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Open Access
A study on certain physico-biochemical attributes of local Pantja Buck semen
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2014-05) Shail Nidhi; Palod, Jyoti
Pantja is the local breed of goat found in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. In present investigation 6 local Pantja bucks B6, B5, B4, B3, B2 and B1 of age 11, 14, 15, 18, 20 and 34 months with body weights 16, 17, 21, 26, 28 and 40 kg respectively, maintained at Goat unit, LPM Department, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pantnagar, were selected to study certain physic-microscopic tests, complementary biochemical tests, biochemical attributes and elemental attributes of semen and morphology of sperm. Semen collection was done at about 9.009.30 a.m. by artificial vagina method twice weekly per buck. Immediately after collection, physical examination of fresh semen was done first and then microscopic examination of undiluted and diluted semen was performed. After that complementary biochemical tests were performed on fresh semen. For tests performed in seminal plasma, semen was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes and was stored at -18 ºC except for the tests performed in fresh seminal plasma. Sperm dimensions and abnormalities were also measured by microscopy. The results of the experiment indicated that maximum samples 58.33 and 33.66 per cent were creamy in color and creamy consistency and minimum 9.1 and 4.5 per cent were yellow in color and watery in consistency respectively. It was found that maximum samples obtained from older bucks were creamy in color and consistency. The volume of the semen increased with age of the bucks with an overall value of 0.54 ± 0.02 ml (range 0.38 ± 0.03 to 0.78 ± 0.04 ml). Mass motility, individual motility and sperm concentration of semen was increased with age of the animal and found maximum for buck B1. Mean sperm dimensions viz. sperm head length, head width, flagellum length and sperm total length by light microscope (100X) were found as 8.03 ± 0.02, 3.98 ± 0.02, 51.92 ± 0.11 and 60.05 ± 0.10 µm respectively. Average mean values of sperm head length, head width, head base width, head thickness, acrosome thickness, mid piece length, principal piece length, end piece length, mid piece thickness, principal piece thickness and total sperm length by SEM was recorded as 8.46 ± 0.03, 4.05 ± 0.02, 2.17 ± 0.01, 0.45 ± 0.00, 0.57 ± 0.00, 10.72 ± 0.61, 37.47 ± 0.07, 3.52 ± 0.66, 0.76 ± 0.02, 0.52 ± 0.00 and 60.17 ± 0.02 µm respectively. These parameters were independent of buck age. Average mean values of primary and secondary sperm abnormalities were found as 1.77 and 2.44 per cent respectively with overall total sperm abnormalities 4.22 per cent. Overall mean value of pH was found (6.61 ± 0.02) independent of buck age. Resazurin and Methylene blue reduction time were noted higher for younger bucks and minimum for older bucks with overall value 3.15 ± 0.25 and 6.04±0.36 min. respectively. Mean values of HOST and Millovanov’s resistance test were recorded as 36.10 ± 1.17 per cent and 5216.70 ± 1.94 respectively. The mean values of mass motility, individual motility and livability of sperms were found as 1.60 ± 0.09, 36.76 ± 0.69 per cent, 16.76 ± 0.86 per cent at 0°C, 1.93 ± 0.12, 47.36 ± 0.94 per cent, 27.30 ± 0.80 per cent at 10°C and 3.46 ± 0.37, 74.03 ± 0.82 per cent, 71.03±0.867 per cent at 37°C respectively. Overall mean values of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, creatinine, urea, uric acid, fructose and cholesterol were found as 38.86 ± 0.78, 4.61 ± 0.11, 2.22 ± 0.05, 2.32 ± 0.06, 1.09 ± 0.04, 1.99 ± 0.03, 42.26 ± 0.99, 7.16 ± 0.14, 605.84 ± 14.26 and 152.10 ± 3.14 respectively. Concentrations of elements Mg, P, Cl, Zn, Cu, Fe and Ca in seminal plasma of Pantja bucks were 2.84 ± 0.05, 8.09 ± 0.24, 86.00 ± 4.94, 0.29 ± 0.06, 0.04 ± 0.00, 0.16 ± 0.03 and 10.50 ± 0.33 respectively. Concentration of most of biochemical and elemental constituents were found higher in mature animals as compared to yearlings. Results of present study reveal that Pantja buck produce good quality semen, having semen characteristics similar to other goat breeds of the country. They are therefore well suited for breeding purpose and can be used for natural services as well as production of semen for artificial insemination.
Open Access
Application of indigenous rural know- how (use of Chedu and Mattha) on well- being of Murrah buffalo calves
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2014-06) Ramesh Kumar; Sanjay Kumar
An investigation was carried out to study the effect of Chedu (brown color residue obtained during ghee preparation) and Mattha (traditionally made by removing butter from curd by dilution) on ectoparasites, endoparasites, hematology and growth performance of Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty Murrah buffalo calves were randomly allotted into four groups nearness to their body weight (5 calves/group) for 90 days i.e., Control (T0) and Treatments (T1: application of Chedu on body coat @150gm/animal mixed with equal amount of water, T2: administration of Mattha @ 2% of body weight mixed with salt 0.5 % of Mattha, T3: use of both Chedu and mattha). The overall body weight gain (kg) was statistically significant (P<0.05) in T1 (36.6), T2 (43.6), and T3 (44.8) as compared to T0 (31kg). The overall change in body length (cm) was statistically significant (P<0.05) in T3 (11.4 cm) as compared to T0 (7.2cm). The gain in Heart girth (cm) observed statistically significant difference in treatment groups (7.8, 12, and 13 cm in T1, T2 and T3 respectively) as compared to control group (7 cm). The gain in paunch girth (cm) was observed statistically significant difference in treatment groups (8, 10.6, and 11.6 cm in T1, T2 and T3 respectively) as compared to T0 group (6.2 cm). Height at withers (cm) of calves were observed statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in treatment groups (10.20 and 11.8 cm in T2, and T3 respectively) as compare to control group (5.40 cm). Hemoglobin (gm/dl) showed statistically significant difference in treatment groups (10.02 ± 0.19 and 10.20±019, in T2 and T3 respectively) as compare to control group (7.48±0.06). In packed cell volume (%), statistically significant difference were observed (30.36 ± 0.21 and 30±0.18 in T2 and T3 group respectively) as compared with control group (28.72±0.49). The results of Erythrocytic sedimentation rate were observed significantly differ (P<0.05) in T3 (38.40± 0.75) as compared to T0 (69.00±1.00). Total Erythrocytic count value showed significant result (P<0.05) 7.16±0.18 in T3 as compare to T0 (8.72±0.13). However non significant result was observed in total leucocytic count, whereas in Neutrophills statistically significant results (P<0.05) were observed 31±0.71 and 29.40 ±0.68 in T2 and T3 respectively as compare to T0 (19.40±0.51). Eosinophills showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in T3 (4.0±0.32) as compare to T0 (9.0±0.45). In Lymphocyte significant difference (P<0.05) was observed 62.80±0.58 in T3 as compare to 69.80±0.49 in T0. Monocytes showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05) 3.20 ±0.37 in T2 and T3 as compare to 1.80±0.37 in T0. The endoparasites (Egg per gram in feces) were observed statistically significant (less) in T2 and T3 (20±12.25 and 20±12.25) as compare to T0 and T1 (270±20 and 230±20) due to the effect of Mattha. Effect of Chedu was seen in T1 and T3 as preventive measure for ectoparasites as compare to T0 and T2. The investigation revealed that use of indigenous by-products (Chedu and Mattha) is beneficial for proper growth and act as a preventive technology tool for control of ecto and endo parasites in Murrah buffalo calves.
Open Access
Awareness and adoption of scientific dairy husbandary practices: An analysis of dairy farmers in tarai region of Uttarakhand
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2013-06) Tewari, Himani; Sanjay Kumar
Present study was carried on five centres involving 160 farmers from 87 villages in U.S. Nagar district of Uttarakhand from August 1, 2012 to March 10, 2013 with the objective of studying socio-economic profile, awareness level, degree of adoption and the constraints faced by the farmers in the adoption of scientific dairy husbandry practices. About (66.25 %) of respondents were middle aged, (43.75 %) farmers had agriculture as main occupation, (40.00 %) respondents were educated up to graduation level, about (33.75 %) farmers were small farmers, (30.62 %) maintained large herd and (80.00 %) farmers had nuclear family. Most of the farmers (94.38 %) had access to various animal health services, (89.38 %) farmers were dependant on government hospitals for veterinary aid. The overall mean value for AP,AFS,AFCON,AFC,NSRC,LP,DP and MY in indigenous, crossbred and buffaloes were 780.85±5.44days,518±4.96 days,773.28±1.98 days,780.92±2.16days, 635.32±2.19days, 872.13±2.34 days,786.48±2.08 days, 647.08±2.35 days,876.66±2.37 days,1072.03 ±2.18 days, 932.53±2.35 days and 1184.47±2.45 days,3.88 ±0.19 times, 3.89±0.13 times, 3.43±0.12 times ,226.70±1.90 days, 288.77±0.75 days 293.33±0.76 days, 138.29±1.90 days, 76.32±0.73 days, 71.66±0.76 days, 3.60±0.24 liters, 16.23±0.36 liters and 15.07±0.21 liters, respectively. Out of all the diseases Fever, Mastitis, Surra, H.S and F.M.D in order of occurrence were found (96.25 %), (88.75 %), (85.00 %), (60.00 %) and (64.38%) respectively. All the farmers were aware about the importance of drainage, regular cleaning of shed, protecting animals against weather extremes, grazing, concentrate feeding during lean period, basis of concentrate feeding as per their milk yield and fat percentage, supplement of additional concentrate feeding to pregnant animals and heifers, adding salt in animal ration and the chaffing of fodder. About (96.25 %) were aware about the cutting of navel cord, navel cord disinfection and cleaning of teats and udder before nursing of calf. About (85.00 %) respondents were aware of ideal identification method used for calves. About (80.63 %) and (51.25 %) respondents were unaware of accurate time and repetition of de worming. All the farmers (100.00 %) of five centres were aware about the facilities like electricity, water, feeding mangers, assistance and frequency of offering water to pregnant animals, milking interval, practice of washing hands with antiseptic solution, clean clothes of milker’s, milker’s test for T.B and removal of mucous membrane immediately after birth. About (87.50 %) farmers considered body weight as the main criteria for first time mating. Majority of farmers (98.12 %) preferred A.I over natural service. Most of the farmers (88.13 %) preferred mating in their animals 8 to 12 hours after showing heat symptoms. All the farmers adopted the practice of maintenance of breeding records, followed the practice of washing of external genitalia and hind quarter of animal, offer ad-libitum feeding of water to pregnant animals. Majority of the farmers (65.62 %) practiced twice milking, about (53.75 %) farmers followed knuckling, and (60.00 %) farmers checked their animals for mastitis only when it was required. About (42.50 %),(52.50%),(31.25 %) and (56.25 %) farmers faced problems of lower socio-economic status, poor education, small farm size and less farm experience and lack of co-operation and co-ordination, respectively in adoption of scientific dairy husbandry practices. Most of the farmers (91.87 %) faced the problem of unavailability of high genetic merit bulls for semen donation and natural service, while none of the farmers faced the problem of poor conception rates through A.I. About (60.62 %), (53.75 %) and (65.62 %) of farmers were facing the problem of delayed heat occurrence, insemination at improper time and repeat breeding, respectively at various centres. None of the farmers faced the problem of unavailability of quality cattle feed and poor availability of concentrate and mineral mixture in the area. Most of the farmers (66.87 %) faced the problem of over-crowding in the animals while all the farmers faced the problem of short lactation length in animals. About (42.50 %) respondents reported the problem of delay in milk payment, whereas (38.12 %) respondents faced the problem of low price of milk offered. About (41.25 %) and (95.00 %) of the respondents were facing the problem of lack of knowledge about vaccination and de worming schedule in animals at all the five centers of study.
Open Access
Studies on comparative efficacy of herbal methionine vis-à-vis synthetic dl-methionine supplementation on the performance of commercial broiler chicks during winter and summer season
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-08) Nanda, Subhankar; Tiwari, D.P.
Two feeding trials viz., during winter and summer seasons were conducted to discern the comparative effect of dietary supplementation of herbal methionine vis-à-vis synthetic DL-methionine on growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics and serum biochemical parameters and economics (feed cost/ kg body weight gain) in commercial broiler chickens. In both the seasons 180, day-old broiler chicks were divided randomly into 6 treatment groups with 3 replicates each that is 10 broiler chicks per replicate. The broiler chicks of treatment group T1 (control) were fed basal diet (starter and finisher diet), whereas in treatment groups T2, T3, T4 and T5 basal diets were supplemented with 0.2 % DL-methionine, 0.15 % DL-methionine + 0.05 % herbal methionine, 0.1 % DL-methionine + 0.1 % herbal methionine, 0.05% DL-methionine + 0.15 % herbal methionine and 0.2 % herbal methionine by replacing the DL-methionine at 0,25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent levels respectively. In both winter and summer seasons, the feeding trial lasted for viz., 0-21 days (starter phase) and 21-42 days (finisher phase). A metabolism trial was conducted during 6th week of feeding trial. Blood samples were collected on 42nd day of feeding trial for the study of serum biochemical parameters. At the end of feeding trial on 42nd day, 3 chicks from each replicates were sacrificed for the study of carcass characteristics. The growth performance parameters obtained during winter and summer seasons were pooled and average values were recorded. During starter phase, there was significant difference in body weight gain amongst the different treatment groups of broiler chicks. The overall average body weight gain was 618.45, 637.73, 639.60, 649.40, 641.35 and 653.88 g, respectively, in broiler chicks of T1, T2, T3, T4 T5 and T6. The highest body weight gain was in treatment T6 and lowest in treatment T1. The feed intake, performance index, protein efficiency ratio and production efficiency factor did not differ significantly among different groups. The feed conversion ratio was significantly better in treatment T6 than other treatment groups. During 21-42 days (finisher phase) the overall average pooled body weight gains in broiler chicks were 1284.90, 1325.51, 1399.52, 1326.82, 1357.50 and 1354.42 g, respectively, in the treatment groups T1,T2, T3, T4 T5 and T6 and differed significantly amongst the groups. Body weight gain was maximum in treatment T1. The feed intake was also significantly higher in treatment T3, however, feed conversion ratio, performance index, protein efficiency ratio and production efficiency factor in broiler chicks of various groups were statistically similar. During the entire feeding trial (0-42 days) the overall cumulative average pooled values showed significant difference (0.01) in weight gain and feed intake amongst the different treatment groups of broiler chicks. The average body weight gain was 1903.29, 1963.24, 2039.11, 1976.22, 1998.85 ad 2009.75 g in broiler chicks of treatment groups T1,T2, T3, T4 T5 and T6, respectively. The feed intake was highest in treatment group T3 and lowest in treatment T1, whereas feed intake was statistically similar in treatment T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6. There was no significant difference in feed conversion ratio, performance index, protein efficiency ratio and production efficiency factor among the different treatment groups. There was significant difference in nutrient utilization in dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and gross energy amongst the different the treatment groups. The nutrient utilization was highest in treatment T5 and T6 and lowest in treatment T1 and T2. The various carcass traits in broilers were not affected due to either sources of methionine supplementation but dressing percentage was significantly highest in treatment T6 than treatment T1. There was significant difference in dry matter, crude protein, ether extract content in breast and thigh muscles of broiler chicks. The serum biochemical parameters showed significant reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides contents in treatments T5 and T6 as compared to other treatment groups. The serum glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin concentration were significantly higher in broiler chicks of herbal supplemented groups. The activities of SGOT, SGPT and ALP differed significantly amongst the treatment groups. The SGPT and SGOT values were significantly higher in treatment groups T1 without any methionine supplementation than the broiler chicks fed diet supplemented with herbal methionine as well as synthetic DL-methionine. The feed cost/ kg weight gain differed significantly during starter and finisher phase of feeding trial and the overall pooled values of feed cost per kg body weight gain were considerably higher in treatment groups and supplemented with herbal and synthetic DL-methionine than broiler chicks of control groups. It was concluded that supplementation of herbal methionine in the diet of starter and finisher broiler chicks improved the growth performance and nutrient utilization coupled with reduction in serum cholesterol and triglyceride without affecting the carcass traits but the feed cost per kg weight gain was increased due to supplementation of herbal as well as synthetic DL-methionine
Open Access
Study of nettle grass (Urtica diocia) powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits and haemato-biochemical parametes in broiler chicken
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-08) Pandey, Rajesh; Anil Kumar
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary nettle (Urtica dioica) plant supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics and haematobiochemical parameters in male broiler chicken. A total of 96 broilers (Cobb strain) were randomly allocated in different dietary treatments viz. 1. Control with basal diet (T1), 2. Basal diet with 0.5 percent nettle (T2), 3. Basal diet with 1 percent nettle (T3) and 4. Basal diet with 1.5 percent nettle (T4). There were 3 replications per treatment with 8 chicks in each. The dietary supplementation of the nettle did not influence (P>0.05) any of the growth performance parameter i.e. body weight gain, feed intake and FCR of the broilers during whole experimental period. On day 42, two birds per replicate were slaughtered for determination of carcass and organ weights. In carcass characteristics, percentage breast weight, liver weight and gizzard weight were significantly increased in broilers fed 1 percent, 0.5 percent and 1 percent nettle diet, respectively. Although, feeding diets containing 1 percent nettle significantly affected breast crude protein (P<0.05), nettle at 0.5 percent had no significant influence when compared to control. None of the processing loss related parameters were statistically different among all the treatments. In haematological parameters TEC, PCV, Hb, MCH and MCHC were significantly increased at 1.5 percent nettle and MCV at 0.5 percent nettle supplementation (p<0.05). PCV values had no significant difference among nettle treated groups. Cholesterol and triglyceride of nettle incorporated diet were significantly different (p<0.05) when compared to control. Furthermore, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, SGOT and SGPT were numerically improved when compared to control. Results showed that nettle supplementation at 1 percent may be advised to improve the carcass traits and growth performance in broiler chickens and further research to elucidate the mechanism for potentially enhanced growth through nettle supplementation in basal diet of broilers is required.
Open Access
Performance evaluation of Sahiwal cattle maintained at farm and field conditions
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-07) Singh, Devesh; Singh, C.B.
The present investigation was aimed to study the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors on production and reproduction traits, predicting the first lactation milk yield on the basis of first peak yield, first service period and days attain to first peak yield in different combinations. The records of 308 Sahiwal cows, sired by 38 bulls spread over a period of 32 years (1981-2012), maintained at Instructional Dairy Farm, Nagla of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) and animal maintained under AICRP on cattle Sahiwal under field conditions. The data maintained at Chak Ganjaria farm, Lucknow were also utilized for the study. The effects of non genetic factors of these traits were studied by least square analysis for nonorthogonal data, using by the technique described by Hervey (1990). The least squares means for AFC, FCI, FSP, FLL, FLMY, 305 FLMY, FDP, FPY and DAFPY were found to be 1281.89±15.57 days, 426.70±8.53 days, 140.85±8.90 days, 290.42±5.57 days, 1927.50±36.68 kg, 1965.05±27.30 kg, 136.28±8.78 days, 11.15±0.39 kg and 41.78±2.97 days respectively. The heritability estimates of corresponding traits were observed as 0.45±0.12, 0.25±0.07, 0.25±0.09, 0.25±0.11, 0.25±0.07, 0.37±0.12, 0.44±0.15, 0.16±0.03 and 0.19±0.04 respectively. The traits first peak yield and days attain to first peak yield indicated low genetic base. However, other traits of study were medium heritable traits. Highly significant effect (P<0.01) of sire was observed in all the traits, while season was found to influence the first lactation milk yield and 305 days first lactation milk yield at 5% level of significance. The period of calving significantly influenced age at first calving and first peak yield while FCI, FSP, FLL, FLMY, 305 FLMY, FDP and DAFPY were reported to show non-significant effect of period. The highly significant effect of farm was found on all traits under study at 1% level except first lactation length and days attain to first peak yield traits. Almost all the genetic and phenotypic correlations of different production and reproduction traits with other traits under the study were found in desired direction. On the basis of the regression analysis it could be concluded that the first peak yield in combination with days attain to first peak yield may be used in prediction the FLMY in Sahiwal cattle.
Open Access
Effect of fenugreek and kalonji supplementation on performance of Guinea fowls
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-07) Chandankar, Sonali D.; Palod, Jyoti
A study was conducted on 100, day old guinea fowls (Pearl variety) for a period of 12 weeks to study the effect of fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplementation on the growth performance, dressed yield, meat composition and haemato-biochemical parameters. The experimental guinea fowls were randomly divided into five treatment groups viz. group T1 control, T2 ( 2.0% fenugreek seed powder), T3 (1.0% kalonji seed powder), T4 (2.0% fenugreek +1.0% kalonji seed powder) and T5 (1.0% fenugreek + 0.5% kalonji seed powder), each group with two replications consisting of ten guinea fowls each. The respective fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplementation as per the groups was done for 84 days, excluding the guinea fowls of control group which were given feed without any supplementation. Growth parameters were studied in three different periods viz. Starter (1st-4th week), Grower (5th8th week), Finisher (9th-12th week) and overall period (1st-12th) at two weekly intervals. At the end of feeding trial on 84th day, three guinea fowls from each replicate (6guinea fowls/treatment) were randomly sacrificed for study of carcass yield, yield of cut up parts, organ weights, processing losses and composition of thigh and breast meat. At that time blood was also collected for haemato-biochemical parameters. The results of the trial indicated that inclusion of the fenugreek and kalonji seed powder through diet in guinea fowls increased body weight gain, reduced feed intake improved feed conversion ratio (P≤0.05) with best performance during all the periods was noted in T4 groups. Dressed yield with and without giblet was improved in T4 groups. Cut up parts in terms of thigh and breast weights were improved in fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplemented groups with maximum weight observed in T5 and T4 group of guinea fowls respectively. Crude protein content of thigh and breast muscles were increased in T4 group of guinea fowls while crude fat content of thigh and breast muscles were reduced in most of the fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplemented groups of guinea fowls and minimum observed in T4 group. The blood picture revealed that TEC, Hb, PCV and ESR were improved in T4 group of guinea fowls. Serum glucose was reduced in fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplemented groups and with minimum in T2 group. Whereas serum cholesterol levels were reduced in guinea fowls of all the fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplemented groups with minimum in T2 group. Serum triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol were reduced in fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplemented groups with minimum in T4 group of guinea fowls. Serum HDL-cholesterol was increased in all fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplemented groups with maximum value was observed in T4 group of guinea fowls. Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were improved in all fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplemented groups of guinea fowls with maximum values observed in T4 group of guinea fowls. SGOT and SGPT levels were reduced by fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplementation in guinea fowls. From the results of present study it can be concluded that combination of fenugreek (2%) and kalonji (1%) seed powder through feed may be advised to improve growth performance, dressed yield and production of lean meat. Further research may be carried out using these products in other species of poultry.
Open Access
Effect of modified housing system on performance of Pantja goats
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-07) Thapliyal, Priyanka; Singh, S.K.
Open Access
Study on various goat production systems in tarai region with special reference to Pantja goats
(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-06) Khadda, Balbir Singh; Singh, Brijesh
The present study was conducted in two parts, in first part relevant observations pertaining to goat husbandry practices followed by 645 goat keepers of district Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital were collected by using interview schedule, interview guide and direct observation methods whereas, second part comprised of a study on various performance traits of Pantja goats recorded on the basis of progeny data. The data of both the parts, generated under ICAR sponsored AICRP on goats (Pantja field Unit) located in the department of livestock production management, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand). Results of the study showed that majority (90.39 %) of goat rearers belonged to Hindu religion, 55.97% of respondents lived in nuclear family with 53.64 % having a family size of more than 5 members. Overall literacy rate was 64.96 per cent. Majority of the farmers rearing Pantja goats were from Scheduled castes (43.88%) and 82.95% belonged to the middle age group. Majority of the goat keepers (47.91%) followed animal husbandry as a primary profession and 73.80% were landless peasants and 71.97% households earned a total income of more than Rs.50, 000 per annum. Women’s play role in parturition (73.95%), followed by cleaning of animal shed (61.40%), care of sick animal (56.43%), stall feeding after grazing (54.11%), care of young stock (52.40 %), spraying/ dusting (54.26%) and grazing of animals (47.44%). Majority of goat keepers (59.69%) maintained the flock within a shed near to own residences (79.84%) at night with incomplete boundary wall (43.88%) and 62.79% had kachcha floor in goat sheds and (84.65%) used temporary type of roof. Most of the goat rearers (78.29 %) did not have manger and 65.43% had poor sanitation in the sheds. Majority of goat keepers (65.58%) adopted semi stall feeding system. Grazing was done mostly on community land (95.97%) . The maximum proportion of goat rearers fed 100-200g concentrate/goat/ day. Majority of goat keepers (89.15%) did not provide mineral mixture. Majority of goat keepers (94.42%) practised heat detection. Pregnancy diagnosis was followed by 90.70% of the goat keepers by own judgment (92.825). Majority of goat rearers practiced deworming (70.39%), vaccination (55.81%) and control of ecto-parasites (61.24%). Majority of goat keepers (67.91%) were not aware of the care of navel cord of new born kids and 52.25% were not following the practice of castration of the male kids. Most of the goat rearers (92.71%) sold the female goats at own home through middle men (68.22%) based on physical appearance (46.82%) round the year for cash needs (68.84%). The study revealed that 87.59% investment was made on cost of goats and the overall variable cost contributed 77.89% to the gross cost. The net income over gross cost per household was observed to be Rs. 7267.89, 18133.40, 31243.90 and 56028.00 in small, medium, semi-large and large flocks, respectively. The overall least-squares mean for body weight at birth and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were found to be 1.89±0.02, 9.49±0.20, 13.09±0.18, 16.38±0.19 and 18.84±0.22 kg, respectively. The overall least squares means were measured at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months age for the morphometric traits viz. body height (28.55±0.11, 47.26±0.26, 52.23±0.32, 57.33±0.38 and 60.21±0.27 cm.), body length (26.90±0.13, 44.08±0.25, 48.05±0.15, 51.66±0.25 and 54.70±0.25 cm.), chest girth (29.11±0.15, 49.02±0.23, 53.45±0.32, 57.76±0.26 and 61.06±0.19 cm.), paunch girth (30.55±0.15, 51.83±0.29, 56.34±0.25, 60.81±0.33 and 62.98±0.25 cm.), ear length (9.55±0.09, 15.16±0.06, 16.28±0.06, 16.88±0.27 and 17.66±0.07 cm.) and ear width (4.57±0.06, 6.09±0.10, 6.72±0.08, 7.18±0.08 and 7.83±0.07 cm.). The overall least squares mean for horn length at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 2.12±0.07, 4.32±0.15, 5.93±0.18 and 6.46±0.18 cm, respectively. The overall least squares means for absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, instantaneous relative growth rate and Kleiber ratio were found to be 84.21±2.07, 39.93±0.77, 35.77±0.77 and 28.16±1.56g/ day; 3.98±0.08, 0.37±0.02, 0.24±0.01 and 0.16±0.01 kg/ kg; 1.75±0.02, 0.35±0.01, 0.24±0.01 and 0.17±0.01 per cent/ day and 15.29±0.16, 5.50±0.15, 4.24±0.09 and 3.53±0.37g between 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months of age respectively. Based on results of present study it was concluded that the goat keepers of the region were not fully aware about improved goat husbandry practices. Pantja breed of goat has an immense production potential. The maximum potential has not been realized due to subsistence type of production system adopted by the goat keepers. It can be achieved by following improved husbandry practices, which will not only improve the productive and reproductive performance of the goats but also improve the socio-economic conditions of the goat rearers.

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