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ThesisItem Open Access EGG QUALITY OF NATIVE CHICKEN UNDER BACKYARD SYSTEM AND WHITE LEGHORN LAYERS UNDER INTENSIVE SYSTEM OF REARING(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2009) SARITHA THANKACHAN; P.A. PeethambaranA study was conducted to evaluate the egg quality in 100 eggs each of Native chicken (NC) and White Leghorn (WL) during 21 to 40 weeks of age which included the external and internal quality parameters, fatty acids, yolk cholesterol and mineral estimation in yolk and albumen. Also, the egg production, livability and feed intake in NC reared in backyard system and WL layers reared in cages were studied. Among the external quality traits, the egg weight (39.35 vs. 49.54 g), egg length (50.36 vs. 54.02 mm) and breadth (37.55 vs. 40.74 mm) were lower in NC whereas, the shape index was comparable. Except the albumen width (83.73 vs. 76.54 mm), all the albumen traits were inferior in NC compared to WL with Albumen height (4.32 vs. 6.41 mm), index (0.05 vs. 0.09 mm), weight (21.92 vs. 31.36 g), per cent (55.65 vs. 63.45) and Haugh Unit Score (71.47 vs. 81.33). Significantly lower values yolk height (13.94 vs. 15.87 mm) and index (0.35 vs. 0.42) and higher values for yolk per cent (33.62 vs. 27.26) and yolk color index (8.11 vs. 5.31) were noticed in NC. The yolk width, weight and cholesterol content were comparable between the breeds. Significantly lower shell weight (4.21 vs. 4.61 g), higher shell per cent (10.73 vs. 9.30) noticed in NC. In the egg yolk, the mean values of saturated fatty acids; Palmitic , Stearic, Arachidic and Behenic acids were comparable between NC and WL eggs, although these acids when put together, a significantly higher (52.65 vs. 48.62 per cent) in the former group was noticed. Significantly lower quantity of Linoleic acid (8.50 vs. 11.53 per cent) the omega-6 category as well as the Omega-6: omega-3 ratio (2.89 vs. 6.01) was advantageous even though total unsaturated fatty acid was significantly lower in NC eggs (47.35 vs. 51.38 per cent). On the other hand, the ratio between saturated and unsaturated acids was significantly higher in NC egg (1.11 vs. 0.95). The monounsaturated fatty acids, Oleic acid (31.24 vs. 31.52 per cent) and Palmitoleic acid (4.11 vs. 5.77 per cent) and these two acids put together (35.35 vs. 37.29 per cent) were non-significant. The total poly unsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-6 and Omega-3 were comparable 139 both in NC and WL eggs. Of the total fatty acids, the mean value of and Omega-3 fatty acids; linolenic acid, EPA and DHA were comparable separately (0.83, 1.61 and 1.06 vs. 0.61, 0.88 and 1.07 per cent). The total of Omega-3 acids was numerically higher in NC egg (3.49 vs. 2.55 per cent). The mineral profile of eggs indicated that WL eggs are superior (P<0.05) in respect of Iron in albumen (2.10 vs. 4.76 ppm), Copper in yolk (1.18 vs. 1.49 ppm) and Magnesium in yolk (0.0088 vs. 0.0125 mg per cent). This indicated the necessity of inclusion of trace mineral mixture in the diet of native chickens. NC egg albumen is a rich source of Zinc (1.59 vs. 0.66 ppm). Late sexual maturity indicated by age at first egg of 185.62 days in NC vs. 141.25 days in WL and poor egg production indicated by 40.23 vs. 121.57 eggs (28.70 vs. 86.83 per cent) on HH basis and 41.86 vs. 123.60 eggs (29.90 vs. 88.28 per cent) on HD basis up to 40 weeks of age suggest modifications in feeding patterns of Native chicken. The livability was (88.33 vs. 96.67 per cent) in WL and NC hens with survivor egg numbers 41.91 and 125.35 eggs per hen. The feed intake per bird per day was 113 g in WL whereas the native chicken was being reared by providing only about 20 to 30 g of supplemental feed per bird per day.ThesisItem Open Access Job stress and job commitment perception among the veterinarians of Animal Husbandry Department in Kerala(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2009) SOUMYA SANKAR; REEJAOrganisational stressors as perceived by the veterinarians of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Kerala, viz-a-viz their job and social commitment were studied. Organisational stress on account of the dimensions organisational role, job satisfaction, policies, inter personal relationship, communication, working condition team work, security, autonomy, targets and structure were analysed . The dimension organisational role stress however was also studied in terms of its component dimensions inter role distance , role stagnation, role expectation conflict, role erosion, role isolation, role overload, personal inadequacy, self role distance, role ambiguity and resource inadequacy Stress was the most on account of the dimensions job satisfaction followed by team work, policy, autonomy, target, inter personal relationship, organisational structure, communication, work condition, security and organisartional role stress in that order. Job commitment was found positively correlated with stress due to dimensions target, autonomy, policy and security where as negatively correlated with stress due to the dimensions organisational role stress, job satisfaction, team work and structure. Among component dimensions of organisational role stress role overload was perceived as the dominant stressor followed by resource inadequacy, inter role distance, role stagnation, self role distance, role isolation, personal inadequacy, role expectation conflict, role ambiguity and role erosion in that order . Further it was revealed that role stress factors inter role distance was positively correlated whereas role stagnation,role expectation conflict, self role distance, personal inadequacy and role ambiguity were negatively correlated with job commitment. As for social commitment, it was positively correlated with stress on account of dimensions job satisfaction, interpersonal relationship, work condition, organisational structure, team work and policy whereas negatively correlated with communication. Social commitment was positively correlated with stress due to component dimensions of organisational role inter role distance and role overload whereas negatively correlated with role stagnation. Result also revealed an insignificant difference between perception of SVS and VS regarding all the eleven dimensions of stress.ThesisItem Open Access DETERMINANTS OF CLEAN MILK PRODUCTION PRACTICES OF THE DAIRY FARMERS IN NADATHARA PANCHAYAT(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2009) REHNA HASSAN; P. J. RajkamalClean milk production practices and their determinants were explored in the present study. Sixty dairy farmers from five milk co-operative societies formed the sample. Knowledge, attitude and adoption regarding clean milk production practices apart from training need were studied. Most of the respondents had an ambivalent attitude towards clean milk production. Knowledge of clean milk production practices related to the milch animal was low for a majority of respondents. The knowledge of practices related to the milker was medium whereas it was either medium or low in the case of knowledge related to milking utensils. But, as regards the practices related to cattle shed and surroundings majority were highly knowledgeable. The highest training need was for practices related to the milch animal. Majority of the respondents were medium level adopters of practices related to the milch animal and milking. As for practices related to the milker, majority were low level adopters. As regards adoption of practices related to milking, a large majority were either medium or low adopters. It further revealed that most of the respondents were high level adopters of practices related to cattle shed and surroundings. The respondents’ knowledge of clean milk production practices generally was medium even as the level of adoption was high. The knowledge in all five domains of practices related to clean milk production practices was highly significantly correlated with the level of adoption corresponding to each of the five domains. Attitude towards clean milk production practices was also significantly correlated with the level of adoption. This indicated that attitude and knowledge pertaining to clean milk production practices have significant roles in enhancing the adoption rate of the same. That apart, the study revealed that family education status and seminars/trainings/workshops attended on dairy farming were significantly correlated with level of adoption of clean milk production practices.ThesisItem Open Access APPLICATION OF POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION FOR RAPID EVALUATION OF HYGIENIC STATUS OF MILK(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) DEEPA MARY. J. J.; B. SunilRapid assessment of the bacterial load and detection of pathogens in milk is of public health significance. Molecular detection of pathogenic microorganisms is based on DNA amplification of the target pathogens. Therefore efficient extraction of DNA directly from milk is a major step. DNA could be efficiently extracted directly from milk by a prior sample preparation so as to remove the fat and milk proteins. The phenol chloroform method of DNA extraction was modified to reduce the time require for the procedure. The use of lysozyme helped the release of DNA from lysed gram positive Staphylococcus aureus. The extracted DNA was used as template in PCR. PCR was carried out with already published primers. PCR was modified with the use of PCR buffer containing PCR facilitators (BSA and Tween 20) to overcome PCR inhibition. The standardized procedure was used to assess the bacterial load and to detect Escherichia coli and S. aureus directly from milk. To assess the bacterial load dilutions of milk were made uptolO"'". DNA was extracted from each dilution with which PCR was carried out with primers specific for Pseudomonas. Aerobic Plate Count was also done for the same samples and compared with PCR. It could be concluded that the approximate APC of the milk sample by PCR is next lower dilution to the dilution giving the PCR amplification. The total time taken for the analysis was approximately five hours. Extraction of DNA and PCR was done with primers for detection of E. coli from the same milk samples and compared with culture. Percentage of samples positive both by culture and PCR was 50 and negative by both methods were 30. Twenty percentage of the samples were positive by PCR and negative by culture. Extraction of DNA and PGR was done with primers for detection of S. aureus from the same milk samples and compared with culture. Percentage of samples positive both by culture and PGR was 60 and negative by both methods were 20. Twenty percentage of the samples were negative by PGR and positive by culture. Hence, protocol developed for detection of 5. aureus needs further refinement to take care of false negative results by PGR, probably due to the low number of organisms present in milk.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE AND PROSTAGLANDIN FOR IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY IN GOATS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) JULLIET; Joseph MathewWith the objective of studying the effect of GnRH and prostaglandin for improving reproductive efficiency in goats the study was carried out at University Sheep and Goat Farm, Mannuthy using 42 cycling goats. Based on the behavioural and physiological changes associated with oestrum the goats were divided into two groups viz.. Group I and Group II. Group I animals were those that exhibited pronounced oestrus signs and were divided into two subgroups namely Group lA and Group IB. Group II animals were those that exhibited weak oestrus signs and were divided into three subgroups namely Group llA, IIB and lie. Group IA animals were administered 0.0042 mg Buserelin (1 ml Reeeptal) a potent GnRH analogue on day 0, and Group IB served as the Control. Blood was collected prior to GnRH administration and breeding from all does. The mean duration of oestrum in Group lA and IB was 19.33 ± 0.45 and 33 ± 0.58 h respectively. The conception rate in Group lA and IB was 50 per cent and 66.66 per cent respectively. The serum P4 level on day 0 in does in Group lA and IB was 0.43 ± 0.05 ng/ml and 0.40 ± 0.05 ng/ml respectively. Group IIA and Group IIB does were treated as per the CO-Synch protocol (i/m inj. of 0.0042 mg of Buserelin (1 ml Reeeptal) on day 0, 125 pg cloprostenol (0.5 ml clostenol) on day 7; 0.0042 mg of Buserelin and mating on day 9) and prostaglandin protocol respectively (two intramuscular injections of 125 pg cloprostenol (0.5 ml clostenol) 11 days apart followed by mating at 72 and 96 h), while Group IIC served as the control. The oestrus response, oestrus onset interval, duration of oestrum and conception rate in Group IIA was 90.9 per cent, 47.6 ± 0.45 h, 24.5 ± 0.63 h and 40 per cent respectively. The oestrus intensity score of induced oestrus ranged from 0 to 13. The serum P4 level in pregnant and non pregnant does was not significantly different on days 0, 7 and 9 (P>0.05). The oestrus response, oestrus onset interval, duration of oestrum and conception rate in Group IIB was 81.8 per cent, 54 ± 1.006 h, 39.77 ± 1.54 h and 66.66 per cent respectively. The oestrus intensity scores in induced oestrus ranged from 0 to 13. The serum progesterone level in does that became pregnant and those that were non pregnant were not significantly different on day 0, 11, and at 72 and 96 h. In Group II C the duration of oestrum and pregnancy rates was 40 ± 0.91 h and 33.33 per cent respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis was done at three months of gestation by abdominal palpation and the accuracy of the method was 90.9 per cent. Mean gestation length was 146.03 ± 0.76 days. Litter size at birth in Group lA, IB, IIA, IIB and lie was 2, 2, 2, 1.83 and 2 respectively. Average birth weight of kids was 2.35 ± 0.164 kg and the mean birthweight of male and female kid was 2.42 ± 0.98 kg and 2.28 ± 0.36 kg respectively. Thus from the present study, it can be concluded that 1. Administration of GnRH on the day of oestrum in animals exhibiting pronounced oestrus signs failed to improve conception rate when compared to the control. 2. In animals exhibiting weak oestrus signs both CO-Synch and double prostaglandin protocols resulted in higher conception rate when compared to control group. 3. The double prostaglandin protocol was found to be more efficient in improving conception rate in animals exhibiting weak oestrus signsThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF BLOOD UREA NITROGEN, MINERAL STATUS AND UTERINE pH ON FERTILITY IN DAIRY COWS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) SEENA. N. S; K V ATHMANAn investigation was carried out with the objective of studying the effect of BUN and uterine pH on fertility in dairy cows under farm and field conditions and also for correlating the mineral status with fertility using 40 crossbred dairy cows selected at random during oestrus, 20 each from those belonging to University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy (Group 1) and those brought for insemination at Artificial Insemination Centres at Mannuthy and Kokkalai (Group 11). All the cows in Group 1 were found to be maintained in a relatively high nutritious diet computed as per the scientific feeding standards compared to Group II animals. Detailed elinico-gynaecological examination was carried out and blood samples and uterine mucus were collected from all the selected cows during oestrus for estimation of biochemical parameters and uterine pH respectively. They were inseminated during the most appropriate period of oestrus and were subjected to pregnancy diagnosis at 60 days post insemination. Conception rates in both the groups were compared in relation to each parameter. The mean duration of oestrus was slightly higher in Group 11 (30.00 ± 2.11 hours) compared to Group 1 (26.10 ± 1.74 hours). Intensity of oestrus was high, medium and low in 40, 45 and 15 per cent of animals respectively in Group 1 and 50. 40 and 10 per cent in Group 11. Physical changes of reproductive tract viz. degree of vulval oedema and hyperemia of vestibular mucous membrane were more pronounced in animals of Group II compared to Group I, where as degree of tonicity was high in Group 1 compared to Group II. Characteristics of cervical mucus were also found to be affecting fertility. Better conception rate was obtained in animals with clear and stringy cervical mucus exhibiting typical type of fern pattern. Spinnbarkeit value did not vary much between conceived and non conceived animals. Uterine pH did not show a marked variation between groups, even though a slightly higher value was recorded in Group 1. But, an inverse relationship could be obtained between BUN level in serum and uterine pH during oestrus. Correlation between uterine pH and BUN level was highly significant (P<0.01) with a correlation eo-efficient of r = -0.896 and r = - 0.753 in groups 1 and 11 respectively. The mean blood urea nitrogen level in animals of Group 1 was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in Group 11. The BUN level also varied significantly (P<0.05) between conceived and non-conceived animals of both groups. A marginal increase in plasma glucose level could be noticed in conceived animals compared to non-conceived animals of Group 1. The mean serum total protein was significantly higher (P<0.01) in Group 1 compared to Group 11. The serum level of minerals viz. calcium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and copper were also correlated with fertility. The mean level of serum calcium and manganese varied significantly between groups 1 and II, but there was no significant difference in serum phosphorus, zinc and copper between two groups. Also, a slightly higher mean value was observed for serum calcium, phosphorus, manganese and zinc in conceived animals compared to non-conceived. But serum copper level did not vary between conceived and non-conceived animals. In light of these findings, it can be concluded that the elevation in systemic concentration of urea is likely to impair fertility in dairy cows as a consequence of alterafions in uterine environment. The benefits of feeding excess dietary protein and urea to maintain peak milk production should be compared with potential negative effects on fertility. Hence, a good nutritional management is essential for improved fertility in dairy cows.ThesisItem Open Access DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS ON GROWTH AND IMMUNE RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKEN(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) K. PREETHA; G. GIRISH VARMAThe present experiment was aimed at investigating growth promoting and immunomodulating effects of Spirulina platensis in broiler chicken. Thirty two numbers of day-old broiler (Vencob strain) chicks were procured and reared in battery cages under standard management conditions up to sixth week of age. The birds were randomly divided into four groups, viz. GI, GII, GUI and GIV, having eight birds in each group. Birds in groups GI (control) were fed with standard broiler starter ration (from first to fourth week) and standard finisher ration (from fifth to sixth week). The experimental groups GII, GUI and GIV were fed with standard rations supplemented with Spirulina platensis at the rate of 0.50 per cent, 1.50 per cent and 3.00 per cent, respectively. Both control and experimental rations were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Birds were provided with ad libitum feed and clean drinking water throughout the experiment. Bodyweight of individual birds were recorded on day one, eight, 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43. Blood was collected at fourth, fifth and sixth week of age and whole blood/plasma was used for further estimations. Estimation of total erythrocyte count (TEC), blood haemoglobin concentration (Hb), volume of packed red cells (VPRC), total leukocyte count (TEC), differential leukocyte count (DEC), and blood glucose was made using whole blood samples. Blood plasma was utilised for estimation of concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol. Erythrocytic indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC), heterophil: lymphocyte (H:L) ratio and albumin; globulin (A:G) ratio were calculated from the respective values. The data was analysed by Split plot analysis (Split on time) as suggested by Rangaswamy (1995). Bodyweight of Spirulina-fed birds (GII, GUI and GIV) were significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of control group throughout the experiment in an age and dose dependent way. Significant (P<0.01) age and dose dependent increase in TEC, Hb, VPRC, MCH and MCHC and decrease in MCV values were observed in Spirulina-fed groups, suggesting strong erythropoietic effect of Spirulina. Significant (P<0.01) age and dose dependent increase in total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and decrease in heterophil, eosinophil, and monocyte counts were noticed in Spirulina-fed groups. Total leukocyte count was higher in Spirulina-fed birds, but without increase in heterophil count, ruling out the possibility of inflammatory responses. Additionally, reduced stress and more vigilant humoral immunity could be the implication. Also, Spirulina induced significantly (P< 0.01) more plasma albumin and plasma globulin, and thus, total plasma protein output in the recipients. Since the albumin: globulin (A:G) ratio did not change significantly, both these classes of proteins were equally promoted. This would mean a general boost up in plasma protein output by the liver as well as more immunoglobulin production by the lymphocytes. Increased number of lymphocytes in Spirulina-fed birds could be attributed to the higher plane of globulins in this experiment. Plasma lipid profile showed age and dose dependent lowering of total lipid, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL cholesterol in Spirulina-fed groups compared to control group, indicating that Spirulina would reduce lipid level, especially the 'undesirable' fractions, signifying the hypolipidaemic / lipolytic activity of the alga. The significant (P<0.01) hypoglycaemic effect of Spirulina supplementation in the present study may indicate an anti-diabetic effect, which may indicate, in turn, propensity to have more lean meat than fatty meat in the subjects. The growth-promoting and erythropoietic effects of Spirulina platensis in broiler chicken may indicate its effectiveness as a nutritional supplement, while the hypolipidaemic and hypoglycaemic effects may imply better consumer safety and desirability to the broiler meat, which intum, can potentially fetch premium price to the produce in the market.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR PARATUBERCULOSIS IN GOATS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) S. SULFICAR; M.R. SaseendranathParatuberculosis (Johne's disease) is a chronic debilitating infection ot goats caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP). Rece. t .} the organism was reported to be associated with enteric infection in humans and hence the disease is of public health importance. In the present study comparative efficacy of acid fast staining of faecal smear, single intradermal Johnin test and IS900 faecal PGR were investigated in two hundred goats for detection of MAP. Single intradermal Johnin test was carried out in two hundred goats. Faecal sample from all two hundred goats subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast staimng and IS900 PGR for detection of MAP. Out of one hundred and fifty goats screened for paratuberculosis from University sheep and goat farm, Mannuthy. five animals (3.33 per cent) were found positive by acid fast staining, eight animals (5.3 per cent) were found positive by single intradermal Johnin test and thirty animals (20 per cent) were found positive by IS900 PGR. Out of fifty goats screened for paratuberculosis from field, one goau (2 per cent), three goats (6 per cent) and twelve animals (24 per cent) were found positive by Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast staining of faecal smear, single intradermal Johnin test and IS900 PGR respectively Results of present study from both farm and field indicate that amplification of the IS900 insertion element was the most specific and sensitive diagnostic method. The strategic use of PGR can provide a means for early identification of MAP infected goat, thus ensuring their elimination from an infected herd. Advantage of skin test is its ease of application and its low cost. Culling of CM! test positives could be a cost effective means of removing infected animals before they actually start faecal shedding. Ziehl-Neelsen staining had the lowest detection rate of the three tests under investigation and it proved unreliable in diagnosing Johne's disease.ThesisItem Open Access ENERGY SUPPLEMENTATION ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF COWS UNDER FIELD CONDITION(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2008) RUBY AUGUSTINE; A. D. MercyA study was conducted to assess the effect of energy supplementation in the fonn of maize and rumen protected fat in early lactating cows under the field condition. Thirty, early lactating cross bred cows were selected and divided into three groups uniformly with regard to days in milk, the average days in milk being 40 days. The animals were randomly allotted to the dietary treatments Ti, T2 and T3. The concentrate mix made in the semi liquid form and paddy straw formed the T1 ration. The animals of T2 and T3 were supplemented with 1 kg ground maize and ICQ g of rumen protected fat respectively, over and above the control ration. The animals maintained on the three dietary treatments Ti, T2 and T3 showed an average milk production of 15.38, 14.58 and 13.01 kg respectively during the 90 day period of the experiment. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in milk yield between the three treatment groups. The average daily DMI and DMl/100 kg body weight remained similar for all the three groups. The TDN intake was up to the requirement in animals maintained on T3 ration while Ti and T2 rations could not meet the requirements of the animals of the respective groups. The DCP intake was optimum from the three rations. The energy supplementation did not affect milk composition such as percentage of total solids, milk fat, solids not fat (SNF) and milk protein, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). The 4 per cent FCM yield, total yield of milk fat and protein remained unaffected by energy supplementation. Animals in all the three groups showed similar blood parameters such as haemoglobin, plasma glucose, plasma urea nitrogen and plasma Ca and P. The digestibility of EE, DM, NDF and ADF was higher for the T3 ration than that of Ti and T2. The digestibility of crude protein (CP) was higher for T2 than T1 and T3 rations. Animals maintained on T3 ration showed earlier post partum heat. The cost of feed for producing 1 kg milk was higher for the dietary treatments T2 and T3. An overall assessment of the results obtained in the present study showed that energy supplementation in the form of either maize or rumen protected fat could not influence dry matter intake, milk yield and 4 per cent PCM yield. There was no change in the corhposition of milk and blood parameters studied, among the experimental animals. However, energy supplementation in the form of protected fat could meet the energy requirement of early lactating animals, improved the digestibility of EE, DM, NDF and ADF and positively influenced the first post partum heat.