Loading...
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.
Browse
273 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access LABORATORY STUDIES ON BIOLOGY AND FEEDING POTENTIAL OF MEXICAN BEETLE, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister ON PARTHENIUM, Parthenium hysterophorous L. AND EVALUATION OF HERBICIDES FOR THEIR SAFETY TO THE BIOAGENT(AAU, Anand, 2013) PAWAR, SATISH RAMCHANDRA; Korat, D. M.Investigations on biology, morphometries and feeding potential of Mexican beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera) and toxicity of weedicides as well as effect of temperature on biological attributes of the bioagent were carried out in Biological Control Research Laboratory, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat) during theyear 2011 to 2012. Studies on biology of Z. bicolorata on Parthenium hysterophoms L. revea:ied that the female laid their eggs either singly or in cluster on under surface of leaves. Eggs were oblong in shape, slightly elongated, smooth and the surface was finely reticulated. There were four distinct larval instars. Newly hatched larvae were yellowish in colour and gradually turned in creamy white with the advancement of age. Adults of Z. bicolorata were elongate and oblong in shape. Dorsal surface was strongly convex and glabrous. In general, females found relatively larger in size than males. Average egg, larval, pupal and adult period was 3.93+0.80, 13.87 ± 1.36, 7.40 ± 1 . 1 8 and 32.40 ± 8.05 (males) to 44.53 + 7.33 (females) days, respectively. Entire life-span of female and male completed in 59.13 ± 7.75 and 71.33 ± 8.78 days, respectively. Fecundity, hatching percentage, adult emergence percentage and male to female sex ratio was 669.73 ± 141.34 eggs, 55.75 ± 12.27%, 76.67 ± 14.82% and 1 : 1.26, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC STUDY OF PARTIAL AND FULL RECORD OF TWO STRAINS OF WHITE LEGHORN CHICKEN(AAU, Anand, 2013) Meshram, Anushree Yuwraj; Joshi, R. S.The present study was undertaken to investigate inheritance and association of various economic traits in IWN and IWP strains of White Leghorn which has completed nine generations of Osborne Index selection for improvement of egg production. A total of 849 and 862 pullets of IWN and IWP strains, were generated by mating of 50 sires and 300 dams of each of the two strains and were maintained under All India Coordinated Research Project on Poultry Breeding at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science and Animal husbandry, Anand Agricultural University Anand. Various traits like body weight (BW) in g at 16, 20, 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age, age at first egg (AFE) in days, total egg number produced up to 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age (TEN), egg weight (EW) in g at 28, 40, 56, 64 and 72 week of age, total egg mass produced up to 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks (TEM) in kg, feed consumption per dozen of egg (FCDE) produced (kg) and feed consumption per kilo of eggs (FCKE) produced (kg) upto various stages were measured for estimation of Least Squares Means (LSMs), heritability (h2), genetic and phenotypic correlations and genetic gain in the egg production . [The least squares means for body weight (g) at 16, 20, 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age were 978.21 ± 7.00, 1250.47 ± 4.55, 1412.59 ± 7.93, 1462.98 ± 9.41, 1477.26 ± 6.81 and 1526.05 ± 9.60g for IWN strain and 1000.84 ± 5.61, 1280.41 ± 6.14, 1483.76 ± 8.48, 1543.62 ± 9.94, 1534.44 ± 10.97 and 1616.10 ± 12.82g for IWP strain, respectively. The body weight at all stages were significantly (P<0.05) higher in IWP strain as compared to IWN strain. Least squares means for AFE (days) were found to be 134.50 ± 0.78 and 138.13 ± 0.59 days in IWN and IWP strains, respectively. Age at first egg was significantly earlier (P<0.05) in IWN than IWP strain.) The LSMs for total egg number produced up to 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age were 119.26 ± 1.03, 210.51 ± 1.03, 251.75 ± 1.56 and 286.39 ± 1.42 eggs in IWN and 115.55 ± 0.79, 205.69 ± 1.33, 243.59 ± 1.35 and 277.70 ± 1.53 eggs in IWP strain, respectively. IWN strain has produced significantly (P<0.05) more eggs number than IWP strain during all stages. The least squares means for egg weight (g) at 28, 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age were 44.84 ± 0.15, 50.36 ± 0.13, 51.68 ± 0.15, 51.62 ± 0.13 and 52.01 ± 0.12g for IWN strain and 46.26 ± 0.12, 52.52 ± 0.12, 53.48 ± 0.15, 53.57 ± 0.15 and 54.51 ± 0.14g for IWP strain, respectively. The mean egg weight recorded at all ages were significantly (P<0.05) higher in IWP strain as compared to IWN strain. The least squares means for egg mass (kg) upto 40, 56, 64 and 72 weeks of age were 6.002 ± 0.048, 10.909 ± 0.062, 12.997 ± 0.082 and 14.893 ± 0.072 kg in IWN strain while 6.061 ± 0.038, 10.986 ± 0.695, 13.040 ± 0.076 and 14.638 ± 0.083 kg in IWP stain, respectively. The LSMs for feed consumed to produce a dozen of eggs (kg) were 1.718 ± 0.016 , 1.782 ± 0.011, 1.804 ± 0.012 and 1.864 ± 0.011 kg in IWN strain whereas 1.735 ± 0.140, 1.784 ± 0.012, 1.842 ± 0.012 and 1.895 ± 0.012 kg in IWP strain during the period of 21- 40, 21-56, 21-64 and 21-72 weeks of age, respectively. The LSMs for feed consumption per kilo of egg up to 40, 56 ,64 and 72 week of age were 2.850 ± 0.026, 2.874 ± 0.221, 2.921 ± 0.020 and 2.995 ± 0.017 kg in IWN and 2.758 ± 0.020, 2.785 ± 0.018, 2.873 ± 0.019 and 3.011 ± 0.019 kg in IWP strain, respectively. No significance difference have been observed between two strains for egg mass and feed consumption either per dozen or kilo of egg produced. Heritability estimates for BW at different ages varies in magnitude from low to high in IWN strain and IWP strain. The estimate of heritability for AFE was high in IWN strain while of moderate magnitude in IWP strain. Heritability estimates were high in IWN strain and lower to moderate magnitude in IWP strains for egg number. Heritability estimates of egg weight at all stages were low to moderate in both the strains. Whereas, the h2 estimates of egg mass shown higher to lower magnitude as the age advanced. Inheritance of feed efficiency trait (FC/DE and FC/KE) has shown erratic trend from higher to lower in IWN strain while it was moderate in IWP strain. Genetic and phenotypic associations of AFE with TEN were found negative and high in magnitude. The genetic correlation of AFE with TEN in IWN strain was beyond parametric range which might be due to sampling error. Association of TEN and BW at various stages were positive and high in magnitude suggesting unfavourable trend in IWN strain while they were negative and varied in magnitude suggesting favourable trend in IWP strain. The genetic association of TEN with EW at various stages was in general negative and moderate to high in magnitude in both the strain. Genetic and phenotypic correlations of TEN with TEM were all positive at each stage and high in magnitude and many were found beyond the parametric range. Correlation between the TEN and FCDE and FCKE were negative which is favourable in direction and high in magnitude at all stages. Genetic correlations between age at first egg and egg weights at different ages were, in general, positive and showed increasing trend from low to high with advancement in age in IWN strain, where as they were positive and high in IWP strain. Genetic association of AFE with BW was negative in both strains indicates low body weight at time of housing increases the age at sexual maturity. Phenotypic correlations shown erratic trend of weakly positive or negative association found in both strain. Genetic association of AFE with other traits such as egg mass, feed consumption per dozen of egg and per kilo of egg in general were negative and high in magnitude Expected genetic gain was highest at 64 weeks age in IWN strain and at 56 weeks age in IWP strain. High relative efficiency to get maximum genetic gain for egg numbers produced was found at 40 weeks of age in both the strain, therefore selection on the basis of 40 weeks egg production seems to be most efficient in improving annual production than direct selection for annual records.ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF WHEAT STRAW BASED TOTAL MIXED RATION IN SHEEP(AAU, Anand, 2013) Vaghamashi, Dilipkumar G.; Pandya, P. R.An experiment of 90 days duration was carried out on fourteen adult sheep to study the effect of wheat straw based total mixed ration on their digestibility and nutrient utilization. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase I, In vitro DMD (Dry Matter Digestibility) and OMD (Organic Matter Digestibility) of TMR (Total Mixed Ration) with different roughage (wheat straw) concentrate (Amuldan) ratio (40:60, 50:50 and 60:40) were studied. The highest in vitro DMD (52.01%) and OMD (62.79%) were observed at 50:50 (roughage:concentrate) ratio in TMR. Hence, it was further evaluated by in vivo study. The sheep under control group (T1) were fed wheat straw and concentrate separately where as sheep under treatment group (T1) were fed wheat straw based total mixed ration in the ratio (50:50). Quantity of feed offered was adjusted at weekly interval according to change in body weight of sheep. Individual feeding of all the sheep was carried out during the study period. The nutrient requirements of sheep in term of DCP and TDN were met as per ICAR (1998) feeding standards.ThesisItem Open Access Transcriptome Analysis of Paramphistomum cervi of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using next generation sequencing(AAU, Anand, 2013) CHOURASIA, REETIKA; PATEL, P. V.Rumen flukes are economically important parasites (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda: Digenea) that attack livestock adversely thereby affecting their productivity. In spite of its economic importance, molecular biology of the Paramphistomum cervi and its interaction with its hosts is still unknown. Advances in transcriptomic and bioinformatics provide biologically relevant insights into parasites, their developmental stages and their relationships with their hosts at the molecular level. The present study elucidates the first transcriptome and gene expression profiling of the adult stage of Paramphistomum cervi using next-generation (high throughput) sequencing and advanced in silico analyses. Expression level for predicted proteins of Paramphistomum cervi of buffalo were determined and classified based on homology, gene ontology and pathway mapping. These findings are expected to provide new insights into the genetic architecture and pathophysiology of Paramphistomum cervi and for the development of improved interventions for disease control. It will also facilitate a more fundamental understanding of Paramphistomes biology, evolution and the host-parasite interplay. Moiphological characteristics of adult fluke were identified as conical shape, elongate, curved ventrally, with evenly curved dorsal and ventral borders. Cuticle is provided with prominent tubercules/papillae on anterior l/3rd to half of the body. Tubercles are more extensive ventrally. Acetabulum is subtemiinal. hitestinal caeca have 7 nearly identical bends with ventrally directed temiinal part. Testes are tandem, oval or angularly oval or spherical and are deeply lobed. Gross examination of affected rumen showed, anaemic rumen with atrophied, degenerated and sloughing tips of villi. Removal of flukes revealed marked knobs at the attachment sites. Histopathology of rumen revealed proliferation of epithelium in the vicinity of flukes, along with villous atrophy and infiltration of macrophages and eosinophils. Transcriptome analysis of adult stage of Paramphistomum ceni was carried out at Department of Animal Biotechnology. Total RNA was extracted from parasites using TRIzol® (Invitrogen, UK)/ RNeasy® mini kit and mRNA isolation from the total RNA was carried out by using mRNA isolation kit. The quality and quantity of RNA and mRNA checked by running the sample on NanoDrop ND-1000 spectrophotometer. Concentration of RNA of adult fluke was 2,608 ng/µl and mRNA was 100 ng/µl. The cDNA library was constructed using the Ion Total RNA-Seq Kit v2. According to Qubit®Fluorometer, concentration of cDNA was 1.19 ng/µl and based on Aligent 2100 Bioanalyzer concentration of cDNA is 1.25 ng/µl.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ENZYMES SUPPLEMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BROILERS(AAU, Anand, 2013) SHINDE, OMPRAKASH SHAMRAO; MISHRA, R. K.The experiment was conducted to study effect of enzymes supplementation on performance of commercial broilers. One hundred and sixty (160) day old commercial broiler chicks were distributed randomly into four treatments. T1 ration was considered as control (without enzyme). T2, T3 and T4 ration contains enzymes at the rate of 25g, 50g and 75g per 100 kg feed, respectively in broiler starter as well as in broiler finisher ration. The each gram of commercial enzymes mixture used in the experiment contains: Xylanase (2,000 IU), Amylase (400 IU), Protease (4000 IU) and Cellulase (500 IU). Each treatment was having 4 replicates of 10 birds each. The initial mean body weight (g) of day old age chicks (BWQ) was found to be 49.67 ± 0.11, 49.61 ± 0.05, 49.67 ± 0.07 and 49.68 ± 0.08 which was non-significant and finally reached to average body weight (g) of 1975.53 ± 23.28, 2011.75 ± 12.73, 2054.41 ± 17.95 and 2093.02 ± 43.98 at the end of experiment (6th week) under treatment rations T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations, respectively. The mean body weight gain (g) of birds during 0-6 weeks of age fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be 1925.85 ± 23.39, 1962.10 ± 12.75, 2004.74 ± 17.91 and 2043.38 ± 43.94, respectively. The birds fed with T4 ration recorded significantly higher body weight gain than control (T1). The mean body weight gain of birds during 0 to 4 weeks (starter phase) and 0 to 6 weeks of age was significant but non-significant differences were observed during 4 to 6 weeks of age (finisher phase). The significant increase in average body weight and body weight gain on enzyme supplementation clearly indicates the beneficial effects of supplementing enzymes in improving the nutrient utilization required for the growth. The mean total feed consumption (g/bird) during 0 to 4 weeks of age fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be 1752.9 ± 10.84, 1756.02 ± 10.23, 1777.12 ± 10.99 and 1707.83 ± 21.02, respectively. Feed consumption of birds fed with T1, T2 and T3 rations was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T4. The differences in feed consumption among different treatment rations were non-significant during 5 to 6 weeks and during 0 to 6 weeks of age. The feed conversion ratio of birds from 0 to 4 weeks of age fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be 1.873 ± 0.011, 1.835 ± 0.032, 1.803 ± 0.035 and 1.659 ± 0.015, respectively. Feed conversion ratio of birds fed with T4 ration was significantly (P<0.05) better than T1,T2 and T3 rations. However, the differences in feed conversion ratio among different treatment rations were found to be nonsignificant during 5 to 6 weeks of age. The feed conversion ratio of birds from 0 to 6 weeks of age fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be 1.975 ± 0.036, 1.890 ± 0.018, 1.872 ± 0.030 and 1.789 ± 0.036, respectively. Feed conversion ratio of birds fed with T4 ration was significantly (P<0.05) better than T1 and T2 but differ non-significantly with T3 ration. The significantly improved feed conversion ratio in enzyme supplementation clearly indicates the beneficial effects of supplementing enzymes in improving the nutrient utilization from rations. The livability in the birds fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was 97.5% 100%, 97.5% and 100%), respectively. Enzyme supplementations do not have any adverse effect on the livability of the birds. Economy in terms of Return over Feed Cost (ROFC) of birds fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations was found to be (Rs./bird) 58.12, 62.67, 64.73 and 69.66, respectively. Economy calculating in terms of European Performance Efficiency Index (EPEI) of birds fed with T1, T2, T3 and T4 rations at 6th week of age (42 days) was found to be 232.01, 253.37, 254.90 and 279.18. Birds fed with T4 ration were having higher EPEI than T3 followed by T2 and control (T1) ration. Profit increases as the level of enzymes supplementation in broiler ration increased and highest profit was noted @ 75g/100 kg feed of enzymes supplementation than other treatment rations. The carcass characteristics like pre-slaughter live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, liver weight, heart weight, gizzard weight, giblet weight, abdominal fat, kidney weight and intestinal length were found to be non-significant among birds fed under different treatment rations. For better growth performance, feed efficiency, profitability and livability, the enzymes should be supplemented @ 75g/ 100kg of feed in the broiler ration.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of time of nitrogen application and weed management practices on weeds, yield attributes and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Middle Gujarat Conditions(AAU, Anand, 2013) Padheriya, DHAVAL R.; SADHU, A. C.A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of the year 2011-12 at the College Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat). The treatments comprised combination of time of nitrogen application (T1 - 1/2 as basal + 1/2 at CRI, T2- 1/2 as basal + 1/4 at CRI + 1/4 at FND and T3 - 1/3 as basal + 1/3 at CRI + 1/3 at FND) and weed management practices [ W1- Pendimethalin @ 1000 g/ha (PE) , W2 - Metsulfuron methyl @ 4g/ha (PoE at 25-30 DAS), W3 - Pendimethalin @ 1000 g/ha (PE) fb Metsulfuron methyl @ 4g/ha (PoE at 25-30 DAS), W4 - Hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS and W5 - Weedy check ]. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with fifteen treatment combinations replicated four times. Effect of time of nitrogen application and weed management practices on plant population was found non-significant. Higher plant height at 30 DAS and the highest plant height at harvest was recorded under treatment T3 (1/3 as basal + 1/3 at CRI + 1/3 at FND) i.e. 44.57 and 77.32 cm, respectively, whereas significantly lower plant height at 30 DAS and at harvest was recorded in treatment T1 (1/2 as basal + 1/2 at CRI) i.e. 40.81 and 72.40 cm, respectively but it was at par with treatment T2. The maximum number of effective tillers per metre row length and length of ear were observed in the treatment T3 (Va as basal + 1/3 at CRI + 1/3 at FND) i.e. 64.67 and 16.23 cm, respectively. The minimum number of effective tillers per metre row length and length of ear were recorded in treatment T1 (1/2 as basal + 1/2 at CRI) i.e. 58.71 and 13.39 cm, respectively. The test weight was recorded significantly higher (48.99 g) in treatment T3 (1/3 as basal + 1/3 at CRI + 1/3 at FND), whereas the lowest test weight was recorded in treatment T1 ( 1/2 as basal + 1/2 at CRI) (41.69 g). Significantly the highest grain weight per plant i.e. 13.03 g/plant was recorded in treatment T3 (1/3 as basal + 1/3 at CRI + 1/3 at FND), While the lowest grain weight per plant was recorded in treatment T1 (1/2 as basal + 1/2 at CRI) i.e. 9.57 g. The grain and straw yields were recorded significantly the highest in treatment T3 (1/3 as basal + 1/3 at CRI + 1/3 at FND) i.e. 4017 and 6506 kg/ha, respectively, while the lowest grain and straw yields were recorded in treatment T1 (1/2 as basal + 1/2 at CRI) i.e. 3483 and 4962 kg/ha, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF PARTIAL HOMOGENIZATION ON THE QUALITY OF MOZZARELLA CHEESE(AAU, Anand, 2013) Mahagaonkar, Akshay; Jana, A. H.Homogenization of cheese milk though offers several advantages in Mozzarella cheese, it has few adverse effects too. 'Partial homogenization' (i.e. homogenizing only the cream portion to obtain standardized cheese milk) has been reported to confer superior baking characteristics to Mozzarella cheese compared to 'complete homogenization' (subjecting entire quantity of standardized cheese milk to homogenization). The effect of varying fat content of cream (20.0, 25.0 and 30.0 per cent milk fat), two homogenization pressures (i.e. 25.0+10.0 [P1], 50.0+10.0 kg/cm2 [P2]) and two homogenization temperatures (60° [T1], 70°C [T2]) on the vat performance, composition of Mozzarella cheese, yield of cheese, recovery of milk constituents in cheese, rheological characteristics of cheese, baking characteristics, sensory quality of cheese and the suitability of cheese as a topping on pizza pie were studied. The study was undertaken in five phases which involved: Phase-I: Standardizing the processing parameters for Mozzarella cheese making, Phase-II: influence of partial homogenization using cream of varying fat content on the quality of Mozzarella cheese, Phase-III: Optimizing the conditions of partial homogenization, Phase-IV: Comparison of Mozzarella cheese made from unhomogenized, partially homogenized and completely homogenized milks, and Phase-V: Cost advantage gained in using homogenization of cheese milk. Mozzarella cheese making from partially homogenized milk required some modifications in the conventional cheese making process as was standardized in Phase-I. These modifications were addition of 0.01 per cent calcium chloride to the cheese milk before renneting; adopting higher cooking temperature (44° vs. 42.5°C); higher whey acidity at draining (0.45 and 0.49 per cent LA for pressures Pi and P2 respectively vs. 0.42 per cent LA for control); lower temperature of moulding water (95° vs. 100°C) and its contact period with cheese curd (2-3 min vs. 3-4 min) during plasticizing in order to obtain a product nearer to that of unhomogenized control. Phase-II revealed that homogenization of cream with varying fat content (i.e. 20.0, 25.0 and 30.0 per cent milk fat) had little effect on the chemical composition and yield of Mozzarella cheese. Use of 25.0 per cent fat cream for partial homogenization was found to be advantageous in terms of fat and protein recovery and sensory characteristics of cheese as well as during judging on pizza pie. The Mozzarella cheese made using 20.0 per cent fat homogenized cream had the maximum values of springiness and chewiness compared to other two cheeses. The Schreiber meltability and fat leakage was significantly greater for Mozzarella cheese made using 30.0 per cent fat cream compared to other two cheeses. The cheeses made using 20.0 or 25.0 per cent fat homogenized cream had significantly greater stretch compared to the one made using 30.0 per cent fat cream. From this phase, 25.0 per cent fat cream was selected for 'partial homogenization' in subsequent phases. Phase-III involved optimizing the conditions (i.e. pressure and temperature) of homogenization. The compositional attributes that were significantly affected by the pressure of homogenization were fat on dry matter (FDM), protein, protein at constant moisture (PCM), ash and salt. The cheese P1T1 had the maximum values of protein, PCM, ash and salt content while cheese P2T1 had the highest FDM content. The temperature of homogenization did not exert any significant influence on composition of Mozzarella cheese. The interaction of P x T had significant influence only on protein (highest in sample P1T1) and ash content. The yield, fat and TS recovery of Mozzarella cheese were not significantly affected by any of the homogenization conditions. The protein recovery of Mozzarella cheese made using P1 pressure had significantly higher than pressure P2. The interaction P x T failed to exert any influence on these aspects. The hardness, gumminess, chewiness and adhesiveness of cheese were significantly affected by both pressure and temperature of 'partial homogenization'. The cheese made using P2 pressure had significantly higher springiness but were associated with significantly lower hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and adhesiveness compared to its counterpart made using P1 pressure. The interaction P x T was significant only for adhesiveness. Milk subjected to partial homogenization using pressures P1 and P2 yielded cheese having 'good' and 'fair' shred quality respectively. A significant decline in meltability and fat leakage properties of cheese was noted with increasing homogenization pressure. The fat leakage and stretch property of cheese tended to decrease with increasing homogenization temperature. The interaction P x T had a significant influence only on melting time and meltability of Mozzarella cheeses. The cheeses made using homogenization pressure Pi had significantly superior score for appearance and melting compared to P2 pressure during pizza trials. Cheese P2 had significantly superior score for flavor and chewiness over cheese P1. Cheese made using T2 temperature had significantly higher score for appearance and melting than T1. The interaction P x T had a significant influence on flavour, chewiness and total sensory scores of Mozzarella cheese. Looking at the superiority of Pi over P2 in terms of protein recovery, shred quality, meltability, appearance and melting sensory score on pizza and superiority of T1 temperature over T2 with regard to stretch quality it was decided to adopt the optimized condition of partial homogenization using pressure Pi (25.0+10.0 kg/cm ) and temperature T1 (60°C). In phase-IV of experiment, Mozzarella cheese made using partially homogenized (P1T1), completely homogenized (P1T1) and unhomogenized milk (i.e. control - UH) were compared for their suitability as a pizza topping. Homogenization of milk (both partial [PH] and complete homogenization [CH] resulted in cheeses having increased yield, greater recovery of milk solids in cheese and higher cohesiveness as well as adhesiveness compared to control (UH). Such homogenized cheeses had higher moisture, FDM and acidity and required more time to melt in the oven compared to UH cheese. On the other hand, homogenization led to reduction in fat, protein, PCM, ash, salt and pH; lowering in most of the rheological parameters, meltability and fat leakage characteristics. However, homogenized cheeses had higher stretch value compared to UH cheese. The shred quality of UH, PH and CH cheeses were rated as 'very good', 'good' and 'fair' respectively. The appearance score of cheeses UH and PH when judged as pizza topping was significantly greater than that of CH cheese; UH cheese had superior melting score. The total sensory score of all the cheeses (UH, CH and PH), evaluated as a pizza topping, were rated at par with each other. The average shelf life of UH, PH and CH Mozzarella cheeses under refrigerated (7±1°C) condition was around 32, 25 and 22 days respectively. Amongst homogenized milk cheeses, CH cheeses had higher moisture, fat, FDM and pH; enhanced recovery of milk constituents as well as cheese yield compared to PH cheeses. The former cheeses (i.e. CH) were associated with lower protein, PCM, ash, salt and acidity; the cheeses had lower values for all the rheological parameters, except for adhesiveness compared to PH cheeses. The CH cheeses also had lower values for meltability, fat leakage and extent of stretch compared to PH cheeses. Based on the findings of the study, PH cheeses performed better than CH cheeses during baking applications. Phase-V revealed cost advantage when using homogenization (PH or CH) as a pre-treatment for Mozzarella cheese manufacture compared to UH cheese. Mozzarella cheese that is suited for its end use application as a topping on pizza pie can be made employing partial homogenization of milk utilizing optimized homogenizing conditions. The cheese milk (from mixed cow and buffalo milk) subjected to partial homogenization (i.e. using 25.0 per cent fat cream) at 25.0+10.0 kg/cm2 pressure and 60°C temperature is recommended for the manufacture of Mozzarella cheese using modified method, with significant improvement in the yield (i.e. 8.82 per cent over unhomogenized control) and appearance; reduced fat leakage and moderate chewiness at the same time possessing desired stretch quality, during baking applications. Sale of homogenized milk Mozzarella cheese will fetch better cost returns compared to unhomogenized milk cheese.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ROW RATIOS, PHOSPHORUS LEVELS AND WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PERFORMANCE OF MUSTARD - CHICKPEA INTERCROPPING AND ITS RESIDUAL EFFECT ON SUMMER BLACK GRAM UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2013) GAIKWAD, VAIBHAV POPAT; Patel, J. J.An experiment was conducted during rabi season in the year 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 with succeeding summer black gram at College Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat to study the "Effect of row ratios, phosphorus levels and weed management practices on performance, of mustard - chickpea intercropping and its residual effect on summer black gram under middle Gujarat conditions" The soil of the experimental plot was loamy sand in texture. It was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen, while medium in available phosphorus and high in available potash with pH 7.9 and EC value 0.11dsm-1. There were thirty treatment combinations comprised of five row ratios IC1 Chick pea (Sole), IC2 Mustard (Sole), IC3 Mustard + Chick pea (1: 1), IC4 Mustard + Chick pea (1: 2), IC5 Mustard + Chick pea (1: 3) and two levels of P 1 (25 kg P2O5 ha-1 ) , P2 (50 kg P2O5 ha-1) and three levels of weed management practices ( W1 :Weedy check , W2 : Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, W3 : Pendimethalin @ 1 kg ha-1 (Pre-emergence) tested in randomized block design under factorial concept with three replications. Plant population of mustard recorded at 15 DAS and at harvest showed non-significant differences due to different row ratios. The plant heights at all the crop growth stages were significantly influenced due to different row ratios. Higher plant height (30.89 cm) was recorded under the treatment IC5 Mustard + Chick pea (1:3) row ratio while significantly the lowest plant height (27.94 cm) at 30 DAS was observed under the treatment IC3 Mustard + Chick pea (1:1). The difference in the plant height recorded at 60 DAS due to the different row ratios was non-significant on pooled basis. While plant height recorded at 90 DAS and harvesting was significantly influenced due to different row ratios. Significantly the highest plant height (204.83 and 213.94 cm) were recorded under the treatment IC2 (sole mustard) at 90 DAS and at harvest during second year and on pooled basis, respectively. Lower plant height (193.31 and 207.44 cm) of mustard were recorded under the treatment IC5 Mustard + Chick pea (1:3) which was remained at par with the treatment IC3 Mustard + Chick pea (1:1) and IC4 Mustard + Chick pea (1: 2) at harvest, respectively on pooled basis. The result revealed that different row ratios did not exert its significant influence on number of siliquae per plant and length of siliqua on pooled basis analysis. The results pertaining to seed and straw yield, harvest index and test weight revealed that the different row ratios registered significantly higher mustard seed and straw yield, harvest index as well as test weight were observed under the treatment IC3 Mustard + Chick pea (1: 1). Lower mustard seed yield, straw yield, harvest index as well as test weight were observed under the treatment IC5 Mustard + Chick pea (1:3). Plant height of chickpea recorded at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest was influenced significantly by the different row ratios, respectively. It had non-significant effect on pooled basis result at 25 DAS and at harvest. Plant heights measured at 50 DAS as influenced by the different row ratios were significant during both the years and on pooled basis. Significantly the maximum plant height (41.81 cm) of chickpea was observed under the treatment IC3 Mustard + Chick pea (1: 1) on pooled result. It was remained at par with the treatment IC4 Mustard + Chick pea (1:2). Significantly the lowest plant height (33.72cm) was recorded under treatment IC] sole chick pea. Among the various row ratios, the treatment IC3 Mustard + chickpea (1:1) recorded significantly the highest number of pods per plant (53.55), number of seeds per pods (1.67) seed (809 kg ha-1), dry gotar yield (1678 kg ha-1), harvest index (41.1 %) and test weight (25.63 g.) of chickpea on pooled basis, respectively. Significantly less number of pods per plant (27.76), seeds per pod (1.52), seed (300 kg/ha) and dry gotar yield (502 kg ha-1) of chickpea were recorded under the treatment IC5 Mustard + Chick pea (1: 3) on pooled basis. While significantly the lowest harvest index (25.9 %) and test weight (24.7 g.) was observed under the treatment IC1 (sole chick pea), respectively. As far as interaction effect concern all the possible interaction of different factors had the significant influence on the harvest index of mustard. Different phosphorus levels did not differ significantly for plant height on pooled basis at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest while also it exerted non-significant effect on the yield attributes of mustard (number of siliquae per plant, length of siliqua, test weight of mustard and oil content) on pooled basis.ThesisItem Open Access AUGMENTING FERTILITY IN ANOESTRUS AND REPEAT BREEDING BUFFALOES USING CONTROLLED BREEDING TECHNIQUES(AAU, Anand, 2013) SAVALIA, KETANKUMAR KANJIBHAI; DHAMI, A. J.This study was carried out at 5 villages of Anand district under the AMUL milk shed area on 50 buffaloes, comprising 20 acyclic-true anoestrus,. 20 cyclic-repeat breeders and 10 normal cyclic buffaloes (exhibiting oestrus within 90 days postpartum). The objectives were to evaluate clinical response and monitor peripheral plasma progesterone, biochemical and macro-micro minerals profile at different time intervals in anoestrus (CIDR and Ovsynch protocol) and repeat breeding (Al+GnRH and Mid-cycle PGFaa inj.) buffaloes treated with different hormonal preparations. The effect of these protocols was evaluated by comparing oestrus induction response, oestrus induction interval and induced/first cycle (with fixed time AI) as well as overall of three cycles conception rates, and monitoring plasma progesterone by RIA, total cholesterol, total protein, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium by assay kits on auto-analyzer, and micro-minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu,. Co, Mn) profile using wet digested samples on atomic absorption spectrophotometer at different time intervals of treatment in anoestrus (day 0, 7, 9/10-Al) and in repeat breeding (day 0 and day of oestrus/Al) as well as normal cyclic control buffaloes and on day 21 post-Al in all the buffaloes. Ten true anoestrus buffaloes were inserted with i/vaginal CIDR (containing 1.38 g progesterone in silastic coil) for 7 days, it was removed on day 7 together with i/m Inj. of PGF2α 25 mg (Inj. Lutalyse, 5 ml) and FTAl was done on day 9 with i/m Inj. of GnRH 10 μg (Inj. Receptal, 2.5 ml). All the 10 (100 %) buffaloes exhibited induced ovulatory oestrus within stipulated time with moderate to prominent oestrus signs. The conception rates obtained at induced/first, second, third cycle and overall were 40.00 (4/10), 50.00 (3/6), 00.00 (0/3) and 70.00 (7/10) per cent, respectively. The interval from PGF2α injection to induced oestrus was 63.60 ± 6.46 hrs (n=10) and the fertile oestrus interval was 10.25 ± 3.94 days (n=7) among CIDR treated conceived buffaloes.