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Open Access
EFFECT OF ENRICHMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND HALOTHANE SENSITIVITY ON PERFORMANCE OF LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE AND DESI PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) JOSEPH MATHEW; C.K.Thomas
The effect of environmental variables, halothane sensitivity and environmental enrichments in the form of wallowing, water sprinkling and access to a shaded range on various production and reproduction traits of exotic(LWYJ and Desi pigs was assessed by conducting a study in Kerala Agricultural University Pig Breeding Farm , Mannuthy (UPBl). Significant correlations were found between environmental variables and important production and reproduction traits in both breeds . The incidence of halothane sensitivity was found to be higher in LWY when compared to that of Desi.A clear breed difference was noticed between Desi and LWY with respect to traits such as body weight,daily weight gain,body measurements, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency(FCE), weaning weight,cost of production for unit meat and weaned piglet.Environmental enrichments were found to be beneficial for most of the traits such as body weight, daily weight gain,FCE,conception rate,live litter size at birth,birth weight,1itter weight at weaning and average weaning weight.When halothane sensitive animals were better in FCE and growth rate, halothane resistant animals came out with good reproduction results.But positive animals with environmental enrichments performed better than negative in certain traits.The biochemical traits associated with haiothane sensitivity were inconsistent.But clear trends with breed and genetic groups existed between haiothane positive and negative animals.An apparently clear interaction between breeds, genotype and environmental enrichments were niticed in certain production and reproduction traits.Provision for access to a shaded range was found to be beneficial for fattening pigs with respect to FCE and growth rate.Wallowing and water sprinkling have got negative effect on these traits.But for reproduction traits all the above enrichments had beneficial effect.Based on the observations and the results suitable combinations of various environmental enricfimenLs for different breeds, geno types and purpose were deslgried which fnay be used as tools for developing managemental systems under different situations.
Open Access
EFFECT OF FEEDING ONION {Allium cepa var aggregatum G. Don; AND GARLIC (Allium sativum Linn/ ON LIPID PROFILE IN JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) V. GIRISH KUMAR; K P. Surendranathan
Poultry products are comparatively rich in cholesterol. WHO report indicates incidence of coronary heart disease and high dietary cholesterol level to be positively correlated. In such a situation, decreasing the cholesterol content in poultry products would be appropriate. Onion and garlic are ascribed with therapeutic effects such as hypocholesterolemia, hypolipidemia and immunosuppressant action in mammals, while no convincing reports are available on the effect of supplementation of these agents in reducing cholesterol level in egg and poultry meat. Hence, this study reports on the hypolipidemic effects and/or other effects of dietary onion and garlic on the lipid profile in the tissues of Japanese quails. Further, information on the physiological norms of tissues is essential for understanding any pathological entity. Although in recent years, the Japanese quail has gained increasing popularity as a biological model for various investigations, published reports on the lipid profile in the tissues of this species are very few. Essentially, all the previous studies on this aspect are based on observations in only a particular tissue or a particular lipid component or sex and age. Hence, the present investigation is also aimed at establishing a more or less complete picture of lipid profile in liver, plasma and muscle in both sexes at three different physiological stages of growth via., three-week old (immature), six-week old (onset of sexual maturity) and in nine-week old (mature) birds. Likewise, the lipid profile that are analysed in the liver will also be established in the egg yolk. The results revealed an increase in the liver and plasma total lipid content (Table fi) due to onion and garlic. Although a trend of decrease in the cholesterol level in the liver and muscle was obseived the results were statistically nonsignificant (Table m), indicating the hypocholesterolemic effect of onion and garlic to be of questionable biological The plasma free cholesterol level (Table IV) was found to be decreased due to onion and garfic, while no effect of the same was observed with regard to plasma esterified cholesterol (Table IV). The effect of onion and garlic on the cholesterol content in different lipoproteins (Table IV) indicated that these alliums are causing recirculation of plasma cholesterol between different lipoproteins and/or tissues in such a way that the plasma LX)L-C is not increased. There was an increase in the triglyceride content in the liver and plasma due to dietaiy alliums (fable V). The phospholipid level in the plasma was found to be increased with a decrease in the plasma free fatty acid (Table XH) level due to dietaiy alliums. The variations in the plasma esterified fatty acid content (Table XH) due to alliums are in accordance with the variations in the plasma content of esterified f orm of Upids. The iodine value of liver lipid increased due to alliums in both sexes, while these alliums were found to have no influence the saponification and acid value of the liver lipid. In all the above instances where onion and garlic were found to have significant effect, dietaiy garlic was found to have either a similar or significantly more alliaceous effect than dietary onion. No significant variations in the lipid profile of the muscle and yolk were observed due to dietaiy- supplementation of onion and garlic. I he influence of onion and garlic on the feed consumption by birds was found to vary with duration of feeding. In the first week of feeding alliums to both sexes and in flie second week in the male birds, no change in the feed consumption was observed, lliereafter in both the sexes the feed consumption increased due to dietaiy onion and garlic. Dietaiy onion and gariic caused a nonsignificant increase in the body weight. Feed efficiency in both the sexes and egg production in the females were unaltered due to dietaiy supplementation of onion and garlic. The levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total phospholipid and phosphohpid fractions in liver, plasma and muscle were found to differ significantly due to effect of age within a sex and due to effect of sex within an age group. Similarly the level of plasma free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, HDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, free fatt>' acid and esterified fatty acid differed significantly due to age within a sex and due to sex within an age group. Iodine value and saponification value of lipid in liver were influenced due to age and sex, while the same was not observed in the muscle. The acid value of the lipid in the liver and muscle was unaltered due to age or sex. The feed consumption and body weight increased with age in both sexes and it was more in the females. The feed efficiency was unaltered due to age or sex. The egg production was also not influenced by age.
Open Access
EFFECT OF SEASON OF BIRTH AND ENERGY LEVELS OF FEED ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1992) K. S, SEBASTIAN; T. G. Rajagopalan
A detailed investigation was carried out to study the effect of season and level of energy intake on grov/th rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production of fattening pigs reared upto a slaughter weight of 90 kg. Thirty two weaner pigs of large White Yorkshire breed belonging to the University Pig Breeding Farm, Mannuthy born in two seasons were distributed under two dietary treatments. All animals were slaughtered on attaining the target weight of 90 kg. Animals born in season II were superior to animals born in season I in all the parameters like growth rate, feed j_0f]^cy, average daily gain and carcass characteristics. The energy level in the ration had a moderate influence on the performance of grower pigs. Animals on NRG level of feed were found to be better than animals on 15 per cent less than NRG levels in all the traits under study except for fat characteristics,. The cost of production per kg pork was found to be less (Rs 18.72) in NRC group than 15 per cent less than NRC group (Rs 22.99) due to higher feed efficiency and better growth rate. The overall results obtained during the course of present study is that the unit cost of production is less for animals maintained on NRC level of ration. Animals born in season II were found to be better than animals born in season I in production performances.
Open Access
PRODUCTION AND APPLICATION OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AGAINST DUCK PLAGUE VIRUS
(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1999) RAVINDRA DATTATRAYA PADALKAR; V. Jayaprakasan
MonocloiMl iinlibodies (Mabs) were raised against the vaccine strain of DPV and three strains of DPV Mz, Vaccine (OPV^V). IVRl (DPV-1) and Alleppy strain (DPV-A) were used to raise polyclonal serum in tite present investigation. DPV-V was revived in 11 day old chicken enibiyo and the enibrjo deatli was recorded four to five days PI with congestion all over the body and spleen and nccrotic foci in liver. The cytopathy in CEF cell culture observed was rounding and clumping of the cells, syncytium formation and bridge fonriation with extensive vacuolation m the Cytoplasm. The detachment of the cells was observed at 120 h PI. 1)PV-1 a virulent strain was inocnlaied in the ducklings, death was recorded in all the inoculated birds with extensive hemorrhages on serous membranes, muscles and visceral organs. Nccrotic foci on li\ei, enlargement and congestion of liver and spleen, and white necrotic foci m the gizzard were evident. The virus was further passaged in DDE and cultivated in bulk in DEP cell culture. The Dl'V-V and Dl'V-A were titrated in Clil' cell cultnie and the TCin,o was 4.7 X 10' per nd of the inoeulnm lor DPV-V and 3.2 X lO' for I)PV-A. ni'V-i cultivated in Did' cell culture had a IC 11),,i of the inoculum All the strains were partially purified at 100000 g for 4.5 h at 4" C in Heekman ultra centrifuge and the protein concentration of the virus was estimated by biuret method and was found to he 1 1 mg. 8 mg and 7 mg for DPV-V, A and I respectively. All the three strains of DPV were inoculated in mice to raise polyclonal serum. Four mice out of five inoculated with DPV-V showed FJdSA titres more than 1:12800, one mouse showed a litre of 1:6400. The mice inoculated witi* DPV-A showed a litre of more than 1:12800 and those inoculated with DPV-I, 1:6400 FddSA was used to test the sera samples of the miee inoculated with DPV strains. The test was found to be highly sensitive, easy to perlorm and less time consuming. The test therefore can be recommended for routine diagnosis of DPV I'olyclonal seiuin was used to study ll'.c cross reactivitv of the three strains oC I)PV with FIJSA. DI'V-V polyclonal scrum reacted with the liomologous virus with a titre of 1:12800. It also showed similar titer with other two heterologous strains. I'olyclonal serum raised against DI'V-A had a titre of 1:12800 with homologous and hcterologuus strains of DI'V. DPV-I reacted with Immnhigous strain at a titre uf 1:6400 Similar titrcs were observed with hertologous strains. Immiino pero.xidase test was used for the detection of the tissue antigens in DPV infected CEF monolayers and in liver and spleen sections. Polyclonal serum raised against DPV-V detected homologous virus in the CF.F monolayers and hetrologous virus in the liver and spleen sections. The staining reaction was observed as dark brown deposits at the virus localization. However background tissue was also stained brown to faint yellow in the stained preparation. The virus neutralization test was used to study the cross neutralization by employing polyclonal .serum raised against the three strains of DPV. Polyclonal serurTi raised against DPV-V showed a VN F of 64 with a VNl of 1.8 with homologous virus and a VN F 45 with VNI 1.65 with other two strains of DPV. Polyclonal serum raised against DPV-A neutralized the homologous virus at a titre of 32 with a VNl of 1.5. it also neutnrlized the vacciiic strain nf DI'V with same VNT and VNI, However it neutralized DPV-1 with VN I' 24 and VNI 1.35. Dl'V-i poiyclonal serum neutralized the homologous virus at a titre of 45 with a VNI of 1.65 . I he s.iiue neutralized DPV-V and DPV-A with a VN T 32 and VNI 1.5.
Open Access
THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE SHELL GLAND IN JAPANESE QUAIL UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DIETARY CALCIUM
(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1994) P. T. PHILOMINA; M.G. Ramakrishna Pillai
Literature available on the physiological aspects of egg production in Japanese quail is scanty and many lacunae exist in the knowledge of various mechanisms involved in the formation of egg. Under the modern practice of intensive quail husbandry it is often found that the egg shells of Japanese quail are becoming thinner, more fragile and easily broken. Consequently, safety in transportation and marketability of these eggs are considerably reduced. Hence it was thought worthwhile to investigate some of the factors involved in egg production, more especially the egg shell formation. In the present investigation attempts were made to elucidate the mechanism of the egg shell formation with respect to the structural and functional peculiarities of the shell gland in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix "japonica) under different dietary levels of pre-laying and layer calcium. The study envisaged histological, histochemical peculiarities of the shell gland; the mineral (calcium and inorganic phosphorus) and enzyme (ALP and ACP) profile of the plasma and shell gland. The influence of dietary calcium on the body weight, development of the oviduct, egg production and egg shell quality was also investigated. Japanese quails attained sexual maturity early at the sixth week of age, by which time they attained a body weight of 131.8 + 0.600 g and started egg production. The birds grew at a faster rate in the early weeks, came into peak production at the 16th week of age, and the trend continued even at the 24th week of age, with a body weight of 198.033 + 0.220 g for good production. The length and weight of the oviduct increased from the sixth to 24th week of age. The variation in length and weight of the shell gland from the 16th and 24th week was marginal. Growth rate was almost marginal from the 16th week onwards. Histologically the quail shell gland showed similar structure to that of the domestic fowl except for the tunica muscularis. The inner circular muscle layer was thicker and outer longitudinal layer was thinner. As age advanced, at the 16th and 24th week of age the mucosal foldings were numerous. The inner circular muscle layer became thicker and even this layer invaded the lamina propria and the vascularity in the connective tissue core of the tunica muscularis increased. The egg quality traits such as egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, shape index and specific gravity markedly improved as age advanced from the sixth to 16th week. From the 16th to 24th week the egg quality was lowered with an increase in egg weight, lowering of shell weight, shell thickness and specific gravity. Dietary calcium significantly influenced the body weight, egg production, shell quality, histology of the shell gland and mineral and enzyme profile of plasma. Birds exhibited optimum growth, and production at higher pre-laying and layer dietary calcium levels. Pre laying dietary calcium level of 0.7 to 0.9 per cent and layer level of 3 per cent were found to be optimum in quail ration. As far as the oviduct development is concerned, pre-laying dietary calcium had negligible influence, whereas layer dietary calcium level of 2.5 per cent was just sufficient for optimum development of oviduct/shell gland. Histologically the only difference noticed in highest (3.5%) layer dietary # calcium fed quails was the increased vascularity in their connective tissue core of the lamina propria of the shell gland. There was a positive correlation between dietary calcium (pre-laying and layer) level and plasma calcium concentration at the sixth, and 16th week of age. But at the 24th week of age only layer dietary calcium induced such a relationship. As age advanced, pre-laying dietary calcium became insignificant. In the case of plasma inorganic phosphate concentration, there existed a negative correlation to that of pre-laying and layer dietary calcium levels at all the age groups of quails. It may be emphasized in this context that the extent of the negative correlation existing between plasma inorganic phosphate and pre-laying and layer dietary calcium levels was considerably lower. The concentration of calcium and inorganic phosphorus in the plasma and shell gland were uninfluenced by the age. The shell gland concentration of calcium and inorganic phosphorus was lower compared to their plasma level. These minerals were not stored in the shell gland for shell calcification. At the time of calcification calcium was transferred from the plasma (blood) to the shell gland and then to the shell. Dietary calcium significantly influenced the plasma concentration. Plasma enzyme concentration of ALP and ACP was negatively correlated with dietary calcium (pre-laying and layer) levels, whereas the shell gland ALP concentration was uninfluenced by the dietary calcium and age and its concentration was very low compared to those of plasma ALP and shell gland ACP. Shell gland ALP was unimportant in shell formation. Histochemical localisation of the shell gland ALP was in confirmation with that of quantitative estimation. Shell gland ACP content was comparatively higher than ALP, which was also in agreement with histochemical localisation. Shell gland ACP may be involved in the transfer of calcium from the plasma to the shell through the shell gland mucosa# since its level in the shell gland was higher and influenced by dietary calcium. Variation in the plasma concentration of ALP and ACP as influenced by dietary calcium levels were related to the cyclic medullary bone formation and resorption which is a normal feature in laying birds. Variations in the dietary calcium induced changes in the concentration of plasma minerals and enzymes supported the view that dietary calcium is important for proper shell formation. Higher level of dietary calcium improved the egg shell quality, egg production and body weight. Pre-laying dietary calcium level of 0.7 to 0.9 per cent and layer level of of 3 per cent were found to be optimum in quail ration.
Open Access
EFFECT OF BYPASS PROTEIN ON YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF COMPOSITION OF MILK IN CROSSBRED COWS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1995) V.H. KALBANDE; C.T. Thomas
Experiments were carried out to evaluate common feeds and fodders based on their rumen degradability rates and to assess the effect of varying bypass protein levels in concentrate mixtures on rumen fermentatio profile and yield and composition of milk in Jersey crossbred cows.
Open Access
EFFECT OF FEEDING ONION {Allium cepa var aggregatum G. Don; AND GARLIC (Allium sativum Linn/ ON LIPID PROFILE IN JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) V. GIRISH KUMAR; K. P. Surendranathan
Poultry products are comparatively rich in cholesterol. WHO report indicates incidence of coronary heart disease and high dietary cholesterol level to be positively correlated. In such a situation, decreasing the cholesterol content in poultry products would be appropriate. Onion and garlic are ascribed with therapeutic effects such as hypocholesterolemia, hypolipidemia and immunosuppressant action in mammals, while no convincing reports are available on the effect of supplementation of these agents in reducing cholesterol level in egg and poultry meat. Hence, this study reports on the hypolipidemic effects and/or other effects of dietary onion and garlic on the lipid profile in the tissues of Japanese quails. Further, information on the physiological norms of tissues is essential for understanding any pathological entity. Although in recent years, the Japanese quail has gained increasing popularity as a biological model for various investigations, published reports on the lipid profile in the tissues of this species are very few. Essentially, all the previous studies on this aspect are based on observations in only a particular tissue or a particular lipid component or sex and age. Hence, the present investigation is also aimed at establishing a more or less complete picture of lipid profile in liver, plasma and muscle in both sexes at three different physiological stages of growth via., three-week old (immature), six-week old (onset of sexual maturity) and in nine-week old (mature) birds. Likewise, the lipid profile that are analysed in the liver will also be established in the egg yolk. The results revealed an increase in the liver and plasma total lipid content (Table fi) due to onion and garlic. Although a trend of decrease in the cholesterol level in the liver and muscle was obseived the results were statistically nonsignificant (Table m), indicating the hypocholesterolemic effect of onion and garlic to be of questionable biological The plasma free cholesterol level (Table IV) was found to be decreased due to onion and garfic, while no effect of the same was observed with regard to plasma esterified cholesterol (Table IV). The effect of onion and garlic on the cholesterol content in different lipoproteins (Table IV) indicated that these alliums are causing recirculation of plasma cholesterol between different lipoproteins and/or tissues in such a way that the plasma LX)L-C is not increased. There was an increase in the triglyceride content in the liver and plasma due to dietaiy alliums (fable V). The phospholipid level in the plasma was found to be increased with a decrease in the plasma free fatty acid (Table XH) level due to dietaiy alliums. The variations in the plasma esterified fatty acid content (Table XH) due to alliums are in accordance with the variations in the plasma content of esterified f orm of Upids. The iodine value of liver lipid increased due to alliums in both sexes, while these alliums were found to have no influence the saponification and acid value of the liver lipid. was on In all the above instances where onion and garlic were found to have significant effect, dietaiy garlic was found to have either a similar or significantly more alliaceous effect than dietary onion. No significant variations in the lipid profile of the muscle and yolk were observed due to dietaiy- supplementation of onion and garlic. I he influence of onion and garlic on the feed consumption by birds was found to vary with duration of feeding. In the first week of feeding alliums to both sexes and in flie second week in the male birds, no change in the feed consumption was observed, lliereafter in both the sexes the feed consumption increased due to dietaiy onion and garlic. Dietaiy onion and gariic caused a nonsignificant increase in the body weight. Feed efficiency in both the sexes and egg production in the females were unaltered due to dietaiy supplementation of onion and garlic. I 1 1 I- ■ ^ ^ Ill The levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total phospholipid and phosphohpid fractions in liver, plasma and muscle were found to differ significantly due to effect of age within a sex and due to effect of sex within an age group. Similarly the level of plasma free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, HDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, free fatt>' acid and esterified fatty acid differed significantly due to age within a sex and due to sex within an age group. Iodine value and saponification value of lipid in liver were influenced due to age and sex, while the same was not observed in the muscle. The acid value of the lipid in the liver and muscle was unaltered due to age or sex. The feed consumption and body weight increased with age in both sexes and it was more in the females. The feed efficiency was unaltered due to age or sex. The egg production was also not influenced by age.
Open Access
CHARACTERISATION AND EVALUATION OF THE DWARF CATTLE OF KERALA
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1994) C. R. GIRIJA; Sosamma lype
The native cattle of Kerala have been treated as non descript animals always eventhough they possess some special features. The dwarf cattle often called as Vechur were very popular in Central Travancore until 35 years back. with the emergence of the crossbred population of cattle the traditionally reared local cattle have gradually suffered genetic erosion. Under this circumstance, the present work was undertaken to characterise and evaluate the germplasm of local dwarf cattle of Kerala by studying (a) the karyotype and morphology of chromosomes using G-banding (b) the population structure by means of gene frequencies of different blood proteins (c) the growth and production performance. The characterisation and the evaluation would help in finding out the genetic differences of the dwarf cattle which will help in deciding about the conservation of their germplasm as a reserve for the future. The dwarf cattle maintained under the ICAR scheme on "Conservation of germplasm of Vechur cattle of the coastal area and the dwarf cattle of the high ranges of Kerala" formed the material for the study. The characterisation and evaluation was carried out through the cytogenetic, immunogenetic and polymorphism studies as well as through the description of the growth and production traits. Karyotype analysis was carried out using peripheral blood leukocyte culture technique described by Hainan (1977) and Hainan (1989) with suitable modifications. G-banding of chromosomes were done by the method described by Thiagarajan, ^19 9!^. Blood protein polymorphism systems^ such as Haemoglobin and transferrin were studied by poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis in horizontal dimension ' y(Cahne et al. ,1977) with suitable modifications. The statistical analysis of the growth and production data were done as suggested by Snedecor and Cochran (1967). The diploid chromosome number of the dwarf cattle was found to be 60, with 29 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. All the autosomes and the 'Y' chromosome were acrocentric. The X chromosome was submetacentric. The relative length of the autosomes ranged from 1.757 to 5.431 per cent. The relative length of the X and Y chromosomes were found to be 5.591 per cent and 2.875 per cent respectively. In the karyological array, the X chromosome occupied the first position. The X chromosome was biarmed and the arm ratio and centromere index obtained were 2.182 and 0.314 respectively. The karyotype and morphometric measurements resembled the finding in Bos indicus group of cattle. The G-banding pattern of chromosomes revealed 72 regions and 314 G-bands. The Y chromosome had 7 G-bands in the 'q' arm which resembled the 'q' arm of Bos taurus described in the international system for cytogenetic nomenclature of domestic animals. A B There were two haemoglobin variants Hb and Hb and three phenotypes viz. Hb^^, Hb^® and Hb®^, in the population. The heterozygocity was found to be 0.4815. The population was found to be in genetic equilibrium with respect to the Haemoglobin locus. Six transferrin phenotypes controlled by three alleles Tf^, Tf*^ and Tf^ were observed. The frequency of Tf^ (0.359) allele in the dwarf cattle was as high as the frequency of the allele reported in the zebu cattle. The absence of F H N G transferrin variants like Tf , Tf , Tf and Tf and higher frequency of Tf allele are probably indicative of the genetic isolation of the population from exotic breeds. The absence B F of Tf and Tf allele which is present in Gir, Hariana, Kankrej, Kangayam, Ongole, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal and Tharparkar also indicates that the dwarf cattle has not inherited genes from the above cattle breeds. The body weights and measurements of calves at birth studied showed that the male calves had a higher body weight (12.55 + 0.311 kg with a CV of 7.86 per cent) than female calves (10.78 + 0.404 kg with a CV of 15.02 per cent). The same trend was observed with regard to the birth body measurements also. The heart girth measurement and body weight showed a positive correlation from birth to the 24th fortnight. There is a 100 per cent increase in the birth weight by the 5th fortnight and a three-fold increase by the 10th fortnight. The average daily gain in weight for the four periods i.e., fortnights 0-6, 7-12, 13-18 and 19-24 were 0.160 + 0.011, 0.167 + 0.018, 0.212 + 0.011 and 0.139 + 0.015 respectively for female calves, and 0.188 + 0.023, 0.145 + 0.016, 0.116 ^ 0.025, 0.242 + 0.049%respectively in male calves. During the period from birth to 6th fortnight the growth rates in males and females were similar. The gain in body weight per day during the periods from 7 to 12th and 13 to 18th fortnight was comparatively less for males but the trend reversed during the period of fortnights for 19 to 24th. The average body weights of adult females and males were 126.90 + 3.56 kg (CV 16.39%) and 210 + 15.75 kg (CV 14.95%) respectively. The body measurements such as length, heart girth and height (in cms) in females were 97.5 + 1.12 (CV 5.85%), 115.60 + 1.32 (CV 5.82%) and 87.53 + 0.82 (CV 4.82%) respectively. The corresponding figures in males were 111.5 + 3.77 (CV 6.76%), 146.0 + 2.92 (CV 3.99%) and 107.5 + 1.35 (CV 2.50%) respectively. The average body weights and measurements were lesser than those reported in other Indian breeds and crossbred cattle. The total lactation milk production performance of the dwarf cattle was 471.68 + 38.72 kg (cv 45.29%) in an average lactation length of 217 + 16.50 days (CV 32.20%). The average daily yield was 2.17 + 0.11. kg (cv 29.48%). • The dwarf cattle attained a peak yield of 3.71 + 0.16 kg (cv 21.5%) in 23.23 + 1.703 days (CV 37.38%). The milk production performance eventhough was lesser than crossbreds or some recognised Indian breeds, the milk production in comparison with the body size was reasonable. Considering the morphology of the Y chromosome, the Hb as well as Tf polymorphism and their allelic frequencies, it is to be summarised that the stock of dwarf cattle of Kerala maintained at Kerala Agricultural University is gehetically isolated from the other cattle breeds of the country and world. The body size and milk production of the cow indicates its suitabMity for a farmer who requires milk just for home consumption. The study strongly confirms the necessity of conservation of the dwarf cattle of Kerala which is the smallest variety available in India and perhaps in the world itself.
Open Access
OPTIMUM ENERGY AND PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF BROILER RABBITS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1995) p. GANGA DEVI; C.S. JAMES
A detailed investigation involving two series of growth studies spread over a period of 24 weeks in Soviet Chinchilla and Cross Bred rabbits was carried out to establish the optimum energy and protein requirements for growth and to ascertain the optimum age for economic slaughter. One hundred and eight weanling Soviet Chinchilla and 108 weanling cross bred (SC X NZW) rabbits formed the experimental subjects. Rabbits of each breed were divided into nine identical groups and maintained factorially on three levels of crude protein (CP) viz., 12, 16 and 20 per cent and digestible energy viz., 2000, 2500 and 3000 kcal/kg for over a period of 168 days involving metabolism and slaughter studies during 8th, 16th and 24th week of experiment and production traits along with associated characters were studied and the salient results are presented. Rabbits maintained on different energy protein combinations showed significant difference in growth rate (P <0.01). Both dietary energy and crude protein were found to influence the average daily gain. The highest rate of gain was achieved in animals maintained on ration containing comparatively higher DE and CP while lowest rate of gain was noticed in animals maintained on low energy, low protein diet. On further scrutiny of the data, an appreciably better and identical gro\A4h response was observed in animals maintained on ration containing 3000 kcal DE/kg with 16 per cent CP and ration containing 2500 kcal DE/kg with 20 per cent CP in both pure bred and cross bred rabbits. It is also noticed that for maximum growth rate a ration containing 2500 kcal. DE/kg need be sufficient as further increase in DE have not evinced any better response on ADG, which supports the view that for optimum biological response, a ration containing 2500 kcal DE/kg is sufficient for both pure bred and cross bred rabbits. As between the periods it was observed that the animals attained maximum 11 ADG during the first 56 days of experiment and there after ADG gradually declines irrespective of the level of CP or DE in the ration. Both dietary energy and crude protein significantly influenced (P <0.01) the feed conversion efficiency of animals. Highest efficiency of feed conversion was noticed in rabbits maintained on Ration D containing 2500 kcal DE/kg and 20 per cent CP the values being 9.27 in SC and 8.85 in CB rabbits and further increase in DE from 2500 kcal/kg to the extent of 3000 kcal/kg did not contribute better feed efficiency. Data on feed efficiency further revealed that maximum efficiency was observed during the first eight weeks after weaning and there after there is a linear reduction in feed efficiency as the age advances, in all the nine dietary treatments. With regard to cost of production the maximum biological and economical efficiency could be observed in animals maintained on ration containing 2500 kcal DE/kg with 20 per cent CP and when the cost of production was evaluated in between the periods viz., 0 to 56 days, 56 to 112 days and 112 to 168 days, the cost efficiency is seen maximum during 0 to 56 days of experiment. Dry matter intake on percentage of body weight was found decreasing on increasing the dietary energy level. Haematological values were with in the normal range and were not significantly influenced by the dietary energy and protein levels. Digestibility of nutrients and percentage retention of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were significantly influenced by the dietary treatments with an increasing trend on increasing the dietary energy and protein level. From the metabolism studies carried out during 8th, 16th and 24th week of experiment, the percentage retention of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were found reduced on advancing the age of animals. Slaughter studies conducted at 8th, 16th and 24th week of experiment reveaJed that dressing percentage is directly proportional to the pre-slaughter weight of the Ill animals, ligher dressing percentage is recorded in animals having higher body weight and vice-vrsa. Carcass yield were higher at 16th and 24th week of experiment than that at eiglh week of experiment. Rerding the chemical composition of meat, the moisture and crude protein content otiry matter basis decreased on advancement of age, without any significant influence dietary treatments, while the fat content progressively increased with increase ige and dietary energy content. Total ash content (dry basis) decreased with increiin age and dietary DE levels. An increase in liver protein percentage was observed i increase in dietary protein level. As the dietary energy level increased, liver fat cent showed an increasing trend. Iodine number of the abdominal fat was not foundifluenced by the dietary energy-protein levels and age of the animal. Saponifican value also was not influenced by the dietary CP and age of the animal. Abnce of appreciable quantities of abdominal fat during the 8th week indicates 6t for the production of lean meat, animals can be slaughtered during 8th week aften/eaning. Evaiation of the data on slaughter studies indicate that broiler rabbits when slaughtere( during 8 to 16 weeks after weaning yielded maximum profit, the profit accrued isseen inversely proportional to the increase in age of the animals with maximum pofit obtained from slaughter during 8th week after weaning. Frori a critical evaluation of the data gathered during the present investigation it can be reaonably concluded that broiler rabbits require a dietary level of 20 per cent crude protei and 2500 kcal DE/kg feed for evincing optimum growth and slaughtering rabbits durig 8th week after weaning is ideal for maximum profit.

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