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Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad
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ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF HOUSING SYSTEMS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SOWS AND GILTS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1998) V. RAMESH; P.C. SaseendranAn experiment was conducted to findout the effect of housing systems on the reproductive performance of sows and gilts. Three types of housing systems namely, conventional house with wallowing tank (control TJ , conventional house with sprinklers (Tj) and range system (Tj) were put to test. Eighteen sows and eighteen gilts were reared under each system. A significantly lower (P<0.01) temperature was observed in sprinkler system (33.0°C) when compared to conventional (35.0°C) and range (34.35°C). There was nc significant difference in relative humidity between the groups. Significant difference (P<0.01) between treatment groups Ti with Tj and T3 in age at puberty and mating in gilt which were 305.47 ± 9.51, 270.36 ± 8.75 and 276.22 ± 5.- ;. respectively. The gilts under the treatment group T^ and T, had reached piiberty and were mated earlier than Ti group. The weight of gilts at the time of breeding was significantly (P<0.05) lower in treatment group T3 (75.39 ± 3.19) when compared to Tj (97.63 ± 3.09) and T^ (93.11 ± 3.73). But T3 group gilts had compensatory weight gain during pregnancy and difference between treatment groups in weight of gilts at one week after farrowing and at weaning were non significant. The weight of sows at the time of breeding, one week after farrowing and at weaning were significantly lower (P<0.05) in treatment group Tj when compared to T3 and . S .gnificantl' higher (P<0.01) percentage of oestrus occurrence, breeding success and intensity of oestrus were observed in T, and T3 group than group. The gestation length and post weaning oestrus period were found to be non-significantly different between the groups. The litter size at birth and weaning were 9.06 ± 0.26 and 6.87 ± 0.22 respectively in gilts and 9.38 ± 0.33 and 6.92 ± 0.05 respectively in sows reared under range system (T3) which were highly significant (P<0.01) than the litter size at birth and weaning obtained for gilts (5.85 ± 0.40 and 4.00 ± 0.69 respectively) and sows (7.09 ± 0.68 and 4.63 ± 0.70 respectively) reared under conventional system (TJ . Between T^ and T3 there was no significant difference. The litter weight at birth and weaning in T3 groups of 13.89 ± 0.43 kg and 62.72 ± 1.99 kg respectively in gilts and 14.35 ± 0.52 kg and 63.84 ± 4.04 kg respectively in sows were found to be highly significant than T^ group and non significantly higher than T, group. The cost of installing sprinkler in conventional pen and providing range in place of conventional pen were estimated to be Rs.29/m^ and Rs.l25/m= respectively. In the present study the reproductive performance of pigs maintained under sprinkler and range system was found to be better than the pigs maintained under conventional system. But the range system may not be practical and economically feasible always when compared to sprinkler systemThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF MODIFIED ENVIRONMENT DURING SUMMER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING PIGS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1998) T. SUBRAMANIAN; K.S. SebastianAn investigation was carried out to study the environment variables and the effect of modified housing conditions on the physiological norms and growth performance during the dry season on the large white Yorkshire grower pigs. The modified housing include, - without wallow and sprinkler, Tj - with wallow only, T3 - with sprinkler only and T4 - with wallow and sprinkler as the four treatment groups. The dry season (summer) characterised by higher ambient temperature (maximum temperature - 31.5° to 37°C, minimum temperature 22.8 to 26.1°C, mean temperature - 27.4°C to 31.3°C), comparatively lower relative humidity (mean RH 63.15 to 75.68%) and wind speed (2.75 to 7.8 km/h) . The higher range of temperature was sufficient to cause stress on the performance of the grower pigs as per the literatures. The treatment (TJ without wallow and sprinkler varies significantly (P<0.05) in the body temperature, respiration rate, cardiac rate both in the forenoon and afternoon from the Tj, T3 and T4 gramps, i.e., T^ has shown more of physiological stress reaction than other treatment groups. T, was found to be more comfortable than T^. and T3 were having no significant difference except in afternoon body temperature and respiration rate. There were no statistically significant (P<0.05) difference between treatment groups in the fortnightly body weight gain from the first fortnight to upto twelfth fortnight. The twelfth fortnight body weight of the treatments T^, T2, T3 and T4 were 70.833 ± 2.114, 69.333 ± 5.816, 73.333 ± 5.681 and 71.667 ± 5.975. There were also no significant difference in the body length, chest girth and body height among the treatment groups in the fortnightly observations. Though T^ had shown significant (P<0.05) rise of physiological norms that had not reached upto the level of growth retardation. The overall fortnightly rate of gain (kg) and average daily gain (g) of the treatment groups of T^, Tj, Tj and T^ were 5.08 ± 0.60, 4.97 ± 0.54, 5.28 ± 0.56 and 5.17 ± 0.60 and 339 ± 39.9, 330.9 ± 36.1, 351.7 ± 37.6 and 343.9 ± 36.0. Under restricted feeding regime, T3 was having relatively better feed conversion efficiency and lower cost per kg of live weight production than T^, T^ and Tj. The conversion efficiency of T^, T^, T3 and T^ were 4.05, 4.15, 3.91 and 3.99 and cost per kg of live weight production 36.16, 37.03, 35.05 and 35.81. Based on the observations and the results suitable method of environment modification during the dry season for grower pigs can be recommended.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ENRICHMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND HALOTHANE SENSITIVITY ON PERFORMANCE OF LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE AND DESI PIGS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) JOSEPH MATHEW; C.K.ThomasThe effect of environmental variables, halothane sensitivity and environmental enrichments in the form of wallowing, water sprinkling and access to a shaded range on various production and reproduction traits of exotic(LWYJ and Desi pigs was assessed by conducting a study in Kerala Agricultural University Pig Breeding Farm , Mannuthy (UPBl). Significant correlations were found between environmental variables and important production and reproduction traits in both breeds . The incidence of halothane sensitivity was found to be higher in LWY when compared to that of Desi.A clear breed difference was noticed between Desi and LWY with respect to traits such as body weight,daily weight gain,body measurements, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency(FCE), weaning weight,cost of production for unit meat and weaned piglet.Environmental enrichments were found to be beneficial for most of the traits such as body weight, daily weight gain,FCE,conception rate,live litter size at birth,birth weight,1itter weight at weaning and average weaning weight.When halothane sensitive animals were better in FCE and growth rate, halothane resistant animals came out with good reproduction results.But positive animals with environmental enrichments performed better than negative in certain traits.The biochemical traits associated with haiothane sensitivity were inconsistent.But clear trends with breed and genetic groups existed between haiothane positive and negative animals.An apparently clear interaction between breeds, genotype and environmental enrichments were niticed in certain production and reproduction traits.Provision for access to a shaded range was found to be beneficial for fattening pigs with respect to FCE and growth rate.Wallowing and water sprinkling have got negative effect on these traits.But for reproduction traits all the above enrichments had beneficial effect.Based on the observations and the results suitable combinations of various environmental enricfimenLs for different breeds, geno types and purpose were deslgried which fnay be used as tools for developing managemental systems under different situations.ThesisItem Open Access CERTAIN SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF PIGS(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1996) S. RAMAKRISHNAN; K.S. SebastianAn experiment was conducted to study the effect of social environment on the reproductive performance of pigs and the feasibility and economics of rearing pigs of either sex together. Sixteen weaned large white Yorkshire gilts, twelve weaned sows and two boars were randomly assigned to five groups as Ti, Tj, T3, T4 and T5 each consisting of six. Pigs in and T3 groups were bred at the body weight of 70-80 kg with designated boars at the time-of breeding. The pigs in T5 group were bred in the first oestrus after weaning. In Tj and T4 group female pigs were reared with boar. Post weaning oestrus, duration of oestrus, conception rate and gestation length did not vary significantly between groups. Onset and intensity of oestrus were significantly different (P<0.05) between groups. All gilts and sows in each group were allowed to farrow in the same pen and their litter performance was studied. The litter size and weight at birth did not vary significantly {P>0.05) between the groups. Litter size and weight at weaning did not vary significantly {P>0.05) between groups. The behaviour of parents and other penmates towards the litter did not vary significantly between groups. The behaviour of penmates to the litter was cordial. Overall results suggest that in farming conditions group housing system can be practiced. It is advisable to keep animals in advanced stage of pregnancy in farrowing pens till weaning of piglings.ThesisItem Open Access FACTORS INFLUENCING CALF GROWTH AND MORTALITY IN FIELD AND ORGANISED FARMS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1994) SHAJI ANTONY; Thomas, C.K.; SHAJI ANTONYA study was undertaken to evaluate- the system of calf raising in the field vis-a-vis that in organised farms, which included contemporary calves born in field and organised farms. Mavelikara was chosen as the study area from where the experimental field calves were selected. University Livestock Farm, Kerala Agricultural University and Dhoni Farm, KLD Board, Palghat were chosen to represent organised farms in the experiment. All the calves born in the experimental area or farms during a period of two months were included in the experiment. Calves were studied upto a period of six months of age. It was observed that climatic conditions in general were similar at the three locations except that at ULF, Mannuthy relative humidity and hours of bri.ght sunshine tended to be less than the other two locations. The male calves in the farms weighed heavier at birth and gained faster to weigh significantly more at the 12th fortnight compared to those in the field. There was no significant difference in birth weight of farm and field born female calves. However, those in the farms grew faster to weigh significantly heavier at 12th fortnight. When male and female calves in the farms and field were put together and tested at 1st, 6th and 12th fortnights, the calves in the farms weighed significantly heavier than those in the field at all stages. The daily weight gain during different fortnights was higher in the farm grown calves compared to their counterparts in the field. There was no significant difference in height of male calves in the farm » and field in the 1st fortnight but was significantly higher in the farm grown calves in the 6th and 12th fortnights. There was no significant difference in the height of the female calves in the farms and field in all the three fortnights tested. Information with respect to girth showed similar trend as in the case of weight and height. In the first fortnight, the male calves in the farms measured significantly shorter in length than those in the field but by 6th and 12th fortnights, they measured significantly longer than male calves in the field. There was no significant difference in length of female calves in the field and farms during the time intervals tested. In the field, calves received generally an adequate amount of colostrum through suckling. Those in the farm were fed 2-2.5 kg colostrum daily from the pail. The interval between birth and first nursing varied from 15 min to 2 h in the field. In the farms, calves born during day time received colostrum within half an hour, while those born in night received colostrum the next morning. Highest daily gain and lowest mortality was seen in calves fed colostrum within 15 minutes. It was observed that the quantity of milk available to female calves in the field was comparable to that in the farms. Male calves in the field received much lesser quantity. Female calves received more quantity of concentrates compared to males except in the early fortnights. Maximum daily gain of calves was observed in sheds with concrete flooring and tiled roofs. Monthly deworming was practised upto 12 months of age in the two farms studied. In the field all calves were dewormed during the 1st month only. Thereafter, female calves were given more frequent deworming treatment. Vaccination against Foot and Mouth disease was carried out in the farms b\]t not in the field. Good hygiene and daily grooming increased the daily gain of calves. Better growth was seen when the animals were looked after by men than women. Average dairy awareness was Observed in 90 per cent of the farmers, naily gain of calves increased with increased dairy awareness. People with high school level education maintained their calves better than those with higher or lower levels of education. Calves grown by agricultural labourers seemed to have lower weight gain. Calves reared in larger units of land had a greater daily weight gain. The mortality rate among calves was 14 per cent in the field compared to 8.5 per cent in the farms. Mortality rate of 66.6 per cent was seen when no colostrum was fed. There was no mortality among calves fed colostrum within 15 minutes. Male calves had higher mortality rate than female calves. Higher mortality rate was observed in calves born to first calvers. in field mortality was higher in 1st and 5th month of age. Mortality rate was lower when calves were looked after by men compared to women. The lowest calf mortality rate was observed among calves owned by those who had high school level education. Mortality rate among calves seemed to decrease with increasing dairy awareness of owners. Mortality rate of calves was highest in shed i and premises with poor hygiene (50%) followed by medium hygiene (11.11%) and good hygiene (10.5%). Similarly daily grooming seemed to reduces mortality rate (11.9%) compared to weekly grooming (25%). At the end of 6 months, 92.85 per cent of the female calves were retained by the farmers compared to only 36.36 per cent male calves, clearly pointing towards the greater future economic utility of the former.ThesisItem Open Access ANALYSIS OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN HOMESTEAD DAIRY PRODUCTION UNITS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1995) SUDHEER, S.; Rajagopalan, T.G.; SUDHEER, S.The present study was carried out with a view of estimating objectively the existing practices of management, components of inputs and cost of milk production in the rural unorganised and organised areas. The study was carried out in Kalady panchayat of Ernakulam district. The required data was collected from the households by direct observation and personal interview using a pre-tested schedule. Cattle, buffalo and goats were the livestock species mainly reared by farmers. Most of the dairymen had a single cow unit. A reduction in herd strength was noticed in all the holdings during the last five years. Majority of farmers raised their own replacement stock. Regarding purchase of animals farmers generally preferred adult cows than heifers or calves. Farmers considered attributes like milk production appearance and confirmation, colour, temperament and age of animals, price and also his financial position before purchasing animals. Majority of households had pucca cattle sheds and the remaining had kutcha sheds. Lean to type houses were more in number than independent houses as it was easier to construct and incurred low construction cost. Most of the sheds had feeding mangers. The standing space provided for cows in the 11 sheds were more than the space recommended and the width of manger was less than the space recommended by both KAU and I CAR, The types of feed fed to livestock are compounded feed, concentrate cakes, roughages and crop by-products and residues. The feed stuffs were mainly purchased from private shops, markets or co-operative societies. None of the farmers purchased green fodder, they mainly depended on fodder collected from field bunds and other agricultural lands. The study revealed the allocation of feed stuff, it was higher for animals in milk followed by pregnant and dry cows and heifers. It was observed that dairymen of both organised and unorganised sectors fed DCP and TDN in excess of NRC recommendations. More attention was bestowed on the feeding of female calves than male calves as majority of farmers were interested in raising replacements. In the study area AI was the predominant practise in breeding. The study revealed that a large proportion of dairymen were not aware of heat signs and the right time for inseminating their animals. The longer calving interval was due to poor heat detection, conception failure and deliberate skipping of heat by farmers. Ill The households reported the incidence of infertility, reproductive problems, mastitis and minor ailments like anorexia, parasitism, diarrhoea, pyrexia and foot diseases. The study revealed that dairymen had poor knowledge about the need for vaccinations and deworming of their livestock. So also a good number of farmers were not even aware of cattle insurance schemes The average daily milk consumption was more in organised sector than unorganised sector. The quantity of milk retained for home consumption was less in both sectors When compared to the quantity of milk sold. There were three principal outlets for the sale of milk vis., milk societies, vendors and local consumers. Farmers due to the reason that they are getting the highest price from local sales preferred to sell milk to local consumers. There was very little use of hired labour in the study area. m all dairy activities family labour was engaged. Outdoor activities were mostly done by husbands and indoor activities were mostly done by wives. Another notable feature in household labour utilisation was the low level participation of children. cost was the major expenditure in the of milch cows followed by labour charges, deprecration, interest on fixed capital and medicines and IV miscellaneous cost. The cost of production of 1 litre of milk was highest in the marginal holdings and lowest in the medium holdings. The result of the study showed that cost of milk production decreased with the increase in size of land holding. One rupee investment in milk production generated the highest return of Rs.1.28 in medium holdings followed by Rs.1.27 in small and Rs.1.23 in marginal holdings. The cost of production nf liLii. of milk was lower in the organised sector as compared to the unorganised sector. One rupee investment in milk production generated Rs.1.18 in organised sector and Rs.1.26 in unorganised sector. Old age, immediate requirement for cash, poor production, disease, lack of family labour and bad temperament were the reasons for the disposal of animals. Out of the cows disposed majority belonged to marginal holdings. The most important constraints in dairying felt by the respondents were high cost of feed and fodder, low price of milk, inadequate knowledge about scientific feeding, lack of finance or subsidy and lack of family labour.ThesisItem Open Access HEAT STRESS ALLEVIATING MEASURES FOR CROSSBRED COWS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1999) THIRUMURUGAN, P.; Saseendran, P.C.; THIRUMURUGAN, P.An experiment was conducted to find the effect of sprinkling water on crossbred cows during summer season of Kerala. Twelve early lactating crossbred cows were selected and put into four groups of three each and were randomly allotted to four treatments as open house with sprinkler (TJ, open house without sprinkler (T,), tie-barn with sprinkler (TJ and tie-barn without sprinkler (T,). The mean maximum temperature recorded in the T^, T^, T, and T< locations were 32.03, 32.17, 33.27 and 33.40'c respectively and these were lower than the maximum temperature recorded outside the animal houses (35.45*C). Both within the tie-barn and within the open house, the mean maximum and minimum temperatures and mean relative humidity morning and afternoon did not differ significantly due to sprinkling of water. But the differences between the tie-barn and open house were highly significant (P<0.01) and higher in the tie-barn for all these variables. f Physiological reaction such as rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and cardiac rate did not vary significantly between treatments for morning recording. For afternoon recording the differences were highly significant. Sprinkling of water in Tj and T, markedly reduced the diurnal rise in physiological norms compared to T,. The difference between T^ and Tj was comparable. Mean weekly milk yield of cows in T^, Tj and Tj increased by 4.70, 1.22 and 1.71 kg per head respectively compared with . Milk composition such as total solids, solids not fat, protein and fat percentages did not vary significantly between treatments. Green grass consumption differed significantly between treatments and highest in the Tj (26.16 kg per cow). Daily water consumption differed significantly between treatments and highest in the T, (31.72 kg). Haemoglobin, packed cell volume and erythrocyte sedimentation rate differed significantly (P<0.01) between treatments. There was a uniform loss in body weights of all the experimental cows as lactation progressed upto the peak yield stage, thereafter the cows had shown tendency to regain body weights irrespective of the type of treatment given. Sprinkling water in Tj and encouraged the feeding and rumination of cows during hot hours of the day and consumed significantly more feed. Sprinkling of water in Ti and T, increased the intensity and duration of oestrus and successful insemination rate. The results suggest that during the summer season of kerala tree shade or simple shade areas with roof supported on pillors affording maximum ventilation and sprinkling or splashing of water during hot hours of the day may be practiced to alleviate heat stress and reduce drop in milk production and fertility rate during summer.ThesisItem Open Access ANALYSIS OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ECONOMICS OF GOAT REARING UNDER HOMESTEAD FARMING SYSTEM(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1996) TONY THOPPIL; Sreekumar, D.; TONY THOPPILThe existing practises of management of goats in the homesteads of Palakkad and Malappuram and the economict; of rearing have been studied. Majority of the goat farmers in both the regions belonged to the age group 41-60, and were literate. They belonged to the class of daily wage labourers or service personnels. Hindus were predominant in Palakkad, whereas in Malappuram, Muslims were predominant. The land holding of the goat farmers studied in Palakkad ranged from 3 cents to 8 acres and in Malappuram, 7 cents to 2 acres. They were having more than one livestock component in their homesteads. The farmers possessing less than 10 years of experience were more in both the regions. There has been an increase in the flock/band strength from the start of farming in all the homesteads. The animals were procured mostly from other farmers. Does were purchased based on appearance, cost and age and were replaced taking into consideration their size and appearance, age, twinning and also colour. Bucks were generally replaced taking into consideration their appearance and age. The type of housing provided to goats was either lean-to-type or a separate shed. The type of floor included either mud or raised wooden floor, the type of roof included either tiled or thatched. The hygiene status of majority of the goat pens was graded as satisfactory in both the regions. The drainage facilities provided were only satisfactory in Palakkad, whereas, in Malappuram, it was adequate. Natural service was the only means of breeding goats in both the regions. Only 41 per cent of the farmers (in general) reared breeding bucks and the rest of the farmers depended on the bucks maintained by other farmers. The age at first kidding in majority of the cases in Palakkad was reported to be 18 months and in Malappuram, 15 months. Majority of the farmers in both the regions reported the kidding interval of goats to be 8 months. The goats were either let loose outside or tethered around the homestead for roughage feeding. Concentrate mixture was fed only during very dry/summer season and consisted of groundnut cake and coconut cake. The duration of browsing varied from 3-8 hours. Kids were kept along with the dam. The daily body weight gain of kids was 38.3 g in Palakkad and 41.8 g in Malappuram. Major disease problems encountered by goats in the two regions were digestive problems, respiratory problems, skin lesions, dog bite wounds etc. Farmers, in general did not practise any preventive health care measures for goats. The proportion of farmers who milked their goats was high in Malappuram than Palakkad. Goats were disposed of to other farmers, butchers, and/or middlemen. Goat manure was sold out by majority of farmers in Palakkad (70%) and 5 psr cent in Malappuram. Involvement of women in indoor activities were more than men. Children were involved more in the disposal of milk. The hired labour utilisation was negligible. In general, fixed cost and variable cost were lower in Palakkad than Malappuram but the gross income was more In Malappuram than Palakkad. The net margin over Cost A cind Cost B was positive whereas net margin was negative over Cost C. The major constraints faced by farmers were feeding, availability of labour and disposal of manure.ThesisItem Open Access DRAUGHT EFFICIENCY OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS (fitphas maximus indicus)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCE,MANNUTHY, 1996) ANIL KUMAR NAIR; SASEENDRAN, P CThe draught performance of elephants were assessed on the basis of the degree of variation from the normal physiological, haematological parameters during different hours of operation with different draft. The ability of the elephants to carry out work with different draft were observed on the basis of fatigue score card and distress signs exhibited by the animal during different hour of operation with different draft. Six elephants were utilized for the study, the elephants were put to work for a period of 3 hour of continuous work from 7 AM to 10 AM, followed by 1 hour rest and 1 hour work after rest with different draft. Physiological responses like respiratory rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature and haematological parameters like haemoglobin per cent, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, serum glucose, serum protein, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum creatinine, were estimated before work, immediately after 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour followed by one hour rest and 1 hour work after rest. Other parameters like average speed of walking, draft and horsepower developed by elephants were also estimated. As a result of work the physiological responses increased significantly. The physiological responses showed maximum increase at 3 hour of work at 30 per cent draft indicative of distress. There were also other physical signs of distress like frequent spraying of saliva, refusal to work and dragging of feet. The physiological responses decreased but did not reach the pre-exercise values after one hour of rest. The haemoglobin percent of blood, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count decreased significantly after work. The erytrocyte sedimentation rate shows significant increase after work. The other parameters like average speed, decreased significantly as the duration work progressed. No significant difference were observed in mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular heamoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin. Serum glucose content decreased significantly after work serum creatinine significantly increased after work. Overall, the results indicate that the elephants at 10 per cent draft can work for 3 hour continuously without showing any signs at distress, obtaining a comfortable fatigue score below 10. At 20 per cent draft animal starts showing the sign of distress at 3 hour of work with a fatigue score reaching upto 16.63. At 30 per cent draft the elephants starts exhibiting the signs of distress signs at the end of 2 hour of work itself and at 3 hour work the animal is highly fatigued with the fatigue score reaching 20.65. The elephants reaching fatigue score of above 15 were found fatigued.