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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
Shelf life of irradiated rabbit meat underaerobic and vacuum packaging
(Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Sonika, S; KAU; Kuttinarayanan, P
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (1954) as amended in 1998 has permitted irradiation at a dose rate of 2.5 to 4.5 kGy to control pathogenic microorganisms and to extend the shelf life of meat and meat products including poultry products. A study was conducted to evaluate the shelf life of irradiated rabbit meat under aerobic and vacuum packaging. The rabbit meat was prepared by slaughtering locally purchased rabbits under hygienic conditions and was packed in HDPE and PAPE packages at a rate of 120 g each. Half of the packets of aerobic and vacuum packaged samples were subjected to gamma radiation at 2.5 kGy at melting ice temperature and kept immediately at chiller temperature (1 to 4oC) and domestic refrigerator freezer (-6 to -8oC). Samples were analyzed for physical, physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic qualities on the day of preparation and on days 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, and 70 of storage or until spoilage, whichever was earlier. The samples were also analyzed for proximate composition on the day of preparation. The dressing percentage of the rabbits subjected to the study was 49.35 per cent. The keeping quality of the rabbit meat was 15 to 18, 17 to 19, 5 to 7 and 7 to 9 days in HDPE IR, PAPE IR, HDPE NR and PAPE NR respectively at chiller temperature. In freezer temperature it was significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 45 to 47, 47 to 49, 25 to 27 and 27 to 29 days in HDPE IR, PAPE IR, HDPE NR and PAPE NR respectively. Irradiation or packaging did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect fat, protein and ash composition but higher moisture percentage was observed in irradiated samples. Swelling of the collagen fibres was noticed in irradiated samples on histological examination. The physicochemical parameter, pH of irradiated and non-irradiated samples varied significantly (P < 0.05) on the day of preparation. On storage the pH values decreased uniformly. The WHC was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in irradiated samples. The ability of the rabbit meat to retain its water decreased gradually on storage and a reduction of about 40 per cent could be noticed from the initial level. Drip loss was not significantly (P < 0.05) different on the day of preparation. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) effect in enhancing the cooking loss whereas packaging had little effect. Both drip loss and cooking loss was increased significantly (P < 0.05) due to storage under chiller and freezer temperature. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) role in increasing the TBARS value of rabbit meat. As the days of storage enhanced, the TBARS values were increased. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) effect in reducing the TV in both type of packaging. As storage period enhanced, TV increased with significant (P < 0.05) changes among treatments. Irradiation had a beneficial effect on microbiological qualities of rabbit meat. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of nearly three log in APC of irradiated meat from that of control. The irradiation of the samples both in HDPE and PAPE packaging significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the PC of meat on the day of preparation where as storage had significant (P < 0.05) effect in enhancing the microbial load of meat. The colour score was non-significantly (P < 0.05) higher in irradiated samples. The juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability scores were improved significantly (P < 0.05) due to irradiation, where as flavour score was reduced. The sensory attributes were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced due to storage in all the treatment groups. The keeping quality of rabbit meat was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by irradiation both in chiller and freezer under different packaging. In addition irradiation could effectively control food borne illness by destroying the major pathogenic organism without affecting the sensory and nutritional quality of the product. Considering these advantages it can be recommended that packaging the meat in PAPE packages followed by low dose gamma irradiation and maintaining the cold-chain contribute to extended storage life of rabbit meat.
Open Access
Waste management system evaluation in commercial dairy farms
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Sany Thomas; KAU; Joseph Mathew
The present study on “Waste management system evaluation in commercial dairy farms” was conducted to assess the usefulness of the different waste management methods adopted in dairy farms of Kerala. Study area comprised of Thrissur, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts and adjoining area of central and northern Kerala. Forty five dairy farms were identified and visited in and their profile of the study area .Data regarding general outlay of the farms selected management practices in the farm, livestock details and existing waste management methods in the farms were collected and studied. The dairy farms under study were classified based on the animal holding capacity as those with less than six animals (class 1), 6-20 animals (class 2), 21-50 animals (class 3)and 51-100 animals (class 4), and above 100 animals (class 5). Among the 45 farms under study, four per cent belonged to class 1, forty nine per cent belonged to class 2, thirty five belonged to class 3, six per cent farms came under the classes 4 and 5.There was no commercialization of waste management methods adopted by the farms. The majority farms had dung pit as waste disposal method and no regularity in dung removal from pit, it was upon demand. Regarding the soil quality, there was no significant difference in the soil nutrients quantity between different groups of farms. Regarding water quality, the water samples collected from the nearby water bodies were inferior in quality in terms of microbiology and BOD. Air quality stands below the permitted standards in all groups of farms. Intervention by the government, local bodies and scientific institutions must be made in this area supporting the farmers to develop awareness in this serious issue and also providing necessary technical and financial support for the farmers to construct proper waste management systems such as compost unit as well as biogas plants because they provide a support for the most efficient waste management system in a dairy farm proving that waste is wealth
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
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.
Open Access
Population,age and sex assessment of free-ranging elephants of Periyar tiger reserve
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Subhash, C K; KAU; Saseendran, P C
A demographic study on the free ranging elephants of Periyar Tiger Reserve was conducted from March to May 2005. Herd composition, age structure and sex assessment were the main parameters recorded. The technique of molecular sexing using dung extracted DNA was incorporated into the study to reduce error in determining sex by physical verification. The published results by different investigators on the structure and pattern of elephant population in Periyar Tiger Reserve varied widely, especially on the age structure and biased sex ratios towards females giving the elephants in Periyar Tiger reserve a high priority conservation status. This information formed the basis for the study. Of the total 239 elephants observed in 43 herds, 193 elephants were classified based on age and sex. It was found that more than 50 per cent of the recorded elephants were adult females. The calves formed 5.19 per cent, juveniles 20.76 per cent, sub adults 20.76 per cent and adult males only 0.889 per cent of the observed population. Females formed 81.99 per cent and males formed only 18.01% of the population, but the proportion of males and females in the calf and juvenile category was almost same, with a shift biased towards the females from the sub adult category onwards. The sex ratios in the juvenile, sub adult and adult categories were 1:0.9, 1:4.71 and 1:58.95 respectively. In the observed age-sex classes, adult females and sub adult females formed the major portion (69.53 %) of the population, a shift towards the older age class. The calving interval of the Periyar elephants was above 10 years and the fecundity rate 0.099 indicating a population suggestive of acute shortage of breeding bulls and approximately only one in ten adult females conceive every year. This is the first study to combine reliable conventional tools and molecular methods to assess sex of free-ranging elephant population of Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is found that molecular sexing is a very reliable tool for assessing the sex of individuals of free-ranging wild animal populations. The study infers that the present situation of the Periyar elephants is crucial and calls for further research and immediate active population management strategies.

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