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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Performance of Feedlot Sheep with or without Feed Additives
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2023) Qazi, Shehriyar Sahib; Haidar Ali Ahmed
    A study was undertaken in two phases to evaluate the effect of feedlotting with or without feed additives on the performance of 25 finishing lambs, divided into five equal groups of 05 animals each i.e., control group (T0), treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) as per CRD. In phase-I, chemical analysis of all the feed ingredients and total mixed ration (TMR) used in the experiment was carried out. Two TMR’s were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of experimental animals as per ICAR (2013). In control group (T0), experimental animals were fed 60% roughage and 40% concentrate, without any feed additive, while in treatment groups viz, T1, T2, T3 and T4, feedlot diets were offered i.e., 20% roughage and 80% concentrate with or without feed additives. In T1 group no feed additive was added, however in T2, T3 and T4 groups, Monensin sodium @ 33 mg/kg DMI; Saccharomyces cerevisiae (4 x 109 cfu) (@ 1g/animal/day) and sodium bicarbonate (@1.0 % of DMI was added, respectively. In phase-II, 74 day feeding experiment (including 14 days adaptation period) was conducted with a 10 days metabolic trial at the end of the experiment. The parameters studied were feed intake, growth performance, nutrient utilization, balance of nutrients, haemato- biochemical parameters, rumen fermentation parameters, carcass characteristics and economics of feeding. The results indicated non-significant differences (P>0.05) among the experimental groups in DMI, OMI, ADG, FCR, digestibility coefficients of nutrients. However values were numrically higher in feed additive supplemented feedlot groups. Balance of nutrients i.e., nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus showed non-significant differences (P>0.05) among the groups, however values were higher in feed aaditive supplemented feedlot groups. DCP (%) values of rations were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in feed additive supplemented feedlot groups but no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in TDN (%) values among the experimental groups, however values were higher in feed additive supplemented feedlot groups. CPI (g/d) and DCPI (g/d) intake were significantly higher in feed additive supplemented feedlot groups with highest value in T2 group followed by T4 than T1, T3 and T0 group, but non- significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in DDMI and TDNI among the experimental groups but values were higher in feed additive supplemented feedlot groups. The overall mean values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, blood glucose, ALT, AST, ALP and BUN showed non-significant differences (P>0.05) among the treatment groups but values were within the normal range, however the mean values of serum creatinine revealed significantly higher (P≤0.05) values in feedlot groups than control, however the values were within the normal range. Rumen pH, TVFA, ammonia nitrogen, TCA precipitable nitrogen and NPN values had no significant difference (P>0.05) among the treatment groups, however, total nitrogen values of rumen liquor was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in feedlot groups than control. Among carcass traits dressing percentage and bleeding percentage were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in feed additive supplemented feedlot groups except sodium bicarbonate fed group, however bleeding time, hide percentage and loin eye area revealed non-significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatment groups, though values were higher in feedlot groups. Among major cuts, the weight of neck, shoulder and loin showed non-significant difference (P>0.05) among the groups thogh values were higher in feedlot groups except neck, but rack and legs revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) among the treatment groups. However, weight of rack and legs were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in monensin sodium fed group (T2) in comparison to other groups. Among minor cuts weight of breast was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in sodium bicarbonate fed group but it had no significant difference (P>0.05) with monensin sodium fed group. However, non-significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in flank and shank weight among the groups though values were highest in monensin sodium fed group. Among edible and inedible offals weight of hide, intestine, stomach, testis+urethra and peritoneal fat were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in feed additives supplemented feedlot groups, but non-significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in terms of lungs, heart, liver+gall bladder, kidney, kidney fat and spleen though values were higher in feed additive fed groups except lungs and spleen. Lower cost of feeding per kg body weight gain was observed in feed additive supplemented feedlot groups with lowest cost of feeding per kg body gain in monensin sodium fed group (T2) followed by T3, T4, T0 and T1 groups, however, no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed among the groups. Percent reduction in cost of feeding was highest in monensin sodium fed group (T2, 16.46%) followed by T3 (14.41%) and T4 (11.28%), however cost of feeding per kg gain in T1 group was 0.73% higher than control group (T0). Thus, it was concluded that experimental animals fed on monensin sodium as feed additive performed best among all the treatment groups, followed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Sodium bicarbonate. Therfore, Monensin sodium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Sodium bicarbonate can be used as feed additives in the feedlot ration of sheep without any adverse effect on their performance and health status.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) petals as feed additive on performance of broiler chicken
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Malik, Naveed Ahmed; Sheikh, Gowher Gull
    The present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of saffron petals as feed additive on the performanceof broilers. In the experiment, 140 day-old chicks were randomly distributed in five treatment groups having four replicates of seven chicks each.Birds of treatment group T0 (control)were offered basal diet without feed additives. Birds of treatment group T1, T2 T3 and T4 were offered basal diet supplemented with grinded saffron petals as feed additive @ 0.5,1, 1.5 and 2g/kg feed on dry matter basis. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3000 Kcal ME/kg and 23.20% CP for pre-starters, 3100 Kcal ME/kg and 20.16% CP for starters and 3191 Kcal ME/kg with 18.00% CP for finishers. The overall temperature and humidity of experimental groups was recorded 23.43°C and 55.19% during day and 23.17°C and 56.01% during night throughout the experiment. The Saffron petals (Crocus sativus L.) used in the study as feed additive contained 85% DM, 11.94% CP, 5.03% EE, 7.85% CF, 52.81% NFE, 5.37% total ash, 1.33% acid insoluble ash, 36.10% NDF, 30.00% ADF, 6.10% hemicelluloses and 5.90% cellulose. The average weekly live body weights (g) of experimental birds subjected to different levels of saffron petals as feed additive in dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) had non-significant differences at the first and second weeks of age. However, the average body weight of birds at the end of 3rd, 4th and 5th week was significantly lower (P≤0.05) in the T0 (control) group as compared to T1, T2, T3 and T4, with T4 treatment group having significantly highest (P≤0.05) body weight followed by T3, T2 and T1 groups. During entire experimental period among groups supplemented with the feed additive feed intake were numerically higher as compared to control but could not reach to statistical significant difference. Initially, during the first week of the experiment there was no significant difference among the feed conversion ratio (FCR)and feed efficiency ratio(FER) values in the treatments T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4; however, as the age progressed, a significantly (P≤0.05) better feed efficiency (lower FCR and higher FER) was recorded in the birds of T3 and T4 groups as compared to control (T0). The overall FCR and FER of the experimental birds during entire experimental period were significantly better in supplemented (T1, T2, T3 and T4) groups as compared to control group (T0). The results of weekly performance index depicted that treatments T3 andT4 had significantly (P≤0.05) higher performance index as compared to control (T0), T1 and T2 groups. The overall performance index of broiler chicken was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T4 followed by T3,T2 and T1treatments with statistically (P≤0.05) lowest performance index values in control (T0). The results of average nutrient digestibility in experimental birds show significantly (P≤0.05) higher dry matter digestibility in treatment T2, T3 and T4 as compared to control (T0) and T1 treatment groups. Birds of treatment group T4 also had significantly(P≤0.05) higher digestibility of crude protein (CP) as compared to control group with no significant difference among T0, T1, T2and T3 treatments.There was nosignificant effect of feed additive supplementation on digestibility of ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). There has been no mortality reported of experimental birds during experiment. The production cost per kg live weight was least in treatment T4 and highest in control (T0). All the haemato-biochemical parameters were within normal range indicating no deleterious effect of saffron petal as feed additive in the diet of broiler birds. The blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration of birds of T3 and T4 group were significantly (P≤0.01) higher as compared to control (T0) and T1 group. However, there was no significant difference in Hb concentration among birds of T1, T2 and T3 treatment groups. Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values of birds of control (T0) and treatment groups could not reach to statistical significant difference.The blood glucose values of the experimental birds of group T0 and T1 showed significantly lower (P≤0.01) levels than the birds in T2, T3 and T4, with no significant difference between T2, T3 and T4 treatments. Significantly (P≤0.05) lower cholesterol and serum triglycerides levels were found in birds of T4 treatment as compared to control (T0) with nonsignificant difference between T1, T2 and T3 treatments. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and serum alanine transaminotransferase (ALT) activity among birds of control and treatment groups. The birds of group T4 produced a significantly (P≤0.05) higher antibody response than the birds of control (T0), T1 and T2 groups with no significant difference with birds of T3 treatment. Significantly (P≤0.05) lower dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB) values were reported in birds of control (T0)group as compared to birds of T2, T3 and T4 treatments with non-significant difference with birds of T1 group. The mean weight (g) of different immune organs of the birds of group T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 have no significant difference in average weights of bursa, caecal tonsils and ileum. However, a significantly (P≤0.05) higher mean spleen weight was recorded in birds of T4 treatment as compared to control (To). Significantly (P≤0.05) lower mean total oxidant status (TOS) values were recorded in birds of T2, T3 and T4 treatments as compared to control (T0), with non-significant difference between T0 and T1 group. The total antioxidant status (TAS) values in the treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) have significantly (P≤0.01) higher values as compared to control (T0). The thiobarbuturic acid reactive substances (T-BARS)-Breast values were significantly (P≤0.01) lower in T4 treatment as compared to T0, T1, T2 and T3. The T-BARS (Thigh) values were significantly (P≤0.01) higher values in control (T0) followed by T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatments respectively. The results of carcass parameters (%) of the birds of group T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 depicted that dressing percentage was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in birds of T3 and T4 groups compared to that of T0 group. Dressing parameters like feathering loss and bleeding loss of the experimental birds were without any statistical significant difference. The breast, back, drumstick, thigh, wing, neck and total giblet percentage of experimental birds of all treatment groups also could not reach to significant difference statistically.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutritional status of dairy cattle in Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Rafiqui, Muteeb ullah; Reshi, Parvaiz Ahmed
    The current study was carried to assess the socioeconomic status of dairy farmers, livestock inventories, feeding practices, production status, chemical composition of feed and fodder fed to dairy animals and nutrient balance of dairy animals in district Ganderbal to suggest suitable measures for rearing of dairy animals on proper scientific guidelines for better economic returns. The study was conducted in three phases (survey, sampling and analysis). A comprehensive survey was carried in the three Animal husbandry blocks (Ganderbal, Kangan and Lar) of the Ganderbal district involving 15 villages, with 5 farm families from each block as per pre-tested approved questionnaire. A total of 151 cattle rearing farmers (respondents) were questioned which includes 51 from Ganderbal block, 50 from Kangan block and 51 from Lar block of the district Ganderbal. The feeds, fodders and milk samples, collected from different tehsils were labeled, stored and brought to laboratory for further analysis.The composite feed and fodder samples were analyzed for proximate principles and fiber fraction. To determine nutritional status of dairy animals, DCP, TDN values and body weight of the animals was determined. The data obtained in the experiment was analyzed using statistical procedures. The total irrigated land availability (kanal/ family) with dairy owners of District Ganderbal is 3.11±0.45 whereas total unirrigated land availability is 1.48±0.51. The average family size (members/ family) was 5.70±0.05 with 3.60±0.14 number of males and 2.10±0.08 number of females per family. The average percent literacy rate per family of district Ganderbal is 45.26±0.08 with 49.72±0.15 literacy rate of males and 37.62 ±0.13literacy rate of females.The monthly income of dairy farmers of district Ganderbal is rupees 6188.46±482.06, 3085.20±304.22, 2151.74±305.97 and 3882.09±403.13 from horticulture/agriculture, business, labour and employee. From different sources of income horticulture/agriculture was main source of income. The average number of lactating cows, dry cows, bulls, heifers and calves per family of dairy farmers was found to be 2.05±0.20, 0.40±0.03, 0.38±0.03, 0.53±0.05 and 0.65±0.07 respectively. The average body weight of lactating cows in district Ganderbal were found to be 194.71±3.45 kg with body condition score of 1.92±0.05. The average body weight of heifers and calves in district Ganderbal were found 69.20±0.98 and 36.75±1.33 kg respectively. Regarding feeding practices followed by dairy farmers of district Ganderbal 36.54% follow stall feeding, 18.90% were practicing grazing and 45.32% farmers were following both stall feeding and grazing with average grazing hours of 3.15±0.16hr, The 40.91% of dairy animals of district Ganderbal were fed on community pastures where as 48.90% of the farmers fed cultivated fodder to their dairy animals followed by naturally or orchard grown fodders (38.24%) and tree foliage (12.85%).During winters, animals are mostly stallfed with 60.16% and 39.84% of the farmers feeding hay and straw respectively to dairy animals. During summers, green fodders were fed by 44.48% of the dairy farmers, mixture of green and dry fodders was fed by 23.36% of dairy farmers, 23.50% of the farmers fed hay whereas straw was fed as a roughage source by 8.65% of the dairy farmers to dairy animals in the district. No single farmer fed silage to the dairy animals in their ration. Only 16.80% of the farmers fed chaffed fodders to the dairy animals in the district and 28.45% farmers were using supplementation in the form of minerals or vitamins. The dairy animals were fed 1.18±0.17kg concentrates per animal per day in the district Ganderbal with 7.15±0.29 kg daily intake of roughages/animal/day. Maximum number (88.87%) of the surveyed cattle of the district Ganderbal were in milking stage and only 11.13% were in dry stage with average milk yield of 4.58±0.32lt. /day. Among roughages the dairy animals were fedpaddy straw, oat hay and mixed grass. Among concentrates the dairy animals were fedRice bran, Wheat bran, Commercial pelleted feed, Mustard oil cake, Crushed maize and Homemade concentrate mixture. The chemical composition of all the feed/fodder resouces were within normal range. In overall district dairy animals were receiving excess dry matter of 0.28kg and TDN of 815.01g/day/animal with average deficit of DCP intakes by 69.95g/day as per ICAR 2013 requirements.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutritional Evaluation of Aquatic Weeds from Water Bodies of Central Kashmir
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Munibul Islam; Sheikh, Gowher Gull
    The present study was aimed to determine the proximate composition, fibre fraction, invitro digestibility, macro-mineral, micro-mineral content and heavy metal concentration of aquatic plants/weeds with potential of being used as animal fodder, collected from major water bodies i.e; Dal, Nigeen, Hokersar, Mansbal and Anchar lake of central Kashmir. The dry matter content of the major aquatic weeds from water bodies central Kashmir was in a range of 8.25% (Salvinia natans) to 11.07% (Dysphania ambrosioides). The CP % of these aquatic weeds was between 4.11% (Trapa natans) to 22.13% (Nymphoides aquatica). The EE percent of the aquatic weeds was from 0.70% (Trapa natans) to 7.44% (Dysphania ambrosioides).The lowest CF reported is 6.00% in Nelumbo nucifera and highest CF is 53.10% in Typha angustata. The ash content of these aquatic weeds was from 3.02% (Trapa natans) to 21.70% (Potamogeton crispus). The Total carbohydrates (TC) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) were found highest in Trapa natans (92.65% & 76.36%) and lowest in Dysphania ambrosioides (38.01% & 2.44%). The percent DMI, DDM, TDN, ME and RFV were found highest in Nelumbo nucifera and lowest in Nymphoides peltata. Highest DCP was found in Dysphania ambrosioides (21.18%) and lowest in Trapa natans.Among fibre fractions highest NDF was reported in Nymphaea tetragona (49.51%), Typha angustata (49.51%) and lowest percent of NDF was in Nelumbo nucifera (12.40%). The ADF percentage was in a range of 5.37% (Azolla cristata) to 50.34% (Nymphoides peltata). Lowest cellulose and hemicellulose percentage was found in Nelumbo nucifera (4.01) and (4.64) and highest in Nymphaea tetragona (14.29). All aquatic plants were having lignin ranging between 5.44% to 24.74% higher than lignin content of Oats hay (4.58%). Among the major aquatic plants collected from Dal, Nigeen, Hokersar, Mansbal and Anchar lake, the percent invitro digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and NDF was higher for Nelumbo nucifera (64.31, 79.20 and 69.19%), and lower for Typha angustata(35.40, 40.39and 30.45%). Among macro-minerals Ca, P and Na (g/kg) were found highest in Lemna minor (11.25, 5.34 and 20.46). Lowest Ca was found in Ceratophyllum demersum (1.16) and lowest Na (g/kg) concentration was found in Potamogeton lucens (0.42). Cladophora glomerata (30.11g/kg) had highest and Nymphaea tetragona (0.92 g/kg) had lowest Mg content. Lemna minor from Dal Lake (24.67g/kg) have high K concentration. Whereas, Potamogeton lucens (8.50 g/kg) had lowest K concentration among all major aquatic plants. Among micromineral Cu concentration was almost similar among maximum weeds with highest 9.16ppm in Nymphyoides peltata and lowest in Nymphoides aquatica (0.39ppm). Fe concentration was high in Nymphaea tetragona from different lakes (344.20 to 347.44ppm) and lowest in Rumex rupestris (40.05ppm) from Hokersar wetland. Similarly, there was variation in Zn concentration with highest (16.52ppm) in Nelumbo nucifera and Myriophyllum spicatum and lowest (1.92ppm) in Alternanthera philoxeroides. Nelumbo nucifera from Dal Lake also had maximum Mn concentration of 142.38 ppm and Alternanthera philoxeroides from Hokersar had minimum Mn concentration of 49.60 ppm. Among all microminerals Co was found in lesser concentration and was highest in Alternanthera philoxeroides (2.43ppm) and lowest in Myriophyllum spicatum (0.30ppm) from Dal Lake. In this study, Pb and Cr concentration was high in Myriophyllum spicatum (3.23ppm and 4.28ppm) and lowest Pb was found in Ceratophyllum demersum (0.43ppm) with lowest Cr in Typha angustata (0.44ppm). Lemna minor had high concentration of As (0.53ppm) and Potamogeton crispus (0.20ppm) from Dal lake with lowest concentration of As. Nelumbo nucifera from Nigeen lake had highest Hg concentration of 2.11ppm and Alternanthera philoxeroides from Nigeen lake and Ceratophyllum demersum from Mansbal lake had lowest Hg level of 0.81ppm among all aquatic weeds. On comparing with standard maintenance fodder (Avena sativa/Oats hay), the DM, EE Total carbohydrates, ADF, NDF, Cellulose of all the aquatic plants was found very low. The percent CP, Ash, NFC and lignin were found higher than oats hay. The predictable percent DMI, DDM, DCP, TDN, ME & RFV of all the aquatic plants were found higher than oats hay. The invitro digestibility of these aquatic plants were found almost similar to oats hay. The macro- and micro-mineral, heavy metal contents of majority of the weeds were found higher than the oats hay.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of Organic Trace Mineral Supplementation on Performance of Broiler Birds Under Cold Stress
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2021) Sheikh, Zaid Danish Abdul Mateen; Sheikh, Gowher Gull
    The present study was planned to study the effect of organic zinc and chromium supplemented diets on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, immune system and carcass traits of broilers. In the experiment, 120-day old chicks were randomly distributed into 5 dietary treatments each with 3 replicates. Out of 5 treatments, treatment one (T0) offered basal diet, without cold stress, whereas group T1 was offered basal diet, under cold stress. While, remaining 3 treatments consisted of T2, T3 and T4 were offered basal diet under cold stress, supplemented with Organic Zinc @ 100 mg/kg feed on DM basis, Organic Chromium @ 2 mg/kg feed on DM basis and combination of Organic Zinc @ 100 mg/kg and Organic Chromium @ 2 mg/kg feed on DM basis respectively. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3096 Kcal ME/kg and 23% CP for pre-starters, 3141 Kcal ME/kg and 20.26% CP for starters and 3181 Kcal ME/kg with 18.20% CP for finishers. The overall temperature and humidity of T0 experimental group was recorded 27.28°C and 25.16% during day and 27.85°C and 26.76% during night throughout the experiment. While, the average weekly temperature and humidity of T1, T2, T3, T4 experimental groups was recorded 14.50°C and 46.58% during day and 10.71°C and 44.23% during night, throughout the same experiment. The results of average weekly live body weights (g) of experimental birds subjected to different dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) had non-significant difference at first, second and third week of age. During 4th and 5th week, average body weight of birds was significantly lower (P≤0.05) in T1 group as compared to T0 and supplemented treatment groups (T1, T3 and T4). There was no significant difference observed in average body weight gain (g) among the treatment groups T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 throughout the experimental period. The average feed consumption did not show any significant difference between T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups, during the first and 4th week of the experiment. However, during 2nd and 3rd week, there was a significant (P≤0.05) increased feed consumption in the birds from the treatment group T1 (cold stress without supplementation) as compared to supplemented (T2, T3 and T4) groups with no significant difference among T0, T2, T3 and T4 experimental groups. Initially during the first week of experiment there was no significant difference in FCR and FER among the treatment groups T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 however, as the age progresses, a significantly (P≤0.05) higher FCR was recorded in the birds of group T1 (cold stress without supplementation) as compared to birds of thermoneutral group (T0) and supplemented (T2, T3 and T4) groups. During the 3rd and 4th week of experiment there were significantly (P≤0.05) higher FER values in the T4 as compared to that of T0, T1, T2, and T3 treatment groups. The FER values of treatment groups T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 at 5th week of experiment were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T4 treatment as compared to T1 without reaching to a statistically significant difference with T0, T2, T3 and T4 treatments.The results of weekly performance index in broiler chicken subjected to organic mineral supplementation under cold stress depicted significantly (P≤0.005) higher performance index in birds supplemented with organic zinc and chromium in combination (T4) followed by organic zinc (T2) and organic chromium (T3) then thermoneutral treatment group (T0) with lowest in cold stress group (T1). Significantly (P≤0.05) higher dry matter digestibility was observed in treatment T0 followed by T2, T3 and T4 with lowest in digestibility T1 experimental group. The digestibility of crude protein was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in the birds of T0 and T4 groups than that of T2, T3 groups with significantly (P≤0.05) lower digestibility T0 group as compared to birds of groups T0, T2, T3 and T4. The birds of treatment T0 and T4 reported significantly (P≤0.05) higher EE digestibility than the birds of T1 and T3. With no significant difference found in the EE digestibility among of birds of groups T2 and T4. The crude fibre (CF) digestibility was significantly (P≤0.05) higher digestibility of CF was observed in the birds of treatment T1 and T4 followed by the birds of T2, with significantly lowest digestibility in birds of T1 treatment. difference between birds of treatment T3 and T4. The digestibility of NFE was significantly (P≤0.05) higher T0 followed by T2, T3 and T4 with lowest digestibility in birds of T1 group. The overall percent mortality was 16.66% and 4.16% in the treatment group T2 and T4 respectively. The results of present study revealed that the cost of production per kg live weight in T0 was 129.41₹, T1 was 126.34₹; 118.65₹ for T2, 118.65₹ for T3 and 106.16₹ for T4. The results indicating that cost of production per kg live weight was least in T4 (106.16₹) followed by T3 (118.65₹). The cost of production per kg live weight was highest in T0 (129.41₹), followed by T1 (126.34₹) and T2 (118.65₹) groups. The serum total protein and albumin values of the experimental birds was comparatively lower than the reference values. The serum total protein values (g/L) of the chicks of T1 group were significantly lower (P≤0.05) than T0, and T2, T3 and T4 experimental groups with non-significant difference among T0, T2 and T3 groups. The serum albumin values of the birds of T4 and T2 groups were significantly higher (P≤0.05) followed by T3, T0 and T1 groups. The serum globulin concentration of group T0, T2 and T3 were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than T1 but significantly lower (P≤0.05) than T4 group. There was significantly (P≤0.05) lower serum albumin-globulin ratio recorded in T0 group than T1 group with non-significant difference with T2, T3 and T4 groups. The serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values of T1 group were significantly higher (P≤0.05) than zinc and chromium supplemented (T2 and T3) groups followed by T4 and then T0 groups. The experimental birds of group T2 showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum creatinine values than those of birds in T0, T1, T3 and T4 groups with no significant statistical difference among these groups. The experimental birds of group T0 showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) blood glucose levels than the birds in T1 and T2 followed by T3 and T4 groups. The birds of group T1 and T2 showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum AST enzyme activity than the birds of T0 and T3 group followed by T4 group. The birds of group T1 and T2 showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum enzyme activity than the birds of T0 and T3 group followed by T4 group. However, there was no significant difference in enzyme activity of birds of T1 and T2 experimental groups. The serum ALT activity of group T1 and T2 was found to be significantly (P≤0.05) higher than the birds of T0 followed by T3 and T4 groups. At 21st day, the birds of group T2 and T4 produced a significantly (P≤0.05) higher antibody response than the birds of group T1 with no significant difference was found among the immune responses of the birds of T0 and T3, T2 and T4 groups. But as the age of birds progressed, at 28th day, the birds of group T1 and T2 showed a significantly (P≤0.05) lower antibody response than the birds of group T0. Also, there was no significant difference observed in the immune response among the birds of group T0, T3 and T4. There was no significant difference observed in the average weights of spleen, caecal tonsils and ileum among all treatment groups. However, a significantly (P≤0.05) lower mean weight of bursa was observed in birds of T1 and T3 groups as compared to T0 group, with non-significant difference between T0, T2 and T4 groups. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher GPx and SOD activity was observed in the birds of T0, T2, T3 and T4 treatments as compared to birds of T1 treatment. The serum lipid peroxidase (LPO) activities in the experimental birds of T0 and T4 treatments showed significantly (P≤0.05) lower values as compared to T1 treatment with non- significant difference between T0, T2, T3 and T4 treatments. However, the serum catalase values in the experimental birds in the treatment groups T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 could not reach to a statistically significant difference. A significantly (P≤0.05) higher dressing percentage was observed in birds of group T2 (zinc supplemented) and T4 (organic zinc and chromium) compared to that of T0 (thermoneutral group) and T1 (non-supplemented and cold stress) experimental groups. The dressing percentage of birds of T0, T1 and T2 groups could not reach to statistically significant difference. A significantly (P≤0.05) higher bleeding loss was observed in the birds of T4 group in comparison to T0 and T1 groups, with non-significant difference in birds of T2 and T3 groups. The feathering loss (%) of the experimental birds was found significantly (P≤0.05) lower in T0 group compared to T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups. Organic mineral supplemented group in combination (T4) revealed significantly (P≤0.05) higher breast and drumstick percentage values compared to non-supplemented T0 and T1 groups. A significantly (P≤0.05) higher back and thigh percentage value was found in the birds of T2 and T4 group compared to T0, T1 and T3 groups. There was no statistically significant difference found among the respective mean values of wing, neck and total giblet percentage of experimental birds of all treatment groups.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of Mineral Content of Available Feed Resources and Plasma of Dairy Cattle in District Shopian of Kashmir
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2021) Sayima Akhter; Beigh, Yasir Afzal
    The study was conducted in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory for evaluation of mineral content in available feed resources and plasma of dairy cattle. Detailed information was taken using approved schedule before sampling. Samples of blood from 201 number of dairy cattle along with feedstuffs fed by the farmers to their animals were collected from six tehsils (Shopian, Imam-sahab, Herman, Zainpora, Chitragam and Keegam) of two veterinary blocks (Shopian and Keller) of the district viz. Feed and fodder samples from respective villages of each tehsil were pooled to get the uniform sample. Animals were grouped according to milk yield in to dry pregnant, up to 5 kg, 5-10 kg, above 10 kg and parity into primiparous, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and above parities. It was observed in the survey that majority (28.40%) of the dairy farmers had horticulture as primary occupation, followed by animal husbandry (22.22%), predominantly dairy farming (55.56%). The majority (29.01%) of the respondents were having middle school level of education and average land holdings per household ranged between <1 acre and 1-5 acre. Majority of the farmers practised concentrate feeding (84.57%) and mineral supplementation (83.33%) of dairy animals. Roughages commonly offered to livestock in the district were paddy straw, oats straw, stovers (maize and sorghum), orchard grass (dry as well as green), maize fodder, oats fodder, and lopped tree foliage both dry and green, while in concentrates maize grains, rice bran, de-oiled rice bran, wheat bran, linseed oil cake, mustard oil cake, home-made concentrate and compound feed were being offered to dairy cattle in the district. The chemical composition of all feed redources fed to dairy cattle in district Shopian were found to be in optimum ranges for all the proximate principles. Ca concentration was above critical level in all the feeds except oats straw, maize grains, rice bran, de-oiled rice bran and wheat bran. P was above critical level in all feeds except paddy straw, oats straw, maize stover and orchard grass hay. Mg content was above critical level in all feeds except stovers and maize grains. Na content was above critical in all roughages except orchard grass hay and in all green forages except maize fodder and lopped tree foliage and was below critical in all concentrates except linseed oil cake, home-made concentrate, and compound feed. K content was higher than critical level in all feeds except orchard grass hay. Cl was above critical level in all feeds except maize grain, rice bran, de-oiled rice bran and linseed oil cake. Cu was above critical level in sorghum stover, maize fodder, oats fodder, and most of the concentrates. Zn was above critical level in most of the concentrates. Fe and Co was above critical level in all the feeds. Mn was deficient in paddy straw, oats straw, oats fodder and maize grains. Dry pregnant and multiparous animals had higher average deficiency of plasma Ca (57.14±1.62% and 54.35±0.74%) and Cl (3.70±4.17% and 5.56±5.56%) as compared to other groups in each category, respectively. Mg, Na and K deficiencies were nill in all the tehsils of the district. The mean P deficiency was highest (7.14±3.69%) in low yielding and animals in 4th parity (6.894±4.36%). Likewise, Cu deficiency was higher in low yielding (96.43±0.29%) and multiparous animals (95.00±0.70). Prevalence of Zn and Mn deficiency was higher in dry pregnant animals (96.43±0.29 and 100.0±0.00%), respectively. Blood glucose and triglycerides were higher in dry pregnant and high yielding animals, respectively and in multiparous animals with respect to parity, while cholesterol was higher in high yielding and primiparous animals. The levels of plasma bio-chemicals were found within the normal physiological ranges in the district except total plasma protein. Dry pregnant animals had higher levels of plasma total proteins, albumin and globulin compared to lactating animals in milk yield category and in terms of parity plasma total protein and globulin were higher in multiparous animals and albumin was higher in primiparous animals. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration was higher in high yielders and primiparous animals. Among macro-minerals, there was significant (P˂0.05) positive correlation between P in feed with P in plasma and Na in feed with Mg in plasma, while the correlations were significantly negative between Cl in feed with P in plasma and Ca in feed with plasma Cl. Among micro-minerals, though both negative and positive correlations were observed but no signicant correlation was evident among feed and plasma micro-minerals. All the macro-minerals were adequate in the ration of dairy cattle in the district, while deficient in all the micro-minerals except Fe. Overall deficiency of Cu, Zn and Mn in the district was very high 80.00±0.44, 89.67±0.29 and 89.50±0.27%, respectively. Although the expected dry matter intake was in excess of 6.26 kg/animal/day, but it was apparent that the feeds and forages available in district Shopian may not meet the requirements for Cu, Zn, Co and Mn in order to sustain a milk production of ~ 5.56 ltr/day. As such, the area-specific mineral mixture was formulated for dairy cattle of the district based on availability and requirement of minerals.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Blood Mineral Profiling of Ruminants Reared in District Ganderbal and its Correlation with the Mineral status of Soil, Feed and Fodder
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2016) Reshi, Parvaiz Ahmed; Ganai, Dr. A.M.
    In order to assess the mineral profile in soil, feeds/fodders mineral status in blood of cattle, sheep and goat, an experiment was conducted in 25 villages (11 from hilly and 14 from plain areas) of Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley. From each village, 5 farmer families were selected randomly and representative samples of soil, feed ingredients, composite fodder and blood were collected for investigation from different classes of ruminants. The foliages from locally grown fodder trees fed to small ruminants were also collected from different locations of different villages. Thereafter, samples were processed and analyzed for macro and micro-nutrients viz., calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron by standard procedures. In addition to these, the correlation of macro and micro-nutrient content among soil, composite fodder and blood were worked out. The majority of the soil smaples in Ganderbal district were found to be rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron. However 12.61%, 33.60%, 3.20% and 10.40% of the soil samples were found deficient in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc respectively. Paddy straw and rice bran were the major feed ingredients fed to ruminants. Besides paddy straw and rice bran a sizeable number of farmers were feeding local grasses, oats hay and maize straw to ruminants. Some of the farmers were also feeding homemade concentrates comprising of rice bran wheat bran and oil cakes particularly mustard oil cake in different ratios to the ruminants. Compound concentrate feeds purchased from the local market were also fed to livestock by some farmers. During harsh winter when pastures are snow covered, small ruminants were also fed dried tree loppings that farmers store usually on the trees in the form of stakes. All the feedstuffs analysed were found to contain adequate calcium. All concentrate feed ingredients were found to contain adequate levels phosphorus content, while dry roughages (except paddy straw) were found to be deficient in phosphorus. All the feedstuffs (except maize straw in hills) analysed were found to contain adequate levels of magnesium. The dry roughages (paddy straw, oats hay, maize straw and wild grasses) and rice bran among concentrates were found to be poor sources of Zn. Paddy straw and rice bran had copper concentrations below the critical levels while as other feed stuffs had copper concentrations well above their critical levels. All the feedstuffs analysed had higher contents of iron. The mean pooled value of phosphorus and zinc in composite fodder samples were below their critical levels, while as other mineral elements were found in adequate amounts. Tree foliages were found good sources of minerals, however phosphorus content in poplar, apricot and ailanthus were found below the critical levels, similarly zinc levels were below the critical levels were found in ailanthus and apricot leaves. Analysis of plasma in cattle indicated calcium and zinc levels below the critical concentration while as phosphorus, magnesium and iron were found in adequate levels. Similarly in case of sheep the plasma calcium levels were found below the critical concentration while as other minerals were found in adequate concentrations. Goats were found to contain adequate plasma levels of all the minerals studied. Comparatively higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron were found in soil, feed/fodder and blood samples from plain areas than the hilly areas. On the whole ruminants particularly cattle and sheep of the district were found deficient to marginally deficient in Ca, P, Zn and Cu, therefore need dietary supplementation of these minerals. However owing to adequacy of the blood mineral content of goats feeding on top feeds and grasses no mineral supplementation is required in this species. Mineral profile of soil was found to be significantly correlated with the mineral profile of fodder. Whereas mineral profile of fodder was found to be mostly non significantly correlated with the mineral profile of blood.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of herbs Urtica dioica and Centaurea iberica as feed additives on performance of broilers
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2022) Malik, Subata Mehboob; Ganai, A. M.
    The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of herbs Urtica dioica and Centaurea iberica as feed additives on the performance of broilers. The study was undertaken in the Division of Animal Nutrition and Instructional Poultry farm of the Division of Livestock Production and Management, FVSc & AH, SKUAST- Kashmir, Shuhama, Alusteng (J&K). Leaves of both herbs were collected, separated from the stems, dried, crushed into a fine powder and stored until used. Two hundred and ten day old commercial broiler chicks were purchased from a reputed hatchery and reared for the first week under standard brooding conditions. On the eighth day, the chicks were randomly divided into seven treatment groups, having three replicates with ten birds each. The groups were distributed as; group T1-control, offered basal diet as per the ICAR (2013) requirements without any feed additives whereas groups T2 T3, T4 were offered basal diet supplemented with herb Urtica dioica as feed additive @ 1, 1.5 and 2% respectively on dry matter basis whereas groups T5 T6, T7 were offered basal diet supplemented with Centaurea iberica as feed additive @ 1, 1.5 and 2% respectively on dry matter basis.The experimental diets formulated contained 3000 Kcal ME/kg and 23.20% CP for pre-starters, 3100 Kcal ME/kg and 20.16% CP for starters and 3191 Kcal ME/kg with 18.00% CP for finishers. Urtica dioica contained 24.90% crude protein, 17.10% ether extract, 10.49% crude fibre, 30.50% nitrogen free extract, 23.30% total ash, 31.50% neutral detergent fibre, 13.30% acid detergent fibre, 18.20% hemicelluloses, 25.80% cellulose and 3.60% lignin. Calcium and phosphorus content in Urtica dioica were found to be 0.70 and 0.03 per cent, respectively. While Centaurea iberica contained 21.20% crude protein, 9.17% ether extract, 17.50% crude fibre, 42.10% nitrogen free extracts, 22.40% total ash, 35.40% neutral detergent fibre, 14.50% acid detergent fibre, 19.50 % hemicelluloses, 27.40% cellulose and 4.50% lignin. Calcium and phosphorus content in Centaurea iberica were found to be 0.75 and 0.02 per cent, respectively. The results of average body weights and body weight gain (g) of broilers fed herbs as feed additives revealed no significant differences during the initial three weeks of experiment; However towards the end of the experimental period, i.e. around the 4th and 5th week, significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weights and gains were found in all phytogenic supplemented groups when compared to control. It was also observed that birds supplemented with herbs @ 2% had the highest body weights (P≤0.05) and gains at the end of the growth trail when compared to birds of other treatment groups fed herbs as additives. The average and cumulative feed consumption (1-5 weeks) during the experiment had no significant difference amongst different treatment groups. Although numerically the feed intake of birds fed herbs as additives was higher when compared to control but the differences were not statistically significant. The average and overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds fed herbs Urtica dioica and Centaurea iberica had no significant difference during the initial three weeks, however towards the 4th and 5th week of experiment, significant differences (P≤0.05) in the FCR was seen with better/lower in phytogenic supplemented groups when compared to control, with birds of groups T4 and T7 having the best/ lowest values of FCR. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was observed in treatment groups fed herbs as feed additives with groups T4 and T7 having highest digestibility of DM and CP. There was however no significant effect of feed additives supplementation on the digestibility of ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) in comparison to control. There has been no mortality of experimental birds reported during the entire experiment. On calculating the economics of broiler production of our experiment, a lower production cost per kg live weight gain and a higher profit/bird was calculated for phytogenic supplemented groups, highest profit/bird in birds fed herbs @ 2%. To ascertain the effect of herbs as feed additives on the health status of broilers, different biochemical parameters were analysed at the end of experiment. All the parameters were within normal range indicating no deleterious effect of herbs as feed additives in the broiler diet. The statistical analysis of data revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in various biochemical parameters among different treatment groups. The mean values of blood glucose (mg/dl) were found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower in phytogenic supplemented groups when compared to the control, with groups T4 and T7 having the lowest values. The serum cholesterol values of birds fed phytogenic feed additives was significantly (P≤0.05) lower when compared to control (T1), with non-significant differences between treatments fed different levels of both herbs. Significantly lower serum triglyceride levels (P≤0.05) in all birds fed herbs as feed additives was observed when compared to control and it was also reported that the birds of groups T4 and T7 fed herbs @ 2% had the lowest triglyceride levels. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and lower levels low density lipoproteins (LDL) were found in birds of phytogenic supplemented groups when compared to control, with highest values of HDL and lowest values of LDL in groups T4 and T7. The serum aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in the experimental birds were within normal range with statistically non-significant differences between different treatment groups. The serum alanine trans aminotransferase (ALT) for treatment groups revealed significant differences (P≤0.05) and the highest ALT levels were found in control (T1) and lowest in T4.and T7 (herbs @ 2%), with non-significant differences between treatment groups fed different levels of both herbs (T2 T3, T5 and T6 ). The serum creatinine concentration of experimental birds was also within normal range with statistically non- significant differences between different treatment groups. It was observed that birds fed herbs as feed additives produced a significantly (P≤0.05) higher antibody response to SRBC than the birds of control group (T1), with groups T4, T6 and T7 having the highest antibody response. Similarly significantly (P≤0.05) lower DNCB values were reported in birds of control (T1) group as compared to birds of other treatment groups fed different levels of herbs with groups of T4, T6 and T7 having the highest values of DNCB. The average weights of immune organs (%) like bursa and thymus of birds fed herbs as feed additives had no significant differences when compared to control. However, significantly (P≤0.05) higher mean spleen weights were recorded in birds fed phytogenic feed additives when compared to control, with non- significant differences in groups fed different levels of both herbs. Significantly (P≤0.05) lower mean TOS values were recorded in birds fed phytogenic feed additives when compared to control, however birds of treatment groups T4, T6 and T7 had the lowest values of TOS when compared to all other groups. The total antioxidant status (TAS) values in treatment groups fed herbs as feed additives were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in groups fed herbs as additives when compared to control with treatment groups T4 and T7 (herbs @ 2%) having the highest values. Significantly lower (P≤0.05) T-BARS (Breast) values among different phytogenic supplemented groups were observed when compared to control (T1) with groups T4 and T7 having the lowest values. Among different slaughter and carcass parameters, a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the dressing percentage of birds fed herbs Urtica dioica and Centaurea iberica as feed additives was observed with groups T4 and T7 (2%) having the highest dressing percentages. The other slaughter parameters like feathering loss and bleeding loss of the experimental birds had no statistical difference between different treatment groups. Amongst various cutability parameters a numerical increase in the percentage of breast, drumsticks and thighs and back of birds fed herbs as feed additives was seen, but these values could not reach a significant statistical difference. There was also no significant difference in the values of wings, neck and giblet of birds of all treatment groups when compared to control. It was concluded that Urtica dioica and Centaurea iberica both have the potential to be successfully used as phytogenic feed additives in broiler production.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Mineral Status of Feeds, Fodders and Dairy Animals of District Pulwama
    (SKUAST Kashmir, 2019) Athar, Ashraf; Sheikh, Gowher Gull
    The current study was taken to infer the mineral status of animals, and feed and fodders of Pulwama district. To accomplish the study, blood and feed/fodder samples were collected from four veterinary blocks of Pulwama district. Prior to collection of samples, a detailed survey was carried. Out of the surveyed population in various veterinary blocks of Pulwama district, agriculture was major source of income, with (47.54%) in Pampore block followed by Pulwama (47.53%), Tral (46.83%) and Kakapora (45.57%) blocks. After agriculture unskilled labour was second source of income in Pulwama district with highest percentage 28.10 % in Kakapora block followed by 24.60% in Tral ,22.01% in Pulwama and 21.67 % in Pampore blocks. The government employment and Skilled labours were 19.77%, 17.43%, 18.88%, 22.34% and 10.69%, 8.90%, 9.69%, 8.45% in Pulwama, Kakapora, Tral and Pampore blocks of District Pulwama respectively. Around 70% of the population in the State gets livelihood directly or indirectly from the agriculture and allied sectors. The irrigated landholding was highest in Pulwama block (6.50 kanals) followed Kakapora block (5.47 kanals), Tral block (4.72 Kanals) and Pampore block (3.94 Kanals) respectively. Non-irrigated land holding was highest in Pulwama block (7.77 kanals) and lowest in Kakapora block (6.78 kanals). Out of the total animals surveyed near about 70% were reported crossbred Jersey, with block Tral having highest CFJ crosses (74.65%), Pampore was having highest CBF crosses (14.92%) and highest CBO (22.32%). The average age of the animals was highest (6.78 years) in Pampore block, followed by Tral (6.62 years), Pulwama (6.58 years) and Kakapora (5.45 years) blocks. The average body weight recorded was highest in Pulwama block (264kg), followed by Pampore (260 kg), Kakapora (247kg) and Tral (232kg). The animals of Pulwama district were within 3rd parity with highest 3.05 parity animals in Pampore block and lowest 2.35 parity animals in Kakapora block. Highest average milk yield (10.00 litre) in Pulwama block and lowest in Tral block (5.45litre) was recorded. The concentrates available were mostly wheat bran, rice bran, mustard oil cake, and commercial pellet feed, where as the roughages were mostly rice straw, wheat straw, oats hay, mixed hay and maize stovers. The animals were let for grazing only for 2.7 hr in Tral block, 2.5 hrs in Pulwama block, 1.9hrs in Kakapora and 1.57 hr in pampore blocks. In Pulwama block 16. 78% farmers were using supplementation in the form of vitamins or minerals or salt, followed by Pampore (12.97%) and Kakapora (9.76%) blocks. All the feeds and fodders commonly fed to dairy animals in district Pulwama had Calcium, sodium, potassium, cobalt and iron above critical level. Apart from mixed hay and oat hay, Phosphorus level was below critical level in common feed/fodders fed to animals in district. All concentrates were good in Magnesium levels wereas in fodders Magnesium were found below critical levels. Among different roughage and concentrate sources of Pulwama district, wheat straw was found having copper below critical level. Except wheat bran, maize stover and mustard oil cake all other feed and fodder sources were having zinc and manganese concentration below critical level. Mean plasma Calcium, levels of dairy cattle in all blocks of district Pulwama were significantly (P≤0.05) lower at higher milk yield (5-10kg and above 10 kg) as compared to animals yielding upto 5 kg and dry animals. Significant (P≤0.05) lower plasma Calcium levels was found in animals in early (8.09 mg/dl) and mid (8.31 mg/dl) lactation stages of dairy animals as compared to late lactation stage (8.91 mg/dl) with nonsignificant difference in plasma calcium levels in early and mid lactation. Mean plasma Phosphorus levels of dairy cattle in all blocks of district Pulwama were significantly (P0.05) regarding plasma Zinc levels with varying milk production. Plasma zinc level of animals within the blocks and overall district values of Pulwama was significantly (P≤0.05) lower at early and mid as compared to late stage of lactation.Mean plasma Iron levels of dairy cattle in all blocks of district Pulwama were significantly (P≤0.05) lower in above 10kg and 5-10kg yielders as compared to upto 5kg yielders and dry animals. Mean plasma Iron levels of dairy cattle in all blocks of district Pulwama were non-significant in dairy animals of mid, early and late lactation stages. Overall district values showed significantly (P≤0.05) lower in early (24.36µmol/l) and mid stage (24.97µmol/l) than late stage (25.88µmol/l) of lactation. Mean plasma cobalt levels of dairy cattle in all blocks of district Pulwama were non-significant among animals with different level of production. Mean plasma cobalt levels of dairy cattle in all blocks of district Pulwama and overall district values were significantly (P≤0.05) lower in early and mid stage of lactation as compared to late stage of lactation.