Theses

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 13

Open Access
Studies on Capon Production
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Jyotirmoy, Chakraborty; KAU; Sabarinathan Nair, R
The thesis incorporates the results of a feasibility study on economic utilization of Austra-White and White Leghorn surplus cockerels for capon production in the existing Indian conditions. Production performances of surgically caponized Austra-White and White Leghorn males were compared with their respective intacts at three stages, namely, 20th 24th and 28th week of age. A total number of 192 cockerels were involved in the study. Each treatment group comprised 12 birds and replicated four times. Caponization was carried out at 8 weeks of age. The production straits evaluated were body weight gain, feed efficiency, processing losses and yield, percentage ‘slips’, taste panel evaluation, proximate composition of meat and economics of production. Recordings of thermal data, weekly body weight and weekly feed consumption were made. At the 20th 24th and 28th weeks 16 birds randomly selected from each group were subjected to slaughter studies. The results indicated significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight gain for the capons over intact controls at 20 weeks. Austra-White capons were significantly (p<0.05) higher gain at the 24th week but White Leghorn capons did not differ significantly from their intacts at this stage. Capons and intacts did not differ significantly at 28 weeks of age. Feed efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) better for capons during all the periods under tests. The capon registered significantly (p<0.05) higher dressing loss than intacts whereas intacts registered significantly (p<0.05) higher loss due to head and shanks. Ready to cook yield did not differ significantly between treatments. Capons registered increased percentages of moisture, protein and other extract. Five per cent of capons were registered as ‘slips’. Austra-White capon meat top scored in tenderness, juiciness, and personal preference. Economic evaluation registered profitable returns for capons at 20th week, based on culled/spent hen meat value at university farm rates. Significantly higher returns were indicated when economic evaluations were made on market rates. From the results of the study it was concluded that Austra-White surplus cockerels can be effectively utilized for capon production and White Leghorn cockerels form small sized capons. Capons production can be an economic practical feasibility in Indian conditions and also capon meat is preferred over roaster meat. Surgical caponization can be effectively employed as a routine managemental procedure for economic utilization of surplus cockerels. It was also indicated that the optimum economic stage for marketing capons is 20 weeks of age.
Open Access
Dietary protein and energy requirements of caged layers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Jalaludeen, A; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
A 4 x 4 factorial trial designed to study the dietary requirements of protein and energy for caged egg type layers under the hot - humid conditions of Kerala is presented in this thesis. Single Comb White Leghorn strain cross pullets (IWN x IWP ) of the Mannuthy centre of AICRP on Poultry for eggs formed the experimental subjects. The birds were randomly alloted to 16 dietary protein-energy combination groups. The dietary protein levels employed were 14,16,18 and 20 per cent and that of energy levels were 2400, 2500, 2600 and 2700 Kcal ME per kg diet. General observations of the experiment were recorded over 12, 28 day periods. The varying levels of protein and energy employed in this study did not have any significant influenced on body weight gain. Birds fed 18 per cent dietary protein had significantly higher hen-day egg production and it was significantly lower for birds fed 14 percent dietary protein. Egg production observed between 16 and 20 per cent and that between 18 and 20 per cent protein were not statistically significant. Hen-day egg production was not influenced by various dietary energy levels employed. The daily feed intake per bird per day was not affect by the le4vels of protein and energy employed in this experiment. A dietary protein levels of 16, 18 and 20 per cent showed significantly superior feed efficiency, when expressed both in terms of feed per dozen egg as well as feed per kilogramme egg. Feed conversion efficiency was not influenced by verying energy levels employed. The egg weight was significantly influenced both by protein and energy levels. However, the changes exerted due to feeding of various dietary combinations did not show any definite trend. The ,mean shell thickness was significantly influenced by dietary protein levels whereas energy did not have any effect. There was a statistically significant decrease in albumen index and Haugh unit score and albumen index was influenced significantly by the energy level in the diet. The yolk index decreased with increase in protein content in the ration, whereas it was inconsistent with the dietary energy levels. Biochemical parameters such as haemoglobin, serum protein, serum inorganic phosphorus and packed cell volume were not influenced either by protein or energy levels. The level of dietary protein did not influence the serum lipid levels whereas the dietary energy had influenced. The dietary- protein-energy combinations in the diet significantly influenced liver lipid and liver lipid and liver protein. The values obtained on carcass analysis were well within the normal biological limits and did not show any specific effect due to different dietary treatments . All the birds showed a positive nitrogen balanced irrespective of the protein or energy levels in the diet. On the basis of these results it can be inferred that the levels of dietary protein and energy required for optimum production for layers raised in cages are 16 per cent and 2400 Kcal ME per kg, respectively. However, in practical feed formulation where amino acids balancing especially that of the critical amino acids being a problems in developing countries it is suggested that a dietary protein level of 18 per cent can be considered as optimal. FINDINGS : A 4 x 4 factor
Open Access
Selection studies in chicken for egg number on part records
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciencs, Mannuthy, 1986) Maheswar, Rath; KAU; Unni, A K K
All India co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry Breeding for egg located at Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy , Trichur is maintaining two strains of white Leghorn which are subjected to selection for high egg production since 1978. The criterion of selection has been IDS method of index selection by combining the information on sire and dam family averages with the individual’s performances, for egg number up to 280 days of age. The present investigation was planned with the following objectives. -To evaluate the response of intrapopulation selection for part period egg production. -To estimate the genotypic and phenotypic parameters for different traits. -To evaluate the the correlated responses in unselected traits. -To measure the time trend in genetic parameters. -To measure the interstrain variation for some economic traits. To achieve these objectives data collected over a period of five generations, including base generation, on the experimental populations were utilized. Chicks hatched during 1979-80 hatching year of each strain constituted the foundation stock (S0). Thereafter both strains were subjected to four generations of selection. Standard managemental throughout experimental period. practices were followed uniformly The traits measured were egg number up to 280 day of age (EP), age at first egg in days (ASM), body weight in grammes at 20 and 40 weeks of age (20 wk-40 wk BW ) and egg weight (BW) in grammes at 30.40 weeks of age. The average effective number of male breeders, female breeders and progenies with complete records were 40, 238.4 and 1165.8 in IWN and 39.8, 232.2 and 1076.6 in IWP strains, respectively, over generations. The effective populations size over generations were 136.62 in IWN and 135.33 in IWP strains. The coefficient of inbreeding increased by two per cent in both populations over four generations of selections which would be the upper limit due to intentional avoidance of sib matings. Since hatch effects were significant for most of the traits, data were corrected for hatch effects before analysis by fitting least square constants. The heritability of each trait and correlations between traits were estimated initially intra generation-strain basis following variance and covariance component anaylsis and then pooled over generations within strain to provide mean estimates. The heritability estimates of various traits obtained in this study were consistent with several earlier reports. Sexlinked effects appeared to be important in the inheritance of EP 20 WK, BN, EW and ASM in IWP strain whereas maternal effects wee important for 40 WK, BN. But sex-linked effects for 40 weeks BN appeared to be important in IWN. The genetic and phenotypic correlations of the present study were close to several earlier reports both in direction and magnitude. The genetic parameter estimates did not show any significant time trends due to four generations of selection in both populations. The realized phenotypic response per generation obtained from regression of generation means on generation number were 8.30 + 1.60 eggs in IWN 5.37 + 1.6-0 eggs in IWP strains, which were significantly different from zero. The correlated response per generation for ASM, 20wk BN, 40 wk BN and BN due to selection for part period egg number were-4.26 d, 28.46 g, - 10.32 g, -0.28 in IWN and –4.45 d, 37.28 g, -13.80 g, -0.02 g in IWP strains, respectively. The realized gains in selected and unselected traits agreed well with the predicated response in direction but not in magnitude, except 40 wk in IWP which was in opposite direction. For all the traits the realized gains were found to be higher than the predicted gains except BN of IWP which was less than the predicated response. Difference were highly significant between the two strains for all the traits under study in the generation except S2 for BN : S0 for ASM, 20 wk BN: S3 for 40 wk BN : S0, S1 and S3 for BN.
Open Access
Status of broiler production In Kerala with special reference to Trichur
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary, Mannuthy, 1988) Aboobacker, M; KAU; Regunathan Nair, G
A survey was undertaken to assess the present status of broiler farming in Thrissur, a major broiler producing district in Kerala. Thirtytwo farms were selected for the survey based on holding strength and frequency of intake. Following are some of the salient points that emerged from the survey. All the farmers were literate and had taken up broiler farming for generating additional income to sustain the family. Majority of the farmers were raising 300 birds per crop with fortnightly intake and were adopting scientific management practices. Organized marketing channel was absent and the birds were disposed off at the farm site itself in retail or wholesale. Dressing of birds in large scale was not being practiced. Results indicated that the mortality rate, body weight at marketing and feed conversion ratio were 6.69 per cent, 1.48 kg and 2.49 respectively. The major portion of production cost was attributed to feed (56.26%) followed by chick (28.56%) and labour (4.31%). Seasons of the year had no appreciable effect on broiler productivity except slight higher mortality due to heat stress during hot seasons. Study also revealed that increasing the stock intake reduces the cost of production with increase in net return. The productivity both in terms of market body weight and livability were adversely affected in farms where hired labour was used resulting in much lower net income. Low profit farms (less than Rs.2.00 per bird sold) showed higher mortality (13.56%) and low body weight at disposal. The survey revealed that better productivity could be achieved by improving efficiency of production particularly reduction in feed cost, increasing livability and adoption of a tangible marketing system so as to obtain remunerative price even during lean seasons.
Open Access
Calcium and phsophorus requirements of caged layers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Brahma, T C; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
A 4 x 4 factorial arrangement to determine the dietary requirements of calcium and phosphorus for caged layers under the hot-humid agro-climatic conditions of Kerala is presented in this thesis. Two hundred fifty six single comb White leghorn strain cross pullets (IWN x IWP ) of the Mannuthy Centre of AICRP on Poultry foe eggs formed the experimental birds. The birds were randomly assigned to 16 dietary calcium-phosphorus combination groups. The dietary calcium levels employed were 2.50, 3.00, 3.50 and 4.00 per cent and that of phosphorus levels wee 0.50 , 0.60, 0.70 and 0.80 percent the observations of the experiment were recorded over 10,28 day – periods The percent hen-day egg production and feed efficiency (both on egg number and egg mass) were significantly (P < 0.01) superior in birds fed 4.00 percent dietary calcium. The dietary levels of phosphorus had not exerted any influence on hen-day egg production and feed efficiency. The feed intake and egg weight were not influenced either by the dietary levels of calcium or phosphorus or both. The egg shell quality (specific gravity and shell thickness ) was significantly (P < 0.01 ) better in egg laid by hens fed 3.50 and 4.00 percent dietary calcium. The percent egg shell was significantly (p< 0.01) highest with 3.50 percent calcium. However, percent egg shell between 3.50 and 4.00 percent dietary calcium was not statistically different. The egg shell quality (specific gravity, shell thickness and percent shell) was significantly (P< 0.01) poorest with 2.50 percent calcium diet. The dietary phosphorus levels had not exerted any significant influence on egg shell quality (specific gravity, shell thickness and percent shell). The serum calcium level, serum inorganic phosphorus level and percent tibia ash were not influenced by the levels of dietary calcium and phosphorus . The serum alkaline and acid phosphatase levels did not give any clue as to the adequacy of the dietary calcium and phosphorus level employed. The calcium intake was higher with higher levels of dietary calcium. There was a trend of increased absolute calcium retention as the calcium level in the diets increased but it was not statistically significant. Dietary phosphorus levels positively improved absolute retention calcium. The mortality among birds were nit suggestive of any influence due to dietary calcium and phosphorus. The results of experiments revealed that in terms of any of the major economic traits used for evaluating the dietary calcium adequacy of caged layers, 4.00 percent calcium was found to be superior over the other levels. In respect of dietary phosphorus, the levels of 0.50 per cent seems to be adequate but the absolute retention of phosphorus was negative at this level of incorporation irrespective of calcium levels. Therefore, it will be more logical to set the requirements of dietary phosphorus at 0.60 per cent than at 0.50
Open Access
Keeping Quality of Shell Eggs During Summer
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science,Mannuthy, 1981) Radhakrishnan Nair, R; KAU; Venugopalan, C K
A study was conducted to asses the keeping quality of shell eggs during summer months of March, April and May. Quality deterioration on 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and 15th days of storage of eggs held at room temperature was measured. Simulteniuosly lime treated eggs at room temperature and eggs held in cooler at 10 to 130 C were also evaluated similarly. A total of 432 tables eggs were used for the study, 144 eggs under each treatment. The traits measured for quality assessment were weight loss, albumen index, yolk index, haugh unit score, per cent thick albumen and albumen pH. Following observations were made from the study: 1. The average temperature and humidity during the three months of study did not vary greatly and were 310 C and 61.3 per cent relative humidity respectively. 2. Irrespective of the mode of storage deterioration in quality with respect to all the traits increased with the increase in the period of storage. 3. Based on Haugh unit score it was observed that eggs stored at room temperature without any treatment maintained reasonable quality only upto 10 days while those stored under both the treatments were reasonably good even on the 15th day of storage. 4. At all stages of storage upto 15 days eggs held at room temperature without any treatment were decidedly inferior to those stored in cooler or after lime treatment with regard to all quality factors. 5. Both lime treatment and holding in cooler were found equally effective in maintaining egg quality upto 15 days of storage. The following conclusions are drawn based on the results of the study. I. It is not advisable to keep shell eggs at room temperature in summer for more than ten days before consumption. II. Eggs can be stored safely for 15 days without loosing market quality greatly if preserved after lime treatment or in cooler at 10 to 130 C. III. Even though both the methods of preservation employed in the study was found to be more or less equally effective, lime sealing appeared a simple economic and suitable technique of preservation for small scale producers.
Open Access
Dietry protein and energy requirements of meat type Japanese quail for growth
(Department of Poultry Science,College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1987) Narayanankutty, K; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
A three square factorial experiment designed to study the dietary requirments of protein and energy for meat type Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) for growth, under the hot-humid conditions of Kerala is presented in this thesis. Quail chicks of seven day old age were obtained in three batches at three weeks interval between batches. Each batch consisted of 324 quail chicks and were obtained from the same source in order to keep the genetic make up constant. The birds were randomly allotted to nine dietary protein-energy combination groups. The dietary protein levels employed were 22, 24 and 26 per cent and that of energy level were 2700, 2900 and 3100 Kcal ME/kg diet. General observations were made for three, six week periods. The body weight at fifth and sixth week of age was not influenced by the dietary levels of protein or energy used in the study. Whereas body weight at the earlier ages were influenced (p<0.01) by the dietary treatments. Higher dietary protein levels of 24 and 26 per cent resulted in significantly heavier (p<0.01) body weight. The body weight was found to be decreased with increase in energy levels in the diet. The body weight gains were no influenced by the dietary treatments except at the second week of age. The overall weight gain from 1 to 5 and 1 to 6 weeks of age revealed that both protein and energy influenced the character significantly (p<0.01). The feed consumption data reiterated the already established fact that feed intake is regulated more by the energy level rather than protein levels in the diet. The overall consumption from 1 to 5 and 1 to 6 weeks of age revealed that the protein levels did not influence the feed consumption whereas energy levels influenced. The feed efficiency in earlier ages was significantly (p<0.01) better with higher protein diet, but from fourth week of age it was inconsistent. However, the overall feed efficiency from 1 to 5 as well as 1 to 6 weeks of age indicated statistically superior ( The processing data both at fifth and sixth week of age were not influenced by the levels of the protein, energy or both employed in the study. The ready to cook yield and total offal at fifth week of age averaged 75.47 and 24.53 per cent respectively and those at sixth week of age were 77.78 and 22.22 per cent respectively. The breast constituted the highest followed by back, thigh, drumstick, wing and neck among the cut-up-parts at both ages. The meat-borne ratio at fifth and sixth week of age averaged 1.90 with range of 1.81 to 2.05 and 1.98 with a range of 1.93 to 2.05 respectively. The liver protein progressively increased with increase in protein content and liver lipid increased with increase in energy levels in the diet during both five and six weeks of age. Similar trend was observed in the case of serum protein and lipid at both these ages. The haemoglobin levels were not influenced by the treatments. Even though the values obtained on carcass analysis were well with in the normal biological limits, the ether extractive per cent at fifth and sixth week of ages were influenced (p<0.01) by the dietary treatments. All the birds showed a positive nitrogen balance irrespective of the protein or energy levels in the diet. Extremely poor deposition of abdominal fat in quails slaughtered at both these ages was observed. Even though the results of weekly body weight and weight gain tend to suggest a two stage requirement namely one from one week to three week of age and the other from four week of age down, the absence of any significant influence by either protein or energy levels in the diet on body weight at fifth and sixth week of age does not provide sufficient rationale for such suggestion. But the overall feed efficiency from initial to either fifth or sixth week did show significant influence of dietary protein levels, higher level of 26 per cent being superior over other levels. Thus it appears to set the energy and protein requirement at 2700 Kcal ME/kg diet and 26 per cent respectively. The better feed efficiency at fifth week of age when compared to sixth week of age and also the absence of any statistically significant difference in slaughter characteristics between fifth and sixth week of age tend to suggest fifth week of age as ideal age of slaughter.
Open Access
Survey on the status of duck farming in Kerala state
(Department of Poultry Science,College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1983) Ravindran, T K; KAU; Venugopalan, C K
The results of a survey to assess the status of duck farming in Kerala is reported in this thesis. The economic background of duck farmers in the state was not generally found enough to support their families. Educationally, majority of them had only primary education. Unlike chicken, flocks of ducks consisting of 350-400 are taken from place to place in search of post-harvested paddy fields for browsing . Three members are necessary to mange one flock. Duck rearing is mainly concentrated in Kuttanad area of Alleppy and Kottayam district were the conditions are congenial for brooding and rearing of ducklings. Specialization in the production of day-old duckling is a feature of Kuttanad duck industry. Large number of broody hens are the only natural incubators for the duck eggs and the percentage of hatchability obtained by farmers is 80-85. Artificial incubation and day-old sexing are not at all practiced. Cooked rice mixed with fresh coconut gratings formed the opening meal for the ducklings. Mortality during the rearing period is only five per cent. Ducklings are allowed to swim from seventh day onwards and they are taken to the open paddy fields for foraging after one month. The average egg production reported by the farmers for the desi ducks is 130-140 eggs per duck per year and flock of ducks is used for laying upto the age of three years. Mortality among adult ducks is very rare. The marketing of duck eggs is now fully under the control of private commission agents, who act as financiers to the duck farmers as well.
Open Access
Genetic effects influencing egger traits from diallel mating system
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1983) Rashbehari, Singh K; KAU; Unni, A K K (Guide)
A 3 x 3 diallel cross was made using IWP, IWN and F strains of White Leghorn at the All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry for Eggs, Thrissur centre. Age at first egg in days, body weight at 20 and 40 weeks of age in grammes, egg number up to 280 days of age and egg weight (g) at 38 weeks of age were recorded for all the nine genetic groups. Strain F was found to be superior in performance among the purebreads in terms of the traits considered in the study. The over all merit of F strain, as sire line, was found to be good, yielding birds in cross combinations with low age at maturity, moderate body weight and egg weight satisfactory egg yield. IWP strain appeared to perform well as a dam line and crosses produced using IWP strain as a dam line were heavy in body weight and egg weight matured early and also produced quality good number of eggs. F strain when used as a female line might be more economical as they produced lighter hybrids capable of producing good number of eggs and maturing early. However, the impact on egg weight had to be critically assessed. Beneficial heterosis of significance was not generated up on crossing. However a positive heterosis was obtained when F and IWP strains were crossed but it did not reach a level of significance. IWN x IWP was also found to be a cross with good potential and as such both F x IWP and IWN x IWP crosses may exposed for extensive field testing while efforts to improve the production potential in these strains may be continued by appropriate intra-population selection method.

Theses

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results