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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
Performance of desi x exotic cross-bred layers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1992) Jayanthy, M V; KAU; Leo, Joseph
Data were collected on egg production performance of two cross-breds viz. desi X Austra White (DAW) and desi X New Rock (DNR) from 20 to 40 weeks of age. The birds in each cross consisted of naked neck and normal neck varieties. DNR cross birds were significantly heavier at 20 and 40 weeks of age than DAW cross birds. The body weight in Naked neck and normal neck varieties comparable in both crosses. Age at sexual maturity was 184 and 189 days in DNR and DAW crosses respectively. Hen housed and hen day egg numbers were similar in both crosses (37.61 and 47.61 vs 34.40 and 47.81), while the naked neck birds in both crosses showed higher hen housed and hen day egg number between the varieties in DAW cross was significant (53.82 Vs 34.86). The eggs were significantly heavier in DNR cross than in DAW cross (46.74 Vs 44.88) whereas the varieties with in both crosses laid eggs of similar size. The mean daily feed consumption and feed efficiency were also similar in both crosses (106.61 g and 4.09 Vs 104.95 g and 4.93). In DAW cross, the naked neck birds registered a better feed efficiency. While DNR birds were multicolored and laid brown eggs, DAW crosses consisted of only black, grayish white with black patches and grey birds which laid tinted eggs. Broodiness was observed in both the crosses. Egg quality was excellent in both the crosses and varieties with in crosses, at 32 weeks of age. Livability was also similar in both crosses though it was poor. Considering the overall performance, the DNR cross was adjudged as a better cross for the backyard.
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
Evaluation of productive performance of desi ducks reared in vconfinment
(Department of Poultry Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Andrews, C V; KAU; Venugopalan, C K
This thesis embodies the results of an evaluation of the productive performance of Desi ducks reared in confinement. One hundred ducks of 135 days old were reared in two groups of 50 each under intensive and semi intensive system of management. The results revealed that the ducks reared under intensive system returned better hen-day egg production and also consumed less feed than those under semi intensive system. The efficiency of feed conversion did not differ, between treatments. The pattern of the body weight maintenance was similar in both the systems and the survival rates were excellent in both systems. The two systems of rearing did not appear to exert any influence on the egg size or egg quality in terms of albumen, yolk and shell percentages. Fertility and hatchability of eggs were better in the semi intensive system. It was concluded from the above results that the intensive system of rearing Desi ducks may be adopted for table egg production while for breeding purposes, semi intensive system may be better choice.
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Studies on certain economic traits in desi ducks
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Thrissur, 1977) Renchi P, George; KAU; Unni, A K K
This thesis embodies the results of an investigation carried out to study the incubation, growth and processing characteristics of desi ducks (Anas platyrhyncos). Duck eggs procured from a local farmer were used in this study. Sound eggs were weighed and their shape indices were calculated based on the measurements of length and width of individual eggs. The eggs were grouped in to four shape index ranges and were incubated in chicken incubator. The hatch records were obtained. The dead in shells and dead germs were subjected to bacteriological and pathological studies. The ducklings hatched were reared on two systems of management viz., battery and litter floor upto seventh week of age when they were transferred to semi intensive system upto twelve weeks of age. Thirty randomly selected male ducklings were subjected to slaughter studies at twelve weeks age. The desi duck egg showed a mean weight of 68.86 g with a range of 55 to 85 g. The study reveals that the shape index has no influence on fertility, hatchability or weight of duckling at hatch. Egg weight was found to be significantly correlated with the hatch weight of ducklings. It was observed that the fertility of eggs was fairly good even with a male femal ratio of 1: 25. The incubation data suggested that duck eggs could be efficiently hatched in incubators meant for chicken with suitable measures to provide higher humidity. Weekly body weight, feed and water consumption data for desi ducklings are placed on records. The male ducklings recorded better body weights over the females during all ages confirming the normal sexual dimorphism. The special problems, encountered in the processing of desi ducks are discussed and data on yields and losses during dressing are presented.
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.

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