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ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Capon Production(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Jyotirmoy, Chakraborty; KAU; Sabarinathan Nair, RThe 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.ThesisItem 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, JosephData 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.ThesisItem 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, GA 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.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of crosses of indigenous naked neck with white leghorn and new hampshire(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2000) Jomy John, KAU; Leo JosephAn experiment was conducted at Kerala Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy, to evaluate and compare the production traits of Naked Neck x White Leghorn (NNWL) and Naked Neck x New Hampshire (NNNH) crosses under deep litter system of rearing from '20 to 40 weeks 'lge. Seventy five pullets of' each cross were housed in identical pens of 15 birds cach and production performance was evaluated for five 28- day periods from February to July 1999. Standard feeding and managemental practices were followed throughout the study . . The NNNH were heavier than NNWL at 20 weeks of age (1855.6 vs l496.lg) and at 40 weeks of age (2436.7 and 2004.1 g). The age at first egg of l46.8±1.48 days in NNNH was significantly earlier than 152±1.3days in NNWL. The age at 50 per cent production was similar in NNWL (162.4 ±1.92 days) and NNNH (164.6 ±1.7 days). The week-wise mean hen housed production in NNWL reached a peak of 80.57 per cent at 26th week of age, while NNNH attained a peak of 81.0 per cent at zs" week of age. The overall mean hen housed number up to 40 weeks of age was 86.39 in NNWL and 83.85 in NNNH. Hen day production remained the same as hen housed production up to 39th week of age and the overall trend was similar. The daily feed consumption from 21 to 40 weeks of age was 124.83g in NNWL and l2S.l4g in NNNH.,The feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs was 2.89 for NNWL and 3.01 for NNNH. Broodiness was shown by nine birds in NNWL for durations ranging from 9 to 63 days while eight birds in NNNH were broody for durations ranging from 22 to 69 days. The mean egg weight from 21 -- 40 weeks was 48.73g in NNWL and 48.44 g in NNNH. The shell thickness was 0.376 mm in NNWL and 0.373 in NNNH. The Haugh unit score was 84.78 in NNWL and 88.00 in NNNH. The plumage Colour in NNWL was off white, but a few birds showed brownish colour on wing feathers. 90 per cent of the NNNH birds had chestnut coloured plumage resembling New Hampshire birds while the rest were multi coloured resembling indigenous Naked Neck birds. Egg shell was tinted in NNWL while NNNH eggs were brown or shades of brown. The livability was 98.7 percent in NNWL, while it was 100 per cent in NNNH. The cost of feed consumed per egg was 202.12 paise for NNWL and 208.94 paise for NNNH [or the entire course of the study. Both NNWL and H cross had statistically comparable hen housed production, egg weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. Both the crosses had excellent livability and good egg quality. However a significantly higher body weight both at 20 and 40 weeks of age, earlier average age at first egg, coloured plumage pattern, and brown shelled eggs in NNNH cross are much preferred by rural farmers, The results of the present study warrants further studies on Naked Neck x New Hampshire cross under field conditions.ThesisItem 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 KThis 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.ThesisItem Restricted 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 KThis 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.ThesisItem 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 KA 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.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of microbial phytase on nutrient utilization in broilers(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Balasubramanian, D; KAU; Jalaludeen, AAn eight week feeding trial using 180 day-old broiler chicks was conducted to study the influence of phytase supplementation (Natuphos''^-5000) on nutrient utilization and subsequent performance. Treatments involved a standard broiler diet, a low available phosphorus (LAP) diet and the low available phosphorus diet plus graded levels of phytase at the rate of 500, 750 and 1000 units / kg diet. The groups fed standard broiler diet and low available phosphorus diets supplemented with 750 and 1000 units phytase showed significantly (P<0.01) higher body weight and weight gain. The cumulative feed intake was statistically comparable among the experimental diets at sixth week, whereas, at eighth week it was significantly (P<0.05) lower in LAP diet without phytase than that of other diets. The feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.01) improved by the addition of phytase at 750 and 1000 units / kg in comparison to low available phosphorus diet. Graded levels of phytase addition linearly improved nitrogen retention while energy retention was significantly (P<0.01) higher in groups fed 750 and 1000 units of phytase / kg. The addition of 750 and 1000 units of phytase / kg diet significantly (P<0.01) increased the availability of calcium while phosphorus availability was improved by all levels of enzyme 500, 750 and 1000 units / kg. The excretion of phosphorus was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in enzyme supplemented groups. The availability of manganese and zinc was significantly more in enzyme supplemented groups. Tibial ash, serum calcium and serum inorganic phosphorus were significantly (P<0.01) increased by the addition of 750 and 1000 units of dietary phytase / kg both at sixth and eighth week of age. The serum alkaline phosphatase level was significantly (PO.Ol) decreased in the diets supplemented with phytase. Supplementation of phytase had no effect on per cent dressed yield and giblet yield. The per cent R-to-C yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups fed standard diet, LAP diet and 500 units phytase supplemented diet at sixth week. Whereas at eighth week it was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups fed standard diet and 1000 units phytase added diet. The livability was not influenced by dietary phytase and available phosphorus levels. The net profit per kg live weight at eighth week was 29, 94 and 85 paise higher in groups fed 500, 750 and 1000 units of phytase, respectively in comparison to LAP diet. The results suggested that supplementation of 750 units of phytase per kg in low available phosphorus diets is advantageous for commercial broiler chicken production.ThesisItem Open Access Efficacy of certain litter materials on broiler performance(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Sini Thomas; KAU; Amritha ViswanathAn experiment was designed and conducted at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to evaluate the efficacy of different litter materials on the performance of broilers under hot-humid conditions of Kerala. Two hundred and ten, one-day old straight-run commerical broiler chicks were reared for a period of eight weeks. The birds were allotted into five different litter treatment groups, viz., wood shavings (T,) which formed the control group, saw dust (T2), rice husk (T,), coir pith (TJ and paddy chaff (T5), each comprising of three replicates with fourteen birds each. Standard broiler starter and finisher rations were formulated as per BIS (1992) specifications for the broilers. The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions upto eight weeks of age. Results of the study revealed that body weight and body weight gain were not influenced by different litter treatments throughout the experimental period. Eventhough feed consumption and feed efficiency were influenced by litter materials during the initial periods, there obsno impact for the rest of the experimental period. Processing yields and losses were not affected by different litter treatments. Litter quality parameters like weight of the litter at the beginning and end of the experiment, weekly moisture content, fortnightly ammonia-nitrogen content, nitrogen-phosphorus- potassium content, litter pH and proximate composition of the litter at the beginning, at sixth week and eighth week were significantly different (P<0.01) between different treatment groups. It was observed that eventhough there was significant difference (P<0.05) between treatment groups for mortality by fourth week of age, no significant difference was obtained for all other periods. Cost-benefit analysis revealed that net profit per bird by sixth week and eighth week of age was more for litter materials, viz., saw dust, rice husk, coir pith and paddy chaff than wood shavings. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that different litter materials, viz., saw dust, rice husk, coir pith and paddy chaff are equally good for broiler raising as wood shavings during the month of January through March in Kerala.
