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ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF HOUSING SYSTEMS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SOWS AND GILTS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1998) V. RAMESH; P.C. SaseendranAn experiment was conducted to findout the effect of housing systems on the reproductive performance of sows and gilts. Three types of housing systems namely, conventional house with wallowing tank (control TJ , conventional house with sprinklers (Tj) and range system (Tj) were put to test. Eighteen sows and eighteen gilts were reared under each system. A significantly lower (P<0.01) temperature was observed in sprinkler system (33.0°C) when compared to conventional (35.0°C) and range (34.35°C). There was nc significant difference in relative humidity between the groups. Significant difference (P<0.01) between treatment groups Ti with Tj and T3 in age at puberty and mating in gilt which were 305.47 ± 9.51, 270.36 ± 8.75 and 276.22 ± 5.- ;. respectively. The gilts under the treatment group T^ and T, had reached piiberty and were mated earlier than Ti group. The weight of gilts at the time of breeding was significantly (P<0.05) lower in treatment group T3 (75.39 ± 3.19) when compared to Tj (97.63 ± 3.09) and T^ (93.11 ± 3.73). But T3 group gilts had compensatory weight gain during pregnancy and difference between treatment groups in weight of gilts at one week after farrowing and at weaning were non significant. The weight of sows at the time of breeding, one week after farrowing and at weaning were significantly lower (P<0.05) in treatment group Tj when compared to T3 and . S .gnificantl' higher (P<0.01) percentage of oestrus occurrence, breeding success and intensity of oestrus were observed in T, and T3 group than group. The gestation length and post weaning oestrus period were found to be non-significantly different between the groups. The litter size at birth and weaning were 9.06 ± 0.26 and 6.87 ± 0.22 respectively in gilts and 9.38 ± 0.33 and 6.92 ± 0.05 respectively in sows reared under range system (T3) which were highly significant (P<0.01) than the litter size at birth and weaning obtained for gilts (5.85 ± 0.40 and 4.00 ± 0.69 respectively) and sows (7.09 ± 0.68 and 4.63 ± 0.70 respectively) reared under conventional system (TJ . Between T^ and T3 there was no significant difference. The litter weight at birth and weaning in T3 groups of 13.89 ± 0.43 kg and 62.72 ± 1.99 kg respectively in gilts and 14.35 ± 0.52 kg and 63.84 ± 4.04 kg respectively in sows were found to be highly significant than T^ group and non significantly higher than T, group. The cost of installing sprinkler in conventional pen and providing range in place of conventional pen were estimated to be Rs.29/m^ and Rs.l25/m= respectively. In the present study the reproductive performance of pigs maintained under sprinkler and range system was found to be better than the pigs maintained under conventional system. But the range system may not be practical and economically feasible always when compared to sprinkler systemThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF MODIFIED ENVIRONMENT DURING SUMMER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING PIGS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1998) T. SUBRAMANIAN; K.S. SebastianAn investigation was carried out to study the environment variables and the effect of modified housing conditions on the physiological norms and growth performance during the dry season on the large white Yorkshire grower pigs. The modified housing include, - without wallow and sprinkler, Tj - with wallow only, T3 - with sprinkler only and T4 - with wallow and sprinkler as the four treatment groups. The dry season (summer) characterised by higher ambient temperature (maximum temperature - 31.5° to 37°C, minimum temperature 22.8 to 26.1°C, mean temperature - 27.4°C to 31.3°C), comparatively lower relative humidity (mean RH 63.15 to 75.68%) and wind speed (2.75 to 7.8 km/h) . The higher range of temperature was sufficient to cause stress on the performance of the grower pigs as per the literatures. The treatment (TJ without wallow and sprinkler varies significantly (P<0.05) in the body temperature, respiration rate, cardiac rate both in the forenoon and afternoon from the Tj, T3 and T4 gramps, i.e., T^ has shown more of physiological stress reaction than other treatment groups. T, was found to be more comfortable than T^. and T3 were having no significant difference except in afternoon body temperature and respiration rate. There were no statistically significant (P<0.05) difference between treatment groups in the fortnightly body weight gain from the first fortnight to upto twelfth fortnight. The twelfth fortnight body weight of the treatments T^, T2, T3 and T4 were 70.833 ± 2.114, 69.333 ± 5.816, 73.333 ± 5.681 and 71.667 ± 5.975. There were also no significant difference in the body length, chest girth and body height among the treatment groups in the fortnightly observations. Though T^ had shown significant (P<0.05) rise of physiological norms that had not reached upto the level of growth retardation. The overall fortnightly rate of gain (kg) and average daily gain (g) of the treatment groups of T^, Tj, Tj and T^ were 5.08 ± 0.60, 4.97 ± 0.54, 5.28 ± 0.56 and 5.17 ± 0.60 and 339 ± 39.9, 330.9 ± 36.1, 351.7 ± 37.6 and 343.9 ± 36.0. Under restricted feeding regime, T3 was having relatively better feed conversion efficiency and lower cost per kg of live weight production than T^, T^ and Tj. The conversion efficiency of T^, T^, T3 and T^ were 4.05, 4.15, 3.91 and 3.99 and cost per kg of live weight production 36.16, 37.03, 35.05 and 35.81. Based on the observations and the results suitable method of environment modification during the dry season for grower pigs can be recommended.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF COCONUT OIL AND SUNFLOWER OIL ON PLASMA AND LIVER LIPID PROFILE AND PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE IN JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) MINI. K. P.; P.T. PhilominaThe role of dietary factors in the genesis and development of atherosclerosis has been associated wich elevated serum cholesterol levels, both in man and animals. Coconut oil has been a dietary component for Keralites from time immemmorial . There are several reports implicating coconut oil (a saturated fat) as one of the major factors involved in the production of increased blood cholesterol level leading to the increased incidence of cardio vascular disease (CVD) in human beings and animals. No systematic investigation has been carried out so far to study how increasing unsaturation of the oil affects lipid metabolism in warding off atherosclerosis. In addition to the chain length of fatty acids their relative position in the triglyceride molecule appears to affect their potency for atherogenicity. Gingelley oil is commonly used as one of the energy source in poultry feed and sunflower oil is also gaining popularity now a days, since many reports indicated that feeding of unsaturated fat decreased the cholesterol content in the oodv Hence it was thought worthwhile to study the influence cT these three oils on the levels of total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol and phospholipid in plasma and liver, the concentration of HDL-cholesterol and (VLDL+LDL)-cholesteroJ m plasma, weight of the liver and the level of total lipid and total cholesterol in egg yolk. The production performance under these dietary oils was also assessed in Japanese qua;' Is by recording the egg production, egg weight and egg mass, feed consumption, body weight and feed efficiency. A total number of 72 (36 males and 36 females), four-week old Japanese quails of the same strain (egg type) and hatch were procured from the Kerala Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy and divided into three main groups (12 males and 12 females in each main group viz. GI, Gil, GUI) and then subdivided to 12 males and 12 females as M-I, M-II and M-III (males) and F-I, F-II and F-III (females) . The birds were provided grower ration upto sixth week of age and then adult ration, from the sixth to the 10th week of age in males and 16th week of age in females. The standard ration was incorporated with the different dietary oils at 2 per cent level viz. GI (MI and F-I) with gingelley oil, GII (Mil and F-II) with coconut oil and GUI (Mill and F-III) with sunflower oil. Feed consumption, egg production and egg weight were recorded daily and body weight recorded weekly. The eggs from the three groups (F-I, F-II and F-III) were collected on the last day of 14th, 15th and 16th week of age, weighed and stored at 4°C for biochemical analyses. The male birds were sacrificed at the 10th week of age and females at the 16th week of age. The weight of the liver noted and plasma and liver stored at -20°C for analyses. Total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol , HDL-cholesterol (VLDL+LDL)-cholesterol and phospholipid in plasma of male and female Japanese quails were not significantly different among the groups, since the normal level (2%) of oils used in the present study was not able to exert any significant influence on the lipid metabolism in quails. The total lipid content in the liver in male quails was not significantly different among the groups. In the female quails the total lipid content in liver of gingelley oil fed group (F-I) was significantly higher than that of coconut oil fed (F-II) and sunflower oil fed (F-III) groups. Lower triglyceride lipase activity in coconut oil and sunflower oil fed groups, which causes decreased break down of triglyceride in adipose tissue and lower transportation of fatty acids to liver may be the reason for the lower total lipid content in liver in these two groups. Irrespective of sex the triglyceride and total cholesterol content in liver were not significantly different among the groups. The liver phospholipid content in male quails of gingelley oil fed group (MI) was significantly higher than that of sunflower oil fed group (Mill) . Sunflower ocj (unsaturated fatty acids) causes enhanced faecal excretion of free fatty acids. The total lipid, triglyceride, (VLDL+LDL)-cholesterol and phospholipid in plasma were significantly higher in adult female quails compared to males in all the groups. In the laying bird lipids are synthesised in the liver and transported to the ovary in the form of lipoproteins . This is the reason for higher total lipid, triglyceride and phospholipid in plasma of laying hen (VLDL + LDL)- cholesterol content was also higher in the female quails since they are the transport form of cholesterol from liver to the ovary. The total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were higher in male quails compared to females, since the cholesterol is not eliminated through the egg yolk and are mainly found along with the HDL fraction in males unlike females. The total lipid, triglyceride and total cholesterol content in liver of female quails were significantly higher than that of male quails. There was higher lipid synthesis in the liver of female quails under the influence of oestrogen. There was no significant difference in the liver phospholipid content between male and female quails. No significant difference in the weight of the liver among the groups in both male and female Japanese quails could be noticed. However, weight of the liver in females was ® fi^sntly higher than the males in each group. There was no significant difference in the total lipid and total cholesterol content in egg yolk among the groups, at the 14th, 15th and 16th week of age. This was because the total lipid and total cholesterol content in the egg yolk has to be maintained at a constant level in order to create a favourable environment for the development of the embryo. Female quails attained sexual maturity earlier at the end f fifth week (38 to 41 days of age). Egg production started the 38th day in groups F-II and F-III while it was on the 41st day in group F-I. The egg production was lower in gingelley oil fed group (F-I) than coconut oil fed group (F-II) may be due to lower mineral absorption in gingelley oil fed group. The egg weight was higher in sunflower oil fed group (F-III) than coconut oil fed group (F-II) since sunflower oil in the diet causes higher protein retention. The egg mass was not significantly different among the groups. However, the egg weight and egg mass significantly increased with age. There was no significant difference in feed intake among the groups in both male and female Japanese quails as tiie caloric value of the feeds were the same. Female quails had higher feed intake than males due to their higher growth rat:e. The body weight of the male quails was not significantly among the groups. The body weight in gingelley oil fed group was the lowest among the female quails during most part of the experimental period, since there is lower mineralisation of bones in that group. The body weight of female quails in the three groups was significantly higher than that of males. Feed efficiency was not different among the groups in male Japanese quails. Among the female Japanese quails coconut oil (F-II) and sunflower oil (F-III) fed groups had better feed efficiency than gingelley oil fed group (F-I), lower rate of absorption of minerals in gingelley oil fed group (F-I) may the reason for the lowest feed efficiency anu body weight. In order to arrive at a conclusion as to which of the particular oil is ideal for health and for better production performance in Japanese quails, higher levels of oils are to be incorporated and a more detailed study is required.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC POLYMORPHISM OF MILK PROTEINS IN GOATS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1996) T. V. RAJA; B. NandakumaranThe present investigation was undertaken to identify the biochemical polymorphism at different milk protein loci and to establish their inheritance pattern in Malabari and its exotic cross viz., Alpine x Malabari. It was also envisaged to analyse the association of different milk protein variants with lactation milk yield. Hundred goats belonging to Malabari (50) and Alpine x Malabari (50) were typed for milk protein variants employing horizontal Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE). The milk protein loci studied were Alpha Si casein, Alpha Sj casein. Beta casein. Kappa casein and Beta lactoglobulin. Two Alpha Si casein variants, the faster Alpha Si casein F and the slower Alpha Si casein S with three phenotypes Alpha Si casein AA, Alpha Si casein AB, and Alpha Si casein BB were observed. S allele had the frequency of 0.52 in Malabari and 0.70 in Alpine x Malabari crossbreds. The gene frequency of Alpha Si casein F and Alpha Si casein S were 0.48 and 0.52 in Malabari and 0.30 and 0.70 in Alpine x Malabari crossbreds, respectively. The frequency of S allele was higher in both the populations. Alpha Sj casein locus exhibited three phenotypes viz., AA, AB and BB controlled by two alleles A and B. A allele had the ii higher frequency of 0.71 in Alpine x Malabari crossbreds compared to 0.62 in Malabari. Higher frequency of AA phenotype was found in Alpine x Malabari (0.52) and that of AB phenotype in Malabari (0.44) . Two alleles namely A and B contributed three phenotypes viz., AA, AB and BB at the beta casein locus in both the populations studied. Malabari showed higher frequency of B allele (0.55) while Alpine x Malabari had higher frequency of A allele (0.60) . Beta casein AB phenotype had higher frequency in Malabari breed (0.54) . Kappa casein locus showed two alleles A and B contributing three phenotypes viz. , AA, AB and BB. The frequency of A allele was higher in both the population. The phenotype AA was higher in Alpine x Malabari crossbreds (0.56) while Malabari had higher frequency of AB phenotype (0.48) Two alleles namely A and B with three phenotypes AA, AB and BB were identified at Beta lactoglobulin locus. The phenotype AA was dominant in Alpine x Malabari crossbreds (0.50) and the frequency of BB phenotype was almost similar in both Malabari and Alpine x Malabari crossbreds (0.14 in Malabari and 0.12 in Alpine x Malabari crossbreds). The gene frequency of Beta Ig A was found to be 0.65 in Malabari and 0.67 in Alpine x Malabari crossbreds. iii Both the populations studied were in genetic equilibrium with respect to these five milk protein loci. No significant diversity was found to exist between genetic groups. The genetic variability in the populations was calculated by estimating the heterozygosity. The overall heterozygosity in different populations indicated that the Malabari breed had comparatively higher degree of heterozygosity (0.4711) followed by Alpine x Malabari crossbreds (0.4209) . In Malabari maximum heterozygosity was observed at Alpha Si casein loci (0.4992). In Alpine x Malabari maximum heterozygosity was observed at Beta casein locus (0.4800) . The study of association between the genes controlling synthesis of milk proteins showed significant association between the Beta casein with the Beta lactoglobulin BB types in Alpine X Malabari crossbreds. All the other combinations of genes did not show any significant association. Milk protein variants were not found to be associated with the lactational yield (120 days) of the goats. The present study could establish the existence of biochemical polymorphism at Alpha Si casein, Alpha Sj casein, Beta casein. Kappa casein and Beta lactoglobulin loci in Malabari and Alpine x Malabari crossbreds studied.ThesisItem Open Access IMPACT OF CALF FEED SUBSIDY SCHEME ON FARM WOMEN(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1999) REEJA GEORGE PULINILKUNNATHIL; M.R SubhadraThe impact of the calf feed subsidy scheme, a continuing dairy development scheme of the Animal Husbandry Department, Kerala, on farm women in terms of behavioural changes in the areas of attitude, knowledge and extent of adoption regarding scientific calf and dairy mianagement practices was assessed. A static group comparison design of research was adopted. The study was carried put in Thrissur district of Kerala state, among 75 each of beneficiary and and non-beneficiary women. The non-beneficiary group served as the control. Comparison was made on 11 variables and since it was required to know differences in the attitude towards scientific calf rearing, knowledge of scientific calf rearing, extent of adoption of calf rearing as well as dairy farming technologies between beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups and since ready to use measuring scales were not availableto measure these variables, suitable scales were developed. In general, beneficiary women differed significantly in their attitude, knowledge and extent of adoption of scientific calf rearing and dairy farming technologies indicating the positive im.pact of the scheme. However certain deficiency areas were identified which need immediate educational intervention. For instance, most beneficiary women did not have correct knowledge regarding early breeding as well as etiology of infertility; two-third had not adopted these technologies as well. Many of beneficiary women did not have correct knowledge of the schedule of foot and mouth disease vaccination as well as deworming and a majority had either discontinued or not adopted these technologies. Fewer women had correct knowledge of the amounts of green fodder and ration to be fed to heifers, dry animals and those pregnant: adoption of these technologies was substantially low. Knowledge and adoption of the correct procedure of ligation of navel cord was one low. None of the beneficiaries had adopted post milking teat dipping while a few had adopted record keeping. Nearly half of the beneficiaries had not adopted the practice of quick reporting of out breaks and had either not adopted or discontinued technologies pertaining to flooring and drainage in cattle sheds. Two-third had not adopted the practice of culling bull calves at the right time. To make up these deficiencies, intensive extension educational measures are to be organised under the auspices of the scheme. In all such instances, womien participatory programs need emphasis. Attitude building exercises, demonstrations etc wherever required should be organised and followed up.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF PROCESSING AND FREEZING PROCEDURES ON THE ACROSOME MORPHOLOGY OF BUCK SPERMATOZOA(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1998) RANJINI. A.; K. Prabhakaran NairSix pooled semen samples (two ejaculates) of good quality from five Malabari crossbred bucks were processed and frozen in two different protocols to evaluate the effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa. in protocol I. the samples were diluted 10 fold in Tris buffer before centrrfuging twice and the final pellet was re-suspended in the non glycerolated fraction of Tris yolk diluent. The sample was glycerolated {six per cent), equilibrated (four hours), frozen (eight minutes), and thawed (25° C for 30 seconds). In protocol II. centrifugation was done only once, after 15 fold dilution in Tris buffer. The re suspended pellet was glycerolated (seven per cent), equilibrated (three hours), frozen (10 minutes) and thawed (60° C for 10 seconds). The semen characters such as motility. live sperm, sperm abnormalities and acrosome abnormalities were evaluated at the end of washing and initial extension (stage I), cooling to 5° C (stage II). glycerolisation and equilibration (stage III) and freezing and thawing (stage IV). The results were compiled to evaluate the effect of different processing and freezing procedures on the semen characters in general and acrosome morphology in particular. The semen sample used for split sample dilution had a mean volume of 1.328 + 0.067 ml. creamy in colour. DDDD density, ++++ mass activity. pH of 7.275 ± 0.040 and a concentration of 2972 ± 293 millions per ml. No significant difference in the above semen characters were found between bucks. The initial sperm motility of 82.000 + 0.606 was found to drop significantly during processing and freezing and the final post thaw motility obtained was 44.000 + 0.790 in protocol 1. Similarly in protocol II the initial motility dropped from 81375 ± 1.089 to 44.750 + 1.075 at the end of stage IV. Even though there was significant drop in motility between stages in both the protocols, there was no significant difference in the corresponding stages of the two protocols. It could be inferred that good post thaw motility was obtained in both the protocols. The fact that a single washing and centrifugation was only adopted in protocol II makes it a more acceptable procedure for buck semen freezing. The mean live sperm percentage of fresh semen was evaluated using both NE and NEG staining technique. The percentage of live sperms of 90.050 + 0.801 was found to decrease to 54.250 + 0.593 after freezing and thawing in protocol by NE staining. Similarly in protocol II, the mean percentage of live sperms was found to reduce to 53.125 + 0.793 with the same staining. Even though there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II no significant difference in the live sperm percentage between the corresponding stages of protocol I and II . With NEG staining the initial live sperm percentage of 80.850 + 1.494 was found to drop to 54.875 + 0.677 in protocol I as against 53.400 ± 0.730 in protocol II. While there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II there was no variation between corresponding stages of the two protocols. A significantly lower percentage of live sperms was recorded with NEG staining when compared with NE staining probably on account of the fact that the differentiation of live and dead sperm was difficult in the former staining method as live sperms were stained light blue instead of colourless. The mean percentage of abnormal sperms of 3.050 + 0.245 in fresh semen did not register any significant increase during processing. However, there was significant increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities during freezing and thawing with the final abnormality percentage of 7.125 + 0.706 in protocol I and 6.300 + 0.36 in protocol II. The initial acrosomal abnormality of 8.825 in the fresh semen steadily rose to 23.375 in protocol I as against 19.825 in protocol II at the end of stage IV. There was no significant difference in the percentage of various acrosomal abnormalities between corresponding stages of the two protocols. However, there was significant increase in the acrosomal abnormalities during glycerolisation, equilibration, freezing and thawing under both the protocols. It was concluded that the processing and freezing under two different protocols did not significantly alter the post thaw motility, percentage abnormal and dead sperms and acrosomal abnormalities. A good post thaw motility and low acrosomal abnormality was obtained with a single washing of buck semen with 15 fold Tris buffer which was comparable with double washing with 10 fold Tris buffer.ThesisItem Open Access CERTAIN SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF PIGS(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1996) S. RAMAKRISHNAN; K.S. SebastianAn experiment was conducted to study the effect of social environment on the reproductive performance of pigs and the feasibility and economics of rearing pigs of either sex together. Sixteen weaned large white Yorkshire gilts, twelve weaned sows and two boars were randomly assigned to five groups as Ti, Tj, T3, T4 and T5 each consisting of six. Pigs in and T3 groups were bred at the body weight of 70-80 kg with designated boars at the time-of breeding. The pigs in T5 group were bred in the first oestrus after weaning. In Tj and T4 group female pigs were reared with boar. Post weaning oestrus, duration of oestrus, conception rate and gestation length did not vary significantly between groups. Onset and intensity of oestrus were significantly different (P<0.05) between groups. All gilts and sows in each group were allowed to farrow in the same pen and their litter performance was studied. The litter size and weight at birth did not vary significantly {P>0.05) between the groups. Litter size and weight at weaning did not vary significantly {P>0.05) between groups. The behaviour of parents and other penmates towards the litter did not vary significantly between groups. The behaviour of penmates to the litter was cordial. Overall results suggest that in farming conditions group housing system can be practiced. It is advisable to keep animals in advanced stage of pregnancy in farrowing pens till weaning of piglings.ThesisItem Open Access IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIAL CRITICAL POINTS AND ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF LACTIC ACID ON BEEF CARCASS(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1994) K. RAJEEV; M. SomanDuring the process of slaughter and subsequent processing, the beef carcass is exposed to bacterial contamination. Bacterial load is one of the parameters for assessment of the sanitary conditions in slaughter operations. It is tedious and time consuming to evaluate bacterial load of carcass surface as a whole. Therefore assessment of bacterial load on certain points (critical points) in the carcass which are more frequently exposed to contaminants will help in quick assessment of sanitary standard. in the present study six critical points were selected on beef carcasses to evaluate the bacterial contamination. Carcasses from two slaughter houses differing in infrastructural facilities were used for this assessment and comparison. There was significant difference in the level of bacterial contamination on critical points of carcasses obtained from the two sources. Significant difference was noticed between points as well. Among the critical points, neck-lateral has shown highest level of contamination. This may be due to chances of exposure to contaminants during bleeding and flaying. The abdomen-medial was comparatively less contaminated. In spite of conscious precautions, carcasses invariably get contaminated. m order to minimise the bacterial load on carcass at the end of slaughter line, washing carcass with sanitizers is one of the methods adopted in meat trade. Lactic acid one per cent solution, when used as sanitizer for washing beef carcasses immediately after slaughter, has shown significant reduction in total viable count, conform count and faecal streptococcal count estimated 1 h after treatment. When hot lactic acid solution at 70°C was used for washing, significant reduction in the above counts in comparison to the first treatment was observed. This added benefit can be attributed to the enhanced temperature of the solution. it is concluded that one per cent lactic acid solution, preferably at 70oc, can be effectively used as a sanitizer on beef carcass surface for reduction of initial bacterial load and this helps in prolonging the storage life under the retail marketing condition.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ANTHELMINTIC TREATMENT ON MILK PRODUCTION IN SUBCLINICAL NEMATODE INFECTIONS OF COWS(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1994) MAJOR K. G. RAJASEKHARAN NAIR; K. RAJAMOHANANA Study was conducted on the incidence of subclinical gastrointestinal nematodiasis in diary cows and heifers, and the effect of anthelmintic treatment on their milk production. It was found that all the animals examined in the two livestock farms of Kerala Agricultural University were harbouring the infection. Faecal culture was found to be the method of choice for detection of nematode infection when compared to microscopical examination of faeces. The nematodes involved, as identified by morphological examination of infective larvae were, Trichostronqylus sp., Haemonchus sp., Cooperia sp. and Oesophagostomum sp. Of these, Trichostronqylus sp. was the commonest one. Albendazole at a dose of 7.5 mg per kg body weight was administered to the animals to detect the effect of anthelmintic treatment on their milk production. A positive influence, albeit not statistically significant, was observed in all the treated groups of animals. Evaluation of heamatological parameters, PCV, Hb, TRBC and TLC did not show any variation before and after treatment. The study proved that anthelmintic treatment of dairy cattle in late pregnancy and early lactation can improve their milk production.