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ThesisItem Open Access Genomic variation in production linked candidate gene and its association with performance & egg quality traits and kinetics of antibody response to vaccines in Uttara & Kadaknath native chickens(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 2022-10) Singh, Manoj Kumar; Sharma, R.K.The present study was conducted to evaluate the growth, egg production, egg quality traits and kinetics of antibody response to NDV and IBDV vaccines of Uttara and Kadaknath chicken, their genotyping with respect to egg production associated gene ie. MTNRIC, to associate candidate gene polymorphism with production traits and to associate level of expression of candidate with egg production trait in Uttara and Kadaknath chicken. The data on body weights from day old to 40 weeks at four weeks interval, ASM, BW20, BW 32, BW40, EW32, BW40, EW40, EP32 and EP40 were recorded on 300 from two hatches pedigreed birds maintained at IPF, Nagla, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Data were analysed by LS ANOVA using mixed model, wherein sire was taken as random effect and hatch as fixed effect. The estimated least square means of CW, BW4, BW8,BW12,BW16 and BW20 were 36.99±0.14, 175.43±0.19, 460.46±0.18, 806.58±0.28, 1139.05±0.72 and 1334.31±6.70 g respectively.Sire had significant effect (P≤0.05) on CW, BW12 and highly significant effect (P≤0.01) on BW20. Hatch had significant effect (P≤0.05) on CW. Effect of sex of the bird was found be highly significant (P≤0.01) from CW up to 20-week.Heritability estimates were 0.18±0.14, 0.42±0.11, 0.01±0.10, 0.12±0.13, 0.05±0.11 and 0.68±0.25 respectively. Genetic correlation of BWwere ranged from -0.96±1.01 to 0.57±0.63 and phenotypic correlations were ranged from 0.16 to 0.96.In Uttara birds, the least squares means (LS-means) of ASM, BW20, BW32, BW40, EW32, EW40, EP32 and EP40 were 172.45 ± 0.30 days, 1313.73 ± 0.55, 1570.74 ± 0.57, 1588.77 ± 0.62, 50.95 ± 0.19, 54.89 ± 0.11, 52.06 ± 0.22 and 74.23 ± 0.19 g respectively. Sire had significant effect (P≤0.05) on ASM, BW32 (P≤0.01) and BW40 (P≤0.01). Hatch had significant effect (P≤0.01) on BW32, BW40 and EP40 (P≤0.05). Heritability estimates were 0.26 ± 0.21, 0.13 ± 0.18, 0.52 ± 0.27, 0.45 ± 0.25, Not Estimate, 0.18 ± 0.19, 0.12 ± 0.18 and 0.08 ± 0.17 respectively. BW20, BW-40, ASM, EW40 showed high heritability while EP40 showed medium heritability. In Kadaknath native chicken the estimated least square means of CW, BW4, BW8, BW12, BW16 and BW20 were 27.96±0.18, 177.84±1.23, 371.55±1.54, 593.34±2.04, 809.30±3.36 and 1281.09±1.14 g respectively.Sire had significant effect (P≤0.05) on CW and BW20.The least squares mean (LS-means) of ASM, BW20, BW32, BW40, EW32, EW40, EP32 and EP40 were 187.63±0.49 days, 1272.76±1.24 g, 1459.74±1.07 g, 1544.90±1.50 g, 42.11±0.20 g, 48.35±0.30 g, 31.51±0.26 eggs and 47.56±0.28 eggs, respectively. Sire had a non-significant effect on all the economic traits except BW20.Hatch was also found to have a nonsignificant effect on all the concerned traits. The heritability estimates of BW20, BW40, ASM, EW28 and EP40 were 0.81 0.39, 0.79 0.34, 0.24 ± 0.11, 0.66 0.24 and 0.31 ± 0.12, respectively. The heritability estimates of BW20, BW40, EW28 were high while ASM and EP40 had medium heritability. The heritability of EW40 could not be estimated.In Uttara and Kadaknaththe genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were positive and ranged from 0.83 ± 0.43 to 0.01 ± 0.18 and 0.16 to 0.96 in Uttara and 0.86 ± 0.12 to 0.07 ± 0.64 and 0.06 to 0.90 in Uttara and Kadaknath respectively, both with moderate to higher magnitudes for most of the traits. High genetic correlation was reported between adjacent body weights as compared to distant body weights. In Uttara birds, the least squares means (LS-means) of external egg quality traits via., EW32, EL, EWd, SI, SA, EV, SG and ESP were 50.95±0.19 g, 55.20±0.23 mm,, 40.65±0.23 mm, 72.70±0.28 %, 71.71±0.54 cm2, 47.68±0.19 cm3, 1.07±0.00 and 10.54±0.13 %, respectively. The least square mean ± standard errors of internal egg quality traits in Uttara native chicken were AWt ,YWt, AH, YH, AWd, YWd, EST, ESW, AI, YI, HU, ApH and Yp H were 29.00±0.16 g, 16.37±0.10 g, 6.01±0.03 mm, 16.18±0.10 mm, 69.79±0.19 mm, 38.80±0.09 mm, 0.39±0.001 mm, 5.48±0.05 g, 8.63±0.04 %, 39.40±0.32 %, 80.04±0.17 %, 8.58±0.04 and 6.43±0.01, respectively. In Kadaknath birds, the least squares means (LS-means) of external egg quality traits via., EW32, EL, EWd , SI, SA, EV, SG and ESP were 42.11±0.20 g, 45.1±0.01 mm, 33.07±0.01 mm, 76.39 ± 0.57 %, 74.71±0.34 cm2, 43.58±0.22 cm3,1.10 ± 0.00 and 10.15±0.05 %, respectively. The least square mean ± standard errors of internal egg quality traits in Uttara native chicken were AWt , YWt AH, YH, AWd, YWd, EST, ESW, AI, YI, HU, ApH and Yp H were 26.29 ± 0.49 g, 12.49 ± 0.09 g, 5.05±0.003 mm, 15.01±0.04 mm, 70.026±0.01 mm, 42.21±0.037 mm, 0.33±0.003 mm, 4.34 ± 0.04 g, 7.21 ± 0.02 %, 36.7 ± 0.08 %, 74.99 ± 0.69 %, 9.26±0.12 and 6.22±0.03, respectively. In the studied population of Uttara and Kadaknath, MTNRIC candidate genes was of polymorphic nature. MTNRIC Mbo/RFLP studies in Uttara birds revealed two alleles A and B with allelic frequencies of 0.79 and 0.21, respectively. The allelic frequencies were 0.59 and 0.41, respectively in Kadaknath birds. The association of egg-production linked MTNRIC candidate gene with egg production traits in Uttara and Kadaknath, the resultant genotypes had significant effect on ASM and EP40 (P<0.05) in case of Uttara native chicken. The birds genotyped as AA achieved ASM at the earliest and laid maximum eggs up to 32 weeks and 40 weeks. The ASM of birds genotyped as AA, BB and AB were 166.32±0.21, 172.54±0.11 and 176.23±0.09 days, respectively. The EP40 of AA and BB genotyped birds were significantly different from that of AB genotyped birds. In Kadaknath birds, the effect of MTNRIC genotype was significant on BW20 (P<0.05) and EP40 (P≤0.15). The highest BW20 was observed in birds with AA genotype as which was statistically similar to h t i w d e t a i c o s s a e b o t d n u o f o s l a s a w e p y t o n e g A A . e p y t o n e g B A h t i w s d r i b f o t a h t m o r f t n e r e f f i d t u b e p y t o n e g B B f o t a hth ighest egg production at EP32 and EP40. The estimated mean antibody titres (log2) against NDV and IBDV vaccine were estimated on 7 dpi (8.10±0.22), 14 dpi (7.89±0.18) and 21 dpi (7.92±0.16) for NDV and 28 dpi (8.29±0.14), 35 dpi (8.40±0.16) and 42 dpi (8.94±0.19) for IBDV respectivelyThesisItem Open Access Effect of supplementation of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils on the performance of Japanese quails(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2022-12) Kharvi, Shraddha; Sharma, R.K.The present trial was carried out to discern the effect of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oil supplementation on the performance parameters, nutrient utilization, haemato-biochemical and health status related parameters, carcass traits, meat composition and economics of Japanese quails. A total of a total of 180, six days old Japanese quails individually were weighed and randomly divided into five treatments which consisted of three replicates having 12 birds each. The experimental treatment groups were: T0 control (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 0.2% of peppermint essential oil), T2 (basal diet + 0.2% of eucalyptus essential oil), T3 (basal diet + 0.1% of peppermint essential oil + 0.1% of eucalyptus essential oil) and T4 (basal diet + 0.05% of peppermint essential oil + 0.05% of eucalyptus essential oil). Growth parameters were studied at weekly intervals as well as during different periods viz. Starter (I-II week), Finisher (III-V week) and Overall period (I-V week). A metabolic trial of 7 days duration was conducted after feeding trial i.e., from day 35th – 42nd to determine the impact of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils supplementation on nutrient utilization. At the end of feeding trial on 35th day, two Japanese quails from each replicate (six Japanese quails/treatment) were randomly selected and slaughtered to study carcass yield, cut up parts yield, organ weights and processing losses. At the same time representative blood and meat samples (thigh and breast) were also collected for study of haemato- biochemical parameters and meat composition. Results of experiment indicated that inclusion of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils significantly (P<0.05) reduced feed intake, increased body weight gain, improved feed conversion ratio and performance index, with best performance during all the periods was found in T3 group. The nutrient utilization in terms of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and organic matter were improved with peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils supplementation in Japanese quails with maximum nutrient utilization was observed in T3 group of Japanese quails. The blood profile revealed that TEC, Hb and PCV were improved in all the essential oil supplemented groups of Japanese quails and MCV showed reduction in essential oils supplemented groups. Serum glucose was reduced in peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils supplemented groups except T4, whereas serum total cholesterol levels and serum triglycerides were significantly reduced in Japanese quails of all supplemented groups, except T4 group. Serum LDL cholesterol levels were reduced in Japanese quails of all supplemented groups. Serum HDL-cholesterol was increased in all peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils supplemented groups with maximum value observed in T4 group of Japanese quails. Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were improved in all peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils supplemented groups of Japanese quails. Serum uric acid, serum creatinine, serum bilirubin levels, SGPT and SGOT were significantly reduced by peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils supplementation in Japanese quails. The essential oil improved dressed yield without and with giblets. Cut up parts in terms of thighs, breast and drumsticks and neck weights were significantly (P<0.05) improved in peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils supplemented groups with maximum thigh, neck and breast weight observed in T3, while highest drumstick weight was noted in T2 group of Japanese quails. Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils improved weight of liver. Processing losses were not affected due to essential oil supplementation. Crude protein and crude fat content in thigh and breast meat was increased in all essential oil supplemented groups except T4. However, moisture and total ash content of thigh and breast muscles were not affected. Combination of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils supplementation reduced the feed cost per kg weight gain significantly (P<0.05) with minimum feed cost per kg weight gain was noted in Japanese quails of group supplemented with 0.1% peppermint and 0.1% eucalyptus essential oils in combination. From the results of present investigation, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils in combination at 0.1% and 0.1% concentrations each may be advised to improve growth performance, nutrient utilization, haemato-biochemical and health status related parameters, carcass traits, meat composition and production economics of Japanese quails. Further research may be carried out using these and other essential oils in laying Japanese quails and other species of poultry.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) bark powder supplementation on production and haematobiochemical parameters in Uttara layers(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2022-08) Nayal, Kalicharan; Anil KumarIn the present investigation, a feeding trial of 12 weeks of duration was conducted on 96 Uttara layers of 20 week age to study the effect of dietary supplementation of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) bark powder on the production performance, egg quality parameters, egg composition, haemato-biochemical parameters, humoral immune response and economics of egg production. The laying hens were randomly divided in to four treatment groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) four replicates of 6 birds each. The different groups were supplemented with Arjun bark powder at 0, 1g, 2g, 4g/100gm respectively to standard feed. Egg production, Egg quality parameters and Egg composition were studied in different Phase Ⅰ (26th week of age), Phase Ⅱ(32nd week of age) and overall period. At the end of Phase Ⅰ and Phase Ⅱ blood was collected for haematobiochemical parameter analysis. The results of the present trial indicate that dietary inclusion of Arjun bark powder increase egg production, Egg weight and improve Feed conversion ratio significantly (P≤0.05) in T2 group. The shell thickness increases significantly however no significant difference observed in other egg quality traits. The blood picture revealed that Hb, PCV, TEC and TLC values in Arjun bark supplemented groups are significantly improved. No significant difference was observed in egg composition parameters. Serum glucose, cholesterol, LDL, SGOT and SGPT values in Arjun bark supplemented groups decreases significantly and HDL value increases significantly however no significant difference observed in other biochemical parameters. The average serum immunoglobulin concentration increases significantly in Arjun bark supplemented group. The average feed cost per dozen egg (Rs) decreases significantly in Arjun bark supplemented group. From the results of present study it can be concluded that Arjun bark can be used as herbal feed additive/ phytobiotc in poultry diet for higher production and enhanced immunity by incorporating 2 percent of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) bark powder in the basal diet of Uttara chicken.ThesisItem Open Access A study on socio-economic profile of poultry farmers in Bazpur tehsil of Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2022-06) Eqra, Saman; Shive, KumarThe survey study was conducted in Bazpur tehsil of Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand. A total of 112 poultry farmers were randomly selected for socio-economic profile traits in Bazpur tehsil out of which cost and returns were estimated for 102 broiler farmers on the basis of flock size and education level of the farmers. The socio-economic profile traits included were age, gender, flock size, main occupation, family size, family status, education level, food habit, meat consumption, egg consumption, training, social taboos, farming experience, poultry area, religion and source of information of the poultry farmers. Majority (46.43per cent) of the poultry farmers in the study area were in the age group B i.e. 31 to 45 years. The total number of male poultry farmers was found to be 74 out of 112 (66 per cent). The highest number (46.43 per cent) of the responded farmers in study area had large flock size (>3000 birds). In the present study, 59 respondents (52.68 per cent) out of 112 interviewed had poultry farming as their primary occupation. Most (44.64 per cent) of the poultry farmers in the study area were educated upto junior level.The highest number of poultry farmers (49.11 per cent) had large size families (>8 members) and belonged to joint family (62.5 per cent). The 34.82 per cent of the respondents consumed egg 1 to 10 times and similar percentage i.e., 34.82 per cent who consumed 11 to 20 times. The 38.39 per cent of the poultry farmers consumed meat 1 to 5 times in a month. For majority of the poultry farmers (59.82 per cent), relatives were the source of information for the adoption of poultry farming Lowest value of total cost was found for large sized farmers and graduate and above farmers. Highest net returns were obtained for small sized and up to junior level educated farmers as their total returns were maximum. There was highly significant association between meat consumption and education level of farmers. The present data indicates that majority of the junior level educated farmers had neighbours as their source of information. Graduated and above farmers had friends/relatives as their source of information regarding poultry farming. Problems faced by the poultry farmers were lack of quality chicks, price and availability of feed resources, inefficient marketing system etc. It may be concluded from the present study, that highest net returns were observed for small sized farmers. This may be due to the reason that they sold chicken in the local market or individual customers at higher price. Net returns was also highest for junior level educated farmers as they were mostly small flock sized farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of dietary supplementation of thyme and turmeric essential oils on performance of Japanese quails(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2022-06) Ranwa, Suman; Palod, JyotiThis experiment was designed to determine the effect of thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, haemato-biochemical and health status related parameters, carcass traits, meat composition and economics of Japanese quails. A total of 180, six-day-old Japanese quails were used and randomly allocated into 5 different treatment groups denoted as T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4. Each treatment group with 36 Japanese quails and each treatment further divided into three replicates of 12 quail chicks each. Different experimental groups of Japanese quails were; T0 control (no essential oil), T1 (0.2% thyme essential oil), T2 (0.3% turmeric essential oil), T3 (0.125% thyme + 0.075% turmeric essential oils) and T4 (0.075% thyme + 0.125% turmeric essential oils). Growth parameters were studied at weekly intervals as well as during different periods viz. Starter (I-II week), Finisher (III-V week) and Overall period (I-V week). A metabolic trial of 7 days duration was conducted after feeding trial i.e., on day 35th – 42nd to evaluate the impact of thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation on nutrient utilization. At the end of feeding trial on 35th day, two Japanese quails from each replicate (six Japanese quails/treatment) were randomly selected and slaughtered to study carcass yield, cut up parts yield, organ weights and processing losses. At the same time representative blood samples and meat samples (thigh and breast) were also collected for study of haematobiochemical parameters and meat composition. Results of experiment indicated that inclusion of thyme and turmeric essential oils significantly (P<0.05) reduced feed intake, increased body weight gain, improved feed conversion ratio and performance index, with best performance during all the periods was found in T4 group. The nutrient utilization in terms of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and organic matter were improved with thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation in Japanese quails with maximum nutrient utilization was observed in T4 group of Japanese quails. The blood picture revealed that TEC, Hb and PCV were improved in T4 group of Japanese quails and MCV and MCH showed significant reduction in essential oils supplemented groups except T1 group. Serum glucose was reduced in thyme and turmeric essential oils supplemented groups with minimum in T4 group. Whereas serum total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in Japanese quails of all supplemented groups, except T1 with minimum in T4 group. Serum triglycerides were reduced in thyme and turmeric essential oils supplemented groups with minimum in T3 group of Japanese quails. Serum LDL cholesterol levels were reduced in Japanese quails of all supplemented groups. Serum HDL-cholesterol was increased in all thyme and turmeric essential oils supplemented groups with maximum value observed in T4 group of Japanese quails. Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were improved in all thyme and turmeric essential oils supplemented groups of Japanese quails with maximum values observed in T4 group of Japanese quails. Serum uric acid, serum creatinine and total bilirubin levels were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation in Japanese quails. While SGOT and SGPT levels were minimum in T3 group of Japanese quails. Thyme (0.075%) and turmeric (0.125%) essential oils supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved dressed yield without and with giblets. Cut up parts in terms of thighs, breast and drumsticks weights were significantly (P<0.05) improved in thyme and turmeric essential oils supplemented groups with maximum thigh and breast weight observed in T3 and T4 group, while highest drumstick weight was noted in T4 group of Japanese quails. Thyme and turmeric essential oils improved weights of heart, liver, gizzard and giblets. Processing losses were not significantly affected by thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation in any treatment group. Best results regarding crude protein and crude fat content in thigh and breast meat was observed in T2 and T4 group. However, moisture and total ash content of thigh and breast muscles were not affected. Combination of thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation reduced the feed cost per kg weight gain significantly (P<0.05) with minimum feed cost per kg weight gain was noted in Japanese quails of group supplemented with 0.075% thyme and 0.125% turmeric essential oils in combination. From the results of present investigation, it can be concluded that dietary thyme and turmeric essential oils supplementation in combination at 0.075% and 0.125% concentrations, respectively each may be advised to improve growth performance, nutrient utilization, haemato-biochemical parameters, carcass traits, meat composition along with economical Japanese quail production. Further research may be carried out using these and other essential oils in laying Japanese quails and other species of poultry.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic studies on reproduction and production traits of Uttara breed of chicken and its crosses(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-08) Chandankar, Sonali D.; Shive KumarThe data for the present study were obtained from 1711 progenies of 288 dams and 48 sires from 12 hatches maintained at Instructional Poultry Farm (I.P.F) of University. A total eight genetic groups viz. Cross 1 (Uttara × White Cornish), cross 2 (White Cornish × Uttara), cross 3 (Uttara × Uttara), cross 4 (White Cornish × White Cornish), cross 5 (Uttara × Kadaknath), cross 6 (Kadaknath × Uttara), cross 7 (Uttara × White Leghorn) and cross 8 (White Leghorn × Uttara) were developed for the present experiment. The aim of the experiment was to study growth traits, production traits, conformation traits, carcass traits, proximate analysis of meat samples, egg quality traits, haemato-biochemical traits, heritability estimates, genetic and phenotypic correlations of different crosses. The data were recorded on males of body weights from day old to 22 weeks at 2 weeks interval. The average of 22 weeks body weight in C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 and C8 crosses were 1360.89 ± 5.59, 1292.65 ± 5.68, 1290.33 ± 5.75, 1289.24 ± 5.81, 1252.69 ± 9.79, 1241.15 ± 6.36, 1272.46 ± 11.39 and 1277.98 ± 8.24 gm and corresponding values in females were 1299.14 ± 3.21, 1232.81 ± 4.58, 1235.18 ± 12.50, 1229.28 ± 6.55, 1189.94±12.51, 1169.82 ± 9.26, 1225.60 ± 8.70 and 1216.41 ± 7.72 gm respectively. The higher body weights were observed in cross 1 for males and females than other crosses. The lower age at first egg found in cross 1 and higher egg production found in cross 7 and 8 than the other crosses. The egg weight at 35 weeks of age was found higher in cross 7 than the other crosses. The higher values of conformation traits for males and females found in cross 1 than other crosses. Cross 1 had the highest percentage in most of the carcass traits which is considered as desirable traits followed by other crosses. The proximate analysis of meat in present study indicates that cross 1 had highest crude protein and lower fat per cent in thigh muscle. The egg albumen width was significantly lower in cross 5 and 6. The albumen height, albumen weight and yolk width were significantly higher in cross 7 than other crosses. The egg yolk height was found significantly higher in cross 5 and 6 and egg yolk weight was significantly higher in cross 8 and lower in cross 5 and 6 in present findings. Lower blood glucose and total cholesterol levels found in cross 5 and 6. Low triglyceride levels and LDL values were found in cross 5, 6, 7 and 8 in comparison to other crosses. Higher protein and globulin values were observed in cross 1, whereas, lower albumin values were found in cross 1 and 2 than other crosses. Higher hemoglobin values were found in cross 5 and lower packed cell volume was observed in cross 1 in comparison to other crosses.Body weight and conformations traits viz. shank length, keel length and breast angle (8 and 20 weeks of age) had medium to high heritability estimates for males and females in different crosses.The age at first egg and egg number had low to high heritable estimates. Heritability estimates were medium to high for egg weight at 35 weeks of age in different crosses and ranged from 0.21 ±0.11 to 0.41 ±0.37. At genetic and phenotypic level there existed low to high positive correlation among the body weights in males for all crosses. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weights in females were highly positive in cross 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8, except day old body weight with all body weights at phenotypic level were low to medium positive. There existed negative low to high association at genetic and low at phenotypic level between age at first egg and egg number in all crosses. The correlation between body weights and conformation traits were positive in all crosses for male and female at genetic and phenotypic levels except negative association in some conformation traits. The correlation between body weights and age at first egg were negative in magnitude at genetic and phenotypic level. The correlation between body weights and egg number were negative in cross C1 and C7 at genetic and phenotypic levels. The cross of Uttara with White Cornish was found better for growth performance and carcass traits than other crosses, it may be considered as meat purpose breed. Cross of Uttara with White Leghorn having higher egg production and better egg quality traits than other crosses can be suggested for egg purpose breed.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of dietary supplementation of lemongrass and peppermint essential oils on the performance of Japanese quail(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-08) Srivastava, Siddhartha; Palod, JyotiAn experiment was conducted on 150, six-day-old Japanese quails for a period of 5 weeks, to study the impact of lemon grass and peppermint essential oils supplementation on the growth performance, haematological, certain serum biochemical and health status related parameters, carcass traits and economics of Japanese quails. Experimental Japanese quail chicks were randomly allocated into 5 different treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) with three replicates of 10 Japanese quail chicks each. Different treatment groups were supplemented with essential oils T0 control (no essential oil), T1(0.1% lemongrass essential oil), T2(0.1% peppermint essential oil), T3(0.05% lemongrass + 0.05% peppermint essential oils) and T4(0.1% lemongrass + 0.1% peppermint essential oils).Growth parameters were studied at weekly intervals as well as for different periods viz. Starter (I-II week), Finisher (III-V week) and Overall period (I-V week). At the end of feeding trial on 35th day, two Japanese quails from each replicate (6 Japanese quails /treatment) were randomly sacrificed for study of carcass yield, yield of cut up parts, organ weights and processing losses. At that time representative blood samples were also collected for haemato-biochemical parameters. Results of experiment indicated that inclusion of lemon grass and peppermint essential oils increased body weight gain, reduced feed intake, improved feed conversion ratio, performance index, protein efficiency ratio and production efficiency factor, with best performance during all the periods was noted in T3 group. The blood picture revealed that TEC, Hb and PCV were improved in T3group of Japanese quails while TLC increased in T2 group over control and MCV and MCH showed significant reduction in T3 group. Serum glucose was reduced in lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplemented groups with minimum in T2 group. Whereas serum total cholesterol levels were reduced in Japanese quails of all supplemented groups, except T2 with minimum in T3group. Serum triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol were reduced in lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplemented groups with minimum in T4and T3 group of Japanese quails, respectively. Serum HDL-cholesterol was increased in all lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplemented groups with maximum value was observed in T3 group of Japanese quails. Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were improved in all lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplemented groups of Japanese quails with maximum values observed in T3 group of Japanese quails. Serum uric acid, serum creatinine, total bilirubin and SGPT levels were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplementation in Japanese quails. Lemongrass and peppermint essential oils at 0.05% each in combination significantly (P<0.05) improved dressed yield with and without giblets.Cut up parts in terms of thigh, breast, drumsticks and wing weights were significantly (P<0.05) improved in lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplemented groups with maximum weight observed in T3group of Japanese quails. Lemongrass and peppermint essential oils improved weights of heart, gizzard and giblets. Liver weight and processing losses were not significantly affected by lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplementation in any treatment group. Lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplementation reduced the feed cost per kg weight gain significantly (P<0.01) except T4 group. Minimum feed cost per kg weight gain was noted in Japanese quails of group supplemented with 0.05% each of lemongrass and peppermint essential oils in combination. From the results of present investigation, it can be concluded that dietary lemongrass and peppermint essential oils supplementation at 0.05% each may be advised to improve growth performance, haemato-biochemical parameters, dressed yield and yield of cut-up arts along with economical Japanese quails production. Further research may be carried out using these and other essential oils in laying Japanese quails and other species of poultry.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative study of economic traits in pearl and lavender varieties of Guinea fowl(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-06) Verma, Rajat; Singh, BrijeshIn the present experiment, there were two groups constituted of Pearl and Lavender varieties of guinea fowl. A total of 300 day-old keets 150 from Pearl and 150 from Lavender variety of guinea fowl were used. The aim of the experiment was to study comparative egg weight, fertility, hatchability, growth performance, carcass traits, hematological and biochemical parameters in Pearl and Lavender varieties of guinea fowl. For the study of growth performance, body weight and feed uptake were recorded at 2 weekly intervals throughout the experimental period. Growth parameters were studied in three different periods viz. Starter (1st-4th week), Grower (5th-8th week), Finisher (9th-12th week) and overall period (1st-12th) at two weekly intervals. At the end of 84th day, six birds from each group were randomly sacrificed for study of carcass yield, yield of cut up parts, organ weights and processing losses. At that time blood was also collected for haemato-biochemical parameters. The results of experiment indicated that the average egg weights were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Pearl as compared to Lavender variety of guinea fowl. The fertility and hatchability were higher in Pearl than Lavender variety of guinea fowl. Pearl had significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gains than Lavender during all the periods. Pearl had significantly (P<0.05) lesser feed intake than Lavender variety of guinea fowl. Pearl had significantly (P<0.05) better Feed conversion ratio than Lavender during all the periods. The mean of dressing percentage with and without giblet were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Pearl than Lavender variety. The cut up parts in terms of thigh, breast and drumstick weight were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Pearl than the Lavender group. The organ weights in terms of gizzard weights were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Pearl than the Lavender group. The blood picture revealed that the mean value of Hb was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Pearl than the Lavender variety. The mean values of total protein and globulin were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the Pearl than the Lavender variety whereas albumin was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the Lavender than the Pearl variety. From the results of present investigation it can be concluded that Pearl has better performance than Lavender variety of guinea fowl.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of various feed supplements on the performance of broiler chickens(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-01) Chauhan, Shailendra Singh; Sharma, R.K.A feeding trial was conducted to study the effects of various feed supplementson the body weight gain, feed intake, FCR, nutrient utilization, carcass traits, meat characteristics, sensory characteristics, intestinal morphology, haematological parameters, differential leucocyte count, serum biochemical parameters, serum mineral profile, kidney function test, serum protein profile,serum immunomodulatory parameters, faecal pathogens, NPK contents in poultry litterand economics of broilers. For this purpose, a total number of 396 day old broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly allocated into eleven groups with three replicates of 12 chicks each. The first treatment group (T0) served as control while in other treatments different supplements were added. The results of the trial indicated that dietary inclusion of organic mineral mixtures, probiotics, enzymes, emulsifier and liver stimulants in broilers showed significantly higher amount of body weight gains and reduction in FCR & feed intake. The broilers of feed supplementedgroups retained maximum amount of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, calcium and phosphorus as compared to the control group.The dressed & cut up yields and organ weights were significantly increased in feed supplemented groups. The processing losses were significantly decreased whereas crude protein content in breast and thigh meat was significantly higher in supplemented groups. Supplementation in broilers had favourable impact on appearance, flavour, juiciness, texture and overall acceptability of meat. There was a significant increase in the length of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, small intestine, villus height and villus height: crypt depth ratio in broilers of supplemented groups. Significant increase in RBC, Hb, PCV, TLC and DLC was observed in supplemented groups.There was a significant decrease in serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol and triglyceride levels while significant increase in HDL- cholesterol was seen. There was a significant increase in serum Ca and P while non significant effect on sodium and potassium in feed supplemented groups was observed. There was a significant decrease in urea, uric acid and creatinine in feed supplemented groups. There was a significant increase in total protein, albumin and globulin in feed supplemented groups. There was a significant increase in serum IgG while significant decrease in cortisol level in feed supplemented groups. Faecal pathogens (E. coli and Salmonella enteridis) were absent in all the groups. There was a significant increase in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in poultry litter in feed supplemented groups. There was a decrease in the feed cost and increase in the net profit over feed cost in feed supplemented groups. Thus, it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of basal diet with probiotics + enzymes (Brozyme - XPR) + emulsifier (Lipigon) + liver stimulant I (Superliv premix) @ 0.5 g/kg feed is beneficial and cost effective for poultry farmers. There is no advantage of resorting to 3% energy deprivation in birds as liver stimulants were unabe to compensate it economically.