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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Optimization of agronomic resources for maximizing grain and mill yield of rice
    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, 1976) Kannan, Mukundan; KAU; Pande, H K
    An investigation was planned during the main growing season, i.e., ‘aman’ (June to November ) to find out the optimum levels of the major inputs for rice cultivation such as nitrogen, phosphate, and water, associated with the management practices like optimum time of harvest, in order to maximize production and to obtain quality paddy which, when processed, should give a high quality rice and thereby high economic return. Keeping the above points in view, four field experiments were conducted during two consecutive ‘aman’ seasons of 1972 and 1973 in a cultivators’ field at abhoy Ashram, Balaramapur which is located about 3 km south – east of the Institute. The farm soil was silty – clay – loam, having a pH of 8.1. The experiments were conducted with the high – yielding rice variety IR 22 to study its performance under three levels each of nitrogen, phosphate and submergence and laid out in 3 x 3 x 3 confounded design. Nine additional plots to accommodate ‘o’ levels of nitrogen and phosphate were included for fitting production functions. In the first year of experimentation, the nitrogen and phosphate levels were 60, 120 and 180 kg/ha and 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha respectively. In the second year, the levels were 60, 90 and 120 kg N/ha and 30, 45 and 60 kg P2O5/ha. The modification in the levels of nitrogen and phosphate, in the second year, were made on the basis of the findings of the first year of experimentation. In both the years, the levels of submergence were kept constant, i.e., 0 – 5 cm, 5 + 2 cm, and 10 + 2 cm. For finding out the optimum grain moisture at harvest, suitable for higher milling yield, the crop was harvested at 25.5 – 22.5, 22.5 – 19.5 – 16.5 and 16.5 – 13.5 per cent grain moisture. The optimum levels of each input for maximizing grain yield and head yield were found out by fitting production functions. To identify a suitable variety under a specific management of production and processing, four high yielding rice varieties – Sona, Jayanthi, Pankaj and IR 22 were grown in ‘aman’ season of 1972 and 1973 with similar levels of nitrogen and phosphate as mentioned in Experiments 1 and 2; an additional treatment, with nitrogen and phosphate at ‘o’ level was also included. These experiments were laid out in 4 x 4 x 4 confounded design. The crop was grown under continuous submergence of 5 +2 cm and was harvested at grain moisture content ranging between 19.5 and 16.5 per cent. Treatment wise experimental details and the salient findings are given in the following pages. Positive response with reference to grain yield, total mill yield and head yield of variety IR 22 was noted up to 90 kg N/ha and 45 kg P2O5/ha. Further increase in nitrogen and phosphate levels to 120 kg/ha and 60 kg/ha respectively did not and its percentage was minimized by harvesting the crop above 19.5 per cent grain moisture or between 26 and 30 days after flowering. However, by increasing the level of nitrogen from 90 to 120 kg/ha and 120 to 180 kg/ha, the head yield and its recovery percent was less affected even when the crop was harvested with some delay, i.e., between 19.5 and 16.5 per cent grain moisture or between 35 and 37 days after flowering. The influence of phosphate on grain yield and milling quality, particularly head yield recovery percentage, was more pronounced when considered in combination with grain moisture at harvest. A suitable water management practice, of growing the crop with shallow submergence of 5 + 2 cm was found beneficial in increasing the yield as well as the milling and head yields. The influence of submergence on the head yield recovery percentage was, however, not to the same extent as that of nitrogen and grain moisture at harvest. On fitting the function, for variety IR 22, it could be ascertained that maximum grain yield to the extent of 5112 kg/ha can be attained with the optimum levels of 119 kg N/ha, 59 kg P2O5/ha, 149 cm of water and 22.4 per cent grain moisture at harvest which corresponded to harvesting the crop about 30 days after flowering. On the other hand, maximum head yield to the extent of 3562 kg/ha can be attained with the optimum levels of 124 kg N/ha, 51 kg P2O5/ha, 159 cm of water and around 26 per cent grain moisture at harvest which corresponded to harvesting the crop about 26 days after flowering. The grain yield and consequently, the gross and net returns were maximum under the same levels of nitrogen, phosphate, submergence and grain moisture at harvest. However, from an assessment of rough rice and polished rice along with broken, bran and husk, it was ascertained that the increase in net return to the extent of 984 k/ha was possible only by processing the rough rice. The positive response in grain yield of all the varieties was found only up to 90 kg N/ha and 45 kg P2O5/ha. In varietal comparison, grain yield, mill yield, head yield and net return were found to be maximum in case of the variety Pankaj, amounting to 5192 kg/ha, 3768 kg/ha, 3027 kg/ha and 1716 Rs/ha respectively. The variety Pankaj was followed by IR 22, Sona and Jayanthi in order. However, in milling quality, particularly head yield recovery percent, IR 22 was found superior to all the other varieties. Further, the variety IR 22, with along and slender grains, proved superior in quality to Pankaj, with long and bold grain. The former, eventually, has higher market value that brought higher return. These characteristics in IR 22 narrowed the difference in profit, when compared to Pankaj, though the latter has significantly higher grain yield the additional net return over milled rice was estimated at 877 Rs/ha in case of IR 22 and 833 Rs/ha in case of Pankaj. The agro – climatic conditions of this region of West Bengal, where rice is the only crop during ‘aman’, provide better prospects for cultivation of variety IR 22 as well as Pankaj. In quality criteria as well as growing period, IR 22 may prove superior to Pankaj. Their cultivation for higher yield and quality rice is possible only through suitable levels of fertility and water inputs as well as management input which includes the timeliness of operations, particularly harvesting, because it has a greater impact on the final outturn of the produce as quality rice.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the influence of tannins on nucleic acid and protein syntheses in ruminants
    (Faculty of Dairy and Animal Husbandry, Haryana, 1976) Sadanandan, K P; KAU; Arora, S P
    A study was conducted to elucidate the influence of tannins on synthesis of nucleic acids and protein in liver of rats. In vitro and in vivo studies in buffaloes were also conducted to ascertain the effect of tannins on rumen metabolism. In experiment 1, 30 weanling rats were distributed into three groups of 10 each in a randomized block design. The influence of addition of 0% (group A), 2.5% (group B) and 5% (group C) tennins in the feed on feed consumption, growth rate, nitrogen and dry matter digestibility was investigated. Further RNA, DNA and protein in liver were estimated to asses liver function. The feed consumed daily on DM basis (g); weight gain per three day interval (g); and gram feed per gram weight gain, respectively for groups A, B and C were : 20.05 + 7.6, 7.87 + 0.41, 2.73 +0.05; 16.66 + 6.0, 5.69 + 0.35, 3.14 + 0.07 and 16.11 + 5.4, 4.53 + 0.21, 3.80 + 0.11. The DM and N digestibility (%), respectively for groups A, B and C were: 78.56 + 0.44, 78.28 + 0.56; 78.62 + 0.64, 73.50 + 0.86 and 78.82 + 0.52, 69.97 +0.75. Feed consumption in group A was significantly (P <0.01) higher than in group B and C. The difference in feed consumption between groups B and C was not significant. Significant differences were found amongst all treatment groups in weight gain (P< 0.05) and food : gain ratios (P < 0.01). DH digestibility did not reveal any significant difference between groups whereas the differences in N-digestibility were significant (P<0.01). The addition of tennis in the diet significantly depressed feed consumption, weight gain, and N – digestibility which resulted in widened feed : gain ratios. The average liver weights (g): total protein (mg) ; RNA (mg) and DNA (mg), respectively for groups A, B and C were : 3.61 + 0.21, 717.3 + 4.76, 21.42 + 1.41, 5.36 + 0.41, 2.85 + 0.23, 569.0 + 4.31, 16.40 + 1.60, 4.29 + 0.45 and 2.44 + 0.01, 507.9 + 2.55, 13.79 + 0.58, 3.34 + 0.16. The liver weight in group A was significatly (P<0.05) higher than in group C. The total protein content in group A was significatly (P<0.01) higher than in group B and C. But the difference between groups B and C was not significant. RNA and DNA contents differed significantly (P<0.01) amongst the three groups. The average protein (mg), RNA (mg) and DNA (mg), respectively for the groups A, B and C were : 198.69 + 3.31, 5.93 + 0.18, 1.48 + 0.05, 199.89 + 5.14, 5.68 + 0.16, 1.49 + 0.06 and 208.16 + 2.32, 5.66 + 0.03, 1.38 + 0.04 per gram of tissue. There were no significant differences in the parameters studied amongst the three groups. The body weight : liver weight ratios, protein : RNA ratios and protein : DNA ratios, respectively for groups A, B and C were : 29.0 + 2.23, 33.2 + 1.01, 134.9 + 5.04, 30.3 + 2.45, 35.4 + 1.22, 136.7 + 5.75 and 31.0 + 2.66, 36.9 + 1.01, 153.7 + 4.17. There were no significant differences amongst the ratios except that protein : DNA ratio in group C was significantly (P<0.05) wider than in group A and B indicating probable hypertrophy of liver cells in that group. It was apparent that tannins exerted their harmful effects by affecting protein digestibility in the gastro-intestinal tract and thereby adversely affected liver size and growth rate. In experiment 2, in vitro trials were conducted by taking buffalo rumen liquor through a rumen fistula on a control ration without tannic acid. For N solubility and DH digestibility studies, the substrate used was : Maize, 50 parts ; grount nut cake, 21 parts and wheat bran 26 parts, ground into 40 mesh size. To study the influence of tannins on protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis and production of VFA, the substrates used were : cellulose 0.75 g. starch 0.25 g and ammonium sulphate 151 mg. McDougall’s artificial saliva was used as buffer (PH 6.8) for 32 P uptake by rumen microbes, the substrate was prepared from glucose 600 mg and ammonium sulphate 85mg. A mineral solution containing cysterine – HCL described by Bucholts and Bergan (1973) was used as a buffer. The levels of tannic acid, respectively in groups 1,2,3,4 and 5 were : 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% in all the experiments. The E solubility and DM digestibility (%) respectively, for treatments 1,2,3,4 and 5 were : 36.72 + 0.425, 43.80 + 2.63 : 24.48 + 0.311, 37.60 + 2.14, 20.81 + 0.589, 30.27 + 1.85 : 17.55 + 0.312, 21.89 + 1.93 and 15.30 + 0.473, 13.20 + 1.15. Addition of tannins depressed N solubility and DM digestibility. The protein – N (mg) ; RNA – N (mg): DNA-N (mg) and TVFA (meq) (all per 100 ml) respectively for treatments 1,2,3,4 and 5 were : 30.19 + 1.274, 2.156 +0.107, 0.795 + 0.054, 15.46 + 0.315, 23.84 + 1.021, 1.565 + 0.101, 0.561 + 0.025, 12.34 + 0.194, 18.59 + 0.582, 1.185 + 0.046, 0.426 +0.021, 9.38 + 0.425, 16.27 + 1.318, 1.00 + 0.042; 0.337 + 0.013, 7.29 + 0.359 and 14.61 + 0.271, 0.865 + 0.034, 0.290 + 0.006, 5.49 + 0.235. Addition of tannins significantly (p<0.01) depressed all the parameters studied and in treatment 5, the levels were more or less the same as in 0 hour control indicating complete inhibition of microbial multiplication at 7.5% tannic acid level. The RNA –N : protein – N, DNA – N: protein – N and total nucleic acid – N: protein – N ratios respectively for treatments 1,2,3,4 and 5 were : 0.072 + 0.0018, 0.026+ 0.0013, 0.098 + 0.0015, 0.066 + 0.0018, 0.023 + 0.0045, 0.089 + 0.0022; 0.064 + 0.0018, 0.023 +0.00084, 0.087 + 0.0024, 0.062 + 0.0016, 0.021 + 0.00077, 0.082 +0.0020 and 0.058 + 0.0013, 0.020 + 0.00055, 0.078 + 0.0016. The ratios were narrower in control group when compared to tannic acid groups. With regards to 32P uptake by rumen microbes, a progressive decrease was observed with increase in tannin concentration. 32p uptake (mg) per 100 ml respectively for groups 1,2,3 and 4 were : 2.640, 1.835, 1.202 and 0.52. In group 5 there was no 32P uptake. Tannins depressed microbial multiplication indirectly by making the protein source not available due to its precipitation. Direct harmful effect was also possible on microbes, especially, at higher concentrations of tannins in the media without any protein source. In experiment 3, four adult fistulated female buffaloes were randomly distributed in a Latin square design. The treatments I, II, III and IV respectively contained 0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5% tannins made available from 0, 14, 28 and 40% salseed meal in the ration. In treatment IV, 1.436% pure tannic acid was also added to get 5% total tannins. The DCP and TDN contents were approximately 14 and 72% in all the rations. The effect of tannins in feeds was determined through the levels of protein –N, RNA – N, DNA –N and TVFA. The protein –N, RNA – N and DNA-N levels ( all in mg per 100 ml of SRL) and TVFA levels ( meq/100 ml of SRL), respectively for treatments I,II,III and IV were : 43.73 + 1.813, 3.86 + 0.134, 1.63 + 0.053, 9.59 + 0.205; 49.087 + 1.912, 3.75 +0.115, 1.59 + 0.057, 0.43 + 0.215, 54.86 + 1.850, 3.62 + 0.089, 1.50 +0.041, 9.20 +0.188 and 61.89 + 2.050, 3.26 + 0.097, 1.37 + 0.046, 8.48 + 0.283. Protein - N level in treatment L was significantly (P< 0.05) lessthan in ratios II, III and IV and there was a progressive and significant (P< 0.05) increase in order of treatments. RNA – N and TVFA levels in treatment I were significantly higher (P< 0.01) than in treatment IV. DNA levels were significantly lesser (P<0.05) in treatment III than in treatment I and again lower in treatment IV than in treatment III. Nucleic acid - N : protein – N ratios is SRL respectively for treatments I, II, III and IV were : 0.125 + 0.0012, 0.108 + 0.0020, 0.093 + 0.0026 and 0.072 + 0.0011. The ratio in treatment L was significantly higher than in treatments II, III and IV. The differences amongst the four treatments were significant (P<0.01). Addition of tannins in the rations resulted in an increase in protein - N, but progressively depressed the RNA – N and DNA – N levels with less production of TVFA. Further in experiment 3, the protein - N, RNA – N and DNA – N contents of bacteria separated from SRL were also determined to ascertain the effect of tannins on RNA – N: protein – N; DNA – N : protein – N and total nucleic acid : protein - N ratios. Protein – N (mg), RNA – N (mg); and DNA –N (mg) in bacteria separated from 100 ml SRL respectively for treatments I, II,III and IV were : 23.93 + 0.571, 2.385 + 0.87, 1.204 + 0.036, 23.71 + 0.627, 2.296 +0.062, 1.180 + 0.019, 22.79 +0.590, 2.230 +0.044, 1.111 + 0.059 and 20.91 + 0.544, 205 + 0.046, 1.010 + 0.053. Protein -N, RNA –N and DNA – N levels decreased as levels of tannins in rations increased. But the differences were significant (P<0.01) only between treatment I and IV. RNA – N : protein - N, and total nucleic acid – N : protein – N ratios respectively for treatments I, II, III and IV were : 0.099 + 0.0030, 0.150 +0.0027; 0.097 + 0.0023, 0.147 + 0.0029; 0.098 + 0.0024, 0.147 + 0.0017 and 0.098 + 0.0020, 0.146 +0.0025. The differences in the ratios amongst the different treatments were not statistically significant. The addition of tannins at the levels tried had no significant influence on the nucleic acid – N : protein – N ratios in the bacteria. From the value obtained for nucleic acid – N and nucleic acid – N : protein – N ratios in separated bacteria, the microbial contribution of protein - N to the tungestic acid precipitate of SRL was calculated. The values obtained were : 83.67, 74.01, 63.58 and 51.14 % for treatments I,II,III and IV respectively. The tannins present is the feed partially protected the proteins from microbial attack and hence the contribution of dietary protein - N in the SRL increased. Simultaneously the quantity of microbial protein synthesis decreased due to the limitations imposed by tannins on microbial multiplication.
  • ThesisItemUnknown
    Effect of choline deficiency on the chemical composition of the skeletal muscles of chicks
    (Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,mannuthy, 1976) Philomina, P T; KAU; Venugopal, G
    The results and conclusions drawn from a study carried out to determine the effects of choline deficiency on the chemical composition of the skeletal muscles of chicks are presented. The levels of choline viz., 1500 mg. 75 mg and 100 mg per kg were added to a choline extracted but an otherwise normal ration and were fed to three groups. Twentyfour, one – day old chicks were allotted to each treatment. Data on growth rate, weight gains, and feed efficiency were significantly lower for choline deficient chicks, indicating the importance of choline in poultry. All the chicks on deficient diets exhibited typical symptoms of perosis, either unilateral or bilateral from 24 days of age. Creatine phosphate, phospholipids and cholesterol levels of gastronomius muscles of chicks affected by perosis were lowered either due to interference or impairment in their formation. Reduced SDH activity, observed might be due to the impared oxidative metabolism. Slight increase in lipid content might be due to the lowered SDH level. The reduced activity of GOT and GPT and total protein content probably attributed to the lowered growth rate in choline deficient chicks. ALP and ACF values were lowered which can be attributed to the interference in the synthesis of their prosthetic groups. Poor muscular efficiency was revealed by the affected muscles.
  • ThesisItemUnknown
    Studies on pathological conditions in the mammary glands of cattle and goats
    (Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1976) Lalitha Kunjamma, C R; KAU; Krishnan Nair, M
    An investigation was carried out to study the pathological lesions encountered in the mammary glands of cattle and goats from specimens selected from slaughter house and autopsy cases. The somatic cell count in milk from clinical and sub – clinical cases of mastitis was also undertaken. Two hundred quarters from cows and 67 halves from goats were subjected to detailed histopathological investigation. Mastitis was found to be the important type of lesion encountered. Lesions varied from subtle changes to intensive involvement with complete obliteration and atrophy. The lesions encountered were catarrhal mastitis and galactophoritis, suppurative mastitis, acute diffuse mastitis, necrotising mastitis, gangrenous mastitis, interstitial mastitis and tuber - culous mastitis. Other significant alternations associated with or without mastitis were congestion and oedema, squamous metaplasia of lining epithelium of ducts and cisterns and calcification of vessel walls. The calcification of the vessels was similar to that observed in ‘Monckeberg’s sclerosis’ in human beings. No tumours were found. It was suggested that lymphoid cells found in the interstitial septa of the mammary glands of goats affected with John’s disease might be the ‘T’ type of lymphocytes which are concerned with cellular immunity. The cystic changes encountered in the glands were not considered as the separate entity – Fibrocystic disease – but only compensatory processes as a result of fibrosis and atrophy of some part of the glandular and ductal system. Micro concretions were constantly observed and it was suggested that calcium got deposited over inspissated and hyalinised milk proteins. A total of 189 quarter samples of milk was also examined for total somatic cell count, differential count and by culturally for the presence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The total cell count in normal milk of cows and goats varied from 150,000 to 500,000 per ml. In sub – clinical and clinical cases upto 30,000,000 cells per ml could be counted. The percentage of neutrophils in normal milk was below 31% in goats and 43% in cows. The corresponding maximum values in mastitic cases were 88% and 92% respectively. In both cows and goats the chief etiological agent for mastitis as found in the present study was Staphylococcus. Other organisms encountered were Strephylococcus, Coliforms and Corynebacteria.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the F3 generation of intervarietal crosses in rice
    (Division of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1976) Thomas Mathew; KAU; Abraham, A T
    The present study was conducted in the Division of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period from March to June 1974. Nine characters in the F3 generation of the intervarietal crosses of rice was studied. The crosses involves three local varieties, Navara, Ptb-28 and Ptb-29 and the two high yielding varieties , Anapurna and Triveni. Correlation of the yield with four characters was also studied. The characters, viz. flowering duration, plant height, total number of tillers, panicle length, grain yield, 1000 grain weight, ear weight and apikelet sterility are inherited quantitatively and are controlled by more than one gene. Spikelet sterility is more in the Anapurna X Navara cross
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the effect of graded doses of nitrogen and diffrerent spacings on growth yield and quality of three varieties of sunflower ( Helianthes annus L.) viz. EC. 68413, EC. 68414 and sunrise selection
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1976) Abdul Salam, M; KAU; Sadanandan, N
    An investigation was carried out at tbs instructional farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period from 16th May 1974 to 13th August 1974 to study the effect of graded doses of nitrogen and different openings on three varieties of sunflower. The varieties tried were EC.60413, £0.66414 and Sunrise selection, the spacings studied were 30 x 20 cm 50 x 30 cm and 30 x 40 cm Nitrogan levels tried were 40# 80 and 120 kg per ha. The experiment was laid out in a 3 factorial experiment with two replications. The higher order interactions VSH and VSH2 were partially confounded in replication 1 and 2 respectively. The results of the study are summarised below
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of certain feed additives on boiler performance
    (Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1976) Sabarinathan, Nair R; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
    This thesis incorporates the findings of an investigation carried out to study the effect of terramycin, neftin furazolidone and arsenic acid on certain broiler traits of economic importance.Commercial broiler chicks were employed for the study, and were raised on litter floor. The chicks were fed broiler starter from 0-6 weeks and broiler finisher from 7-8weeks. The additives were incorporated at levels recommended by the manufactures and the duration of the study was for 8 weeks
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the pathology of testis and epididymis of ducks
    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1976) Joseph, Mathew; KAU; Surendra, Varma Raja C K
    Infertility or sterility in bucks are almost always caused by testicular or epididymal affections. Hence a study on the pathological conditions of these organs might give an approximate idea of the nature and prevalence of sterility conditions in male goats. The present study was taken up with this object in view. Thousand pairs of testicles and epididymis of bucks, aged 6-18 months were collected at random from the abattoir and examined. The organs which revealed gross lesions and those which were suspected to be affected were subjected to detailed histopathological studies. Out of the thousand pairs of organs examined, 174 (17.4%) revealed various pathological lesions. The following pathological conditions were observed during the course of the present study: Testicular hypoplasia (5.8%), Cryptorchidism (2.9%), Ectopic testis (0.4%), Testicular degeneration (0.4%), Adhesion with tunics (1.8%), Testicular strophy (1.3%), Testicular haemorrhage (0.1%), Male pseudo hermaphroditism (0.1%), spermiostasis (1.1%) Spermatic granuloma (0.1%), Epididymal haemorrhage (0.4%), Epididymal melanosis (4.3%). In addition, 258 (25.8%) organs showed minor developmental aberrations such as cystic persistent mesonephric tubules (8.9%), appendix epididymis (14.7%) and cystic remnants of mullerian duct (2.2%).
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on restricted feeding of replacement pullets
    (Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1976) Sukumaran Nair, K R; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
    An investigation was taken up to study the comparative merits of different methods of feed restriction on replacement pullets and to assess the best level of restriction from the point of view of the economics involved. The methods and results of the study formed the text of this thesis. Single comb white Leghorn pullets aged 8 weeks and housed in individual cages were put on four dietary regimes. One group was full-fed which served as the control. The second group was offered ad libitum feed on all days except on Mondays. Remaining two groups were assigned to 20 per cent and 30 per cent level of feed restriction each. Restricted feeding delayed sexual maturity, the extent of delay being proportionate to the severity of restriction. Skip-a-day treatment induced the least effect in this respect. Neither the body weight gains nor the feed consumption from 8 weeks to sexual maturity was affected by the treatments. Total quantity of feed consumed from 8 weeks to 40 weeks by the restricted fed birds was relatively reduced, which again was proportionate to the severity of restriction. Feed efficiency for growth appeared better for 30 per cent level of feed restriction, although that for egg production was little influenced by the treatments. Egg yield or mean egg weight during various fields up to 40 weeks of age was not appreciably affected by feed restriction during the growing period. Seventy per cent of full feeding programme resulted tin better initial egg weights. Considerable saving on feed cost from 8 weeks to 40 weeks age was recorded in respect of restricted fed groups compared to the control group. Thirty per cent restriction regime excelled the other two levels of restriction by registering the maximum feed economy. Feed cost for unit production was also in favour of the restricted fed groups. Since part-egg-records are correlated with annual production, restricting replacement stock to 70 – 80 per cent of ad libitum feed intake may be economical, especially in commercial poultry operations.