Thumbnail Image

Theses

Browse

2016 - 20197
Reset filters
Subject: Poultry Science × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2015 × Type: Thesis ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF DRINKING WATER OF DIFFERENT SOURCES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BROILER CHICKEN DURING MONSOON SEASON
    (College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2019-07) KALITA, SANGHAMITRA; Mahanta, J. D.
    The present study was undertaken with a view to compare the effect of drinking water of different sources on the performance of commercial broiler chicken during monsoon season. A total of 450 day-old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb 400) having similar body weight from a single hatch were procured from a local hatchery of Guwahati city. The chicks were weighed and randomly divided into ten experimental groups namely, untreated group with ring well water, treated group with ring well water, untreated group with tube well water, treated group with tube well water, untreated group with bore well water, treated group with bore well water, untreated group with pond water, treated group with pond water, untreated group with rain water and treated group with rain water. Each group consisted of 45 chickens. Further each group was again subdivided in 3 replicates containing 15 chicks in each group. The chicks were wing banded and reared under deep litter system of management throughout the experimental period of 6 weeks following standard and uniform managmental practices. The birds were offered both untreated and treated drinking water of these five sources. The treatment of water was done with the combination of acidifier and sanitizer at the rate each of 0.05 ml per liter of drinking water. The water samples from all the untreated and treated groups were analysed for various physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. During the period of experiment, performance traits of broiler chicken comprising of daily water and feed intake, weekly water and feed consumption, weekly body weight and body weight gain, FCR, BPEI and economy of production were recorded. The carcass traits, certain haematological and biochemical parameter of broiler chicken offered different sources of water were also determined The average value of pH and turbidity of both untreated and treated drinking water differed significantly (P0.05) among the broiler chicken offered different sources and treatment of water. The biochemical parameters namely total serum protein and serum glucose were estimated for broiler chicken offered different sources and treatment of water. The total serum protein levels did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the broiler chickens offered different sources and treatment of water. However, the serum glucose levels differed significantly (P<0.05) among the broiler chicken offered different sources and treatment of water. The treatment of water significantly (P<0.05) increased the total serum glucose levels of all the groups of broiler chicken offered differed sources of water. Thus, it is concluded that during monsoon season, all the physico-chemical and microbiological qualities of drinking water were found to be within the maximum permissible level after treatment with the combination of Acidifier and Sanitizer @0.01%. Hence, all the treated sources of water under study will be more useful for broiler chicken production during monsoon season.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ANALYSIS OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN FARMING SYSTEM IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY OF ASSAM
    (College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2019-07) ISLAM, RAFIQUL; Kalita, Niranjan
    A study was conducted in all agro-climatic zones of Brahmaputra Valley of Assam to know socio-economic status of indigenous chicken farmers, demographic distribution and morphological characters of indigenous chicken. Different husbandry practices in indigenous chicken, productive and reproductive performances, diseases and mortality pattern, health coverage programme, economics and marketing of indigenous chicken, constraints faced by the chicken farmers, physical and chemical analyses of crop ingesta to know the nutritional status of scavenged chicken and carcass traits were also studied. One district from each zone was selected on the basis highest indigenous chicken population. Again from each district, 10 villages were randomly selected. Further, 5 numbers of farmers were selected randomly from each district, thus a total of 50 farmers were selected from each district. In this way altogether 200 numbers of farmers were selected for the whole study. Farmers were selected on the basis of experience and who kept at least 25-30 numbers of indigenous chicken. The data were collected in a pre-structured interview containing all relevant information pertaining to the study by personal interview method. The data were collected during August, 2017 to July, 2018 Majority (42%) of the respondents belonged to middle age group and most of them (83%) were women. Educational background was poor as two-fifth (42.50%) of them had only up to primary level of formal education. Occupationally there were mostly dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry. Some (21.50%) of them were landless and more than half of the respondents had only up to 5 bighas of land. More than fifty per cent of them were economically weaker with a annual income of Rs.1,00,000/-. Majority (64.50%) was married and three-fifth (59.50%) of them were Hindus, followed by Muslims (37.00%). Majority (59.00%) of them belonged to nuclear family. Mostly (67.50%) women were the owner of the flock and most (62.50%) of them had more than 10 years of experience in chicken farming. Most (94.68) of the indigenous chicken were normal feathered followed by naked neck (5.32%). Mostly males had red coloured plumage, while females were mostly brown mixed colored. Majority of the chicken had single comb. All the birds had red coloured comb. Majority of the chicken had black coloured shank. The overall mean flock size recorded as 29.79±0.28 and each flock constituted mostly by chicks (65.01%), followed by growers (18.78%) and adults (16.20%) in the study areas. Majority (56.50%) of the farmers constructed coop for night sheltering and most (63.00%) of the coops were located outside the dwelling house. The mean dimension and floor space of the coop was 1.73 x 1.18 x 1.01 cubic meters and 2.04 square meters. The coop was constructed by locally available cheap materials. In most of the cases floors (77.50%) and walls (72.50%) were made of bamboo or wooden slated, while 87.50% of the roofs were made of G.I. sheet. The total cost of construction of coop ranged from Rs. 350/- to Rs. 2,250/- with overall mean of Rs. 850/-, which could accommodate up to 30 numbers of chickens. Mostly (74.50%) sand was used as bedding material and 39% of them used bamboo or wooden basket as laying nest. Majority (34.50%) of the respondents cleaned coop weekly once. All the farmers under study revealed that indigenous chicken were provided with supplemental feed in addition to scavenged feed. Majority (65.50%) of the farmers offered grains followed by crop by-products (18.50%) and concentrate feed (16.00%). Most (70.50%) of them used home-mixed grains, while 57% of the respondents offered supplemental feed twice a day. The amount of supplemental feed ranged from 450 to 1000 g daily with an average of 750 g daily for 25 to 30 numbers of chickens. Majority (59.50%) of the farmers provided feed on the ground by throwing and the feed was provided together irrespective of sex and age in most (71.50%) of the cases. About one-third (32.00%) of them provided feed during monsoon season. Limited access for scavenging was the main problems of indigenous chicken feeding as reported by majority (50.50%) of the respondents. More than 90% of the respondents did not provide water troughs to their birds. Majority (86.50%) of the respondents used home produced eggs for incubation. All of them practiced natural incubation and most of them used broody hen (96.50%) for incubation. Hatching was done twice in a year by majority (87%) of the respondents. The male-female ratio was erratic and it varied from 1:5 to 1: 20 with an average of 1:8.5. The mean number of eggs set per broody bird varied from 13.06±0.26 to 13.77±0.25 with an overall mean of 13.59±0.23. Majority (64%) of the farmers retained their cock up to 2 years of age for breeding. More than two-third of the respondents did not practice selection of hatching eggs, while rest (32%) practiced selection on the basis of soundness of shell (68.5). Post-monsoon season was preferred by most (46.5%) of the farmers. Majority (63.5%) of the farmers did not record the duration period for hatching eggs. Storing eggs in the nest before incubation was practiced by majority (85.5%) of the farmers. Most (61.5%) of the respondents culled their surplus chicken stock for sale. Majority (58%) of the respondents culled surplus males and females at the age of 6 to7 months. The overall mean body weights recorded were 32.06±0.26, 752.50±3.99 and 1082.48±6.27 g respectively at 1st week, male grower at 5 months and adult at 10 months of age. The corresponding values for female grower and adults were 637.15±2.87 and 899.75±4.09 g respectively. There was no significant (P≤0.05) difference in body weights among different districts. The overall mean age at first egg was 6.45±0.06 months. The overall mean number of laying cycle per hen per year was found to be 3.30±0.04. The overall mean number of eggs laid in a laying cycle and overall mean annual egg production per hen were found to be 15.91±0.17 and 51.40±0.91 respectively. The overall mean weight was 32.57±0.19 g. The mean fertility and hatchability (On TES) were recorded as 89.73±0.44 and 83.45±1.04 respectively. There was no significant (P≤0.05) difference in fertility and hatchability among different districts. Majority (54.5%) of the farmers did not treat their sick birds, while some (18%) of them consulted with veterinarians for their ailing birds. Most (94.5%) of the farmers did not practice any vaccination programme. None of the farmers practiced deworming in the study areas. Greenish diarrhoea was noticed by most of the farmers as symptoms in any disease outbreak. Ranikhet disease was the most important disease that resulted in highest mortality in a flock as reported by majority (84.5%) of the farmers under study. The overall mean per cent mortality in indigenous chicken recorded as 18.97±0.28, 10.00±0.46 and 5.38±0.17 respectively during 0 to 9, 10 to 20 and above 20 weeks of age in the study areas. There was a significant (P≤0.05) difference in mortality per cent at above 20 weeks of age between districts. The total cost of production per bird up to 72 weeks of age was higher in Sivasagar (Rs. 395.62) than other district. However, the net income and B:C ratio were higher in Sonitpur district. The overall mean egg price was Rs. 8.39±0.16 and live chicken was Rs. 340.90±3.25. The market price of live chicken significantly (P≤0.05) varied from district to district. Four numbers of marketing channels each were identified for live chicken and egg. Lack of veterinary services was the major problem and was ranked first with mean score of 67.91 among all the constraints, followed by disease outbreak (67.59), predator (62.79), damaging crops and vegetable (61.70), external parasites (44.83), improper housing (43.64), inferior productivity of local chicken, unorganized marketing and shortage of feed. The overall mean per cent grains and by-product contents of both male and female crop ingesta were significantly (P≤0.05) higher during post-monsoon season than other seasons. Further, the values recorded during winter season (43.29±0.81%) were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. There was no difference in per cent grains and by-product contents of both male and female crop ingesta between districts. The overall mean per cent kitchen wastes contents of male crop ingesta were significantly (P≤0.05) higher during pre-monsoon (48.39±1.14%) than other seasons. However the values were comparable between monsoon (41.37±1.23) and winter (40.91±1.21%) seasons. The male crop ingesta contained significantly (P≤0.05) higher per cent kitchen wastes in Dhubri (42.80±1.82%) than Nagaon and Sonitpur districts. Similarly the mean per cent kitchen wastes contents of female crop ingesta were significantly (P≤0.05) higher during pre-monsoon (41.02±1.21%) and monsoon (42.07±1.94%) than post-monsoon and winter seasons. The female crop ingesta contained significantly (P≤0.05) higher kitchen wastes contents in Sivasagar than Nagaon and Sonitpur districts. The overall mean per cent green forage contents of male and female crop ingesta were significantly (P≤0.05) higher during monsoon than other seasons. Further, per cent green forage contents were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Sonitpur and Nagaon districts in the case of male and female respectively. The overall mean insects and worms contents of male and female crop ingesta were significantly (P≤0.05) higher during monsoon than other seasons. There was no significant (P≤0.05) difference in insects and worms contents of male crop ingesta between districts; however, significantly (P≤0.05) higher insect and worm contents were found in Sivasagar (3.11±0.38%) district than other district in female crop ingesta. The overall mean per cent indigestible miscellaneous particles present in male crop ingesta were significantly (P≤0.05) higher monsoon (14.19±0.55%) than other seasons. The corresponding values were also significantly higher in Nagaon and Sivasagar districts for male and female crop ingesta respectively. The crop ingesta of male and female chicken constituted significantly (P≤0.05) higher per cent of DM during monsoon (51.41±0.52%) and post-monsoon (51.91±0.45%) seasons respectively. There was no significant difference of dry matter contents of crop ingesta between pre-monsoon and winter season in male chicken, however dry matter content was significantly higher during postmonsoon than pre-monsoon and winter seasons. The crude protein content (on DM basis) was significantly higher during post-monsoon and winter seasons than other seasons in males. The crude protein content was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Dhubri and Sonitpur than Sivasagar district. In females, there was no significant difference in crude protein contents of crop ingesta among different seasons. However, crude protein content in Dhubri was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than other districts in males (10.86±0.30%) and females (10.83±0.30%) respectively. The ether extract content (on DM basis) of male crop ingesta was significantly (P≤0.05) higher during winter season than any other seasons. The corresponding value was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Dhubri than Sivasagar, however it was comparable with Nagaon and Sonitpur districts. There was no significant difference in ether extract content of female crop ingesta between districts and between seasons. The crude fiber content (on DM basis) of male crop ingesta was significantly (P≤0.05) higher during winter than monsoon and post-monsoon, however it was comparable with pre-monsoon season. There was no significant difference in crude fiber contents of male crop ingesta between districts. However, female crop ingesta constituted significantly (P≤0.05) higher crude fiber contents during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon than monsoon and winter. In Sonitpur district, female crop ingesta contained significantly (P≤0.05) lower crude fiber contents than other districts. The total ash content (on DM basis) of male crop ingesta was significantly (P≤0.05) higher during pre-monsoon than any other seasons. Significantly (P≤0.05) lower content of total ash was found in Nagaon than any other districts. In females, the crop ingesta contained significantly (P≤0.05) lower total ash during monsoon than post-monsoon and winter; however the value was comparable with pre-monsoon season. There was no significance difference in total ash content of female crop ingesta between districts. The calcium content (on DM basis) of male crop ingesta was significantly (P≤0.05) higher during pre-monsoon than monsoon and post-monsoon; however the values were comparable with winter season. The calcium content of male and female crop ingesta was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Dhubri than any other districts. In winter season, the female crop ingesta contained significantly higher calcium than any other seasons. The total phosphorous content of male and female crop ingesta did not differ significantly between seasons and districts. The pre-slaughter live weight (g), dressed yield (%) and thigh yield (%) of both males and females did not differ significantly (P≤0.05) either between districts or between seasons. Similarly, wings yield (%), drumsticks yield (%), breast yield (%) and back yield (%) of male did not differ significantly between districts and seasons. The mean per cent giblet yield in both male (6.15±0.04%) and female (6.14±0.05%) were significantly (P≤0.05) higher during monsoon than other seasons but the values were comparable with pre-monsoon season. The overall mean per cent giblet yield was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Sivasagar than other districts in both males and females. The overall mean per cent head yield was significantly (P≤0.05) higher during premonsoon than other seasons; however it was comparable with post-monsoon season.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF FEEDING GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) ROOT POWDER ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN BROILER CHICKENS
    (College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Das, Pranjal; Talukdar, J. K.
    A total of one hundred eighty day old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb-400 Y) having similar body weight from a single hatch were procured to study the effect of feeding ginger (Zingiber officinale) root powder on some economic parameters in broiler chickens. The chicks were randomly divided into four groups viz.T0, T1, T2 and T3 containing 45 chicks in each group. Each group was further subdivided into 3 replicates of 15 chicks in each group. The birds under T0 group were offered basal diet without addition of ginger powder, while the birds under T1, T2 and T3 groups were given ginger powder with feed at the rate of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 % level respectively and used in the feeds of broiler chickens for a period of six (6) weeks. All the birds of four groups were offered ad libitum feed and water and maintained under uniform managemental condition. The total feed consumption per broiler for different experimental groups was the highest in T0 group (4011.11g) and was the lowest in T3 group (3924.44g).The final body weight per broiler was the highest in T2 group (2268.22 + 3.02g) and was the lowest in T0 (1890.22 + 4.32g) group. The overall feed conversion ratio for the entire period was the best in T2 group (1.59), followed by T1 (1.64), T3 (1.68) and T0 (1.84) groups. The broiler performance efficiency index was the highest in T2 (142.65) group and was the lowest in T0 (165.86). The livability per cent was 100% for the T1 and T2 groups, followed by T3 (97.77%) and T0 (95.55%). The cost of production per broiler including the additional cost of ginger powder and gross profit were the highest in T2 (Rs. 182.19 and Rs.32.50) and were the lowest in T0 (Rs. 165.86 and Rs. 13.68) group. All carcass traits (dressed weight, giblet weight and giblet yield) except dressing percentage differed significantly among different experimental groups. The dress weight (1636.40 + 21.44 g), giblet weight (120.20 + 1.35 g) and giblet yield (5.35 + 0.02%) found to be higher in T2 group of birds. The control group of birds (T0) had the lower values for all these carcass traits. The per cent yield of cut-up parts like wing, back, breast and drumstick except neck and thigh differ significantly among different treatment groups. The per cent weight of wings (12.75 + 0.31), back (19.71 + 0.49), breast (25.05 + 0.45) and drumstick (14.92 + 0.52) found to be higher in T2 group of birds. The per cent weights of relative organs of broiler on dressed weight basis did not differ significantly among different treatment groups, except the per cent weight of abdominal fat. The per cent weight of abdominal fat was significantly decreased in T3 group (0.51 +0.06) followed by T2, T1 and T0 groups. Among the biochemical parameters serum glucose, total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL had significantly lower values in T3 group, followed by T2, T1 and T0 groups. The HDL values increases significantly in T3 group, followed by T2, T1 and T0 groups. All the haematological parameters except haemoglobin and PCV recorded in the present study did not differ significantly among different treatment groups. The haemoglobin values significantly higher in T3 and T2 groups (11.75 +0.07 and 11.51 + 0.20) as compared to T1 and T0 (10.23 + 0.10 and 9.82 + 0.01) groups. The PCV values increases significantly in T3 group (28.46 + 0.04) followed by T2 (26.65 + 0.06), T1 (25.06 + 0.29) and T0 (22.32 + 0.12) groups. The result of present study indicated that the ginger powder can be used economically as a natural feed additive in broiler chicken diet at the level of 2.0% to improve the overall performance of commercial broiler chickens.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) POWDER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BROILER CHICKEN
    (College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Choudhury, Dimpi; Mahanta, J. D.
    The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder on the performance of commercial broiler chicken. A total of one hundred and forty four (144) day-old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb 400) from a single hatch were procured. The broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups viz. T0, T1, T2 and T3 consisting of 36 number of birds in each group. Each group was further sub divided into 3 replicates consisting of 12 birds in each sub group. The chicks were wing banded and reared under deep litter system of management throughout the experimental period following standard and uniform managemantal practices. The birds under T0 group (control) were offered basal diet without addition of turmeric powder. The birds under T1, T2 and T3 groups were fed turmeric powder at the rate of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% in the feed (on dry matter basis), respectively. For preparation of turmeric powder, raw turmeric rhizomes were procured and washed. Then these were boiled in water for 30 minutes and sun dried for 15 days after slicing into thin long pieces. The dried turmeric was ground to powdered form and stored at room temperature and used in the broiler starter and finisher feed for a period of 6 weeks. All the birds under the control and treatment groups were offered ad libitum feed and water throughout the experimental period. The birds of all the four groups were reared separately and maintained under uniform managemental condition. The following parameters were studied during the experimental period of 6 weeks: performance traits which included weekly feed intake and feed consumption, weekly body weight and body weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Broiler Performance Efficiency Index (BPEI) and livability, economics of production, carcass traits like dressed weight, dressing percentage, giblet yield and relative organ weights including lymphoid organs, haematological parameters like haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total RBC count, total WBC count and WBC differential count (Neutrophil, Eosinophil, Monocyte and Lymphocyte) and blood biochemical parameters like total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, serum glucose, ALT and Glutathione peroxidase. The total feed consumption per broiler for different experimental groups was highest in T3 group (3659.02g) and lowest in T1 group (3561.11g). The final body weight per broiler was highest in T3 group (2134.56 ± 25.82g) followed by T2 group (2049.36 ± 31.07g), T1 (1963.97 ± 39.36g) and T0 (1900.28 ± 31.27 g). The overall FCR of the entire period of the experimental groups was best in T3 group (1.71) followed by T2 (1.75), T1 (1.81) and T0 (1.88) group. Among the different xperimental groups, T3 showed the highest BPEI (124.82) followed by T2 (117.09), T1 (108.50) and T0 (101.08). The per cent livability of all the experimental groups was cent per cent (100). The cost of production per broiler including the additional cost of turmeric powder was highest in T3 (₹ 177.50) followed by T2 (₹ 174.50), T0 (₹ 172.14) and T1 (₹ 172.09) group. However, gross profit per broiler was found to be highest in T3 group (₹ 35.96) followed by T2 (₹ 30.44), T1 (₹ 24.30) and T0 (₹ 17.86) group. All the carcass traits like dressed weight, dressing percentage and giblet weight except giblet yield showed non-significant (P>0.05) differences among the experimental ABSTRACT groups. The per cent giblet yield was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T0 group (4.96 ± 0.19) than T2 (4.34 ± 0.21) and T3 (4.25 ± 0.08) group. The per cent yield of cut-up parts such as neck, wings, back, breast, thighs and drumsticks did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the different treatment groups. The per cent relative organ weights on dressed weight basis did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the different treatment groups of broiler chicken except the per cent weights of liver. The per cent weight of liver of the turmeric treated groups (T1, T2 and T3) were 2.21 ± 0.04, 2.03 ± 0.08 and 1.98 ± 0.08, respectively which showed significantly (P≤0.05) lower values than the control group (2.46 ± 0.09). All the lymphoid organs like spleen, thymus and Bursa of Fabricius showed non-significant (P>0.05) differences among the different experimental groups. The haematological parameter like haemoglobin, PCV, total WBC count, WBC differential count did not differ significantly (P>0.05) except total RBC count which was recorded as 2.46 ± 0.02, 2.55 ± 0.03, 2.52 ± 0.04 and 2.59 ± 0.03 million/mm3 for T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively and it was found that total RBC count in the turmeric treated at the level of 0.75% showed significantly (P≤0.05) higher value as compared to the control group. Moreover, the total lymphocyte count was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T3 (93.86 ± 0.75 thousand/mm3), T2 (93.84 ± 1.97 thousand/mm3) and T1 (91.58 ± 3.38 thousand/mm3) group as compared to T0 (82.98 ± 3.67 thousand/mm3) group. The biochemical parameters (total serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL and ALT) except serum glucose, triglycerides and glutathione peroxidase differed significantly (P≤0.05) among the experimental groups in the current study. The total serum cholesterol was found to be significantly (P≤0.01) lower in T3 (140.97 ± 3.06 mg/dl) and T2 (148.24 ± 3.62 mg/dl) group as compared to control group T0 (158.87 ± 2.31 mg/dl). Significantly (P≤0.01) higher HDL values were recorded in T3 (119.22 ± 8.17 mg/dl) and T2 (105.68 ± 8.06 mg/dl) group as compared to T0 (82.13 ± 5.13 mg/dl) group. The LDL levels among different groups differed significantly (P≤0.05) and all the turmeric treated groups (T3, T2 and T1) showed significantly (P≤0.05) lower values in comparison to control group (T0). The LDL level was significantly (P≤0.05) lowest in T3 (20.89 ± 8.44 mg/dl) group and highest in control group (54.39 ± 5.21 mg/dl). The ALT level was significantly (P≤0.01) lowest in T3 (19.51 ± 0.60 U/ml) and highest in control group (29.00 ± 1.94 U/ml). The various organoleptic parameters of broiler meat like colour, flavor, texture, juiciness and overall acceptability did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the different experimental groups. Thus, it is concluded that the turmeric powder can be used effectively and economically as natural feed additive at the rate of 0.75% in commercial broiler chicken feed to improve the overall performance of the birds.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    SEX SEPARATE REARING IN RELATION TO THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BROILER CHICKEN
    (College of Veterinary Science Assam Agricultural University Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2016-07) Kalita, Sanghamitra; Kalita, Kula Prasad
    An experiment was carried out on the topic “Sex separate rearing in relation to the performance on commercial broiler chicken”. 210 day-old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb-400 Y) having similar body weight from a single hatch was procured. The straight run commercial broiler chicks were reared from day-old to 21 days of age under standard managmental practices. Sex separation was done by observing the early appearance of comb in case of male birds. At 22 days of age, 180 birds were randomly selected from the flock and it was categorized into three treatment groups viz., T0 (60 Straight run or mixed sex i.e. 30 males and 30 females), T1 (60 males) and T2 (60 females). Each group was divided into 3 replicates with 20 chicks each. The chicks were wing banded and reared under deep litter system of management throughout the experimental period following standard managmental practices. All the birds were offered ad libitum drinking water and commercial feed throughout the experimental period. During the 6 weeks’ trial period following parameters were studied: body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, broiler performance efficiency index, cost of production, uniformity, survivability, carcass characteristics and organoleptic evaluation. The final body weight per broiler was highest in T1 (male) group (2509.17 ± 22.24 g) followed by T0 (mixed-sex) group (2322.11 ± 33.38 g) and T2 (female) group (2226.67 ± 19.64 g). The highest weight gains at 6th week was observed in T2 (female) group (281.50 ± 15.41 g) followed by T1 (male) (254.50 ± 18.31g) group and T0 (mixed-sex) (230.87 ± 12.07 g) group. At 4th and 5th week of age the weekly average feed intake was highest in T1 (male) group (915.66 and1509.55 g) followed by T0 (mixed-sex) group (888.83 and 1410.5g) and T2 (female) group (824.66 and 1234.5 g). At 6th week of age the highest feed intake was observed in T2 (female) group (607.166g) followed by T0 (mixed-sex) (495.33g) and T1 (male) (488 g) group. The overall F.C.R was best in T1 (male) group (1.77, 1.90 and 1.91) followed by T0 (mixed-sex) (1.77, 1.92 and 2.11) and T2 (female) (1.83, 1.94 and 2.15) group. Broiler performance efficiency index was found to be highest in T1 (male) group (108.15) followed by T0 (mixed-sex) (98.81) and T2 (female) group (87.26). The livability was cent percent in T1 (male) and T2 (female) group. In T0 (mixed-sex) livability was 85 percent. The cost of production per broiler was higher in T1 (male) group compared to T2 (female) and T0 (mixed-sex) respectively. However, the gross profit per broiler was higher by Rs. 23.21 in T1 (male) group and Rs.14.53in T0 (mixed-sex) as compared to T2 (female) group. At the final body weight the highest uniformity was observed in T1 (male) (90%) group compared to T2 (female) (80%) and T0 (mixed-sex) (70.17 %) respectively. The carcass quality traits namely live weight, gizzard percent yield and heart percent yield of different treatment groups did not differ significantly and dressed percent yield, liver percent yield and gizzard percent yield was differed significantly. The dressed percent yield was significantly higher in T1 (male) group (71.56 ± 0.01) compared toT0 (mixed-sex) (70.22 ± 0.05) and T2 (female) (69.31 ± 0.07). The highest liver percent yield was observed in T1 (male) group (1.74 ± 0.13), T2 (female) (1.66 ± 0.03) and T0 (mixed-sex) (1.33 ± 0.03). Significantly higher value of giblet was observed in T1 (male) group (3.17 ± 0.14) compared to T2 (female) (3.06 ± 0.07) and T0 (mixed-sex) (2.70 ± 0.05). Among the cut up parts the neck and breast percent yield showed the significant difference. The highest neck percent yield was observed in T0 (mixed sex) (5.43± 0.24) compared to T1 (male) (4.82 ± 0.10) and T2 (female) (4.54 ± 0.12) compared to T0 (mixed-sex) (36.02 ± 0.58) and T1 (male) (33.75 ± 0.79). The average score for organoleptic character such as tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability of meat of broilers observed no significant difference (P<0.05) except flavor. The flavor was significantly higher in T1 (male) group (7.26 ± 0.09) as compared to T0 (mixed-sex) (7.16 ± 0.07) and T2 (female) (6.89 ± 0.08) group.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF FEEDING GARLIC (Allium sativum) AS PREBIOTIC ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BROILER CHICKEN
    (Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2016-07) BORGOHAIN, BONDANA; Mahanta, J. D.
    This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of feeding garlic (Allium sativum) as prebiotic on the performance of commercial broiler chicken. One hundred and forty four day-old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb-400 Y) having similar body weight from a single hatch was procured. The chicks were randomly divided into four groups viz. T0, T1, T2 and T3 containing 36 chicks in each groups. Each group was further subdivided into 3 replicates of 12 chicks in each group. The chicks were wing banded and reared under deep litter system of management throughout the experimental period following standard and uniform managemental practices. The birds under T0 group were offered basal diet without addition of garlic powder. The birds under T1, T2 and T3 groups were given garlic powder with feed at the rate of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% level respectively. All the experimental groups were provided commercial brand of probiotic powder (Probios) at the recommended dose of 1g/litre of drinking water. For preparation of garlic powder, garlic bulbs were peeled off and sun-dried for three days. Then these bulbs were dried in Hot Air Oven at a temperature of 500C. The dried substances were ground to obtain the dry garlic powder and were stored at room temperature and used in the feeds of broiler chickens for a period of six (6) weeks. The garlic powder was incorporated into the diets at 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% levels (on dry matter basis). All the birds under control and treatment groups were offered ad libitum feed and water throughout the experimental period. The birds of all the four groups were reared separately and maintained under uniform managemental condition. During the six (6) weeks of experimental period, following parameters were studied: performance traits like weekly feed intake and feed consumption, weekly body weight and body weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Broiler Performance Efficiency Index (BPEI) and Livability, economics of production, carcass traits like carcass quality traits, relative organ weights including lymphoid organs, haematological parameters like hemoglobin , Packed Cell Volume , total RBC count, total WBC count and WBC differential count (Neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte, lymphocyte) and biochemical parameters like total serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, serum glucose and ALT. The total feed consumption per broiler for different experimental groups was highest in T2 group (3633.23g) and lowest in T0 group (3390.96g). The final body weight per broiler was highest in T2 group (2175.00± 31.90 g) followed by T3 (2008.3± 34.13 g), T1 (1986.11± 30.85 g) and T0 (1904.86± 27.05 g). The overall FCR of the entire period of the experimental groups was best in T2 group (1.67) followed by T3 (1.74), T0 (1.78) and T1 (1.80) group. Among the different experimental groups, T2 showed the highest BPEI (130.24) followed by T3 (115.45), T1 (110.28) and T0 (106.96) group. The per cent livability of all the experimental groups was cent per cent (100). The cost of production per broiler including the additional cost of garlic powder was highest in T3 (Rs. 167.87) than T2 (Rs. 166.31), T1 (Rs. 157.59) and T0 (Rs. 144.70). However, gross profit per broiler was found to be highest in T2 group (Rs. 51.19) followed by T0 (Rs. 45.73), T1 (Rs. 41.01) and T3 (Rs. 32.93) group. All carcass quality traits (live weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage and giblet weight) except per cent yields of giblet did not differ significantly among different experimental groups. The giblet yield (%) was significantly higher in T0 group (5.61± 0.17) than T1 (5.08± 0.10), T2 (4.88± 0.05), T3 (4.85± 0.09). The per cent yield of cut-up parts like neck, wing, back, breast, thigh and drumstick did not differ significantly among different treatment groups. The per cent weights of relative organs of broiler chicken on dressed weight basis did not differ significantly among different treatment groups except the per cent weights of liver, gizzard, lungs and abdominal fat. The per cent weights of liver, gizzard, lungs and abdominal fat of T0 group (2.41, 2.48, 0.97 1.31 per cent) were higher than the garlic fed groups. Among the lymphoid organs, both bursa and thymus showed no significant difference in per cent weights between the different treatment groups except the per cent weights of spleen. The spleen weight decreased significantly (P<0.05) in T2 (1.68±0.07) and T3 group (1.72± 0.07) as compared to T0 (2.31±0.05) and T1 (2.27± 0.04). All the haematological parameters except haemoglobin and total RBC recorded in the present study differed significantly among different treatment groups. The total WBC was significantly higher in T2 (85.69 ± 2.18) and T3 groups (85.11 ± 1.46) as compared to T0 (71.12 ± 1.82) and T1group (72.52 ± 1.93). The WBC differential count (Neutrophil, Eosinophil, Monocyte and Lymphocyte) was significantly higher in T2 (Neutrophil- 4.52 ± 0.11, Eosinophil- 0.76 ± 0.09, Monocyte- 1.08 ± 0.06 and Lymphocyte- 70.58 ± 1.00 million/mm3) and T3 groups (Neutrophil- 4.69 ± 0.11, Eosinophil- 0.89 ± 0.09, Monocyte- 1.12 ± 0.03 and Lymphocyte- 71.89 ± 0.97 million/mm3) as compared to T0 (Neutrophil – 4.16 ± 0.14, Eosinophil – 0.52 ± 0.07, Monocyte – 0.91 ± 0.03 and Lymphocyte – 64.19 ± 1.78) and T1group (Neutrophil- 4.32 ± 0.13, Eosinophil-0.63± 0.06, Monocyte- 0.99 ± 0.03 and Lymphocyte-66.26 ± 1.65 million/mm3). The values of all the biochemical parameters (total serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and ALT) except serum glucose recorded in the present study differed significantly (P<0.01) among different treatment groups. The total serum cholesterol was found lowest in T3 and T2 (109.48 and 110.89 mg/dl) as compared to T0 and T1 group (165.01 and 146.48 mg/dl). The values of HDL in T2 and T3 (82.02 and 83.13mg/dl) were significantly higher as compared to T0 and T1 group (47.42 and 57.47 mg/dl). The LDL level was significantly (P<0.01) lowest in T2 (18.27 ± 3.85 mg/dl) and highest in control group (96.85 ± 4.88 mg/dl). The serum triglycerides level was significantly (P<0.05) lowest in T3 (50.43 ± 3.11 mg/dl) and T2 (53.74 ± 2.76 mg/dl) and highest in control group (103.74 ± 2.91mg/dl). The ALT levels was significantly (P<0.05) lowest in T2 (24.27 ± 0.55 U/ml) and highest in control group (26.29 ± 0.74 U/ml). Thus, it is concluded that garlic powder can be used effectively as prebiotic in feed at the level of 1.0% to improve the overall performance of broiler chicken.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    IDENTIFICATION OF LACTOBACILLUS SPECIES AS PROBIOTIC STRAIN FROM INDIGENOUS CHICKEN AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKEN
    (Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2017-01) Gonmei, Gaichamdinliu; Sapcota, D.
    The present study was aimed to isolate and identify Lactobacillus spp. from different segments of gastro intestinal tract of indigenous chicken of Assam of different age group i.e. chick, grower and adult followed by the screening of isolates for its probiotic potency tests. Initially, a total of eighty isolates were harvested from crop, proventriculus, jejunum, ileum and caecum, out of which thirty one Lactobacillus isolates were characterized through morphological (colony morphology and Gram staining) and biochemical (catalase and sugar fermentation tests) tests. From among the thirty one isolates, five promising Lactobacillus were selected for further screening of probiotic properties. For judging the efficacy of Lactobacillus as probiotic candidate, screening was carried out through various in-vitro probiotic quality assessment tests like aggregation test, resistance to bile salts and acidic conditions, enzymatic test (protease test), cell surface hydrophobicity, co-aggregation test and antagonistic test. From among five isolates, two displayed high aggregation within first 15 to 30 min. upon keeping for 2 hrs. In the acid tolerance test, four isolates were found to be resistant to pH 3. The ox bile of 0.15 and 0.3 % concentration supported growth of all isolates which indicates that Lactobacillus isolates can tolerate up to 0.3 % bile salt. In enzymatic activity, all isolates showed almost similar protease activity. Cell surface hydrophobicity ranged from 47.60±1.34 % to 88.00±1.65 % indicating high hydrophobicity and the ability of isolates to adhere to mucus membrane. Co-aggregation between Lactobacillus isolates and E coli was observed indicating adhesion ability of Lactobacillus isolates with pathogenic bacteria. Antagonistic activity tested against E coli through well diffusion assay indicated the inhibitory property of Lactobacillus isolates. Based on the results, the isolates which scored highest points i.e., ACE5 and AJ3 were subjected to partial 16S rRNA sequencing and BLAST analysis to identify them at species level and found 99.72 % genetic identity with Lactobacillus reuteri for both the isolates. The isolate is registered as L. reuteri PIA16 with the accession no. KX260961under NCBI. Then, the two isolated L. reuteri were put into in vivo growth bioassay treating as two individual entities as their site of isolation differed. 20 % of daily ration for broilers (starter and finisher) was fermented with 20 % of broth culture having L. reuteri 108 cfu/ml. Five treatment groups were provided with different dietary treatments i.e., T1-basal diet (Control), T2- basal diet + 1.85×108 cfu of L. reuteri (ACE5)/ gm fermented feed,T3- basal diet + 1.89×108 cfu of L. reuteri (AJ3)/ gm fermented feed, T4-1.85×108 cfu of L. reuteri (ACE5)/gm fermented feed+ Mannan oligosaccharide(MOS) @ 0.25 % and T5-1.89x108 cfu of L. reuteri (AJ3)/gm fermented feed+MOS @ 0.25 % of feed. Through feeding trial, parameters like body weight change, body weight gain, FCR, feed consumption, carcass characteristics, immunity (cell mediated and humoral) were studied. Effect of dietary supplements on carcass traits, livability and economics were also studied. The L. reuteri PIA16 at 108 cfu dose improved body weight gain, feed consumption and FCR in broiler chickens. The beneficial effect was further improved when supplemented along with prebiotic, MOS. Dietary L. reuteri PIA16 along with MOS showed better carcass traits on the basis of organ weights and cut-up parts and also found to enhance humoral and cell mediated immunity. The Broiler Performance Efficiency Index (BPEI) increased from 14.87 to 15.58 per cent in L. reuteri PIA16 alone fed groups and from 25.44 to 30.13 per cent in L. reuteri PIA16 groups supplemented with prebiotic when compared to control counterpart. The cost of production was higher in all the broiler chickens fed with dietary L. reuteri PIA16 in comparison to control group which was due to higher body weight. However, despite the higher production cost, the gross profit was increased by 0.56 to 0.78 per cent in both the Lactobacillus reuteri PIA16 alone fed groups whereas, in the Lactobacillus reuteri PIA16 with prebiotics fed groups, the profit increased from 1.29 to 1.50 per cent as compared to control counterpart. Furthermore, the study revealed that the two identified L. reuteri strains isolated from different parts of the GIT (caecum and jejunum) was found to be non-site specific. It may be concluded that isolated L. reuteri PIA16 from indigenous chicken of Assam has positive effect on growth, FCR, carcass yields and immunity and proves to be a potential probiotic agent.