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2011 - 201919
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Subject: Poultry Science × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2010 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.V.Sc. ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STANDARDISATION OF FINISHER RATION FOR GRAMASREE COCKERELS FOR MEAT PURPOSE
    (Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, Thrissur, 2019-09-30) SHINDE VAIBHAV JYOTIRAM; P. Anitha
    An experiment was carried out to standardise the finisher ration for Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. Three hundred and thirty-six, Gramasree male birds of six weeks age were procured from University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy and allotted to six dietary treatments having four replicates of 14 birds each and the experiment was conducted from seven to fourteen weeks of age.The six dietary treatment comprised of two levels of metabolizable energy and three levels of crude protein in a factorial design. The dietary treatment T1, T2 and T3 were 20:3000, 19:3000 and 18:3000, respectively and T4, T5 and T6 were 20:3200, 19:3200 and 18:3200, respectively. The growth parameters were studied from seven to fourteen weeks of age and slaughter studies were carried out at the end of 10 th , 12 th and 14 th weeks of age using two birds from each replicate.The results revealed that the mean body weight at fortnightly intervals was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 and T2 group at 14 weeks of age. The difference in mean cumulative body weight gain was not significant at different periods among the treatments. The effect of energy on cumulative body weight gain was significant at seven to ten and seven to twelve weeks period but effect of protein and their interaction did not influence the cumulative body weight gain.The mean cumulative feed consumption of birds was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 group during seven to ten weeks period while it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1, T2 and T3 group during seven to twelve weeks period. The individual effect of energy showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed consumption in birds fed with diet containing 3000 kcal/kg ME compared to 3200 kcal/kg ME at seven to twelve and seven to fourteen weeks period. The effect of protein on cumulative feed consumption showed that it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 18 per cent CP group than 20 per cent CP group. The effect of energy and protein on mean cumulative FCR was significant (p<0.05), but not their interactions. The effect of energy, protein and their interaction on eviscerated yield and ready-to- cook yields was significant at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age. Effect of energy on abdominal fat per cent was significant at 12 and 14 weeks of age, but the effect of protein and interaction was not significant.The mean cumulative livability from seven to fourteen weeks ranged from 98.93 to 100 per cent among treatment groups. With respect to economics of cockerel rearing up to 10, 12 and 14 weeks period, the highest net profit per kilogram live weight was obtained with T1 (20% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) and T2 (19% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) groups compared to other treatments groups. Among the three periods cockerel rearing was found to be more profitable up to 10 weeks of age, thereafter profit was reduced due to the decline in body weight gain and poor FCR. Based on the overall performance of cockerels and the findings on the economical parameters assessed, it could be concluded that finisher diet with 19 per cent CP and 3000 kcal/kg ME is found to be optimum for Gramasree cockerel rearing for meat purpose. This study also reveals that the age of introduction of finisher ration may be fixed at eight weeks instead of six weeks for rearing Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. If consumer preference is for birds with higher body weight at slaughter, then rearing of Gramasree cockerels can be extended further.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFICACY OF CITRIC ACID, NON STARCH POLYSACCHARIDE DEGRADING ENZYMES AND THEIR COMBINATION AS ALTERNATIVES TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTER IN BROILER DIET
    (College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 2019) HARSHA Y.S.; P. Anitha
    An experiment was conducted in Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to study efficacy of citric acid, non starch polysaccharide degrading enzymes (NSPDE) and their combination as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoter in broiler diet from zero to six weeks of age. One hundred and sixty, day-old chicks were randomly divided into five dietary treatment groups viz., T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 each with four replicates having eight chicks, in a completely randomized design. The birds in T1 (control) group was fed with standard broiler ration (SBR) formulated as per BIS (2007). Standard broiler ration supplemented with 10 per cent oxytetracycline (0.5 g/kg) was fed to birds in T2, SBR supplemented with citric acid (10 g/kg) in T3, SBR supplemented with NSPDE (0.1 g/kg) in T4 and SBR supplemented with combination of citric acid and NSPDE for birds in T5. The results of the study showed that the mean body weight of birds at weekly intervals and the cumulative body weight (0-6 weeks) was not significantly different between treatments. Mean daily feed consumption of birds (0-6 weeks) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in antibiotic group (T2) and other treatment groups was statistically comparable with control group. Overall, mean feed conversion ratio from zero to six weeks was not significantly affected by dietary treatments. The data on slaughter studies of birds did not show any significant difference among the five dietary treatments. The significantly (p<0.01) less Escherichia coli count and coliform count in intestinal content of broilers was found in all treatment groups compared to control group. The mean Enterococcus faecalis count was significantly (p<0.01) lower in antibiotic (T2), citric acid (T3) and enzyme group (T4) than control (T1) and citric acid plus enzyme (T5) group. The birds in T5 had significantly (p<0.01) higher ileal villi height followed by those in T4, T1 and T3 and significantly lower villi height was obtained in the T2 treatment group. The mean crypt width of ileum in T2, T3 and T4 were having significantly (p<0.05) higher value than the combination and control groups. Goblet cell count was lower in all growth promoter supplemented groups compared to control. The mean pH value of small intestinal content of broiler was significantly (p<0.01) lower in growth promoter supplemented groups compared to control group. The cumulative per cent livability of T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 was 93.75, 96.88, 100, 100 and 90.63, respectively. The net profit per kg body weight at six week of age was Rs. 12.36, 8.66, 14.10, 14.65 and 12.28 for the treatment groups T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. The present findings, indicated that supplementation of antibiotic, citric acid, NSP degrading enzyme and the combination of citric acid and NSP degrading enzymes did not significantly influence the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. However, the parameters related to gut health such as ileal histomorphology, microbial count and pH of ileal content were significantly (P<0.01) better in all the growth promoter supplemented groups than control. Highest net profit per kg body weight was obtained in NSP degrading enzyme supplemented group. Based on the overall results of this study, it can be concluded that NSP degrading enzymes (xylanase + glucanase) at 0.1 g/kg can be effectively used as growth promoter for broiler diets with complete elimination of antibiotic usage in feed.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    INFLUENCE OF FISH OIL ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND FATTY ACID PROFILE OF EGGS IN ATHULYA AND NATIVE CHICKEN
    (College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 2019) ARSHA V. S.; Binoj Chacko
    An experiment was conducted in Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to evaluate the influence of fish oil on production performance and fatty acid profile of eggs in Athulya and native chicken. Two breeds of hen (sixty Athulya and native each) with three dietary treatments were tested in a randomized block design. The dietary treatments included 0, 1.5 and 3.0 per cent sardine fish oil and were replicated four times of five birds each. The trial lasted for three periods of 28 days and commenced on 29 weeks of age. The overall feed consumption per bird per day, hen day and hen housed egg production per cent was not affected in Athulya hen whereas a negative impact was noticed in native hen in relation with dietary fish oil level. Egg weight, body weight and overall body weight gain of birds were not influenced by dietary fish oil level. However, the breed effect was significant (p<0.01) for the above production traits. Feed efficiency, livability per cent and egg quality parameters such as albumen index, Haugh unit, yolk index, shell thickness, specific gravity, shell weight, yolk weight and albumen weight were similar among dietary treatment groups whereas breed effect was significant (p<0.05) for egg quality traits except yolk index and specific gravity. Omega-3 fatty acid contents in the egg yolk increased markedly in accordance with the fish oil level. Diets with 1.5 and 3 per cent fish oil increased content of docosahexaenoic acid by four and five fold compared to control eggs in Athulya and native hen, respectively after four weeks of trial. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was 6 and 8 times lower with 3 per cent fish oil diet in Athulya and native hens, respectively than in the control. Significantly (p<0.05) lower scores were found for hard boiled eggs from fish oil added diet for fishy taste and aftertaste but, not for scrambled and raw egg and it was moderately acceptable (score>6). TBARS numbers of egg yolk stored under room and refrigeration temperature increased significantly (p<0.01) in response to dietary fish oil level. The cost of production of egg in native hen is higher compared to Athulya hen due to lower egg production in native hen. Egg production in Athulya hen was at optimum in 1.5 and 3.0 per cent dietary fish oil level whereas in native hen egg production reduced in 1.5 and 3.0 per cent dietary fish oil level. Omega-3 fatty acid enrichment in egg was highest in 3.0 per cent dietary fish oil level both in Athulya and native hen. The native hen eggs showed higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid compared to Athulya hens eggs
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    COMPARISON OF PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF KUTTANAD, WHITE PEKIN DUCKS AND THEIR CROSSES FOR MEAT PURPOSE
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2018) ANCY.M; P. Anitha
    An experiment was carried out at Department of Poultry Science, Mannuthy to compare the production performance of Kuttanad, White Pekin ducks and their reciprocal crosses for meat purpose for a period of 12 weeks of age. Experimental ducks were produced using male and female parents of Kuttanad and White Pekin ducks maintained at University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy. The experiment was carried out with a total of 192, day-old ducklings of Kuttanad, White Pekin and their crosses which formed the treatment groups T1 (KxK), T2 (PxP), T3 (PxK) and T4 (KxP). Forty-eight, day-old ducklings from each treatment group were divided into four replicate of twelve birds each. All the ducklings were reared on slat system under uniform conditions of management. Birds were fed with ad libitum standard broiler starter ration as per BIS (2007). Data on mean body weight at fortnightly intervals, body weight gain, cumulative body weight gain, mean daily feed consumption, cumulative feed consumption, mean feed conversion ratio (FCR) at fortnightly intervals, cumulative FCR, processing yield and losses at eight, ten and twelve weeks of age, livability and economics of production were used to compare the production performance of treatment groups. The mean body weight of ducks was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Pekin (PxP), intermediate in crossbreds (PxK and KxP) and lower in Kuttanad (KxK) groups in all the fortnight periods. Mean daily feed consumption of ducks was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Pekin (PxP), intermediate in crossbreds (PxK and KxP) and lower in Kuttanad (KxK) groups in all the fortnight periods. Significantly (p<0.05) better FCR values were shown by White Pekin and the crossbred ducks than the Kuttanad ducks. The plumage pattern of the ducklings in Kuttanad group and crossbred groups were almost similar up to first week of age. From the second week onwards, a white colour patch on neck region was noticeable in some birds of crossbred groups which became more evident from fourth and sixth week onwards. Some crossbred ducks were having similar plumage pattern as that of Kuttanad ducks. Kuttanad ducks were having a brownish black plumage pattern. Two ducklings from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered humanely to study the carcass characteristics at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age. Pre-slaughter weight and dressed weight during eight, ten and twelve weeks of age were significantly (p<0.05) higher for White Pekin ducks than all other groups. On calculation of techno economics, net profit/kg body weight obtained was highest at eighth week of age. Based on the findings on growth performance in terms of feed conversion ratio of ducks, both crossbred groups were found to be equally good with their parent pure breeds. At the same time, these birds showed significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight than indigenous Kuttanad ducks, but almost similar body weight with that of meat type Pekin ducks. The net profit per bird and per kilogram body weight was highest in Pekin ducks, intermediate in crossbreds and lowest in Kuttanad ducks. Among the different age groups, net profit was found to be maximum at eight weeks in all treatment groups. There was no considerable increase in body weight gain of ducks in all four genetic groups after eight weeks of age which indicate that rearing ducks for meat purpose beyond eight weeks of age is not economical. Based on the overall performance of ducks belonging to different genetic groups evaluated in this study and consumer preference for duck meat in Kerala it could be concluded that the crossbreds between White Pekin and Kuttanad ducks are more suitable for meat purpose up to eight weeks of age.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STANDARDISATION OF FINISHER RATION FOR GRAMASREE COCKERELS FOR MEAT PURPOSE
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2018) SHINDE VAIBHAV JYOTIRAM; P. Anitha
    An experiment was carried out to standardise the finisher ration for Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. Three hundred and thirty-six, Gramasree male birds of six weeks age were procured from University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy and allotted to six dietary treatments having four replicates of 14 birds each and the experiment was conducted from seven to fourteen weeks of age. The six dietary treatment comprised of two levels of metabolizable energy and three levels of crude protein in a factorial design. The dietary treatment T1, T2 and T3 were 20:3000, 19:3000 and 18:3000, respectively and T4, T5 and T6 were 20:3200, 19:3200 and 18:3200, respectively. The growth parameters were studied from seven to fourteen weeks of age and slaughter studies were carried out at the end of 10th, 12th and 14th weeks of age using two birds from each replicate. The results revealed that the mean body weight at fortnightly intervals was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 and T2 group at 14 weeks of age. The difference in mean cumulative body weight gain was not significant at different periods among the treatments. The effect of energy on cumulative body weight gain was significant at seven to ten and seven to twelve weeks period but effect of protein and their interaction did not influence the cumulative body weight gain. The mean cumulative feed consumption of birds was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 group during seven to ten weeks period while it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1, T2 and T3 group during seven to twelve weeks period. The individual effect of energy showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed consumption in birds fed with diet containing 3000 kcal/kg ME compared to 3200 kcal/kg ME at seven to twelve and seven to fourteen weeks period. The effect of protein on cumulative feed consumption showed that it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 18 per cent CP group than 20 per cent CP group. The effect of energy and protein on mean cumulative FCR was significant (p<0.05), but not their interactions. The effect of energy, protein and their interaction on eviscerated yield and ready-tocook yields was significant at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age. Effect of energy on abdominal fat per cent was significant at 12 and 14 weeks of age, but the effect of protein and interaction was not significant. The mean cumulative livability from seven to fourteen weeks ranged from 98.93 to 100 per cent among treatment groups. With respect to economics of cockerel rearing up to 10, 12 and 14 weeks period, the highest net profit per kilogram live weight was obtained with T1 (20% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) and T2 (19% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) groups compared to other treatments groups. Among the three periods cockerel rearing was found to be more profitable up to 10 weeks of age, thereafter profit was reduced due to the decline in body weight gain and poor FCR. Based on the overall performance of cockerels and the findings on the economical parameters assessed, it could be concluded that finisher diet with 19 per cent CP and 3000 kcal/kg ME is found to be optimum for Gramasree cockerel rearing for meat purpose. This study also reveals that the age of introduction of finisher ration may be fixed at eight weeks instead of six weeks for rearing Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. If consumer preference is for birds with higher body weight at slaughter, then rearing of Gramasree cockerels can be extended further.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    INFLUENCE OF SEQUENTIAL FEEDING ON EGG PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF ATHULYA LAYER CHICKEN
    (College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 2018) SREEVEEN E.N.; Binoj Chacko
    An experiment was conducted in AICRP on Poultry for Eggs, Mannuthy to evaluate the influence of sequential feeding on egg production performance of Athulya layer chicken. At the end of 16th week of age 75 birds were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments each having five replicates of five birds each. In the first treatment (T1 - control) birds were fed complete layer diet. In the second treatment (T2 - sequential feeding) birds were fed coarsely ground maize in the morning and balancer diet in the afternoon. In third treatment (T3 - loose mix) birds were given coarse maize combined with balancer diet. In all the treatments half of the diet was distributed in the morning at 6.00 a.m. and other half in the afternoon at 1.00 p.m. The overall feed consumption per bird per day was found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower in sequential feeding when compared with that was observed with loose mix and control. The overall hen day and hen housed egg per cent in sequential feeding was similar to that of control but significantly (p<0.05) lower to that of loose mix. The mean body weight of birds was lower in sequential feeding compared to loose mix and control during the entire experimental period. Overall body weight gain was significantly (p<0.01) lower in sequential feeding compared to loose mix and control. Feed efficiency, egg weight, livability per cent and egg quality parameters such as shape index, Haugh unit and albumen index were similar among treatment groups. The overall shell thickness of eggs was found to be significantly higher (p<0.01) in sequential feeding compared to loose mix and control. Per cent gizzard, liver and giblet weight were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher in sequential feeding compared to other groups. Significantly (p<0.01) lower abdominal fat per cent was noticed in sequential feeding compared to other treatment groups. Feed cost per egg was highest in control group followed by sequential feeding and loose mix. In general in the present study, sequential feeding resulted in improvement in egg shell thickness of Athulya layer chicken. Egg weight, feed efficiency, livability, and egg quality parameters were not affected by sequential feeding. However, feed intake, egg production and body weight gain were negatively affected.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EVALUATION OF DIETARY PROTEIN LEVEL FOR GROWTH IN KUTTANAD DUCKS
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2016) JENY GEORGE; Leo Joseph
    An experiment was conducted to determine the requirement of dietary protein level for growth in Kuttanad ducklings at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. One hundred ninety two ducklings were divided randomly into four dietary treatments, each with four replicates of 12 ducklings each. The dietary treatment consisted of T1, 16 per cent CP (Crude Protein), T2 (18 per cent CP), T3 (20 per cent CP) and T4 (22 per cent CP). The energy level was 2800 kcal/ kg Metabolizable Energy (ME) in all treatments. Identical management practices were followed for all treatments. Data on body weight, body weight gain and feed consumption were recorded at weekly interval from day old to 12 weeks of age.The processing yields and losses were studied at the end of 8 and 12 weeks of age. Fatty acid composition of meat was analyzed at 12 weeks of age. The day-old body weight in Kuttanad ducks in the 16 per cent protein (T1), 18 per cent (T2), 20 per cent (T3) and 22 per cent (T4) was 37.27, 36.96, 37.56 and 37.13 g, respectively. At eight weeks of age, the mean body weight was 1213.75, 1307.90, 1359.77 and 1256.19 g, respectively, in the T1, T2, T3 and T4. The mean body weight of birds in the treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 at 12 week of age was 1560.68, 1555.60, 1565.18 and 1561.88 (g), respectively. The cumulative body weight gain of T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 1176.48, 1270.93, 1322.23 and 1219.07 g, respectively, at eight week of age. The same was 1523.57, 1518.80, 1527.63 and 1524.73 g, respectively, at 12 week of age. The cumulative feed intake of T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 4947.69, 5016.07, 4972.54 and 4839.23 g, respectively, upto eight week of age and the same was 8450.34, 8569.91, 8451.71 and 8235.56 g, respectively, at 12 weeks of age. The cumulative FCR of T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 4.20, 3.95, 3.70 and 3.97, respectively, at eight week of age. The same was 5.47, 5.55, 5.40 and 5.34, respectively, at 12 weeks of age. The processing yield was near to 70% in all groups. The fatty acid composition was also similar in all dietary protein levels. Omega-3 fatty acid content was 0.73, 0.59, 0.71 and 0.95 in T1, T2, T3 and T4. Compared to saturated fatty acids a higher level of unsaturated fatty acid (per cent) was observed in the present study. The net profit/bird was found to be maximuim in T3 containing 20 per cent protein with 2800 kcal/kg ME at eighth week of age. The overall livability of ducks under different dietary treatments was close to 100 per cent The results of the study indicated that the ducklings under dietary treatment containing 20 per cent crude protein showed improved growth performance with regards to 8 th week body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption and FCR than treatment groups with 16, 18 and 22 percent crude protein levels. At 12 week of age, the body weight was similar but the feed efficiency was very poor (5.34 to 5.55). The processing yield at 12 weeks was also similar to 8th week yield, but the carcass was better in appearance. It was concluded that rearing Kuttanad ducklings upto eight weeks of age with 20 per cent CP and 2800kcal/ kg ME was comparatively economical for meat production.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL FROM THREE DIFFERENT SOURCES
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2012) AISWARYA R NAIR; K. Narayanankutty
    An experiment was carried out in the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, Kerala to evaluate and compare the growth and production performance of Japanese quails from Mannuthy (T1), Chennai (T2) and Namakkal (T3), in cage system of rearing. The Japanese quail hatching eggs were procured from above sources and hatched out at University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy. Each group reared together up to five weeks of age. The quails were housed in layer cages at the end of five weeks. Each treatment had eight replicates with six birds in each. Performance was evaluated from 0 to 26 weeks of age. Growth performance was evaluated up to five weeks of age, whereas production performance was evaluated for five periods (each 28-day period) from 7 to 26 weeks of age. Standard management practices were followed throughout the study. Feed and drinking water were given ad libitum. The data showed significant (P≤0.05) differences in mean values of hatching egg and day-old chick weight among treatments. Hatching egg weight was higher in T3 (12.19 g) followed by T2 (11.04 g) and T1 (10.80 g), whereas day-old chick weight was higher in T3 (8.42 g) followed by T1 (7.20 g) and T2 (7.06 g). The mean values for body weight at five weeks of age were higher in T3 (216.04 g) followed by T1 (166.04 g) and T2 (165.70 g), which showed significant (P≤0.05) difference on statistical analysis. The cumulative mean feed consumption was lower in T1 (628 g) followed by T2 (633.56 g) and T3 (693.02 g) up to five weeks of age. The mean value of layer body weight was higher in T3 (318.96 g) followed by T1 (260.64 g) and T2 (246.91 g) at 26 weeks of age, which showed significant (P≤0.05) difference on statistical analysis. The mean values observed for age at sexual maturity were nonsignificant among the treatments. Egg production calculated in terms of quail housed egg number, quail day egg number, quail housed percent and quail day per cent were nonsignificant among the treatments from 7 to 26 weeks of age. The cumulative mean values for egg weight during the period from 7 to 26 weeks of age were higher for T3 (13.78 g) followed by T2 (12.62 g) and T1 (12.06 g) and the difference was significant (P≤0.05) statistically. The difference in mean values of egg quality traits among treatments were significant (P≤0.05). The plumage patterns of Japanese quail belonging to different sources were similar. The mean values for per cent livability of T3 (92.33) was comparable with that of T1 (93.80) and T2 (89.50) during 0 to 5 weeks of age, whereas it was nonsignificant among the treatments from 7 to 26 weeks of age. From the results it could be inferred that the Japanese quail from Namakkal (T3) source, was found better in hatching egg weight, day-old chick weight, body weight (0 – 26 weeks), age at sexual maturity, egg production, egg weight, plumage pattern and livability. Even though, there were significant (P≤0.05) differences in certain traits of egg quality, the differences in values among treatments were not high numerically. The results also showed that Japanese quails from Mannuthy (T1) performed well than that of Chennai (T2) source. The findings of the present study revealed that quails obtained from Namakkal were most suitable for growth and production performances in Kerala.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF BEAK TRIMMING ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2012) VIMAL ANTONY MUTTATHETTU; P. Anitha
    An experiment was conducted in Japanese quails from 0 to 26 weeks of age to study the effect of beak trimming on growth and production performance of Japanese quails. One thousand five hundred (1500), day-old Japanese quail chicks belonging to a single hatch were allotted randomly to three treatment groups with five replicates of hundred quails each. Chicks in T1 were kept as the control group without beak trimming. Chicks in T2 were beak trimmed one-third the length at 7th day of age. Chicks in T3 were beak trimmed one-third the length at 14th day of age. At six weeks of age 30 females from each replicate, forming a total of 150 per treatment were selected and their egg production studied. Individual body weight of all birds in each replicate were recorded at dayold and at weekly intervals up to six weeks of age and the mean values were calculated to study the pattern of body weight gain in different treatment groups. The female quails were then weighed at the 26th week of age. All the treatments were fed with starter diet of 24 per cent CP and 2750 kcal/kg ME up to six weeks of age. During layer phase (7-26 weeks of age), all treatment groups were fed with same type of diet containing 22 per cent crude protein and 2650 kcal/kg ME. The body weight of quails up to 3 weeks of age did not differ significantly between treatments. The body weight of T3 group was consistently higher than T2 group during the later stage of growth (4-6 weeks of age). The results revealed that the beak trimming at 14th day did not adversely affect the growth at any stage. During growing stage (0 to 6 weeks) cumulative feed intake was significantly lower in the beak trimmed groups than the control group, while the FCR values were comparable. During the laying phase (7 to 26 weeks), the age at first egg, 10 and 50 per cent production were similar in all the treatment groups. Mean values of cumulative quail housed and quail day egg number and per cent production, egg mass, and mean egg weight during laying phase did not differ significantly in all the treatment groups. The mean cumulative daily feed consumption was significantly higher in the control group than the beak trimmed groups. Period wise and cumulative FCR per dozen eggs and per kg eggs were similar in all the groups. The returns per quail housed over feed and chick cost was higher in the beak trimmed groups with a gain of Rs 0.28 in T2 and Rs 0.22 in T3 over T1 during growing period (0 to 6 weeks). During the laying period (7-26 weeks), the returns per quail housed over feed and chick cost was higher in T3 with a gain of (Rs. 4.16) while the gain (Rs. -0.91) in T2 was lower when compared to the control group. The overall livability per cent during growing and laying phases were not adversely affected, while mortality due to pecking was observed only in the control group contributing 50 per cent of the total laying phase mortality. The evaluation of the results revealed that beak trimming at 14th day did not affect body weight gain and egg production traits of Japanese quail chicks. Moreover there were higher returns per quail housed and also absence of mortality due to pecking in the beak trimmed groups. Therefore it can be recommended that beak trimming at the 14th day of age can be effective in increasing the profit of rearing Japanese quail layers.