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ThesisItem Open Access TRANSCRIPTOME ANALYSIS OF PECTORAL MUSCLE AMONG PEKIN AND KUTTANAD DUCKS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2023-03-23) S. SANKARALINGAM; Dr. P. AnithaThe study on “Transcriptome analysis of pectoral muscle among Pekin and Kuttanad ducks” was carried out at Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. The experimental birds of male Pekin, Kuttanad control and Kuttanad meat line ducks were reared up to eight weeks of ageand their production parameters, carcass characteristics, physicochemical attributes and compositional characters of meat were also measured from random samples of each replicate at four and eight weeks of age to find the differences among the three types of ducks. Along with that, all the above parameters of heavy- and low-weighing birds of each replicate were also measured in all three groups of ducks to correlate them with the data derived from transcriptome analysis of pectoral muscle of heavy- and low-weighing birds.The study on production parameters among Pekin duck, Kuttanad control population and Kuttanad meat line concludes that the Kuttanad selected line for meat had significant (p<0.05) improvement in body weight from the day-old to eight weeks of age compared to that of Kuttanad control population as a result of four generations of individual selection for eighth week body weight. The mean body weight gain of Kuttanad meat line was not significant compared to that of Kuttanad control population up to four weeks of age and it was significantly (p<0.05) higher at 5-6 weeks period which made the overall body weight gain up to eight weeks significant. During this period, the enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for growth process was higher (3%) in GO analysis of transcriptome data between heavy- and lowweighing birds of Kuttanad meat line while that of Kuttanad control population and Pekin duck were zero. The potential markers for enrichment of growth process in Kuttanad meat line were adrenoceptor alpha 2A (ADRA2A), dendrocyte expressed seven transmembrane protein (DCSTAMP), ventricular zone expressed PH domain containing 1 (VEPH1), dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2), maelstrom spermatogenic transposon silencer (MAEL), R-spondin 2 (RSPO2), acleraxis bHLH transcription factor (SCX), matrilin 1 (MATN1), forkhead box C1 (FOXC1), fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) and growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) along with the nonsynonymous missense variant of SCX gene c.82G>C. The feed intake of Kuttanad meat line was significantly (p<0.5) more than that of Kuttanad control population after four weeks of age, this was due to the significant (p<0.05) increase in body weight gain of Kuttanad meat line after four weeks of age compared to Kuttanad control population. Even though there was significant (p<0.05) increase in body weight and weight gain in Kuttanad meat line compared to Kuttanad control population, the FCR was similar in both groups and less than that of Pekin duck. The FCR may improve in Kuttanad meat line, if the selection process is continued for few more generations.The study on carcass characteristics reveals that the eviscerated yield, breast yield, deboned breast yield, wings yield, neck yield, abdominal fat yield, heart yield, liver yield and gizzard yield percentage did not have any significant difference among the three types of ducks at four and eight weeks of age. The significant (p<0.05) increase in thigh yield percentage in the Kuttanad meat line compared to that of Kuttanad control group and Pekin duck indicates that the selection for eighth week body weight in Kuttanad duck resulted in significant (p<0.05) increase of thigh muscle compared to proportionate increase of other muscles. The study on physicochemical attributes of meat indicates that the selection for eighth week body weight significantly (p<0.05) improved the myofibril fragmentation index in breast muscle of Kuttanad meat line compared to Pekin duck. This study also concludes that the significantly (p<0.05) lower muscle fibre diameter and shear force in breast muscle compared to that of thigh muscle without affecting the sarcomere length could have led the breast muscle more tender than the thigh muscle. The study on compositional characteristics of meatconcludes that the selection for eighth week body weight significantly (p<0.05) improved the collagen solubility of thigh muscle in Kuttanad meat line compared to that of Pekin duck at four weeks of age. The transcriptome analysis of pectoral muscle of heavy- and low-weighing Kuttanad ducks at four weeks of age revealed that the downregulation of KIF24 gene in low-weighing Kuttanad meat line and its’ 20 SNPs and upregulation of CA3A and cystine/glutamate transporter-like (LOC116494038) genes in heavy-weighing Kuttanad meat line along with more enrichment in catalytic activity and cellular, metabolic, cellular component organization and growth processes could have contributed to the significant (p<0.05) growth of heavy-weighing Kuttanad meat line compared to that of low-weighing duck and also they may indirectly influence theevisceration percentage, deboned breast yield percentage, wings yield percentage and liver percentage and also improve the myofibril fragmentation index in breast muscle. This concludes that the fourth week body weight may also be considered along with selection for eighth week body weight to get more genetic gain per generation of selection. The same analysis at eight weeks of age revealed downregulation of TRIM7gene in heavy-weighing birds and its’ 25 SNPs; upregulation of GATM gene in heavyweighing birds and its’ 21 SNPs; upregulation of BCAR3 gene in heavy weighing Kuttanad meat line and its’ 15 SNPs; upregulation of AKR1D1 gene in heavy-weighing birds and its’ six SNPs; downregulation of NCEH1 gene in heavy-weighing Kuttanad meat line and its’ 18 SNPs and upregulation of CA3A, FRAS1, SLC25A48, LOC101802407, ACTC1 and ENAH genes in heavy-weighing birds and also downregulation of PPARGC1A, TAGAP, FAR2, MKNK1, NT5DC1, FABP3, DGAT2, ASB18 and GK genes in heavy-weighing birds along with more DEG enrichment in catalytic activity and cellular component organization, metabolic, biological phase, growth, locomotion, multi-organism process, biological adhesion and cell population proliferation processes could have contributed to significantly (p<0.05) higher eighth week body weight of heavy-weighing Kuttanad meat line compared to that of lowweighing duck. The above potential markers may indirectly contribute to significant increase in breast, deboned breast, drumstick, abdominal fat and gizzard yield percentage and also higher myofibril fragmentation index of thigh muscle and muscle fibre diameter of breast muscle and reduction in shear force of breast and thigh muscles,which ultimately may increase the tenderness of the meat of Kuttanad meat line without affecting the compositional characters.The transcriptome analysis of pectoral muscle of heavy- and low-weighing Kuttanad control population at four weeks of age revealed significant downregulation of MYOM3 gene in low-weighing birds due to the presence of 29 SNPs and upregulation of METTL21C gene in low weighing Kuttanad duck control population due to the presence of four SNPs could have contributed to the significant (p<0.05) growth of heavy-weighing Kuttanad control population compared to that of lowweighing birds at four weeks of age with more enrichment of catalytic activity and metabolic, multicellular organismal and biological regulation processes. The above potential markers may indirectly increase in evisceration percentage, breast, deboned breast, wings, neck and heart yield percentage and also numerical increase in muscle fibre diameter of breast muscle in Kuttanad control population without affecting the compositional characteristics. At eight weeks of age no significant DEG was identified from GO analysis of transcriptome data between heavy- and low-weighing duck of Kuttanad control population.The transcriptome analysis of pectoral muscle of heavy- and low-weighing commercial Pekin ducks at four weeks of age revealed significant downregulation of CCN3 gene in low-weighing Pekin duck due to the presence of seven SNPs and also upregulation of MATN1 gene in heavy-weighing duck along with more enrichment of transporter, structural molecule and molecular transducer activities and multicellular organismal, localization, locomotion, response to stimulus, signaling and biological adhesion processes could have contributed to significantly (p<0.05) higher growth of heavy-weighing Pekin duck compared to that of low-weighing duck at four weeks of age. The above potential markers may indirectly influence the significant (p<0.05) increase in evisceration, deboned breast, wings and gizzard percentage and also myofibril fragmentation index in Pekin duck without affecting the compositional characteristics. The same analysis at eight weeks of age revealed upregulation of ATP2A2 gene in heavy-weighing Pekin duck and presence of seven SNPs; upregulation of TNNI1 gene in heavy-weighing birds and itsfour SNPs; downregulation of MYBPC1gene in low-weighing Pekin duck and its 17 SNPs and also upregulation of CA3A/CA3, NR4A3, LMOD2, TFF2, IRX2, ACTC1 and ALB genes in heavy-weighing Pekin duck along with more enrichment of binding and transcription regulator activities and multicellular organismal, growth, locomotion, multi-organism, biological adhesion, cell population proliferation and immune system processes could have contributed to the significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight in heavy-weighing Pekin duck compared to that of low-weighing Pekin duck at eight weeks of age. The above potential markers may indirectly influence the significant (p<0.05) increase in muscle fibre diameter of thigh muscle of Kuttanad duck without affecting the compositional characteristics.The present study concludes that the Kuttanad meat line evolved from Kuttanad duck breed through selection for eighth week body weight over four generations is moving in the right direction of selection with moderate response. The response to selection is only around 250g body weight gain after four generations of individual selection which is not enough to cope up with the demand for duck meat. So, it is advisable to go for genomic selection using the candidate genes identified from this study along with the individual selection to improve growth, carcass characteristics, physicochemical attributes and compositional characteristics of Kuttanad meat line. It is advisable to go for combined selection for fourth and eight week body weight to get more genetic gain. This study also concludes that the above potential markers can be used for genomic selection in Kuttanad meat line, Kuttanad control population and commercial Pekin duck, respectively after validation of SNPs.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF GRAMASREE HENS BY FEEDING BLACK SOLDIER FLY (Hermetia illucens) LARVAE AS A PROTEIN REPLACER(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2022-03-08) AVINASH NILUGONDA; Dr. S. SankaralingamAn experiment was conducted in the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to evaluate production performance of Gramasree hens by feeding black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae as protein replacer. A total of 80 numbers of forty weeks old Gramasree pullets were distributed into five treatments each with four replicates in completely randomized design and experiment was carried for eight weeks from 41 to 48 weeks of age with standard management practices. The control group (T1) was fed with 100 per cent standard layer diet as per the BIS 2007 and other treatments groups were fed with fresh BSFL at 25 (T2), 50 (T3), 75 (T4) and 100(T5) per cent levels on dry matter basis as Soybean meal replacer after analysing chemical composition of BSFL. The remaining feed was provided separately as balancer diet. During experimental period, daily egg production, fortnightly feed consumption, fortnightly feed conversion ratio, egg weight, egg quality traits at 28 and 56 weeks of age, initial and pre-slaughter body weight, body weight gain,carcass characteristics, serum biochemical parameters, digestibility parameters and techno-economics were studied.Overall results of present study showed no significant difference in henhoused egg production per bird and percentage. Feed consumption was significantly (p<0.05) higher in control and reducing as BSFL inclusion level increased in the diet. There was no significant difference in FCR among the treatment groups. Egg quality parameters like egg weight, shape index, shell thickness, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit were showing no significant difference at 44 and 48 weeks of age. Carcass parameters studied at 48 weeks of age showed no significant difference in mean pre-slaughter weight, dressing percentage and eviscerated percentage of birds among all treatments, The abdominal fat percentage was significantly (p<0.05) lower in BSFL fed T2, T3, T4 and T5 treatment groups compared to control. The mean breast yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 followed by T2 and T3 and the same was lower in T4 and T5. Mean thigh yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 compared to T1 and T5 and the values for T2 and T4 were intermediate. Drumstick yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 followed by T2 group, followed by T5 and T4 and the same was lowest in T3. The mean wing yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 compared to T3 and T5 and the value was in between in T2 and T4. The heart, liver and yield had no significant difference among the dietary treatment groups. The blood serum biochemical parameters like total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, cholesterol, triglycerides and calcium were having no significant difference among dietary treatment groups in Gramasree hens at 48 weeks of age. The digestibility co-efficient of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, total ash, NFE, calcium and phosphorus had no significant difference among the treatment groups. The mean ether extract digestibility co-efficient was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T5, T4, T3 compared to T1 and the value of T2 was intermediate. The feed cost and expenditure per bird was significantly (p<0.05) lower in T5 followed by T4, T3 and T2. The same was significantly (p<0.05) higher in control. Total income per bird showed no significant difference among the treatments as there was no significant difference in egg production. The mean profit per bird was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T5 followed by T4 and T3 and the same was lowest in T1 and also the value of T2 was intermediate to T3 and T1. The mean profit per egg was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T5 followed by T4 and T3 and lower in T2 and T1. Based on the overall performance, it is concluded that the Gramasree hens can be fed with BSFL up to 100 per cent replacement to soya bean meal withoutaffecting egg production and also with reduction in feed consumption and better FCR. Feeding BSFL reduces the feed cost and increases the net profit per bird. So, BSFL is the best alternative source protein for backyard poultry rearing.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF CHITOSAN AND L-CARNITINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS FAT DEPOSITION IN BROILER CHICKEN(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2022-02-25) SHAJINI S.; Dr. Beena C. JosephAn experiment was conducted in Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to study the effect of chitosan and Lcarnitine supplementation on growth performance and carcass fat deposition in broiler chicken. A total of 150, day-old Vencobb 430Y broiler chicks were randomly allotted into three dietary treatment groups viz., T1, T2 and T3 with five replicates of ten birds each in a completely randomized design. The birds in T1 (control) group were fed with corn-soybean meal based standard broiler ration (SBR) formulated as per BIS (2007), T2 group was fed SBR supplemented with chitosan at the rate of 30g/kg feed and T3 group was fed SBR supplemented with L-carnitine at the rate of0.05 g/kg feed. The chitosan and L-carnitine supplementation (T2 and T3) did not show significant effect on mean body weight and weight gain of broilers at weekly intervals in this study. The chitosan and L-carnitine supplemented groups (T2 and T3) had significantly (p<0.05) lower feed consumption and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than control group (T1) during the first week of the experimental period. However, during the subsequent period dietary treatments did not produce any effect on feed consumption as well as FCR of broiler chicken. The dietary treatments did not have significant effect on carcass characteristic traits studied except on percentage abdominal fat pad of broiler chicken. The mean abdominal fat pad yield of broilers in chitosan supplemented group (T2) was significantly (p<0.01) lower than L-carnitine supplemented group (T3) and both were statistically lower than control group. The mean heart yield of broilers showed a significantly (p<0.05) lower value in chitosan supplemented group (T2) as compared with other treatment groups. The chitosan supplementation (T2) significantly (p<0.01) reduced the mean cholesterol content of breast meat as compared with other treatment groups. But, L-carnitine supplementation (T3) did not produce any significant effect on the mean cholesterol content of breast meat. The chitosan (T2) and L-carnitine (T3) supplementation significantly (p<0.01) reduced the mean cholesterol content of thigh meat of broilers as compared with control group. The chitosan (T2) and L-carnitine (T3) supplementation significantly (p<0.05) reduced the mean triglyceride content of breast and thigh meat of broiler as compared with control group. The chitosan and L-carnitine supplemented groups (T2 and T3) significantly (p<0.01) reduced the plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL values in broiler chicken as compared with control group. The plasma HDL value was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in chitosan supplemented group (T2) while the LDL value was significantly (p<0.05) lower in L-carnitine supplemented group (T3). Even though, there was a significant reduction in HDL value in the chitosan supplemented group, no adverse effect on general health is expected since the value remain in a normal range. The livability (per cent) of broilers during the experimental period was 96.00 in control group (T1) as well as chitosan supplemented group (T2) and 94.00 in L-carnitine supplemented group (T3). Total cost of production per bird at six weeks of age was 204.36, 317.05 and 202.29 and the net profit per kg body weight was Rs.62.00, 14.22 and 63.02 for the control group (T1), chitosan supplemented group (T2) and L-carnitine supplemented group (T3), respectively. Based on the overall results of this study, it could be concluded that dietary supplementation of chitosan at the rate of 30 g/kg and L-carnitine at the rate of 0.05 g/kg significantly (p<0.01) reduced the abdominal fat pad deposition in broiler chicken without any adverse effects on growth performance as well as carcass characteristics. It was also evident from the experimental findings that the dietary supplementation of chitosan and L-carnitine lowered the cholesterol and triglyceride content of breast and thigh meat of broilers and thereby proved to be beneficial in producing lean meat. Along with this, there was a significant (p<0.01) reduction in the plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL values in both chitosan as well as L-carnitine supplemented groups. Therefore, the findings of the present study revealed that supplementation of chitosan and L-carnitine is beneficial for producing lean broiler meat. According to the results obtained, chitosan supplementation effectively reduced the abdominal fat pad yield and cholesterol content of meat as compared with L-carnitine. However, L-carnitine supplementation is economically more efficient, since it is having potent hypolipidaemic effect in a lower level of inclusion as compared with chitosan.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING BLACK SOLDIER FLY (Hermetia illucens) LARVAE MEAL ON PERFORMANCE OF MEAT TYPE DUCKS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2022-02-25) SAMIR NAGIB HABIB HAKIM; Dr. S. SankaralingamAn experiment was conducted at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala to study the effect of feeding black soldier fly (Hermitia illucens) larvae meal on meat type duck performance and carcass characteristics from zero to eight weeks of age.Ninety-six, day-old ducklings were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments with four replicates having six ducklings each in a completely randomized design. The different dietary treatments in this study were T1 - Control group formulated as per IS 1374 (2007) specifications, T2 - with 5 per cent black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) inclusion, T3 - with 10 per cent BSFLM inclusion and T4 - with 15 per cent BSFLM inclusion.The results of the study showed that the final body weight, cumulative body weight gain and cumulative feed intake of birds remained significantly unaffected by the different dietary inclusion levels of BSFLM, while the cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in 10 per cent BSFLM group (T3) than all other treatment groups in most periods of experiments.There was no adverse effect for BSFLM inclusion on livability, nutrients digestibility and blood serum parameters except serum triglycerides which wassignificantly (p<0.05) lower in BSFLM fed groups compared to control. The total feed cost per bird at six and eight weeks of age was lowest for 15 per cent BSFLM group (T4) followed by 10 per cent (T3) and 5 per cent (T2) BSFLM groups and the same was highest in control group (T1). The profit per bird as well as per kg live weight was highest in T4 followed by T3 and T2 and the same was lowest in control group (T1). The carcass characteristics study at six weeks showed that dressed yield and ready to cook yield were significantly (p<0.05) higher in BSFLM fed groups than control group. The carcass characteristics study conducted at eight weeks of age revealed that dressed yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 15 per cent BSFLM fed group (T4) than control group while 5 and 10 per cent BSFLM groups (T2 and T3) showed intermediate values.Based on the overall results of this study, it could be concluded that, the dietary inclusion of BSFL meal in meat type duck ration up to 15 per cent was profitable and did not negatively affect the body weight gain and feed intake. It is better to rear commercial meat type ducks up to six weeks of age than up to eight weeks of age. However, further researches in meat type ducks are required to determine the highest level of BSFLM inclusion in duck ration without any adverse effect on production performance.ThesisItem Open Access POLYMORPHISM OF INTRON 2 OF GROWTH HORMONE GENE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH GROWTH AND CARCASS TRAITS IN KUTTANAD AND WHITE PEKIN DUCKS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2022-02-10) NIMMI P; Dr. Stella CyriacA study was conducted at Avian Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu, Palakkad to compare the growth and carcass traits of unselected flock of Kuttanad ducks (UKD), improved meat line of Kuttanad ducks (IKD) and White Pekin ducks (WPD) and to study the association of polymorphism of intron 2 of Growth Hormone gene with economic traits. One hundred and twenty five day-old ducklings from each group were selected, wing banded and were reared in uniform management condition. Ad-libitum feed and water were provided and ducks were reared up to 10 weeks of age. Fortnightly body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, livability were calculated. Carcass traits like slaughter weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage (with and without giblets), yield of feathers, giblets and cut-up parts were studied at 6, 8 and 10 weeks in eight birds of each group. Blood samples of 50 birds from each group were collected and DNA was isolated. Isolated DNAs were utilised for PCR-RFLP to find out the polymorphism in intron 2 of GH gene. WPD showed significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight at all fortnights whereas body weight of two groups of Kuttanad ducks were significantly (p<0.05) similar. Body weight gain were significantly (p<0.05) high for WPD at all fortnights except during first fortnight where IKD registered significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight gain. The period of active weight gain was during seven to eight weeks in all the three groups of ducks. WPD showed lower FCR in all fortnights followed by IKD. Cumulative FCR of 4.17 and 4.68 were shown by WPD and IKD, respectively for 10 weeks of age. The fortnightly livability of ducks of all the three groups were satisfactory. It was found that slaughter weight and carcass weight were significantly (p<0.05) higher in WPD at 8 and 10 weeks of age. Dressing percentage (with and without giblets) of UKD and IKD were significantly (p<0.05) higher at eight weeks whereas WPD showed significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage at 10 weeks of age. The appearance score after defeathering showed progress in accordance with the age. The yield of back, thigh and drumstick progressively reduced as age progressed from 6 to 10 weeks in UKD, IKD and WPD, whereas that of breast increased and the yield of wings and neck was more or lesssimilar throughout the ages. The PCR- RFLP technique and sequencing methods were employed to identify the genotypes in three duck population viz. UKD, IKD and WPD. Three genotypes GH/TT, GH/CT and GH/CC and two alleles T and C were identified in all the three groups of ducks by banding patterns. Even though the genotypes and allele frequencies did not differ significantly between the three groups of ducks, the frequent genotype observed in IKD and WPD was GH/TT whereas that in UKD was GH/CT. Reported primers were used to find polymorphism in intron 2 and Cytosine/Thymine polymorphism at 170th position could be identified. Association of polymorphism of intron 2 of GH gene with body weight and carcass traits were analysed in this study, but no significant difference was observed between the genotypes and the economic traits (body weight and carcass traits). However the yield of different traits were numerically higher for genotypes GH/TT and GH/CT. From the results, it could be concluded that the meatproduction potential of Kuttanad ducks could be improved through the selection and breeding for over 4 generations. Identification of polymorphism in intron 2 of GH gene and its association with growth and carcass traits revealed that it can be used as a molecular marker in the selection of ducks at younger ages. However, further research is essential to confirm and extend these findings.ThesisItem Open Access EFFICACY OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF KAEMPFERIA GALANGA ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKEN AND ASSESSMENT OF ITS ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST NON-TYPHOIDAL SALMONELLA SPP.(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCS, POOKODE, WAYANAD, KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2022-12-29) RAGHAVENDRA; Dr. Aswathi P.B.The present study was conducted to analyse the efficacy of dietary supplementation of Kaempferia galanga on the growth performance of broiler chicken and to assess its antimicrobial activity against multi-drug-resistant, non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. (MDR-NTS). Initially, the cloacal swabs (n = 31) collected from different broiler farms in the Wayanad district were subjected to isolation and identification of NTS strains and confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 24 Salmonella spp. isolates were recovered by isolation and identification, whereas the PCR assay confirmed two isolates positive for S. Typhimurium and 18 for S. Enteritidis. Surprisingly, 10 isolates were resistant to six classes of antibiotics in the antimicrobial susceptibility testing and 18 isolates were confirmed to be MDR-NTS. The in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration of K. galanga on the selected MDR- S. Typhimurium isolates was determined using the micro broth dilution technique which was found to be 25 mg/mL. The LD50 dose of MDR- S. Typhimurium strains determined in Vencobb 430Y chicks was found to be 1 × 109 CFU/mL. The chicks were grouped into six treatments each with three replicates having 10 birds (T1 to T6). The birds were fed iso-caloric, and iso-protein diets observing BIS 2007 specification in which the level of shade-dried K. galanga was fixed at 2.50 per cent for T2 and T5, five per cent for T3 and T6, and only basal diet was fed to T1 and T4. The Salmonella-free tested birds were administered with 0.50 mL of selected MDR – S. Typhimurium culture orally (T4, T5, and T6 groups) on the seventh day of age. The body weight, feed conversion ratio, faecal matter consistency, survival rate, mortality due to Salmonella, and bacterial counts were monitored at weekly intervals, while the pre-slaughter live weight, dressing percentage, immune organ percentage, haemato-biochemical parameters and sensory attributes of meat were analysed on the forty-second day. Higher body weight (P<0.01) was observed in treatments fed with five per cent K. galanga (T3) followed by 2.50 per cent K. galanga (T2) in comparison to T1 throughout the study. A similar trend was observed in Salmonella challenged group, whereas higher body weight was observed in T6 followed by T5 (P<0.05). From the fourth week onwards, a significant change in the FCR of the T1, T2, and T3 groups was observed (P<0.05), whereas T3 (1.69 ± 0.07) exhibited better FCR followed by T2 (1.82 ± 0.07) and among Salmonella challenged treatments, a significantly better (P<0.05) FCR was shown by T6 (1.96 ± 0.13). Moreover, the caecal and liver counts of Salmonella tested negative on the fourth week of post-infection among the challenged groups (T5 and T6); however, T4 remained positive until the forty-second day. On analysis of faecal matter consistency, from the third week onwards, a significantly higher score was shown by T4 in comparison to T5 and T6 (P<0.05), and within the same group, the scores were increasing weekly in T4 (P<0.05). Furthermore, a higher pre-slaughter live weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage were noted in T3 (2284.67 ± 6.96, 1649.00 ± 3.00, 72.18 ± 0.14) in comparison to T1 and T2 (P<0.01); similar results were observed in T6 (2125.33 ± 4.81, 1522.67 ± 12.02, 71.64 ± 0.50) among the challenged group. The survival rate was higher (P<0.01) in T2, T3 (without challenge group), and T5, T6 (with challenge). The mortality due to Salmonella spp. was observed in the T4 group only. In conclusion, feeding the birds with K. galanga at five and 2.50 per cent was found to result in higher body weight, better FCR, higher carcass weight, higher dressing percentage, better immunity and better survival rate, which could be further employed as a growth promoter.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF ATHULYA (IWN X IWP), NATIVE AND IWN X NATIVE CROSSBRED LAYERS UNDER BACKYARD SYSTEM(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2021-11-30) DEVAVRATHA S.; Binoj ChackoAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the production performance of Athulya, native and IWN x native crossbred layers under backyard system. The IWN and IWP strains used for producing Athulya in the present study belonged to S31 generation and the native bird evaluated belonged to S4 generation of the native chicken which were maintained at AICRP on Poultry for Eggs, Mannuthy. The IWN x native crossbreds were produced by crossing IWN strain of White Leghorn belonging to S 31 generation and native birds belonging to S 4 generation. One hundred, day old female chicks of each group were reared up to 14 weeks of age under deep litter system at AICRP on Poultry for Eggs, Mannuthy before distributing to households. Thirty households from Subash nagar and Kozhukully area of Thrissur district were selected for the study. At 14 weeks of age, 50 birds from each group were randomly selected and allotted to 10 households as a set of five to each. Thus total 150 birds were distributed among 30 households.The production performances of the birds were evaluated from 15 to 40 weeks of age. The body weight was found to be significantly higher (p<0.01) for Athulya than other two groups at all ages. The IWN x native crossbreds laid first egg earlier followed by Athulya and native birds. The overall egg production was similar among the three groups. The egg weight was significantly (p<0.01) higher for Athulya at 28 and 40 weeks of age and was higher for IWN x native birds than native birds at 28 weeks of age. The haugh unit and yolk colour score was significantly lower for IWN x native birds than Athulya and native birds. The shell thickness was statistically similar among the three groups. The egg shell colour was white in Athulya, tinted to brown in native and tinted in crossbreds. The haemoglobin values at 40 weeks of age were normal in all the three groups but the volume of packed red cell differed significantly between the groups. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was significantly (p<0.01) higher for IWN x native crossbreds. The monounsaturated fatty acid content was more in IWN x native eggs and the polyunsaturated fatty acid content was more in native eggs yolk at 36 weeks of age. At 28 weeks of age, the plumage colour observed was white in Athulya, black in native and white with black spots in crossbreds. There was no significant difference in overall livability per cent and the major cause of mortality was predation in Athulya and IWN x native birds. Eighty per cent households provided night shelter made of wood and ninety per cent provided nest box facility. The birds were fed with feed ingredients available in the households. The study revealed that the performance of native birds in respect to different traits makes them a suitable bird for backyard poultry rearing compared to Athulya and crossbredsThesisItem Open Access SELECTION FOR EGG PRODUCTION IN NATIVE CHICKEN AND PERFORMANCE OF ITS CROSSBREDS WITH WHITE LEGHORN(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2019-12-30) HARIKRISHNAN SA study was conducted at All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry for Eggs, Mannuthy centre, to evaluate the phenotypic and production characteristics of native chicken of Kerala and to improve its egg production through selection. From the base generation (G0) of native chicken, 775 female and 200 male native chicken (G1) were produced through a pedigreed hatch and the pullets were evaluated till 40 weeks of age for their production performance. Based on egg number 40, selection was carried out in the population using Osborne’s index and 300 dams and 50 sires were selected for producing G2 generation through a pedigreed hatch. The pullets were evaluated for their production performance till 40 weeks of age. Heritability and correlation estimates were also worked out for egg production and various correlated traits of native chicken in both G1 and G2 generations. The native chicken of Kerala had a hen housed production of 69.83 eggs, hen day egg production of 70.72 and survivor’s egg production of 70.97. Based on the selection for egg number 40 in G1 generation of native chicken, the hen day egg production (4.56 eggs) and survivor’s egg production (5.90 eggs) was significantly (p<0.05) improved but the improvement in hen housed egg production was not evident due to higher mortality occurred in G2 generation as a result of incidence of neoplastic disease of infectious origin in the flock. However, a positive phenotypic response of 2.26 eggs was obtained on hen housed basis as a result of selection for egg number 40 in G1 generation. The age at sexual maturity of native chicken was significantly (p<0.05) improved in G2 generation. Improvement was noticed in the clutch size of the birds in G2 generation while per cent broodiness was reduced as a result of selection for egg number 40. The majority of egg shell colour noticed in native chicken of Kerala was tinted followed by medium brown, white and light brown. The performance of egg quality, fertility and hatchability percentage were comparable in both generations. The sire+dam component of heritability (h²s+d ) for ASM was 0.464 in G1 generation and 0.238 in G2 generation. For the trait egg number at 40 weeks of age, the values observed were 0.364 and 0.218 in G1 and G2 generation, respectively. The realised heritability worked out was 0.19. The h²s+d estimates for egg weight in G1 and G2 generation had no much variation among generation, consequent to selection. The phenotypic correlation (rp) between body weight 16 and egg number 40 was of low magnitude while egg number and egg weights were nearing zero. The rp between ASM and egg number was negative. Genetic correlation (rg) between body weight 16 and egg number, between egg weight 28 and egg weight 40 were positive with high magnitude while ASM with egg number was strong negative. The rg between egg number and egg weights was not significant. Upon estimating genetic correlation, it was evident that correlation between most of the traits was higher in G1.The average effective selection differential for egg number 40 in the generation was 12.03 and the selection intensity was 0.45. The genetic parameters and phenotypic response for egg production and various correlated traits revealed that there is further scope for selection in native chicken of Kerala to improve its egg production. The study was also aimed at evaluating the production performances of the selected native chicken in G1 and G2 generation with improved ‘N’ strain of White Leghorn (IWN). Based on the results of crossbreds (Native x IWN), significantly (p<0.05) higher number of eggs with early sexual maturity in birds was observed for the progeny of the birds with IWN as sire and native chicken as dam (ND) than its reciprocal cross (DN). The performance of the crossbreds with respect to egg weight and egg quality traits was comparable. The feed intake was higher for ND birds compared to DN, while livability, broodiness and presence of fawn colour plumage was higher for DN birds compared to ND. Based on the study of the crossbreds, it could be observed that ND birds were better in egg production while DN birds were better in terms of livability, broodiness and plumage. However, field trials have to be conducted to confirm the present results under backyard conditions.ThesisItem Open Access DEVELOPMENT OF A MEAT LINE OF KUTTANAD DUCKS (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2016-12-30) STELLA CYRIAC; Leo JosephA selection experiment was conducted in Kuttanad ducks at University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy under Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University with the objective of developing a meat line. One thousand and eighty eight day-old Kuttanad ducklings procured from progressive farmers of Kerala formed the base generation (S0). Based on body weight at eighth week, top ranking 150 females and 25 males were selected through individual selection method. From the 25 sire families, 979, 969 and 1610 ducklings were produced by artificial insemination in S1, S2 and S3 generation in pedigreed hatches. Body weight, feed consumption and mortality were recorded at fortnightly intervals till 12th week of age in each generation. Genetic parameters for body weight at 8, 10 and 12 weeks were estimated using full sib correlation method. Selection differential, intensity of selection and response to selection were calculated for body weight at 8 weeks. Carcass characteristics were evaluated at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age in four generations. The body weight at 18 and 40 weeks, feed consumption from 13 to 40 weeks, age at first egg and age at 10 and 50 per cent production, duck housed egg production and egg weight at 30 and 40 weeks were recorded in the selected parent stock of S0, S1 and S2 generations. The mean body weight at 8 weeks was 1103.38 g in the S0 generation. An improvement of 270.51 g could be recorded at 8 weeks in S3 generation. The period of active weight gain was shifted to 4th and 6th week in S3 generation whereas it was 8th week in the previous generations. The total per cent of observations above 1200 g weight increased over generations and the increase is more pronounced at 8 weeks of age. The results also indicate that a compensatory growth mechanism is present in ducks wherein the lower body weight in the early stages of growth are compensated in the subsequent weeks and they attain 90 per cent of the adult body weight by 12 weeks of age. The heritability estimates for body weight at 8 weeks of age based on sire plus dam components (h2 s+d) were 0.251, 0.313 and 0.243 in S1, S2 and S3 generations. The realised heritability was 0.60. High values were observed for phenotypic correlation between body weight at 8 and 10, 8 and 12 and 10 and 12 weeks of age. The genetic correlations were higher than the environmental correlations except in the sire component in S1 generation. The regression coefficients indicate that higher increase in body weight per generation was obtained for body weight at 8 weeks (94 g) rather than for body weight at 10 (56 g) and 12 weeks (55 g). S3 generation showed the lowest cumulative feed conversion ratio of 2.39 up to 8 weeks. The carcass characteristics of male and female Kuttanad ducks at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age showed that there was improvement in the eviscerated yield of carcass over generations and S3 generation attained the highest yield at 8 weeks. The performance of parent stock indicated that selection had not altered their egg production performance. Artificial Insemination at 5 days interval could achieve 89 per cent fertility in the parent stock. The results of the selection experiment indicate that selection for body weight at 8 weeks was effective in improving the body weight and a line of Kuttanad ducks with meat characteristics could be developed. The higher body weight, body weight gain and the distribution of birds in the higher weight groups reveal that the S3 generation of Kuttanad ducks possess the characteristics of a meat line. The trend observed in body weight gain, frequency distribution, response to selection and correlated responses as well as the high heritability and phenotypic correlation for body weight at 8 weeks establish that the criterion for selection (8th week body weight) employed in the present study was appropriate. The carcass characteristics especially the eviscerated yield and yield of cut-up parts over generations indicate that the meat producing potential of Kuttanad ducks has improved as a result of selection. It could be concluded that Kuttanad ducks could attain its optimum meat production characteristics at 8 weeks and hence it could be considered as the ideal age for processing.
