at Mannuthy farm was the smallest animal in all weight, groups. Landrace pigs were the longest (120.47 cm) and duroc pigs were the tallest (87.63) at the end of the experimental period. Data regarding the rectal temperature revealed that the temperature recorded for the Mannuthy pigs was slightly higher than the three newly imported groups. Among the four breeds the newly imported Large White Yorkshire pigs were the most aggressive animal at the time of feeding while Duroc pigs were comparatively quiet at the time of feeding. The present study revealed that the overall production performance of Large White Yorkshire pigs, ancestors of which were imported to kerala about 20 years ago, is inferior to that of newly imported Duroc, Large White Yorkshire and Landrace pigs. But the production performance of Mannuthy, Large White Yorkshire pigs was found, to superior to that of many other exotic pigs maintained in other parts of India.
Open Access
Evolving low cost ration for commercial broiler rabbit production
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Biya Ann, Joseph; KAU; Kannan, A
A study was conducted to document the present rabbit farming scenario in Thrissur district and to evolve a low cost ration for rabbits utilizing concentrates and vegetable cuttings in different ratios. The documentation was conducted on thirty rabbit farmers using a well-designed questionnaire and personal interview. The socio-economic status of the rabbit farmers and management practices were studied. The composite feed samples fed to rabbits were analysed. The rabbit farmers mostly lived in a nuclear family system and were employed either in public sector or owned business. The reason for engaging in rabbit rearing was for additional income generated and for the value of keeping rabbits as pets. Most of the farmers had only 1-6 months experience and the responsibility of rearing rested with wife and children. New Zealand White was the preferred breed and the rabbits were mostly obtained from local rabbit farmers. Most farmers maintained herd strength of less than 20. A mixture of concentrate and locally available leaves and grasses was the major feeding method with a feeding frequency of twice a day and most rabbits were fed 100-125 g ration daily. The crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract of composite rabbit feed was 15.48%, 14.98% and 1.74% respectively. Pan watering was the common method of watering. Cage system was the preferred type of housing with a cage size of 2-4 sq.ft. and 4-6 sq.ft. Majority of the cages were located adjoining the house. Most rabbits were sold at 2 months of age at Rs. 100-150 per pair. Digestive disorders were the frequently occurring disease and rabbits were mostly treated by veterinary doctors. Use of nest box, manure disposal and daily cage cleaning were the commonly adopted scientific management practices. Thirty weaned New Zealand White rabbits were selected and utilized for the study. They were divided into five groups of six animals each and allotted to one of the following treatments: T1 – Rabbits fed with the ration (100 per cent concentrate) provided by the Rabbit Research Station, Mannuthy (Control). T2 – Rabbits fed with 75 per cent concentrate and 25 per cent vegetable cuttings on Dry Matter (DM) basis. T3 - Rabbits fed with 50 per cent concentrate and 50 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. T4 - Rabbits fed with 25 per cent concentrate and 75 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. T5 - Rabbits fed with 100 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. The parameters like fortnightly body weight, fortnightly body weight gain, average daily gain, average daily feed intake on dry and fresh matter basis, feed conversion efficiency, proximate analysis of concentrate and vegetable cuttings, occurrence of disease, carcass traits and economics of production showed significant difference between the treatments. T2 had the highest body weight among all treatments whereas T1 and T3 showed no significant weight difference and T5 had the least weight. A similar trend was seen in average fortnightly weight gain and average daily gain, with T2 having the highest gain and T5 the least gain. The daily feed intake had a linear increase from first to the sixth fortnight in all the treatment groups. The feed conversion efficiency (FCE) increases with increase in the percentage inclusion of vegetable cuttings on DM basis. Vegetable cuttings had a higher percentage moisture, crude fibre and total ash (79.63, 17.08 and 9.58) than concentrate (10.75, 4.09 and 3.57) but lower crude fat (1.75) and nitrogen free extract (50.64). The percentage crude protein content was almost similar in both concentrate (21.82) and vegetable cuttings (20.97). Digestive disorder was the commonly observed disease closely followed by mange. The dressing percentage varies from 45.31 in T5 to 52.27 in T2. The cost of production of one kg of rabbit meat ranges from Rs. 47.52 in T1 to Rs. 8.72 in T5. T2 has a higher weight and feed conversion efficiency, but the cost of production of Rs. 41.56 is high compared to T3, which is on par with T1 in weight gain and lower by Rs. 13.92 in its production cost. Hence rearing rabbits on a combination of 50% concentrate and 50% vegetable cuttings can be recommended for commercial broiler rabbit production.
Open Access
Management of captive young elephants in Kerala
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Acty, George; KAU; Anil, K S
The present study was undertaken to suggest suitable recommendations in the management of captive young elephants of Kerala after assessing the existing management, feeding and training practices through survey method. The credibility of information collected was cross checked with physical verification. Data was collected from the owners’ house holds and offices and sites where animal was tethered by personal interviews during March to August 2006. The observations made were on routine, housing feeding, diseases and health management, behaviour and temperament and record keeping. From the study, it was evident that majority of the elephant owners, first and second mahouts belonged to middle age groups. Even though none of the owners received training, half of the owners were richly experienced in elephant management. Majority of the owners and mahouts selected elephant rearing as hereditary business or job. Injury was a major constraint in case of mahouts. The young animals were divided in to three groups based on their age as 0- 2yrs (Group I), 2-6yrs (Group II) and 6-15yrs (Group III). Group II and III received more watering, wetting and bathing. Frequency of wetting and watering was highest in summer season. Actual training starts at 6 years of age and train the elephants for various purposes. It was evident that young elephants are fed above the nutritional requirements and kept idle for most of the time in the year. Boredom was found to be a factor for behavioural anomalies. Major ailments in young ones was diarrhoea were as impaction in adults. There was record keeping only in organized elephant care facilities.
Open Access
Techno economic analysis of rabbit farming in Kamakshy panchayath of Idukki district
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Chitra, R Nair; KAU; Saseendran, P C
The study was conducted to evaluate the success rate of rabbit farming in Idukki district, where the rabbit population is highest (38,433) in the state. Fifty rabbit units were selected at random and classified based on the number of doe units reared by them as small(1-10 doe unit), medium (11-20 doe unit) and large (>20 doe unit) to evaluate the farmers profile and managemental practices. Macro and microclimatological data of the study area were recorded during the study period. Monthly mortality of rabbits, breeding and monthly production of kits were also recorded. The feed ingredients fed to rabbits were analyzed. Mineral status, bio chemical parameters and lipid profile of serum was checked. Rainy season and transition period to rainy season found to have a pronounced impact on the mortality of rabbits in Kamakshy panchayath. The rabbit farmers here were not breeding their rabbits during the rainy season. The rabbit farmers mostly lived in nuclear family system and were having rabbit farming as their subsidiary occupation. Both middle aged (31-50 years) people and youngsters (<30 years) were mainly involved. In Kamakshy panchayath rabbit farming serve as an additional income for the small and medium farmers and as a means of livelihood security as far as the the large farmers are concerned. Majority of them were educated and having 5-10 years of experience.A combination of local grasses and kitchen waste were the predominant feeding pattern among small farmer groups. Cage system was the preferred type of housing with a cage size of 1-2 sq.ft. and 2-4 sq.ft. Cages were located adjoining the house, 1-15 ft to > 15 ft away from the house. Housing cost found to be very cheap in Kamakshy panchayath. Rabbits were sold predominantly on live weight basis, above two months of age in all the three farmer groups and were sold at less than Rs.100 per kg body weight. Pasteurellosis and Coccidiosis were the frequently occurring disease and this account for the major share of mortality among the rabbits. Majority of the small and medium farmers were doing treatment with the help of experienced farmers. The serum parameters like total proteins, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorous, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, proximate analysis of feed ingredients, slaughter studies, chemical analysis of meat and economic analysis of rabbit farming showed significant difference between groups. Azolla had a higher crude protein (18.68±0.32 Vs 12.62±0.32) and lower crude fibre (13.03±0.26 Vs 18.38±0.38) content compared to mixed grass. The protein content of azolla is comparable to the concentrate feed for rabbits and fibre content of mixed grass is good to prevent the digestive disorders. The dressing percentage varies from 41.11 in small to 51.3 in large farmer groups. Chemical analysis of meat revealed the highest value for crude protein content in Longissmus Dorsi (LD) muscle (20.79±0.50) and hind leg (20.47±0.49). The profit in rabbit farming from a single doe among the three farmer groups were calculated. Constraints in rabbit farming were studied and possible suggestions were made. Cogg- Douglas production function for rabbit farming in Kamakshy panchayath has given an average return to scale of 1.89. The profit per month from a single doe unit in small, medium and large farmers found to be Rs.117.13, Rs.133.73 and Rs.174.38 respectively. Cost for cages (Rs.38.87) and feed (Rs.449.93/year) which form the lions share in rabbit farming is very least among small farmer group. Thus this small scale backyard rabbitry can be a useful enterprise for providing supplementary income to improve the socio-economic conditions of the rural and urban poor and a large scale rabbitry can be recommended as an enterprise for livelihood security.

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