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ThesisItem Open Access Managemental Practices of Equines as Pack Animals During Highland Pasture Migration(SKUAST Kashmir, 2019) Nazish Rizwan; Banday, M.T.A study was conducted to investigate managemental practices of Equines as Pack animal during highland pasture migration in two areas Phalgam and Sonmarg. A total of 200 respondents were selected using grab sampling technique, from pahalgam 80 respondents were selected and from sonmarg 120 respondents. Information regarding various aspects like socio economic profile, managemental practices adopted, constraints etc. was collected from respondents through an interview schedule. For the purpose of body measurements Pack animal available with the respondents were measured. A total of 214 pack animals were analysed out of which 200 animals were ponies and only 14 animals were donkeys.Thus for donkeys only measurements were recorded and they have been presented separately.Socio-economic profile of respondents revealed that the majority of equine rearers were in the age group of 40-59 years, who were illiterate and maintained family size of 4-5 members. Since the respondents were pastoralists 94%of them were landless with maximum pack size of 1-6 animals. Other livestock maintained by pastoralist it was observed maximum respondents are having upto 250 animals. Primary occupation of the respondents (95.00%) was rearing of small ruminants with only (5.00%) having primary occupation based on agriculture. Sub occupation included providing equines on rent either for work or during yatra season. A considerable number of respondents (52%) are having monthly income of Rs 11000 -20000/=. With respect to morphometry, chestnut color was most predominant color (found in 29.50% of animals), predominant facial markings was Star (34.50%).Considerable number of animals (70.00%) were having convex forehead followed by flat (27.50%) and only meager proportion of animals (2.50%) were having concave forehead. Animals were having white hoof (48.50) followed by black hoof (37.00%), and stripped (12.50%). Majority of the animals (71.50%) were males and only (28.50%) accounted for females. The average age of animal in both regions was 9.79 years. Production traits revealed that overall ability to carry weight by animal was 100 kgs and maximum respondents (81.50%) reported that animal worked for 6 hours. Study of management practices revealed that many of the practices followed by respondents did not conform to scientific standards. Natural breeding and quality of horse used for breeding was non descriptive. Heat detection and pregnancy diagnosis was not done and for treatment of anestrus/repeaters only (26.31%) opted for it. Average adult body weight of ponies was 243kgs, height at withers was 126cms,chest girth 144.96cm with only difference in height at knee, height at hock hock ,shank (cir) and throat latch in both regions respectively.Average age at first estrus was 18.68 months, oestrous cycle duration 21.84days,estrus duration 165.89 hours,age at first foaling 37.63 months,foaling interval 13.89months and gestation period 337 days.Regarding feeding management it was observed majority of the respondent don’t go for chopping of dry and green fodder but soaking of concentrate mixture was done by almost 77.00% of respondents. Paddy straw /oat straw were predominantly used as dry fodders; haylage/silage was not prepared for the animals and only readymade concentrate mixture was fed. All the respondents rear their animals under extensive system.For treatment consultations majority of the respondents followed self indigenous method and very less consulted a veterinarian. Respondents were not having any knowledge of vaccination and almost 83.50% were not practicing deworming.Shoeing was practiced twice a year by 54% of respondents.Awareness regarding insurance was lacking and natural method of identification was followed by all respondents.Foal healthcare measures were not followed. Majority of respondents allowed colostrum feeding within 1hour of birth and suckling was allowed for 6 months.Number of constraints were perceived by the respondents which were lack of colic management, lack of veterinary facilities, high cost of feed etc.ThesisItem Open Access Performance Evaluation of Changthangi Sheep in Kashmir Valley(SKUAST Kashmir, 2019) Malik, Asma Altaf; Khan, H. M.The present study was conducted in temperate region of Kashmir valley. Morphometry was done for all the available animals (33 ewes and 4 rams) to accomplish the missing links of body measurements which have not been reported before. Management interventions were aimed at studying the effect of housing and feeding intervention for optimising the performance in non-traditional belt wherein 33 pregnant ewes were selected and divided into three groups of 11each on the basis of body weight, age and parity. Ewes of G1 and G2 were kept inside the closed shed all the time whereas the ewes of G3 were kept in an open area which was wire fenced from four sides and was provided with a roof shelter to protect from direct rain or snow. G1 and G3 were fed 400g concentrate and 600g fodder per head per day. Ewes of G2 were given concentrate @ 500g and fodder @ 1000g per head per day. Changthangi sheep are predominantly white in colour with black or brown patches at the extremities and have a distinctive convex head with pendulous ears. Different body measurements viz; average body length, chest girth, height at withers and paunch girth were 56.38±0.90cm and 56.52±2.31cm; 72.61±2.80cm and 73.58±2.91cm; 56.07±1.08cm and 57.64±1.13cm; 74.41±3.31cm and 79.38±1.88cm; at 2 tooth and 4 tooth stages, respectively in females whereas respective values for males at 4 tooth stage were 68.25±1.60cm, 84.00±1.29cm, 70.00±3.00cm and 85.50±1.65cm. Characteristic black coloured round spots were present on skin throughout the body. Extreme Wind Chill Index was observed throughout the study period in open house. Pulse rate of supplemented ewes with closed housing was significantly (p<0.05) higher than G1 and G3 ewes while respiration rate and rectal temperature was significantly (p<0.05) higher in groups reared in open housing systems. G2 ewes had higher body weight than G1 and G3 ewes. Also, birth weight and weaning weight of G2 lambs was significantly (p<0.05) higher than G1 and G3 lambs. Wool yield, staple length, fibre diameter and mean fibre length were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the supplemented group. A net gain of Rs. 3672.15 was obtained in the group reared in a closed shed and supplemented with extra feed while a loss of Rs. 593 was obtained in the group reared in open housing system with no supplementation.Wool yield, crimp frequency, mean fibre length and burr content were significantly (p<0.05) higher after one year of introduction in temperate region (non-traditional belt) than the clip obtained just after introduction (effect of native tract) whereas fibre diameter and medullation percentage were significantly (p<0.05) higher in first than second clip. Wool yield, crimp frequency, fibre diameter and medullation percentage were significantly (p<0.05) higher in autumn than spring clip. Staple length, mean fibre length and burr content were significantly (p<0.05) higher in spring than autumn clip. SEM revealed mosaic regular type of scale pattern in primary fibres and simple coronal type of scale pattern in secondary fibres. Also, secondary fibres were found to have significantly (p<0.05) lower fibre diameter (14.35±0.50µm) than primary fibers (40.04±1.4µm). Primary and secondary fibres could easily be differentiated by naked eye in this breed which is in contrast to wool growing from other sheep breeds. From the study it is concluded that the Changthangi sheep is best suited for temperate region and can be used as improver breed for upgradation and crossbreeding programmes in the region.ThesisItem Open Access Managemental Practices Adopted by Ponywallas Associated with Tourism in Kashmir(SKUAST Kashmir, 2019) Wani, Akeel Yousuf; Muzamil AbdullahPresent study was conducted to investigate the prevalent management practices adopted by ponywallas associated tourism industry in Kashmir. The study was carried out in the regions of Pahalgam and Sonamarg kepping in view their association with tourism as both the areas under study are well known tourist destinations in the valley. The grab sampling technique was followed in selecting the respondents (ponywallas) and data was collected from such accidentally selected ponywallas 200 in number who were the local residents of the Pahalgam and Sonamarg region. The number of respondents from Pahalgam and Sonamarg were 120 and 80 respectively and this sampling was proportionately on the basis of population of equines in the selected regions. Information on varied aspects of rearing of ponies was collected through a pre formed questionnaire (interview schedule) based on different aspects of socio-economic life of ponywallas and on different managemental practices employed by them for rearing ponies. The detailed information about the housing facilities or shelter of these animals was obtained by personal visits of such keeping places/sheds. Socio-economic profile of the ponywallas revealed that majority 79.17% of ponywallas in the Pahalgam region and 78.75% ponywallas from Sonamarg region were illiterate and had never received any formal education and that majority 63.33% of the families from Pahalgam and 63.75% of families from Sonamarg medium sized type with 5-8 members in each family. Followed by large sized families with > 8 members in each family with a percentage of 34.17% in Pahalgam and 36.25% in Sonamarg area respectively. With respect to age group mostly associated with recreational usage of ponies was observed to be belonging to age group of 40-55 years with a percentage of 64.17% in Pahalgam and 63.75% in Sonamarg region respectively followed by 18-40 years age group with percentage of 24.17% in Pahalgam and 21.25% in Sonamarg respectively. It was also noted that in both the regions females were not involved in any sort of activities related to management and rearing of ponies what so ever. In terms of land holding it was observed that all i.e (100%) of the ponywallas from both the regions of study Pahalgam and Sonamarg were having marginal land holdings only. In terms of primary occupation majority of the respondents in the Pahalgam area were having use of ponies for recreation services (71.67%) as their primary occupation followed by other services (20%) and livestock rearing (8.33%) as their primary occupation. However in Sonamarg area majority of respondents were having usage of ponies for recreation services (57.75%) as their primary occupation followed by livestock rearing (27.5%) and other services (8.33%) as their primary occupation. Further it was revealed that majority (74.16%) of ponywallas in the Pahalgam region and 65% in the Sonamarg region were in the income group of Rs 11,000-20,000/month. However (26.25%) from Sonamarg and 11.67% from Pahalgam were falling in the income group with monthly income below Rs 10,000 with proportion of such respondents being significantly higher (p<0.05) in Sonamarg (26.25%) than Pahalgam (11.67%) region. The study on management practices revealed that many of the practices followed by ponywallas did not conform to scientific standards and that in majority (90.83%) of the cases the respondents in Pahalgam region and 86.25% in Sonamarg region were not keeping the female ponies (mares) and only 9.16% respondents from Pahalgam and 13.75% from Sonamarg were keeping females and the only method of breeding the females was natural matting and that too with a non descriptive males.Thus revealing that the breeding and reproductive management in both the study areas was primitive and unscientific. Majority of respondents 72.72% in Pahalgam and 100% in Sonamarg were feeding concentrates to advanced pregnant mares. In both the areas respondents were not attending the mare at the time of labour with percentage of such respondents from the two areas being 72.27% in Pahalgam and 81.18% in Sonamarg. However in cases of retention of placenta a slightly higher number of respondents from Sonamarg (54.54%) opted for veterinarians help over quacks than in Pahalgam (36.36%). In terms of foal rearing management it was observed that majority of respondents from both the areas Pahalgam (72.72%) and Sonamarg (63.63%) were not used to cleaning of foals and trimming of hooves immediately after birth neither did they were used to cutting and disinfecting the naval cords after birth. The colostrum feeding to foal in both the regions started as early as 1 hour after birth with a 100% of respondents possessing mares in both regions responded in its favor. However in both the regions suckling by foal was allowed up to 6 months with percentage of such respondents out of N=11 being (81.81%) in Pahalgam and 90.90% in Sonamarg respectively. Grazing and stall feeding in combination represented the choicest type of feeding practice among all respondents in both the areas of study i.e. Pahalgam and Sonamarg. With majority of ponywallas opting for group feeding in both the regions with a percentage of 55% and 58.75% compared to individual feeding of ponies with percentage of 45% and 41.25% in both Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Besides that 100% of ponywallas from both Pahalgam and Sonamarg were preparing hay for deficit periods of year and were not used to chopping of green fodder. However in regional comparison significantly higher (p<0.05) of ponywallas from Sonamarg 100% were used to soaking of concentrate mixture prior feeding than Pahalgam region (36.66%). Only few respondents were used of chopping of dry fodder in Sonamarg (11.25%) but none in Pahalgam. In the majority of the cases in both the study areas i.e. Pahalgam (91.66%) and Sonamarg (85%) were of semi-intensive type and kutcha type houses for ponies were prevalent in both the areas with a percentage of 83.33% in Pahalgam and 90% in Sonamarg while as only 11.66% and 10% of houses were of pucca type in both the areas respectively. Besides the predominant roof types on pony houses in the areas were of double slope and single slope with percentage of double sloped roof tops was higher in Pahalgam (53.33%) as compared to higher percentage of single sloped roof tops in Sonamarg 58.75%. Although significant differences were observed in the two study areas in terms of type of material used in roofs with majority of roof tops constructed using galvanized tin sheets with proportion of such roof tops being significantly higher (p<0.05) in Pahalgam (100%) than in Sonamarg (90%). Moreover significant difference was also seen in terms of materials used in construction of walls for pony shelters with majority of shelter walls made up of brick and mud and proportion of such type of wall shelters being significantly higher (p<0.05) in Pahalgam (92.5%) compared to (56.25%) in Sonamarg. However the proportion of pony shelters with walls made up of brick and lime and that of thatch was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Sonamarg 17.5% and 26.25% compared to 7.5% and 0% in Pahalgam respectively. Besides in majority of cases in both the areas of study for Consultation of sick animals ponywallas from both the areas relied on veterinarians with a percentage of 76.67% in Pahalgam and 75% in Sonamarg. Major chunk of the ponywallas from both areas were involved in practice of vaccinating ponies against diseases with percentage of such respondents being 60% and 53.7% respectively in Pahalgam and Sonamarg. However when it came to the disposal of dead carcasses of ponies majority of ponywallas from both the areas were opting for leaving the dead animal as such with the proportion of such respondents being signifiantly higher (p<0.05) in Sonamarg (86.25%) as compared to in Pahalgam (72.5%). Besides in terms of exercise and grooming in 100% of cases in both the areas of study the respondents were not used to provide exercise to their ponies however majority of respondents from both the areas used to groom the ponies on a daily basis with percentages of such respondents being 95.83% in Pahalgam and 88.75% in Sonamarg. Besides significant difference was observed in terms of method of identification using branding with a significantly higher (p<0.05) percentage of respondents from Sonamarg (20%) compared to (10%) respondents in Pahalgam. In terms of constraints perceived by ponywallas in Pahalgam, availability of credit and other subsidiary facilities was the first main constraint to ponywallas as perceived by ponywallas with an average score of (61.60). This was followed by involvement of middle men in fixation of safari rates/ Yatra charges (59.74), lack of on track veterinary services during Shri. Amarnath Yatra (58.48), poor animal insurance facility (56.66), availability of treatment for colic (55.92), high costs of feed and fodder (55.19), availability of regular and timely vaccination against diseases (53.14), problems due to lack of proper hygiene (39.63), ease in equine trade/marketing (36.43),access to veterinary services/distance of vet. Centre from residence (30.24) and problems due to imbalanced diet to ponies (29.23). In Sonamarg region, the constraints in order of importance as perceived by ponywallas were high costs of feed and fodder (average score 58.30), followed by involvement of middle men in fixation of safari rates/ Yatra charges (58.24), availability of treatment for colic (57.26), poor animal insurance facility (56.90), lack of on track veterinary services during Shri. Amarnath Yatra (56.83), availability of credit and other subsidiary facilities (55.84), availability of regular and timely vaccination against diseases (51.40), access to veterinary services/distance of vet. Centre from residence (40.93), problems due to imbalanced diet to ponies (33.84), problems due to lack of proper hygiene (33.25) and ease in equine trade/marketing (33.24).Thus it was found that the ponywallas in both the regions were socio-economically weak, illiterate with a very low land-holding and rear equines to add to their earnings but the rearing methods were mostly unscientific. Besides equines from both the region were similar so it is expected that the equines under study may be a distinct breed, which needs comparative genetic evaluation. Unavailability of credit and other subsidiary facilities, poor animal insurance facility, lack of on track veterinary services, involvement of middle men in fixation of rates and high feed and fodder costs were major constraints which require attention from concerned authorities.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Status, Prevalent Management Practices and Economic Viability of Dairy Farming in and around Srinagar(SKUAST Kashmir, 2017) Hamadani, Henna; Khan, Azmat AlamA study was planned with the objective of studying the status, prevalent management-practices and economic-viability of dairy-farming in and around Srinagar, which was divided into three revenue sub-divisions (zone-1, zone-2 and zone-3). Socioeconomic-study revealed that most of the farmers lived in nuclear and male-headed families. Literacy-rate of male-members was more than the female-members. Dairying was the primary-occupation of 30.19% farmers, and overall 60.78% members were involved in dairying. All the morphometric-measurements were more in Holstein-Friesian Crossbredcows than Jersey-Crossbredcows except the tail-length. Most of the cows had horns, which were mostly symmetrical, curved and pointed in shape. Most of the cows had normal udder-placement and strong udder-attachment. Extranumerary-teats were present in 12.27% Holstein-Friesian Crossbred cows and 10.11% Jersey Crossbred cows. Lactation-yield was higher in Holstein-Friesian Crossbred cows but lactation-length was longer in Jersey Crossbred cows. Different management-practices were being practiced by the farmers across the three zones. Feeding-issue was ranked as a No.1 constraint followed by other issues. Welfare-studies revealed a fair welfare-status of cows overall. Net-Returns from milk were higher for zone-2 followed by zone-1 and then zone-3. Overall Net-Returns from milk were Rs. 3/litre. Net-Returns from milk increased significantly with the increase in adult cow-units. Feed-cost constituted the major share to the Gross-Cost followed by labour-cost. The study provided an insight into dairy-farming in the city like Srinagar, and also revealed that dairy-farming can remunerate better returns if proper management-practices are followed.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of Feeding Stress on the Performance, Haemato-Biochemical and Immunological Status in Broiler Chicken(SKUAST Kashmir, 2017) Untoo, Madeeha; Banday, M.T.Three feeding trials were conducted to study the influence of daily feed withdrawl for different durations (6, 8 and 10 hours) on the performance haematobiochemical and immunological parameters involving 160 day-old commercial broiler reared in cages upto 42 days of age in each trial. The chicks were individually weighed and distributed randomly into 5 treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) with 4 replicates of 8 birds per cage. Birds were fed ad libitum throughout the experiment in treatment group (T1) and the birds in the other four treatments were subjected to feed withdrawal from 0-10 days (T2); 11-25 days (T3); 26-42 days (T4) and 0-42 days (T5) in all the three trials which were subjected to feed withdrawal for 6, 8 and 10 hours. There was a significant (P≤0.05) reduction in body weight of birds in which feed was daily withdrawn either for 6, 8 or 10 hours from 0-42 days of age when compared to the group of birds fed ad libitum. However, there was no significant difference in the group of birds subjected to daily feed restriction during different period for 6, 8 or 10 hours. A reduction in feed consumption was recorded in the treatment group (T5) in which feed was withdrawn for either 6, 8 or 10 hours throughout the experimental period when compared to treatment group T1 in which ad libitum feed was offered. No significant difference was observed from 1-6 weeks of age in FCR among the treatment groups subjected to daily feed withdrawal for either 6 or 8 or 10 hours when compared with ad libitum fed group (T1). Percent mortality was highest in the treatment group subjected to daily withdrawal of feed for either 6, 8 or 10 hours in treatment (T5) in which feed was withdrawn for whole experimental period (0-42 days) followed by T4 (26-42 days), T3 (11-26 days) ,T2 (0-10 days) and T1 (ad libitum fed). No significant effect on carcass characteristics, percent cutability, percent giblet yield in chicken subjected to daily feed withdrawal either for 6, 8 or 10 hours was observed when compared to control (T1). The total intestinal length was significantly (P≤0.05) more in ad libitum fed group when compared to the group of birds subjected to daily feed withdrawal for 6, 8 or 10 hours. There was no significant difference difference in the weight of immune organs (bursa, thymus and spleen) subjected to daily feed withdrawal for 6 hours when compared with the control group (T1). However the weight of immune organs was significantly (P≤0.05) reduced among treatment groups subjected to feed withdrawal for 8 or 10 hours from (0-42 days) when compared to ad libitum fed group. No significant difference was found in haematological parameters (% RBC count, eosinophil, basophil and PCV) among the treatment groups subjected to feed withdrawal for either 6, 8 or 10 hours when compared with the control group. However, %WBC and lymphocytes, heterophils were (P≤0.05) significantly higher in ad libitum fed group subjected to daily feed withdrawal for 6 hours in treatment group (T5). No significant difference was found in serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin: globulin ratio and creatnine content between any of treatment groups and control during different feed withdrawal periods. However, cholesterol level was significantly lowest in the group of birds subjected to feed withdrawal for either 6, 8 or 10 hours from 0-42 days (T5). Significantly (P≤0.05) low SGOT values were observed in the group of birds subjected to daily feed withdrawal of feed for either 6, 8 or 10 hours in the treatment group T5 (0-42 days) when compared with rest of the treatment groups. No significant difference was found in SGPT values among the group of birds subjected to daily feed withdrawal of either 6, 8 or 10 hours when compared with the control group. The values for corticosterol were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in the group of birds subjected to daily feed withdrawal for either 6,8 or 10 hours when compared to ad libitum fed group (T1). The H: L ratio was significantly (P≤0.05) lower in ad libitum fed group when compared to the group of birds subjected to feed withdrawal. However there was no change in HI titre due to feed withdrawal indicating feed withdrawal did not influence the efficicency of vaccination. Histopatholgy (bursa, thymus and spleen) revealed very little effect on the immune organs (bursa, thymus and spleen) due to feed withdrawal during different periods. It may be concluded that feed restriction can be practiced on broilers and daily feed withdrawal for 8 hours during early phase of life in broiler chicken did not have any prolonged effect on performance and metabolic parameters. However, prolonged feed withdrawal during different periods caused a significant (P≤0.05) effect on the performance of broilers chicken.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluating Captive Environment and Management Practices of ungulates at Mini zoo Pahalgam(SKUAST Kashmir, 2018) Dand, Muzzafar Ahmad; Khursheed AhmadThe present study was conducted at Mini zoo Pahalgam with the objective of evaluating management practices and health status and studying the behaviour of captive ungulates. Study revealed that ungulates were housed in indoor winter sheds under stall feeding during adverse climatic conditions in winter and early spring and were released to outdoor open air enclosures during rest part of the year. The total area occupied by the zoo was 9.015 hectares out of which 6.37 hectares were under ungulate enclosures. The area allotted per animal in outdoor enclosure for Spotted deer was 0.28 hectares, Musk deer 0.49 hectares, Himalayan goral 0.13 hectares and Himalayan serow 0.49 hectares. Floor space provided per animal in winter sheds was 1.32 m² for Spotted deer, 5.20 m² for Musk deer and 5.23 m² for Himalayan goral. In winter sheds under stall feeding condition the average total daily feed intake per animal for Spotted deer was 2.184 kg on fresh basis and 1.94 kg on DM basis, for Musk deer 0.40 kg and 0.33 kg and for Himalayan goral 0.62 and 0.51 kg respectively. Under stall feeding the proportion of concentrates in total diet intake for Spotted deer was 68.69% on fresh basis and 70.61% on DM basis, for Musk deer 37.50% and 39.39% and for Himalayan goral 44.46% and 47.58% respectively. During the same period the percentage protein intake was 15.83% for Spotted deer, 14.49% for Musk deer and 15.30% for Himalayan goral. Studies related to health status revealed that the overall rate of parasitic prevalence was 37.93%. The parasitic prevalence was highest in Himalayan serow (100%), followed by Musk deer (83.33%), Himalayan goral (75.00%) and Spotted deer (23.25%). The highest prevalence was recorded for Strongyles (37.93%), followed by Nematodirus (5.17%) and Eimeria (5.17%). The overall body condition evaluation revealed 55.17 % animals in good condition, 42.83% in fair condition and none in poor condition. Species-wise overall percentage of animals in good condition was maximum for Himalayan serow (100%) followed by Himalayan goral (62.50%), Spotted deer (54.76) and Musk deer (33.33%). The percentage of animals in good body condition was highest in summer in outdoor open enclosures (78.94%) , followed by winter, at the start of stall feeding (57.89% ) and spring, at the end of stall feeding (31.57%). The mean BCS value was highest in Spotted deer (9.43±1.98) followed by Himalayan serow (9.00), Himalayan goral (8.99±1.41) and Musk deer (8.00±0.46). Time budget studies revealed that resting was the major activity observed both in winter shed and outdoor enclosure for Musk deer. In Spotted deer rumination along with feeding was the major activity observed in winter shed where as major activity observed in outdoor open air enclosure was locomotion. In Himalayan goral major activity observed in winter shed was feeding whereas that in outdoor open air enclosure was sleeping. In Himalayan serow major activity observed in outdoor enclosure was resting (relaxed posture with no activity: standing, sitting or lying down).ThesisItem Open Access Effect of feeding Duckweed with or without enzyme supplementation on performance of Broiler chicken(SKUAST Kashmir, 2018) Bushra Zaffer; Sheikh, Islam UddinAn experiment was carried out to study the performance of broiler chickens fed different levels of Duckweed with or without enzyme supplementation on iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric basis. One hundred and fifty day old broiler chicks were procured from a commercial hatchery and brooded for a week. After one week the chicks were weighed by using an electronic balance and the chicks having similar body weights were distributed randomly into five treatment groups fed with different levels of duckweed viz, T1: (Control), T2 : 5% Duckweed without enzyme, T3: 5% Duckweed with enzyme ,T4 :10% Duckweed without enzyme and T5 :10% Duckweed with enzyme. The birds were reared under deep litter system following standard managemental conditions. The birds were reared up to six weeks of age. The Duckweed contains 89.85±1.25% Dry matter, 20.33±0.65% Crude protein, 18.06±0.86% Crude fibre, 3.10±0.12% Ether extract and 1660.77 ME (Kcal/kg). The results indicated that the weekly and overall body weight of broilers were significantly different among different treatment groups. The final body weight of T1 (1889.67 ± 13.28g) and T3 (1878.65±2.02g) groups was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than other groups. The body weight gain of broilers was also differed significantly (P≤0.05) among different treatment groups. The body weight gain of T1 (1750.12 ± 13.19g) and T3 (1740.34 ± 2.18g) groups was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than other groups. Significant difference (P≤0.05) was found in the weekly and cummulative feed consumption of the birds among different treatment groups. The Cumulative feed consumption was lowest (2943.17 ± 8.54g) in the group fed with 10% Duckweed without enzyme and highest in Control (3050.13±14.01g) group.The final FCR was also significantly (P≤0.05) better in T1 and T3 groups (1.74 ± 0.01) compared to other groups. The overall mortality was recorded during the experiment for all the treatment groups was similar (3.30%) while in T3 group no mortality was recorded. The digestibility of Dry matter was non significant among the duckweed supplemented groups irrespective of enzyme supplementation. The digestibility of Crude protein was significantly (P≤0.05) lower in DW supplemented groups than control group. The digestibility of Crude fibre was improved significantly (P≤0.05) with Enzyme supplementation. All the blood biochemical parameters like Total protein, Albumin, AST, ALT and BUN were similar in all the groups except glucose which was significantly (P<0.05) increased with enzyme supplementation. The slaughter traits did not differ significantly among different treatment groups except gizzard yield which was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Duckweed supplemented groups compared to Control groups. The histomorphology of liver, intestine and kidneys of broiler chicken fed different levels of DW with or without enzyme supplementation did not show any variation from normal structure. The per cent eviscerated yield ranged from 71.53±0.36 in T1 to 73.11±1.22 in T3groups.The feed cost per kg was reduced when Duckweed was incorporated in the diet of broiler chicken. The feed cost per kg was highest Control (Rs. 30.70) and lowest in 10% Duckweed supplemented group (Rs. 29.07). The feed cost/kg live weight gain worked out to be highest (Rs. 54.04) in group fed 5% DW without enzyme and lowest (Rs 51.85) in 10% DW with enzyme supplemented group.The profit/bird was highest (Rs 19.59) in 5% DW with enzyme supplemented group and lowest (Rs 8.54) in 10% DW without enzyme supplementation group. The cost of production per kg live bird was highest (Rs 82.33) in 5% DW without enzyme supplemented group and lowest (Rs 79.75) in 10% DW with enzyme supplemented groups. From the present study it could be concluded that Duckweed at 5% level with enzyme supplementation can be incorporated in the diet of broiler chicken without any adverse effect for profitable broiler production.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of extra concentrate with or without probiotics supplementation on performance of periparturient goats(SKUAST Kashmir, 2018) Bhat, Aaliya Fayaz; Patoo, Raoof A.Present study was conducted to study the effect of extra concentrate supplementation with or without probiotics during periparturient period on the performance, hemato-biochemical, colostrum and milk composition of does. Twenty four pregnant healthy Boar x local cross does in the last month of gestation (day 120) were selected randomly and allotted to 4 groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) of 6 animals each such that the average body weights between the groups did not differ significantly. The does were maintained under stall feeding conditions and offered a daily ration consisting of oats hay @ 1.2 kg/head/day and commercial pelleted feed @ 577.5 g/head/day during periparturient period (one month pre-partum to one month post-partum). Does in treatment groups T1 were offered normal daily ration without supplementation. In T2 group were offered normal ration and extra concentrate @ 150 gram /head/day, T3 group were offered normal ratio and extra concentrate @ 150 gram/head/day with probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae x1010 CFU) @ 2.5 gram/head/day and in T4 groups were offered normal ratio and extra concentrate 150g + probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae x1010 CFU) @ 4 gram/head/day. There was a significant (p<0.05) higher weekly body weight of periparturient does during last week before kidding in T2, T3, T4 groups as compared to T1 (control) group but non-significant differences between T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups. During the last week before kidding highest body weight was observed in T4 as 50.60±1.01 kg followed by T3 as 49.00±1.18 kg and T2 as 49.00±0.30 kg and lowest in T1 (control) group as 46.24±0.71 kg. Highest body weight at 4th week after kidding was observed in T4 as 44.92±0.83 kg followed by T3 as 42.94±1.00 kg T2 as 43.03±0.50 kg and T1 as 40.74±0.59 kg, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.05) higher weekly body weight change in T2, T3, T4 groups as compared to T1 (control) group from 3rd to last week before kidding and 2nd week after kidding. Highest weekly body weight change at last week before kidding was observed in T4 as 2.34±0.10 kg and lowest in T1 treatment group as 0.58±0.20 kg. At the time of kidding highest negative body weight change was observed in T4 as –6.40±0.29 kg and lowest in T1 treatment group as –5.94±0.35 kg. Average final body weights change at 4th week after kidding was 0.04±0.02, 0.02±±0.02, 0.04±0.02 and 0.04±0.01 kg in T1, T2, T3, T4 treatment groups respectively. Animals showed an improvement in BCS on scale of 1 to 5 up to kidding in all the treatment groups. BCS at the 4th week after kidding was 2.63±0.15 2.74±0.20 2.76±0.14 and 2.78±0.14 for T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. There was a significantly (p<0.05) higher change in BCS between T2, T3, T4 as compared to T1 (control) treatment groups before kidding, however non-significant difference was observed among different treatment groups after kidding. Average birth weight of T2, T3 and T4 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than T1 (control) group. However there was non-significant difference observed between T2, T3 and T4 treatment group. Average weaning weights was highest in T3 group as 13.32±0.22 kg and lowest in T1 group as 9.24±0.23 kg. Monthly ADG of the kids were found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2, T3, T4 than T1 (control) group during first, second and third month of age. However there was non-significant difference was observed between T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups. Monthly average daily weight gain (ADG) was highest in T4 group as 157.33±0.74 g/day and lowest in T1 group as 108.33±1.78 g/day during first month. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in kids body length, chest girth, abdominal girth, and height at wither in T2, T3 and T4 as compared to T1 (control) group during first month while as non-significant difference was observed in body measurements at second and third month of age. At kidding and after kidding there was a significantly (p<0.05) higher fortnightly Hb (g/dl) and PCV (%) concentration in T2, T3 and T4 as compared to T1 (control) treatment group. However non-significant difference was observed between T2, T3 and T4 treatment group. Highest fortnightly Hb and PCV concentration was found in T4 group as 7.58±0.27 mg/dl and 22.75±0.88 %, respectively and lowest was found in T1 group as 5.80±0.38 mg/dl and 17.40±1.1 %, respectively at the end of trial. There was non-significant difference in fortnightly total leucocyte count and differential count concentration among different treatment groups during the study period. There was a significantly (p<0.05) higher plasma glucose (mg/dl) and protein (g/dl) concentration in T2, T3 and T4 as compared to T1 (control) treatment group at kidding and after kidding however there was non-significant difference between T2, T3 and T4 treatment group. At end of trail highest plasma glucose concentration was observed in group T3 as 58.50±1.14 mg/dl and lowest in T1(control) as 52.00±2.64 mg/dl. At the end of trail highest plasma protein was observed in T4 as 6.11±0.38 g/dl and lowest in T1 group as 4.00±0.28 g/dl.Also, there was a non-significant difference in fortnightly plasma triglyceride and cholesterol among the different treatment groups during before kidding, at kidding and after kidding. Colostrum fat, protein SNF and TS percent was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2, T3 and T4 as compared to T1 (control) groups on 1st and 3rd day. More ever there was non-significant change in the milk fat, protein SNF and TS percent composition on 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th days of lactation. On the 1st day of lactation colostrum fat percent was highest in T4 group as 8.83±0.13 while as colostrum protein, SNF and TS was highest in T3 group as 9.43±0.65, 20.11±0.62 and 24.33±0.81%, respectively and lowest in T1 (control) group as 7.01±0.65, 17.15±0.45 and 21.28±0.70 %, respectively. There was a significant differences (p<0.05) in SCC (103 /ml) of T3 and T4 group as compares to T1 (control) and T2 treatment group. Lowest SCC was found in T3 treatment group as 105.83±3.14 x103 /ml and highest in T1 group as 128.66±0.80 x103 /ml. There was non-significant difference in time taken for kidding at different stage of kidding in different treatment groups. The overall mortality percent in of different treatment groups were 25, 14.2, 12.5 and 12.5 % in T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. Net profit at weaning was highest in T3 group as Rs 475/- followed by T4 as Rs 380/- and T2 group as Rs 354/- as compared to control. It is concluded that supplementation of extra concentrate with low level of probiotic in does during periparturient period results in improvement in both does as well as kids performance and is feasible on economic lines.ThesisItem Open Access Management Practices and Production Performance of Broilers in Budgam and Pulwama Districts of Kashmir Valley(SKUAST Kashmir, 2017) Baba, Suhil Amin; Khan, Azmat AlamPoultry-sector in J&K is facing innumerable constraints and so far no organised attempt to study the prevalent practices and production performance of commercial broilers has been made. Therefore a study was planned to document the prevalent practices and production performance of broilers in two districts of Budgam and Pulwama. All age groups of people were seen to be involved with broiler-farming. Majority of the broiler-farmers had broiler-farming as their main occupation. Single and double-sheds with single, double and triple stories were commonly prevalent. Majority of the farms had a capacity up to 5000 broilers, with buildings mostly oriented in north-south direction and constructed with pucca bricks in mud-mortar. Deep-litter system was the only system of rearing followed by the farmers. Broiler-Cobb strain was being predominantly being reared. Farmers were using round, hanging made in plastic type of feeders having different capacities. Majority of the farmers procured feed at weekly intervals and mostly crumb type of feed was being used. Majority of the farmers had installed incandescent lamps and were providing a lighting duration of up to 12 hours. Predator infestation problem was reported by more than 90% farmers. A number of diseases were observed to affect broilers at different age group of life span. A uniform vaccination schedule was observed to be followed by majority of the farmers. The broiler-faming was observed to be a profitable enterprise. Many farmers were satisfied while as 55% farmers in Budgam and 45% in Pulwama had plans of expansion of their poultry enterprises.
