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ThesisItem Open Access Amelioration of heat stress through certain managemental interventions in lactating dairy cows(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2023) Das, Venus; Hussain, JakirThe present experiment was executed in the Instructional Livestock Farm (Cattle) and Sahiwal Cattle Farm under in the Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara,Guwahati-22 to observe the heat stress amelioration capacity of body cooling and bypass fat feeding during summer season (1St May to 31st August, 2022) in lactating dairy cows. A total of twenty four (12 Holstein-Friesian crossbred and 12 pure Sahiwal) lactating cows were divided into three groups with eight animals in each group with similar parity, stage of lactation and average daily milk production and with equal number of each breeds. The experimental animals were offered feed twice daily individually @ 4 percent of body weight on DM basis to meet up the optimum nutritional demand (NRC, 2001). Out of total DM 1/3rd was given standard concentrate feed (CP: 18% & TDN: 68.00%) prepared in the farm and 2/3rd was given roughages. Out of total roughage 1/3rd was given as paddy straw and 2/3 mixed green fodders such as Para (Brachiaria mutica), Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) and Guinea (Panicum maximum) grasses in equal parts. In the treatment group bypass fat was fed along with concentrate mixture @ 100 g in the morning and 100 g in the afternoon daily. The experiment was followed by a 7 days of digestibility trial. The average daily milk yield for T1, T2 and T3 group was 5.94±0.09, 8.26±0.12 and 9.58±0.20 kg, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cow, it was 8.57±0.23 and 7.37±0.13 kg, respectively. The average daily milk yield was significantly (p<0.01) higher in T2 and T3 group than the T1 group. The average fat, protein, SNF, lactose, ash, specific gravity and freezing point depression of milk in T1, T2 and T3 group was 3.07±0.11, 3.62±0.13 and 4.31±0.20; 3.46±0.02, 3.53±0.02 and 3.59±0.02; 9.26±0.04, 9.34±0.04 and 9.34±0.04; 5.38±0.03, 5.41±0.03 and 5.48±0.02; 0.75±0.01, 0.78±0.01 and 0.79±0.00; 1.0348±0.0001, 1.0349±0.0002 and 1.0352±0.00 and - 0.63, - 0.64 and - 0.63 percent, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cow, it was 3.74±0.11 and 3.58±0.14; 3.53±0.02 and 3.53±0.0; 8.06±0.19 and 9.3±0.03; 5.42±0.02 and 5.42±0.02; 0.77±0.00 and 0.76±0.00; 1.0348±0.001 and 1.0351±0.0001 and - 0.63and - 0.64 percent, respectively. The analysis of variance showed that there was highly significant (p<0.01) effect of treatment on the average fat, protein, ash and non-significant (p>0.05) effect on SNF, lactose, specific gravity and freezing point depression. The average fat, protein and ash content (%) was significantly (p<0.01) increased in T2 and T3 groups. The average daily dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) for T1, T2 and T3 groups was 11.93±0.21, 14.66±0.19 and 15.42±0.22 kg; 2.43±0.03, 2.98±0.02 and 3.10±0.03 percent and 0.50±0.01,0.51±0.01 and 0.51±0.01, respectively. The average daily DMI, DMI per 100 kg body weight and FCE of Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cow was 15.40±0.19 and 12.61±0.16 kg; 2.76±0.03 and 2.91±0.03 percent and 0.51±0.00 and 0.49±0.01, respectively. There was (p<0.01) significant increase in DMI in T2 and T3 groups compared to T1 group. The overall average Temperature Humidity Index (THI) was 78.01±0.65, 74.89±0.39, 76.26±0.39, 76.26±0.39, 80.7±0.61, 85.04±0.64, 82.80±0.53 and 79.17±0.22 for 1st fort night (FN), 2nd FN, 3rd FN, 4th FN, 5th FN, 6th FN, 7th FN and 8th FN, respectively. The average THI value for ILF(C) was 78.14±0.97, 74.99±0.56, 76.26±0.56, 77.69±0.70, 80.90±0.93, 85.25±0.96, 82.93±0.77 and 79.52±0.28 and For Sahiwal cattle farm, it was 77.87±0.90, 74.79±0.56, 76.26±0.56, 76.26±0.56, 80.5±0.81, 84.83±0.88, 82.66±0.74 and 78.82±0.33 during 1st FN, 2nd FN, 3rd FN, 4th FN, 5th FN, 6th ii FN, 7th FN and 8th FN. There was significantly (p<0.05) highest THI was found during 6th FN. The average respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature and rumination time in T1, T2 and T3 groups was 26.84±0.54, 26.22±0.39 and 26.22±0.39 per min; 80.33±2.02, 67.52±1.31, 65.17±1.30 per min; 102.1±0.17, 101.4±0.10 and 100.69±0.08 ºF and 405.7±3.30, 425.59±4.45 and 438.88±4.45 min/day, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cows, it was 27.00±0.31 and 25.85±0.41per min; 74.44±1.45 and 68.11±1.41per min; 101.38±0.11 and 101.48±0.12 ºF and 422.92±3.33 and 423.85±3.21 min/day, respectively. There was highly significant (p<0.01) decrease in pulse rate, rectal temperature and increase in rumination time in T2 and T3 groups than the T1 group. But respiration rate was not affected by treatment in the present study. The average blood albumin, globulin and A: G ratio in T1, T2 and T3 groups was 5.28±0.21, 7.36±0.27 and 8.47±0.48 g/dl; 5.36±0.21, 6.91±0.32 and 7.97b±0.33g/dl and 1.01 ±0.03, 1.19±0.07 and 1.09±0.05, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal, it was 6.56±0.29 and 7.51±0.32 g/dl, 6.35±0.25 and 7.13±0.26 g/dl and 1.12±0.04 and 1.07±0.04, respectively. There was highly significant (p<0.01) increase in blood albumin and globulin content in T2 and T3 group compared to T1 group in the present study. The average superoxide dismutase (SOD) level of plasma for T1, T2 and T3 groups was 8.06±0.10, 7.48±0.13 and 7.27±0.22 unit/mg of protein, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal, it was was 7.69±0.15 and 7.52±0.11 unit/mg of protein, respectively. In the present study, it was found that there was significant (p<0.05) reduction in superoxide dismutase level of blood in T2 and T3 group compared to T1 group. The overall mean digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE in T1, T2 and T3 group was 67.05±0.15, 68.26±0.16 and 68.48±0.15; 68.46±0.17, 65.11±0.24 and 68.88±0.15; 64.89±0.24, 65.11±0.24 and 64.70±0.28; 53.69±1.19, 53.57±0.76 and 56.61±0.39; 59.67±0.20, 59.94±0.24 and 60.04±0.21 and 73.74±0.25, 74.74±0.25 and 76.71±0.15 percent, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cows, it was 68.10±0.14 and 67.76±0.17; 68.61±0.12 and 68.47±0.14; 65.01±0.13 and 64.79±0.26; 56.27±0.39 and 52.98±0.87; 60.10±0.18 and 59.67±0.17 and 75.02±0.25 and 75.11±0.27 percent, respectively. The analysis of variance showed non-significant (p>0.05) effect of treatment, breed and fortnight on digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, CF and NFE. But in case of EE, there was highly significant (p<0.01) effect of treatment and breed on digestibility coefficient of EE. There was highly significant (p<0.01) effect of treatment and breed on the average daily cost of feeding and cost of feeding per kg milk yield. The mean cost of feeding and cost of feeding per kg milk yield for T1, T2 and T3 group was Rs. 212.27±3.70, 262.37±2.82 and 302.25±3.31 and Rs. 36.13±0.78, 31.43±0.27 and 32.17±0.58, respectively. Though the total cost of feeding for T3 group was found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher due to feeding of bypass fat, but cost of feeding per kg milk yield was significantly (p<0.01) lower in T2 and T3 group compared to T1 because of higher milk production. In respect of breed, the daily cost of feeding and cost of feeding per kg milk yield in HF crossbred was significantly higher than pure Sahiwal cows. The present experiment validated that heat stress can be ameliorated significantly by body cooling and feeding bypass fat during summer season for improvement of milk production and maximize the income from rearing of dairy cattle.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of wet and boiled diets feeding on growth and carcass characteristics in crossbred hampshire pigs(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2023) Kakati, Lakshya Jyoti; Bora, J RA total of 36 (thirty six) weaned Hampshire crossbred pigs were selected randomly from the littermates of 6-8 piglets maintained at the “Ruhini Deka Pig Farm” complex. The pigs (56 days old) were randomly divided into three treatment groups depending upon nearness of body weight in such a manner that each group consisted of twelve piglets with equal number of males and females. The animals were allotted to 3 experimental groups viz., control (reared on standard conventional feed), T1 (reared on standard conventional wet feed @ the ratio of 1:1.5) and T2 (reared on standard conventional boiled /cooked feed). Weaned piglets were housed individually under conventional housing system up to the market age (32 weeks). The space allowance per pig was provided 10 x 9 ft. (approx.). The standard conventional feed both grower and finisher feed were prepared as per ICAR (2013) recommendation. Feed was offered in the morning and evening. Clean and wholesome water was provided round the clock throughout the experiment. At the end of the experiment, 3 animals per treatment (the lightest, heaviest and the middle by weight) were selected for slaughter by humane method. Boiled diet could significantly (p<0.05) influence body weight, total and average daily feed intake of crossbred Hampshire pigs. However, average daily gain was not found to be significant during the experimental period yet the findings clearly shows numerical superiority in regards to body weight, average daily gain, total and average daily feed intake. FCE was found to be the best in boiled fed (T2) group showing better efficiency over control and wet fed (T1) group. Moisture (P<0.01) was affected by soaking and boiling of feed, while crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, total ash and showed no significant difference. Boiling of feed (grower-finisher) showed significant change (p<0.01) in the phosphorus content of the experimental ration. The pre-slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage, carcass measures viz., Carcass length, backfat thickness and loin eye area was not affected. Wholesale cuts (ham, bacon, loin, boston butt and picnic) did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) among the groups. Likewise there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in regards to weight of the edible and inedible offals among the treatment groups. In relation to physico-chemical properties, water holding capacity and ultimate pH at 6 hours of L. dorsi showed no significant (P>0.05) difference among the groups. On sensory evaluation of pork, flavour and juiciness revealed significant difference among the groups while colour, texture and overall acceptability of pork showed no difference among the experimental groups. However, the present findings showed numerical superiority among the groups in regards to sensory parameters. The cost feeding per kg weight gain was found to better at the end of the feeding trial slightly in the boiled fed (T2) group followed by we fed (T1) and control group. Therefore, it may be concluded that feeding of boiled feed may be suggested for improved productive performance, feed conversion efficiency, superior carcass and pork quality characteristics and better cost of production.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of polyherbal feed supplementation on performances of Assam Hill goat(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2023) Dutta, Chinmoy; Bordoloi, Jyoti PrasadThe experiment was conducted for a period of nine months and a digestion trial thereafter to study the effect of feeding a polyherbal feed supplement constituted of Shatavari, Fenugreek and Ajwain mixed in 1:1:1 ratio on different performances of Assam Hill goat. Thirty six healthy weaned kids (eighteen male and eighteen female) of similar age and bodyweight were allocated to three experimental groups, control (C0), treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) with twelve animals in each group(six male and six female). Kids of all the three groups were fed with a standard basal diet consisted of concentrate and green fodder with supplementation of the polyherbal feed supplement@1gm and 2 gm per kg body weight daily in the treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. The average body weight at 19th fortnight i.e., at 12months of age were 13.84± 0.032, 14.47±0.021 and 16.24±0.040 kg control and the two treatment groups(T1 and T2) respectively. The overall body weight (kg) of two treatment groups were significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of control group. In respect of sex, the male animals attained higher bodyweight than that of female animals at all the stages of experiment. The average fortnightly body weight gain during the experimental were 0.476 ± 0.006, 0.510 ± 0.005 and 0.603 ± 0.006 kg for control and the two treatment groups respectively and revealed significant (p<0.01) difference from the fourth fortnight and showing significant differences between the treatment groups, between the fortnights and between both the sexes. The male goats gained more overall body weight i.e., 0.556 ± 0.005kg over the female goats i.e., 0.503 ± 0.007 kg throughout the experiment. The initial mean values of fortnightly measurement (cm) of body conformation (body length, height at wither, chest girth, neck girth, tail length, length of head, breadth of head, horn length and ear length) of Assam Hill kids in control (C0), treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups were similar and non-significant .However, at the end of experiment, significant differences (p<0.01) among control and two treatment groups were observed for body length, height at wither and chest girth. Other measurements, neck girth, tail length, length of head, breadth of head, horn length and ear length were apparently higher in the treatment groups. Sex wise, the male goats had better body conformation than female animals. The overall mean values of respiration rate in Assam Hill goats were 19.68 ± 0.473, 19.56 ± 0.279 and 19.68 ± 0.229 breaths/min in control (T0), treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) respectively The average mean values of pulse rate of Assam hill goat fed with polyherbal supplementation during the studies were 78.56 ± 0.750, 78.50 ± 1.047 and 78.40 ± 0.786 beats/min for control and the two treatment groups respectively. The overall mean values of rectal temperature of the goats were 102.38 ± 0.161, 102.4 ± 0.176 and 102.32 ± 0.170 ºF for control and treatment groups respectively. There were no significant (P>0.01) differences in pulse rate, respiration rate and temperature among the three groups and sex wise between male and female animals. The average values of BCS of the male goats at puberty were 2.70 ± 0.032, 2.94± 0.054 and 3.05 ± 0.074 as well as at maturity were 2.72 ± 0.028, 3.01± 0.076 and 3.15± 0.059 in control (C0), treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) respectively. In respect of female goat, the overall mean values of BCS puberty were 2.66± 0.029, 2.86± 0.037and 2.91± 0.050 and at maturity the BCS were 2.68 ± 0.029, 2.9 ± 0.047 and 2.94 ± 0.056 for animals in Co, T1 and T2 respectively. The results showed significant (P<0.01) difference in BCS at puberty and maturity both in male and female among the ii three experimental groups. Again, the BCS were found better at maturity than that of puberty in both male and female goats. The average haemoglobin were 7.36 ± 0.05, 7.44 ± 0.057 and 7.52 ± 0.051 g/dl in control and two treatment groups respectively as well as 7.56 ± 0.053 and 7.37 ± 0.052 g/dl.in male and female respectively. All the values were within the normal ranges and showed no significance differences (P>0.01) among the treatment groups and the sexes. The average blood glucose concentration in different groups during different quaternary varied from 69.94 ± 0.864 to 73.73 ± 0.430, 69.86 ± 0.884 to 74.67 ± 0.667 and 69.38 ± 0.824 to 74.63 ± 0.597 mg/dl with overall values as 71.78 ± 0.623, 72.27 ± 0.926 and 72.01 ± 0.649 mg/dl in control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. Results showed no significant difference (P>0.01) between control and treatment groups. The mean total plasma protein was found to be 7.37 ± 0.049, 7.46 ± 0.052 and 7.52 ± 0.038 gm/dl of blood for control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups, respectively. Sex wise , the overall mean total blood plasma protein for male and female were 7.51 ± 0.062 and 7.39 ± 0.047 gm/dl found no significant differences(P>0.01) among the treatment groups and sexes on overall as well as at any stage of the experiment till the end. However, the respective values improved within the normal range. The average growth hormone (ng/ml) levels of the experimental goats were 2.94 ± 0.097, 3.02 ± 0.010 and 3.07 ± 0.012 in control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. Similarly, the overall mean growth hormone (ng/ml) concentration in male and female were 2.99 ± 0.068 and 2.97 ± 0.011 ng/ml. The level of growth hormone (ng/ml) increased among the treatment groups and the sexes numerically but was not significant statistically. The mean estrogen level (pg/ml) at 1st estrous were found to be 14.235± 0.015, 15.288± 0.018 and 15.548± 0.012 for control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. Similarly at 5th estrous when the goats attained 60% to 70% of their adult body weight, the mean estrogen level (pg/ml) were found to be 22.667± 0.012, 22.867± 0.016 and 23.242±0.013 for control and two treatment groups respectively. Results revealed significant differences (P<0.01) among the treatment groups during each estrous till 5th estrous. The mean blood testosterone hormone level (ng/ml) at 11th month were found to be 2.710± 0.176, 3.008± 0.136 and 3.107± 0.179 and at 12th month 2.777± 0.175, 3.222± 0.108 and 3.425± 0.187 for control and treatment groups respectively. The testosterone level was significantly higher (P<0.01) in among the treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups. The mean average age (days) at first heat were 199.833 ± 3.842, 183.333 ± 2.985 and 183.167 ± 4.110 for Assam Hill goats in control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. The corresponding age at fifth heat were 283.845 ± 3.842, 267.287 ± 2.982 and 267.062 ± 4.179 respectively. The duration (hr) of first heat were 26.087 ± 0.582, 28.562 ± 0.970 and 28.627 ± 1.219 as well as for fifth heat duration (hr) were 26.955 ± 0.436, 32.317 ± 1.318 and 34.197 ± 1.010 for goats in control and the two treatment groups respectively. The age at first heat were significantly earlier iii (P<0.01) in treatment groups compared to control group. The duration of heat revealed marked variations and was significantly high (P>0.01) in fifth heat. Routine examination of semen samples revealed the mean values of volume, colour, mass activity, individual motility, normal sperm, live sperm and dead sperm (%) at 11th month and 12th month which showed significant differences (P<0.01) among the control and the two treatment groups. The semen volume (0.627 ± 0.008 ml) and percentage of live sperm (85.355 ± 0.895%) were highest in T2 group at 12th month of age. The overall semen qualities were found better in treatment groups. The buck of the treatment groups could had been used for mating or even for collection of semen from 11th month onwards instead of 12th months as level of testosterone hormone (ng/ml) and over all semen quality were well within the optimum range and body condition score was found suitable. The average digestibility of the different organic nutrients in Co, T1 and T2, respectively were as : DM (%), 59.526 ± 0.051, 61.069 ± 0.058 and 61.512 ± 0.058; CP (%), 72.027 ± 0.044 , 74.451 ± 0.032 and 75.015 ± 0.042; EE (%), 67.727 ± 0.012 , 68.155 ± 0.020 and 68.364 ± 0.033 ; CF (%), 54.348 ± 0.054, 58.474 ± 0.033 and 59.201 ± 0.017; NFE (%), 67.026 ± 0.039 , 67.507 ± 0.021 and 67.785 ± 0.035 ; OM (%), 64.793 ± 0.041 , 65.977 ± 0.050 and 66.416 ± 0.051 . Digestibility remained higher in both the treatment groups than control and improved significantly (P<0.01). The average cost of concentrate mixture alone and with addition of the polyherbal supplement @ 1gm and 2gm per kg body weight were (Rs.) 1056.13 in control group, 1532.84 in the T1 and 2168.64 in the T2 group. The higher feed costs in treatment groups were found due to the higher price of the polyherbal supplement costing Rs. 170/Kg. However, the mean body weight gain (kg) was 9.38, 9.63 and 10.54 in Co, T1 and T2, respectively. The findings of the experiment, though cost of feeding is slightly higher in the supplemented groups, those goats indicated better growth and reproduction performances was expected to perform superior yielding higher lifetime return.
