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Anand Agricultural University, Anand
Anand Agricultural University (AAU) was established in 2004 at Anand with the support of the Government of Gujarat, Act No.(Guj 5 of 2004) dated April 29, 2004. Caved out of the erstwhile Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU), the dream institution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. K. M. Munshi, the AAU was set up to provide support to the farming community in three facets namely education, research and extension activities in Agriculture, Horticulture Engineering, product Processing and Home Science. At present there seven Colleges, seventeen Research Centers and six Extension Education Institute working in nine districts of Gujarat namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Dahod, Kheda, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Mahisagar, Botad and Chhotaudepur
AAU's activities have expanded to span newer commodity sectors such as soil health card, bio-diesel, medicinal plants apart from the mandatory ones like rice, maize, tobacco, vegetable crops, fruit crops, forage crops, animal breeding, nutrition and dairy products etc. the core of AAU's operating philosophy however, continues to create the partnership between the rural people and committed academic as the basic for sustainable rural development. In pursuing its various programmes AAU's overall mission is to promote sustainable growth and economic independence in rural society. AAU aims to do this through education, research and extension education. Thus, AAU works towards the empowerment of the farmers.
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ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTING BYPASS FAT DURING EARLY LACTATION ON MILK PRODUCTION IN BUFFALOES(AAU, Anand, 2009) BHORANIYA, V. P.; Parnerkar, SubhashTwelve Mehsani buffaloes in their 2nd and 3rd lactation were selected to conduct on-farm trial at the Chikhodra village of Anand district for 120 days. The animals were selected on the basis of their average daily milk yield, fat % and body weight. The experiment was initiated on 15th day of lactation. The experimental animals were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments i.e. T1 (Control) and T2 (Bypass Fat) of six animals in each group, following Completely Randomized Design. All the experimental buffaloes were individually offered a basal diet of home- made concentrate mixture and wheat straw and paddy straw ad lib to meet their protein and energy needs for maintenance and for milk production as per NRC (2001). The commercial bypass fat supplement, Megalac, manufactured by M/s. Vetcare India Ltd., Bangalore, was provided to buffaloes in T2 group @ 200g/head/day. The experimental buffaloes produced on an average 9.52 ± 0.47 and 9.97 ± 0.34 kg whole milk/head/day, under T1 and T2 groups, respectively. The treatment groups differed significantly (P<0.05) from each other. The milk fat of experimental buffaloes in T1 and T2 groups was 6.39 ± 0.19 and 7.14 ± 0.19 %, respectively. The treatment groups differed (P<0.05) from each other. The TS and SNF % of milk was 15.82 ± 0.35, and 16.30 ± 0.27 and 9.43±0.19 and 9.15±0.13, respectively in T1 and T2 groups, which was statistically similar in both the groups. The daily yield of 6% FCM was 12.21±0.70 and 13.94±0.55 kg in T1 and T2 groups, which was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 as compared to T1 group. The dietary treatments were found statistically similar with respect to the digestibility coefficient (%) of OM, CP, CF and NFE. However, DM and EE digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in T2 as compared to T1 group. The CP and TDN content of composite diets in T1 and T2 groups was 10.22 ± 0.03 and 10.05 ± 0.01 and 56.57 ± 1.77, and 59.48 ± 0.76 %, respectively. The average daily CP and TDN intake as per cent of requirement (NRC, 2001) of experimental buffaloes were satisfactory during digestion trial conducted at the end of experiment. The FCE of buffaloes in T1 and T2 groups in terms of DMI (kg/kg milk) was 1.61 ± 0.04 and 1.50 ± 0.02 and in terms of CPI (g/kg milk) was 164.48+ 3.86 and 151.15± 2.26 in T1 and T2 groups, respectively, which was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 group. However, FCE in terms of TDNI (kg/kg milk) was did not differ statistically. The treatment groups T1 and T2 significantly differ (P<0.05) from each other with respect to the conversion efficiency of DM (1.55± 0.06, and 1.34 ± 0.05 kg), CP (158.16± 4.00, and 134.78± 2.91 g) and TDN (0.87 ± 0.02, and 0.80 ± 0.03 kg) into one kg 6% FCM. The service period of buffaloes was 118.33 ± 5.39 and 77.75 ± 7.09 days in Tj and T2 groups, respectively. The service period was lower by 40.58 days in T2 as compared to T1 group. The daily feed cost (Rs. /head) in T1 and T2 was 87.63 ± 3.17 and 95.34 ±1.87, respectively and was statistically higher (P<0.05) in T2 than T1 group. The data on daily realizable receipt from sale of milk (Rs/head) was 168.51 ± 12.6 and 197.04 ± 11.29 in T1 and T2 groups, respectively and the treatment groups differed (P<0.05) from each other. Accordingly, the daily return over feed cost (Rs./head) was 80.88 ± 7.27 and 101.71±6.50 in T1 and T2 groups, respectively. The same was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 as compared to T1 group. The improved reproductive performance on account of supplementation of bypass fat was exhibited in reduced service period in T2 (77.75 ± 7.09 days) as compared to T1 (118.33 + 5.39 days) The saving in feed cost (Rs./head) due to reduced service period (40.58 days) worked out as Rs. 3556.03 in T2 over that in control group. The net difference due to ROFC and due to improved service period put together worked out as Rs. 6055.21 in T2 group over control during experimental period of 120 days. These data indicate the importance of feeding bypass fat results in improvement in fat, total solids % (TS), yield of fat and 6% FCM, reproduction and net return from buffaloes during their early lactation.ThesisItem Open Access UTILIZATION OF MAHUVA (MADHUCA INDlCA) SEED CAKE IN THE RATION OF CASTRATED BUFFALO BULLS(AAU, Anand, 1981) VYAS, JAYAVADAN R.; Pande, M. B.The present study was divided into two parts. In the first part saponin and sapogenol content in mahuva seed cake was estimated and in the second part the feeding experiment on castrated buffalo bulls ( Surti ) to study the feasibility of using mahuva ( Madhuca indica, J.F.Gmel ) seed cake ( unprocessed ) in maintenance ration was carried out. Mahuva seed cake used for this experiment was estimated for saponin and sapogenol content. The result revealed that it contained 21.35 per cent saponin and 8.59 per cent sapogenol on dry matter basis. A 3 X 3 Latin square design with 8 weeks period was followed. The three treatments consisted of 0 (control), 25 and 50 per cent mahuva seed cake in concentrate mixtures and were designated as T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Each animal was fed daily with 2 kg of 'NB-21' green, mature pasture grass ad lib. and weighed quantities of concentrate mixtures ( pellet form ). The requirement of DCP and TDN were met as per Sen et al. (1978) feeding standard for maintenance. Feeding scheduled was changed for each animal with a change of period. The observation regarding weekly body weights for three consecutive days, dry matter intake, digestibility of proximate nutrients, balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium changes in the different constituents in the blood (hemoglobin, total serum protein and serum phosphorus and calcium) and 2 hourly changes i n pH and nitrogen fractions (total nitrogen, non protein nitrogen and protein nitrogen) of the strained rumen liquor (SRL) were recorded. The results on body weight revealed that there was significant loss in weight in 25 per cent level mahuva seed cake fed group. This may be due to less retention of nitrogen and significantly less availability of digestible crude protein (DCP). The results on per cent dry matter intake and dry matter intake on metabolic body weight (g/kg W0.75) revealed that there was no significant difference between the treatments and hence these were not affected by incorporation of mahuva seed cake in the ration. The digestibility coefficients of crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract (NFE) and organic matter were slightly reduced but were found non significant. Thus, it is indicated that inclusion of mahuva seed cake upto 50 per cent level in the concentrate mixture did not affect the digestibility of proximate nutrients significantly except ether extract. The digestibility of ether extract was lowered significantly in 25 per cent level. Average balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium were positive in the animals under all the treatments but retention of nitrogen and available DCP were significantly lower in 25 per cent mahuva seed cake fed group as compared to other two groups. Actual available TM was not affected significantly under all the treatments. Periodic changes in the blood constituents did not reveal significant changes i n hemoglobin, total serum protein, serum phosphorus and calcium content. Two hourly changes in ruminal (SRL) pH, total nitrogen, non protein nitrogen and protein nitrogen indicated no significant differences between the treatments except in protein nitrogen which continued to be synthesizes for longer period at higher concentration i n T1 ,as compared to mahuva seed cake fed groups ( T2 and T3). The cost of ration per day per, animal was worked out and was higher i n T1 ( 0 level, control) than T2 and T3 ( 25 and 50 per cent level). The maintenance cost was lowest in T3 (50 per cent level). However, the differences were statistically non significant. The cost of maintenance was reduced hy 5.1 and 9.1 per cent by the incorporation mahuva seed cake in the concentrate mixtures at the level of 25 and 50 per cent respectively.ThesisItem Open Access CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF CHER (Avicennia officinalis) LEAVES AND SOME COASTAL REGION GRASSES(AAU, Anand, 1982) Shukla, P. C.; Shukla, P. C.People of coastal region especially Bharuch, Hansot, Bhavnagar and Kutch side (Gujarat State) are feeding cher to their animals. They believe that it increases milk as well as fat content. This view is even supported by many Ayurvedic books. Gujarat Animal Husbandry Department, Central Salt and Marine Research Institute, Sumul dairy and other agencies had suggested to conduct research work on cher leaves. Therefore, present study of chemical composition and nutritive value of char leaves was undertaken. A survey work regarding cher leaves feeding in Bharuch district was also under taken. During survey work it was known that other coastal grasses namely Moras, Aal, Canthiu and Chanannuri are also fed to cattle. So these grasses were also included for the study. Monthly cuttings of cher leaves were obtained to know the seasonal difference in chemical composition.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE IMPROVEMENT IN NUTRITIVE VALUE OF WHEAT STRAW USING IN VITRO TECHNIQUE(AAU, Anand, 1976) DESAI, PRAKASH M.; Shukla, P. C.Abstract not AvailableThesisItem Open Access FEASIBILITY OF FEEDING DETOXIFIED CASTOR CAKE (Ricinus communis) TO COMMERCIAL LAYERS(AAU, Anand, 2006) PATEL, D. K.; Parnerkar, SubhashThe experiment was designed to evaluate effects of feeding detoxified castor seed cake at various stages of laying cycle, by simultaneously selecting four age group birds age 20, 34, 51 and 60 weeks. All the age group birds were fed experimental diets for 9 weeks following 3 - days pre-experimental period. A total of 2000 White Leghorn (BV 300) layer birds under each of four age groups i.e. 2000 birds per group were housed in California cages in 668 compartments, each having space for 3 birds and only one bird was housed in last compartment for both the treatment groups for various age groups. One thousand birds were divided into 10 replicates each of 100 birds and in each individual cage three birds of each treatment were placed and only one in last compartment in each age group. Layer birds of four different age groups (1-20 weeks, II- 34 weeks, III-51 weeks and IV-60 weeks) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment, viz. T1-(control) and T2: 5 per cent detoxified (4 % lime treated and extrusion cooked) castor cake (CCK). The layer mash formulated was isonitrogenous and isocaloric and was offered adlib. The observation on egg production, egg weight, egg quality, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded for 9 weeks. The metabolic trial was conducted at the end of experiment to find out balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium and metabolizable energy content of each diet. The economics of feeding was calculated from the record of feed consumption on egg production. The results revealed that the total number of egg / bird in age group (I, II, III and IV) was 43.07±0.47, 55.49±0.55, 50.70±0.52 and 50.60±0.51 in control and 40.7310.45, 53.53±0.53, 50.02±0.51 and 49.16±0.49 in treatment groups, respectively. The means of treatment and control groups did not differ significantly in age group-Ill but differed significantly (P < 0.05) for II and IV and were highly significant (P < 0.01) for age group-I. The hen housed egg production in control group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in age group-II, III and IV; whereas the hen day egg production was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in age group-II and IV as compared to CCK fed birds. The average egg weight for control birds under 1, II, III and IV age groups was 46.83+2.85, 46.65±1.54, 54.34+0.06 and 53.68±1.45 whereas 53.40±].67, 52.65±l.03, 49.57±2.44 and 54.03±1.03 for treatment birds, respectively. The average egg weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatment group of age group II. In the birds given treatment diet egg weight was, though non-significant, was higher in age group I and IV while lower in age group III as compared to control group. The different egg quality traits viz. Albumin Index, Yolk Index, Haugh Unit and shell thickness were similar in both control and treatment groups. In age group-II the albumin index and shell thickness were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treatment group. Daily feed intake of birds in age group I, II, III and IV was 103.91 ±0.61, 108.37 ±.83, 113.53 ±0.98 and 115.70 ± 0.90 in control whereas 103.35+ 1.00, 107.59 ± 0.94, 107.94 ± 0.1.00 and 117.66 ± 1.26 in treatment group, respectively were (P < 0.01). The feed consumption / dozen egg produced in group I, II, III and IV was 2.36 ± 0.18; 1.48 ± 0.013; 1.70 ± 0.016 and 1.73 ± 0.016 in control and 2.82 ± 0.28, 1.53 ± 0.014, 1.64 ± 0.016 and 1.82 ± 0.022 in treatment group, respectively. The change was non significant in age group I, significant (P < 0.05) in age group II and highly significant (P < 0.01) in group III and IV. The overall mortality (2.69 %) was very low during the entire experimental period. It was 2.2, 1.2, 7.4 and 2.9 % in control and 1.6, 0.9, 4.3 and 1.0 % in treatment group in age groups I, 11, 111 and IV, respectively. The average cost of feeding (Rs. / dozen eggs) of birds in age group 1, 11, 111 and IV was 15.62 ± 1.16, 9.80 ± 0.09, 11.22 ±0.10 and 11.46 ±0.11 in control and 18.41 ± 1.80, 9.96 ± 0.09,10.69 ± 0.11 and 11.88 ± 0.14 in treatment group, respectively which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in age group III and IV whereas non significant in age group I and II. The average balance of nitrogen ranged between (0.24±0.021 and 0.41±0.03), calcium (0.48±0.015 and 0.88±0.23) and phosphorus (0.12±0.04 and 0.29±0.13) were more or less similar in all the four age groups in control and treatment groups. The metabolizable energy consumed also did not differ significantly in age groups I, III and IV, but was higher (P < 0.05) in age group-II of treatment group as a result of high dry matter intake. Thus, the inclusion of detoxified (4 % lime treated and extrusion cooked) castor cake at 5 per cent level in layer mash had no any adverse effect on over all performance of caged layer birds and can be used as alternate feed resource without any economic benefit.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON FEASIBILITY OF UNCONVENTIONAL FEED PROSOPIC JULIFLORA PODS IN BROILER RATION(AAU, Anand, 1995) Vanker, Subhashchandra G.; Talpada, P. M.To study feasibility of Prosopis juliflora pods as an unconventional feed at 0, 5 and 10 per cent in broiler starter and broiler finisher feed an experiment was conducted on 240 "Vencobb" broiler chicks for a period of 0 to 6 and 7 to 8 weeks. The experiment was conducted in deep litter system of management. The results of experiment indicated that the body weight gain at 6 week was 954.55, 959.84 and 918.75 g and at 8 week 1553.25, 1550.99 and 1498.15 g under T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The differences were statistically non-significant. The average feed intake for starter period was found to be 2784.36, 2885.59 and 2787.58 g per broiler. The average feed intake for finisher period was 1748.69, 1763.67 and 1707.20 g and overall feed consumption was 4531.05, 4849.26 and 4494.76 g per bird. The differences among T1, T2 and T3 treatments were statistically non-significant. The results on efficiency of feed utilization revealed that the feed intakes (kg/kg gain) were 2.92 +. 0.02, 3.01 ±. 0.08 and 3.04 ±0.05 for starter period and 2.88 ±0.02, 2.98 ± 0.08 and 2.94 ± 0.05 for finisher period, respectively in T1, T2 and T3. The overall efficiency was 2.92 +.0.02, 2.99 ±0.04 and 3.00 + 0.02 for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. However, the differences among the treatments were non-significant. The results on carcass characteristics indicated that the dressing percentages were found to be 64.70, 65.07 and 64.63 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The average organ weights viz., heart, liver, spleen and gizzard were found to be similar under different treatments. The treatment differences were statistically non-significant. The cost of feeding upto 6 and 6 week period were Rs.12.37, 12.50, 11.96 and 20.22, 20.24, 19.18 for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The net return over feed cost on an average was found to be Rs.15.02, 14.98 and 14.45 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The treatment differences were non-significant. Thus, feeding of P.juliflora pods as an unconventional feed ingredient upto 10 per cent level in broiler ration had no deleterious effect on the performance of broilers in terms of feed consumption, body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, carcass characteristics viz., dressing percentage and weight of vital organs like heart, liver, spleen and gizzard. The average net return over feed cost was Rs. 15.02, 14.98 and 14.45 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Thus P. juliflora pods can be used upto 10 per cent level in broiler ration to minimise the cost of feeding and reducing the shortage of feeds for poultry.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE AFLATOXINS IN CATTLE FEEDS OF GUJARAT STATE(AAU, Anand, 1977) FULSOUNDAR, ANNASAHEB B.; Shukla, P. C.Abstract not AvailableThesisItem Open Access TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF FEEDING MANGO SEED KERNELS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS(AAU, Anand, 2004) Sharm, Neeta; Pande, M. B.The effect of feeding mango seed kernels on the performance of broilers was planned using day old 240 unsexed 'VenCobb" commercial chicks from 0 day to 6 weeks of age. Four treatments were T1 (diet containing 0% mango seed kernel), T2 (diet containing 5% mango seed kernel), T3 (diet containing 10% mango seed kernel) and T4 (diet containing 15% mango seed kernel). Completely Randomized Design was followed. The nutrient requirements were met as per the recommendations of BIS (1992 a, b) feeding standards. The feeds were supplemented with coccidiostats and vitamins. The birds were vaccinated as per schedule. All the four treatment rations were fed from 0-6 weeks in cages. The average initial weight of the chicks was 48.03 ± 0.40, 48.27 ± 0.30, 48.53 ± 0.87 and 48.50 ± 0.58 g while the average final weight was 1292.90 ± 18.06, 1299.77 ± 19.82, 1292.20 ± 22.57 and 1044.73 ± 20.59g. The gain was 1244.87 ± 18.10, 1251.50 ± 19.79, 1243.67 ± 9.91 and 996.23 ± 20.4Ig under T1 ,T2 ,T3 and T4, respectively. The treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 were at par while T4 differed significantly from T1, T2 and T3. Treatment T4 showed least growth. The average feed consumed during starter period was 1528.18 ± 17.49, 1455.85 ± 35.45, 1465.80 ± 24.36 and 1317.62 ± 24.24 g for T1,, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The non significant difference in average feed consumption for T1, T2, T3 during 0-4 weeks and significant reduction of feed consumption for T4 suggested that mango seed kernel at 10% is quite palatable to broilers (starter phase) while 15% level of mango seed kernel reduced the feed intake during 0-4 weeks. During 5-6 weeks, the feed consumption was significantly higher for T1 (1493.80 ± 18.40) and significant reduction in feed consumption for T2, T3 and T4. (1155.85 ±35.48, 1165.70 ± 24.28 and 1190.00 ± 35.01g) indicated that mango seed kernel inclusion in the ration reduced the feed intake of birds without any adverse effect on growth at the rate of 5 and 10% inclusion levels. Average total feed consumption ( g/bird) was recorded as 3021.98 ± 32.61, 2611.80 ±70.89, 263,1.50 ± 48.60, 2507.62 ± 52.35g which further suggested that mango seed kernel inclusion in broilers ration reduced the total feed consumption of birds . The average dry matter intake per kg metabolic body weight was 89.18 ± 2.59, 98.52 ± 3.04, 98.50 ± 4.82 and 96.72 ± 3.81g under T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, with no significant differences. Average crude protein intake per kg gain was 498.03 ± 7.05, 426.77 ± 13.84, 433.61 ± 5.43 and 517.37 ± 17.04 g under treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. It was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T4 and T1 as compared to the treatments T2 and T3 (having 5 and 10% level of MSK). The average nitrogen balance was +2.53 ± 0.11, +2.67 ± 0.24, +2.13 ± 0.38 and +1.97 ± 0.23 g/ bird /day with average calcium balance of +1.13 ± 0.08, +1.06 ± 0.09, +0 .81 ± 0.11 and + 0.77 ±0.15 g/bird/day . The balances of nitrogen and calcium were positive and more or less similar in all the four treatment groups. However positive and significantly higher phosphorus balance was found In T2 (+0.83 ± 0.07) and least in T4 (+0.23 ± 0.06 g/bird/day). Average values for dressing percentage varied from 71.56 to 77.20% and remained almost similar under all the four treatment groups. Similarly, statistically non significant differences were observed in gizzard, heart and abdominal fat weight under all the four treatment groups suggesting that there was no untoward effect of feeding MSK on gizzard, heart and abdominal fat up to 15% level in broiler ration but liver weight was significantly lower in T4 treatment group. Spleen weight was also significantly low in T4 and Ti treatment groups. The weight was least in treatment T4 indicating that MSK had some effect on liver and spleen. Spleen weight was significantly higher in T2 and T3. Feed conversion efficiency (kg feed /kg gain) during 6 weeks observed was 2.43 ± 0.03, 2.09 ± 0.05, 2.15 ± 0.04 and 2.52 ± 0.08 for treatment groups T1, T2 ,T3 and T4 respectively. The FCR was better in T2, T3 and poor in T4. Feed consumed per kg gain in birds of T4 and T1 groups was found significantly (P<0.05) higher than T2 and T3 The diets of birds fed either 5 or 10% MSK (T2 or T3) required lesser amount of feed per kg gain in weight. These findings indicated that higher levels of inclusion of MSK (15%) in diet required more amount of feed per kg gain in weight. The cost of feeding (feed cost / kg gain) was significantly higher in T4 (Rs.19.63 ± 0.65) as compared to T2 (Rs. 15.97 ± 0.37) and T3 (Rs.16.35 ± 0.20). The treatments T1, (Rs. 18.46 ± 0.26) and T4 (Rs. 19.63 ± 0.65) were at par. Over all results revealed that mango seed kernel is an acceptable ingredient in broiler rations up to 10 per cent level without affecting growth rate and production performance of broilers and therefore, can be incorporated at 10 per cent level in broiler ration with economic advantageThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF ENZYMES AND CHELATED MINERALS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BROILERS(AAU, Anand, 2004) Sampatrao, Jagtap Satyajit; Desai, H. B.The present experiment was conducted at Poultry Complex, College of Veterinary Sci. and A. H., Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand, to study the effect of supplementation of enzymes and chelated minerals with normal and reduced level of added methionine in feed, on the production performance of commercial broilers. Four hundred straight run day-old "Cobb" commercial broiler chicks of homogenous flock were divided into four equal groups. Four different treatments were randomly assigned to four groups (100 chicks per treatment) with five replications each (20 chicks per replication) viz., 11: Control (no enzymes or chelated minerals in feed), T2: enzyme @ 50 g/1OOkg in feeds, T3: chelated minerals @ 11Og/1OOkg feed (replacing normal trace mineral) and T4: As per T3 but 50g less DL methionine added per 100 kg feed (i.e. instead of 152g, 102g). in broiler starter and broiler finisher feed the energy and protein content in the experimental ration was kept higher than BIS (1992a,b) feeding standards. The crude protein content of broiler starter was higher by 4.35% and for broiler finisher it was 10% high; whereas, corresponding figures for increased energy content were 8.14% and 7.62% respectively. All experimental feeds were fortified with adequate vitamin/mineral supplements and coccidiostats. Birds were reared on the deep litter with rice husk as a litter material during the entire experimental period. The average initial body weights of chicks were 39.01± 0.17, 39.11± 0.40, 38.86± 0.10 and 39.30± 0.24 g that finally reached to 1718.88± 2.68, 1865.73± 14.39, 1857.10± 11.21, 1828.77± 14.48 g average total weight and 1679.87±11.35, 1826.57±13.26, 1818.24±11.33 and 1789.47±13.65 g total average body weight gains in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively at the end of the experiment. Body weight and body weight gain was significantly higher (P<0.01) in enzymes and chelated minerals supplemented groups i.e. T2, T3 and T4 over control (T1). The average total feed consumption (g) from 0-6 weeks for T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 3458.31±37.70, 3349.76±63.94, 3421.11±53.21 and 3426.57±60.22g respectively. The difference was statistically found to be nonsignificant, only numerically higher feed consumption was recorded in control group indicating that even at lower feed intake the body weights were higher (P<0.01) in enzymes and chelated minerals supplemented groups. During metabolism trial, the difference in the average daily dry matter intake (g) and average daily dry matter intake per metabolic body weight (g/Wkg 0.75 was non-significant; while, average crude protein intake (g) per kg gain in body weight was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T1 (406.93±9.92) as compared to T2 (344.94±8.43), T3 (351.69±9.12) and T4 (363.53±5.40). The overall (0-6 weeks) average feed conversion ratio was 1.94±0.008, 1.74±0.012, 1.77±0.014 and 1.80±0.012 for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The FCR was significantly (P<0.01) lower in T2 followed by T3 and T4 over T1. The average balance (g/day) of N, Ca and P was found positive in all groups i.e. 2.13±0.03, 1.13±0.01, and 0.45±0.03 forT1; 2.92±0.04, 1.53±0.03 and 0.66±0.02 for T2; 2.73±0.05, 1.50±0.01 and 0.54±0.02 for T3 and 2.54±0.04, 1.41 ±0.02 and 0.50±0.04g for T4 respectively. Significant differences (P<0.01) in balances of N, Ca and P in T2, T3 and T4 over T1 were also reflected in the corresponding higher body weights. The average dressing percentage was 60.09±0.33, 64.14±0.24, 64.23±0.15 and 62.02±0.47 for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, which was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T2, T3 and T4 as compared to T1; however, average weights of the organs viz., liver, gizzard, heart and spleen were unaffected. The average per cent livability of birds for T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 95, 97, 98 and 96 respectively. The average cost of feeding (Rs.) per kg gain in weight was Rs. 20.58±0.09, 18.67±0.12, 19.41±0.14 and 19.54±0.13 for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, which was found significantly (P<0.01) higher in T1 (control) as compared to T2, T3 and T4. However, T3 and T4 are at par with each other. The return over feed cost was significantly higher (P<0.01) for T2 (Rs.43.52), T3 (Rs.41.95) and T4 (Rs.41.07) and as compared to T1 (Rs.36.82). Thus, inclusion of enzymes in broiler ration is more economical followed by inclusion with reduction in methionine content. Ration T3 and T4 have almost same economy. The overall results of the experiment indicated that supplementation of enzymes and chelated minerals help in improving the production performance of broilers. In comparison to chelated minerals enzyme supplementation is more beneficial. Reduction in the methionine requirement @ 50 g /100kg feed is possible with the supplementation of chelated minerals without affecting the performance of broilers