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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 STUDIES ON CRYOSURGICAL OOPHORECTOMY IN BITCHES(AAU, Anand, 2007) MANKAD, MANAN YOGESHBHAI; TANK, P. H.Cryosurgical oophorectomy (Group - I; n=6) and conventional surgical oophorectomy (Group - II; n=6) following standard midline laparotomy were compared in a clinical trial on twelve healthy bithces. The ovaries were cryofrozen to -20° C by liquid nitrogen spray under cryogaurd protection employing double freeze-thaw cycles. The cryosurgical oophorectomy was bit quicker (31.53 ± 0.9 minutes) as compared to conventional surgical oophorectomy (34.24 ± 0.64 minutes). There was significant fall in the rectal temperature following both the methods of oophorectomy. Additionally, there was mild but nonsignificant fluctuations within physiological range in the physiological parameters viz., pulse rate, respiratory rate and haemoglobin oxygen saturation as a combine effect of general anaesthesia and surgical and cryosiirgical procedures. The haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume did not differ significantly in the animals during perioperative observations but it showed significant difference between the animals of both the groups. The variation in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate remained nonsignificant during perioperative observations in the animals of both the groups. The total erythrocyte count fluctuated nonsignificantiy within the physiological range at different time intervals, but this variation was significant statistically between the animals of both the groups. The nonsignificant variation of total leucocyte count observed between the animals of both the groups indicated that none of the procedures has specific influence on this vital cell count. The neutrophils rose initially up to 48 hours, which then got substituted by the lymphocytes. Hence, an almost reverse trend was observed for the lymphocyte during the present study. A transient post-operative elevation in serum Cortisol level following the procedures in both the groups of animals with tendency to resume normalcy at later phases was suggestive of temporary pain and / or stress imposed by surgical as well as cryosurgical oophorectomy. Cryosurgery remained uneventful during post-operative observations with absence of systemic reflections, which indicated local damage limited to the frozen ovaries only. Laparoscopic as well as histomorphological assessment of cryodamaged ovaries a month later confirmed their complete nonvitality. The cryosurgical oophorectomy was found simple, quick, bloodless, stressfiree, safe and equally effective as compared to conventional surgical oophorectomy. Additionally, it was cost-effective as well as its clinico-surgical execution was feasible.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON INCIDENCE AND ETIOPATHOLOGY OF PULMONARY AFFECTIONS IN SLAUGHTERED SHEEP(AAU, Anand, 2007) VAHORA, SAJIDBHAI PIRMAHAMMAD; Ghodasara, D. J.The present study was carried out to find out the incidence of pulmonary lesions in slaughtered sheep with pathomorphological study of various pulmonary lesions, primary isolation of bacterial agents and their antibiotic .sensitivity pattern. A total of 1000 sheep slaughtered at local slaughterhouse of Anand located in Anand District of Central Gujarat were examined for pulnumary lesions. Out of total sheep examined at slaughter, 94 (9.4%) sheep showed grossly appreciable pulmonary lesions. The distribution of pulmonary lesions, revealed involvement of both lungs in 53.19% sheep were as right lung were affected in 31.91% and left in 14.89% cases. Among the different lobes, apical lobes were affected in 65.95% sheep followed by diaphragmatic (51.06%). middle (26.59%) and accessory lobe (29.78 %). The different pulmonary affections on the basis of appreciable gross lesions, included pneumonia alone in 5.5% sheep followed by pulmonar\ haemorrhages (1.4%). pulmonary emphysema (1.2%). pulmonary oedema (0.6%) and pulmonary cyst (0.7%). Out of 55 cases of pneumonia, broncho-pneumonia alone was accounted for 46.80 per cent cases whereas; interstitial pneumonia was seen in 11.70 per cent cases. Bronchopneumonia was further classified into acute (37.23%) and sub acute (9.57 %) bronchopneumonia. Acute bronchopneumonia comprised of 22 (23.40%) case of suppurative and 13(13.82%) cases fibrinous pneumonia. Bronchopneumonia, in general, grossly characterized by varying degree of cranio-ventral consolidation with red hepatization especially of apical and middle lobes. Microscopic picture characterized by accumulation of pink stained exudates in alveoli and marked infiltration of inflammatory cells with congestion of alveolar capillary. Interstitial pneumonia was observed in 11.70 per cent cases, Lung with Interstitial pneumonia were grossly shrunken, red or pale grey in colour with elastic and rubbery texture microscopically, the lesions were characterized by thickening of interaveolar septa due to infiltration of mononuclear cells along with proliferation of fibroblasts. Primary isolation of bacterial agents from 50 pneumonic lungs revealed 43 (83%)) samples culturally positive for various bacterial isolates, which comprised 1 5 (34.88%) Staphylococcus. 12 (27.90%) Escherichia coli. 08 (18.60%)) Pseiuloimmas. 06 (13.95%)) proteus and 02 (4.65%)) Slreplococciis. The enrofloxacin was found to be highly sensitive to various bacterial isolates (86.04) followed by geniamicin (81.39). chloramphenicol (76.74). tetracycline (60.46). amoxicillin (58.13). cotrimoxazole (55.81). cephalaxin (39.53).and erythromycin (34.88).ThesisItem Open Access PATHOLOGY OF CANINE MAMMARY TUMORS AND USEFULNESS OF AgNOR IN DIFFERENTIATING BENIGN AND MALIGNANT CANINE MAMMARY TUMORS(AAU, Anand, 2007) REKHA., M. T.; Prajapati, K. S.The present work on "Pathology of canine mammary tumors and usefulness of AgNOR in differentiating benign and malignant canine mammary tumors" designed to study the incidence of canine mammary tumors and to differentiate benign and malignant varieties by using AgNOR staining technique. Biopsy/Autopsy tissues received for the diagnosis in the Department of Pathology, Veterinary College, Anand during 1999-2006 were analysed to ascertain the relative incidence of canine mammary tumor. Seventy one canine mammary tumor samples were collected from various veterinary'hospitals for histopathology and AgNOR staining along with patient's history. Data generated were analysed and interpreted to draw the conclusion. Analysis of past records of all canine tumors revealed one third incidence of mammary tumors. Incidence of mammary tumors was more than 60% in the age group of 6 to 10 years. It was very low in dogs aged <4 years and >12 years. Alsatian and Pomeranians dogs had high incidence compared to other breeds. No mammary tumor was defected in male dog. There was an increasing frequency of mammary tumors from cranial thoracic to inguinal pairs with highest incidence in inguinal glands (35.21%). Two caudal most pairs of glands (caudal abdominal and inguinal) accounted for a 61.97% of incidence. Majorities (90.14%) of bitches affected were intact while few (9.86%) were neutered. The size of the tumor ranged between 2 cm X 1.5cm X 1 cm to 21cm X 15cm X 14cm. The shape of these tumors varied from ovoid, elongated, rounded to irregularly nodular. Malignant mammary tumors were found in 54.93% cases while 45.07% were benign. Benign conditions diagnosed were adenoma (simple, papillary, cystic and fibro), benign mixed tumor (adenochondroma, adenoosteochondroma and fibroosteoadenoma), myoepithelioma, fibroma and osteoma. Malignant neoplastic conditions were carcinoma (Solid, mucinous scirrhous and squamous cell), malignant mixed and malignant myoepithelioma. Benign canine mammary tumors had an average of 2.66 (2.20-3.30) AgNORs per cell with highest count in adenoosteochondroma (3.30). Similarly malignant canine mammary tumors had an average of 5.58 (4.18-6.25) AgNORs per cell with highest count in papillary adenocarcinoma (6.25). There was a significant difference in the average number of AgNORs per cell between malignant and benign canine mammary tumors (p<0.01). There was a significant difference among AgNORs per cell between different benign tumor types (F-6.68) and between different malignant canine mammary tumor types (F-4.84). The AgNORs in malignant canine mammary tumors were smaller in size, irregular in shape and dispersed throughout the nucleus, where as in benign tumors these were large, rounded, sharply defined and usually confining to the nucleolus. AgNOR staining was found very useful in differentiating benign and malignant mammary tumors.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION TRAITS OF TRIPLE CROSS (HF 25 % X J 25 % X KANKREJ 50 %) CATTLE ON AN ORGANIZED FARM(AAU, Anand, 2007) PATEL, JITENDRAKUMAR SHANTILAL; RANK, D. N.Present study was undertaken for genetic analysis of production and reproduction traits of HJK triple cross (HF 25% x J 25% x Kankrej 50%) maintained at Livestock Research Station, AAU, Anand, Gujarat from 1990 to 2005. The study included analysis of 572 lactation records of 223 HJK triple cross cows of three generations belonging to 36 sires. Data were scrutinized for abnormality and finally 266 lactation records of 126 cow progenies of 21 sires having complete set of all necessary records were used for genetic analysis. Various traits like Calf weight (CW), Weight at first calving (WFC), Age at first calving (AFC), Service period (SP), Calving interval (CI), Breeding efficiency (BE), Lactation length (LL), Dry period (DP), Lactation milk yield (LY), Standard lactation milk yield (SLMY), Lifetime total lactation days (LTTLD), Lifetime total milk yield (LTTMY), Average milk production per day of lactation length (MY/LL), Average milk production per day of calving interval (MY/CI), Average milk production per day of lifetime milking days (MY/PL), Average milk production per day of lifefime calving intervals (MY/HL), Peak yield (PY), Days to attain peak milk yield (DAPMY), Persistency of lactation, Milk production efficiency per kg of WFC (MPEK), Milk production efficiency per kg of WFC and lactation days (MPEKD), genetic and non-genetic factors affecting the traits, lactation curve dynamics and path analysis have been studied. Data were analyzed using Mixed Model Least Squares and Maximum Likelihood computer programme (Harvey, 1990) to overcome the non-orthgonality of the data. Three sets of data for Fl, F2 and F3 generations were categorized. Various effects like sire, season of calving, period of calving, parity, etc. on important dairy traits were estimated by using model-1, genetic parameters like heritability, genotypic and phenotypic correlation, etc. were estimated by using model-2 and repeatability was estimated by using model-8. The Gamma, Inverse Polynomial, Gaines and Rook functions were fitted to derive lactation curves using SPSS programme. The Path analysis was carried out using phenotypic correlations of traits affecting SLMY. The least squares means of SLMY, PY, DAPMY, MY/LL, MY/CI, LL, DP, SP, CI, AFC, Birth weight, WFC, BE, MPEK, MPEKD, TC, TCI, TLTLD, TLTMY, MY/PL and MY/HL in Fl generation of HJK triple cross were 2253.76 ± 41.31 kg, 13.91 ± 0.24 kg, 27.96 ± 1.47 days, 7.49 ± 0.15 kg, 5.53 ± 0.13 kg, 299.63 ± 3.68 days, 115.56 ± 7.3 days, 137.74 ± 7.11 days, 415.20 ± 7.12 days, 1032.95 ± 27.40 days, 22.93 ± 0.19 kg, 335.55 ± 14.99 kg, 86.64 %, 6.43 ± 0.92 kg, 0.021 ± 0.0019 kg, 3.61 ± 0.64 unit, 1498.15 i 268.97 days, 1079.39 ± 195.50 days, 7436.61 ± 634.13 kg, 4,96 ± 0.25 and 2.93 ± 0.22 respectively. ' The estimates for the same in F2 and F3 generations were 2166.68 ±47.16 and 1846.90 ± 47.34 kg, 12.21 ± 0.24 and 09.56 ± 0.63 kg, 30.98 ± 3.42 and 16.50 ± 1.39 days, 7.19 ± 0.15 and 6.30 ± 0.23 kg, 5.64 ± 0.15 and 5.11 ± 0.14 kg, 308.94 ± 4.07 and 287.00± 4.46 days, 94.97 ± 7.99 and 66.50 ± 2.08 days, 125.99 ± 8.16 and 85.00 ± 4.59 days, 403.92 ± 8.20 and 353.50 ± 3.69 days, 1227.65 ±31.78 and 1285.60 ± 93.42 days, 22.42 ± 0.13 and 21.99 ± 0.29 kg, 314.09 ± 8.33 and 294.59 ± 17.50 kg. 90.09 and 99.17 %, 6.87 ± 0.52 and 6.41 ± l.Ol kg, 0.019 ± 0.0011 and 0.019 ± 0.0022 kg, 3.42 ± 0.4 and 3.32 ±0.74 unit, 1378.26 ± 168.16 and 1179.96 ± 208.98 days, 1053.36 ± 118.06 and 952.84 ± 125.53 days, 6685.15 ± 452.91 and 6207.74 ± 896.12 kg, 4.85 ± 0.16 and 5.26 ± 0.46 & 2.56 ± 0.18 and 2.51 ± 0.34 respectively. Their pooled estimates were 2207.61 ± 31.25 kg, 13.08 ± 0.18 kg, 28.98 ± 1.68 days, 7.34 ± 0.11 kg, 5.57 ± 0.09 kg, 303.30 ± 2.69 days, 105.71 ± 1.09 days, 131.56 ± 2.04 days, 409.02 ± 6.02 days, 1148.11 ± 51.02 days, 22.34 ± 0.21 kg, 322.96 ± 4.70 kg, 88.40 %, 6.66 ± 0.20 kg, 0.02 ± 0.0003 kg, 3.5 ± 0.13, 1421.67 ± 81.06 days, 1059.94 ± 40.17 days, 6990.43 ± 342.51 kg, 4.91 ±0.09 and 2.71 ± 0.14 respectively. There was decline in SLMY (18.05 %), PY (31.28 %), MY/LL (13.89 %), MY/CI (7.60 %), LL (4.02 %), WFC (12.21 %), MPEK (0.32 %), MPEKD (9.53 %), TLTLD (11.77 %), TLTMY(16.53 %) on interbreeding. AFC increased by 24.5 % and DAPMY by 41.00 %. However, there was improvement in BE (15.26 %), MY/PL (8.45 %) and MY/HL (7.96 %). Improvement was also observed in the form of decreased DP (42.45 %), SP (38.0 %), CI (14.96 %) and TCI (21.24 %). The effect of generation was significant only for SLMY, CI, MY/LL, PI-1, PI-4 and PI-7.ThesisItem Open Access RESPONSE TO SELECTION FOR EGG PRODUCTION IN IWN PURE LINE WHITE LEGHORN CHICKEN(AAU, Anand, 2007) PALEJA, H. I.; SOLANKI, J. V.A total of 961 (S3), 1219 (S4), 2049 (S5), and 1309 (S6) progenies of four consecutive generations of IWN pure line White Leghorn were considered for the study. In each generation 49, 50 and 60 sires of S3, S4 and S5 respectively produced progenies in S4, Ss and Sg generations. Corresponding number of dams were 197, 220 and 279. The selection differentials for generation S3, S4 and S5 were 17.17, 28.94 and 18.12 respectively. The corresponding selection intensity were 1.63, 1.81 and 1.93. The females were selected based on 64 week egg number (EN64) and independent culling level for egg weight at 40 week (EW40). The male progenies were selected based on the production performance of the fuUsib and halfsib sister progenies. The least squares means for AFE (day) were 148.75±0.50, 149.60 ±0.45, 140.34±0.39 and 150.46±0.42 in S3 to S6 generations respectively. There were significant differences between the generations except for S3 and S4 as well as S4 and S6 (P>0.05). The LSMs for egg production (no.) upto 64 weeks of age were 252.23±1.13, 255.00±1.02, 268.91±0.87, 254.71±0.96 in Se generation, respectively. There were significant differences between generations for egg production upto different age between two or more generations. The egg weights (g) at 40 weeks of age were 47.86±0.17, 51.65±0.16, 50.6110.14 and 50.49±0.15 in consecutive four generations under study. The differences for EW40 were significant between generations except between S4 and S5. The age at first egg was moderate to highly heritable trait. The differences between generations for heritability estimates of age at first egg were non significant. The heritability estimates for egg number upto different stages showed no significant differences between generations. The heritability estimates were 0.361±0.104, 0.132 ± 0.058, 0.231±0.060 and 0.180±0.084 for EN64 in S3 to S6 generations, respectively. The heritability estimates of egg weight at 40 weeks of age were 0.496 ± 0.124, 0.682 ±0.140, 0.432 ± 0.089 and 0.248±0.074 in S3 to Se generations, respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between egg number and AFE and EW40 were negative. The egg production has shown phenotypic response of 2.13 ± 3.86 eggs per generation for ENe4. As a correlated response to selection for EN64, an increase was observed in all the traits under consideration except BW40 and AFE which declined over generations. The direct response and correlated response to selection for egg were however, non significant. All the traits except AFE have shown increasing trend for LSMs over the generations. Heritability estimates for AFE, EN64 and EW40 showed decline. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between EN64 and AFE showed declining trend whereas between EN64 and EW40 showed increasing trend over generations. However, the trend for LSMs of traits, their heritability estimates, genetic and phenotypic correlations were non significant (P>0.05). Out of total 25 different model of curve attempted to fit the egg production curve, model Y=A+B / X + C / X*X, second order hyperbola fitted to the three (S3. S4 and Be) generations. The curve fit model Y=A+B*X + C/ X, which was linear and reciprocal observed to be fitting S5 generation.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF FEEDING PRACTICES AND STATUS OF CERTAIN MINERALS IN DAIRY ANIMALS OF JAMNAGAR DISTRICT OF GUJARAT STATE(AAU, Anand, 2007) BHANDERI, B. M.; PARNERKAR, SUBHASHA survey of Jamnagar district of Gujarat State was conducted during April 2006 to: a) record feeding practices followed by dairy farmers and collect samples of feeds and fodder, b) estimate proximate constituents and contents of certain minerals in feeds and fodder, in order to assess feeding practices and generate information on mineral status of dairy animals and c) suggest corrections in the traditional feeding practices, using available feed resources and formulate area specific mineral mixtures for supplementing dairy animal diets in the district. The survey was conducted in two talukas viz. Dhrol and Bhanvad. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Two villages were selected at random in each taluka, which were geographically located apart in direction and truly represented the animal husbandry practices of the taluka, for collection of samples of feeds and fodder. In each village, 15 farmers were selected at random. For this purpose those farmers were considered, who owned good dairy animal(s). The selected farmers were interviewed and the desired information was collected in the pro-forma developed for the purpose. The survey work revealed that most of the dairy animal owners/farmers reared the animals on grazing and supplementation of wheat straw, groundnut gotars and local mixed grasses collected from the wasteland, as the basal roughages. The quantity of concentrates fed to cows in different villages ranged between 3.28 and 5.50 kg/day and the maximum being 5.50 kg/day in Bhanvad taluka. The district average was 4.60 kg/day. The rate of concentrates feeding in buffaloes ranged from 4.43 to 5.37 kg/day. The maximum of 5.37 kg/day was recorded in Mokhana village of Bhanvad taluka. The district average of concentrate feeding in buffaloes was 4.85 kg/day. The feeding of green fodders to cows in different talukas ranged between 4.28 and 15.0 kg/day. The district average worked out as 8.35 kg/day. In buffaloes, it ranged between 8.65 and 11.60 kg/day. The dry roughages feeding in different villages of Jamnagar district ranged between 5.50 and 8.85, and 7.31 and 8.42 kg/day, in cows and buffaloes, respectively. The district average for dry roughages worked out as 7.39 and 7.92 kg/day, for cows and buffaloes, respectively. The average concentrate to roughage ratio in cows of different talukas ranged between 24.62:75.38 and 36.26:63.74. In buffaloes, the concentrate to roughage ratio in surveyed area ranged between 29.57:70.43 and 33.92:66.08. Thirty-four percent of respondents fed multiple units concentrate in the fornri of cottonseed + cottonseed cake + mixture of crushed bajra, wheat and maize + wheat bran + other pulse byproducts to their animals. Thirty percent of respondents fed cottonseed cake and wheat bran to their animals. Others fed single unit concentrate feed ingredients, to their animals at the time of milking. Feeding of compound cattle feed and mineral mixture was rare in the surveyed area. The average calcium content in grains of wheat (0.06%), bajra (0.05%) and maize (0.04%) was low. Cottonseed, cottonseed cake and wheat bran contained around 0.14 percent Ca. Lucerne (1.83%) had higher Ca content. Green fodders viz. bajra (0.23%), maize (0.34%) and jowar (0.32%) were low in Ca content, but higher in mixed green grasses (0.46%). Ca content in dry roughage like jowar kadbi (0.27%) and wheat straw (0.25%) was low. However, gotars of groundnut (2.17%), gram (2.19%) and tur (1.18%) were exceptionally high in Ca. The concentrate ingredients commonly fed to animals contained high P (0.47%). The values of P in green fodders (0.16%), straws (0.10%) and gotars (0.08%) were much lower than Ca. The average Cu level was recorded consistently low in pasfure grass (7.33 ppm), jowar kadbi (6.92 ppm) and wheat straw (5.81 ppm). The green roughages contained Cu above 10 ppm, except mixed green grasses (9.78 ppm). Grains of maize (6.42 ppm), bajra (6.06 ppm), wheat (5.75 ppm), cottonseed (7.63 ppm) and cottonseed cake (9.88 ppm) contained low level of Cu. Wheat bran (13.72 ppm) was found to be good source of Cu. Wheat straw (7.73 ppm) and jowar kadbi (13.76 ppm) were low in Zn; however, gotars of groundnut, gram and tur were somewhat good source of Zn. The Zn content in green fodders varied from 20.54 to 60.35 ppm. Grains had around 30.91 ppm Zn, while wheat bran was an exception with higher Zn content (69.92 ppm). Whole cottonseed (33.19 ppm) and cottonseed cake (38.56 ppm) were higher in Zn as compared to grains. Most of the straws offered to animals, contained around 33 ppm Mn. Mn content in groundnut and gram gotars was 68.98 ppm and 63.80 ppm, respectively. Mn content in green fodders ranged from 31.51 to 75.96 ppm. Whole cottonseed (12.98 ppm) and cottonseed cake (17.57 ppm) were poor sources of Mn, but wheat bran (99.86 ppm) was exceptionally rich in Mn. Amongst the feedstuffs, 100, 0.0, 66.66, 16.66 and 83.33% of the concentrates, 28.57, 100, 14.28, 42.85 and 28.57% of green roughages and 40.00, 100.0, 40.0, 71.42 and 42.85% of dry roughages had below the critical levels of Ca, P, Cu, Zn and Mn, respectively. The cows produced daily on an average 9.86 kg whole milk and 10.03 kg 4% FCM. The buffaloes produced daily, on an average 9.79 kg whole milk and 10.84 kg 6% FCM. The average DCP intake of lactating cows in entire Jamnagar district ranged between 90.17 and 104.83% of requirement. Crossbred cows yielding 14-16 kg/day 4% FCM were found severely deficient in DCP supply. The DCP intake of cows in different talukas did not differ significantly. However, the same differed significantly (p<0.01) between villages within talukas. The district average of DCP intake as % of requirement in pregnant and dry cows was 110.80 and 113.36, respectively. The lactating, pregnant and dry cows underfed, with respect to DCP were 56.67, 28.57 and 35.29%, respectively, in different villages of Dhrol and Bhanvad talukas. In buffaloes, the average DCP intake in entire Jamnagar district ranged between 92.87 and 107.64% of requirement. The DCP intake of buffaloes in different talukas did not differ significantly. However, the same differed significantly (p<0.01) between villages within talukas. The district average of DCP intake as % of requirement in pregnant and dry buffaloes was 139.69 and 117.56, respectively. The lactating, pregnant and dry buffaloes underfed, with respect to DCP were 34.15, 9.53 and 12.50 percent, respectively, in different villages of Dhrol and Bhanvad talukas. The overall average TDN intake in the lactating cows in the entire Jamnagar district ranged between 116.17 and 131.92% of requirement. The district average of TDN intake as % of requirement in pregnant and dry cows was 179.19 and 185.54, respectively. The lactating, pregnant and dry cows underfed, with respect to TDN were 10.0, 0.0 and 0.0 percent, respectively, in different villages of Dhrol and Bhanvad talukas. In buffaloes, the average TDN intake in the entire Jamnagar district ranged between 103.51 and 105.89% of requirement. The district average of TDN intake as % of requirement in pregnant and dry buffaloes was 190.40 and 175.79, respectively. The lactating, pregnant and dry buffaloes underfed, with respect to TDN were 24.39, 0.0 and 0.0 percent, respectively, in different villages of Dhrol and Bhanvad talukas. Wherever necessary, recommendations have been made for balancing the protein supply of dairy animals. The overall average Cu intake as % of requirement in cows and buffaloes in Jamnagar district was 152.7 and 189.5%, respectively. The Cu intake as percent of requirement of buffaloes between talukas did not differ significantly. The Zn intake as % of requirement in the cows of talukas Dhrol and Bhanvad was 44.36 and 47.10%, respectively. The overall average Zn intake as % of requirement in the cows in Jamnagar district was 44.83 percent. The Zn intake in the buffaloes of talukas Dhrol and Bhanvad was 48.08 and 49.15%, respectively. The overall average Zn intake as % of requirement in the buffaloes in Jamnagar district was 48.63 percent. The cows and buffaloes showed short supply of Zn as 55.17 and 51.37%, respectively, in the entire Jamnagar district. The overall average Mn intake as % of requirement in cows and buffaloes in Jamnagar district was 126.10 and 140.3%, respectively. The cows and buffaloes in Dhrol and Bhanvad talukas were supplied adequate Mn through ration. The Mn intake as percent of requirement of cows between talukas did not differ significantly. However, the figures for villages within talukas differed significantly (p<0.01). The average levels of serum Ca and P in cows were 8.84 and 5.15 mg/dl, respectively. Animals screened in the district showed 21.1 and 33% lower serum Ca and P values, respectively. Similarly, average levels of serum Ca and P in buffaloes were 9.16 and 4.76 mg/dl, respectively. About 45 and 50% buffaloes screened showed lower values for Ca and P, respectively. The average blood serum levels of Cu, Zn and Mn in cows were 0.63, 0.72 and 0.05 ppm, respectively. Compared to critical level of Cu (0.65 ppm) and Zn (0.80 ppm) in blood serum, more than 50% of the animals screened, showed low Cu and Zn values. In buffaloes, blood serum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Mn were 0.66, 0.75 and 0.061 ppm, respectively. About 59.60 and 66.70% of the animals screened showed below the critical levels for Cu and Zn values. Based on the calculated intakes of DCP, TDN, Cu, Zn and Mn from various feed stuffs, suggestions for correcting supply of protein and energy and extent of supplementation required through mineral mixture, for obviating Cu, Zn and Mn deficiency in cows and buffaloes have been worked out.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON JUVENILE GROWTH RATE OF EIGHT DIFFERENT CROSSBREDS OF POULTRY DEVELOPED FOR RURAL AREAS(AAU, Anand, 2007) SONAWANE, JEEVAN PARASHARAM; KHANNA, KULDEEPThe different breeds used as female line to produce experimental crossbreds were AK, AP, K, F, NN, RIR and IWP strain of WLH whereas B was used as male line. The only reciprocal cross produced was RIR X B. Thus, a total of eight different crossbreds were evolved for the present study. Simultaneously purebred population of K, AK, AP, NN, F and RIR were produced and maintained in three replicate as a control for comparison. The crossbreds were compared among themselves for body weight, weight gain, total feed consumption, FCR, and mortality, heterosis, economics in terms of EPEI and crossbreds were also compared for body weight and weight gain with purebreed control of each crossbred. The results for reproduction traits revealed that percent fertility was higher in all purebreds as compared to their crossbreds whereas hatchability on TES and FES basis was found to be higher in all crossbreds as compared to their purebreds except in F. The BWLH and BF had higher fertility and hatchability on TES and FES basis as compared to other crossbreds. The results revealed significant (P < 0.01) difference between crossbreds and purebreds population for body weight and weight gain. Among the crossbreds genetic group had significant (P< 0.05) effect on body weight at all ages and sex had significant (P< 0.05) effect at 4, 6, 8 and 10 wks of age. The interaction of genetic group and sex was found to be significant (P< 0.05) for body weight at 4, 6, and 10 wk of age. The overall mean values for body weight showed that BF performed better sexwise as well as on combined sex. Among the crossbreds genetic group had significant (P< 0.05) effect on weight gain at all ages except for G7184 and sex also had significant (P< 0.05) effect at all ages except for GO 14. The interaction of genetic group and sex was found to be significant (P< 0.05) for body weight gain for GO 14 and G2942.0verall mean values of weight gain for BF were better as compared to other crossbreds. Percent heterosis for final body weight of different crossbreds was found to be maximum of BF (16.11) whereas BK showed negative (-3.96) heterosis while the percent increase in body weight of different crossbreds over parental female line was found to be ranged between 34.71 (BAK) to 43.54 (BK). Analysis of variance for total feed consumption revealed that genetic group had significant effect (P < 0.05) at all intervals except for TFC7184 and effect of sex was found to be non significant at all stages except for TFC098.On combined sex, lowest total feed consumption (kg) was observed in BAP (4.387) and highest was in RIRB (4.593) while lowest total feed consumption up to 70 days in male was observed in BAP (4.311) and highest was recorded in RIRB (4.616). Lowest total feed consumption up to 98 days in females was observed in BF (6.95) and highest was in RIRB (7.119).During 0-10 wk period on combined sex basis, the best converter of feed was found to be the BF (3.24) while the poorest converter of feed was the BK (4.27). During 0-10 wk period in males, the best converter of feed was found to be the BF (3.02) while the poorest converter of feed was the BK (4.01) whereas in females during 0-14 week period BF was the best converter of feed (3.67) and BK was the poorest feed converter (4.76). Analysis of variance for FCR revealed that genetic group had significant (P<0.05) effect at various intervals among various crossbreds and sex had significant (P < 0.05) effect at all intervals except for FCR014. The interaction between genetic group and sex was found to be significant (P < 0.05) only for FCR1528. During experimental period the BK, BAK and BF had no mortality whereas BRIR had highest (2.50 %) mortality up to 14wk age while in purebred control the percent mortality ranged from 3.33 (K) and 16.66 (AP). Economics in terms of European Performance Efficiency Index (EPEI) was calculated for each crossbred, lowest EPEI was observed in BK (34.85) and highest EPEI was observed in BF (60.11) whereas overall average in crossbred was 48.55.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF ENZYMES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN COMMERCIAL BROILERS(AAU, Anand, 2007) SHARMA, NIRMAL; JOSHI, R. S.Four hundred straight run "Cobb-100" day-old commercial broiler chicks of same hatch procured from Charotar hatcheries, Pansora, Anand, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments viz. T1: Maize-soya control ration, T2: Enzyme supplemented maize-soya ration, T3: Alternative feed resource control ration and T4: Enzyme supplemented alternative feed resource ration. There were 100 chicks in each treatment having five replicates (20 chicks in each replicate). The iso-caloric and isonitrogenous experimental rations formulated for two phases of growth were: Broiler starter (0-4 weeks) and Broiler finisher (5-6 weeks). The crude protein and Metabolizable energy content of the broiler rations were decided keeping in view the genetic growth attained by "Cobb" during last fourteen years. The rations were fortified with adequate vitamin supplements and coccidiostats. The birds were reared in the cage system of housing during the entire experimental period. The average initial body weight of day old chicks of the four treatment groups i.e. T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 48.94±0.37, 47.47±0.41, 49.59±0.41 and 49.38±0.52 respectively that finally reached to 1416.14±21.98, 1415.56±14.57, 1442.29±14.67 and 1448.37±13.55 g, respectively in T1, T2, T3 and T4 at the end of six weeks. The treatment groups did not differ (P<0.05) from each other for body weights. The respective average body weight gain at the end of 4"' week for T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 677.56±8.95, 688.29±9.25, 694.33±8.52 and 701.47±7.17 g, respectively, while overall (0-6 week) average body weight gain was 1367.73±21.95, 1368.08±14.56, 1392.01±14.62 and 1398.99±13.56 g for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4. The average weekly body weight gains during 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th week were found to be highly significant (P< 0.01) than the control. The average feed consumption during (0-6 week) in T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups were 2809.53±3.86, 2840.47±7.22, 2797.61±7.01 and 2785.18±3.18 g respectively. The differences were found to be statistically (P<0.01) significant. The overall (0-6 weeks) average feed conversion ratio was 1.991±0.007, 2.025±0.008, 1.961±0.006 and 1.941±0.006 for T,, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The FCR was significantly (P<0.05) superior in treatment group T4 followed by T3, T1 and T2. The control group T1 has higher FCR over T2, whereas treatment T4 has superior FCR over the control T3 group. The average dressing percentage was 64.64±0.45, 63.19±0.68, 61.83±0.66 and 62.94±0.77 for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The average dressing percentage was significantly (P< 0.01) higher in treatment groups i.e. T1 and T2 (Maize-soya group), whereas lower in alternative feed resource group (T3 and T4). The dressing percentage is significantly (P< 0.01) higher in T2 (maize-soya plus enzyme) group over T4 (alternative feed plus enzyme) group. However, the average weights of the organ viz., liver, gizzard, heart and spleen were equal in all the treatment groups. The average % livability of birds for treatment T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 99, 100, 98 and 100 respectively. T2 and T4 group showed highest livability followed by T1 and T3. The European Performance Efficiency Index for treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 during overall (0-6 week) was 163.56, 150.09, 167.49 and 171.52 (%).The EPEI value is higher in treatment group T4 (171.52) and lowest in treatment group T2 (150.09). The higher EPEI. values indicates higher average body weight, good livability and higher feed efficiency and thus gives the overall economics of T4 treatment group i.e. alternative feed resource with enzyme supplementation. The overall results of the study indicates that supplementation of enzymes helps in improving the production performance of broilers.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON EFFECT OF MULTIPLE OVULATION AND GnRH TREATMENT ON EMBRYO RECOVERY AND QUALITY IN PUREBRED AND CROSSBRED SAHIWALCATTLE WITH REFERENCE TO CIRCULATING OVARIAN STEROIDS(AAU, Anand, 2007) Siddiqui, M. U.; Panchal, Mahesh T.Study on effect of multiple ovulation and GnRH treatment on embryo recovery and quality in pure and crossbred Sahiwal cattle with reference to circulating ovarian steroids was conducted, at Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala (SAG), Bidaj in Kheda district of Gujarat state, on 24 animals (Group A: 6 purebred Sahiwal cows; Group B; 6 purebred Sahiwal heifers; Group C and D: 6 HF X Sahiwal crossbred cows each). For induction of multiple ovulations, FSH-P (Folltropin-V Bioniche, Canada), @ 200 mg per donor (8 equal doses of 1.25 ml each) was administered by i.m. route over four days at 12 hr interval, starting day 9 -11 post estrus. A single dose of PG was given 48 hr after the first FSH injection, to bring the donor in heat. The first Al was done 48 hr after PG injection, followed by two more Al at 12 hr intervals. A dose of 2.5 ml Receptal (GnRH) was given to the cows of Group D only at the time of Al. On day 7 of first Al, all the donors were flushed for embryo recovery by standard non-surgical technique. The recovered embryos were classified as viable and degenerated embryos and un-fertilized ova. Viable embryos were further graded as A (Excellent), B (Good) and C (Fair). The blood plasma samples were analysed for estrogen and progesterone concentrations using Radio Immuno Assay (RIA). Among the six purebred Sahiwal donor cows (Group A), only 3 donors (50.00%) responded to treatment with the total number of CL to be 17 (5.67/donor) and a total of 10 (3 VE and 7 degenerated) embryos. The mean recovery of total and viable embryos for responded donors and overall were found to be 3.33 and 1.00 and 1.67 and 0.50 embryos per flush, respectively. All the purebred Sahiwal heifers (Group B) responded to treatment with the total number of CL to be 50 (8.33/donor) and a total of 37 (18 VE; 2 UFO; 1 zona and 16 degenerated) embryos. The mean recovery of total and viable embryos was found to be 6.17 and 3.00 embryos per flush, respectively. Four (66.67%) HF X Sahiwal crossbred cows (Group C) responded to treatment with the total number of CL to be 28 (7.00/donor) and with 17 (3 VE; 11 UFO; no zona and 3 degenerated) embryos. The mean recovery of total and viable embryos for responded donors and overall were found to be 4.25 and 0.75 and 2.83 and 0.50 embryos per flush, respectively. Among the six HF x Sahiwal crossbred cows (Group D), 5 (83.33%) cows responded to treatment with the total number of CL to be 31 (6.20/donor) and a total of 21 (12 VE; 6 UFO; no zona and 3 degenerated) embryos. The mean recovery of total and viable embryos for responded donors and overall were found to be 4.20 and 2.40 and 3.50 and 2.00 embryos per flush, respectively. The Sahiwal heifers (Group B) yielded comparatively higher number of mean ovulations (8.33) and embryos, both total (6.17) as well as viable (3.00), than those of the cows under Group A (3.17, 1.67 and 0.50, respectively). Comparatively better response was observed in crossbred cows (Group C: 4.88 mean ovulations and 2.83 total embryos) than in purebred Sahiwal cows (Group A: 3.17 mean ovulations and 1.67 total embryos). Comparatively higher response to multiple ovulation treatment and higher recovery of total and viable embryos (5.33, 3.50, 2.00, respectively) were observed in crossbred cows of Group D than in crossbred cows of Group C (4.83, 2.83, 0.50, respectively). The mean number of ovulations for superovulatory responsive (SR) and non-SR cows were found to be 6.33+1.83 and 0.67+0.27, respectively. Mean age in months and parity of SR and non-SR donor cows were 70.75 ± 20.42, 3.17 ± 0.91 and 96.67 + 39.46, 3.83 ± 1.56, respectively. No significant variation was found in blood plasma concentrations of progesterone among four groups of donors for all the stages of MOET. The mean blood plasma concentrations of estrogen varied significantly between groups. The mean blood plasma estrogen concentrations were found to be significantly (t=3.293, p<0.05) higher at all the stages of MOET for Sahiwal heifers than cows (t=3.293); for Sahiwal crossbred cows than purebred Sahiwal cows (t=3.955) as well as for crossbred cows (without GnRH) than crossbred cows (with GnRH) with the difference being non significant. The mean blood plasma concentrations of progesterone and estrogen at Stage IV (synchronized estrus; 0.42+0.17 ng/ml and 18.50+7.55 pg/ml, respectively) and at Stage VII (at PG injection during FSH treatment; 1.85+0.76 ng/ml and 12.67+5.17 pg/ml, respectively) in purebred Sahiwal heifers (Group B) were found to be correlated significantly with the rate of ovulation, i.e., 8.33 ovulations/donor (R2=0.902, p<0.031; R^=0.831, p<0.069, respectively).The mean blood plasma concentrations of progesterone and estrogen at Stage VI (initiation of FSH treatment; 1.90+0.77 ng/ml and 37.50+15.31 pg/ml, respectively) and at Stage VII (at PG injection during FSH treatment; 2.05+0.84 ng/ml and 37.00+15.11 pg/ml, respectively) in HP x Sahiwal crossbred cows (Group C) were found to be correlated significantly with the rate of ovulation, i.e., 4.83 ovulations/donor (R2=0.898, p<0.033; R2=0.841, p<0.064, respectively). The plasma concentrations of estrogen remained to be the highest at superovulatory estrus in all four groups (A, B, C and D) of donors (39.33+16.06; 18.33+7.48; 60.33+24.63 and 49.17+20.07 pg/ml, respectively). The mean blood plasma progesterone concentration declined significantly after PG injection during FSH treatment (Stage VII) and on the day of superovulatory estrus (Stage VIII) in all groups (A, B, C and D) of donors (2.11+0.86 to 0.25+0.10; 1.85+ 0.76 to 0.73+0.30; 2.05+0.84 to 0.27+0.11 and 1.84+0.75 to 0.41+0.17 ng/ml, respectively). For SR and non-SR donors, the mean number of ovulations and recovery of total and viable embryos were found to be 6.33+1.83, 4.00+1.15 and 1.50+0.43; and 0.67+0.27, nil and nil, respectively. The SR cows (n=12) yielded a total of 48 embryos comprising 18 (37.50%) viable embryos (@ 1.50/flush) and remaining 30 (62.50%) to be either un-fertilized ova (17) or degenerated embryos (13). The mean plasma progesterone and estrogen levels have been found to be substantially higher in SR donor cows than non- SR donor cows at all the stages of MOET. The total number of ovulations did not vary significantly between donors of Group C and D (29 Vs 32). However, there was a significantly higher recovery of viable embryos in Group D (12 VE; @ 2.0/flush) than that of Group C (3 VE; @ 0.5/flush). Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that since purebred Sahiwal heifers had superior SOV response to gonadotrophin treatment and higher recovery of total and viable embryos as compared to Sahiwal cows, heifers can be used as potential embryos donors. The significantly higher levels of mean blood plasma progesterone and estrogen in SR cows than in non-SR cows are indicative of possible underlying role of sound profile of ovarian circulating steroids in contributing towards better results of MOET. Administration of GnRH at the time of Al in superovulated donors may help in increasing the fertilization rate and recovery of more viable embryos of superior quality. Decreasing superovulatory response in donor cows with an increase in cows' age, parity and lactational stress, is suggestive of the use of young and stress free animals for MOET work.