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ThesisItem Open Access CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS REQUIREMENTS OF INDIGENOUS LAYER DUCKS (Anas platyrhynchos)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2002) RAVI. S.; P.A. PeethambaranA 3 X 3 factorial experiment was carried out at the Department of Poultry Science, Kerala Agricultural University during the period from February to July 2002 to establish the optimum requirements of calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (AP) in the diets for indigenous layer ducks under cage system of rearing. The Kuttanad varieties of indigenous ducklings of Kerala were maintained on deep litter system of rearing until 18 weeks of age at the University poultry farm, Mannuthy. From this flock. Ninety (90) female ducks were housed in 45 California type cages at the rate of two ducks per cage and they were weighed individually at 20 weeks of age. The dimension of each cage was 60 x 45 x 40 cm and the floor area of 1350 cm^ per duck was provided in the cage. The experimental diets were fed from 21 to 40 weeks of age and the observations were recorded in five periods of 28 days each. Nine experimental diets containing three levels of Ca viz., 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 percent with three levels of AP viz., 0.40, 0.50 and 0.60 percent were formulated and were fed to nine treatments consisting of five replicates of two ducks per cage in each treatment in a 3x3 factorial design. The mean body weight of ducks at 20 weeks of age was uniform in all groups ranging from 1400±9.11 to 1465±53.24 g with an overall mean of 1431 ±9.96 g. The Ca and AP levels did not influence significantly the 40*^ week body weight, which ranged from 1473±18.10 to 1579±58.28 g with an overall mean of 1544±13.76g. The age at first egg in the flock with 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 percent Ca levels were 154, 158 and 148 days respectively and with AP levels 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 per cent the same were 161, 154 and 148 days respectively. The period wise mean duck housed number (DHN) from 25-40 weeks of age (IS.leggs) was significantly higher with ducks fed 4.0 percent Ca (P<0.05). The interaction effect was significant (P<0.05) for the dietary combination of 4.0 per cent Ca and 0.6 percent AP with 20.2 eggs. The cumulative egg number (EN) of 75.7 eggs from 21 to 40 weeks of age was also higher with the Ca level 4.0 per cent and the 71.9 percent production with diet T9 was superior by interaction effect (P<0.05). The duck housed percent (DHP) production from 25 to 40 weeks of age averaged 64.6±1.92 per cent with 4.0 per cent Ca level. The Ca and AP levels in the diet did not influence the mean daily feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg mass and shell thickness. The overall mean daily feed consumption was 137.2±1.49 g per duck. The FCR per dozen eggs was 2.8±0.078 and that per kg egg was 3.9±0.099 for the period from 25 to 40 weeks of age. The mean egg weight (EW) and per cent shell were highly significant and the EW of 60.1±0.575 g averaged with 3.0 percent Ca and 0.5 per cent AP level as well were high (P<0.01). The interaction effect with the above combination was also significant (P<0.01). The 9.7±0.081 per cent shell recorded with 0.5 per cent AP was significantly lower in comparison with other AP levels (P<0.05). At 40 weeks of age, the overall mean serum Ca was 15.42±0.35 mg/dl and serum P was 3.18±0.081 mg/dl. The mean serum inorganic P value of 2.92±0.164 mg/dl recorded with dietary Ca level 4.0 percent was significantly lower than that of 3.5 percent Ca level (P<0.05). The tibia ash (62.34±0.512 percent) was significantly higher with 0.6 percent dietary AP level (P<0.05) and the tibia ash Ca with 4.0 percent dietary Ca level was significantly higher and the interaction effect with 0.6 per cent AP level was also significant. With this AP level, the tibia P was reduced significantly, but the interaction showed that the tibia P was high with diet T9. The liveability was excellent in ducks reared in cages (100 per cent) and there was no mortality during the period from 21 to 40 weeks of age. In the present study, the production traits used for evaluating the Ca and AP requirements of caged layer ducks were EN, EW, egg mass, feed consumption and FCR. The study revealed that 4.0 per cent Ca in the diet was superior over other Ca levels in the diet. The dietary Ca and AP levels did not influence the mean daily feed consumption and feed conversion ratios significantly. On the other hand, dietary AP levels influenced the mean EW, per cent shell, tibia ash weight and tibia ash Ca and P. Though the mean EW of 60.1 ±0.566 g recorded with 0.5 percent AP was significantly higher, the significant interaction on egg number with the 0.6 per cent AP with 4.0 per cent Ca was found superior. Therefore it will be logical to set the requirements of AP at 0.6 per cent level. Thus, the overall results of the present study revealed that the 4.0 percent Ca and 0.6 per cent AP levels with 18 percent Crude Protein and 2650 Kcal ME/kg was optimum for egg production in indigenous layer ducks under cage system of rearingThesisItem Open Access IMMUNODIAGNOSIS OF BOVINE GASTROTHYLACOSIS USING COPROANTIGENS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2000) A KANDASAMY; K. DevadaA study was conducted on the prevalence of paramphistomatidosis in Thrissur from June 1999 to May 2000. feasibility of coproantigen detection by ELISA and comparison of sensitivity of ELISA using coproantigens and ELISA using serum antibodies in diagnosis of gastrothylacosis, caused by Gastrothylax crumenifer, in cattle. It was noted from the registers maintained at the University Veterinary Hospitals at Kokkalai and Mannuthy and that at the Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, that out of a total number of 1534 faecal samples from bovines examined, 253 (16.5 per cent) animals were found to be positive for amphistome eggs with the maximum prevalence (23 per cent) in June and July. Generally the infection was prevalent throughout the year. An indirect ELISA using rabbit hyperimmune serum against somatic antigens of G. crumenifer was performed to detect coproantigens in faecal samples collected from 100 known G. crumenifer infected cattle. Seventy four samples were found to contain detectable levels of coproantigen indicating a sensitivity of 74 per cent. Serum samples collected from the same infected cattle were tested for antibodies to G. crumenifer by an indirect ELISA using somatic antigens. Fifty one samples were found positive for antibodies indicating a sensitivity of 51 percent. It was seen that when 43 cattle were positive for both coproantigens and serum antibodies, 18 cattle were negative for both of them. Although 31 cattle which were negative for serum antibodies were found positive for coproantigens, eight cattle negative for coproantigens were found positive for serum antibodies. The results showed that coproantigen detection, which revealed a higher sensitivity than the detection of serum antibodies by ELISA, is feasible for the diagnosis of gastrothylacosis in bovines.ThesisItem Open Access IMMUNODIAGNOSIS OF BOVINE GASTROTHYLACOSIS USING COPROANTIGENS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2000) A. Kandasamy; K. DevadaA study was conducted on the prevalence of paramphistomatidosis in Thrissur from June 1999 to May 2000. feasibility of coproantigen detection by ELISA and comparison of sensitivity of ELISA using coproantigens and ELISA using serum antibodies in diagnosis of gastrothylacosis, caused by Gastrothylax crumenifer, in cattle. It was noted from the registers maintained at the University Veterinary Hospitals at Kokkalai and Mannuthy and that at the Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, that out of a total number of 1534 faecal samples from bovines examined, 253 (16.5 per cent) animals were found to be positive for amphistome eggs with the maximum prevalence (23 per cent) in June and July. Generally the infection was prevalent throughout the year. An indirect ELISA using rabbit hyperimmune serum against somatic antigens of G. crumenifer was performed to detect coproantigens in faecal samples collected from 100 known G. crumenifer infected cattle. Seventy four samples were found to contain detectable levels of coproantigen indicating a sensitivity of 74 per cent. Serum samples collected from the same infected cattle were tested for antibodies to G. crumenifer by an indirect ELISA using somatic antigens. Fifty one samples were found positive for antibodies indicating a sensitivity of 51 percent. It was seen that when 43 cattle were positive for both coproantigens and serum antibodies, 18 cattle were negative for both of them. Although 31 cattle which were negative for serum antibodies were found positive for coproantigens, eight cattle negative for coproantigens were found positive for serum antibodies. The results showed that coproantigen detection, which revealed a higher sensitivity than the detection of serum antibodies by ELISA, is feasible for the diagnosis of gastrothylacosis in bovines.ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIVE EVALUATION OF SQUILLA (Oratosquilla nepa) MEAL IN BROILER CHICKEN DIETS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2000) P. KANAKASABAI; N.KunjikuttyAn experiment was designed and conducted to assess the nutritive value of squilla {Oratosquilla nepd) meal in broiler chicken diet as an animal protein source replacing fish meal protein at three levels viz. zero, 50 and 100 per cent with supplementation of lysine and methionine at 100 per cent level of replacement. One hundred and eighty one-day old straight-run commercial broiler chicks were divided into four groups each with three replicates of fifteen birds and were allotted to four dietary treatments viz. Ti containing 10 per cent unsalted dried fish (control), T2 in which 50 per cent crude protein fi-om dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein, T3 in which 100 per cent crude protein fi-om dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein and 14 in which T3 was supplemented with adequate lysine and methionine as per BIS (1992). The rations were made iso proteimic and iso-caloric. The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions for a period of eight weeks. The birds fed on 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet in replacement of fish meal protein attained significantly lower body weight gain (P <0.01) compared to those in the control (Ti) and 50 per cent squilla meal protein (T2) group at six and eight weeks. Lysine and methionine supplementation in the 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet improved the weight gain of birds to a level comparable to those on 50 per cent squilla meal protein diet. Feed intake and protein intake of birds on various dietary treatments at different ages did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). But the feed conversion efficiency of birds maintained on control diet was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at six weeks and eight weeks (P < 0.01) than those on 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet (2.437 vs 2.68 and 2.72 vs 2.93). Protein efficiency ratio of birds dififered significantly between different treatment groups and the values correlate well with the body weight gain at different ages. Slaughter studies revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the different groups in dressed yield, giblet yield and length of duodenum. However, the abdominal fat was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in control group of birds, while the ready-to-cook yield was significantly less (P < 0.05) in 100 per cent squilla meal protein group. The apparent metabolisable energy content of different rations and daily protein retention of birds showed no significant difference between the different dietary treatments. The cost of production per kilogram of live weight gain of birds maintained on the four dietary treatments fi, 12, I3 I4 were Rs. 26.42, 26.24, 27.25 and 27.79 respectively. Though there was a slight decrease in the cost of production of birds due to incorporation of squilla meal in place of unsalted dried fish at 50 per cent replacement, the difference was insignifieant. However, 100 per cent replacement of fish meal protein with squilla meal protein and amino acid supplementation to the same increased the cost of production (P < 0.01) with no corresponding increase in performance. From the results obtained in the present study it was inferred that squilla meal can be effectively included in broiler chicken diets to replace 50 per cent^fish meal protein witliout affecting growth, feed conversion efficiency and the cost of production.ThesisItem Open Access TRAINING NEEDS OF DAIRY FARM INSTRUCTORS OF THE DAIRY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF KERALA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) N. VIMAL RAJ KUMAR; R.S, JijiThe objectives of the study were to identify the training needs of the Dairy Farm Instructors (DFIs) of Dairy Development Department of Kerala and find out the determinants of their training needs. The data were collected through questionnaires to which 75 DFIs responded. Information technology was the most preferred major subject matter domain for training followed by milk and milk products, dairy cattle production and management, dairy extension, professional management and fodder production and management. Among the socio-personal characteristics, the training exposure and role perception of the respondents had significant relationship with the training need. Both the role perception and training need of most of the respondents were medium only. For all the domains, institutional type of training as well as trainers from outside the parent organization but within the state were preferred the most. Demonstration was the most preferred method of training for most of the domains. The most preferred periodicity for the trainings of one to seven days duration was six months, those of eight to fourteen days was one year and those of fifteen to thirty days and more than a month was more than aThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF CITRIC ACID AND MICROBIAL PHYTASE ON PHOSPHORUS UTILIZATION AND GROWTH IN BROILER CHICKEN(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) T. HARIHARAN; P. GangadeviAn investigation spread over a period of eight weeks was carried out to study the effect of citric acid and microbial phytase (Natuphos®-5000G) on nutrient utilization and growth performance in broiler chicken. One hundred and ninety two day-old broiler chicks (Ven cob) were divided into four identical groups having four replicates in each group with 12 birds in each replicate and allotted randomly into four dietary treatments viz., Tl, T2,13 and T4. The treatments consisted of a standard broiler ration (SBR) with 0.5 per cent available P (Tl), low available P broiler ration having 0.3 per cent available P (TAPER) and 3.0 per cent citric acid (T2), TAPER supplemented with 700 U of phytase/kg feed (T3) and TAPER with 1.5 per cent citric acid and 350 U of phytase/kg feed (T4). All the rations were formulated as per EIS specifications except in the level of available P. Effect on body weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, protein efficiency, DM retention, nitrogen balance, mineral availability, serum and tibial mineral contents, processing yields and livability of birds were the criteria employed for evaluation. Eody weight and weight gain of the experimental birds were significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. Maximum weight and weight gain were recorded in T4 followed by T2, T3 and Tl in the descending order, indicating the positive and synergistic effects of citric acid and phytase on phosphorus utilization and growth. Cumulative feed intake of experimental birds was significantly (P<0.01) enhanced in the additive supplemented groups over the control, the highest feed intake being noticed in T4 followed by T2, T3 and Tl. Cumulative FCR did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between treatments. However, comparatively better feed efficiency was recorded in citric acid and phytase groups (T2, T3 and T4) at sixth week and comparable values at eighth week with the control group (Tl). Cumulative PER also showed similar trend in eight week with significantly high (P<0.05) PER in T2 and T4 at sixth week. Though not differed significantly, better DM retention, nitrogen balance, per cent retention and reduced nitrogen excretion were noticed in T2, T3 and T4 than Tl. Availability of P, Mg, Zn and Mn were enhanced (P>0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 by citric acid and phytase addition compared to T1 group on SBR. Mg and Mn availability were significantly influenced by dietary treatments with highest availability of Mg and Mn noticed in T3 (P<0.05) followed by T4, T2 and Tl. The excretion of P was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in T2, T3 and 14 on citric acid and /or phytase supplementation. Weight of dried tibia was significantly high (P<0.05) in T4 followed by T2, T3 and Tl at sixth week. Per cent tibial ash at sixth and eighth week were also high (P>0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 compared to Tl on SBR which could indicate that citric acid and/or phytase favour P utilization and bone development. No significant difference could be noticed in tibial and serum Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Mn except for a significantly high tibial Mg (P<0.05) in T4 and serum Zn (P<0.05) in T3 at sixth week. Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced (P<0.01) with maximum reduction in T4 followed by T3, T2 and Tl. Birds of citric acid, phytase and combination group though maintained on low P diet registered no significant difference in per cent dressed yield, ready-to-cook yield, giblet yield, abdominal fat yield and livability, when compared to Tl fed on SBR. Regarding the cost of production as feed cost/kg gain, phytase group (T3) recorded the lowest due to high cost citric acid. Overall evaluation of the results of the present study revealed that inclusion of either 3.0 per cent citric acid or phytase (700U/kg feed) or its combination (1.5 per cent citric acid + 350 U phytase/kg feed) in low available P diet (0.3 per cent) resulted in better nutrient utilization and growth performance in chicks than chicks maintained on SBR with 0.5 per cent available P; tending to suggest that available P level in the feed could be reduced by 40 per cent without affecting the performance and health of broiler chicks by dietary inclusion of citric acid and/or phytase.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF INDUCED STRESS AND ANTISTRESS AGENTS ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN BROILER CHICKEN(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SRINIVAS REDDY BELLUR; P.T. PhilominaIn modern poultry production system various factors name!}' floor space reduction, feed and water restriction, high environmental temperature, vaccination, medication, debeaking etc. have the potential to induce stress in poultry which results in poor performance as well as reduction m immune response as the nutrients normally utilized for growth and production are diverted to counteract the stress and survival. The study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the influence of induced stress and antistress agents (dietary ascorbic acid and Zeetress®) on various physiological, biochemical and production parameters in broiler chicken. Fiffy six numbers of day old broiler chicks (Vencob) procured from a commercial hatchery were reared in battery cages under the standard managemental conditions upto four weeks of age. Then they were randomly selected and divided into seven groups (G-1 to G-Vll) with eight birds per group. The birds in different groups were as follows: G-1 as the control, G-11 as floor space reduced group (33%), G-111 as floor space reduced group supplemented with Zeetress® @ 0.01%, G-IV as floor space reduced group supplemented with ascorbic acid xi 0.02%, G-V as j)0% feed restiictioii. G-Vl as 30% feed restriction with dietary supplementation of Zeetress® % 0.01% and G-Vll as 30% feed restriction with dietary supplementation of ascorbic acid @ 0.02%. The birds were maintained in battery cages under standard managemental conditions on broiler ration with the exception of flooi space reduction, feed restriction and incorporation of dietary antistiess agents. Produclion parameters such as weekly weight gain and teed efficienc) weie analyzed on weekly basis. Blood was collected with suitable anticoagulants, initially at fourth and then at sixth and eighth week of age. Whole blood was utilized tor analysis of haematological parameters, heterophil; lymphocyte (H:L.) ratio and milogcn induced lymphocyte proliferation test. Plasma was utilized tor biochemical analyses i.e. for protein profile, lipid profile and estimation of glucose, uric acid and cortisol. The data were statistically analysed by appropriate tests. The birds of G-V group showed significantly lower values of TEC, Hb. VPRC and TEC at sixth and eight week of age. The dietary supplementation oi Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in floor space reduced groups feed restiicted groups did not show any significant influence on the values of TEC, Elb, VPRC, ESR, TEC when compared to the birds of respective stress induced groups G-II and G-V. The birds of stress induced groups G-Il and G-V had lower lymphocyte count and higher heterophil and basophil count, higher 1 1:1. ratio and suppressed mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation (probably due to a rise in level of plasma corticosteroids as a result of stress response) when compared to birds of G-1 group, both at si.xth and eighth week of age. Dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in fioor space reduced groups and feed restricted groups elevated the lymphocyte counts, suppressed heterophil and basophil counts. 11:1. ratio and considerably improved the mitogen induced lymphoblastogenic response both at sixth and eighth week ot a a In the present study the birds ot G-11 and G-V group iiad no significaih variation in plasma protein profile and glucose levels but had increased plasm concentration of cortisol (probably due to stress induced adrenal hyper activit\ and decreased uric acid, when compared to birds of control group G-1. botli . sixth and eighth week of age. Dietary Zeetress® and ascorbic aci^l supplementation in floor space reduced groups and feed restricted groups showed a lower plasma concentration of cortisol both at sixth and eighth week of age, and significantly increased uric acid at eighth week of age. Dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in floor space reduced groups decreased plasma concentration of cholesterol both at sixth and eighth week of age and total lipids at sixth week of age. In birds of feed restricted G-V group plasma concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids were lower both at sixth and eighth week of age when compared to birds of control group G-I. The dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in feed restricted groups had no significant influence on plasma concentration of cholesterol both at sixth and eighth week of age. Mowcwi there was an increased concentration of triglycerides both at sixth and eightli week of age with significant increase in total lipids at eighth week of age. wiicn compared to birds of G-V group. There was no significant variation in body weight and weight gain ni birds in all floor space reduced groups compared to birds of control group (Xi-I > at all weeks of age with the exception of lower weight gain in G-Ill and G-l\ when compared to G-11 at eighth week of age. The body weight and weight gain in the birds of all feed restricted groups were lower when compared to birds of control group (G-I), at all weeks of age. A perusal of the overall feed efficiency from 5 to 8 weeks of age revealed that the birds of G-VI group supplemented with Zeetress® recorded a superior FE (2.22) whereas an inferior value of 2.59 was noted in G-V group without any dietary antistress agent. The control group recorded a FE of 2.29. Zeetress® supplementation improved overall FE in feed restricted group (G VI). On the other hand this advantage was not observed in floor space reduced group (G-III). Dietary ascorbic acid improved overall FE only in case of feed restricted group G-VII when compared to that of G-V group. However, in ilooi space reduced group (G-IV), ascorbic acid supplementation could not impiove the FE. The observations of the present study revealed that both feed restriction and floor space reduction resulted in some sort of chronic stress which led to variation in haematological and biochemical parameters, and impaired giowtli (in feed restricted groups). Analysis of TLC. DEC, mitogen induced lymphocyte blastogenic response and plasma cortisol values indicated that thcic was a marked level of immunosuppression in the stressed birds. 1 he magnilUUc of variation in most of these parameters was higher at sixth week oi age when compared to that of eighth week values indicating some sort ot habituation adaptation occurred upon chronic stress in the broiler chicken. 1 he antisliess agents — Zeetress® and ascorbic acid were equally effective in reversal of siic,-o induced alterations in haematological, biochemical and production parameteis.ThesisItem Open Access CLINICO-THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON BACTERIAL MASTITIS IN BOVINES(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2001) SMITHA ROSE SEBASTIAN; K. VijayakumarA study was carried out to detect subclinical mastitis by California mastitis test, to compare the different mastitis indicators, to identify the bacterial agents responsible and their antibiogram and to assess the efficacy of different treatments adopted. Tlie occurrence of subclinical mastitis in organized farms and m and around ntrissur rvas found to be 25.17 per cent, after examining 1053 quarter milk samples by California mastitis test. A total of 265 milk samples were subjected to somatic cell count, modified Whiteside test and modified Aulendorfer mastitis probe test. These tests showed a positi\'e correlation with somatic cell count. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the chief etiological agent followed by coagulase negative staphylococci, coliforms and Streptococcus agalacliae. Chloramphenicol and enrofloxacin were found to be the most effective antibiotics against bacterial isolates from mastitis cases and sulphadiazine and irimethoprim the least effective. In vivo studies revealed that oxytetracycine is more effective followed by enrofloxacin and amoxycillin-cloxacillin combination. But the bacteriological cure was same for all the treatments. The twenty four Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical mastitis were grouped into seven different genotypes using RAPD analysis. The four Escherichia coli isolates gave single RAPD pattem. S. aureus genotype a was found to be more prevalent.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF BLUE GREEN ALGA {Spirulina platensis) ON HAEMATOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND FERTILITY PARAMETERS OF EGG TYPE MALE CHICKEN(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SETHU. C. NAiR; G. Girish VarmaEnhancemenl of lotai production without compromising aspects of wholesomeness and subject /consumer enx ironmeniai saielN ot the produce forms the new challenge of Indian pouitiA industiA . Since nutrition is the single largest external factor affecting performance of the stock and accounting lion share of the input cost, nutritional manipulations ha\ e \\ idel>- been usea to take up this challenge. Especially m the uake of set backs from potential residual hazards of anabolic steroids used as gnnMh promoting feed additnes. use ol certain blue green algae as dietaix supplement offers more innocuous organic alternatives, for being safe to the subject, consumers and eiiMronmeni. Owing to their success in human health uith anabolic and therapeutic effects cyanobacteria, the blue green algae, are being tried m in estock/poultrc' production as well. Spirulina is rich in protein. Mtamins and proMtamins such as carotenoids, and minerals. Protein from spirulina is believed to be highly digestible due to the lack of a cell nail; it contains 18 ammo acids, major ones being Ivsine. arginine. threonine. methion.ne and phem lalanine. High lec els of arginine is normallv belieced to be insuiinogemc. indirecth througn stimulation of urowth hormone secretion The present stride forms part ol an exploration of grouth promoting and fertilite' augmenting aspects of one of the popular species ol blue green algae. Sniniiinu pkiicnsis. eneisagmg exaiuation of us influence on haemaioiogicai. biochemical and feriihu parameters ol' .Ausira-nhiie male chicken, nhen usea as a dietaiA supplement. l"hirtv-tno numbers of eight-neek-old Austra-wlute male chickens were reared under standard management conditions in batten cages m Department of Piwsiologv. Eoilege Of \ eterinan and Animal Sciences. The birds were selected randomh and diMued into two groups. G 1 (control) and G 11 (spirulina supplemented) comprising of sixteen birds in each. Birds ol gioup G 1were solcK' led uidi standard la^c^ rat,on and ionncd lite controls nt ttte experiment while birds of G II group uere fed ia^er ration uith dietarc supplementation of Spimlma plaicnsis at the level of 2.o /<. ol feed. Both ratio •ere made isocaloric and isomtrogenous Feed and water were prowded to birdsw ud libitum Body weight of the birds was taken at monthlv intervals front initial period (eight week of age) to thirt>-two weeks of age. Blood was collected at monthly intervals from third to eighth months of age. Estimation ol haematological parameters comprised total er>throc>te count (TEC), haemoglobm content (Hh), volume of packed red cells (VPRC). eivthrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total leukocvte count (TEC). Ervthrocvtic indices were calculated from the estimated t alues of TEC. Hb and VPRC, Biochemical profile of plasma included estimation of total protein, albumin, globulin. alDumin globulin (A: 0) ratio (protein profile), cholesterol, triglvcendes. total lipids (hpid profile), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and bilinibin at monthly intervals from third to eighth month. Plasma antioxidant status was assessed by estimating catalase enzyme activitv' and lipid peroxidation letel. Semen was collected at twentyfou'rtlt, twenty-eighth and thirty-second ^^eeks of age. Semen evaluation was done by observing the motility. mass acliMl)'. semen volume, methclene blue reduction time (ivlBRT). percentage of in e sperms (differential staining and hypo osmolarit>' swelling) and heat and cold shock resistance tests in the collected semen samples. Birds were sacrificed at thirt> -lwo weeks of age and the relative oruan weight of Iwer. spleen, pancreas turd testes was estimated, Lipiu pemxidaiion level of homogenized samples of liver, spleen, pancreas and testes uere also estimated The data were stat.sl.cailv anah sed using appropriate tests, BodN weight of birds fed with spiruiina (G 11 group) was signiticantly higher when comptired to control (G I group), Reltiln e organ weight also showed a significanlK higher relative weight lor spleen, paircreas and testes. The birds of G 11 group [Spiruima piatcmis- fed) showed a significanth nigner ralues ol TEC- Hb concentration. VPRC and flA compared to control (G 1 group) birds. The value of ESR u;is sigmncaulh loner for the spirulina let! group Plainia protein profile indicated a significant higher concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin levels tn spirulttiahed group Plasma Itpid profile had a lorv total lip.d and cholesterol level tn sptrultna fed birds of G II group nhen compared to the controls tn G i group However, the trtglvcertde levels was significantly higher for spirulina fed birds (G II groupl Plasma concentrations of BUN and bilirubin were also significantiv higher for G II group. The results indicated a strong haematopoiet.c elTect of spirulina and its usefulness as a protein rich nutntional supplement for poultiA Plasma amioxidant activity was significantly higher for G 11 group in the sense that the spirulina fed group showed .an increased blood calalase activity and a decreased plasma lipid peroxidation levels Estimation of peroxidation level in homogenised samples of liver and testes also had a significantiv lower peroxidation level in birds of G II group Results underlined the strong antioxidant capacity of spirulina. Semen evaluation studies revealed a significantly htgher semen volume, motility, and percentage of live sperms in semen samples from birds of G 11 group (spirulina fed) when compared to G I group Semen samples from O II group also showed a significantly low er melhv lene blue reduction time compared io G 1 group Heat and cold shock resistance lest failed to show any significant difference between lire two groups Results indicated the fertilitv augmenting properly ol spirulina. The present sttidv is consistent with earlier reports of growth promoting and ervthropoielic effects of spirulina Free radical scavenging ellect of this species 01 iilga has caused a marked increase in ihe amioxidanl slams of the subiecls. congiuen. vv iih earlier findings .Vdduionailv. ihis is .he iirsl publication ,0 repon indicalions of a fenflilv augmenling elTecl of this alga m male birds How ever, coifiirinanon of lire laue, effec. needs funhe, invesligalion, prelerab.v With inseminaiion studies.